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Check FAQAbout Renata
Renata Sago is a seasoned journalist based in the United States. Known for her diverse portfolio that emphasizes social issues, Renata has a particular focus on the African American community and the concept of aging well. Her adeptness at gathering audio through various means, including tape syncs, vox pops, and live interviews, complements her strong editing skills, allowing her to craft compelling stories that resonate with her audience. Renata's work has been featured in collaborations with notable organizations such as AARP and Word In Black, contributing to impactful series like 'Happy Aging' and 'The Financial Journey'. She has explored the transformative experience of travel and relocation for Black Americans, shedding light on historical movements and contemporary trends towards destinations like Atlanta, Ghana, and South Africa. Her reporting also extends to critical topics such as financial education, the benefits of lifelong learning for seniors, and the therapeutic role of animals in improving human cognitive functions. Beyond her features, Renata has tackled the political landscape, including the significance of 'The Villages' in Florida primaries and the restoration of civil rights for ex-felons in Florida. Her coverage of the Orlando nightclub shooting showcases her ability to handle breaking news with sensitivity, addressing its impact on communities such as the LGBT community. Renata's articles are not only informative but also empathetic, often providing practical advice and capturing the human stories behind the headlines. Her dedication to issues like health equity, homeownership disparities, and the growth of Black women entrepreneurs highlights her commitment to journalism that informs, engages, and makes a difference.
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April 30 Student Loan Consolidation Deadline Could Relieve Thousands
The U.S. Department of Education is offering relief to college graduates with multiple federal student loans through a consolidation program with an April 30 deadline. This initiative aims to address historical failures in loan administration and improve tracking of repayments. Experts highlight the significant debt disparity faced by Black graduates, exacerbating the racial wealth gap. The program could lead to total loan cancellation for some borrowers, particularly those in public service professions. The article underscores the mental and financial toll of student debt and calls for comprehensive loan forgiveness policies.
Black Workers Are Being Left Out of the Clean Energy Boom
The Environmental Protection Agency announced $7 billion in grants for solar energy programs aimed at low-income and historically disadvantaged areas. Despite significant investments in the clean energy sector, Black workers remain underrepresented, comprising only about 8% of the labor force. Advocacy groups and reports highlight the disparities and the need for better recruitment and retention strategies. Gabrielle Jadotte, now with WeSolar, emphasizes the industry's exclusivity and the importance of community-focused projects. The American Clean Power Association is working to improve diversity through strategic partnerships and inclusive hiring policies. Opportunities for Black workers in clean energy extend beyond solar firms to various roles that do not necessarily require a four-year degree.
The Truth About Crypto: What Black Investors Should Know
The global cryptocurrency market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, offering potential gains but also raising questions about its legitimacy as a wealth generation tool. Algernon Austin from the Center for Economic and Policy Research criticizes cryptocurrencies as speculative investments. A 2022 survey shows 11% of Black Americans started investing through cryptocurrencies, viewing them as an alternative to traditional banking. However, concerns about safety and reliability persist, with 75% of Americans unsure about cryptocurrencies. The European Union has implemented regulations, while the U.S. is still developing its rules. Events like the Black Blockchain Summit at Howard University provide platforms for discussing the opportunities and challenges of wealth building in the Black community.
Collaboration With Wells Fargo and Operation HOPE Expands Free Financial Education
Wells Fargo and Operation HOPE are collaborating to expand financial education for underserved communities in the United States. They plan to launch 50 HOPE Inside centers by the end of 2026, which will serve over 150 Wells Fargo branches. These centers offer free financial coaching, including money management and credit improvement. Currently, 20 centers are operational in cities like Atlanta and Houston. The initiative is part of Wells Fargo's Banking Inclusion Initiative, aiming to integrate more people into the banking system. Darlene Goins of the Wells Fargo Foundation highlighted the positive impact of the program, with clients improving their credit and reducing debt. The article also discusses the benefits of having a bank account, such as building credit history, lower transaction fees, access to emergency funds, and secure fund transfers.
The Financial Journey: Understanding Cybersecurity and Protecting Your Finances
The article discusses the importance of cybersecurity, highlighting the experiences of Tami Hudson, who now helps people protect against cybercriminals. It reflects on the evolution of cyber threats since the Y2K scare, noting that the language and techniques for dealing with cyber threats were underdeveloped at that time. The article mentions the significant number of cyber-attacks reported in 2022 and the estimated financial losses. It outlines various common cyber threats and emphasizes the importance of good 'cyber hygiene' practices such as using unique passwords, regular updates, two-factor authentication, and being cautious with personal information. The article also advises on how to identify secure websites and avoid scams, suggesting that readers research companies and look for secure links. Wells Fargo's partnership with Word In Black for financial education is also mentioned.
