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Kendrick Lamar

Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty

Over the past few days, rappers have been recognized for their influence in society. Earlier this week, Kanye West received an honorary doctorate degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and this week, California-bred rapper Kendrick Lamar received the 35th California Senate District’s Generational Icon Award. The award, which was presented on the state’s senate floor, was given to him by State Senator Isadore Hall III. “In less than 10 years as a professional artist, Mr. Lamar has gone from a local Compton young boy to become a multiplatinum, Billboard chart–topping, two-time Grammy Award–winning musician, an incredible achievement for anyone 27 years old,” said Sen. Hall. “But Mr. Lamar has not let his recent fame get the best of him. If you visit Compton, and I would encourage all of my colleagues to do so, Mr. Lamar is a familiar face in the neighborhood.” Read more.


Family Wants Officer Recognized As 5th Boston Marathon Bombing Victim

The Boston Marathon bombing occurred over two years ago, but those who lost loved ones that day are still coping with the loss. The family member of a police officer named Dennis “DJ” Simmonds, wants him to be recognized as the fifth victim. Simmonds passed away a year after the incident, when he collapsed at the police department. During the bombing he suffered a head wound, and his family believes that was the cause of his ailing health. According to a medical panel, his death was indeed caused by the injury. His family is seeking $150,000 in state retirement benefits. Read more.


Cuba to Appoint U.S. Ambassador

Cuba is reportedly looking for a U.S. ambassador. Cuban President Raúl Castro announced yesterday that his nation and the United States would appoint ambassadors after Cuba is taken off the U.S.’s “terrorism sponsors” list. The move would be a major milestone in the rekindled relationship between our country and Cuba. “This sort of unjust accusation is about to be lifted,” said Castro. “Then we’ll be able to name ambassadors.” Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

NewsOne Snapshot Of The Day
Kendrick Lamar, BET Awards, Black Lives Matter, Police brutality
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