2022-03-17

At Hearing, Bipartisan Congressional Members Demand Action Against Threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2022

CONTACT: Nelly Decker, (202) 226-5181

At Hearing, Bipartisan Members Demand Action Against Threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

HBCU Student Leaders Share Their Stories, Stress Importance of HBCUs

Washington, D.C. (March 17, 2022)—Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, held a bipartisan hearing to examine ways the federal government can support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the face of threats to student safety on HBCU campuses.
“HBCUs matter, and every HBCU student matters. That is why we must do everything possible to support them, especially when they are threatened or attacked,” said Chairwoman Maloney in her opening statement.

“The perpetrators behind these acts obviously targeted Black colleges and universities, seeking to disrupt and terrorize the students and their families, the faculty and their families, and the staff and their families,” said Subcommittee Chairman Raskin in his opening statement. “No other colleges or universities have been targeted and disrupted in the same fashion as HBCUs were on that day.”

The Committee heard testimony from current HBCU students Ms. Kylie Burke, President of the Student Association at Howard University; Mr. Emmanuel Ukot, President of the Student Government Association at Xavier University of Louisiana; and Mr. Devan M. Vilfrard, Associate Chief Justice of the Student Supreme Court at Florida A&M University.

The Committee also heard testimony about the Biden Administration’s multi-agency response from Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs at the Department of Education; Mr. Sean Haglund, Associate Director of the Office for Bombing Prevention at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and Mr. Ryan T. Young, Executive Assistant Director of the Intelligence Branch at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Members demanded the federal government ensure a robust and coordinated response to address threats of violence and acts of intimidation affecting HBCUs.

In response to Rep. Raskin, Mr. Young from the FBI provided new information about the investigation into bomb threats at HBCUs, stating: “We believe we have the majority [of the bomb threats] selected down to one person and a small group. Our concern after that is [that] some may be copycats.”
Dr. Cooper highlighted the Department of Education’s multifaceted support for HBCUs, including the Administration’s recent announcement to allow threatened HBCUs to use Project SERV grants to “help to restore the learning environment.”
Mr. Haglund said that DHS’ response to these threats is a “DHS-wide effort” and committed that DHS will ensure that “security officials from each HBCU have access to the latest threat information through our suite of information sharing platforms.”
Members and witnesses emphasized the critical role that HBCUs play in advancing equity in economic and educational opportunities for Black Americans.

Ms. Burke highlighted the importance of supporting HBCUs, which she explained is “supporting a better future, one where young Black students know there is a safeguarded, intellectual, and cultural community waiting for them that is protected.”
Dr. Cooper highlighted HBCUs’ influence, stating: “HBCUs represent a small part of our higher education system, yet they have an outsized impact and punch above their weight. … So it’s very important for us to be responsive to these bomb threats and to take them very seriously because these institutions have a very important role in contributing to the economic workforce and the solvency of America and our future.”
Witnesses shared how bomb threats have negatively impacted the welfare of HBCU students.

Ms. Burke shared that “added stress and in some cases paranoia students, faculty, and staff have subsequently experienced cannot be understated.”
Mr. Ukot described the impact these threats have on students, saying that some students “were too nervous and paranoid to attend classes for the remainder of the week,” and sought out the University’s counseling and wellness services.
Members agreed that Congress must pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act and the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act to restore a sense of safety on HBCU campuses.

Rep. Pressley called for Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, to support “HBCUs who have been under resourced but who have been outsized in their contributions for generations.”
Rep. Bush stated, “Congress must make strides to reverse the decades-long trend of underinvestment, of neglect, and of violence against HBCUs.” Rep. Bush also stressed the need for “consistent federal support to retain campus staff for mental health and counseling services that provide trauma-informed care to students on campus.”
Members highlighted legislation that would enhance efforts to combat domestic terrorism. Chairwoman Maloney explained that the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act would “enhance the government’s ability to counter terrorism.”

