WSSN Stories

By Svante Myrick
There are moments when we know, suddenly and with total clarity, that we have just experienced a seminal moment in history. Sometimes those events are tragic. And sometimes, as in the last two weeks, they are beautiful and inspiring and renew our faith in humanity.

I’m talking about the history that was made in Tennessee this month by “the Justins,” Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. I was in Tennessee for the fight to reinstate both of them to their state House seats after being expelled by the Republican House leadership. Their “crime”? Daring to call for common-sense gun safety measures.

Never mind that the majority of Tennesseans want gun safety; never mind that hundreds of people were protesting in favor of gun safety at the state capital, in the wake of the horrific Covenant School shooting. Reps. Jones and Pearson, two young Black freshman lawmakers, had to go. And to make it even more obvious how racist this was, a third lawmaker who had spoken out along with Pearson and Jones – Rep. Gloria Johnson, a white woman – was not expelled.

What began as a shameful attempt to humiliate these young people turned instead into a hero-making moment. It was incredible to see the energy of the coalition that rallied around Pearson and Jones. It was even more incredible to see the grace and brilliance with which both of them carried themselves throughout this ordeal. These two men are brave, unflappable and principled to the core. In just a few days, both were back – reinstated by officials in their districts. Both will be reelected in the special elections ahead, I am sure.

This event is historic and significant on so many levels, it’s almost impossible to absorb it all. We saw naked racism on the part of GOP lawmakers, and we saw it rebuked. We saw a desperate effort to resist the will of the people through the antidemocratic act of expelling duly-elected lawmakers, also defeated. We saw one of the clearest examples yet of the promise of youth leadership that is determined to right wrongs not just when it comes to gun violence, but climate change, racial equity, reproductive freedom, and all the problems that older generations have struggled to solve.

We saw the future.

This gives us so much to look forward to as the Pearson-Jones generation rises to power. It’s been a truism for decades that as younger generations age, they become more conservative – shoring up entrenched power structures. But that has all changed.

Polls show that unlike past generations, millennials are not becoming more conservative as they get older. As a millennial myself, I can see why: we grew up with the invasion of Iraq, an economy that failed us, a dangerously warming climate, Donald Trump as President of the United States and the loss of abortion protections. My generation has a different vision. Millennials and younger GenZ folks are fighting for our values, organizing across race, age, and every other difference, and carving a new path.

On the day he was reinstated to his House seat, Justin Pearson spoke out boldly about being expelled from the legislature, saying “you can’t expel hope.” He’s right. Not only could they not expel it, Tennessee’s House Republicans fueled it. Their effort to stop the future from coming galvanized a legion of young progressives whose heroes are Pearson and Jones.

It won’t be the last time the Old Guard pushes back against progress. And there will be more threats to our democracy when they do. But all of us will remember this amazing moment in history when two young Black men stood up and the world rallied to their side. So what we need now is an interracial, intergenerational commitment to keep our democracy intact for this young generation that will take the lead. Tennessee showed us: that day is coming soon.

Svante Myrick is President of People For the American Way. Previously, he served as executive director of People For and led campaigns focused on transforming public safety, racial equity, voting rights, and empowering young elected officials. Myrick garnered national attention as the youngest-ever mayor in New York State history.  

For Dr. Angel M. Schaffer, both Minority Health Awareness Month, which occurs during April, and Black Maternal Health Week, which takes place from April 11-17, carry very special meanings.

A successful family practice physician at Kaiser Permanente South Bay, Dr. Schaffer still vividly recalls a childhood memory that helped shape her future and strong belief in the importance of diversity and equity in health care.

“When I showed an interest in health care as a child, my mom encouraged me to follow that dream all the way to becoming a doctor. She worked hard to help me succeed and attend college,” recalled Dr. Schaffer, who’s African American.

“While I was an undergrad, my mom gave birth to my baby sister but had trouble breathing a few days later,” she continued. “My mom’s heart was damaged, and she was diagnosed with post-partum cardiomyopathy. She was evaluated for a heart transplant, which was denied by a committee – comprised exclusively of white, male doctors – who assumed her home life was too unstable.”

With her mom’s frail health, Dr. Schaffer decided the right thing to do was to return home to care for her ailing mom. It was during that time that her mom made a wish that would help shape Dr. Schaffer’s future.

“She told me, ‘It’s time for you to become a doctor to help right the wrong,’ having learned firsthand about bias in health care, especially the lack of knowledge and empathy that was prevalent at that time, and to some extent, continues to exist in many areas today,” she said.