The Financial Journey with Windy Oliver of Wells Fargo
The article is an interview with Windy Oliver, Executive Vice President of Personal Lending at Wells Fargo, discussing her roles, views on diversity and inclusion, career advice, and personal interests. Oliver emphasizes the importance of deliberate career planning, maintaining core beliefs, and the distinction between a job and a career. She advocates for financial freedom through saving and investing, regardless of the amount. Oliver also recounts a pivotal career moment when she took an international assignment in Latvia, which significantly contributed to her personal and leadership development. She stresses the value of having an authentic voice and being true to oneself. The article also highlights Oliver's community involvement in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her background in the financial services industry, including her time at GE.
The Financial Journey: An Interview with Wells Fargo's Head of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability
The article is part of 'The Financial Journey' series, a collaboration between Wells Fargo and Word In Black, focusing on financial education and opportunities. It features an interview with Ron Tate, who leads Supplier Diversity and Supply Chain Sustainability at Wells Fargo. Tate discusses his role in developing relationships with diverse businesses and managing their environmental and social impact. He emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, lateral career moves, and the time value of money. Tate shares his career experiences, including a pivotal moment leading a poorly performing team, and his belief in having an authentic voice. His career spans various leadership roles in supply chain management across multiple multinational corporations. The article also highlights Tate's community involvement and outside interests.
Navigating the Threat of Imposter Scams: Insights from Wells Fargo's Fraud Prevention Expert
The article is part of 'The Financial Journey' series, created through a partnership between Wells Fargo and Word In Black, focusing on financial education and opportunities. It discusses the prevalence of imposter scams, where consumers reported $2.6 billion in losses in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Dan Cusick, Senior Vice President of Fraud Prevention at Wells Fargo, explains what imposter scams are and how they operate, including the use of wire transfers for immediate and difficult-to-recover payments. He also describes the evolution of scamming techniques from fax machines to phishing via texts and emails. Cusick provides tips for avoiding scams, emphasizing the importance of verification and caution when receiving calls demanding money or personal information. He notes that while banks have 24/7 monitoring, customer vigilance is crucial, and Wells Fargo, in particular, would never ask for a one-time password code over the phone.
The Financial Journey: Empowering Black Women Leaders in Finance
The article discusses the increasing presence of women, particularly Black women, in leadership roles within the financial services industry. It highlights the progress made over the past decade, with women now holding 18% of corporate positions globally, and women of color holding 5% of those positions. Kristy Fercho, the first Black woman executive at Wells Fargo, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and speaking up to bring diverse perspectives into the conversation. The article also mentions Tanya Sanders, head of Wells Fargo's auto division, and her inclusion on American Banker's Powerful Women to Watch list. The piece underscores the importance of diversity in enhancing company profitability and long-term viability, and it encourages continuous education and embracing change for women aiming for leadership roles.
The Financial Journey: Empowering Students of Color Through Financial Literacy
The article discusses the partnership between Wells Fargo and Word In Black to promote financial education through the 'Our Money Matters' initiative. LaRese Purnell, an ambassador for the program, shares his journey from living in homeless shelters to educating students at historically black colleges on financial literacy. The initiative, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and launched by the HBCU Community Development Action Coalition, aims to reduce wealth disparities by providing financial knowledge and tools to college students of color. The article highlights systemic inequities that contribute to the racial wealth gap in the United States, citing a wealth gap analysis by the RAND Corporation. It also shares personal anecdotes from students like Ben-James Brown, who learned about credit the hard way, and now works with the Wells Fargo Foundation to help others. Purnell offers practical financial management tips for students, emphasizing the importance of saving, credit score maintenance, and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Wells Fargo Announces Homebuyer AccessSM Grants to Support Homeownership in Underserved Communities
Wells Fargo, in partnership with Word In Black, has announced a new downpayment assistance program called Homebuyer AccessSM grant, offering $10,000 to eligible borrowers in select underserved communities of eight metropolitan areas. The initiative aims to expand generational wealth through homeownership by addressing the common barrier of downpayments. Despite the Fair Housing Act's passage 50 years ago, homeownership disparities persist, particularly among Black Americans. Chuck Bishop, Head of Diverse Segments for Home Lending at Wells Fargo, emphasizes the importance of homeownership in wealth building and dispels common myths about the home buying process. He also acknowledges the need for collaborative efforts to close the homeownership gap and encourages preparation for those aspiring to own homes.