Urban One's stellar ratings in markets 1 through 50

 

Adult R&B, By The Numbers: Philly's WDAS-FM, New Orleans' WYLD-FM Top Nielsen's Rankings In Markets 1-50.

Story by Inside Radio
By The Numbers - Adult R&B

The adult R&B format has been one of radio's real success stories over the past three years, steadily trending up in 6+ AQH shares in Nielsen PPM markets from 2019 to 2021 and with year-over-year growth from January 2021 to January 2022.

This week's Inside Radio “By The Numbers” focuses on the stations riding this wave, the top-rated adult R&B stations in each of four separate market groups. The numbers, exclusive to Inside Radio from Nielsen Audio, are based on average quarter-hour share among persons 12+ Monday-Friday 6am-7pm for Fall 2021. Today's spotlight is on the winners in markets 1-25 and 26-50, with a report on 51-100 and 101-forward Friday.

One of the pioneers of the adult R&B format, iHeartMedia's WDAS-FM in Nielsen's ninth-ranked market, Philadelphia, leads among stations in the top 25 markets with an 8.9 share 12+. R&B-formatted for more than 50 years and celebrating its 30th anniversary in this format in 2022, WDAS-FM is known for its community outreach and events such as its annual Woman Of Excellence Luncheon. On air, it's Premiere Radio Networks' two-time Marconi Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Steve Harvey in mornings, followed by local legend Patty Jackson, who's been part of Philadelphia radio for nearly four decades.

“WDAS has been an institution in Philadelphia for over 70 years, and the reason why it continues to grow generation after generation is its commitment to the community,” WDAS-FM Senior VP of Programming and Program Director Derrick Corbett says. “Our goal is to inform, educate and entertain our audience daily with the best music, along with relevant news and community outreach, all delivered by outstanding air talent. That’s 'DAS.”

Not far behind WDAS-FM with an 8.2 share is three-time Marconi Urban Station of the Year winner, most recently in 2019, Cox Media Group's “Hot 105” WHQT Miami. R&B-focused since 1988 and also celebrating its 30th anniversary in adult R&B this year, Hot 105 features Reach Media's two-time and 2021's Marconi Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Rickey Smiley in mornings, with locals Alex “Big Lip” Chisholm and Shelby Rushin in afternoons.

“Our success is due to what I call my 3 C's: content, community and consistency,” Hot 105 Director of Branding and Programming Phil Michaels-Trueba says. “We are in the 'emotional connection' business. Connecting with and serving our audience every day consistently is what makes us successful in one of our country’s most diverse markets. When you turn on Hot 105 in Miami, you know what you’re going to get: the best music, information, inspiration and a connection to our local community.”

The only market landing two adult R&B stations in the top 10 is 8th-ranked Washington, DC, with three-time Marconi Urban Station of the Year winner, Howard University's WHUR, and Urban One's “Majic 102.3/92.7” WMMJ. Proving its long-standing power in the number one market, four-time Marconi Urban Station of the Year winner, Mediaco's WBLS New York makes the cut for market 1-25's top 10, as does Cox's “Kiss 104.1” WALR in seventh-ranked Atlanta.

iHeart takes the top prize here as well, with a 12.2 share 12+ for its adult R&B outlet in 50th-ranked New Orleans, WYLD-FM. In the format since 1993, the station features Harvey in mornings and 20-year Big Easy air personality A.D. Berry in PM drive. Placing second is Audacy's WQMG Greensboro, NC, in the format since 1996, currently with Harvey mornings and Brand Manager Shilynne Cole afternoons.

“WQMG has long been the heritage station in the market,” Cole says. “To be able to navigate the ever-evolving world of radio and its listeners while continuing to grow our audience is amazing. The passion that our listeners have for this radio station is a true testament to the vision of the station: awesome on-air personalities who connect daily through the music, online content, our community initiatives, social platforms, life experiences and our localism. We are truly fortunate and grateful for our listeners!”