Dr. Schaffer said her mom talked to her a lot about the importance of good bedside manners, compassion and how she should show up for others. Although she died a few months after
Dr. Schaffer started medical school, she noted her mom was so proud of her accomplishment.

“She hugged me in her last moments, saying, ‘We did it!’ Dr. Schaffer recalled, smiling.

As a teen mom and a high school drop-out with mental health challenges from domestic violence, Dr. Schaffer’s mom faced many challenges and was least expected to succeed. Yet, her dream lives on, Dr. Schaffer insisted.

“I have served my community as a doctor for 20-plus years, fighting for health care equality and advocating for minority communities,” Dr. Schaffer said, noting both her daughters also want to become physicians to serve their communities.

“I’m so proud that Kaiser Permanente has programs like the Hippocrates Circle, which gets students from diverse communities interested in health care at an early age, and that equity, inclusion, and diversity are core tenets of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena,” Dr. Schaffer said. “It gives me hope that health care of the future will be even more inclusive of all voices, in ways my mom never got to experience.”

By Bruce Finley

Federal Bureau of Investigation officials are warning travelers and shoppers to avoid public free phone charging portals, warning that “bad actors” use these to install malware and tracking software onto computers and phones.

This is the practice commonly known as “juice-jacking.”

“Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices,” FBI officials announced Thursday in a tweet.

“Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead,” the FBI officials advised.

The free public charging stations have multiplied in recent years as operators of airports, including Denver International Airport, increase services to accommodate growing numbers of people in transit. Hotel operators and shopping center managers also have installed the charging portals, and FBI officials warned these too could lead to the installation of unwanted surveillance software and malware onto computers and smartphones.

Denver International Airport officials on Thursday said they are wise to this activity, known among operations crew members as “juice-jacking,” but that they weren’t aware of any reports of trouble at DIA, airport spokeswoman Ashley Forest said.

DIA “has methods of determining whether a public charging port has been tampered with and the ability to take any tampered port out of service,” Forest said.

“However, the best defense against this type of attack on any public charging port remains within the smartphone itself,” she said, referring to Apple and Android “updates” to their smartphone software “to prevent or alert users to this type of attack when using a public charging port.”

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

Do not weep or pray for them, and don’t beg Me to help them, for I will not listen to you. I tell you, even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, my heart would not go out to these people. Send them away from My presence! Let them go! They wouldn’t listen, and now it’s too late!  Mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, upon beast, upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn and shall not be quenched for this is a nation [America] that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction. Therefore, I will appoint over them four forms of destruction,” “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag, the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. I will hand them over to trouble, to all kingdoms of the earth.  I will stretch out My hand against them and destroy them; I am weary of relenting! Do not pray for these people. Their fate of judgment and exile is already certain, [Jeremiah 7:16, 20, 28; 11:14; 15:1-3].

Listen, in all your getting get an understanding. If you don’t get yourself together, you will find yourself caught up in the wrath of God. Understand, whatever God says, He does, and His word stands for eternities. Waste no more time. God’s wrath is coming, and it’s coming soon. For His wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. [Romans 1:18]. Take advantage of the opportunities God’s grace provides. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! [Romans 6:1-2].

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

LONG BEACH, CA— Over 180,000 fans will watch in anticipation as world-class racers take to the streets of Downtown Long Beach in the 48th annual Acura Grand Prix, but they will also see some smaller wheels on the sidelines.

After a pandemic pause, Jehovah’s Witnesses are returning to the longest-running street race in North America with their mobile Bible-based literature carts.

“The pandemic halted our face-to-face ministry for a period of time, but we are so happy to be back reconnecting with people again,” said David Cohen, regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We enjoy sharing a positive message with people of all backgrounds, and the Grand

Prix is an exciting event with wide appeal.”

The event will take place April 14-16, where a variety of races will run throughout the weekend, finishing with a big-league IndyCar Series race. This year, more than 200 volunteers will share a positive Bible message at 30 literature carts stationed along the racing routes.

Volunteer Amanda Derby is revved up to return to the famed seaside circuit where some of the biggest names in the sport have taken the checkered flag, including legends Mario Andretti and the late Al Unsur. “It feels so good to get back out there to see smiling faces and share a smile,” she said.

Kicking people into high gear is what the Grand Prix is all about expressed Kefflyn Mathews, who has not only been a spectator for many years but also a local volunteer.

