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War and Treaty Brings Innovative Sound, Cultural Roots to Howard Theater

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — As The War and Treaty marks its triumphant return to Washington, D.C., where each vocalist has roots — the evening promises a captivating experience of undeniable chemistry, musical exploration, and recognition for the roots of Black culture in history.

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2025

Oakland Post

Country Duo Dishes on Significance of New Album, ‘Coming Home’ to D.C.

By Jada Ingleton, Washington Informer
Special to BlackPressUSA.com

Soulful harmonies, bold cross genres, and a masterclass in African American virtuosity arrives in the nation’s capital on April 11, as Tanya and Michael Trotter of The War and Treaty anticipate an electric tour performance of their fourth studio album “Plus One” at Howard Theater. Amid a six-month international tour, the husband-and-wife duo joined WIN-TV’s “Let’s Talk” live from Amagansett, New York on April 4, fueled by elated spirits and candid reflections to discuss the significance of the upcoming show and namesake record. “We bring who we are, we don’t change who we are,” Tanya Trotter, formerly Blount, told The Informer on “Let’s Talk.” “This is an invitation to our fans, as well as to Nashville, to join in on what we’re doing with our gospel-country stuff…to allow people to come into who we are.”

As The War and Treaty marks its triumphant return to Washington, D.C., where each vocalist has roots — the evening promises a captivating experience of undeniable chemistry, musical exploration, and recognition for the roots of Black culture in history. “I want people to come to our concert to learn something, to learn the return, to learn what we started,” Michael Trotter explained. “To learn that all the styles that you hear, every genre that is birthed, was birthed out of the gut, and the heart, and the soul and the mind of our people.” For the spiritually infectious Trotter duo, performing at Howard Theater on April 11 is what the wife boosted as a “full-circle moment.” Tanya Trotter revealed she used to perform on Georgia Avenue during former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry’s Street Theater event, which promoted youth in the arts. The husband then reminisced on winning his first singing competition at the annual Future Fest in 1996, which he considers a “life-changing experience.”

Moreover, Tanya Trotter was among a lineup of reputable musicians chosen to perform at Howard Theater’s Grand Opening Gala Fundraiser on April 12, 2012, after the historic landmark site underwent a 32-year hiatus and $29 million renovation. “It’s just fitting that right off of Georgia Avenue is the incredible Howard Theater, and we’ll be coming back to that,” she said. Besides the initial exposure to live crowds, the wife and actress said Washington, D.C., is instrumental to the style and musicality of The War and Treaty, which debuted in 2014. She spoke of her faith upbringing in a “little church” on 50th and B Street in Southeast, where she also delved into the musical interests that later fruitified the passion and sound of the Grammy-nominated duo, who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. “Whenever we approach music–whether it’s gospel, country, folk, Americana, rock and roll–the foundation is gospel music. That’s where we’re rooted, and that’s where we come from,” she told The Informer. “Everything I learned, it’s inspired and comes from D.C.”

Michael Trotter emphasized his appreciation for his “strong roots” in the nation’s capital, noting the significance of returning home as not only a celebration of upbringing, but of growth and transformation, specifically where it all started. “I’m so very excited to be able to come home with D.C. songbird Miss Tanya, and be able to offer something different that we have,” he said, “and we do have something different.” Officially released on Feb. 14, War and Treaty’s “Plus One” album encompasses a love letter to country music that unapologetically works to redefine stereotypes and limitations often imposed on the genre. The 18-track project – revered as “a testament to the power of love, hope, and human connection” in Americana Highways – leverages raw vocals with the creative elements of country, gospel, rock and blues to “bring something different” to mainstream music, according to Michael. “In country music radio, specifically, we want a different perspective,” the husband said, noting the deep roots of western swing in the history of African American agriculture and enslavement. “We’re going to bring some…of those things that’ve been whitewashed out of country music.” Credited co-writers on the album include country icons like Miranda Lambert and Jesse Frasure. Further, producers like Frasure, Jonathan Singleton, John Shanks and Trotter himself laid the tracks to bring an elevated sound to the mix. Meanwhile, synergized melodies, live instrumentation, and inclusive lyricism invokes a deeper look into the strength of diverse influences and how it can transform the boundaries of music seen today.

“What if D’Angelo did a song with George Jones, or Dolly Parton did a song with Aretha Franklin? What would that sound like…How would that feel?” Tanya Trotter told The Informer. “We’re giving people thoughts. They’ve never seen it before, it’s never been done before.” With this in mind, the She Loves Vintage CEO said “Plus One” is a testament to the foundation of The War and Treaty itself. “When people say, ‘What are you bringing to country music,’ we’re [bridge-builders]. We don’t just blend genres–we bring people together, we blend hearts, people’s choices,” said the singer and entrepreneur, “and we have been able to do that with the last 10 years of our music.” As the duo proceeds to tour now through September, Michael Trotter said he hopes that audiences will embrace the elevated sounds of The War and Treaty as a unit and particularly find inspiration in the breadth and beauty of Black culture in all artistry. “When Black people create, we innovate. That’s the truth,” he told The Informer. “We just want to remind America and abroad that there is a beautiful perspective waiting to take place again.”

