Latest news with #Women'sHistoryMonth
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Head coach of sole DI HBCU acrobatics program steps down
Regina Smith, the trailblazing coach who introduced acrobatics and tumbling to Morgan State University, has officially stepped down. Her departure marks the end of a historic era and leaves a powerful legacy at both Morgan State and across HBCU athletics. Smith joined Morgan State in 2022, bringing a strong background in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. She began her coaching journey after earning a degree in Business Communications from Illinois State University in 2006. Her early success came at Bolingbrook High School in Illinois, where she led competitive cheerleading teams to state-level achievements. From there, she moved into college athletics, coaching at Thiel College, Ottawa University, and Adrian College. In 2012, she launched Adrian College's first acrobatics and tumbling program. Under her leadership, the program quickly earned national respect. Smith's teams went on to win over 30 national championships and secured more than 50 top-three finishes in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and mascot competitions. At Morgan State, Smith applied her deep expertise to create a program that balanced competitive performance with cultural representation. The Bears became the first HBCU Division I acrobatics and tumbling team, a groundbreaking achievement that reshaped the sport's landscape. Smith's influence went far beyond competition. In March 2024, her team made history by visiting the White House during Women's History Month. They became the first NCAA NCATA and HBCU team to receive this recognition. The impact didn't stop there. In February 2025, the team's "two feet split with straddle" routine went viral, earning over 12 million views online. Off the mat, Smith emphasized academics and service. As a result, 13 student-athletes were named to the NCATA Academic Honor Roll, and the team completed more than 400 community service hours. In a statement, Regina Smith expressed her appreciation: Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President and Director of Athletics, praised Smith's leadership: Morgan State has already started a nationwide search for Smith's successor. But this moment is about more than just one coach's departure. It's a call to continue elevating HBCU acrobatics and tumbling and to keep pushing the boundaries of collegiate athletics. The post Head coach of sole DI HBCU acrobatics program steps down appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Business Wire
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Wire
JD Sports and adidas Partner with Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics on Donation to DC's Simon Elementary School
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JD Sports, adidas, and Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards will present a $10,000 donation to Simon Elementary School in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 6. The donation stems from Edwards' March 2025 appearance on Community Voices, a JD Sports social media series that features celebrities, athletes, and activists to amplify and fund underrepresented voices. During the episode, and in honor of Women's History Month, Edwards discussed the women who have inspired her, her WNBA journey, and her passion for giving back. In support of her commitment to community, JD Sports partnered with adidas to contribute funds toward a new media center at Simon Elementary, located in D.C.'s Ward 8. The school, situated near the Mystics training facility, serves many young Mystics fans—most of whom had never met a professional player before. Edwards first visited Simon through a friend's connection, and her ongoing relationship with the students and school staff inspired her to direct the donation there. 'Ultimately, I'm just so grateful to JD Sports and adidas for helping me do this,' said Edwards. 'The school plans to use the donation to build a media center that supports STEAM programming, helping kids learn coding and how to use technology like iPads and laptops. Giving these kids a chance to just be kids with access to great technology means a lot to me.' Edwards and Principal Franchita Eborn will present the donation during a special ceremony at the school on June 6. As part of the celebration, Simon Elementary will receive a Washington Mystics jersey signed by Edwards. MEDIA & CONTENT CAPTURE AVAILABILITY DATE: Friday, June 6 TIME: Media Arrival and Set Up Time - 8:15 - 8:30 AM ET. Event Start Time - 8:45 AM ET. Capture photos and video of the check and signed jersey presentation led by Principal Franchita Eborn on behalf of JD Sports. Principal Eborn and Aaliyah Edwards will also be present and available for interviews. WHERE: Simon Elementary School 401 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032 Media should enter through the front door and will be directed to the gymnasium. ABOUT ADIDAS adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 62,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €23.7 billion in 2024. For more information, please visit ABOUT JD SPORTS JD Sports is a pinnacle sports-fashion retailer that offers the latest and greatest footwear and apparel from top brands that deliver performance, style and comfort to fit a global lifestyle. JD Sports operates more than 300 stores throughout the United States. Shop online at and stay up-to-date with all things JD Sports, including store openings, by following the company's Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube accounts.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JD Sports and adidas Partner with Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics on Donation to DC's Simon Elementary School
WASHINGTON, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JD Sports, adidas, and Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards will present a $10,000 donation to Simon Elementary School in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 6. The donation stems from Edwards' March 2025 appearance on Community Voices, a JD Sports social media series that features celebrities, athletes, and activists to amplify and fund underrepresented voices. During the episode, and in honor of Women's History Month, Edwards discussed the women who have inspired her, her WNBA journey, and her passion for giving back. In support of her commitment to community, JD Sports partnered with adidas to contribute funds toward a new media center at Simon Elementary, located in D.C.'s Ward 8. The school, situated near the Mystics training facility, serves many young Mystics fans—most of whom had never met a professional player before. Edwards first visited Simon through a friend's connection, and her ongoing relationship with the students and school staff inspired her to direct the donation there. "Ultimately, I'm just so grateful to JD Sports and adidas for helping me do this," said Edwards. "The school plans to use the donation to build a media center that supports STEAM programming, helping kids learn coding and how to use technology like iPads and laptops. Giving these kids a chance to just be kids with access to great technology means a lot to me." Edwards and Principal Franchita Eborn will present the donation during a special ceremony at the school on June 6. As part of the celebration, Simon Elementary will receive a Washington Mystics jersey signed by Edwards. MEDIA & CONTENT CAPTURE AVAILABILITYDATE: Friday, June 6TIME: Media Arrival and Set Up Time - 8:15 - 8:30 AM ET. Event Start Time - 8:45 AM ET. Capture photos and video of the check and signed jersey presentation led by Principal Franchita Eborn on behalf of JD Sports. Principal Eborn and Aaliyah Edwards will also be present and available for interviews. WHERE: Simon Elementary School 401 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032 Media should enter through the front door and will be directed to the gymnasium. ABOUT ADIDAS adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 62,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €23.7 billion in 2024. For more information, please visit ABOUT JD SPORTS JD Sports is a pinnacle sports-fashion retailer that offers the latest and greatest footwear and apparel from top brands that deliver performance, style and comfort to fit a global lifestyle. JD Sports operates more than 300 stores throughout the United States. Shop online at and stay up-to-date with all things JD Sports, including store openings, by following the company's Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube accounts. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Macaira O'ConnellCommunications219.378.6880 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's idea to make Americans have babies again gets mixed reviews from experts
President Donald Trump called himself the "fertilization president" during Women's History Month, but some experts cited claims that "baby bonuses," such as the $5,000 plan Trump floated, have been tried in the past and had mixed results. Singapore, Hungary and Australia are three examples of countries where such programs have been instituted. Singapore has been subsidizing parenthood for decades, with the latest endowment per child reaching S$ 11,000 (US $8,000) as of 2023, but the tiny Asian nation still has one of the lowest birth rates in the world. Gabriella Hoffman, an official at the Independent Women's Forum, wrote on social media that baby bonuses did not work in Hungary. Dnc Vice Chair Slams Trump As 'Punk', Would-be Dictator At Fiery Pa Town Hall "Why would we replicate this here?" she asked. Read On The Fox News App That country, led by Trump-favored President Viktor Orban, also incentivizes its residents to have more kids, including through tax breaks for families with three or more offspring. Hungary's birth rate rose slightly about a decade ago but returned to and remains close to one. Australia's program began in 2004 and indexed to inflation in 2008 what was then an A$ 5,000 (US $3,180) for parents per birth. The government's self-reported birthrate statistic was about 1.5 as of 2023. Paula Lantz, a social demographer from the University of Michigan, told the Guardian that in the U.S., the percentage of families having more than one child has dropped and that "there is something else going on" – including non-financial considerations like quality of life effects. An official at the liberal Center for American Progress told the outlet she had a child a few months ago and that the promised $5,000 credit "wouldn't do much" even with good insurance and paid occupational family leave. Obama Slams Pro-trump Men At Philadelphia Rally While Springsteen Warns Gop Nominee Is 'An American Tyrant' Andrea Ippolito, founder of maternal health tech platform SimpliFed, told Fox News Digital that while the $5,000 is a "nice boost," the initiative "just lightly scratches the surface of the support that is needed for families, especially in the early years with childcare and healthcare support that is largely missing from the postpartum care experience." "In order to increase the birth rate, much more is needed to support and ensure that both mom and baby's health is prioritized," Ippolito said. "That means both physical health needs (which are not right now as demonstrated with doubling the preeclampsia rate doubling) and mental health needs." On the other hand, Emily and Nathan Berning – co-founders of crisis-pregnancy support site said that the baby bonus touted by Trump "is a positive step, but it doesn't go far enough." "Financial aid after delivery is helpful, but the real need is stability throughout pregnancy—rent, food, counseling, and emotional support," the Bernings said. "If we want to raise birthrates and protect children, we must act earlier and ensure no woman feels forced into a decision out of fear or isolation." They touted the benefits of pregnancy clinics that are founded by both pro-life and pro-choice advocates, saying that is how to prioritize "compassion over politics." Meanwhile, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a proposal for the feds to provide $1,000 in an account for each American child. The "Invest America Act" would create "a private tax-advantaged account," and Cruz said in a statement last week the investments can be placed in a broad, low-cost fund that tracks the S&P 500, growing tax-deferred until the individual reaches age 18. Distributions after age 18 would be taxed at the capital gains rate. Fox News Digital reached out to Cruz for any comment on claims from critics that past iterations of the accounts have not been successful. Fox News Digital also reached out to the White House for comment on article source: Trump's idea to make Americans have babies again gets mixed reviews from experts
Black America Web
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
15 Janet Jackson Songs We Should Listen to More
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Janet Jackson has built a musical legacy that stands as a testament to her artistic genius. Over the years, she has seamlessly blended genres like pop, R&B, funk, and dance, creating a sound that has not only defined eras but also influenced generations of artists. Her work extends far beyond music, as she's also been a pioneer in dance, fashion, and social commentary, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a global superstar. Janet's ability to innovate and inspire is a thread that ties her storied career together, making her a true trailblazer in every sense of the word. RELATED: Women's History Month: 25 Historic No. 1 Songs By Black Women RELATED: 5 Reasons Janet Jackson Is Undoubtedly The Queen Of Pop Her chart-topping hits are celebrated globally, with anthems like 'Rhythm Nation,' a call for unity and justice, or the sensual grooves of 'That's the Way Love Goes.' Songs like 'If' highlight her fearless approach to both music and choreography, cementing her place in pop history. But while these iconic tracks have solidified her as a household name, there's so much more to Janet's discography waiting to be discovered. Her catalog is rich with hidden gems that reflect her visionary artistry and willingness to experiment with sound and emotion. These oft-overlooked songs provide a deeper understanding of Janet as an artist. They range from introspective ballads that reveal her vulnerability to bold, genre-defying tracks that showcase her willingness to take risks. Each song is a testament to not just her versatility, but her ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. If you've only experienced her biggest hits, now is the time to explore the breadth of her work. These 15 songs are a window into Janet's boundless creativity and enduring talent, reminding us all why she remains one of the most celebrated figures in music history. This high-energy track from Rhythm Nation 1814 is a funky celebration of joy and love. Its infectious beat and layered production, combined with Janet's smooth vocals, make it a timeless bop that exudes carefree fun. Innovative and ahead of its time, this track from The Velvet Rope explores themes of loneliness in a digital age. The electronic production paired with Janet's vulnerable delivery makes it hauntingly relevant even today. A sensual mid-tempo groove from Damita Jo , this track highlights her soft and intimate vocal delivery. It's a perfect example of Janet's ability to create understated yet deeply felt love songs. From The Velvet Rope, this track tackles themes of acceptance and freedom with a blend of funk, jazz, and rock. Its bold message and genre-defying production make it stand out. A subdued ballad from All For You , 'Truth' is raw, introspective, and emotionally charged, showcasing Janet's vulnerability and storytelling ability. A retro-inspired jam from Damita Jo , this track pays homage to classic R&B with its warm grooves and feel-good vibes. Janet perfectly captures the essence of old-school soul. Off her Unbreakable album, this song blends pop and funk with poignant lyrics about individuality and self-worth, highlighting Janet's mastery of both sound and substance. This track from The Velvet Rope is a striking examination of self-identity layered over a hypnotic groove. Its introspective lyrics and experimental production break new ground. A breezy cut from 20 Y.O. , this song captures the essence of escapism with its tropical rhythm and carefree energy. It's the perfect soundtrack for a daydream. This steamy ballad from The Velvet Rope combines Janet's soft vocals with lush orchestration, creating one of her most passionate and intimate performances. A reggae-inspired collaboration with Beenie Man, this underrated track is pure summer vibes. Janet's voice flows effortlessly over the danceable beat. Hidden on Rhythm Nation 1814 , this tender song shows Janet's ability to blend sensitivity with simplicity, resulting in a heartfelt and timeless ballad. From All For You , 'Better Days' is an uplifting ode to hope and healing, beautifully showcasing Janet's ability to inspire through her songs. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