Is Name Discrimination in Hiring Still a Trend? Industry Leaders Say Yes
The article explores the persistent issue of name discrimination in hiring, highlighting how ethnic and gender biases continue to affect job seekers, particularly Black graduates. Despite advancements in technology and hiring practices, name bias remains a significant barrier. The article cites data showing higher unemployment and underemployment rates among Black graduates compared to other groups. It also discusses the role of social media in humorizing the job search process and the impact of name changes on employment opportunities. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking for Black graduates entering the job market, while organizations like the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources and others offer support and resources.
Is Name Discrimination in Hiring Still A Trend? Industry Leaders Say Yes
Name discrimination in hiring remains prevalent, with industry leaders like Erika Broadwater and Amber Chatham highlighting ongoing biases against ethnic names. Despite advancements in job application processes, Black graduates face higher unemployment and underemployment rates compared to other groups. Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Strada Institute for the Future of Work indicate significant disparities. Social media influencers and job seekers often alter their names to appear more ethnically ambiguous, aiming to improve their chances of employment. Broadwater advises Black graduates to seek professional mentors to navigate the job market effectively.
Is Name Discrimination in Hiring Still A Trend? Industry Leaders Say Yes
Name discrimination in hiring remains prevalent, with industry leaders like Erika Broadwater and Amber Chatham highlighting ongoing biases against ethnic names. Despite advancements in job application processes, Black graduates face higher unemployment and underemployment rates compared to other groups. Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and research institutes indicate significant disparities, while social media trends and personal anecdotes underscore the challenges faced by job seekers with ethnic names. Broadwater advises Black graduates to seek professional mentorship to navigate the job market effectively.
The Financial Journey of Black Women Entrepreneurs
The article discusses the growth of Black women entrepreneurs in the United States, highlighting their success in starting businesses at a higher rate than white women and men. Despite an 18% increase in Black-women-owned employer businesses from 2017 to 2020, these businesses face challenges such as financial hardship, with 92% reporting serious issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alima Redding, a senior vice president at Wells Fargo, emphasizes the importance of capital and coaching for the longevity of these businesses. She shares her personal connection to community entrepreneurship and outlines how Wells Fargo supports small businesses in Philadelphia and Baltimore through partnerships with CDFIs and internal resources. Redding also offers advice to Black women entrepreneurs on knowing local resources, building relationships with bankers, being financially prepared, and caring about the community they serve.
Happy Aging: The Challenges of Caregiving for Adults with Special Needs
The article discusses the challenges faced by caregivers, particularly those aged 50 to 80, who support adults with special needs. Sequaya Tasker, Senior Executive Officer of Programs Innovation at The Arc, shares insights into the commonality of this situation and the difficulties caregivers encounter, such as planning for the future and navigating limited resources. Tasker emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and the need for difficult conversations about future care plans. She also touches on legal aspects like guardianship and supported decision-making. The article suggests that while some improvements have been seen, accessing resources remains complex and state-dependent. It also points to AARP and The Arc as sources for further information and support for caregivers.
Happy Aging: The Healing Properties of Water
The article is part of the 'Happy Aging' series, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, focusing on aging well through low-impact sports like swimming. It features Ken Roland, a lifeguard lieutenant and swim coach, who shares his personal story of recovery and the healing properties of water after a near-fatal car accident. The article also includes insights from Thaddeus Gamory, the Director of Community Engagement for Diversity in Aquatics, on the physical and emotional benefits of swimming. The piece provides advice for those starting to swim, emphasizing safety, knowing one's limits, and the importance of not swimming alone.
Happy Aging: Travel Tips for Caregivers
The article provides a guide for caregivers on how to travel safely with their care recipients. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the care recipient's medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and personality traits to make reasonable travel plans. The article suggests knowing the destination well, compiling necessary identification documents, speaking with a health care provider, preparing an emergency contact list, setting aside emergency funds, and thinking about cleanliness and comfort during the trip. It also advises packing snacks and staying encouraged throughout the journey. The series 'Happy Aging' is created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, and further information on caregiving can be found on AARP's website.