“It brings the community together and it’s a good chance for people to celebrate and enjoy life,” said Mathews. “It’s exciting to be back in person and let people know we have not forgotten about the community; we are still very active in sharing the Bible’s positive message. We are here for them.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have incorporated mobile displays of Bible-based literature as part of their public ministry in the United States since 2011. First launched in major metropolitan areas worldwide, this practice rapidly gained momentum and has become a staple at rail and bus stations, airports, harbors, main streets and large events such as the Grand Prix.

“We thoroughly enjoy the city of Long Beach which hosts the Grand Prix. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding their conventions there for over 25 years, and we are very appreciative of the city’s support,” said Cohen.

To learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses, their history, beliefs and activities, visit their official website jw.org, which features content in more than 1,000 languages.

NEW YORK (AP) — Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024.

Griner was arrested last year at the airport in Moscow on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months, much of that time in prison. Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending only after she was freed in exchange for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

A WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner had flown to Moscow in February 2022 to rejoin UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian women’s team she has played for in the off-season since 2014.

“That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share,” Griner said in a statement released Tuesday by Alfred A. Knopf.

“The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was because I wanted to make my wife, family, and teammates proud. After an incredibly challenging 10 months in detainment, I am grateful to have been rescued and to be home. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.”

Griner added that she also hoped her book would raise awareness of other Americans detained overseas, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, arrested in Russia last month and accused of espionage; businessman Kai Li, serving a 10-year sentence in China on charges of revealing state secrets to the FBI; and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive imprisoned in Russia on spying charges. Around the time Griner was released, Whelan criticized the U.S. government for not doing enough to help him.

Russia has been a popular playing destination for top WNBA athletes in the offseason, with some earning salaries over $1 million — nearly quadruple what they can make as a base WNBA salary. Despite pleading guilty to possessing canisters with cannabis oil, a result of what she said was hasty packing, Griner still faced trial under Russian law.

Griner’s memoir is currently untitled and will eventually be published in a young adult edition. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In Tuesday’s press statement, Knopf said that the book would be “intimate and moving” and that Griner would disclose “in vivid detail her harrowing experience of her wrongful detainment (as classified by the State Department) and the difficulty of navigating the byzantine Russian legal system in a language she did not speak.”

“Griner also describes her stark and surreal time living in a foreign prison and the terrifying aspects of day-to-day life in a women’s penal colony,” the announcement reads. “At the heart of the book, Griner highlights the personal turmoil she experienced during the near ten-month ordeal and the resilience that carried her through to the day of her return to the United States last December.”

Griner, 32, is a 6-foot-9 two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time All-American at Baylor University, a prominent advocate for pay equity for women athletes and the first openly gay athlete to reach an endorsement deal with Nike. She is the author of one previous book, “In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court,” published in 2014.

In February, she re-signed with the Mercury and will play in its upcoming season, which runs from May through September.

ATLANTA, CA— (BUSINESS WIRE)– Fearless Fund and the Tory Burch Foundation opened

applications for the third cohort of the Women of Color Grant Program. The program will award 75 women of color-owned small businesses with $10,000 and $20,000 grants, access to a self-paced learning portal and peer-to-peer community networking.

Applications are open until Friday, April 28. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the Fearless Fund’s website at https://www.fearless.fund/tory-burch-foundation. Accepted grantees will be notified in July 2023.

While the number of women-owned businesses continues to rise, due to funding disparities, only 2% of women-owned startups generate $1 million in revenue; men are 3.5 times more likely to achieve this number. The Woman of Color Grant Program was created to help women of color entrepreneurs gain access to much-needed capital, and this year’s grant program marks another significant step in advancing women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and reducing racial inequalities.

About Fearless Fund

Launched in 2019, Fearless Fund invests in WOC-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or series A financing. Its mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for female founders of color building scalable, growth-aggressive companies. The Fearless Fund team also runs The Fearless Foundation, a

501c3 organization with a goal to educate entrepreneurs through training, reduce racial inequities, and

empower African-Americans to gain access to capital, as well as the Get Ready Venture Program, a 12-

month training program for WOC business owners to acquire the needed training, mentorship, knowledge, and skills needed to gain access to capital. For more information on Fearless Fund, please visit www.fearless.fund.

About Tory Burch Foundation

The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs in the United States by providing access to capital, education and digital resources: the Fellows Program has provided over

$1,200,000 in grants to help women grow their businesses; the Tory Burch Capital Program, powered by Bank of America has distributed over $95 million dollars in loans to nearly 5,500 women entrepreneurs; and each month, the Foundation’s Women of Color Grant program has deployed $2.2M funding in partnership with Fearless Fund; the Foundation provides online tools and digital education to more than 600,000 women and more than 12,000 women have created their business plans on the digital destination ToryBurchFoundation.org.

