On March 13, 2021, our publisher Sherri Horsey Darden, along with Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium’s Dr. Ala Stanford, community activists Eddie Hurt, Jermaine Tab, and Philly’s managing director Tumar Alexander received “Community Empowerment” Awards that were presented and sponsored by Senator Sharif Street (from the 3rd Senatorial District) at the Men for Positive Change Community Empowerment event.
“Men for Positive Change” is a small nonprofit in North Philadelphia, comprised of men whose goals are to mentor youth, specifically young men. “We want to create positive avenues for young people through career development and internships,” said the founder of the organization, William Mackey. Mackey stated that he has been doing community work for over 20 years and plans to keep doing so. “Along the way, we try to lead by example,” Mackey believes that events like these will show the youth whose footsteps they should follow in.
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, March 30, 2021, page - 2
As Pennsylvanians continue to get vaccinated and COVID cases go down, Governor Wolf announced that they’ve loosened their COVID restrictions on March 1, 2021. One of the restrictions that has been revised is centered around indoor capacity at stadiums, leading towards 15% of fans now being permitted into the Wells Fargo Center. The city of Philadelphia was right behind Governor Wolf’s plans and approved that percentage for fans to be permitted in Sixers games, after the plan was agreed upon between the Wells Fargo Center and city officials on March 2nd. The Sixers will be back at home on March 14th against the San Antonio Spurs, which will be the first game Sixers fans can make their return to the Wells Fargo Center.
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, March 9, 2021, page - 13
OnBuy’s music department revealed who’s the most loved and who’s the most trolled on Twitter. The act of “trolling” is making fun of someone or spewing negative information about someone. OnBuy revealed that Billie Eilish has the most dedicated fans. They’ve also revealed that Rod Wave and Lil Uzi Vert are the ones getting trolled the most. Results show that Rod Wave is the most trolled music artist on Twitter, at 29.81% of negative tweets. Lil Uzi Vert is the 2nd with 26.02% of negative tweets. The results also reveal that male musicians are more trolled than the female ones, with 15 male musicians making the Top 20 Most Trolled.
The most loved artists, however, are Harry Styles and Billie Eilish. OnBuy reveals that 7.08% of tweets about Harry Styles were negative, and he received the second highest amount of positivity at 68.75%. Billie Eilish, on the other hand, is the 2nd least trolled at 7.63%, while receiving the most love on Twitter with 73.77% positive tweets.
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, March 5, 2021, page - 8
When you think about modern black history, you must think about what Hip Hop music has done for the community. It’s completely transformed the way people think about art and music. Now, in the 21st century, it’s become the most popular music genre. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, many wondered where and how they would be able to receive entertainment. Outlets like TikTok provided some sort of amusement in the beginning of COVID-19 quarantine, with various dance challenges. Then, in late March, DJ/Producer D-Nice changed live streaming to what we know today. D Nice initially conducted a 9-hour Instagram live broadcast of him DJ’ing, naming it “Club Quarantine.”
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, February 23, 2021, page - 12
Brandon Chastang, who is most popularly known as B McFly on Instagram on Twitter, became widely known in the city once he declared sobriety in 2018. On his social media, he reenacts real-life scenarios through skits to spread awareness about drug addiction and gun violence. Along with this, he uses his own knowledge and life experience to inspire change amongst inner city youth. With his videos, he provides examples of crucial life experiences. Brandon’s message is that anyone can face life’s biggest hurdles, and overcome them.
After graduating from Lincoln University in May 2004, Brandon was shot in July of that same year. While he was recovering from wounds, his doctors prescribed him percocets. “Everything really went downhill after I got shot. From 2004 to 2018, I smoked, drank, and used percocets. I couldn’t function without it. Not only was I taking drugs for my physical health, but I was also taking it for my mental health” Brandon talked about how the traumatic experience changed his life. He took part in using and abusing drugs, which negatively impacted the way he looked at life. For a brief period before 2018, he questioned his will to live. “I was tired of living. I felt as though I set a bad example for my kids.” Brandon stated that going to rehab was the decision that changed his life, “In 2018, I told my girlfriend at the time that I was ready to go to rehab. She took me up to Arms Acres in upstate New York, and I stayed there until January 21, 2018. I became clean after that.”
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, February 9, 2021, page - 2
We all know the impact that gaming has on the world. But is it a blessing or a curse? It may just be a curse. According to Gambling Deals, studies find that gamers lose 912 hours of sleep each year. This isn’t a surprise since many kids and young adults play video games obsessively. Gaming is a way to escape all that’s going on in the world, whether it’s the pandemic, school, or boredom in general.
Studies also found that the average time spent playing games daily is between 5 to 6 hours, which equates to up to 35 - 42 hours a week. This has a harmful effect on kids and young adults, steering them away from important schoolwork. This leads to the disappointing statistic that 52% of gamers are missing their assignments, in school and at work. 62% of gamers admit to skipping school or work.
