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Dr. Cheeks A National ‘GEM’ In STEAM

ARIZONA INFORMANT — Since starting her career journey in the chemical industry while at Southern University and A&M College, Dr. Loretta H. Cheeks has defiled many odds for what is possible for a lifelong career doing what she loves and being who she is. She wears her overcoming many odds success stories as a badge of honor considering the struggles her ancestors bared to make it possible for her to be here today. 
The post Dr. Cheeks A National ‘GEM’ In STEAM first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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By Darnell Hill | Special to the Arizona Informant

Few Black women engineers have enjoyed as successful a career in multiple arenas as much as the woman Dr. Loretta H. Cheeks. She unapologetically accepts the challenge to stand out and stand loud in being first to many life goals and career pursuits.

A National Science and Technology Medals Foundation Expert Connect, an Onyx Pillar of Innovation, a United State of Women Changemaker are among the many honors presented to the National GEM Consortium Alumni award recipient who has been engaging in engineering, research and business for more than three decades.

Since starting her career journey in the chemical industry while at Southern University and A&M College, she has defiled many odds for what is possible for a lifelong career doing what she loves and being who she is. She wears her overcoming many odds success stories as a badge of honor considering the struggles her ancestors bared to make it possible for her to be here today.

Through struggle and grit in a more than 90 percent White male tech industry, Dr. Cheeks fulfilled a lifelong goal to earn a Ph.D. in computer science. This leap from industry into being a full-time student would come with many bends, twists and turns and shifting priorities. But the difference maker came when she became a National GEM Consortium GEM Fellow at Arizona State University.

The National GEM Consortium GEM Fellows is among very few programs in the U.S. designed to pay tuition and stipend for underrepresented groups (i.e., African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) who are often excluded from opportunities to advance.

When Dr. Cheeks was awarded the GEM Fellowship, this did two things. It made it easier for research advisors to accept her into their lab, because they were gaining a student at no cost and it relieved her financial barrier. It’s been said, the GEM Fellowship come with no strings attached.

GEM’s vision, that began in response to the 1960s civil rights advocacy, is a U.S. STEM workforce, where all are valued and empowered to realize their fullest potential through parity of access to senior levels, leading to scientific advancement that drives global innovation and maximizes social and economic impact. GEM prepare technical leaders for advanced careers in industry, academia, and government agencies by identifying and selecting highly qualified GEM Fellows to complete a program of graduate study and internships. Through their university, corporate members, and other strategic partners, GEM develops funding to award fellowships and builds mentor networks to support Fellows in achieving academic and professional success.

Dr. Cheeks will receive the Alumni Leadership Award at The National GEM Consortium’s (GEM’s) 46th Annual Conference and Gala, which recognizes and celebrates her role as an influential leader, with a deep commitment and passion for public service, and dedication to creating better opportunities for members of underrepresented groups in STEM-related fields.

This year’s gala will convene some of the most accomplished diverse senior executives from across the STEM arena in downtown Phoenix, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. More importantly though, it will convene the next generation of leaders and Dr. Cheeks involvement will allow them to recognize the heights that they can achieve, after all you can’t be what you can’t see.

Dr. Loretta Cheeks, Ph.D., is a senior executive leader, an entrepreneur, a speaker, and a recognized expert in artificial intelligence, computing and technology. She has three decades of leadership experience, developing and deploying large-scale systems and leading various teams within the ground and satellite communications, avionics, energy systems instrumentation and control and chemical industries for Fortune 500 corporations. Dr. Cheeks is founder and CEO of DS Innovation, a small business founded in 2018 and based in Arizona. Dr. Cheeks also is committed to improving science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) secondary and higher education for underserved and underrepresented groups to follow in her scientific footsteps. To do that, Dr. Cheeks founded “Strong TIES,” a nonprofit established in 2014.

For more information about GEM Consortium, visit gemfellowship.org.

The post Dr. Cheeks A National ‘GEM’ In STEAM appeared first on Arizona Informant.

The post Dr. Cheeks A National ‘GEM’ In STEAM first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists:

  • Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
  • Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
  • Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
  • UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
  • Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke

Special Guests:

  • Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
  • Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song

This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.

🔔 Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow ‪@mnspokesmanrecorder‬ for more.

🔗 Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.

#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory

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