Highest-ranked markets in this group claiming stations in the top 10 are Orlando (rank 32) with Cox's “Star 94.5” WCFB, and Cleveland (35) with Urban One's WZAK.

2022-03-11

NAACP Releases Statement on the Treatment of Africans During Russia's Attack on Ukraine

 


NAACP Press Release 

March 9, 2022

The NAACP is disheartened with the events surrounding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In these crisis moments choosing citizenship over humanity is an atrocity.  

Right now in Ukraine, Black families, immigrants from the African diaspora and other people of color – mothers, children, and students are not only facing challenges to evacuate a deadly warzone but are being pushed from trains and beaten by police officers. 

These callous acts are atrocious and reprehensible. As the world comes to the aid of the Ukraine and nations support the resettlement of people fleeing the nation, every individual must be treated with dignity and humanity.  We call upon the Biden Administration and the United Nations to take every necessary action to protect the rights and to ensure the safe passage of all persons fleeing this blatant attack on a Nation's sovereignty. The NAACP will do everything in its power to fight racist, cruel acts such as these – no matter where they are happening. 

Letter to European Commission Concerning Treatment of Black Families & Immigrants in Ukraine

https://naacp.org/articles/naacp-releases-statement-treatment-africans-during-russias-attack-ukraine?mi_u=105079694&emci=1624b0b6-a5a0-ec11-a22a-281878b85110&emdi=f75381e5-c5a0-ec11-a22a-281878b85110&ceid=1964798 

March 9, 2022Ms. Ursula von der LeyenPresidentEuropean CommissionRue de la Loi 200Brussels, BelgiumDear Madame President:We write today with an urgent concern regarding reports that Black families, immigrants from the African diaspora, and other people of color who reside in Ukraine have been treated in a discriminatory manner as they flee the escalating war in Ukraine.Press reports and online video reflect the use of racial hierarchy, violence, and state action taken against refugees of color as they attempt to flee Ukraine and enter bordering states of the European Union.We appreciate the European Union’s public rejection of discrimination.Even in the face of challenges and threats as serious as war, we must be vigilant in protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable populations from the worst forms of discrimination.As you are aware, the provision of humane treatment to refugees is embedded in sovereign law, international treaties, and customary law. Parliamentarians have a critical role to ensure the implementation of policy through actual practice.We understand the difficulty and fluidity of monitoring border agents across sovereign states. We urge swift and proactive action to ensure the fair and humane treatment of all refugees with special attention to nondiscrimination.Thank you for your continued commitment to secure the safe passage and humanetreatment of displaced persons fleeing the attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty. We further request additional information on measures undertaken to ensure the safe passage of all refugees.We are united in our fight against all forms of racism and discrimination no matter where it occurs.Sincerely,National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCR)National Action Network (NAN)National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (NAACPLDF)National Coalition on Black Civic Participation / Black Women's Roundtable(NCBCP/BWR)National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)National Urban League (NUL)

###


March 9, 2022


Ms. Ursula von der Leyen

President

European Commission

Rue de la Loi 200

Brussels, Belgium


Dear Madame President:


We write today with an urgent concern regarding reports that Black families, immigrants from the African

diaspora, and other people of color who reside in Ukraine have been treated in a discriminatory manner as they

flee the escalating war in Ukraine. Press reports and online video reflect the use of racial hierarchy, violence, and

state action taken against refugees of color as they attempt to flee Ukraine and enter bordering states of the European

Union.


We appreciate the European Union’s public rejection of discrimination. Even in the face of challenges and threats

as serious as war, we must be vigilant in protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable populations from the

worst forms of discrimination. As you are aware, the provision of humane treatment to refugees is embedded in

sovereign law, international treaties, and customary law. Parliamentarians have a critical role to ensure the

implementation of policy through actual practice.


