Checkout Why Southeast Queens Is The Historic Hometown Of The Most Powerful Politicians In NYC Today!

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Southeast Queens Makes History Having Been The Home Of Some Of The Most Powerful Politicians In NYC History!

Mayor Eric Adams (Top Right) NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (Top Right)
Borough President of Queens Donovan Richards (Bottom Left) Congressman Gregory Meeks (Middle Bottom) and NY State Senator James Sanders (Bottom Right)    

By Kamau Austin, Publisher AMS Digital Scoop Publications

Southeast Queens is known for its iconic jazz, hip-hop, business, civil rights, and other legendary greats.  Legends like James Brown, John Coltrane, Jackie Robinson, 50 cents, LL Cool J, Daymond John, and many more luminaries once called Southeast Queens home.

However, Southeast Queens, is now also making historic strides as one of the areas for political trailblazers.  Former Southeast Queens resident Eric Adams, once ironically brutalized by police in Queens, has risen to become only the second Black mayor in New York City history.

Mayor Adams also has made a dual mark in history by appointing the first black female and also woman Police Commissioner in New York City history Keechant Sewell.  Commissioner Sewell, has an extensive history as a law enforcement leader in Nassau County, and also FBI experience.  The Commissioner also has roots in Queens.

The 1st Black Woman New York City Police Commissioner Keechant-Sewell (Pic Source)

New York City Council Person Adrienne Adams (no relation to Mayor Eric Adams) became the first black woman to be Speaker of the New York City Council.  Adams is also the City Council Person for district 28 which includes Rochdale Village, Jamaica, Richmond Hill, and South Ozone Park.  She was the first woman and Black woman to represent Council 28.

So essentially what we have is two of the most powerful politicians in New York City, and also the leading law enforcement Commissioner, now having roots in Southeast Queens, New York.  But it doesn't stop there...

Discover How This Black Descendant Of The English Royalty Is Challenging A Racist Symbol Of British Slavery

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Black Descendant Of English Royalty Looks To Cancel The Symbolic Racist Crest Of
British Slaver John Hawkins

By Kamau Austin and Venita Benitez

Venita Benitez is on a mission.  Her mission is one driven by faith and purpose believing in her people's ability to make a change in the world.

She is a Black woman with obvious Latina roots, but what is less discernable is her family ties to European royalty.  Nevertheless, Benitez is determined turn the tide on racism now within the auspices of English royalty.

Venita has made it her mission to ask the British monarchy to vacate an unsavory vestige of horrific slavery in its ugly past the crest of maritime slaver "Sir" John Hawkins.  Ms. Benitez has written the late Queen Elizabeth II, in the past.

In light of present controversial news stories in relation to modern racism, in the monarchy, she is relaunching her efforts to remove the distasteful racist crest.

Here is her open letter that she wrote to the Queen:

May it please Your Majesty,

Your Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, how do You do?

My name is Venita Benitez, living in Dallas, Texas USA. Servant to the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Christ. I descend from the Plantagenets, Henry II, John and Henry III. I wish to inform you of an important occurrence I believe deserves your attention. An amazing opportunity to bring healing and reconciliation to all nations around the globe will take place during the month of August, in the year of our Lord 2019, for the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans on English American soil, Fort Comfort, present day Hampton, Virginia and I believe Your Majesty will bestow recognition upon the people.

Forgiveness, healing and reconciliation have been a focus of many nations in response to hatred and discrimination. There has been a growing global focus on community healing and forgiveness. My purpose on this earth is fueled by passion for this very moment for the global healing of all people on our planet.

Queen Elizabeth I, knighted Sir John Hawkins (Hawkyns pioneer of the British slave trade), a coat of arms and a bound slave as a crest for a massive profit made in the slave trade. His coat of arms, sable on a point wavy, a lion passant, in chief three bezants, and for his crest, a demi-Moor in his proper color (naked), bound, and captive with annulets in his arms and ears.

John Hawkins as in previous voyages, went to Sierra Leone, took part in native wars, assaulted and set fire to native towns of over eight thousand inhabitants. Which we are still living the aftermath from these voyages. His coat of arms and crest may represent the heraldic achievements and massive material wealth for England, however it symbolizes forms of discrimination and hatred not only going on in America but across the global.

Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect to the constitutional monarch and I apologize in advance if I have offended the constitutional monarch. I only want to see healing and reconciliation to all nations and I believe this kind of power and authority rest in your hands to have John Hawkins crest honoring him for the slave trade taken down and/or removed and publicly dishonored to help restore love in our world and conqueror the evil of hatred that is causing so much grief, suffering and disharmony in America, as well as, around the globe. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Venita Benitez

The Crest Of Slaver John Hawkins

Venita's revived attempts to get rid of the crest of British maritime slave exporter John Hawkins, is forged against the backdrop of the the Royal Family being charged with racist attitudes by others close to them.  For instance England's fundraiser Ngozi Fulani is charging racism against one of the late Queen Elizabeth's staffers Lady Susan Hussey, who subsequently resigned with a spokesperson for Prince William saying "racism has no place in our society."  

Also in recent years Meghan, the wife of Prince Harry, pointed out bias by the Royal Family in an interview towards her and her son.  The press even reported her treatment was so humiliating she had thoughts of suicide.

Meghan, the wife of Prince Harry, has reported racial issues with the Royal Family
Photo Credits: By Londisland, Click For Info

Given this charged racial backdrop I felt moved to touch base with
Venita Benitez for this exclusive interview about challenging the Royal Family to get rid of the racist crest of John Hawkins AKA John Hawkyns below...

Can Leading Success Coach Shonda Scott And Alaska Airlines Team UP To Make Your Dreams Come True?

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12 New Things™️

(in collaboration with Alaska Airlines)

12 New Things™️ Dream Travel Contest

("THE SWEEPSTAKES")

"Submit One Place You’ve Always Wanted To Go and

Go on Alaska Airlines!"

Above: Shonda Scott 12 New Things over coming fear of heights Ziplining in Mexico.

Have you ever wanted to do something new and different and keep putting it off? Now is the time to step outside your comfort zone and 'go for it!'

Here is your chance to embrace change in a fun, exciting and positive way. 12 New Things™️ inviting followers to participate in the 12 New Things™️ Dream Travel Contest. 

You can win two free roundtrip Alaska Airlines tickets including Lounge Access...

Can Claims Of Reverse Racism Be Defused In A Parable?

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Charges of Reverse Racism Are
Answered With My Parable On Bullying

Promoting Clera’s Creative Gifts Drove Someone To Accuse Me Of Reverse Racism

By Kamau Austin, Publisher The Black News Scoop

As you know our publications have a goal to help Black businesses, community organizations, and cultural organizations raise awareness so they can be financed or supported by our community.  We can't expect others to support us if we can't support ourselves.

We aim to do the opposite of mainstream media and show the positive things that our people do in our communities especially to advance and enhance our neighbors.  However, there are times where conservative whites or others try to use our civil rights terminology and language against us by charging "reverse racism" when we advance Black organizations and causes.

I like to deal with data and facts.  However, recently I felt like giving parables or a storied analogy to someone who accused me of reverse racism for promoting a Black holiday gift-wrapping business Clera’s Creative Gifts during the Christmas Holidays.  This business  uses afrocentric and Black images for their gift wrapping products.

Below is the parable I shared with them...

See How nZinga Austin is creating her own Metaverse 3D Animations

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nZinga Austin Excells in 3D Animation and Art

nZinga Austin, the Co-publisher of AMS Digital's Scoop Publications is becoming a media leader in her own right.  In addition to her highly regarded singing, acting, and writing skills, she is developing into a talented artist in 3D digital art and animation.

nZinga is acclaimed for being the Community and Events Editor for AMS' Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop.  The young artist has received community awards from New York City area community organizations and political leaders.

She is looking to take Scoop Publications into the entertainment and 3D media industry.  Recently nZinga finished her 1st documentary called "nZinga's Spectrum in 3D."

See Why "Brilliant Girl," Says Black Girls Can Be Superheroes Too

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CALIFORNIA ‘BRILLIANT GIRL’ SAYS BLACK GIRLS CAN BE SUPERHEROES TOO!

Nationwide Just being themselves, mocha or bronze, short hair or long, nappy or straight, women of color are on the front line and positioned for success in this decade and decades to come. Shaneisha Dodson is one of the luminaries whose brilliance is glowing.

Originally from Lonoke, Arkansas, but now living in California, this young gifted Black woman is getting ready to launch her new company, Brilliant Girl. She developed this company to deposit in young Black and brown girls the desire to think out of the box and dream big.

