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IN MEMORIAM: Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia Dies at 61
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Congressman McEachin was only 61. He was the first African American to be nominated to run as Virginia Attorney General. McEachin was only the third African American to serve in the U.S. Congress from Virginia along with John Mercer Langston and Bobby Scott.
The post IN MEMORIAM: Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia Dies at 61 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor
Though many were aware he’d been battling health issues over the last few years, the death of Richmond Congressman and former State Senator and Delegate Don McEachin is still a big shock.
Congressman McEachin was only 61. He was the first African American to be nominated to run as Virginia Attorney General. McEachin was only the third African American to serve in the U.S. Congress from Virginia along with John Mercer Langston and Bobby Scott.
McEachin was elected to the House of Delegates in 1995 and ran for Attorney General in 2001. He won a four-way primary with 33.6% of the vote but was defeated in the general election to Republican Jerry Kilgore. McEachin was elected to Congress in 2016.
A statement released by his staff late in the evening on Monday, Nov. 28 jolted many and set off a round of phone calls in initial disbelief. McEachin’s staff was in Richmond for a retreat on Monday.
In recent weeks and months, McEachin kept his schedule and was seen during CBC Week in D.C. at the Virginia reception and other events, including a panel discussion he hosted on climate change. He easily won re-election to represent the fourth congressional district on Nov. 8.
In the moments after his office posted the press release below at 10:19 p.m. announcing his death, the tributes to McEachin poured in.
“I am simply devastated to hear the news of the passing of this gentle giant. Rest easy Donald,” wrote Richmond City Councilman Mike Jones.
“Words can’t express the gratitude I have for this man. He took a chance on me. He was my first supporter. He gave me tough love. He gave me his listening ear. He gave me sound advice. He gave me opportunities. Sometimes he felt like a big brother, sometimes a father – not sure why he chose me but I’m grateful. My heart aches for Colette and the family. Rest well A. Don Mac!,” wrote Richmond Del. Lamont Bagby, who is the Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
“I served in the General Assembly with Donald McEachin for over 20 years, watching him make history as the first ever African American nominee for Attorney General of VA in 2001 before he went to Congress. Hearing the news of his death sent a shock of pain through me tonight,” wrote L. Louise Lucas, who is President Pro Tempore of the Senate of Virginia.
“Donald was a thoughtful and principled legislator and respected by people on both sides of the aisle… The Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation have lost one of its most dedicated public servants and fiercest advocates for justice and equality,” wrote the Dean of the Virginia congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott.
“He was the son of an Army veteran and a public-school teacher and grew up in the area that he would go on to represent in the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress,” Rep. Scott continued.
McEachin was also an attorney. He graduated from UVA Law in 1986. He formed a law firm based in Richmond, McEachin & Gee. Many noted that McEachin focused on environmental racism and climate change issues.
“Virginia and our nation are better because Don McEachin chose a life of selfless service. He lifted us all higher, and we can now see farther. Because of that, Don will forever be a part of our brightest future. Our love to Colette and the McEachin Family. #Godspeed,” wrote Virginia’s 41st Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Don McEachin. I have worked with him since our days in the Va House of Delegates and have known him to be a gentle giant in fighting to ensure everyone has a level playing field, my prayers to his family and loved ones. He will be missed,” wrote State Senator Lionell Spruill.
“We are devastated by the passing of Congressman McEachin. As a champion for the Metro Richmond area, his loss will be felt greatly. He consistently supported us, showed up, and gave space to young leaders. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Collette, and the McEachin family,” wrote the Metro Richmond Democrats in a statement.
The Commonwealth of VA has lost a true statesman in Don McEachin. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Collette and their family,” wrote Virginia House Democratic Leader Don Scott.
“Up until the very end, Don McEachin was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend,” wrote U.S. Senator Mark Warner on McEachin.
McEachin is survived by his wife Colette and their three children.
Seven members of the 118th Congress have died in office. They are McEachin, Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, R-La., who died of COVID—19 before taking office in late 2020, just after being elected. Reps. Alcee Hastings, Ron Wright, Jim Hagedorn, Don Young, Jackie Walorski.
The 119th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2023.
Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke
The post IN MEMORIAM: Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia Dies at 61 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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Mother and Son, United in Purpose: How Regina and Judah Are Changing the Future of Early Childhood Education—Together
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — This Mother’s Day, we honor not just the love between a mother and her child, but the shared dreams, grit, and determination that can make those dreams a reality.

By Stacey Finkel
This Mother’s Day, we honor not just the love between a mother and her child, but the shared dreams, grit, and determination that can make those dreams a reality. Regina, 44, and her son Judah, 18, are proof that purpose has no age limit—and that it’s never too late or too early to answer a calling. Regina knows what perseverance looks like. It took her ten years to earn her first college degree, an Associate Degree in Early Childhood from Ashworth College. Life, as it so often does, had other plans—plans that called her away from school and into the real world. But she never let go of her goals or her belief in the power of education. That steadfast commitment planted a seed not only for herself but for her son. Now, Regina and Judah are both enrolled in a scholarship program at the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), housed at Delaware State University (DSU) in Wilmington, Delaware’s only Historically Black College and University. This program allows them to study in any early childhood education-related degree program across the entire state of Delaware. Regina attends Wilmington University, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Education Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Judah attends DSU and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. They are shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart—committed to equity, access, and the transformational power of teaching.
There’s something uniquely beautiful about a mother and son learning at the same time, not just in life, but in the classroom. They study together, encourage each other, and even bring their academic lessons to life while working at Chosen Children’s Child Care in Wilmington, where they support the development of the next generation of learners. Their shared experiences, both as students and as educators, deepen their bond and strengthen their shared commitment to the children they serve. But what truly sets their story apart is the community surrounding them. The Early Childhood Innovation Center is more than a scholarship program. It’s a lifeline, a launchpad, and a promise: You can do this. The faculty and staff meet students where they are—whether they’re returning to school after a decade or stepping into college for the first time. Regina and Judah both credit ECIC with giving them the resources, mentorship, and belief they need to succeed. For Black families, and especially Black mothers, the road to higher education can be long and often filled with obstacles. But what Regina and Judah show us is that when one person refuses to give up, they can inspire an entire legacy. Education becomes not just a goal, but a family value passed down. “I used to feel like I was falling behind because it took me so long to finish,” Regina says. “But now I see that every step was preparing me for this moment—alongside my son, showing him and others that no matter how long it takes, you can finish. You just can’t give up.” This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate mothers like Regina, who never stop striving, and sons like Judah, who walk beside them with pride. Let’s celebrate the power of Black institutions like DSU and innovative spaces like the Early Childhood Innovation Center that don’t just educate—they uplift.
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Trump Abruptly Fires First Carla Hayden: The First Black Woman to Serve as Librarian of Congress
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress. Her firing arrived in the form of an abrupt email in the evening hours.

By Lauren Burke
President Donald Trump abruptly fired the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on May 8. Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress. Her firing arrived in the form of an abrupt email in the evening hours. There are fears that President Trump may also target a second prominent Black federal official, Smithsonian Chief Lonnie Bunch, for no other reason than the perceived political bias in a position not known for partisan activity. “Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service,” the terse communication to Hayden read. The Library of Congress confirmed that Hayden had been informed she was fired by The White House. According to the Associated Press, Hayden “recently faced criticism from a conservative advocacy group aligned with Trump’s political allies. The group, the American Accountability Foundation, accused her and other library officials of promoting children’s books with what it called “radical” themes.”
Since his return to office Trump’s Administration has been focused on removing anyone who may disagree with their policy agenda. Many of the removals have introduced a sense of partisanship that Washington hasn’t seen in certain sectors such as the Library of Congress. “This is yet another example in the disturbing pattern of the President removing dedicated public servants without cause—likely to fill the position with one of his ‘friends’ who is not qualified and does not care about protecting America’s legacy,” wrote House Democrat Rosa DeLauro in a statement on Hayden’s firing. “President Trump’s unjustified decision to fire Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress is deeply troubling and just the latest example of Trump’s assault on the legislative branch of government. It’s also the latest demonstration of his blatant disregard for public servants who dedicate their lives to serving the American people,” wrote U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California in a statement late on May 8.
