Month: September 2020

More than 96 percent of Maryland Residents have already responded to 2020 Census

Going into the final days of the all- important census count, Maryland has a 96.3 percent response rate, placing the state high up on the list of states that have responded.

Pending legal action, the Census count could end on September 30, 2020.In July, President Donald Trump suddenly decided to speed up and end the count by September 30.That action spurred lawsuits in California by a National Urban League- led coalition seeking to extend the count beyond Trump’s deadline.

Additionally, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Asian Americans Advancing Justice have asked a federal judge in Maryland to extend the time for the census count.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation this month to allow for the continued count, while Census Bureau officials have also asked for more time.“There is current and ongoing litigation, but the one thing I can tell you is that what is going to hold true is that time is running out, and people need to respond,” declared David C. Cook, the chief public information officer at the U.S. Census.

Cook expressed concern about African Americans who are historically undercounted.“When you look at the Black and African American community, children under five typically are undercounted for various reasons,” Cook stated.

“Just to be clear, if you have a child that’s born on or after Apr. 1, 2020, they don’t need to be on the form. It’s who lived in your house as of Apr. 1. Also, Black males 18 to 25 are historically undercounted, so we’ve been targeting that demographic, and we’re letting people know that it is safe to respond. We don’t share your information. It’s the law.”

Everyone can still respond online, by phone, or by mail. Census officials continue to implore Americans that it’s vital to cooperate if a census taker arrives at your home. Census results shape the future of communities. Census data informs how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for health clinics, school lunch programs, disaster recovery initiatives, and other critical programs and services for the next decade.

The most recent available count shows states whose residents have had the most significant response are Idaho (99.7 percent), West Virginia (99.6 percent), Hawaii (98.9 percent), Washington (98 percent), and Maine (98 percent). While the nation’s overall response rate stands at 93.6 percent, six states haven’t yet reached 90 percent – Alabama (85.6 percent), Montana (86.9 percent), Mississippi (87.1 percent), South Carolina (87.7 percent), New Mexico (88.6 percent), and Arizona (88.9 percent).

The Census is working on getting residents across the country to respond as they faced many challenges, Cook noted. “As a nation, the number of households who answered the doorbell is more than 90 percent. Knowing that the count continues,” Cook observed. “Looking back at the 2020 count, the self-reported rate was at 63 percent, so we know that we have to stay out in front of people and get them to respond.”

For more information about the Census, visit https://2020census.gov/en/what-is-2020- census.html

National Health Aging Month spotlights proper care and attention for older adults

Experts believe the number of older adults in the U.S. will reach nearly 71 million by 2030. According to AARP, this expanding older adult population will significantly affect the nation’s public health system and increase the demand for aging- related services. “Spend time with elderly people, call your local nursing home and ask if there’s something you can do to support their residents as they deal with COVID- 19,” said Aaron Blight, the founder of Caregiving Kinetics and the author of the upcoming book, “When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative.”

“Challenge cultural assumptions about aging or oldness. Rethink what retirement actually means, hire an older worker, and write a letter to an elderly person who has been confined to their home during COVID-19,” Blight suggested.

Jim Owen, a 79-year-old fitness enthusiast and the author and producer of “The Art of Aging Well,” which airs on PBS this fall, said if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that the people most vulnerable are those with underlying health conditions.

September counts as National Healthy Aging Month, a period in which more than the usual attention is encouraged for seniors and their health. “We also know that these chronic diseases are, to some degree, lifestyle- related, so if you smoke, or are obese, or live a sedentary way of life, you are at higher risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the virus,” Owen noted. “The best way I’ve found to do that is by focusing on one healthy habit at a time— say, going for a walk everyday— and challenging yourself to keep it up for thirty days. Then make another small change. If you do that every month, imagine where you could be a year from now.”

Stephanie Erickson, a clinical social worker and author of the book, “Plan for Aging Well,” said the focus needs to center on a complete rebuild of the nation’s medical and healthcare system so older adults could receive care and support for “their body, mind, and soul.”