Happy Aging: Sensory Activities to Help You Age Well
The article discusses the importance of sensory stimulation for aging individuals, particularly those in long-term care. It highlights various activities that can help activate the senses and improve communication, cognition, and overall well-being. These activities include going for a walk outdoors, interacting with old memories, playing video games, cooking, working with scents, giving or receiving massages, dancing or practicing yoga, and experiencing different temperatures. The article emphasizes the benefits of these sensory activities for caregivers and the elderly, suggesting that they can help individuals feel more present and connected. The piece is created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black as part of the Happy Aging series.
Happy Aging: The Power of Writing in Healing and Expressing Black Pain
The article features an interview with Marita Golden, an author and founder of the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation. Golden discusses the role of writing in expressing and healing the pain experienced by Black individuals, as reflected in various forms of Black literature. She emphasizes the importance of writing in understanding personal challenges and societal issues, such as violence and colorism in the Black community. Golden also highlights the significance of community and mentorship in the writing process. She reflects on the contributions of Richard Wright and Zora Neale Hurston in portraying Black pain and resilience. Despite current challenges like book banning, Golden encourages writers to believe in their voice and the power of their stories.
Happy Aging: Understanding Your Health Insurance Options
The article, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, discusses various health insurance options for aging individuals in the United States. It highlights the importance of understanding different insurance plans to manage health changes that come with aging. The options covered include employer insurance, COBRA, Medicaid, Medicare, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). The article also touches on the significance of self-care routines such as exercise and a healthy diet. It provides insights into the rising out-of-pocket healthcare spending and the need for supplemental insurance for services not covered by Medicare.
Happy Aging: The Importance of Genetic Counseling in Healthcare Accessibility
The article discusses the role of genetic counseling and its importance in healthcare, particularly for aging African Americans. Dr. Altovise Ewing, a genomic health equity scientist and genetic counselor, emphasizes the need for accessible healthcare and addresses the misconceptions and barriers that African Americans face in seeking genetic counseling. The article also touches on the use of over-the-counter genetic testing kits and the need for professional follow-up. It highlights the efforts to engage vulnerable populations in genetic counseling and the advocacy for a bill that would provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to genetic counselor services.
Happy Aging: Traditional Eastern Medicine and Menopause
The article is part of the 'Happy Aging' series, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, focusing on traditional Eastern medicine practices like acupuncture for aging well. It highlights a report by the Pew Research Center stating that half of Americans have tried such healing modalities. The piece features an interview with Johanne Picard-Scott, founder of Harlem Chi, who discusses the benefits of acupuncture, particularly for Black women dealing with menopause. Picard-Scott emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal balance, the role of stress, and the natural cycles of the body. She advocates for a lifestyle that aligns with these cycles and educates young women about their menstrual health to strengthen their reproductive life and manage menopause more effectively.
Happy Aging: The Therapeutic Role of Animals in Human Lives
The article is part of the 'Happy Aging' series, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, focusing on aging well. It features an interview with Desalene Jones, the owner of Cha Cha’s Dog Daycare in Sacramento, California. Jones discusses the therapeutic role of animals, particularly dogs, in improving human cognitive functions and aiding people with neuroatypical conditions. She shares her journey from corporate America to opening her own business and emphasizes the special connection between humans and animals. The article also touches on the considerations for older individuals thinking about getting a pet, such as the responsibilities of pet ownership and the benefits of professional dog breeders. Additionally, it provides a link to AARP for more pet care and training tips.
Happy Aging: Motherhood and Fertility in Later Life
The article discusses the trend of women having children later in life, with a focus on Black women's fertility rates and the challenges of motherhood after 40. It features an interview with Deborah Douglas, author and Director of Medill’s Midwest Solutions Journalism Hub, who shares her personal evolution on the idea of having children. Douglas, now 55 and in menopause, reflects on her past fears of motherhood, the lack of systemic support for families, and her current belief in changing systems that do not work for everyone. She also touches on her nurturing tendencies and the importance of love and joy in her interactions, especially with children. The article is part of the 'Happy Aging' series created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black.
Happy Aging: Exploring Genealogy with Shaun Thomas
The article discusses the significance of genealogy, particularly within the African American community, through an interview with Shaun Thomas, president of The Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society. Thomas shares his personal journey into genealogy, which began in Mississippi, and highlights the evolution of research techniques from traditional methods to the use of the internet and DNA testing. He explains the unique challenges faced when tracing African American lineages, such as 'brick walls' encountered due to the lack of records pre-dating the 1870s when many African Americans were enslaved. The article also touches on the potential implications of reparations on genealogical research and offers advice for those starting to explore their family history. Resources from AARP on genealogy are mentioned as additional support for interested individuals.
