Author: DAMON K JONES
In Hollywood, stories of redemption and second chances are not just plotlines—they often reflect real-life arcs of resilience, growth, and accountability. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the career of Robert Downey Jr., whose journey from legal troubles and substance abuse to becoming the face of Marvel’s billion-dollar Avengers franchise stands as a beacon of what can happen when a studio embraces talent amid adversity. The same principle should now apply to Jonathan Majors, whose recent legal troubles and the dismissal of lawsuits should prompt Disney/Marvel to rethink its stance. Majors, a critically acclaimed actor, was in a…
It’s crucial for Black people to cut through the distractions and have honest, unfiltered conversations about the state of our communities. Yes, we’ve earned college degrees and placed a few Black faces in high places, but the broader reality tells a different story. My brothers and sisters, the numbers speak volumes, and they paint a sobering picture. As Black Americans, we are spending more than almost any other group, yet we own less. This isn’t by chance—it’s a wake-up call. Our financial power is undeniable, but too often, it slips through our hands and builds wealth for others. It’s time…
Chicago, IL – In a landmark decision on November 21, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction of actor and singer Jussie Smollett, ruling that his due process rights were violated during his second prosecution. Smollett, best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit television series Empire, had been embroiled in a highly publicized legal saga following allegations that he staged a racist and homophobic attack on himself in January 2019. The court found that Smollett’s initial agreement with prosecutors in 2019, which involved the dismissal of charges in exchange for community service and a $10,000 payment, should…
In a bold move reflecting the seismic shifts in the media industry, Comcast has announced plans to spin off MSNBC and several other cable networks into a newly formed publicly traded entity, tentatively named “SpinCo.” The restructuring comes as MSNBC faces not only a sharp decline in viewership but also growing competition from alternative media platforms and scrutiny over its political direction. Strategic Restructuring The spin-off will include MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, and other Comcast-owned channels. Comcast executives have framed the move as part of a broader strategy to focus on its broadcast and streaming assets, including Peacock. However, analysts…
The Hague – In a historic and controversial move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. The charges, announced on Thursday, include the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the intentional targeting of civilians in Gaza. The warrants come amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which followed the devastating October 7 attacks by Hamas that left over 1,400 Israelis dead. However, the ICC’s action has spotlighted…
In our rapidly aging society, the debate over maintaining a high quality of life beyond 50 has never been more pressing. Among the various determinants of well-being, physical exercise is an undeniable factor with extensive implications for mental, physical, and emotional health. Yet, despite the evidence, many adults over 50 fail to engage in regular physical activity. This lack of intentional exercise not only accelerates the aging process but diminishes the overall quality of life in profound ways. The Myth of Everyday Movement as Exercise A common misconception among older adults is that physical labor or staying active at work…
The recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services has sent ripples through the stock market, notably affecting the healthcare, fast food, and cereal industries. This reaction underscores the market’s sensitivity to potential shifts in health policy, especially given Kennedy’s advocacy for holistic health approaches. A New Direction in Health Policy Kennedy’s longstanding criticism of the pharmaceutical industry and his promotion of preventive health measures suggest a potential shift from a medication-centric model to one emphasizing lifestyle changes and environmental health. This approach challenges the traditional frameworks underpinning the U.S. healthcare system. Market Reactions…
For over three decades, I have fought for freedom, justice, and equality for Black people. This struggle has been deeply personal, grounded in the lessons passed down by those who came before me in the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Leaders like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Ella Baker, and Stokely Carmichael taught us to fight not only with our bodies but also our minds and to stay vigilant in a system designed to oppress us. Among the most enduring tools they gave us was the concept of being “woke.” From the 50s, 60s, and 70s, ‘woke’ emerged as a rallying…
Many focus on Project 2025 and what it will do to us. We must remember that the scriptures have already given us a divine blueprint transcending worldly political agendas. Joshua didn’t need a political movement to lead his people to freedom. Soloman didn’t need a government program to become king. And brothers, Project 2025 has no power to keep us from our divine purpose. In the heart of every Black man lies a sacred calling – a divine purpose that echoes through generations. As we witness our communities facing unprecedented challenges, the words of Proverbs 27:17 resound with urgent clarity:…
The recent meeting between MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” hosts, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, and Donald Trump has sparked widespread commentary and criticism, especially given the hosts’ history of sharp criticism toward the former president and his supporters. For years, Scarborough and Brzezinski have been outspoken about their disdain for Trump’s rhetoric and policies, frequently accusing his base of racism, misogyny, and other societal ills. Yet now, they’ve met with Trump, even sharing a meal at Mar-a-Lago. This meeting raises significant questions about messaging and consistency. What does it mean for Scarborough to previously label Trump’s voters as “misogynistic” and “racist,”…