“Our current model is intervention and medically based and should include a balanced approach to provide opportunities for our emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing,” Erickson demanded. “Aging is scary for people and conversations about it are avoided, leaving older adults alone and without a clear plan of their expectations, in terms of care and support as they age. This creates unavoidable crises and family conflict.

“This pandemic has highlighted, very clearly, how little we support those who are aging. It is now time to rebuild the system completely.” Writer and educator Kathie Lapcevic says older adults should focus on simplifying their lives.

“Slowing down all the crazy distractions and overwhelm that comes with trying to do it all and be it all for everyone,” Lapcevic said. “Take time to live a life that is slower and more intentional with a focus on personal priorities, not those that are applied from social media or marketing.” For more information about older adults and National Healthy Aging Month, visit www.aarp.org or www.healthyaging.net.

Overcoming The Fear of Failure

It’s something we’ve all faced. You can’t hide from it or run away from it. Defeat, in any form, is an experience that all of us have encountered in some fashion or form. Growing up, I admit that I was afraid to fail. I think many of us are. The media, teachings forced into modern school systems and society has indirectly given our mind prompters to be afraid of failure and to avoid it all costs.

As I continue to make mistakes and “suffer” losses in my life, I began to learn a valuable lesson, which ironically allowed me to increase my self- confidence and persistence in my life. I know it sounds counterproductive but failure is simply another tool to help get you to your desired goal. Once you begin to modify your perspective about this term it will yield you everlasting strength to continue to pursue new goals, projects and to step outside your comfort zone to truly live.

Many Silicone Valley tech companies encourage failure. In fact, Google X, which is Google’s secret research and development subsidiary responsible for focusing on testing radical new technologies to solve some of the world’s hardest problems, is all about failure. More specifically, it turns out that “failure isn’t just an option, it’s practically a requirement” as one CNN article states. Google X is responsible for hundreds of innovative projects that include global worldwide Internet accessibility, driverless cars, and even space elevators. Google X’s executive,

Dr. Astro Teller, admits that the only reason why many of their projects are successful is because “success was in itself a failure.” So why does one of the world’s most, profitable companies— that influences nearly 1 billion people— put so much emphasis on failure? Are they on to something? I certainly think so.

You’ve heard the stories— from Michael Jordan to Albert Einstein, Oprah and Thomas Edison. Oprah was let go from one of her first jobs in TV after the producer declared that she was “unfit for television.” Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team and sent to his junior varsity team as a sophomore. Albert Einstein who is considered one of the greatest minds in history was called a slow learner growing up. Even Thomas Edison who is credited for the creation of the light bulb embraced a fearless attitude by testing his light bulb experiment over 10,000 times. Edison said he learned “10,000 ways not to make a light bulb.” He succeeded by relentless trial and error and eventually achieved his goal. You only need to be right once.

These great figures in human history experienced numerous failures in their lives but that didn’t stop any of them from achieving their goals. It simply created another opportunity to learn for their failures and try again. They never gave up. If you study these high- achievers you begin to understand that a critical quality of being successful in life is not being afraid to fail. After all, it’s not what happens to you it’s how you react to it that matters.

Let me make myself very clear. I am surely not suggesting that failure is something that you should try to do. What I am saying is that in life, failure is inevitable. Whether it is in your relationships, career or personal development, failure is a part of the process. For this reason, you must change your relationship with failure and see it as part of your journey to achieving your desired outcome. Change your perspective of failure and know that the best way to handle it is to learn from it.

Here is my challenge for you. The next time you fail at something in any aspect of your life try seeing it for what it is. Remind yourself of people in your life that have failed but eventually achieved their goal. Think about the high- achievers that I mentioned who faced failure. They are no different than you. Remember that it’s all a part of the process and this is something that all of us experience so you are not alone. Pick yourself back up get a pen and write down why you failed and figure out ways to correct it in the future. Most importantly, keep your eyes on your goal. I will leave you with one quote that I would recommend that you memorize and reflect on, “Refuse to let circumstance alter your thinking, and you will see circumstance grow into the image of your thought.”

