Dvontaye Mitchell died after being held down by hotel security. Here’s what we know

Video footage shows that Dvontaye Mitchell, 43, was held on the ground by multiple guards outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Milwaukee; he was declared dead soon afterward. The area where police say the struggle took place is seen here in a Google Maps image from 2022. Google Maps/Screenshot by NPR Updated July 11, 2024 at 10:53 AM ET The family of Dvontaye Mitchell wants answers and accountability for […]

July 11, 2024

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn announce new album and tour stop in Milwaukee

Music

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn announce new album and Milwaukee tour stop’

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn, photo by Clifford Usher Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn are preparing to release their second collaborative album, "Quiet in a World Full of Noise," through Merge Records on October 4, 2024. This new work follows their 2022 release "Pigments" and aims to present a distinctive musical experience that combines various musical elements. The duo has released the album's first single, "Breath Out," which provides an […]

July 9, 2024

# Tractor Supply Company Faces Criticism Over Policy Changes Tractor Supply Company, a prominent farm-supply retailer, has recently announced significant changes to its corporate policies, prompting a response from the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA). The company's decision to eliminate diversity-focused positions and withdraw its carbon-emissions goals has drawn attention from various stakeholders. On June 27, 2024, Tractor Supply stated its intention to refocus on its "85-year-old culture" and distance itself from what it termed "political agendas." This shift in direction includes the removal of certain diversity-oriented roles within the company and the abandonment of previously established environmental targets. John Boyd, President of the NBFA, has expressed concern over these policy changes. The NBFA, which represents a substantial number of African American farmers across the United States, views this development as potentially detrimental to its members' interests. Boyd, who is both a shareholder and customer of Tractor Supply, has called for the resignation of company President Hal Lawton in response to these actions. The retailer's February annual report had highlighted its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, noting that its workforce was composed of approximately 51% male and 49% female employees, with racial and ethnic minorities making up about 18% of the total. The company had also set ambitious environmental goals, including plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions across all operations by 2040. Boyd has pointed out that Tractor Supply has not participated in events or provided sponsorship opportunities specifically for black farmers, while continuing to engage with predominantly white farming events. The NBFA contends that this approach does not align with the company's previously stated diversity objectives. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about corporate responsibility, diversity in the agricultural sector, and the balance between business objectives and social commitments. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Tractor Supply will address the concerns raised by the NBFA and other stakeholders. Tractor Supply maintains that its recent decisions do not alter its commitment to providing a welcoming environment for customers and team members. However, the company's policy changes have sparked a broader conversation about the role of diversity and environmental initiatives in the farm supply industry.

2

Business & Innovation

National Black Farmers Association challenges Tractor Supply’s diversity rollback

Tennessee-based Tractor Supply says it will cut diversity-focused positions and withdraw its carbon-emissions goals in a response to right-wing pressure. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Tractor Supply Company, a prominent farm-supply retailer, has recently announced significant changes to its corporate policies, prompting a response from the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA). The company's decision to eliminate diversity-focused positions and withdraw its carbon-emissions goals has drawn attention from various stakeholders. On June […]

July 9, 2024 2

News

Race removed from kidney transplant evaluation criteria

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) has announced plans to revise the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) calculation by removing the African American/Black race coefficient. Leading kidney health organizations have welcomed this change as a step towards improving equity in organ transplantation. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) issued a joint statement supporting the revision. Dr. Deidra […]

July 9, 2024

News

California is trying to lead the way on reparations but not clear on the path to take

California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This past week he signed a nearly $300 billion state budget in which $12 million was allocated for reparations legislation. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images California recently allocated $12 million for reparations for the state's Black residents as a way to compensate them for the harm caused by the legacy of slavery and current discrimination. Although it's not clear what the money will be spent on, it is […]

July 8, 2024

Music

UK’s enigmatic Sault drops surprise album “Acts of Faith” for free

UK collective SAULT has released a new album titled "Acts of Faith," continuing their trend of unexpected releases. The album, which consists of a single 32-minute track, was made available for free download on July 6, 2024. "Acts of Faith" marks SAULT's 11th studio album and follows their pattern of offering free downloads to their audience. The release was announced through a social media post featuring an image of a […]

July 8, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion's post-traumatic reset, a left-field Lil Yachty collab, the raunchy return of cupcaKKe and more from a tellingly modern week

Music

Unpacking hip-hop’s sprawl in 2024’s most eclectic release date

Megan Thee Stallion onstage in June at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, a stop on her Hot Girl Summer Tour.Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Live Nation/Getty Images North America Megan Thee Stallion's post-traumatic reset, a left-field Lil Yachty collab, the raunchy return of cupcaKKe and more from a tellingly modern week These days, the music faucet never turns off: Pop into your listening app of choice on any given Friday, […]

July 5, 2024

Music

Kendrick Lamar shares ‘not like us’ music video

Kendrick Lamar unveiled the music video for his chart-topping single "Not Like Us" on July 4, 2024. The visual masterpiece, co-directed by Lamar and his pgLang collaborator Dave Free, is a compelling companion to the track that has rapidly become part of the soundtrack to Black culture, similar to Lamar's song "Alright. The video opens with Lamar delivering a brief yet impactful freestyle, setting the stage for a vibrant West […]

July 5, 2024

Jacob Latimore champions mental health with Boys & Girls Clubs

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HYFINated Conversations

Jacob Latimore champions mental health with Boys & Girls Clubs

Actor and musician Jacob Latimore, known for his role in the Showtime series "The Chi," recently partnered with Kohl's and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to promote youth mental health awareness. The collaboration culminated in a panel discussion on June 29th featuring Latimore and youth from Atlanta-area Boys & Girls Clubs, marking the end of National Boys & Girls Club Week. Latimore, a Milwaukee native, has long-standing ties to […]

July 2, 2024 8

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Dvontaye Mitchell died after being held down by hotel security. Here’s what we know

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn announce new album and Milwaukee tour stop’

National Black Farmers Association challenges Tractor Supply’s diversity rollback

Race removed from kidney transplant evaluation criteria

California is trying to lead the way on reparations but not clear on the path to take

UK’s enigmatic Sault drops surprise album “Acts of Faith” for free

Unpacking hip-hop’s sprawl in 2024’s most eclectic release date

Kendrick Lamar shares ‘not like us’ music video

Jacob Latimore champions mental health with Boys & Girls Clubs

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