Happy Aging: The Transformative Experience of Travel and Relocation
The 'Happy Aging' series, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, focuses on aging well and the transformative experience of travel and relocation. The article discusses the historical context of travel among Black Americans, from the Great Migration to contemporary movements to cities like Atlanta and countries like Ghana and South Africa. It differentiates between short-term travel and long-term relocation, highlighting the benefits and challenges of each. The piece emphasizes the importance of planning, the inevitability of encountering new perspectives, self-discovery, and the impact of relocation on one's budget. It references a report on retirement trends by Hire A Helper, noting a decrease in retirees relocating. The article advises caution in protecting one's identity during the moving process.
Happy Aging: The Value of Lifelong Learning
The article discusses the importance and benefits of lifelong learning, particularly for seniors. It highlights various opportunities for continuing education, such as online courses, local classes, and degree programs. The story of Rose Hawkins, a retiree who continues to learn and take classes at her local Shepherd’s Center in Florida, is featured to illustrate the positive impact of staying mentally and physically active. The article also mentions free educational opportunities for seniors in cities like Seattle and Atlanta, and free tuition for medical students at New York University. It includes affirmations from individuals who have pursued education later in life, emphasizing the value of knowledge and the importance of perseverance.
Happy Aging: Tips to Build Your Savings During High Inflation
The article, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, addresses the impact of record inflation on the lifestyle of Black adults over age 30, with nearly 80% having adjusted their lifestyles due to rising costs. It offers practical advice on how to cope with inflation and build savings, such as monitoring expenses, increasing income through various jobs, micro-investing, paying off high-interest credit cards, and downsizing. The article emphasizes that while inflation is high, with the right strategies, individuals can still prepare for the future and manage their finances effectively.
Happy Aging: Navigating Retirement Planning for a Fulfilling Future
The article, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, discusses the concept of retirement and offers guidance on how to prepare for it. It emphasizes that retirement is a process rather than a single event and can vary in meaning from stopping work entirely to pivoting to a new career. The piece highlights the importance of defining personal retirement goals, deciding on a retirement timeline, estimating necessary savings, and considering various types of retirement accounts such as 401Ks, IRAs, and mutual funds. It also suggests consulting a financial advisor and mentions the possibility of continuing to work during retirement, whether part-time, as a consultant, or full-time, to cover additional expenses like healthcare. The article is informative, providing a broad overview of retirement planning, especially for those who are self-employed or work part-time.
The Financial Journey: Insights on Family Business Success and Strategy
The article is part of 'The Financial Journey' series, created through a partnership between Wells Fargo and Word In Black, focusing on financial education. It discusses the impact of family businesses on the U.S. economy, highlighting their historical significance and influence across industries. Bob Marshall, the Business Growth Strategy Executive for Wells Fargo, shares insights on starting and running a successful family business. He emphasizes the importance of having a common goal, the challenges of mixing family with business, the necessity of succession planning, and the value of having a 'kitchen cabinet' of trusted advisors. Marshall also touches on the hiring dynamics within family businesses and the criticality of trust. The article concludes with Marshall's advice on achieving success through a solid business plan, financial understanding, and recognizing the need for external expertise.
Happy Aging: Protecting Yourself from Fraud
The article, created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black, discusses strategies for aging individuals to protect themselves against fraud and identity theft. It shares the story of Constance Etude, who avoided a scam by trusting her instincts. The article provides practical tips such as using credit cards instead of debit cards, regularly changing passwords, checking credit reports, monitoring utility bills, keeping personal information private, and listening to one's intuition. It also mentions the high incidence of imposter scams and identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission and provides resources for reporting scams, such as the Internet Crime Complaint Center and Fraud.org.
April 30th Student Loan Consolidation Deadline Could Relieve Thousands
The U.S. Department of Education is offering relief to borrowers with multiple federal student loans through a consolidation program with an April 30 deadline. This initiative aims to address historical failures in loan administration and improve tracking of repayments. The program could lead to total loan cancellation for some borrowers. The article highlights the significant debt disparity faced by Black graduates and the mental and financial toll of student loans. Experts like Jill DesJean and Dr. Sonia Lewis discuss the broader implications of student debt on career choices, social well-being, and the racial wealth gap.