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Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park

ATLANTA VOICE — A mural depicting late journalist Jovita Moore, painted on the exterior wall of a building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, was painted over in April. Moore passed away in 2021 after decades of working in Atlanta television news. Bellwood Coffee owners stated in May they were unaware of Moore’s identity or significance to the community before painting over the mural.
The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

At the corner of Boulevard, SE. and Rosalia St., SE., directly across the street from an abandoned home and a Methodist Church, is Bellwood Coffee. One of hundreds of coffee shops in Atlanta, this place of business would not be worth a solitary discussion if not for the way its exterior walls are currently painted. There was once a mural depicting the late Jovita Moore, a beloved journalist who worked in Atlanta for decades. Moore, who passed away in 2021, mentored many of the people you see on television newscasts today. Though her legacy will never be forgotten, it was the mural of her image that was erased.

In April, members of the Grant Park community voiced their disgust at the mural, which graced a side wall of the building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee’s Grant Park location, before it was painted over. In its place are the words “Bellwood Coffee; Cocktails, Biscuits, Dry Goods, Air Conditioning. *Heat Too”. In May, the business owners responded to the community pushback on social media by acknowledging they did not know who Moore was before painting over her image. And later admitted that they did not attempt to find out what she meant to the community.

On May 21, the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account had a post about being “in close contact with Jovita’s family and are actively working on next steps in this process.” Two months later, the mural has not been replaced, repainted, or repositioned on the property. Nothing has been done. Black history is often erased, most recently by the current Presidential administration, but oftentimes on a smaller, quieter scale. The mural was originally painted by muralist Tommy Bronx, who had been in contact with the business owners about repainting it. As of July 6, Tommy Bronx had responded to a direct message via his Instagram account from The Atlanta Voice about any updates on his plans to repaint the mural.

“We’re currently working on it. You should see some movement in the weeks to come,” he wrote in a response.

On Monday, July 6, the business had several patrons inside and was running smoothly with three employees manning the counter. The Atlanta Voice dropped by Bellwood Coffee to get a look at the exterior wall where the mural once stood as a memorial to a journalist and mother who lost her life to brain cancer at the young age of 54. Moore’s image added some color to the block. The grey wall in its place does not.

A direct message was sent to the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account, and there hasn’t been a response as of 7 p.m. on Monday.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Voice.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — A New York man faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly posting a threat against New York State Senator Lea Webb. James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a social media news post about a Juneteenth celebration.
The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

A New York man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly posting that he’d be “proud to hang” New York State Senator Lea Webb from a tree in response to a news story about a Juneteenth celebration.

James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested June 23 by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a WBNG 12 News Facebook post. “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree,” Crosby wrote, according to WBNG.

Crosby was charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a class C felony, per the New York State Police. He is currently being held at Broome County Jail.

During the subsequent investigation, state police found Crosby was in illegal possession of firearms despite being prohibited from owning them due to a prior felony conviction. Investigators recovered a rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and a firearm suppressor — all prohibited under New York state law, per the NYSP.

Crosby was charged with four additional counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, all class D felonies.

Webb, who represents New York’s 52nd Senate District, had been a featured speaker at a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall, where the celebration included prayers and the singing of the Black national anthem.

Police said Crosby’s comment was posted in response to a WBNG news story covering the event.

The day before his arrest, Crosby posted a Facebook apology claiming the comment “was not intended to be racial in any way” and was made in reference to what he described as a “criminal,” citing criticism of Webb over her use of nonprofit legal aid in a foreclosure case — a matter state watchdogs said created an appearance of a conflict of interest, per the Ithaca Voice. He was arrested the following day.

Webb issued a public statement June 25 condemning the threat.

“It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America,” she said. “Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous. We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms.”

She thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and law enforcement for their “swift response.”

Following Crosby’s comments, social media users called for a boycott of his contracting business, Crosby Home Improvements.

The Binghamton City Democratic Committee also called for an investigation into the incident before his arrest.

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The post ‘Proud to hang her from a tree’: Man arrested for threatening Black Senator appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.

The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations

NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on regional leaders to build a stronger and more effective Caribbean Community that benefits future generations. Speaking at the 51st Regular Meeting, Drew urged modernization of governance structures and improved implementation of Community decisions to make CARICOM safer and more prosperous.
The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

Speaking Sunday at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Dr. Terrance Drew said the region must modernize its governance structures, improve the implementation of Community decisions, and ensure CARICOM becomes safer, more prosperous, and more relevant to the lives of its citizens.

The meeting, being held under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” coincides with the Community’s 53rd anniversary. During the ceremony, Dr. Drew formally handed over the rotating CARICOM chairmanship to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

Reflecting on his six-month tenure as chairman, Drew praised fellow regional leaders for maintaining their commitment to democracy, good governance, unity, and the rule of law despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.”
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He highlighted progress made in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including deeper trade cooperation, expanded labour mobility, and efforts to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Drew also noted the Community’s growing partnerships beyond the Caribbean, particularly with the African Union, while stressing that every international partnership should advance the interests of all parties involved.

The outgoing chairman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Carla Barnett and the CARICOM Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support during his tenure.

“Whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence.”

Dr. Drew urged the Secretariat to continue preserving its impartiality while faithfully implementing decisions made by Heads of Government, saying that balance has helped strengthen the regional integration movement.

The conference continues in Saint Lucia with regional leaders expected to deliberate on key issues including regional security, climate resilience, trade, economic integration, food security, Haiti, reparations, and strengthening the CSME.

Based on reporting by New York Carib News.

The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.