Coretta Scott King, civil rights leader and activist, built a legacy of justice, peace, and equality, championing causes worldwide while preserving Dr. King’s dream.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA |April 27, 2025
Coretta Scott King was born in rural Heiberger, Alabama, on April 27, 1927. Her family lived modestly but comfortably. She was descended from enslaved people and had Irish ancestry as well. She showed strong values, discipline, and a love for music from a young age.
Coretta graduated valedictorian from her high school, Lincoln Normal School, in 1945. She then attended Antioch College in Ohio. King broke racial barriers as one of the first Black students to study there. Later, she earned a degree in voice and violin from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, intending to become a concert vocalist.
While in Boston, she met a young minister named Martin Luther King Jr. They fell in love and married in 1953. They soon became partners in the fight for civil rights.
Coretta gave up her dream to be a concert singer and took up the march for freedom. She used her voice differently. She sang at rallies and held “freedom concerts” to raise money for the cause.
In 1956, their home in Montgomery, Alabama, was bombed. She and her infant daughter were inside. Thankfully, neither was hurt. But it showed the danger of their work.
Coretta stood firm. She marched, spoke out, and supported her husband’s mission. After Dr. King was killed in 1968, Coretta kept going. Just four days later, she gave a speech at Morehouse College in his place.
She led the effort to create the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. The center became a place for learning about justice and peace.
Coretta also fought for other causes. She opposed the Vietnam War. She stood up for women’s rights and helped found the National Organization for Women. She spoke out against apartheid in South Africa. She was an early supporter of LGBTQ rights, saying, “Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism.”
Coretta pushed hard for a national holiday to honor Dr. King. For more than 15 years, she lobbied leaders. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill. Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday.
At the signing, President Reagan said, “Mrs. King, I am pleased to sign this legislation that honors your husband’s legacy. Your efforts have been instrumental.”
Tributes to Coretta Scott King for various accomplishments
President Reagan: “Her courage kept Dr. King’s dream alive.”
Senator Ted Kennedy: “Mrs. King showed the same strength her husband had.”
Vice President George H. W. Bush: “Your husband’s dream is now a national commitment.”
Senator Joe Biden: “Well done.”
Nelson Mandela: “She was a soldier for peace around the world.”
President Bill Clinton: “She stood for love, not hate. For hope, not fear.”
Hillary Clinton: “She built her own legacy of justice and peace.”
Bishop Desmond Tutu: “She was a moral leader, full of grace.”
President Jimmy Carter: “Coretta’s dignity inspired millions.”
Barack Obama: “She fought for the rights of all people—Black, white, straight, gay.”
Oprah Winfrey: “Mrs. King was a queen in every sense.”
Maya Angelou: “She wore hope like a crown.”
Jesse Jackson: “She was the glue that held the movement together.”
Andrew Young: “Her wisdom guided us in dark times.”
Rep. John Lewis: “She walked the walk and never turned back.”
Coretta Scott King received over 60 honorary degrees. She met world leaders like Pope John Paul II and Mandela. She wrote her memoir, My Life with Martin Luther King Jr., in 1969.
By Milton Kirby – Martin Luther King Jr & Corretta Scott King Tombs
In 2006, she passed away. Georgia honored her by allowing her body to lie in state at the Capitol—the first Black woman to receive that honor. She was laid to rest beside her husband at The King Center in Atlanta, near the eternal flame of justice.
Her life was one of courage, vision, and heart. She was more than Dr. King’s wife. She was a leader, a fighter, and a voice for those unheard. Her light still shines.
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is gaining national attention as a unifying Democratic leader and potential presidential contender praised for his service, charisma, and crisis leadership.