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, February 5, 2021, page - 9
2020 was a year of shock and uncertainty for businesses nationwide. Many businesses have lost traction and others have been able to keep their foot on the gas. Then there are businesses like Harriett’s Bookshop, which is about to celebrate their 1st year Anniversary in February, that have conquered the challenges posed against them.
The launch of Harriet’s Bookshop in Fishtown wasn’t perfect. Close friends and colleagues believed that it wasn’t the right neighborhood for Harriett’s. “Starting up my store in Fishtown wasn’t my pick. I really wanted to be down “Da Bottom” in West Philly. I worked hard to find a spot on Lancaster Ave, but I was getting no traction or responses,” said Jeannine Cook, the owner of Harriett’s.”
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, January 26, 2021, page - 2
January 18, 2021, which includes participants from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The national King Day of Service was created in 1994 through federal legislation. The legislation was co-authored by Pennsylvania US Senator Harris Wofford and late Atlanta congressman John Lewis, both veterans of the civil rights movement with Dr. King.
Girard College will be the project’s site for the 12th consecutive year. This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is going to look entirely different this year. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most of this event will be virtual. During a press conference held on Zoom for the upcoming event, Todd Bernstein, founder, and director of the Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service, briefly talked about the huge uncertainty throughout the black community this past year. Issues being emphasized are the matter of equity and health/racial disparities being blatantly shown during this pandemic.
To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, January 12, 2021, page - 11
The movie begins with the portrayal of soon to be fulltime middle-school music teacher Joe Gardner, who aspires to become a Jazz musician. He feels as though he’s stuck in life and doesn’t feel as though he is making any progress toward achieving his dreams.
As a band teacher, he isn’t too fond of his occupation. His mother, however, feels as though his full-time position will benefit him financially. Later that day, he gets notified by one of his former students about a big gig as a jazz quartet led by jazz legend Dorothea Williams. As he tries out and shows them what he can do on the keyboards, he gets told that he can be a part of the quartet and join them for a show that same night.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, January 8, 2021, 2020 page - 9
Clubhouse is the next big app for social networking. It is a unique app which individually emphasizes the “social” and the “networking.” Clubhouse is a drop-in audio chat app where people come together to discuss anything in a “room.” Not only you can discuss a topic in a room, but you can also jump in a room as a listener and hear what others are talking about. This app started in 2020 in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it should become bigger in 2021.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, January 8, 2021, 2020 page - 8
New Jersey has a plan to raise their minimum wage by $1 per year up until 2024. Effective on January 1, 2021, for most workers/employers, the minimum wage will go from $11/hr to $12/hr, setting the state on path to have a minimum wage of $15/hr in 2024. For the seasonal workers and employees at small businesses, the base minimum wage will reach $15/hr by January 1, 2026.
All of this became possible after Governor Murphy signed a law for the state to have wage increases in February 2019. Governor Murphy stated that doing this will “make New Jersey more affordable. This will give millions of New Jerseyans a pathway to the middle class.” This time last year, approximately 192,000 workers in New Jersey made between $10 and $10.99/hr. Coming into the new year, these workers will benefit significantly from the increase.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, January 5, 2021, 2020 page - 12
When the pandemic started and restrictions/mandates were in place all over the country, it was hard to remain optimistic about what the future would hold. The nation was left feeling hopeless; feeling as if what we viewed as 'normalcy' would become a thing of the past.
Over time, one of the places the pandemic has had a big impact on is public/private gyms. Unfortunately for basketball coach, Angela Lewis, COVID-19 has indefinitely shut down her in-person basketball academy, which was held at a private gym. Many supporters and associates were upset with this decision because they believed that this basketball academy helped young women remain active, physically, and mentally.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, December 8, 2020 page - 12
On November 17th, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia held their annual “Celebrate Hope” luncheon. This event brings the community together to honor those who are dedicated to serving others. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this event was held virtually. At this year’s luncheon, Aldustus “AJ” Jordan was awarded for his contributions to the city of Philadelphia. AJ has served as a strategic advisor, funder, and volunteer for the Salvation Army.
Coming from Long Island, New York, AJ relocated to Philadelphia and began his community work here. When asked about how it felt to have had an impact on the city of Philadelphia. He replied, “it’s been a pleasure to serve the city.” He expressed deep appreciation for the recognition that he continues to receive.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, December 1, 2020 page - 10
Representation in sports matters. Not only that, shining a light on those who aren’t in the spotlight matters too. Whether it be the WNBA, US Women’s teams, or college women’s teams, women in sports are finally receiving the proper spotlight that they deserve. Times have changed and talent is now recognized all across the board.
