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Judge Glenda Hatchett, best known for her television court show Judge Hatchett, will handle legal matters for the family of Philando Castile, the Minnesota man who died after being shot during a traffic stop last week. Hatchett served as the former chief judge of the Juvenile Court of Fulton County for nearly a decade. The deaths of Castile and Alton Sterling put a national focus on issues concerning police brutality. “I am deeply concerned about what seems to be an epidemic of African-American men being killed by police officers. We have often seemed demonstrations and debates and I raise the critical question, ‘When will there be systemic reform?’  Reform such that, citizens are not in fear of their lives when stopped and questioned by the police,” said Hatchett. She also shared that Valerie Castile, Philando’s mother, does not want her son’s death to be in vain: “Valerie Castile and her family are very passionate and committed to ensuring that Philando’s death is not just another statistic. She wants her son’s death to mark a time in this country’s history where reform becomes less about rhetoric and more about reality.” Jeronimo Yanez, the officer connected to the shooting, has been placed on administrative leave until further notice. Read more.


Loved Ones of Alton Sterling Make Funeral Arrangements

In the midst of the chaos following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Sterling’s loved ones have made funeral arrangements. According to reports, a viewing will be held on Friday morning and the funeral service will begin afterwards at the Southern University F. G. Clark Activity Center. Sterling, 37, died on July 5 after being shot by a police officer in Baton Rouge. The incident was recorded by bystanders and the footage quickly circulated around the web. The FBI is overseeing a probe related to his death. Ever since the incident occurred, there have been several vigils and protests held in the Baton Rouge area and across the nation. Nearly 200 individuals have been arrested on charges connected to the demonstrations. Read more.


Roland Martin to Appear on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’

After calling out talk show host Wendy Williams for her outlandish remarks about the NAACP and HBCUs, NewsOne Now host Roland Martin will appear on her show. Williams reportedly invited Martin to be a guest so the two can have an open dialogue about her comments. While discussing actor Jesse Williams’ acceptance speech at the BET Awards during her show’s “Hot Topics” segment, she stated, “His speech was very poignant. On the other hand, I would be really offended if there was a school that was known as a historically white college. We have historically Black colleges. What if there was the National Organization for White People, only? There’s the NAACP.” After receiving backlash from Martin and several of her fans, she said she’s open to talk about the remarks she made. “Over the past few days, if you don’t know, I’ve been facing some really harsh criticism from our viewers and other people in the media because of my comments regarding racism. One of my biggest critics was a journalist and activist Roland Martin who I’ve known for several years, but he did what he thought he had to do,” said Williams in a statement. Martin will appear on The Wendy Williams Show on Thursday. Read more.


Melissa Harris-Perry to Join BET’s Team

Television host Melissa Harris-Perry will be joining the BET team. According to reports, Harris-Perry will work with BET News as a correspondent. In that role, she will create news specials for the network and develop ideas for its different news-related programs. One of her first projects will be to provide commentary on the Democratic and Republican National Conventions alongside academic and journalist Marc Lamont Hill. BET will air a special surrounding the GOP event on July 24, which will feature key points from the convention and interviews with influencers. Harris-Perry left MSNBC in March after having issues with the network in regards to the election coverage on her show. Read more.


FLOTUS Pays Homage to Women Rap Artists at VH1 Hip Hop Honors

First Lady Michelle Obama paid homage to legendary female hip-hop artists at last night’s VH1 Hip Hop Honors. Rappers Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott are involved in FLOTUS’ “Let Girls Learn” initiative, which endorses education for girls globally. “Through your music and activism, including your support of the Let Girls Learn initiative, you all are encouraging young women all over the world to believe in themselves,” she said in a pre-recorded video. “I’m so grateful for your passion and your contributions to our world and I can’t what to see what you achieve in the years ahead.” The VH1 Hip Hop Honors aired on Monday evening. Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty