Outrage as Joy Reid's MSNBC show hits the chopping block
You can cancel the show, but there’s no cancelling Joy Reid! Amidst new changes at the television network MSNBC, namely the new president Rebecca Kutler, a popular show got axed and audience outrage followed shortly after.
Joy Reid, the outspoken host of MSNBC's The Reidout, addressed the recent cancellation of her show on Monday, asserting that she does not regret any of her past commentary. In an interview on the Win With Black Women podcast, Reid made it clear that she stands by her vocal criticism of President Donald Trump and her advocacy on issues like Black Lives Matter, immigrant rights, and the defense of constitutional freedoms. She emphasized that her comments, whether discussing controversial issues like Gaza or defending education on America’s true history through works like 1619, were always rooted in her values. Reid stated, “I am not sorry that I stood up for those things because those things are of God.”
Reid’s departure marks the end of her show's five-year run on the network, which had seen both highs and lows in terms of viewership. Reid began working at MSNBC in 2014 as a national correspondent, then got her own show at the 7 p.m. time slot in 2020. Despite facing criticism from certain quarters, Reid garnered widespread support from notable figures, including Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and journalist Karen Attiah, both of whom praised her commitment to giving a platform to marginalized voices and speaking truth to power. Reid's work earned her several accolades, including a recent NAACP Image Award.
In the wake of her show's cancellation, Reid’s time slot will be filled by a trio of anchors: Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. While Reid has not disclosed her future plans, her supporters are confident she will continue to be a powerful voice in media. Despite mixed reactions, from staunch criticism to expressions of solidarity, Reid remains firm in her stance, asserting that she will not apologize for advocating for justice and equality throughout her career.
Jazz legend Roberta Flack dies at age 88
The music world has lost a legend. Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist passed away on February 25 at the age of 88 after a battle with ALS. She redefined musical boundaries, emerging as an unlikely star in the early 1970s. Flack's introspective style set her apart from the gritty, high-energy rhythm and blues landscape of the era. Despite her classical training, she captivated audiences with emotionally resonant songs such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which earned her a Grammy Award in 1973, and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” which secured her a second Grammy the following year.
Flack’s artistry transcended genre, as she expertly blended jazz, folk, and soul in her music, creating a distinct and timeless sound. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including the hit song “Where Is the Love,” became classics that exemplified their deep creative connection. Flack’s influence extended beyond the '70s, with her sensual hit “Feel Makin’ Love” in 1974 and her easy-listening ballads in the '80s, such as “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” with Peabo Bryson. Her music resonated across generations, inspiring artists from the Fugees to Biz Markie.
A gifted prodigy who initially sought a career in classical music, Flack’s path was shaped by challenges in the segregated music world. Her legacy includes six gold albums, a platinum album, and a profound cultural impact that went far beyond commercial success. Flack’s vulnerability and conviction as a performer made her music feel deeply personal, a quality she valued in her art. Through her evocative voice and artistic bravery, Flack left an indelible mark on the music world, ensuring her place as one of the most revered and influential musicians in history.
Yale Medicine introduces a new program to focus on female sports injuries
Female athletes health matters! Yale Medicine and Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital have launched the Female+ Athlete Program, designed specifically to address the unique health needs of young female athletes. Located in Trumbull, Connecticut, the program offers comprehensive care to girls and young women up to their early 20s. It brings together a team of specialists, including athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, and sports medicine experts, to treat sports-related injuries while also considering mental health, nutrition, and overall well-being. The program focuses on issues such as ACL injuries, concussions, stress fractures, and overtraining, which disproportionately affect female athletes.
Female athletes are more susceptible to certain injuries due to anatomical and hormonal differences. For instance, after puberty, females experience a widening of the hips that alters the mechanical stress on the knees, increasing the risk of ACL tears, particularly in sports like soccer and basketball. Additionally, female athletes tend to have muscle imbalances, such as stronger quadriceps compared to hamstrings, which can further increase injury risk. The Female+ Athlete Program aims to prevent these injuries through strength-building exercises and proper landing mechanics, while also addressing underlying concerns like nutrition, menstruation, and overtraining.
The program not only addresses physical injuries but also the psychological challenges that come with recovery. Serious injuries like ACL tears can lead to months of rehabilitation, which is emotionally taxing for young athletes balancing academics and sports. The program includes a psychologist to support athletes with issues like performance anxiety, self-image, and the emotional impact of being sidelined. By providing specialized care that takes into account both the physical and mental health of female athletes, the Female+ Athlete Program offers a holistic approach to keeping young women healthy and supported throughout their athletic careers.
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