Source: Fearless Fund

Over 50 cities to broadcast moving documentary centered on the disparities in Black maternal health produced by Women in the Room Productions

LOS ANGELES, CA— — New federal data reveals the unfortunate truth for Black mothers across the country – as the national maternal mortality rate rose during the pandemic, Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than their white counterparts.

Viewers can learn more about these disparities – and experience moments of resilience and joy – by tuning in to select PBS stations during Black Maternal Health Week (April 10-17) to watch “Birthing Justice.” The powerful documentary goes behind the statistics and beyond the grief to amplify how Black women are taking control of their lives and transforming birth experiences for generations to come.

“Birthing Justice is the film I wish I had before I started a family,” said Allyson Felix, 11-Time Olympic Medalist, co-founder and president of Saysh and executive producer of “Birthing Justice.” “It takes an in-depth look at the horrifying statistics of giving birth for Black women and unpacks the complexities of changing these outcomes. It was important for me to share my story alongside other powerful accounts so that my daughter and her generation won’t face these same issues.”

Viewers in over 50 cities across the country can access the documentary by tuning in to their local PBS station the week of April 10. See the list of air dates here in addition to information on how individuals and communities can host their own “Birthing Justice” watch party.

After watching the documentary, viewers can use this thought-provoking discussion guide, provided by The Opportunity Agenda, a social justice-oriented, nonprofit communications community, to empower conversations about Black maternal health with friends, family and community members.

“Birthing Justice” is produced by Women in the Room Productions, a comprehensive media company that drives social impact for women and people of color through storytelling and community. Support for the film was provided by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Missouri Foundation for Health, Meadow Fund, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others.

By Lou K Coleman

Take Heed! DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! The Great Tribulation and World War 3 [Armageddon] is near. Understand, we are not going back to normal. We’re Not! The Great Tribulation and World War 3 is coming. The Trumpets, the Bowls, and the Seals. The Bible calls it the Seven Last Plague in [Revelation 15:1-2] and in [Revelation 9:15-18] its says 1/3 of the population of the world is going to die. DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! Things are going to get more intense and it’s going to be endless, expanded, expended, and enlarged. Grid your loins. This is your two-minute warning that the game is almost over! Don’t blow it! Heed the warning! Run to Jesus your only safe haven.

As you know the world’s elites seek to create a New World Order—a better world, as they envision it. But what the world’s elites, experts, leaders, and those who seek to create this New World Order do not know nor understand is the Biblical worldview revealed in the Bible. A world heading into darkness beyond imagination. You see, the inspired Word of God lays out His plan through the ages—which includes not only the story of salvation but the map of world history from its beginning to its conclusion. A thorough understanding of what begins in Genesis and concludes in the Book of Revelation brings the critical missing dimension of divinely guided history, otherwise known as prophecy.

Prophecy described in the Book of Revelation, the end stages of the coming great reset—the rise of a coalition of nations into a system the Bible labels as “Babylon,” in which for a time all will seem well, and the world will praise this system and benefit by economic cooperation. Prophecy where God also predicted the rise of Militaristic Russia [Gog & Magog, King of the North], the rise of the worldwide China Empire [Kings of the East] [Revelation 16] and the accumulation of knowledge and rise of technology capable of keeping track of people, their transactions, and worldwide television [Daniel 12:4; Genesis 11:6]. These are sufficient to tell us we’re down to the Two Minute Warning – just before Christ comes back in power and great glory! DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! Take Heed! Jesus is your only safe haven. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. God will take care of you. [Psalms 91:4]. DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! Run! Run to Jesus! Game is almost over, only two minutes left. Make your move NOW!

By Kwanza Jones and Sylvia Ghazarian

Everyone has the right to bodily autonomy – the right to make decisions about if, and when, to have a child, how to bring up a child, as well as a safe and sustainable environment to raise that child. As we celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month, we also honor the reproductive justice movement, developed by Black feminists in the 1990s that continues to be led by communities of color today. At its core, reproductive justice seeks to ensure that ALL individuals have the freedom and resources to make decisions about their bodies, including the right to ACCESS safe and legal abortion, contraception, and pregnancy care. WRRAP follows this reproductive justice model and continues to work in marginalized communities across the US to provide abortion funding to providers on behalf of patients.

Kwanza Jones and WRRAP have been coming together to hold conversations about these rights and their implications for equity for years.

