The racial tensions in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown are spilling over in to politics. The only African American on the St. Louis County Board of Elections has been removed. Former State Senator Rita Days (pictured center), who served as the director of the St. Louis County Board of Elections, was recently removed from her position. Days was appointed four years ago by Former County Executive Charlie Dooley, who is African American. The newly elected St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, who happens to be White, has removed her from the board of elections. Although Stenger is denying that he had Days removed, other local politicians believe that he is the reason that she is no longer serving on the board. “When she was put in to this position, many people were upset that an African American was put in a position dealing with elections. That was about four years ago. Charlie Dooley made several appointments of African Americans in important positions, which was an incredible move going against tradition which in St. Louis County tradition has been defined by having brothers and uncles and sons who are put in to certain positions… without opening up opportunity to women and to minorities,” said State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal. “Senator Days is the only African American who has been on the Board of Elections for the last four years. The environment that we are in right now is one of distrust of state government of local government.” Read more.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Speaks Out on Sexual Assault Allegations Against Bill Cosby
As rape allegations continue to come out against actor Bill Cosby, those who have worked with him over the course of his career are showing their support. Cosby’s former cast mates Keshia Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad have spoken out in support of Cosby, and the latest person to voice their opinion on the situation is actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Warner, who played Cosby’s son on “The Cosby Show,” said that it’s difficult to watch him deal with sexual assault allegations. Although he didn’t take a stance on whether he believes that the allegations are true, he spoke of Cosby in a positive light. “He’s one of my mentors, and he’s been very influential and played a big role in my life as a friend and mentor,” said Warner. “The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great for a lot of people. What he’s done for comedy and television has been legendary and history-making. What he’s done for the Black community and education has been invaluable. That’s the Bill Cosby I know. I can’t speak on the other stuff.” Read more.
NBA Star LeBron James To Launch New Game Show
NBA star LeBron James is taking his brand beyond the basketball court; he’s reportedly getting in to the game show business. In conjunction with NBC, James’ SpringHill Productions has a game show in the works, where contestants could have the chance of going home with seven figures. The producer of the show, Andrew Glassman, has worked on shows like “Three Wishes” and “Average Joe.” The show will reportedly do casting in Cleveland. “It gives people here an opportunity to live out a dream, the things they only dreamed about, and that’s to make more money than they ever thought they could make in their lives,” said James. “So it’s a life-changing experience if they get an opportunity to be selected, and I thought starting here, with the people that I love here, means a lot to them. And me being a part of the game show is just all part of my team doing things that’s outside the box but also that’s fun for families and people that any age can gravitate to.” There is no word on what it will be called and when it will air. Read more.
