Listen to this articleBy SUSAN HAIGH and JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. Associated Press An Alabama woman who said she was raped by rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs when she was 13 withdrew her civil lawsuit against both men on Friday, according to court filings. The unidentified woman in December added Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, […]
Posted inLaw/Legislation, National, Wealth
IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season
Listen to this articleBy FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season, according to two sources familiar with the agency’s plans, and cuts could happen as soon as next week. This comes as the Trump administration intensified sweeping efforts to shrink […]
Posted inCLEVELAND, Education, Law/Legislation
Individualized Education Plans Can Help Struggling Students
Listen to this articleBy Tonya Sams Parenting is never easy and it becomes even more challenging when a child encounters difficulties at school. If a student is struggling with schoolwork, facing repeated suspensions, or dealing with other issues, additional support may be necessary. Requesting an evaluation for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can help identify […]
Posted inCommunity, Living, Opinion
Encouraging Words for 2025 From the TCO Team
Listen to this articleThe Cleveland Observer Team Be Certain That You Are Not Alone Happy 2025! As the beginning of a new year always brings plenty of uncertainties with changing political climates, personal matters, weather, and you name it, I want to remind you of some things you can be certain. You can be certain […]
Posted inHealth
10 Simple Steps to Crush Your New Year’s Resolutions and Love the Year Ahead
Listen to this articleBy Desiree R. James, MBA, LISW gittinmyishtogether.com Portions of this content were created with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Every January, we make promises to eat better, work out, save more, and stress less. But let’s be honest—it’s hard to stick to resolutions. In fact, 23% of people give up in the first […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Neighborhood Hero
Music, Mentorship, and Legacy: The Journey of Dr. David M. Thomas
Listen to this articleBy Unity Powell On a gray, rainy day at Cleveland School of the Arts, a choir of teens practiced an upbeat medley of songs accompanied by piano. Dr. David M. Thomas stood, watching his colleague lead the students through the arrangement. While passing through to get to his class, it was obvious that […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, National
The early works of Langston Hughes arm us with wisdom, hope, and power to fight for a liberation yet to arrive
Listen to this articleby David Woo, The Emancipator January 9, 2025 For over a century, the work of Langston Hughes has offered a poetic vision arising from his courageous engagement with Black experience and culture. His work spoke in the popular rhythms of the blues and jazz and the unadorned yet lilting everyday vernacular. Charming, […]
Posted inNational
In ‘Black Liturgies,’ thoughts and prayers we can actually use
Listen to this articleby Adeline Gutierrez, The Emancipator February 10, 2025 Growing up in my Dominican household, I heard it all. “Don’t go in the sun because you’ll get darker, and your skin will look dirty.” “You have bad hair or ‘pelo malo.’” Marry lighter to “better the race.” This type of culturally ingrained and […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, National
Oscar presenters will include Halle Berry and Emma Stone. Here’s what to know about the show
Listen to this articleBy The Associated Press After devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards are going forward. The academy on Tuesday announced that Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb and Bowen Yang have been added to the presenting lineup. A previous […]
Posted inINTERNATIONAL, Politics
Middle East latest: Israel threatens to restart war in Gaza if Hamas doesn’t release hostages
Listen to this articleBy The Associated Press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday threatened to withdraw from the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and resume its war against Hamas if the militant group does not go ahead with the next scheduled release of hostages on Saturday. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, including by […]
Posted inHistory, State
Kent State University: The Birthplace of Black History Month
Listen to this articleBy Lisa O’Brien As February approaches, many people are familiar with Black History Month but not as many are familiar with the fact that the monthly celebration began here in Northeast Ohio at Kent State University. Black History Month began as just a week-long celebration in the second week of February called […]
Posted inCLEVELAND, OBSERVERS AI, Politics
City Council Legislation Undergoes First Reading: January 2025
Listen to this articleThe Cleveland Observer is dedicated to keeping residents informed about legislative activities under review. By reporting on ordinances and resolutions during their initial stages, the Observer enables community members to engage with their Council members, providing feedback or expressing support before final decisions are made. How Your Tax Dollars are Being Spent […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
FAT HAM at CPH
