Photo credit: WGRZ-TV/NBC News

Walker, the sole black firefighter in the small upstate New York town, discovered a racist and threatening note in his mailbox two days prior.

Jurando has been charged with arson, but the FBI is investigating if a hate crime charge is in order.

Despite the tremendous strides made regarding race relations in America, it is clear there is still a very long way to go.

It is important to note that Walkers’ community, which is 97% white, rallied and raised over $80,000 in aid less than 24 hrs following the fire.

For more information, click here.

I had the distinct honor of attending the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. It was an experience I will never forget. Having grown up in Philly, this convention will forever hold a special place in my heart. I met some amazing people and fostered lifelong relationships. Enjoy these candid videos & pics 😉 #DemsInPhilly

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Photo Credit: Alicia Keys

In light of the recent national police shootings, musician Alicia Keys has partnered with fellow entertainers to spearhead an industry-wide call to action. The We Are Here Movement is a progressive effort led by Keys that endeavors to bring awareness to human rights, civil rights, and climate change.

Alicia Keys is no stranger to activism. Her philanthropic efforts include being an outspoken advocate of exploited children, as well as a strong proponent of women’s rights since the early 2000’s.

With Keys’ consistent background of social action, it was only fitting that she performed “Girl on Fire” during a historical Democratic National Convention that nominated its first female candidate to the highest office in the land.

Photo Credit: Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton isn’t known for delivering engaging or emotionally charged speeches. With that said, there are certainly worse orators. 

Clinton is often knocked for “shouting”  during her speeches, and has been labeled “rigid,” “cold,” and “robotic.” She’s also zinged for her rather conspicuous teleprompting while on the stump. 

Many have accepted that her strength is her ability to get things done, rather than her ability to talk about getting things done.

Therefore it came as a welcomed surprise to many political pundits and commentators inside the convention hall to observe a Clinton address that was both moving and inspirational.

Could Clinton be attempting to broaden her base, or has she simply found her political voice and hit her stride while preparing for the campaign’s home stretch?

Click here to view the speech in its entirety, or read the full transcript here.

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Photo Credit: Hillary Clinton

President Obama knocked another one out of the stadium yesterday at the Democratic National Convention.

We have come to expect #Potus to deliver memorable addresses, acknowledging that his natural gift as an orator is matched by few, yet yesterday’s address exemplified the president’s ability to step it up a notch.

President Obama made a compelling argument asserting that Hillary Clinton is the most fit to lead our nation during these tumultuous times.

Click here to view the speech in its entirety, or click here to read the full transcript.

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MC Hammer was spotted celebrating with DNC delegates at an event following President Obama’s remarks at the convention in Philadelphia. Judging by his dance moves, it’s safe to assume that Hammer is excited about Hillary Clinton’s historic nomination. Equally important is knowing #Hammer still has moves! Several party leaders attended the invite only shin-dig, including former President Bill Clinton.

Photo Credit: Daryel Dunston

Clinton spoke to a packed house of over 18,000, and every attendee’s attention was fixed squarely on the potential First Gentleman.

While the substance of the speech was severely lacking – he failed to describe from a policy perspective, why Hillary Clinton is the best choice for President – Clinton was able to connect with a diverse convention hall on a visceral, emotional level.

Clinton captivated the crowd with his wit and schoolboy charm as he described the early years of his relationship with Hillary. He spoke of her strengths as a loyal partner, friend, and mother. The most memorable line from his speech was the assertion that “Hillary will never quit on you,” which resonated well in a hall filled with constituents who were well aware of Bill Clinton’s indiscretions. 

The speech can be viewed in its entirety here, and the full transcript can be read here.

Photo Credit: Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama delivered an epic address yesterday during the Democratic National Convention, on a night boasting Democratic heavy-hitters that included Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Corey Booker (D-NJ), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). #Flotus stole the night with a heartfelt, emotional speech reminiscent of President Obama’s address at the convention in 2004. 

She wooed us with her graceful tone, effortless class, and masterful delivery. She was able to speak to the sensitive issue of race relations  in America, in a manner that resonates with all ethnicities. 

To read the full transcript click here, or view the speech in its entirety here.

Photo Credit: Daryel Dunston

Sanders supporters began the day in protest, and the political climate inside the convention hall was one of anger and hostility. Sanders and Clinton supporters were witnessed engaging in tense shouting matches, and the atmosphere inside the hall was one of disharmony and exclusion.

After being booed at a delegate meeting while mentioning Secretary Clinton’s name, Sanders was forced to take more aggressive action. He quickly drafted and distributed a memo to his staff, delegates, and supporters vehemently opposing their actions, and implored them to cease all hostilities while encouraging them to embrace Secretary Clinton’s nomination.

The memo successfully doused all impending flames, but under the surface, tempers still smoldered.

Then Senator Sanders took stage.

One must fully understand the political capital Sanders’ possessed in the convention hall to appreciate the magnitude and depth of his speech. Sanders selflessly leaned in, and embraced a candidate and system, that essentially colluded to keep him on the sideline. A point of contention Sanders raised on multiple occasions during the primary season, and more importantly, a claim many Hillary supporters dismissed.

Couple that with the sheer number of Sanders supporters inside the convention hall. The television audience was unaware that Sanders had the support, resources, and impetus inside the convention hall to pull off a successful political coup, but instead, opted to exemplify class, dignity, and respect for a party that all but rejected him. He wielded his political sword for the greater good, embracing Hillary and her supporters, in a way most thought would never be possible.

Such an embrace may have saved the Democratic Party, and ironically, many will forget that its savior was a progressive socialist Jew.

To view the speech in its entirety click here, or read the full transcript here.

Photo Credit: Michelle Alexander

In light of my recently published article titled, “Election 2016: The Pivotal Black Vote,” it is important to provide literary context. While the article does not endorse any specific candidate, it does contribute to a broader conversation on race and politics. 

On February 10, 2016, law professor, author, and human rights activist Michelle Alexander published an article titled, “Why Hillary Clinton Doesn’t Deserve the Black Vote.”

Alexander provides evidence suggesting a betrayal of the Clintons with regard to the black community, and argues that another Clinton administration would be detrimental to the plight of African Americans.

Read Alexander’s full article here to decide for yourself.

As Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sec. Hillary Clinton battle for the Democratic nomination, the black vote will undoubtedly tip the scales in favor of the winning candidate. Check out the details in my recently published article titled, “Election 2016: The Pivotal Black Vote.”

Hillary Clinton holds a sizable delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), but don’t count those hens just yet. There is one glaring flaw in Clinton’s inevitability argument, which has nothing to do with those pesky emails. “Hillary Clinton’s Flawed Inevitability Argument” provides a detailed explanation that just may reveal Clinton’s Achilles’ heel. Enjoy!