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Black America Celebrates African Descent Heritage of Pope Leo XIV
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Pope’s factual anthropological roots are not just symbolic. According to genealogist Jari Honora, his maternal lineage traces directly to the Black community of New Orleans’ 7th Ward, with family ties to Haiti, and census records identifying his ancestors as “Black” or “Mulatto.”

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Black America is taking pride in a truth shaking up the Vatican and resonating through the streets of New Orleans: Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago—has Black and Creole roots. The Pope’s factual anthropological roots are not just symbolic. According to genealogist Jari Honora, his maternal lineage traces directly to the Black community of New Orleans’ 7th Ward, with family ties to Haiti, and census records identifying his ancestors as “Black” or “Mulatto.” “By the Europeans’ own ‘1/8th’ rules, we have a Black Pope,” noted author Elie Mystal declared. “Anyway, Pope’s grandfather is Haitian. We kind of got a Black Pope. ‘End Woke’ is not gonna be happy about this.” Further, New Orleans historian Jari Christopher Honora also speaking to the National Catholic Reporter and Black Catholic Messenger, detailed how the pope’s grandparents married in 1887 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church on Annette Street in New Orleans before migrating north. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was the first child in the family born in Chicago. “The Holy Father’s ancestors are identified as either Black or Mulatto,” Honora said.
The Chicago Tribune and New York Times also reported on Pope Leo’s mixed-race background and Creole lineage, noting that his election marks a defining moment in the Church’s evolving identity. “As a Black man, a proud son of New Orleans, and the U.S. Congressman representing the very 7th Ward neighborhood where our new Pope’s family hails from, I am bursting with pride today,” said Rep. Troy Carter. “This is history! The first American Pope, with Creole and Haitian roots, rising from the streets of New Orleans to the Vatican. As a Xavier University alum, I know how deeply faith and resilience run in our community. We celebrate this moment—with joy, with prayers, and with pride.” Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial called Leo XIV’s background “universal,” saying, “Here’s an American whose ministry was in Peru, who has roots in the American South and also ancestry in the American Black community.” Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order, named after the African theologian St. Augustine of Hippo. His election came from a conclave in which two other leading contenders—Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo—were also men of African descent.
But Leo XIV stood apart—not just as the first pope from the U.S. but as one known for his outspokenness on racial justice, immigrant rights, gun reform, and the abolition of the death penalty. TIME Magazine reported that his selection represented a Vatican rebuke of efforts by wealthy Americans and political operatives aligned with Donald Trump to influence the papal outcome. Known in Rome as “The Latin Yankee,” Leo XIV used his verified X account (@drprevost) to amplify criticism of Trump-era immigration policies, often reposting commentary from respected Catholic figures. The New York Post reported that his last post before his election was a retweet of Catholic journalist Rocco Palmo slamming Trump’s alliance with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele over migrant deportations. Back in 2017, the Roman Catholic leader also reposted a message quoting Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich, calling Trump’s refugee bans “a dark hour of US history.”
Though Trump offered lukewarm congratulations from the White House driveway, his far-right allies were quick to lash out. Laura Loomer tweeted, “WOKE MARXIST POPE,” calling Pope Leo “just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.”But outside the MAGA echo chamber, in Black communities across the globe, the emotion is pride. “The pope is Black,” journalist Clarence Hill Jr. said bluntly. And that means something in the Black neighborhoods of Chicago and the Creole corridors of New Orleans. Many said it means representation, resilience, and the reshaping of history at the highest level of the Catholic Church. “We celebrate this moment—not because it erases the struggles of our past, but because it affirms that our faith, our heritage, and our presence matter,” Rep. Carter said. “This is history, and it belongs to all of us.” The. Reverend Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. affirmed, “On behalf of the Black Press of America as the authentic voice of 50 million African Americans and millions more throughout the African diaspora, we join to celebrate Pope Leo XVI, a world leader of African descent who speaks truth to power with courage and grace.”
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