ATLANTA (AP) — Every Monday evening, the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA basement becomes a sanctuary for men who, local leaders say, have too often been denied one.

The Black Man Lab, which for nearly a decade has sought weekly to create a “safe, sacred and healing space” for Black men in metropolitan Atlanta, regularly gathers more than 100 men to pray, meditate and talk through challenges and triumphs they are facing and learn from peers and elders.

“It’s almost a communion,” said Carttrell Coleman, a visual artist from South Fulton, Georgia, who has attended the weekly meetings for seven years. “It’s an opportunity for us to share our voices and get resources. The networking is always a good thing. It’s a fellowship, of sorts.”

One recent meeting in the immediate aftermath of President Joe Biden’s suspension of his reelection campaign took on special weight as attendees considered the prospect of a Black woman winning the presidency. The candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris has refocused attention on Black men, a demographic that Democrats and Republicans view as persuadable but whose multifaceted experiences and political preferences often go unaddressed in public debate.

Harris’ campaign has also reignited discussions amongst Black men about their influence in this election.

“Black men are the target, and we hold the keys to the kingdom. This is our moment,” said Lance Robertson, executive director of the Black City Councilmen of Georgia, during the meeting. “The Black man has built America. Now it’s time for the Black man to save America.”

Black male voters are traditionally one of the most consistently Democratic leaning demographics in the nation. This year, however, both major parties view Black men, especially those under the age of 40, as attainable voters. Whether Black men turn out in high numbers and to what degree they maintain traditional support for Democratic candidates may prove decisive in November.

“To be frank, I think early on in this process a lot of Black men viewed this election with much skepticism and dread,” said Bishop Reginald Jackson, who presides over all 534 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia. “But since the change in the Democratic ticket, there has been a turnaround. I think they feel they have something that they can support. I think a lot of issues which made a lot of them skeptical are being addressed.”

At the Black Man Lab event, the men present came from all walks of life. Attendees’ ages ranged from 8 to 86, with multiple pairings of fathers, grandfathers and grandsons telling the group about the unique circumstances each generation faces as Black men in America.

Black voters have historically prioritized policies on civil rights and economic mobility, leading to overwhelming support for Democrats.

But how those concerns translate into political preferences has shifted as traditional ties to institutions like the Black church have frayed for some younger Black Americans. “The Black church, in a lot of respects, has been a turnoff for the Black man, and we’re only now working to address the need and correct it,” Jackson said.

For many younger Black men, advocates stressed, issues like wealth creation, entrepreneurship, police reform and anti-discrimination policies in the workplace are top of mind.

“We want to see jobs and opportunity for Black men, especially,” said Andre Greenwood, chair of the YMCA that hosts the Black Man Lab event. Greenwood, who supports Harris, said economic messages will be most important to Black male voters.

Harris’ entrance into the presidential race has unleashed a flurry of organizing among her Black male allies. A day after Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris, a virtual conference tailored for Black men garnered more than 53,000 attendees and raised more than $1.3 million. The event, organized by Win With Black Men, a collective of Black male-led groups, has hosted regular meetings every week since then to engage organizers targeting Black men.

“Up until this point, these folks were not really engaged with this campaign season, let alone volunteering for outside organizations. I think what we’re seeing now is a massive level of organic energy that you can’t deny,” said Quentin James, founder of the Collective PAC, a Democratic political action committee that supports Black candidates.

Win With Black Men said it would direct the raised funds to organizations nationwide for Black male engagement. More than 150 groups have applied for support. James stressed that while the recent fundraising windfall is notable, the Harris campaign’s own engagement effort with Black men may not be enough unless it is paired with robustly funded outside groups that have longstanding trust in local communities.

Harris has also revamped her outreach to Black men. The campaign believes it has a winning message for Black men’s priorities.

“It’s wealth and it’s health,” Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said of the message.