Dodson, an innovator with a heart for her community, grew up in small-town America with a loving, supportive family that encouraged her to do her best. With limited exposure, she knew that the world had much more to offer, even for little Black girls.

Brilliant Girl will be an inspirational hub for young Black and brown girls. Her company will celebrate Black girl joy, and will aim to provide more representation in the doll industry by creating ethnic dolls and products that explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.

Sugamama, Makes History As The First Ever 18-Inch Black Superhero Doll

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ENTREPRENEUR/ DESIGNER CREATES SUGAMAMA, THE FIRST EVER 18-INCH BLACK SUPERHERO DOLL

Shaneisha Dodson, founder and CEO of a popular Black-owned retail platform for kids called Brilliant Girl, has launched the Sugamama doll, the world's first 18-inch Black superhero doll. She says that her company's goal with all of its designs is to create more representation for black girls in the toy industry.

According to Shaneisha, when she was growing up, she was not able to find many dolls that represented her or carried the cultural characteristics of her people. In a mission to change that narrative, Brilliant Girl has now launched a line of dolls that carry exciting backstories and come with various clothing options to make playtime interactive and fun.

Get The Scoop On This Respected Biblical University Honoring Top Christian Leaders And Luminaries UPLifting Their Communities.

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Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University President Dr. Verna Caddie Announces Honorary Doctorate Graduation & Second Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony in Houston, Texas

Dr. Verna Caddie, President of Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University,  announces Honorary Doctorate Graduation & Second Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony in Houston, Texas.

The Honorees will include Jody Watley, Yolanda Adams, Erica Campbell, Michael Colyar, Paul Anthony, TS Madison, Farrah Franklin, Kimberly and Keyondra Lockett, Fred Hammond, Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker and many more exceptional leaders!

Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University's President Verna Caddie, announced honorary doctorate graduation and the Second Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony to be held Sunday December 4, 2022 at Sans Sauci Ballroom, 26511 Tx-249 in Tomball, Texas (in the Houston area).

The much-anticipated ceremony will include the university's honorary doctorate graduation saluting the following honorees:

• Yolanda Adams
• Erica Campbell
• Marshall Thompson
• Paul Anthony
• Michael Colyar
• Farrah Franklin
• TS Madison
• Mary Griffin
• Kimberly and Keyondra Lockett
• Fred Hammond
• Funky Larry Jones
• Yolanda"Yo-Yo" Whitaker, and many more...

Iconic singer and songwriter Jody Watley will be recognized with special presentations from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and State Representative Ron Reynolds.  Also Dr. Verna Caddie, President of Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University, will be awarding the Doctorate Of Philosophy in Humanitarianism Awards to honorees.

See How Lorna D. Cheatham, Founder of Clera’s Creative Gifts, Makes A Statement With Her Black-Owned Gift Wrapping Paper Company

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LORNA D. CHEATHAM CREATES AFROCENTRIC GIFT-WRAPPING PAPER BRAND THAT'S TRULY MAKING MEMORABLE HOLIDAY IMPRESSIONS

Lorna D. Cheatham, is the founder and CEO of Clera’s Creative Gifts, a Black-owned gift-wrapping paper and gift bag brand that is known for its unique Afrocentric-themed designs. A certified Women’s Business Enterprise, Lorna started her Detroit-based company in 2018 with the goal to bring jobs back to her city for disadvantaged, abused women of color and returning citizens.

Lorna, who is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, was one of twelve siblings in her family. She comments, “Birthdays was always a special time for her family, although they didn’t receive a lot; they cherished what they got.”

At the tender young age of nine, her mother, Clera, was unfortunately taken away. Luckily, they were left with many of her precious memories, which is why she decided to name her company after her mother; it was her way of keeping her memory alive.

Discover How Congressman Joe DioGuardi Brings Racial Justice to U.S. Military Awards Helping Blacks Be Awarded The Medal of Honor

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A CONGRESSMAN’S LIFE-LONG FIGHT TO BRING RACIAL JUSTICE TO THE US MILITARY AWARDS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR

November 11 is Veterans Day in the United States. There is no higher award or honor that military heroes can receive than the Medal of Honor.

Yet, it is striking that until April 24, 1991, out of a total of 3,417 Medals of Honor awarded to American service members, only 77 were given to African Americans, but none of these were given to African Americans who had served in World Wars I and II.

