The Smithsonian is standing by its decision to feature two Bill Cosby items in an entertainment exhibit at The National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibition, dubbed “Taking the Stage,” will include the cover from his 1964 album “I Started Out as a Child” and an “I, Spy” comic book. The Smithsonian stresses it isn’t centered on Cosby, but rather a display to capture the essence of Black entertainment. “Given his pioneering and award-winning achievements in television and comedy, it would be impossible to tell the story of African American contributions to American popular culture without mentioning him in some way, and to exclude him from the story would seriously challenge if not outright eliminate our credibility with visitors,” said Katy Kendrick, the exhibition’s curator. “Taking the Stage” will be one of the museum’s first exhibitions. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is slated to open its doors on Sept. 24. Read more.
Rep. Ken Buck Proposed ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Bill
Colorado Rep. Ken Buck has introduced a new law that would classify an assault on a police officer as a hate crime. “I’ve been in law enforcement for 25 years before I started in this job. I’ve seen over and over both police officers on the street and federal agents, jail deputies and bureau of prison officials being threatened by very dangerous people. I have a passion for trying to protect those who protect us. That’s what this bill is about,” said Buck in a statement. Other cities and towns have fought to pass similar legislation. In October of 2015, Red Wing, Minn. became the first city to implement hate crime laws that would protect police officials. Warren County, Ohio was the first county to pass similar laws. Read more.
President Obama Addresses the Opioid Epidemic
On Tuesday, President Obama addressed the prevalent issue concerning drug use within our country. He shared that the use of opioids, known as painkillers, are as big a threat as terrorism. Opioids, prescription drugs, and heroin claim the lives of 78 people each day. Deaths caused by pain pills or heroin jumped 372 percent between the years 2000 and 2014. “The mean age of overdoses is dropping into the low 20’s. We’ve had opioid overdoses as low as 14 years old,” EMT Jeff Jacobsen said in a statement. President Obama said the issue is “grossly under-resourced.” He plans on proposing a $1.1 billion strategy to overcome the opioid epidemic. Read more.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
NEWS ROUNDUP: Smithsonian Defends Decision To Feature Bill Cosby Items…AND MORE was originally published on newsone.com