Positively Caviar, Inc. (PCI) is a grassroots nonprofit organization focused on instilling mental resilience by way of positive thinking and optimism. Each month, a member of the Nucleus Team will feature a column focused on mental and physical health tips, scientific studies, nutrition facts and stories that are positive in nature to support a positive and healthy lifestyle. To learn more about how you can support, volunteer or donate to Positively Caviar, Inc. visit: staybasedandpositive.com.

Rambling Rose LaFayette Gilchrist addresses life in Baltimore on new CD

Hello everyone, how are you? I am so bored and I can’t stand myself but I am alive and healthy.

I don’t normally talk about interna- tional musicians but this time I will make an exception because of his con- nection with Baltimore, and he is one of us, just as Dennis Chambers and Kim Waters are. We love them and so proud of the fact that no matter how famous or world-renowned they become, they never forget their hometown, where it all began.

I am so proud of Lafayette and appre- ciate him as a person and a musician. Okay, check this out. Lafayette Gilchrist, known worldwide as a renowned pianist, composer and bandleader has a new re- lease— a powerful double-disc where he addresses life in Baltimore, race rela- tions in America, and affairs of the heart— entitled, “NOW.” He returns to the trio format on his self-released dou- ble disc, the follow-up to last year’s crit- ically acclaimed solo piano album, “Dark Matter,” which many critics cited as one of 2019’s best jazz releases. This CD contains several lovely tunes cen- tered on affairs of the heart. One of those is the stunning “Newly Arrived,” with its entrancing melody and suspenseful ro- manticism.

Lafayette Gilchrist, acclaimed pianist and composer addresses life in Baltimore on his new powerful double-disc that will be available October 2, 2020.

Courtesy Photo

Lafayette Gilchrist, acclaimed pianist and composer addresses life in Baltimore on his new powerful double-disc that will be available October 2, 2020.

Gilchrist’s inspiration for the song was Sade’s 1988 classic tune “Love is Stronger Than Pride.” On the haunting ballad “The Wonder of Being Here,” which touches on the love that remains after a short-term romance, Gilchrist un- ravels a melody that sounds as if it was lifted from Abbey Lincoln’s songbook. Okay, this is enough, all I am saying the CD is baaaaaad!!Get it! Check it out! You will like it. I do!

Let me tell you about a group that you may or may not know about because they are not widely publicized. They are Black Professional Men, Inc. (BPM). I came across the group accidentally last year when they had a social event. Let me tell you a little about them other than the fact they have some fine specimen of men in this group. I’m just saying! Any- way, The Black Professional Men, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Balti- more. BPM was established in 1991 to address the social, economic and political awareness needs of the African-Ameri- can community, especially young males.

The organization is a 100 percent vol- unteer organization, which participates in a variety of community service initia- tives to provide youth with exposure to different experiences and positive role models. They host seminars, workshops and field trips within the Baltimore metro area for the young men and boys that they mentor. They sponsor their mentees on cultural and educational trips, attend Baltimore Raven’s games and attend the Congressional Black Cau- cus Foundation Conference. Each year they host the Rays of Hope Scholarship Breakfast, where they award college scholarships to deserving young men.

On Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the BPM book club mem- bers will select a book to read and dis- cuss and will continue on the first Saturday of each month. Next month, the public is invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting with the topic: Black Men Book Club Join Zoom Meeting at: https://zoom.us/j701208794? d=bGlj OFZKZIFHcm1GTOR3TkVTNmp- Pdz09 Meeting ID: must wear Masked. The password is BPM.

Now look my friend, if you understand what I just typed on the above line, I take my hat off to you because I don’t understand not one damn part of it. I tell you what, do what I am going to do, go to their website: www.blackprofessional- men.org or call 443-550-1276.