This dire statistic changed on April 24, 1991, when the first Medal of Honor was bestowed, posthumously, upon a black American hero of World War I, Sgt. Freddie Stowers of South Carolina, who heroically sacrificed his life in France on September 28, 1918, at the age of 21. At that White House ceremony in 1991, President George H. W. Bush praised the heroism of Sgt. Stowers and twice thanked former Congressman Joe DioGuardi of New York for his efforts to make it happen.

Learn How Insightful Thinker And Writer Ancestor Dr. Charles L. Singleton Made Invaluable Contributions To Our Community Blogs

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In Memoriam: Giving Thanks For The Soulful Work & Spirit Of Dr. Charles L. Singleton

 "Honoring The Life And Media Contributions OF
Dr. Charles L. Singleton"

Reflections by Publishers Kamau and nZinga Austin, with tributes also by Tolson Banner and JV Howard, Op-Ed Contributors to the Black News Scoop, and Scoop News Blogs.

Get An Overview With Our Intro Tribute Video Below...

Dr. Charles L. Singleton, was a great inspiring and insightful person and contributor to many things.  He was a professional athlete, educational consultant, Purple Heart Awardee, creative and insightful writer, progressive author, Fundraiser for Elizabeth City College and HBCU causes.  He was of course a mentor and inspirational presence for many people and organizations.

We, at the Scoop Publications, have been honored to have shared ideas, been a vehicle for his writing genius, and helped him raise (the last he related to me) over $75,000 for charitable causes.  I can sense that Ancestor Singleton's, soulful presence is still with us.  I feel Doc. Singleton, as we would affectionately refer to him, would want us to continue to be a truthful resource showcasing the striving for Black economic, business, and social empowerment. 

Dr. Charles L. Singleton, was one of the greatest supporters of AMS Digital's Scoop News Blogs.  It is hard to describe the awesome contribution Dr. Singleton made to our publication.  We at AMS Digital and Scoop Publications extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Singleton's family...

For me, Kamau Austin, Publisher of AMS Digital and Scoop News blogs, Dr. Charles Singleton or Chuck Singleton as he called himself, was a priceless mentor, coach, content contributor, Op-Ed writer, and supporter. His involvement will be greatly missed however I can feel the presence of Ancestor Chuck Singleton urging us at the Scoop news blogs to continue and don't quit our editorial mission.

Doc. Singleton was not only into serious research and study but he also blessed us with topics as diverse as the Black hair care industry, historic Black women, aging, outstanding Black fishermen, gun violence, Black history, COVID-19 and even hip hop.  These are just a small sample of the topics he ventured into for our publications.

To see an overview of his dozens of articles click on the following links on the Black News Scoop and the Southeast Queens Scoop.  My daughter nZinga Austin, an award winning community media editor, animator, singer, and advocate for our people on the autism spectrum shares her reflections about Dr. Singleton below.

nZinga Austin - Dr. Singleton was a good man that supported our scoop publications.  He started writing in our flagship publication the SoutheastQueensScoop.com and later was more featured in his favorite the Black News Scoop.

He was a very dedicated contributor and supporter who helped us quite a lot.  He also wrote a lot about his family. My favorite articles from him is when he wrote books for black education. He was also a promising Football player.

He had a doctor's degree in education. He wrote books for children so their parents can help their children be successful.

He was also a teacher in Southeast Queens, New York. I heard he also taught schools in Georgia, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York.

He believed you should teach children so they can keep the world going forward. He was also into teaching about aging and fitness. He also helped older people to exercise.  Next we share the the memories of our Op-Ed Contributor JV Howard.

JV Howard - It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this but it was words that Dr. Singleton use to enlighten, inform, inculcate, and motivate his audience across a myriad of issues. He implored us to read between the lines of the pages of life for clarity, for understanding, and for growth.

He was a informative writer with his pen and an educator at heart. Dr. Singleton has certainly left the universe in a better place than the way he found it. May he Rest in Peace.  Another of our Op-Ed Contributors Tolson Banner shares his memories of Dr. Charles L. Singleton.

Tolson Banner - I never met Dr.Singleton face to face.  I met him through the cosmic connection of words: a word to word meeting - if you will.

I started reading his prolific/insightful column and I became transfixed each time I met him in words.  His writings always nudged me to readjust my aperture - always giving me additional clarity for my eyesight!

Usually our mourning on a loss loved one focuses on us. Dr.Singleton, taught me to readjust my aperture always - in this readjustment there is no loss instead another ancestor on the other side to watch over and guide us on our spiritual journey in this life.