By Stacey M Brown | April 21, 2025
As the Democratic Party continues to search for a new identity and fresh leadership, attention is turning to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who is rapidly emerging as a rising national figure — and a potential presidential contender. Moore, who gained national acclaim alongside Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott for their steady leadership following the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, has received praise for his charisma, military service, executive leadership, and ability to unite a fractured party. Hollywood heavyweight George Clooney, a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s now-abandoned reelection bid, told CNN this week that Moore was “levitating” above the rest of the Democratic field. “There’s one person in particular I think is spectacular,” Clooney said in an interview, where he was also promoting his Broadway portrayal of legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow. “I think [Moore] is a guy that has handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully. He does two tours of duty in Afghanistan — active duty. He speaks beautifully. He’s smart. He ran a hedge fund — the Robin Hood Foundation. He’s a proper leader.”
The Academy Award winner, whose July 2024 op-ed helped accelerate Biden’s decision to exit the race, praised other Democratic governors like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. But his focus remained squarely on Moore. “We say Democrats fall in love and Republicans fall in line,” Clooney added. “I think he could be someone we could all join in behind. We have to find somebody rather soon.” Moore, 46, became Maryland’s first Black governor in 2023. While speculation about his national ambitions grows, he insists he remains focused on his state. “I am not focused on anything, except for making sure this is Maryland’s decade,” Moore said in a televised interview this week. He highlighted a new state tax cut and added, “I’m really proud of what Maryland is doing, and I’m focused on making sure we keep that progress going.”
Still, admiration for Moore comes from across the country — and within his party. “The governor has been incredible and I’m proud to be working with him,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told the Washington Informer at this week’s African American Mayors Conference in D.C. Najaa Rice, who traveled from Atlanta for the event, echoed that sentiment. “Wes Moore — President Wes Moore,” she said. “It’s not just because he’s Black. Sen. Tim Scott is Black and I wouldn’t dream of supporting him. Gov. Moore is what we all hoped a politician, a governor, and a civil servant would be. He’s the definition of ‘man of the people,’ and he’s not only the biggest hope Democrats have, but he’s the real hope this country has to right the ship.” United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax also weighed in. “When our elected leaders not only talk the talk but also walk the walk, progress follows. Maryland Governor Wes Moore is doing just that,” Lomax said.
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By Milton Kirby | Truth Seekers Journal | April 21, 2025
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo National Finals—a cultural and competitive cornerstone celebrating African American cowboy legacy—has been nominated for Best Rodeoin USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
The prestigious national contest invites the public to vote once per day over the next four weeks. Balloting will remain open until Monday, April 28, at 11:59 a.m. EDT. The final Top 10 winners, as determined by reader votes, will be officially announced on Wednesday, May 7 at noon EDT.
Named for the legendary African American cowboy and rodeo pioneer Bill Pickett, the rodeo has gained nationwide acclaim for its thrilling competition and commitment to preserving and showcasing Black Western heritage. The nomination underscores the rodeo’s rising prominence on the national stage.
Supporters can cast their votes daily by visiting the USA TODAY 10BEST website. A strong showing would place the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo among the nation’s most beloved and celebrated rodeo events.
The recognition comes at a time when interest in the rich legacy of Black cowboys is gaining renewed attention in both popular culture and sporting circles. Organizers hope the nomination inspires new and old fans to continue elevating this historic event.
Rev. Al Sharpton met with Target CEO Brian Cornell to address the company’s DEI rollback, amid ongoing boycott efforts and activist concerns over corporate accountability.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 21, 2025
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Rev. Al Sharpton met with Target CEO Brian Cornell at the National Action Network (NAN) headquarters in Harlem to discuss the company’s recent rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. NAN’s National Board Chair, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, and Senior Adviser Carra Wallace attended the meeting
Courtesy NAN – Al Sharpton
Following the meeting, Sharpton described the discussion as “very constructive and candid,” as reported by the National Action Network and The Guardian. He stated, “I am going to inform our allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of our discussion and my feelings, and we will go from there.”
Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Lithonia, GA, who initiated a 40-day boycott of Target during Lent through his campaign TargetFast.org, confirmed his attendance at the meeting. Sharpton emphasized their alignment, stating, “We must make it clear, on the record, that he and I are aligned, especially as those seeking to dismantle DEI will sow divisions to advance their cause.”
However, some local activists expressed concerns about the meeting. Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis-based civil rights attorney and one of the initial organizers of the Target boycott, questioned Sharpton’s involvement. She told the Minnesota Star Tribune, “Sharpton had absolutely zero involvement in the Target boycott,” suggesting that Target’s outreach to Sharpton might be an attempt to “control the narrative.”
In January, Target announced significant changes to its DEI policies, including ending its three-year DEI goals, withdrawing from external DEI surveys, and concluding its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) program by 2025. The company also plans to shift from “supplier diversity” to a broader “supplier engagement” approach.
Sharpton has been vocal about corporate accountability regarding DEI commitments. In a statement, he remarked, “If an election determines your commitment to fairness, then fine—you have a right to withdraw from us. But we have a right to withdraw from you.”
As of now, Target has not indicated any changes to its DEI policies following the meeting. The National Action Network has not released additional details. Activists and consumers continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of sustained corporate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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The 2025 Masters highlighted golf’s evolving legacy—spotlighting Black pioneers, Augusta’s exclusivity, and a $140M economic impact—while diversity efforts continue to reshape the sport.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 18, 2025
As the 89th Masters Tournament concluded Sunday, April 13, 2025, the storylines that emerged weren’t just about the iconic green jacket or record-breaking putts. Behind the meticulously groomed fairways of Augusta National Golf Club lies a deeper story—one that speaks to the history of exclusivity, the slow march toward diversity, and the staggering economic footprint of one of America’s most prestigious sporting events.
Black Golfers in America: Progress and Persistence
Golf in the United States is still largely dominated by white players, but Black athletes have made important strides—though the road remains steep. As of 2024, about 3% of the 28.1 million on-course golfers in the U.S. were Black, totaling roughly 843,000 players. This marks a decline from 1.1 million Black golfers in 2015, highlighting ongoing struggles with access, affordability, and representation.
Despite these challenges, a number of Black golfers have not only made it to the PGA Tour but also achieved remarkable success:
Charlie Sifford became the first African American to earn a PGA Tour card in 1961, later winning two events and earning a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Pete Brown was the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event in 1964.
Lee Elder made history in 1975 as the first Black player to compete in the Masters Tournament.
Calvin Peete, known for his accuracy, won 12 PGA Tour events, including the 1985 Players Championship.
Jim Thorpe secured three PGA Tour wins and 13 on the Champions Tour.
Modern Black golfers continue to carry the torch:
Tiger Woods, with 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 majors, remains one of the most dominant and influential golfers of all time.
Harold Varner III made history as the first Black golfer to advance to the PGA Tour via the Web.com Tour.
Joseph Bramlett became the first Black player to graduate from PGA Tour Q-School since Tiger.
Cameron Champ, a rising star, is known for his long drives and advocacy for racial equity in the sport.
Cheyenne Woods, Tiger’s niece, has competed on the LPGA Tour and earned international victories.
Organizations like the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour are also working to provide competitive platforms for aspiring Black professionals, seeking to increase diversity at golf’s highest levels.
Inside Augusta National: Membership and Milestones
Perhaps no course is more symbolic of golf’s complex relationship with race than Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters since its debut in 1934. Known for its tightly guarded membership and tradition-heavy culture, the club did not admit its first Black member—Ron Townsend, a television executive—until 1990. This move came amid national pressure after a similar exclusion scandal at Alabama’s Shoal Creek Club drew widespread backlash.
Since then, Augusta has added other Black members, including Condoleezza Rice, who also broke barriers as one of the club’s first two female members in 2012, and former NFL great Lynn Swann. The exact number of Black members today remains confidential, in line with Augusta’s longstanding policy of secrecy. Still, reports suggest several African Americans now hold roles in membership and business operations.