Seawright leads the Democratic National Committee’s “Chop It Up” town halls for Black men at barbershops and other venues in battleground states this year. He noted that Black men “aren’t monolithic” and added that it is a mistake for campaigns to assume “we only care about criminal justice reform.”

The culminating effort also aims to address longstanding skepticism among many Black men about the political system, which is seen as discriminatory and unresponsive to their interests. Others have tackled potential hesitancy among men about electing a woman to the nation’s highest office.

Republicans, too, see an opportunity to make inroads with Black men precisely because of those longstanding frustrations. Donald Trump often speaks of his interest in garnering greater Black voter support. Black Republicans, including Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida and Wesley Hunt of Texas, have hosted a “Congress, Cognac, and Cigars” event series in cities including Atlanta, Philadelphia and Milwaukee.

“Black men have been taken for granted by the Democratic Party for years, but President Trump’s message is resonating at historic levels because he is doing the work,” said Janiyah Thomas, Black media director for the Trump campaign.

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Marcus Robinson, a senior spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee, called Republican outreach strategy “hot air, racially charged rhetoric and offensive stereotypes, from questioning Vice President Harris’s identity to claiming Black voters should relate to Trump because he is a convicted felon.”

For many attendees at the Black Man Lab event, the reinvigorated presidential race is an opportunity to make sure their interests are addressed at the highest levels of government.

“I was in the street doing wild stuff and this saved my life,” said Damon Bod, an exterior house technician from Atlanta, of his experience with the Black Man Lab event. Bod said he lost his entire immediate family to violence and that the event provided him counsel and a community.

He said he would support Harris in the election because the men who supported him felt she would advance Black men’s interests.

“I’ve been looking at it and hopefully she’ll do a bit of good. My brothers have said she will, people who know me. But only God knows,” Bod said.

South African-born Chidimma Adetshina had big dreams of winning the Miss South Africa title. But after pulling out of the South African contest last week, she has accepted an invitation to compete for the title of Miss Universe Nigeria instead.

“I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I,” she wrote in an Instagram post. Adetshina added that she’s leaving the competition with “a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”

Adetshina received a slew of xenophobic threats, many questioning if she should even be allowed in the competition due to her ethnicity. According to Daily Mail, the 23-year-old was born in Soweto and raised in Cape Town, but she comes from a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambique heritage. Many said Adetshina’s mix of identities isn’t South African enough for her to compete.

To soothe everyone’s concerns, a preliminary investigation was conducted into Adetshina’s family by the home affairs department, and their findings were shocking. Reportedly, the department concluded that Adetshina’s mother stole the identity of a South African woman back in 2001.

A statement by the home affairs department last week reads, “An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother, suffered as a result because she could not register her child.”

The department went on to say Adetshina was innocent of any wrongdoing because the alleged crime occurred when she was only a baby. There will be a thorough investigation further into the matters, which may result in criminal charges against all parties involved.

Adetshina has not addressed these allegations publicly. In response to her departure, the organizers of Miss South Africa said, “We wish Chidimma all of the very best and success in all her endeavours.” The organization’s statement continued, “Miss South Africa celebrates South Africa’s rich and inclusive culture and diversity.”

Despite dropping out of the Miss South Africa race, Adetshina has plans to continue her dreams with the surprising help of the organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria.

Through a formal invitation, Miss Universe Nigeria asked Adetshina to compete in the Nigerian competition to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage.”

On Aug. 14, Adetshina responded on Instagram saying “I understand the responsibilities and expectations that come with this title and I am so excited to embark on this journey.” She continued saying she looks “forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is out with a string of new economic proposals focused on food prices, taxes, housing and medical costs that she says will empower the middle class.

The plans constitute the first major policy proposals that Harris has released in the nearly four weeks since President Joe Biden bowed out of the race and endorsed his vice president.

