::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

#AmericaAt250 The current fight to restore voting rights is essentially about the frailty of the Constitution. Poet Gil Scott Heron sang on the 1974 recording "Winter In America," that the Constitution is a "noble piece of paper." One interpretation of that opening line is that the rights inscribed in the Constitution are worthless if they were not applied as the writers intended. Otherwise, the nation's blueprint for fair laws is merely paper. His words today are especially relevant as key parts of the document seem to be getting shredded, leaving Black Americans who are concerned about the creation of equitable voting districts feeling insecure -- appearing to hold Heron's sentiment. Withing the Black community, a risky narrative about when Blacks became U.S. citizens is emerging as Black leaders and advocates challenge the Supreme Court's recent redistricting decision. U.S. born slaves became citizens in 1868 with the passage of the 14th Amendment...

  Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, DOE, drops an energetic and powerful new worship anthem, “Know Your Name,”  available now  on all streaming platforms. Known for seamlessly bridging R&B, gospel, and contemporary Christian music, DOE delivers a deeply personal and generational declaration of faith with her latest single. Produced by Kyle Lee and written by DOE alongside David Spencer, Anthony S. Brown, and Dia Viola, “Know Your Name” carries the energy of a live worship moment, capturing collective praise. “‘Know Your Name’ was inspired by the word ‘posterity’ found in Psalm 22:27–30,” shares DOE. “I have such great respect for the generations before me who taught me how to call on the name of the Lord, and for the generations coming after me who need to know His name too. He has a name for every season of life. This song is both my prayer and my declaration that every generation will know His name.” Born Dominique Jones, DOE has emerged as one ...

(The Slice News): Lawmakers and faith leaders are weighing in on the Supreme Court's consequential Louisiana redistricting decision that dissolves the congressional map declaring racial gerrymandering unconstitutional --- an action the NAACP called devastating for voting rights. Congressman Cleo Fields whose 6th District is affected by the ruling is urging accelerated voter participation to push back. He said, 'It's a terrible ruling. People fought so hard to gain access to the voting box." Theron Jackson Pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church in Shreveport stated the ruling is not just about a map, but whether the law recognizes inequality. He emphasized that weakened representation often leads to weakened resources for communities, affecting health care, jobs, and education. The concern from the Black Church extended beyond the state level. Presiding Bishop of COGIC J Drew Sheard said in a statement: "The history of Black participation in American ...

  LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 11, 2026  – BET today announced the return of  Culture’s Biggest Week, set to be the brand’s most powerful expression of  Community, Culture, and Connection to date.  This four-day celebration of Black excellence and shared experience brings together the voices, stories, and moments that define the culture, anchored by the  “BET Awards,” Culture’s Biggest Night, airing l ive Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater,  and  BETX, an immersive, fan-first  experience taking over Los Angeles June 25 – 27.   More than a marquee event,  Culture’s Biggest Week  is BET’s commitment to the Black community, creating spaces to gather, celebrate, reflect, and move the culture forward together. From honoring legacy to amplifying what’s next, BET continues to show up at the center of culture with purpose, underscoring that  BET is Something  You Can Believe In.   More than an awards show,  “BET ...

  First Lady Melania Trump’s Elegant State Dinner and Groundbreaking VR Educational Experience Create a Historic State Visit for Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla “The visit by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the 250th anniversary of our nation transcends ceremony. It symbolizes our modern society’s enduring commitment to freedom and human potential,” exclaimed First Lady Melania Trump. The First Lady created a memorable experience for Their Majesties, blending regard for the history of both nations, plus a look ahead for the next generation.   First Lady Melania Trump led a cross-cultural educational tech experience for American students, which aligned with her Fostering the Future Together’s mission. The First Lady stated, “The students enjoyed a groundbreaking educational experience which brought them to Buckingham Palace through the use of VR, while physically standing on the White House Tennis Pavilion grounds.” The participants, man...

  Today’s Supreme Court decision effectively guts a key pillar of the Voting Rights Act, freeing state legislatures to gerrymander legislative districts to systematically dilute and weaken the voting power of racial minorities - so long as they do it under the guise of “partisanship” rather than explicit “racial bias.” And it serves as just one more example of how a majority of the current Court seems intent on abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach. The good news is that such setbacks can be overcome. But that will only happen if citizens across the country who cherish our democratic ideals continue to mobilize and vote in record numbers - not just in the upcoming midterms or in high profile races, but in every election and every level.