Black History

Shalonda Young Joins Joe Biden’s Cabinet as Director of the Budget Office

In a bi-partisan vote of 61-36, Shalanda Young becomes the first Black woman to head the department that oversees the government’s budget. Before her appointment Young served almost a year as acting director of OMB during a time when, according to the White House, the government spent over $1.3 trillion in appropriations for disaster aid and COVID-19 response aid.

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2022

Oakland Post

Shalanda Young. ABHmuseum.org photo.

By Post Staff

Confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday to become director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young becomes the fifth Black woman appointed to President Joe Biden’s Cabinet thereby continuing to fulfill his campaign promise to diversify the leadership in his administration.

In a bi-partisan vote of 61-36, Young becomes the first Black woman to head the department that oversees the government’s budget. Before her appointment Young served almost a year as acting director of OMB during a time when, according to the White House, the government spent over $1.3 trillion in appropriations for disaster aid and COVID-19 response aid.

Before her nomination went to the Senate, Young had the backing of key Democrats and Republicans alike including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Upon hearing of her confirmation, Rep. Barbara Lee, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released a statement congratulating Young.

Lee worked closely with Young during her time as Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee.

“In my time working with Shalanda Young on the Appropriations committee, she was one of the most talented, strategic, and well-respected staff members on Capitol Hill.

“I have no doubt that she will continue her legislative mastery as the first Black woman director of OMB. It makes me very proud that she’s finally cleared this nomination process, and I can’t wait to continue working with her in her new role.”

The Louisiana native who attended Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans also drew high praise from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday ahead of the vote.

“It shouldn’t have taken this long to confirm someone as obviously qualified as Shalanda Young,” Schumer said from the Senate floor. “She’s been leading the OMB for nearly a year. She knows the budget and appropriations processes like the back of her hand. She’s proven capable of working with Republicans and Democrats alike. And it was through her guidance the administration notched some of its biggest victories including the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law.”

The Hill, CNNnews and the press office of Rep. Barbara Lee were the sources for this report.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

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Black History

Matthew Henson: Explorer Extraordinaire

Matthew Henson, a trailblazing explorer who overcame countless obstacles to leave an incredible mark on history. Born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of adventure.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Matthew Henson (File Photo)

By Tamara Shiloh

Henson’s life began amidst the backdrop of post-Civil War America, where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. From a young age, he possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond his small town. At the age of 12, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever when he joined a merchant ship as a cabin boy.

His most famous expedition was his journey to the Arctic with renowned explorer Robert E. Peary. In 1887, Henson joined Peary’s crew as a seaman and quickly proved himself to be invaluable with his skills as a navigator and craftsman. Over the course of several expeditions, Matthew endured extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and grueling conditions as he and Peary sought to reach the elusive North Pole.

In 1908–09, Peary set out on his eighth attempt to reach the North Pole. It was a big expedition, with Peary planning to leave supplies along the way. When he and Henson boarded their ship, the Roosevelt, leaving Greenland on August 18, 1909, they were joined by a large group. This included 22 Inuit men, 17 Inuit women, 10 children, 246 dogs, 70 tons of whale meat, blubber from 50 walruses, hunting gear, and tons of coal.

In February, Henson and Peary left their anchored ship at Ellesmere Island’s Cape Sheridan, along with the Inuit men and 130 dogs. They worked together to set up a trail and supplies along the way to the Pole.

Peary picked Henson and four Inuit people to join him in the final push to the Pole. However, before they reached their destination, Peary couldn’t walk anymore and had to ride in a dog sled. He sent Henson ahead to scout the way. In a later interview with a newspaper, Henson recalled being in the lead and realizing they had gone too far. The group turned back, and Henson noticed his footprints helped guide them to their destination. At that location, Henson planted the American flag.

Henson’s legacy extends far beyond his expeditions to the Arctic. He shattered racial barriers in the world of exploration and inspired countless individuals, regardless of race, to dream big and pursue their passions. In 1937, he was finally recognized for his achievements when he was inducted into The Explorers Club, an organization dedicated to promoting scientific exploration and field research.

Matthew Henson died in the Bronx, New York, on March 9, 1955, at the age of 88.