Oh, by the way, the Landmark Lodge #40 “Grab and Go Crab Feast in a Bag,” (such a grand idea) will be held on Sat- urday, September 26, 2020. The menu: 11⁄2 dozen steamed crabs; pork BBQ; fried or baked chicken; Swedish meat- balls; crab soup; corn on the cob; whipped potatoes; coleslaw; green beans; two beers or two sodas. So check it out and let me know how it was.

Well my friends, I have to go now. I am out of space, but remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com.

UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS

Ravens gear up for showdown with Chiefs

An already hot start for the Baltimore Ravens will reach an even higher level of hype as they get ready for a prime time showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams have a 2-0 record and feature the last two players to be named MVP.

Lamar Jackson is the reigning MVP and looking to follow 2018 MVP Patrick Mahomes’ progression from top player in the league to Super Bowl champion. Jackson is already off to an excellent start, after completing 77 percent of his passes to go along with four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Monday Night’s Chiefs vs. Ravens game will have big time implications for the playoffs since these two teams are likely to have the best record. A Ravens’ win in Baltimore this week could mean the AFC Championship will go through M&T Bank Stadium instead of Kansas City.

The game also features two Super Bowl winning coaches in John Harbaugh and Andy Reid. To make things even more interesting, Harbaugh coached special teams and defensive backs for Reid before being named the Ravens head coach.

There is no doubt that this game is special for Harbaugh. Normally, coaches don’t get into the pregame hype, especially right after a win. That wasn’t the case for Harbaugh.

“You can’t help it, you think about it,” Harbaugh said. “It’s probably the first thing that goes into your mind once you get in the locker room. You kind of start talking about the game and then everybody is talking about it in the locker room, about the next one, too. Honestly, it’s that way every week, but Ravens gear up for showdown with Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Jackson led Baltimore to 15 points in the fourth quarter but they couldn’t pull out the win.

Despite the loss, Baltimore held the top seed in the playoffs while Kansas City was the number two seed. The rematch, which would have been a dream matchup was eliminated by the Tennessee Titans when they defeated the Ravens, ending Baltimore’s 14-2 season on a sour note.

Jackson and the Ravens are on a redemption tour this year. They’ll host the Titans later. But first up to bat will be the Chiefs. Both teams stand in the way of Jackson’s ultimate goal, to win it all. That’s all that matters to him.

When asked about his past accomplishments such as winning the Heisman Trohy and having an MVP award, Jackson made it clear that the Lombardi trophy is the one he has his eyes set on.

“I’m focused on winning a bigger trophy,” Jackson said. this probably as much as any week, we’re thinking about the next one,” Harbaugh said after Baltimore’s convincing 33-16 win over the Houston Texans.

“I don’t think you can ignore it. You can’t sit there and pretend. Every game is important, they all count for wins, and you don’t want to mess up one that the fans or somebody else might not think is important. But who wouldn’t get excited for a game like this? When you’re playing a team that is the defending champs, the favorites to win the whole thing again— going forward— the type of players they have, the coaches they have? You’re going to get excited about it. It’s not something that we downplay. We don’t ignore it. We try to embrace it and make the most of it.”

The Chiefs and Ravens were on a collision course for the AFC Championship last season. They had a week 3 clash that was one for the ages when the Chiefs beat the Ravens 33-28

Morgan State University wins Second Annual Ford HBC-You Mobility Challenge: Receives $25,000 grant for its innovative FRESHLY program

Dearborn, Mich.— Students at Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore, Maryland, will benefit from the university having won top honors and $25,000 in the Second Annual Ford HBC-You Mobility Challenge. Morgan’s FRESHLY Program will address food insecurity and help students access mass transit and connect to healthy food resources and grocery stores.

At the heart of the FRESHLY Program is a student-built software app that will allow students to navigate between meal planning and prep courses and trips to grocery stores and farmer’s markets using university shuttles— all under the universally applied and implemented COVID-19 protocols. Students will use the app to make reservations and track shuttle locations. The grant also will support Saturday shuttle service, connecting students to surrounding grocery stores and the MSU Food Resource Center, which was launched two years ago as a ground-breaking wrap-around service provider for students facing food insecurities. Students will also receive instruction on meal planning that focuses on nutrition, the art of couponing, and how to maneuver through local grocery store apps.

