October 22, 2022 - October 28, 2022 The Afro-American A5
Your vote counts! Remember to vote Democrat Nov. 5! Volume 123 No. 20–22 Volume 132 No. 44
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JUNE 1, 2024 - JUNE 7, 2024
White House celebrates Kenyan President William Ruto
Left and right photos courtesy of Vashti Jasmine McKenzie / Middle photo - AP Photo / Susan Walsh
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (left) and Essence Magazine CEO Caroline Wanga were two of the distinguished guests at the May 23 state dinner, hosted in honor of Her Excellency Rachel Ruto (center, left) and Kenyan President William Ruto by U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. More than 500 guests arrived to celebrate the relationship between Kenya and the United States, and the 60th anniversary of the African nation’s declaration of independence. The guest list also included James Ewing and his wife, veteran journalist April Ryan-Ewing, AFRO CEO and publisher, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, and AFRO Director of Operations, Andre Draper. the two countries as the world has developed from the cold war era into a multipolar, geopolitical landscape that features multiple nations, such as the U.S., Russia and China, vying for global dominance. “Mr. President, six decades ago, when Kenya declared its independence, President Lyndon B. Johnson wrote a letter from our nation to yours. And he said, ‘May the responsibilities of freedom
By DaQuan Lawrence AFRO International Writer DLawrence@afro.com
On May 23, the White House and Biden administration held a state dinner in honor of Kenyan President William Ruto and Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, who visited the U.S. during a recent trip in the interest of diplomacy. The occasion featured a dynamic ambiance with magnetic views of the nation’s capital, celebrity and political A-listers as well as a splendid menu, designed in the interest of the East African guests of honor. The dinner highlighted bilateral relations among Kenya and the U.S. and the By Tashi McQueen 60-year partnership among AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
wake the best that is in you,’” said President Biden, during a joint press conference held in the East Room of the White House. “Today, we mark 60 years of partnership between our democracies, and we’re fulfilling that wish together…Not only in Kenya and America but around the world, it’s had [a] positive impact,” Biden continued. Throughout his remarks, Biden
mentioned Kenya’s role in joint counterterrorism operations that have diminished the influence of ISIS and al-Shabab across East Africa, the nation’s work in Haiti via the Multinational Security Support Mission, as well as upcoming economic cooperation initiatives. “Today, we’re launching what we’re calling the NairobiWashington Vision. This initiative is going to bring together international
financial institutions and nations from all around the world to mobilize more resources for countries saddled with debt,” Biden said. The goals of the new initiative include creating more opportunities for private-sector financing and promoting transparent, sustainable and affordable lending practices for developing nations. President Biden also announced Continued on A3
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Marilyn Mosby avoids prison, sentenced to one year home detention for mortgage fraud, perjury
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On May 23, Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby was sentenced to three years of supervised release and 12 months of home detention for mortgage fraud and perjury. She must also complete 100 hours of community service. Mosby was facing up to 40 years for her convictions.
“I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for the fight, ” said Mosby to a crowd of her supporters after the sentencing. “This is not over. God was here today. He touched the heart of this judge and has allowed me to go home to my babies.” During the proceedings, Mosby’s defense team said they plan to appeal the convictions. “Victory! She gets to go home,” said Josephine Mourning, president of the Prince George’s County, Md. chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, in reaction to the sentence. “We will settle for this for right now, because we know the appeal is coming.” Mosby’s supporters came out in droves by car
and bus. The courts made available overflow rooms in Greenbelt, Md., where the proceedings occurred, and in Baltimore. Supporters walked up to Mosby, giving her hugs as they filed into the Greenbelt, Md., courtroom. Mosby looked tearful as the proceedings were set to begin. Around 13 other people spoke at her sentencing, speaking to Mosby’s character and the need for her to return home with her family and children, instead of prison. Well-known civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump was one. “The conviction should only be classified as a Continued on A3
Biden administration secures recordlevel funding for HBCUs By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
AP Photo / Julio Cortez
Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby is sentenced to three years supervised release and 12 months of home confinement from her mortgage fraud and perjury convictions on May 23.
The Biden-Harris administration recently announced record funding of more than $16 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within fiscal years (FY) 2021 to 2024. This investment
amount is up from the $7 billion announced in September 2023. “This is only a snapshot of what this administration has delivered as President Biden and Vice President Harris have leveraged the full force of the federal government to advance racial justice and build economic opportunity,” said Stephan Benjamin, director of the Office
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of Public Engagement, in a White House press briefing on May 16. “Today’s announcement of $16 billion for HBCUs is a big leap forward, but the everyday struggles – that’s the hard work. That’s the hard work that this president has decided he’s going to lean into every single day.” The over $16 billion Continued on A3