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The Sickle Cell Warriors Convention

NNPA NEWSWIRE-The Consortium functions as an organizing entity, allowing this diverse group of stakeholders to identify, prioritize, develop, and execute solutions for patient-identified needs and gaps within the sickle cell community.
The post The Sickle Cell Warriors Convention first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

July 16, 2024

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Dr. Lakiea Bailey has spent over a decade bringing attention and resources to those living with rare diseases. A prominent advocate and research scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Bailey was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at age three and has dedicated her life to supporting and empowering the sickle cell community.

Despite the devastating symptoms of sickle cell, Dr. Bailey was determined to complete her educational goals. At the completion of her doctorate training, she founded and began working as the Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Community Consortium, a coordinated network of sickle cell community-based organizations (CBOs), patient and caregiver advocates, community partners, and healthcare/research advisors.

The Consortium functions as an organizing entity allowing this diverse group of stakeholders to identify, prioritize, develop, and execute solutions for patient-identified needs and gaps within the sickle cell community.

Bayou Beat News spoke with Dr. Bailey during a recent interview where she discussed the Sickle Cell Consortium’s 11th Annual Warriors Convention, the importance of returning the conference to Atlanta, Georgia and the recent surge of sickle cell awareness in television and mainstream media.

When asked about her excitement for this year’s convention, Dr. Bailey said, “I am most excited about the children. We have tracks for all age groups and a free nursery for babies between 18 months and four years. We partner with an organization licensed to take care of the young ones, and we have activities, education, and a STEM room available for the children.”

This year’s highly anticipated Sickle Cell Warriors Convention will be hosted at the Atlanta Westin Perimeter North Hotel from July 17 to July 21, after last year’s success in Houston, Texas.

Excitement surrounds the convention, partly due to Atlanta’s recent establishment of a first-of-its-kind sickle cell sanctuary, thanks to the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia.

“They are one of our partners that has opened that up locally. They have so much that they’re planning to do and there are so many services that can be accessed free of charge. It really does provide a place for warriors to go to seek alternative treatment in care. There’s the hospital of course, but we all hate to go, the sanctuary is someplace you can look forward to going to also get different types of treatments and care,” Dr. Bailey noted.

But deciding to bring the convention to Atlanta wasn’t an overnight decision.

“It’s a vote. The sickle cell community votes two years out where we’re going to go, and it moves around based on where that vote lands,” she explained. “We are excited to return to our home city of Atlanta. This year’s theme, ‘Lead the Way: From Patient to Powerhouse,’ embodies the journey and transformation of those affected by sickle cell disease.”

The convention promises to be a unique and comprehensive event designed entirely by and for the sickle cell patient and family community. It will feature the reintroduction of the Sickle Cell Consortium’s Warrior University classes, a faith-based brunch, a family game night, a campus carnival, and dedicated sessions for various groups including men, young adults, caregivers, and newly diagnosed families. The Expo, scheduled for Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m., offers free booths for those working on sickle cell treatments, therapies, and technologies.

“If they have an app or a food plan or dietary options, whatever it is they’re doing in the sickle cell health space, they can have a free booth at the expo. We want to ensure that everyone, not just those with sickle cell disease, can attend and learn. The more people we can educate, the more awareness we can bring to our Sickle Cell community,” Dr. Bailey emphasized.

To ensure accessibility, all sickle cell patients, warriors, and caregivers will benefit from a scholarship registration rate of $25 for both in-person and virtual attendance, compared to the standard registration fee of $180.

“The $25 scholarship rate covers everything, including all meals, special activities, and tickets to various events,” she emphasized. “There’s plenty of scholarships, that we work very hard to make sure this is as affordable as possible for this community.”

Additionally, there is a Family Max-Out rate of $100 for large families. Scholarship assistance for hotel and lodging costs is also available.

The Consortium is expecting record numbers this year thanks to the new Netflix series Supacell, whose premise is based on the discovery that having sickle cell gives you superpowers. Dr. Bailey also cites the younger generation being more vocal about sickle cell through social media.

“I think it’s fantastic to see us being discussed,” she said. “Although, it’s unfortunate, for example, with the Saturday Night Live that happened a few months ago when misinformation is pushed out on a big network in a big way. That episode had a lot of bad information about curative therapies and gene therapy. When that happens, it’s unfortunate, but it gets people talking. For a long time, people thought sickle cell wasn’t a thing anymore because no one was talking about it. So I’m of the opinion that anything that gets people talking is a good thing, even if we have to then go back and correct misinformation.”

Continuing the effort to correct misinformation, Dr. Bailey emphasizes that you do not need to be a sickle cell warrior, patient, or caregiver to attend the convention, and she stresses that you won’t want to miss this year’s spectacular workshops and events.

“We do have a few surprises planned, but that’s why they are surprises,” she says. “I can’t reveal too much about what we’re working on, but various people are working diligently to make this convention the best one yet.”

For more information and to register for the convention, visit sicklecellconvention.org If you are seeking a free vendor booth at the expo, please visit sicklecellconvention.org/expo.

The post The Sickle Cell Warriors Convention first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,