Augusta’s exclusivity persists: membership is by invitation only, with estimated initiation fees between $100,000 and $300,000, and annual dues under $30,000. The club typically hosts around 300 members, often referred to as “green jackets.”
Masters Champions: Legends of the Tournament
In its 89-year history, only a few players have won the Masters multiple times—a rare achievement that cements their place in golf legend.
Jack Nicklaus leads with 6 victories (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986).
Tiger Woods, the most dominant Black golfer in history, has won 5 times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019).
Arnold Palmer claimed 4 wins (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964).
Tiger Woods’ historic 1997 win not only redefined the sport but also symbolized a new chapter in its racial history. His enduring legacy continues to inspire young golfers of color across the globe.
The 2025 Masters added yet another chapter to the tournament’s historic legacy when Rory McIlroy won after a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose. With the victory, McIlroy became the sixth player—and the first European—to complete the modern career Grand Slam, doing so on his 11th attempt. His long-awaited triumph underscored the global prestige of the Masters and highlighted how the event continues to shape the narratives of golf’s greatest champions.
By Milton Kirby East Lake Golf Course Atlanta, GA – Location of Ryder Cup 1963
The Masters and Georgia’s Economy: A Championship Boost
The Masters isn’t just a sporting event—it’s an economic juggernaut. Held each April, the tournament injects between $120 million and $140 million into Augusta’s local economy. From luxury rentals to booming restaurant business, the city transforms into a hub of global commerce during Masters Week.
Across Georgia, golf drives even larger gains. In 2022, the industry generated a $5.3 billion statewide economic impact, supporting over 55,000 jobs and contributing $2.7 billion in wages.
Hospitality rates spike dramatically during the tournament:
Hotel rates surge up to 800%, averaging $500 per night.
Local hotels generate about $26 million in revenue.
Short-term rentals average $5,300 per week, with some homeowners earning up to $28,000, often enough to pay a year’s mortgage.
Transportation sees a bump too. Augusta Regional Airport handles over 2,100 private flights during Masters Week—more than five times its normal daily volume.
And then there’s merchandise. Augusta National’s iconic shop generates an estimated $50 million in sales annually during the event, with items like Masters-themed gnomes becoming collector’s favorites.
The Legacy and the Future
Despite Augusta National’s secretive culture and its late adoption of inclusive practices, the club and the Masters remain fixtures in American sport and business. But the story of Black golfers—past, present, and future—is still being written.
The legacy of exclusion still casts a long shadow. Yet with champions like Tiger Woods, pioneers like Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder, and grassroots efforts like the APGA Tour pushing for change, the fairways are slowly becoming more welcoming.
Golf, like America, is a work in progress—full of tradition, potential, and the constant challenge to do better.
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Douglas County celebrated zero debt, $97M in grants, and Amazon’s $11B investment at a sold-out State of the County event in Douglasville.
By Milton Kirby | Douglasville, GA| April 17, 2025
More than 300 people filled the Douglasville Conference Center on Wednesday, April 16, for the 2025 State of Douglas County Address. The event was sold out and brought together business leaders, residents, and elected officials. It was hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and the Douglas County Chamber. Amazon was the presenting sponsor.
Douglas County Chairwoman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones gave the annual speech. Her theme was “Why Not Douglas.” She spoke proudly about the county’s location near the airport and its role as the western gateway to metro Atlanta. She said these qualities help attract both small companies and big corporations.
Dr. Jackson Jones also discussed new plans to update the county’s image. This includes changes to its social media, website, and logo. A new strategic plan is coming soon. It will replace Douglas Forward 2025 and include goals and performance measures shaped by community input.
One major highlight: the county has no debt. The Chairwoman said Douglas County is using $97 million in grants and has raised over $55 million through a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). These funds support public safety, parks, transportation, and other county services.
She also shared updates on $200 million worth of current infrastructure projects. These include new bus routes, connections to MARTA, and replacing 11 buses. “Transit improvements take time,” she said, “but they are worth it as the county grows.”
