Although the Black Lives Matter Movement has gained traction, a recent survey revealed their efforts don’t have a huge effect in regards to the voting actions of African-Americans. A survey conducted by Pew Research revealed that 4 in 10 Americans back the Black Lives Matter movement; 65 percent of African-Americans said that they strongly support the group, and 40 percent of Whites said they did as well. Although the group has garnered support, a poll conducted by Monmouth University showed that more Blacks are concerned with access to economic opportunity than civil rights. “Most Americans agree that Black Lives Matter has shined a light on important issues of race, but there is a significant split on the impact that attention is having,” Patrick Murray, Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute said in a statement. The views amongst African-Americans began to differ across gender and generational lines. Black women were more likely to vote for a candidate that supported the Black Lives Matter movement, while Black men preferred to opt for a candidate that made economic opportunity a priority. African-American millennials were more likely to vote for a candidate who backed the Black Lives Matter group, while those over 45 said that a candidate who endorsed economic opportunity would be more appealing. Read more.
Melania Trump’s Bio and Website Removed
Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, was a hot topic at the Republican National Convention after it was discovered that she plagiarized parts of a speech delivered by First Lady Michelle Obama. On Wednesday, it was discovered that her website and biography has been removed from the internet. Prior to the removal, there was speculation about whether or not she received an undergraduate architecture degree from the University of Ljubljana. Her online biography stated that she earned the degree, but it contradicts details from a memoir released about her journey earlier this year, which states she left college after a year to become a model. A book titled Melania Trump: The Inside Story, says that her internet biography “was almost certainly done in consultation with Trump and his advisors, as they were desperate to give off the impression that the Slovenian model was not just beautiful, but also smart and well-educated.” Trump’s campaign organizers are remaining mum about the situation. Read more.
Presidential Library to be Built in Chicago
President Obama has finally made a decision regarding where his presidential library will be located. According to sources, the library will be built in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago. The site is a 21-acre lot adjacent to a park that has a playground and football field. According to reports, the project will cost upwards of $500 million and the doors will open in 2020. The library, which is being dubbed the “Obama Presidential Center,” will be home to all of the presidential archives and include a museum about President Obama’s time in office and the issues he was tasked with overcoming. The library will be designed by Interactive Design Architects and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. The Obama Foundation is slated to make an official announcement about the library’s location next week. Read more.
WikiLeaks Exposes DNC Voicemails
The hacked Democratic National Committee emails released on Wednesday by WikiLeaks were also accompanied by voicemail messages. The classified information, which was allegedly stolen by hackers in Russia, revealed details about individuals in Bernie Sanders’ camp who conspired against him to support Hillary Clinton. Many of the voicemails were from people who believed that Sanders was receiving too much support. “I’m furious for what you are doing for Bernie Sanders. He’s getting way too much influence,” said one caller. “What I see is the Democratic Party bending over backwards for Bernie.” The caller also threatened to cut ties with the DNC. After the information was leaked, DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz made the decision to resign. Read more.
Animated Series Inspired by Motown Coming to Netflix
A new Netflix animated series will capture the legacy of Motown Records. On Wednesday, Netflix, Grace: A Storytelling Company, and Beyond International revealed an animated kids series about the legendary record label is in the works and will soon be available for subscribers across the globe. The series will be centered on an 8-year-old boy based in Detroit, who is capable of bringing artwork to life. Each episode will be inspired by the tunes of legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, The Jackson 5, and The Supremes. Smokey Robinson will serve as the Executive Music Producer. “I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful new series that will embrace the magic of Motown and present our songs to a whole new generation of fans and their entire families. I’m so impressed with Josh’s creative vision for the series and can’t wait to play my part in bringing it to the world,” said Robinson. Josh Wakely will direct and produce the series. “Having been raised on the music of Motown, I am very grateful to have been entrusted with these songs as I draw inspiration from the stories and characters found within them,” said Wakely. “Considering the talent we have on board paired with the Netflix global platform, our goal is to create something extraordinary that can be enjoyed across generations.” Read more.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty