NRG Energy, Inc. announced an initial $10 million commitment to provide relief for Texans impacted by the unprecedented effects of Winter Storm Uri. The company will provide $10 million in relief resources comprised of $3 million in cash donations and $7 million covering in-kind relief efforts and customer assistance. The funding aims to address three key areas: the immediate needs of the community, including food, water, and temporary or damaged housing; providing financial relief for customers through this difficult time; and aiding affected employees.

“Texas is our home, and we are deeply saddened by the unprecedented hardship that our community … Read More >>

By U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume

In 1926, Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson launched “Negro History Week.” Celebrated during the second week of February, it was designed to promote the study of African American contributions to the United States.

Fifty years later, in 1976, President Gerald Ford helped establish what we now know as Black History Month in America. In his statement to the nation, President Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Now, forty-five years later, it’s time we rethink the way we recognize … Read More >>

By: Stacy M. Brown

Residents of D.C., Virginia and Maryland all awakened Thursday to winter storm warnings that threaten to carry through the weekend.

Sleet, snow and rain will accumulate through the weekend as the Northeast braces for the storm that arrives as Texas and other states endure rolling blackouts, sub-freezing temperatures and states of emergencies.

The National Weather Service reported that cold air would dominate the weekend in D.C. and its surrounding areas as some holdout hope that temperatures will climb to at least the freezing mark.

One report noted that “the tricky part of the storm will be … Read More >>

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche earned the moniker “a hero of U.S. Diplomacy,” in part for efforts that led to his becoming the first African American to win the Noble Peace Prize.

The scientist and diplomat earned the award for his role as United Nations Mediator in the 1949 peace settlement between Palestinians, Arabs, and Jews.

“The objective of any who sincerely believe in peace clearly must be to exhaust every honorable recourse in the effort to save the peace,” Dr. Bunche said after winning the prestigious honor on Dec. 10, … Read More >>

WASHINGTON, DC — To kickoff Black History Month, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, introduced three related pieces of legislation. Collectively, the resolutions formally recognize the important contributions, struggles and sacrifices of Black veterans and servicemembers throughout American history.

“We owe Black veterans and soldiers, past and present, a huge debt of gratitude,” Beatty said. “All of us know that there are countless heroes and sheroes who sacrificed everything to make our Union more perfect for everyone.” She added, “In that spirit, I call on my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together … Read More >>

U.S. public buildings – hospitals, universities, schools, public venues, airports and others – are critical infrastructure that enable federal, state, and local governments to fulfill their missions. In the event of a public health crisis or natural disaster, public buildings deliver life-saving services and capacity for temporary healthcare, emergency shelter, command and control, and other community relief operations. But as we have seen in the COVID-19 crisis, many of these facilities are in dire need of improvements to meet modern demands.

In response to the crisis and to stimulate the economic recovery, we propose that Congress appropriate $22 billion over … Read More >>