Economic development was another key focus. The Chairwoman said new homes are going up along Highway 92, thanks to better transit. The county is also growing its film industry. It earned a “Camera Ready” status and opened a Film and Entertainment Office.
In tech news, Douglas County has become a hub for data centers. Companies like T5, Stack, and Switch have invested in the area. The biggest news: Amazon Web Services will invest $11 billion in the county and create 550 jobs focused on artificial intelligence. It is the largest corporate investment in Georgia’s history.
Michael Paris, President of the Council for Quality Growth, said partnerships like these help guide the county’s future. “Working together ensures that we all have a voice in how we grow and thrive,” he said.
Sara Ray, President of the Douglas County Chamber, added, “Together, we inspire leadership and boost our economy.”
Other speakers included Yvette Jones, Chief Communications Officer for Douglas County, and Trevor Quander of Georgia Power. Amazon’s Terreta Rodgers also spoke, along with Danny Johnson from the Atlanta Regional Commission.
This was the sixth of eight “State of the County” events planned across metro Atlanta this year. Each one brings together local leaders, governments, and businesses to shape the future of their communities.
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NBA legend Bill Russell broke records and racial barriers—as a champion player, pioneering coach, and fearless civil rights activist. His impact still echoes today.
It happened in April 1966
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 19, 2025
William Felton Russell was more than a basketball legend—he was a trailblazer for justice, leadership, and a powerful image in sports and society.
Born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, and raised in Oakland, California, Bill Russell rose to prominence at the University of San Francisco, where he led the Dons to two NCAA championships.
Bill Russell with Championship Rings
In 1956, he joined the Boston Celtics and forever changed the game of basketball.
Over 13 seasons, Russell led the Celtics to 11 NBA championships, the most by any player in league history. He was a five-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, and a gold medalist at the 1956 Olympics. Yet his influence reached far beyond the court.
Trailblazing Coach and Leader
On April 17, 1966, following the Celtics’ championship win and Red Auerbach’s retirement as head coach, Russell made history as the first Black head coach in NBA history. Appointed as a player-coach, he led the team while still anchoring the defense on the court. Under his guidance, the Celtics won two more NBA championships in 1968 and 1969.
After retiring from playing, Russell returned to coaching in May 1973, when he was hired to lead the Seattle SuperSonics. His tenure with the Sonics and later the Sacramento Kings marked a new chapter in his coaching legacy—bringing his wisdom and leadership beyond Boston.
Reflections from Teammates and Contemporaries
Russell’s impact on those around him is best reflected in the words of those who knew him best:
Don Nelson, former Celtics teammate, once said:
“There are two types of superstars. One makes himself look good at the expense of the other guys on the floor. But there’s another type who makes the players around him look better than they are, and that’s the type Russell was.”
John Havlicek, another Celtics great, recalled Russell’s intense focus:
“When it’s an important game or an important challenge for him—someone like Chamberlain, or someone coming up that everyone’s touting—the sound of Russell throwing up is a welcome sound, too, because it means he’s keyed up for the game, and around the locker room we grin and say, ‘Man, we’re going to be all right tonight.'”
Paul Pierce, former Celtics star, shared a more lighthearted memory:
“You know that infectious laugh that he had? He’d come in, give you the middle finger and start laughing. When he first did it to me, I was like, ‘Woah.’ And then I’d laugh, and that kind of brought the tension back down.” – NBC Sports Boston
Doc Rivers, former Celtics and current 76ers head coach, emphasized Russell’s trailblazing influence:
“Without Bill Russell, I’m not coaching.”
A Voice for Justice
Off the court, Russell was a fearless advocate for civil rights. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stood beside Muhammad Ali in protest of the Vietnam War draft, and never shied away from confronting racism—even when it came from fans in his city.
His principled stance made him a powerful symbol of dignity, resistance, and moral leadership in sports. He understood the platform that came with greatness and used it to push for justice and equality.
Bill Russell receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom
Today, the NBA Finals MVP Award bears his name—a fitting tribute to a man who truly defined what it means to be most valuable. Russell’s legacy isn’t just in the record books. It lives in every athlete who uses their platform for justice, in every team that champions inclusion, and in every fan who believes sports can elevate society.
Russell once said, “What distinguishes a champion is not always winning, but rising each time you fall.”
And rise, he always did. Bill Russell remained a champion in every sense of the word on the court, on the sidelines, and in the fight for civil rights.
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New Orleans Jazz Fest returns April 25–May 4 with 650+ performances, local cuisine, parades, and deep cultural roots—celebrating music, heritage, and community impact.
By Milton Kirby | New Orleans, LA | April 16, 2025
When the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns next week, it will bring with it more than just music—it will revive a legacy. Since its modest beginnings in 1970, Jazz Fest has blossomed into one of the world’s premier cultural celebrations. What started with only 350 attendees in Congo Square now welcomes more than 450,000 guests from across the globe. And in 2025, it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever.
A Festival Born of Heritage
Jazz Fest was conceived by legendary jazz impresario George Wein, who the New Orleans Hotel Motel Association recruited to create an event to spotlight the city’s immense cultural wealth. The vision became a reality with the formation of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Its inaugural lineup in 1970 would be jaw-dropping by today’s standards: Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, and the Preservation Hall Brass Band, igniting a tradition of showcasing musical legends alongside local talent.
One unforgettable moment from that first year? Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington spontaneously joined a brass band second line—an unplanned celebration that captured the spirit of New Orleans and set the tone for decades to come.
A Gala That Kicks Things Off with Purpose
The celebration begins with the Jazz & Heritage Gala on April 23 at 7 PM CDT. This dazzling pre-festival affair sets the stage for the weeks ahead, uniting musicians, artists, and patrons for a night of live music, fine cuisine, and joyful dancing. But it’s more than glitz—it’s a fundraiser with purpose. Proceeds from the gala support year-round initiatives like the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, which provides over 250 children with free music lessons, and Community Partnership Grants that total over $2 million annually.
Two Weekends of Music, Culture, and Community
Running across two weekends—April 25–27 and May 1–4—Jazz Fest offers 650 performances across 14 stages, with over 650 performances scheduled for 2025. Whether you’re in front of the Acura Main Stage for headliners like Lil Wayne with The Roots, or soaking in gospel harmonies under the tent, each day promises its own kind of magic.
Beyond music, expect 45 second line parades, 20 pow-wow dances, and an electric energy in the air that can only be described as uniquely New Orleans.
Eat Like a Local: The Food Scene
At Jazz Fest, the music feeds the soul—but the food? It feeds everything else. With over 70 food vendors (all local, no chains allowed), culinary treasures abound. Don’t leave without trying the iconic Crawfish Monica, Crawfish Bread, Cochon de Lait, or a refreshing Mango Freeze. New for 2025: the first-ever vegan booth, ensuring there’s truly something for everyone.
In a major win for Louisiana residents, 2025 brings an all-new ticket pricing structure. While early-bird packages have sold out, all single-day tickets—both advance and at the gate—are now discounted for buyers with a Louisiana ZIP code-linked credit card.
“Locals Thursday” continues to be a favorite, but now, every day of Jazz Fest comes with a bit of hometown love.
Getting Around & What to Bring
Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in the Gentilly neighborhood, navigating the crowds requires a little strategy. The best bet is the RTA Bus System—just $9 for a 3-day pass. The 91 Jackson-Esplanade drops riders a short walk from the gates. Bike shares are also encouraged, though parking spots fill quickly.
As for gear, pack light but smart: collapsible chairs, blankets, factory-sealed water, and sunscreen are highly recommended. Keep in mind: Jazz Fest is cashless, but on-site exchange booths are available. And don’t forget to wear something festive, especially the limited edition BayouWear—a favorite tradition that combines fashion with flair.
Where the Party Goes After Dark
Though the main festival shuts down at 7 PM, the rhythm of New Orleans doesn’t. After parties and music events ignite the city well into the night.
Preservation Hall – Though under renovation, their nightly shows continue at the nearby Toulouse Theater, keeping traditional jazz alive and accessible.
Tipitina’s – An Uptown institution once home to Professor Longhair, now owned by the band Galactic, and still one of the city’s most legendary stages.
Maple Leaf Bar is Oak Street’s pride. This funky venue hosts jam bands, brass groups, and soul-filled nights almost every evening.
Snug Harbor – A Marigny gem that doubles as a jazz club and bistro, perfect for music lovers seeking a more intimate scene after the crowds.
And let’s not forget Frenchmen Street, where music spills out of open doors and the city’s spirit takes over the night.
The Cultural & Economic Impact
Jazz Fest is more than just a music festival—it’s a cultural engine. With an estimated $300 million annual economic impact, it fuels local hotels, restaurants, transit systems, and small businesses. It also amplifies the voices of local artisans and musicians, who rely on this exposure for their livelihood.
The Foundation’s programs reach beyond festival grounds. From free music instruction to grants supporting Black Masking Indians, brass bands, and folkloric arts, Jazz Fest is a year-round force for good.
Why You Should Go
Jazz Fest draws visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries. Whether you’re coming from Brooklyn, Berlin, or Baton Rouge, you’ll find yourself swept into a celebration that’s as much about people as it is about performance.
With an immersive blend of heritage, food, community, and creativity, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is not just a bucket-list event—it’s a pilgrimage—a reminder that music connects us, that culture sustains us, and that New Orleans is still one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
There’s no other festival in the world like Jazz Fest. It’s not about pyrotechnics or pop gimmicks. It’s about culture, authenticity, and joy. Whether you’re dancing to brass bands under a blazing sun, sharing a po’boy with a stranger, or letting your kid beat on a conga in the Kids Tent, Jazz Fest is a full-body, full-heart experience.
AARP urges a national aging plan as states adopt strategies to support older adults with health care, housing, caregiving, and financial security amid rising senior populations.
America needs a plan to help its older citizens—and soon
By Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO
Most Americans understand the importance of planning to secure their economic futures and advance directives to prepare for their health care as they age. But for too long, there has been no federal action plan to protect our nation’s growing older population.
By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. Yet many government policies and programs have not addressed the unique needs of the aging population.
Photo Courtesy of Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO
AARP has a plan to help change that.
The good news is that a growing number of states are developing and adopting comprehensive plans to support their aging population. AARP has been deeply involved in supporting those efforts. About half the states have implemented, developed or initiated multiyear strategies, commonly known as multisector plans for aging (MPAs). Although state MPAs vary in scope—and in their goals and target populations—they all encourage collaboration among governments, private entities and people.
Yet there is no comparable national plan. The federal government has recently taken steps toward developing such a strategy. The Older Americans Act reauthorization of 2020 set up an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities (ICC). The committee issued a Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging in May.
Among other things, the report focused on age-friendly communities, housing, increased access to long-term support and better health care services, especially for people with low incomes. To get input from older Americans, the ICC holds listening sessions across the country. AARP helps organize these discussions, which kicked off in Washington, D.C., in May.
AARP wants to play a more critical role in this process. We recently released our own vision for a national plan on aging—part of our Aging Well in America Initiative.
AARP’s report emphasizes four goals that can help guide efforts to establish a national plan, along with the policies for implementing those goals.
Promote healthy living and access to affordable, high-quality health care.
Support family caregivers and affordable, high-quality longterm care with dignity, independence and security.
Provide ample opportunities to achieve financial security.
Create age-friendly, livable communities that enable people to age in place.
AARP will continue to work with states and expand our own initiatives that have helped make our communities more livable for older residents and have fostered better aging policies at the local and state level. We’re committed to the development of a national plan on aging that will enable all people to maintain good health, build financial resilience and remain in their homes and communities as they age.
With the population aging at a rate never seen in history, it’s time for policymakers, government officials and organizations involved in aging to seize the opportunity to address the needs of older Americans now and into the future.
U.S. measles cases have surpassed 700 in 2025, driven by outbreaks in Texas and other undervaccinated areas, with three deaths and CDC response efforts underway.
By Devi Shastri |AP Health Writer | April 14, 2025
The number of U.S. measles cases topped 700 as of last week, as Indiana joined the growing list of states with active outbreaks, Texas tallied dozens of new cases, and a third measles-related death was made public.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed in a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday that measles cases were plateauing nationally, but the virus continues to spread mostly in people who are unvaccinated, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention redeployed a team to west Texas.
The United States has more than double the number of measles cases it saw in all of 2024, and Texas is reporting the majority of them, with 541 as of last week’s updated count.
Texas’ cases include two unvaccinated elementary school-age children who died from measles-related illnesses near the epicenter of the outbreak in rural west Texas, which led Kennedy to visit the community this month. The third person who died was an adult in New Mexico who also was not vaccinated.
Other states with active outbreaks — defined as having three or more cases — include New Mexico, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio and Oklahoma.
The multistate outbreak confirms health experts’ fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year. The World Health Organization has said cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and had been considered eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.
Here’s what else you need to know about measles in the U.S.
Photo Annie Rice Associated Press
Texas and New Mexico
Texas’ outbreak began in late January. State health officials said Friday that there were 36 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to 541 across 22 counties — most of them in west Texas. A total of 56 Texans have been hospitalized throughout the outbreak.
Of the confirmed cases, state health officials estimated Friday that about 5% are actively infectious.
Sixty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has logged 355 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county’s residents.
The latest death in Texas was that of an 8-year-old child. Health officials in Texas said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A 6-year-old died of measles in Texas in late February.
New Mexico announced two new cases Friday, bringing the state’s total to 58. State health officials say the cases are linked to Texas’ outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, two are in Eddy County and one is in Chaves County.
New Mexico reported its first measles-related death in an adult on March 6.
Kansas
Kansas has 32 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state, health officials announced Wednesday. Two of the counties, Finney and Ford, are new on the list and are major population centers in that part of the state. Haskell County has the most with eight cases, Stevens County has seven, Kiowa County has six, and the rest have five or fewer.
The state’s first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.
Oklahoma
Cases in Oklahoma increased by two Friday to 12 total: nine confirmed and three probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the west Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.
A health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn’t say which counties had cases.
Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 20 measles cases in the state as of Thursday: 11 in Ashtabula County near Cleveland, seven in Knox County and one each in Allen and Holmes counties.
Ohio is not including nonresidents in its count, a state health department spokesperson told the Associated Press. The Knox County outbreak in east-central Ohio has infected 14 people, according to a news release from the county health department, but seven of them do not live in Ohio. In 2022, a measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85.
The outbreak in Ashtabula County started with an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.
Indiana
Indiana confirmed six connected cases of measles in Allen County in the northeast part of the state; four are unvaccinated minors and two are adults whose vaccination status is unknown.
The cases have no known link to other outbreaks, the Allen County Department of Health said Wednesday. The first case was confirmed April 7.
Elsewhere
Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted seven clusters that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.
In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are frequently traced to someone who caught the disease abroad. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases. So far in 2025, the CDC’s count is 712.
Is a measles booster necessary?
The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.
Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or having been born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.
A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but experts don’t always recommend it and health insurance plans may not cover it.
Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.
People who have documentation of having received a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.
What are the symptoms?
Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.
The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees, according to the CDC.
Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
How can you treat measles?
There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.
Why do vaccination rates matter?
In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called herd immunity.
But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.
The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60.
Shastri writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.
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