A look at what Harris is proposing:

Food prices

After years of polling showing that Americans are worried about inflation, Harris is aiming to contain prices where they have often been most conspicuously felt — at the grocery store. She’s promising to, during her first 100 days in office, send Congress proposed federal limits on price increases for food producers and grocers. Harris also is seeking new authority for the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general in states across the country to enact steeper punishments for violators. She also wants to use government regulators to crack down on mergers and acquisitions among large food industry businesses that the vice president argues have contributed to higher prices.

Housing

Harris is calling for the construction of 3 million new housing units over four years, which she says will ease a “serious housing shortage in America.” She also plans to promote legislation creating a new series of tax incentives for builders who construct “starter” homes sold to first-time homebuyers.

She also wants a $40 billion innovation fund — doubling a similar pot of money created by the Biden administration — for businesses building affordable rental housing units. Harris also wants to speed up permitting and review processes to get housing stock to the market more quickly.

Harris further says she can lower rental costs by limiting investors who buy up homes in bulk, as well as curbing the use of price-setting tools that she argues encourage collusion to increase profits among landlords. She also wants to expand a Biden administration plan providing $25,000 in potential down payment assistance to help some renters buy a home, so that it will include a much larger swath of first-time home buyers across the country.

The vice president also has endorsed repurposing some federal land to make room for new affordable housing, an idea that Biden endorsed while still running for president and that Trump has also spoken about favorably.

Taxes and medical costs

Harris wants to speed up a Biden administration effort that has allowed Medicare and other federal programs to negotiate with drugmakers to lower the cost of prescription medications, aiming to cut the price tags of some of the most expensive and most commonly used drugs by roughly 40% to 80% starting in 2026. She’s also promised to promote competition with steps to increase transparency within pharmaceutical company pricing practices.

Harris also pledged to work with state entities to cancel $7 billion of medical debt for up to 3 million qualifying Americans.

The vice president also proposed to make permanent a $3,600 per child tax credit approved through 2025 for eligible families, while offering a new $6,000 tax credit for those with newborn children. She says a Harris administration would work to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to cut taxes for some frontline workers by up to $1,500 and reduce taxes on healthcare plans offered on the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.

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Canadian singer-songwriter Annabel Gutherz today unveiled her latest single, “Showtime, Baby!” The track, a vibrant fusion of classic rock and contemporary pop, is a candid exploration of the complexities of self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of authenticity.

With a sun-kissed melody and Gutherz’s signature honeyed vocals, “Showtime, Baby!” delves into the universal struggle of balancing personal desires with societal expectations. The song is a reflection of the artist’s journey toward self-acceptance, as she grapples with the pressure to perform and the longing for genuine human connection.

“If life is a stage, am I always performing?” Gutherz questions in a heartfelt statement about the song. “This is the core of ‘Showtime, Baby!’ – the constant tension between living authentically and fulfilling others’ expectations. It’s about the struggle to be seen and understood for who I truly am, rather than who people want me to be. Ultimately, I’ve realized that prioritizing my own feelings and experiences is the key to a fulfilling life.”

Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Annabel Gutherz is a rising star whose music resonates with raw emotion and poetic lyricism. Her ability to craft timeless melodies and captivating narratives has garnered her a dedicated following. Since the release of her acclaimed 2021 album, Loose Ends, Gutherz has continued to evolve her sound, collaborating with renowned producers such as Bleu McAuley and Bonnie Hayes.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, Gutherz’s dedication to her craft is evident in every note. Her music is a testament to her unwavering passion for storytelling and her ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.

With “Showtime, Baby!” as a testament to her artistic growth, Annabel Gutherz is poised to make an even greater impact on the music industry. As she continues to explore the depths of her artistry, fans can anticipate more heartfelt and inspiring music to come.

“Showtime, Baby!” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

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Rising pop artist Paulina is ready to share her story. Today, she unveils her sophomore EP, “everything’s still,” a deeply personal collection of three songs that chronicle the raw emotions of a recent breakup.