Within the Philadelphia metro area, Coach Tina Sloan Green is a household name. Most people know Coach Sloan Green for being the head coach of Temple University’s women lacrosse team from 1975 to 1992. What those people don’t know is that before she coached at Temple, she coached Lincoln University’s lacrosse team. While she was the coach at Lincoln, she also played field hockey on the US Women’s National Field Hockey team. In 1969, she became the first Black American to play on that US Women’s Field Hockey team.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, November 17, 2020 page - 16
We’ve seen what voting at the polls can do… but we haven’t thought much about the impact of mail-in voting. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many things, but we never imagined mail-in voting being the preferred method of voting. That’s what the pandemic has done. People don’t want to vote at the polls, surrounded by or in proximity to people. People are much more comfortable turning in their ballot in through mail.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the places that has made voting easier. The Convention Center presented a new way of viewing, processing, and sending ballots to Harrisburg. City Commissioner Lisa Deeley and other elected officials led a tour of the facility showing the press what it would look like in the early morning of November 3rd.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, November 3, 2020 page - 2
Kwame Bradley photo
On Sunday, October 18, 2020, Senator Cory Booker came to Philadelphia to advocate for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at a variety of pop up events. At these events, Senator Booker encouraged people to show up and vote. Not only that, but come out and vote early. Whether it be through mail-in ballots or at the actual polling places.
We were fortunate enough to attend an event held by Representative Donna Bullock, Senator Booker, and Congressman Dwight Evans at the Monkey and Elephant Cafe, right on 29th Street Girard Ave. While the emphasis was on the critical role Black voters will play in deciding the next president, the topic quickly changed to how small businesses in the West Girard Avenue area have been maintaining during this pandemic. In the end, it was known that many small businesses need more assistance than people think.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, October 23, 2020 page - 3
Throughout decades in the beauty industry, the slimmer woman has always been praised. That is now rapidly changing. Women who are thicker and plus-sized are being included in the spaces historically known for centering around slim women.
In the Philadelphia region, Mr. Dave Wilkes is at the forefront of putting the spotlight on these plus-sized women. Dave Wilkes, originally a boxing anchor and entertainment producer, opened up to the idea of having a plus-sized pageant when a friend introduced him to it at a live R& B/Gospel show. Mr. Wilkes followed through with the idea and kept it going after positive reviews and appreciation.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, October 20, 2020 page - 11
The Philadelphia 76ers have finally hired their new coach. It’s not Mike D'Antoni or Tyronn Lue. It’s former LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers.
There was conflict within the front office about who was going to be the man in the middle for the job. The Front Office wanted Mike D’Antoni, but Elton Brand, the Sixers General Manager, didn’t. He wanted Tyronn Lue, but the rest of the front office wasn’t too fond of him. Neither of the candidates was a favorite for the fans. But once the LA Clippers let go of Doc Rivers in late September, the Sixers went all out to get him to Philadelphia.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, October 9. 2020 page - 18
We appreciate the Mural Arts program for the good they do in the city. This specific type of story makes you appreciate them more.
On September 30, 2020, James “Yaya” Hough presented his own exhibit of portraits for a celebratory event at the District Attorney’s Office. Two portraits were the highlight of the presentation. One of them was a portrait of Michael “Smokey” Wilson. Wilson also got the chance to speak at this event.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, October 6. 2020 page - 3
Temple University has a new issue on campus, and it isn’t COVID. Temple’s president, Richard M. Englert, announced that he plans to retire upon a replacement being found. The search for a new president, and lack of diversity and community involvement, adds to the list of the ongoing issues that the community has with Temple.
Even though Temple is in the middle of North Philadelphia, the surrounding community does not feel respected. Whether it be the gentrification all over the neighborhood; the attempts to build a stadium where residents already live; bringing students back on a campus surrounded by people vulnerable to COVID-19; and now not having any representation in the search committee—residents feel their concerns continually go unanswered.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, September 29. 2020 page - 3
The presidential election is less than two months away. Yes, you read that right, the election is less than 40 days away. What makes things worse? The fact that the country is still in the midst of a pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t seem like it's ending anytime soon, so people should continue to practice safety precautions. That means during voting as well! Some Americans are comfortable with voting in person and are doing so as we speak. Voting in person remains an issue because health officials believe that being in crowds, even with masks, facilitates the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country. President Trump believes that there will be a COVID-19 vaccine by the election, so voting in person wouldn’t be an issue. He also believes that if we get a vaccine by then, it will help his reelection.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, September 25. 2020 - 9
What will higher education look like down the line as we move on during this pandemic? It’s hard to say.
Obviously, colleges and universities don’t want to lose money. That’s the reason why so many schools brought their students back in the first place. But…they quickly end up getting sent back home. That creates frustration for students, professors, and parents. What’s even more frustrating? The fact that most schools feel as though COVID is that big of a threat, around the time the Drop/Add (classes) deadline hits. Students are getting sent back home after already giving $10K+ in their tuition and fees.
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, September 15. 2020 - 3
The #1 Milwaukee Bucks have been taken down, I repeat, the Milwaukee Bucks have been taken down!
Who would’ve thought? Giannis Antetokounmpo led his team to possibly Milwaukee’s best season yet. He’s also the Defensive Player of the Year and has a chance to capture back to back MVPs.
Milwaukee’s coach, Mike Budenholzer, is a 2x Coach of the Year (2015, 2019). This team was perfectly set up to win the championship. Some people would even argue that they were like the 2015-16 GS Warriors, but with a far stronger frontcourt!
To read more Marcus Arthur visit SCOOPUSA Media, September 11. 2020 - page 21