“The quality of proposals we received from Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the Ford HBC-You Challenge from across the country was outstanding,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. Understanding smart mobility needs on their campuses and proposing well- crafted solutions that will make a real difference in people’s lives demonstrates the passion that students have for serving their communities.”

Second place and $10,000 was awarded to students from Talladega College in Talladega, Ala. Talladega students partnered with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) to develop improved sidewalks with truncated domes, which are raised circles on the pavement used to alert visually-impaired pedestrians when they’ve reached the end of a sidewalk. Created by the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, the Ford HBC-You Mobility Challenge asks students, alumni, faculty and administrators to design innovative mobility-based projects that address critical campus or community needs consistent with charitable purposes.

“Resources are absolutely critical in our collective effort to assist those in our community facing extenuating circumstances— chief among them is food insecurity, which is a real issue even for students on college campuses,” said Kevin Banks, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs at Morgan State University. “We are extremely thankful to Ford for spearheading social responsibility programs that benefit and uplift communities. The Ford HBC- You Mobility Challenge Grant will have an immediate impact on Morgan’s Food Resource Center and its capacity to combat hunger on our campus and within the greater Morgan Community.” With the theme of “Making Lives Better: Changing the Way We Move Through Smart Mobility,” the challenge was created to empower HBCU students, alumni, faculty, and administrators to collaborate on creating and implementing sustainable solutions that address unmet needs and improve the lives of individuals within their communities.

“Talladega College and AIDB are both student-centered organizations and we share a special bond. The innovative Ford HBC-You Mobility Challenge Grant will strengthen this bond while enhancing the lives of deaf and blind students at both institutions by providing them with greater mobility and independence,” said Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins.

The Ford Fund has long been a supporter of HBCUs, shifting now to a focus on mobility. Ford Fund invests more than $13 million a year in various educational outreach initiatives including grants, scholarships and other programming worldwide. More recently, Ford Fund worked with the United Negro College Fund to provide transportation to students needing assistance to return home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information on Ford’s programs that support the African American community, go to http://fgb.life.

Sid Wilson appointed executive director of South Baltimore Learning Center

Baltimore— The South Baltimore Learning Center (SBLC), a Baltimore nonprofit that for 30 years has provided adults with functional literacy, life skills training, career preparation services and several pathways to a high school diploma, has appointed Sid Wilson as executive director.

Wilson’s professional background includes expertise in workforce development, education, individual and corporate relationship building, business operations, sales and leadership.

As executive director, Wilson leads and directs the overall operations of SBLC, ensuring quality learning outcomes, operational efficiency and financial performance in addition to cultivating relationships with funders and partners.

Before joining SBLC, Wilson served as director of strategic partnerships and career placements with NPower Maryland, a national nonprofit providing young adults and military veterans with technology skills training and career placement. Wilson also served as director of business services with the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation. In addition, he spent 11 years at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where he received multiple Exceptional Achievement Awards while advancing to a variety of sales and operations leadership roles.

Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sociology from Morgan State University. He is a volunteer with iMentor Baltimore, a mentoring program that empowers students from low-income communities to graduate high school, succeed in college and achieve their ambitions.

“We are so fortunate to have Sid Wilson join SBLC. His professional background, coupled with his passion for serving our learner population, should serve him well in this role,” said Andrea Griesmar, SBLC board chair.

For 30 years, SBLC has provided a supportive, rigorous and transformative education to adults of all ages and backgrounds who are eager to learn, motivated to succeed and committed to making a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. Students may pursue the GED program or National External Diploma Program. When a student completes either program, he/she receives a Maryland State High School Diploma.

For more information, visit southbaltimorelearns.org.

We Need Jobs!

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll with drastic job losses, safety, and high prices on working-class people.

