Your vote counts! Remember to vote Democrat Nov. 5!
September 14, 2024 - September 20, 2024 The Afro-American A5
Volume 123 No. 20–22 Volume 133 No. 7
THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM
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SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
Harris, Trump face off as members of Black Press weigh in on ‘Debate Night in Black America’ Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump face off during a presidential debate on Sept. 10. Prior to the debate, as well as immediately after the event, Word in Black, a group of 10 Black media organizations, discussed the issues facing the Black community. From the economy to healthcare and immigration, conversations surrounding the Harris-Trump debate have voters fired up for Election Day 2024, which will arrive on Nov. 5. AP Photo
By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO
afro.com
Millions of voters tuned in to the first and perhaps only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump on Sept. 10. ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis served as the moderators of the 90-minute debate, held at National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The two maintained moderate control of the flow of the debate, and at multiple points either refuted or clarified statements made by the candidates in real time – something that was not done in the earlier debate between President Joe Biden and Trump. As one would expect, the two candidates were given questions on all of the major issues facing Americans – some issues being of even greater importance to African Americans: the economy, healthcare, education,
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immigration, women’s reproductive rights and the separate wars raging between both Hamas and Israel, since Oct. 7 of last year, and Russia and Ukraine in 2022. Both candidates hoped to win over viewers with their distinct views of how the economy currently stands and what they would do to improve it. Seven swing states (Arizona, Georgia,
Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania) could potentially decide the 2024 election. The debate kicked off with a question about the economy. Harris said she would invest in small business owners, to the tune of $50,000. Trump spoke on how he would build the economy using tariffs on foreign goods shipped into the country. At that point,
Muir noted that economists say tariffs on some foreign products will undoubtedly raise costs on American consumers. Time and time again, Trump was given a chance to explain the plans he would like to put in place, but instead chose to change the subject, spew incorrect facts or downtalk the formidable opponent before him.
“She doesn’t have a plan,” said Trump, in reference to Harris. “She has four sentences like ‘Run, Spot, run.’ She’s a Marxist like her father who was a professor who taught Marxism.” There were other highpoints–or low points– during the debate, depending on your perspective. One interesting moment was Trump’s refusal to
respond if he would veto a bill to reinstate Roe v. Wade. Instead, he decided to speak about immigrants and the “millions of criminals that Biden and Harris have allowed to enter the United States.” He also made a statement that one moderator immediately corrected, saying that in Springfield, Ohio, Continued on A3
James Earl Jones, legendary voice Breaking the silence: Raising of stage and screen dies at 93 awareness on suicide prevention Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO James Earl Jones, an iconic figure whose voice and presence transcended generations, passed away Sept. 9 at the age of 93. Jones, celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to theater, film and television, left behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come. His representative, Barry McPherson, confirmed his passing, stating that Jones died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. “James Earl Jones was and will remain legendary,” said Janice Short, coordinator of theater arts at Morgan State University. “From 1969, when he recited the alphabet on ‘Sesame Street’…Roop, in the film, ‘Claudine,’ to ‘The Gin Game,’ he was the king of stage and screen. His ability to overcome impediments was as inspiring as his career. His voice will keep him immortal to so many. I am so happy to have been alive while he created.” Jones and his unique sound traveled the globe time and time again, in unforgettable roles such as Darth Vader in “Star Wars,” and the voice of Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King.” However, his journey to stardom wasn’t an easy one. As a child, he suffered from
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and around the globe. The World Health Organization reports that 726,000 people around the world die by suicide every year. In the U.S., more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, equating to one death for every 11 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the stigmatized crisis and share vital resources. “Most people don’t realize that there are more suicides than there are murders in the United States,” said Tamara Ferebee, executive director of human services administration at the National Association of Black Counselors. “We get very upset about shootings because there’s so many, but the number of suicides far exceeds that number.” Continued on A3
“Most people don’t realize that there are more suicides than there are murders in the United States.”
AFRO File Photo
Friends, family and members of the theatre community worldwide are mourning the death of veteran actor James Earl Jones, shown here in an undated AFRO photo. a severe stutter that led him to remain nearly mute for years. Regarding this transformative time, the AFRO recorded Jones in 2014 saying, “I once did not speak. I was mute. When I finally did speak, though, I spoke as an adult.” It was the support of a dedicated teacher that helped him overcome this challenge, setting the stage for a career that would define generations. Jones was known for his impact on the stage, and his death saddened the theater Continued on A3
Music icon Frankie Beverly dies at 77 Music fans across the world are mourning the death of legendary soul singer Frankie Beverly.
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