We understand the difficulty and fluidity of monitoring border agents across sovereign states. We urge swift and

proactive action to ensure the fair and humane treatment of all refugees with special attention to nondiscrimination.


Thank you for your continued commitment to secure the safe passage and humane treatment of displaced persons

fleeing the attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty. We further request additional information on measures undertaken to

ensure the safe passage of all refugees.


We are united in our fight against all forms of racism and discrimination – no matter where it occurs.


Sincerely,


National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCR)

National Action Network (NAN)

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

(NAACPLDF)

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation / Black Women's Roundtable (NCBCP/BWR)

National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)

National Urban League (NUL)

2022-03-04

Update: Urban One’s Richmond Casino Effort

 Story by Inside Radio


One Richmond Casino

After Richmond voters last November rejected Urban One’s proposal to build a casino in South Richmond, City Council voted 8-1 in January to put the project to a second vote by residents this November. But the second chance is facing turbulence in Virginia from a state senator who wants to move the casino license opportunity to the city of Petersburg, which he represents.

“We've been down in Richmond following that and advocating for the opportunity for Richmond to have a second chance to vote on this,” Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins said Thursday. “The City Council is also committed to offering up legislation that would reduce property taxes, and specifically target casino revenues to schools and other capital projects.”

A pair of bills that would have moved the referendum from Richmond 30 miles south to Petersburg died in the Virginia House and Senate. But the battle isn’t over. Liggins told investors on the company’s quarterly earnings call that language has been added to a state budget bill that would prohibit Richmond from having a second referendum this year, moving it instead to November 2023, while studying the viability of Petersburg as a potential casino location. “There's still a lot of moving parts in the General Assembly,” Liggins explained. “There's a lot of politics involved with this casino issue that has nothing to do with the viability of the casino being in Richmond and has everything to do about certain legislators wanting it other places and willing to trade off things, in terms of votes for certain issues in order to get it.”

Liggins described the situation as “very fluid.”

Meanwhile, Peninsula Entertainment, Urban One’s partner in the $563 million casino venture, announced it is being acquired by Churchill Downs, Inc., owner of the famous racetrack in Louisville that is home to the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs is also a large gaming and casino operator and Liggins said they met with company execs Wednesday, who expressed excitement about the Richmond opportunity and “want to be very helpful in trying to make sure that that that opportunity is not lost.”

During the question-and-answer portion of Urban One’s earnings call, investors pressed Liggins about the project’s fate. “I'm not here to tell you that it's dead. I'm not here to tell you that it's going to happen,” Liggins said, adding that the project’s chances of happening in Richmond are “fifty-fifty.”

Liggins said he has been travelling to Richmond regularly and that Urban One is “working lockstep” with the city “and they want to see this happen” and that he expects to have an answer within 30 days on whether the casino referendum will be put before Richmond voters for a second time this November.

Explaining that he “can’t handicap politics,” Liggins told investors they should focus on the fundamentals of Urban One’s core business and think about the casino as an “upside.”

More Station Swaps Ahead?

Liggins has spoken publicly in the past about his desire to bring more scale to Urban One’s radio clusters through swaps or purchases and on Thursday he offered an update on those efforts. “We're currently analyzing a number of opportunities. We do not have a definitive agreed upon deal to do anything at this point in time, but I continue to believe that scale in the radio business makes sense,” he said. Liggins added that they are looking at acquisitions through the lens of an industry that could be declining by the low single digits in the years ahead and that is factoring into what he’s willing to pay for stations. He also indicated that the company is ready, willing, and able to move outside its core urban radio proficiency, a step that began with its 2020 expansion in Charlotte, NC. “If we do participate in further full-scale radio consolidation, it will necessitate us going outside our traditional box of urban radio, but that's not bad,” Liggins said. “We did that in our swap with Entercom [now Audacy] in Charlotte, NorthCarolina and that turned out to be great for us. We now have a real cluster there.”