When SCOTUS overturned Roe, many of us who advocate for reproductive freedom and reproductive justice had already seen for years that Roe was never enough since it has always been difficult for people of color to access reproductive healthcare. The decision, and the ongoing attack on women’s rights, including reproductive freedom, is reprehensible. It was like a gut punch. It did not go without the gamut of emotions for me, along with WRRAP – deep concern for communities, individuals, clinics, clinic staff, and doctors along with anger, tears, sadness, and disappointment.

We know that pregnancy and reproductive healthcare are particularly dangerous for Black people. This shows up in WRRAP’s work every day and we see the barriers that people are facing in pregnancy, with unwanted pregnancy, and in the ability to travel for any care. This is work WRRAP has been committed to for over 30 years. In the US, Black people access abortion at 3.5 times more than white people and the Black maternal mortality rate is a national crisis. Pregnancy-related death rates among Blacks are 3-4 times more likely than among whites. In fact, the US has the highest rate of maternal mortality – more than any other developed country.

Abortion is healthcare and this fight for our bodily autonomy continues to be a human rights crisis. The reproductive justice framework addresses social and economic justice issues – like racial and economic disparities in access to healthcare and the intersectional experiences of marginalized communities. And, with the high rate of Black maternal mortality, these include systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare, lack of access to healthcare, and social issues such as poverty and lack of education.

Black maternal mortality requires us to address economic and environmental issues. The health of Black women is under constant attack including not being taken seriously by healthcare providers and our pain is often dismissed or misdiagnosed. In addition, not having access to culturally competent care negatively affects Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. My song, “Rise” is about being undeterred in promoting, protecting and defending our basic human rights, despite the setbacks that may occur. It’s an anthem for people everywhere and organizations like WRRAP.

The US Government has a long history of dictating and coercing the reproductive health decisions of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color through policies that threaten vital health services. Working to eliminate the Hyde Amendment (which prohibits the use of federal funds to cover abortion except with life endangerment, rape, or incest and targets people with low income), increase Medicaid eligibility, acknowledge racism as a cause of health disparities, and address the disproportionate impact of the COVID pandemic on communities of color — all need to be at the forefront of immediate changes. We need to take action.

For anyone who knows, respects, cares for, cares about or loves ANY woman (friends, family, colleagues, siblings, daughters, aunties, and more) then you understand this is not only a women’s issue to be fought by women only. It’s about so much more. Our universal fundamental human rights must be guaranteed in law. It requires each of us to become politically active, since we can and need to elect leaders who support reproductive justice. After all, the midterm elections show that people have voiced their stand on not having individuals controlled and exploited. We can only achieve reproductive justice when ALL people have the resources, and economic, social, and political power to make decisions about all aspects of their lives including decisions about their bodies, families, and communities.

My song, “We Buildin’” celebrates the possibilities for prosperity in America, and the benefits of diversity in making the country better. As an indie artist, I make a conscious choice to use my voice and speak my truth without constraints. It’s a truth that resonates with many. There is enough apathy and inaction. We don’t have the luxury to do nothing. We don’t have the luxury to not speak. All too often marginalized people and communities lack power, resources, and access; that is why I speak.

The restrictions on women’s bodies, like the rollback of abortion and reproductive rights, are numerous, heartbreaking, and dangerous. That is why I join with WRRAP to look beyond Roe because this fight is Bigger Than Roe – it’s about ensuring Black women, and all women, have the autonomy and resources to make decisions about their reproductive health and bodies. This includes the right to access safe and legal abortion, contraception, and pregnancy care. 

We believe equality, equity and autonomy are fundamental rights. We believe every individual should have agency to make decisions about their own life and well-being.

We believe governments should not have control over a woman’s body, as it violates their right to bodily autonomy and bodily integrity.

We believe women should not be relegated to second-class status or secondary supporting roles.

 I, Kwanza Jones, and WRRAP, voice our resolve to continue our efforts to ensure women have control over their own lives and bodies free from government interference or societal oppression. We encourage others to join us in advancing equity and equality for girls, women, and for all.

Kwanza Jones is a catalyst. She is an American artist, investor, and multi-million dollar philanthropist who lives at the intersection of culture, community, and capital. Ms. Jones grew up in Washington, DC and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Sylvia Ghazarian is Executive Director of the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP), a nonprofit abortion fund that provides urgently-needed financial assistance on a national level to those seeking abortion or emergency contraception. She is an active Council member on the California Future of Abortion Council and past Chair of The Commission on the Status of Women.