April 30th Student Loan Consolidation Deadline Could Relieve Thousands
The U.S. Department of Education is offering relief to college graduates with multiple federal student loans through a consolidation program with an April 30 deadline. This initiative aims to address historical failures in loan administration and improve tracking of repayments. The program could lead to total loan cancellation for some borrowers. The article highlights the significant debt disparity faced by Black and African American graduates, exacerbating the racial wealth gap. Experts like Jill DesJean and Dr. Sonia Lewis emphasize the mental and financial toll of student debt and advocate for comprehensive loan forgiveness policies.
Orlando Community Mourns After Nightclub Shooting
The article discusses the aftermath of the nightclub shooting in Orlando, focusing on the impact on the city's LGBT community. As the names of the victims are being released, the sense of loss and mourning is intensifying among their families, friends, and the broader community. The report highlights the city's collective response, which is characterized by a strong sense of resilience and unity. Renata Sago, a reporter from NPR's WMFE station in Orlando, provides the coverage and is also active on Twitter, sharing updates about the incident.
Orlando Reels From Sunday's Deadliest Mass Shooting In U.S. History
The article reports on the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history that occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The shooting took place during Latin night in the middle of LGBT pride month, resulting in 50 fatalities. The shooter, Omar Mateen, an American born to Afghan parents, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during the attack. The FBI is investigating Mateen's background, including previous interviews by the agency in 2013 and 2014. The local LGBT community is deeply affected, with vigils being held despite safety concerns. There has been a significant outpouring of support from the wider community, with long lines of people waiting to donate blood. The article includes accounts from individuals who were close to the victims and those participating in the vigils and blood donations.
Presidential Campaigns Pass Through 'The Villages' Ahead Of Florida Primary
The article discusses the significance of 'The Villages,' a large retirement community in Florida, as a strategic campaign stop for presidential candidates ahead of the Florida primary. It highlights the high voter turnout among the residents, who are predominantly over 65 and Republican. The piece notes that candidates like Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, and even family members of candidates, such as Ted Cruz's father, have visited The Villages. The community's affluence and political leanings make it an attractive destination for Republican candidates. Historical visits by figures like George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and Sarah Palin are mentioned, emphasizing the community's importance in the road to the White House. The article is reported by Renata Sago from WMFE in Orlando for NPR News.
Flashbacks Of Florida 2000 As Voting Machines Age
The article discusses concerns about the aging voting machines in Florida as the state approaches its voting day on March 15. It recalls the election meltdown in 2000 due to outdated voting technology and poorly trained poll workers, which led to a recount and a Supreme Court case. The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU highlights that many machines are now nearly 16 years old and prone to issues like motherboard failures and paper jams. Despite the reliability of optical scan machines, parts are becoming scarce, and replacements could cost over $1 billion. Polk County's Supervisor of Elections, Lori Edwards, expresses confidence in the current machines, stating that even if they fail, paper ballots can still be counted manually. The county is not planning to update its equipment for at least another two to four years.
Ex-Felons Fight To Restore Their Right To Vote
The article discusses the challenges faced by ex-felons in Florida who are fighting to have their civil rights, including the right to vote, restored. It highlights the case of an individual named Justin, who waited 11 years for a chance to have his rights restored after completing his sentence for a crime committed at age 16. The article notes that Florida has a large number of disenfranchised ex-felons, with more than 1.3 million unable to vote. The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition is working to change the clemency process, which is described as subjective and rooted in Jim Crow-era laws. The article also presents views from the Center for Equal Opportunity, which supports case-by-case rights restoration, and the American Civil Liberties Union, which advocates for a complete overhaul of the clemency process. Justin's case is eventually successful, but he now faces a new wait for a full pardon.
The Queen Of Swing Takes Old Age In Stride
At 95, Norma Miller, the Queen of Swing and the last living member of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, reflects on her life and career. From a young age in Harlem, she was drawn to dance, despite the limited opportunities for black girls at the time. She gained fame with the Lindy Hop, a dance that became popular in the 1920s. After her dance career, she transitioned to comedy, encouraged by comedian Red Foxx. Miller has appeared in films, including the 1941 hit 'Hellzapoppin',' and continues to perform comedy, discussing topics like sex and old age. She maintains a humorous outlook on life and aging, embracing the experiences that come with her years.
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