Listen to this articleShakespeare’s Hamlet has been invited to the backyard barbeque! Get your plate ready for a slab of smokin’ hot revenge, served with a hefty scoop of vengeance, and a side of karaoke. Without spilling too much of the sweet tea, a visit from beyond the grave reveals family secrets and scandalous generational trauma. How […]
Posted inEducation, Opinion
Banned Book Review: ‘Justice Mercy’ A Story of Justice and Redemption’ in the Prison System
Listen to this articleBy: Marissa Valentine “Capital punishment means, them without the capital, get the punishment.” – Bryan Stevenson As I continue to examine the theme of banned books, the motifs that were common in the books banned or challenged covered topics of race, gender, and sexuality. These particular topics constantly seem to be a […]
Posted inNeighborhood Hero
Celebrating 100 Years of Impact: Lady Pearl Shields’ Legacy of Leadership and Love
Listen to this articleBy Ron Calhoun Imagine living a life so full of purpose, service, and love that it inspires generations to follow in your footsteps. On January 8, Cleveland’s very own Lady Pearl Shields celebrated her 100th birthday, and her story is one for the ages—a blueprint for resilience, leadership, and making a difference. […]
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Cleveland Must Fulfill its Promise to Address Racism as a Public Health Crisis
Listen to this articleBy Yvonka Marie Hall Executive Director Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition Editor’s note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author. In 2020, the world experienced a profound awakening regarding social justice and racial equity. In response, Cleveland City Council adopted Resolution 296-2020, officially declaring racism a public health crisis. In […]
Posted inCLEVELAND, Education, Local
Cleveland Public Library Celebrates Opening of Martin Luther King Jr. Campus
Listen to this articleBy Ron Calhoun The Cleveland Public Library unveiled its long-awaited Martin Luther King Jr. campus on Jan 25th, marking the culmination of a decade of planning and development.The new two-story branch includes 207 apartments located above the library, a first-of-its-kind partnership between the library system and a private developer. This milestone is […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘The Amen Corner’ Shines at Akron’s Weathervane Playhouse
Listen to this articleBy Vince Robinson James Baldwin’s play “The Amen Corner,” directed by Terrence Spivey, is wowing audiences at Akron’s Weathervane Playhouse. Baldwin was a noted author/activist known for speaking out against societal ills. In this Baldwin, his first play, he tackled relationships, religion, and racism, true to his form as a writer and […]
Posted inHealth, Living, Trending News
10 Simple Steps to Crush Your New Year’s Resolutions and Love the Year Ahead
Listen to this articleBy Desiree R. James, MBA, LISW gittinmyishtogether.com Portions of this content were created with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT Every January, we make promises to eat better, work out, save more, and stress less. But let’s be honest—it’s hard to stick to resolutions. In fact, 23% of people give up in the first […]
Posted inLiving, SLAVIC VILLAGE
How One Woman Turned Her Setbacks into Success
Listen to this articleBy Sarai Murdock Cleveland resident and community resource advocate, Odetta Fields, has dedicated her life to helping others avoid the mistakes she made. From her time in prison to her role in establishing a resource center in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood, Jordan’s journey underscores the challenges faced by incarcerated women and the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, National, Trending News
Ailey II at the Whitney Museum of American Art: Movement, Memory, and Meaning
Listen to this articleBy Unity Powell The Whitney Museum of American Art “Edges of Ailey” exhibit is showing in New York City until Feb. 9, and its impact ripples far beyond, reaching even back to Cleveland. For Clevelanders, the night held an extra special connection. One of Ailey II’s standout dancers calls Cleveland home. When […]
Posted inEducation, Opinion
Opinion: Banning Books Threatens Our Freedom
Listen to this articleEditor’s note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author. By Marissa Valentine “Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.” – Benjamin Franklin Knowledge is Power What is a banned or challenged book, and why should you care? If you enjoy movies, […]
Posted inEducation, Local
From Campus to Coffee Shop: Education Serves
Listen to this articleBy Unity Powell It’s Saturday morning amidst the cozy, bustling atmosphere of UnBar Cafe, a coffee shop in the Larchmere community on Cleveland’s east side. Adam Banks, PhD is throwing out Black music references, folded into his conversation. Over the hum of espresso machines, blenders, and the door opening you hear topics […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Local
Cleveland’s Core Four Arts Institutions Give Back to the Community
Listen to this articleBy Lisa O’Brien Editor’s note: The Cleveland Observer presents an exploration of how Cleveland’s core four arts institutions—the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square, and the Rock Hall of Fame —impact and engage with our community. In this on-going series, Lisa O’Brien takes a closer look at how these […]