Known for her glistening vocals and captivating melodies, Paulina explores a darker, more mature sound with “everything’s still.” The title itself, inspired by the closing line of Noah Kahan’s song “The View Between Villages,” holds immense meaning for the artist. “It feels so uplifting,” Paulina explains, “like it’s the moment you can finally breathe again. That’s how making this EP made me feel; I wanted to embody that feeling.”

The EP kicks off with the lead single, “stranger.” This dark and sultry track tackles the initial shock and confusion of heartbreak. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has dissolved, leaving behind a sense of alienation and disbelief. The once-familiar becomes foreign, as the person you loved transforms into a stranger.

“Stranger” is a powerful opening salvo, setting the stage for the emotional journey that unfolds across the EP. The second track, “funny (interlude),” takes a more introspective turn. Lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics capture the emotional whiplash of moving on. Here, Paulina grapples with the remnants of the relationship and the slow process of piecing together a broken heart.

The EP culminates with “a song I wrote,” a track infused with bittersweet acceptance. Filled with a touch of sass, the song explores the enduring memories that linger after a breakup. Paulina ponders whether the other person still thinks about her, acknowledging the undeniable presence of shared experiences. It’s a closing track that packs a punch, offering a sense of closure and a mic-drop moment for this narrative of heartbreak.

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Paulina discovered her passion for music at a young age. Classically trained in piano and honed through years of musical theater performances, her artistic foundation was laid early. A transformative songwriting summer camp during high school solidified her desire to pursue music full-time. Following her heart, Paulina enrolled at the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami to further refine her craft.

Paulina’s solo project officially launched in 2023 with the release of her debut single, “Best Friend,” followed shortly by her first EP, “The Show Goes On.” Collaborating with long-time friend and producer Sam Merkin on both releases, Paulina has cultivated a signature sound. It’s a blend of cinematic atmospheres, catchy melodies, and captivating vocals that promises to leave a lasting impression.

With the release of “everything’s still,” Paulina sheds light on a vulnerable chapter of her life, transforming heartbreak into a powerful artistic statement. This EP serves as a testament to her growth as a songwriter and a vocalist. Paulina is a rising star, and “everything’s still” proves she’s an artist worth watching.

Track List:

1. stranger






2. funny (interlude)






3. a song I wrote

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More than three months after a U.S. Air Force airman was gunned down by a Florida sheriff’s deputy, his family and their lawyer are demanding that prosecutors decide whether to bring charges against the former lawman.

At a Friday news conference, civil rights attorney Ben Crump questioned why the investigation has taken so long, noting that the shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson was captured on the deputy’s body camera video.

He said that “for Black people in America, when they delay, delay, delay, that tells us they’re trying to sweep it under the rug.”

“It’s on video y’all,” Crump added. “It ain’t no mystery what happened.”

Fortson, 23, was killed on May 3 by Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The airman answered the door to his apartment while holding a handgun pointed toward the floor and was killed within seconds, body camera video showed.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran, saying his life was never in danger and that he should not have fired his weapon.

A sheriff’s office internal affairs investigation found that Fortson “did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputy’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable.”

Fortson, who was from metro Atlanta, was stationed at the Air Force’s Hurlburt Field in the Florida Panhandle. At his funeral outside Atlanta in May, hundreds of Air Force members in dress blues filed past his coffin, draped with an American flag.

Now, Crump and the family want the former deputy to face charges.

“To the state’s attorney, you got everything you need,” Crump said. “The only question is, are you going to do it?”

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Former Disney star Skai Jackson has been cleared of domestic battery charges following her arrest last week. According to TMZ, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has decided not to pursue the case due to insufficient evidence.

The incident occurred at Universal City Walk, where Jackson and her boyfriend were involved in a heated argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Law enforcement intervened, and Jackson was taken into custody.

However, a lack of cooperation from the alleged victim, who reportedly did not sustain any visible injuries, coupled with Jackson’s clean criminal record, ultimately led to the dismissal of the charges.

With the legal matter now behind her, Jackson can focus on the upcoming birth of her child.

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