Author: DAMON K JONES
Tomatoes, often celebrated for their versatility in culinary dishes, are much more than a tasty ingredient. They are a nutritional powerhouse packed with health benefits that directly address many of the chronic health issues disproportionately affecting Black Americans. From reducing the risk of heart disease to improving skin health, tomatoes have the potential to be a transformative addition to daily meals. As we explore the benefits of tomatoes, it becomes clear why their inclusion in the diets of Black Americans is not just beneficial but necessary for promoting overall health and longevity. Tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin…
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a stark warning about the connection between alcohol consumption and cancer, bringing urgent attention to a significant but often overlooked public health crisis. With approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths each year in the United States linked to alcohol use, Dr. Murthy’s findings underscore the pressing need for awareness, preventive measures, and policy interventions. Alcohol, long considered a normal part of social and cultural practices, is now confirmed to be a leading preventable cause of cancer. The risks associated with alcohol include increased likelihood of developing cancers such as breast, liver, colon,…
New Orleans, Louisiana – In the early hours of January 1, 2025, New Orleans’ festive French Quarter turned into a scene of tragedy when a man drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd celebrating the New Year, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities have identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, who attacked while flying an ISIS flag on his vehicle. The incident unfolded at approximately 3:15 a.m. near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a vibrant hub for New Year’s celebrations. Witnesses described the harrowing moments when…
In the ongoing battle against chronic health conditions that disproportionately affect Black Americans, one unlikely ally sits quietly in your local grocery store: arugula. This Mediterranean green could play a vital role in addressing health disparities, particularly in conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease that affect Black communities at higher rates. The statistics are stark: Black Americans face a 40% higher death rate from heart disease and are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to white Americans. While systemic healthcare changes are essential, dietary modifications can make a significant impact. Arugula, an affordable and widely available…
The recent election has illuminated the persistent challenges Black men and fathers face in securing fair access to jobs and justice. Yet, amid these challenges and despite mainstream media’s limited recognition, Black men continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience in confronting systemic inequities and economic disparities. This resilience is not just a statistic, but a testament to the strength and determination of Black fathers. Research consistently validates what we’ve always known: children with actively involved fathers achieve better outcomes in education, emotional well-being, and social development. As we approach 2025, Black fathers are actively dismantling outdated stereotypes and reshaping the narrative…
President Joe Biden’s recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, underscores the power and compassion inherent in the presidential pardon. However, while this personal act of clemency reflects Biden’s humanity, it also raises a broader question about fairness: Should mercy be reserved for those with connections to power, or should it extend to the millions of Americans who have paid their debt to society and continue to face lifelong barriers because of their past convictions? If Biden can pardon his son, he must also seize this moment to champion justice for all. By launching a sweeping “Pardon Emancipation” initiative…
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been disqualified from prosecuting the election interference case against Donald Trump following a decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals. The ruling stems from allegations of a romantic relationship between Willis and her former deputy, Nathan Wade, who played a significant role in the high-profile prosecution. The court’s decision, delivered in a 2-1 vote, found that Willis’s involvement in the case created an appearance of impropriety, jeopardizing public confidence in the judicial process. While the disqualification does not dismiss the charges, it necessitates the appointment of a new prosecutor to continue the proceedings.…
In a major announcement, SoftBank Group’s CEO Masayoshi Son revealed plans to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects, a move expected to create a minimum of 100,000 American jobs. The announcement, made alongside President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, reflects both economic optimism and a shared vision for global peace. “I’m thrilled to announce that SoftBank will be investing $100 billion in America, creating 100,000 jobs at a minimum,” said Trump. “This commitment shows the optimism companies like SoftBank have about our country since the election.” Doubling Down on Investment Son, known for his bold investments in technology, described this initiative…
Maybe it’s time for Black people to prioritize policy over party. I know for many, this might sound radical, even wild. But for decades, we’ve aligned with the Democratic Party, and the results in our communities haven’t improved. If we’re honest, they’ve gotten worse—a point I think we can all agree on. Economic development has stalled, our schools are failing, and the family structure is crumbling. What if we revisited the concept of Black conservatism? Its history often needs to be understood. Black conservatism isn’t about unquestioning loyalty to a political party or ignoring the struggles of our community. Instead,…
The recently released Department of Justice (DOJ) report on the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) paints a disturbing picture of systemic abuses, unconstitutional policing, and leadership failures. For a city led by a Democratic majority with predominantly Black elected officials, these findings are not just a critique of governance—they are a profound indictment of moral responsibility and a act of Black conscious maleficence. Let me make this clear: there are many good officers in Mount Vernon. Most of the force is deeply committed to protecting and serving their community honorably. These officers deserve respect and recognition for their dedication. This is especially true given the challenges…