Black America’s inequalities make it even far more oppressive. We are the last hired in good times and first fired during bad times. COVID-19 disproportionately strikes us in morbidity and catching the disease much more than the percentage of whites.

President Trump continues to defend his bungled handling of COVID-19 and mounting job losses. Do you believe that President Donald Trump still says that Blacks are better off than they have ever been because of his policies?

One question is whether it is COVID-19 safe to go to work or do you stay home with your child because it still remains unsafe to attend school? In our economic system, working people remain left to deal with concerns of a disruptive, dog-eat- dog, competitive economy on their own. Even with woefully inadequate government funding, problems of Black inequality, restoration, and renovation fall way short under both Republicans and Democrats.

Remember former President Obama, a Black man— chose “corporations to large to fail,” over saving people from losing their homes in 2009. Low-income people with Blacks near or at the bottom were affected the most.

He proudly said, “I’m not the president of Black America. I’m the president of all Americans.” Maybe he forgot where he was. Currently, both Democrats and Republicans continue to fight back and forth in Congress over another “help the people package” for the people. There we go gaming again.

Even with the current drama, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to undercount unemployment percentages. Previous administrations did the same thing. The Bureau continues to use the U-3 statistic to unemployment. It does not underestimate rates under the more accurate U-6 figure, which corresponds to a more on-target percentage.

Unions, labor, and the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and the Black community need to make demands and fight back far beyond just voting Trump out. We need income. We need to fight for a federal government public works program putting millions to work at union-scale wages building needed hospitals, schools, housing, mass transportation, and many more infrastructure projects. We need to fight to stop layoffs; to cut the workweek with no cut in pay; to create a cost-of-living clause benefit that includes retirement benefits; and to fight for unemployment benefits for as long as workers need it.

Given the devastating fires in the west, a government-funded public works program could put tens of thousands of people to work at union-scale wages to stem forest fires. Workers could clear brush; replace old electrical lines; train personnel to sniff out potential hazards; and make sure that any new fires could be isolated and brought under control.

Dr. Ken Morgan is scholar-activist and former educator at Coppin State University. He can be reached at: kmorgan2409@comcast.net.

What about our daughters? Baltimore Black mother’s thoughts on Breonna Taylor’s birthday

I am a Black, single mother of two girls Blair (8) and Harper (6). One night recently, my Remington home was quiet because I sent them to their father’s house for a much-needed break after 84 consecutive days at home together amid social distancing precautions due to COVID-19. Today, my mind finds some ease in reading that we are headed into Phase 1 of re-opening here in Baltimore.

However, the imagery associated with the police killing of Breonna Taylor is one I’ve struggled not to replay in my mind. The thoughts of the civil unrest all around the country make it hard to focus, sleep, or just let your kids go out for a quick visit. On Friday, June 5, 2020, it was much harder to ignore the imagery because it was Breonna’s 27th birthday.

On March 13, 2020, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by Louisville Metro Police Department officers while she was sleeping when they entered her home. This senseless killing took a daughter from her mother.

When my girls are home, I often peer into their room to watch them sleep and to ensure their safety— wishing them sweet dreams. Even now when they are only 25 minutes away, I miss them dearly. They carry on and leave their toys all over the floor but as annoying as it may be for a mother, I’m sure Breonna’s mom would give anything to rewind the hands of time and relive those days. My daughters are much younger than Breonna was or would’ve been today but the world and its ills are one and the same for my daughters as they were for her.

This is all a nightmare; to think that my daughters could grow older, take jobs serving their communities like Breonna, and have their lives taken, carelessly by law enforcement wherever they may reside. I pray God to plant a hedge of protection over them even right now. I’m afraid and rightfully so, I’m unsure that hashtags are enough, I’m unclear on if protests or officers taking knees is enough to appease the grief that Breonna’s mom must feel. The collective grief in community is heavy and the media is persistent on messaging around George Floyd, But all I can ask is, What about our daughter, Breonna?

How should we train our own daughters to live in a world that has no regard for them? Should I prepare their minds even now to be fearful of law enforcement? There are so many questions laying squarely on my shoulders as a black mother. Especially given the geographic context and history of police brutality in Baltimore. Do we move to another state? I’ve even gone the length to research the story of George Floyd and found that he lived in multiple states over the course of his life. You simply can’t outrun acts of carelessness, I guess. I’m stumped by the entire system from the police force to the prison system— it’s not necessarily broken, it was just never meant to protect the majority of us.

In Baltimore, I have memories as early as age 16 where friends of mine both young men and women were locked up. We would all just be hanging out trying to come of age— not looking for trouble. As I got older— in my early twenties— I worked in healthcare just like Breonna and would come home after a long night exhausted from patient care. The degrees of separation between myself and Breonna, situations like hers, and my daughters are too close.

I’ve skimmed articles where her mother describes it as being “harder to breathe without her.” I spend nearly 365 days of the year in very close proximity to my daughters and I can’t imagine, and I don’t want to imagine a day without my children here on earth. The 84 days that I have been home with my girls marks the 84 days that Breonna’s mom has been without her. She has a lifetime to go.

AARP Spotlights Importance of 50+ Voters in New Presidential and Senate State Polls

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AARP released a series of battleground state polls of likely voters in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The full survey results was be released on Tuesday, September 15.

“This election hinges on battleground states and these results show either candidate can win,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP EVP and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. “Most importantly, people are casting their ballots earlier than ever. The window is closing, so candidates need to address concerns of 50-plus voters now.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump in five states: Colorado (50% to 40%), Maine (54% to 40%), Michigan (50% to 43%), Pennsylvania (49% to 46%) and Wisconsin (50% to 45%). Trump leads Biden in one state: Montana (50% to 43%). In five states, Biden and Trump are tied or within the margin of error: Arizona (48% to 47%), Florida (48% to 46%), Georgia (47% to 46%), Iowa (45% to 47%) and North Carolina (48% to 48%).

The polls also surveyed key U.S. Senate races, which found:

In Arizona, Democrat Mark Kelly (48%) leads incumbent Republican Sen. Martha McSally (45%).

In Colorado, Democratic former Governor John Hickenlooper (51%) leads incumbent Republican Sen. Cory Gardner (46%).

In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff (48%) leads incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue (47%).

In Georgia’s special election, Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler (24%) leads Republican Congressman Doug Collins (20%), Democrat Raphael Warnock (19%), Democrat Matt Lieberman (10%), Democrat Ed Tarver (7%) and 19% of voters are undecided.

In Iowa, incumbent Republican Senator Joni Ernst (50%) leads Democrat Theresa Greenfield (45%).

In Maine, Democrat Sara Gideon (44%) and incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins (43%) within the margin of error and Independent Lisa Savage with 6%.

Due to Maine’s Ranked Choice voting, undecided voters and those who support Lisa Savage, an independent candidate, were asked a follow up about their next choice. The results found Gideon (48%) and Collins (47%) within the margin of error.

In Michigan, incumbent Democrat Sen. Gary Peters (45%) leads Republican John James (41%).

In Montana, Senator Steve Daines (50%) leads Democratic former Governor Steve Bullock (47%).

In North Carolina, Democrat Cal Cunningham (42%) leads incumbent Republican Sen. Thom Tillis (39%).

The bipartisan team of Benenson Strategy Group and GS Strategy Group conducted the surveys in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin between August 30 and September 8, 2020. The bipartisan team of Fabrizio Ward and Hart Research conducted the polls in Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine and Montana between August 30 and September 5, 2020. The methodology for each survey is available here.

In August, AARP launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Americans 50-plus as they vote in the 2020 elections. The campaign will help Americans over 50 vote safely, whether at home or in person. The “Protect Voters 50+” campaign will provide people with the information they need about this year’s elections, including video voters’ guides, issue briefings, direct mail, text messaging, social media and paid media.

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.