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MLB is seeing a slow improvement in diversity among its young players, despite a record low number of black major league players

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For most of Lee Allen Jr.’s childhood. baseball seemed quite distant to him.

The Major League Baseball Royals played in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, but Allen – who is black and lives downtown – did not have much opportunity to play baseball until late highschool.

In January 2020, 17-year-old Allen was invited to 1 of MLB’s development programs, the DREAM Series, where he stood in front of scouts and coaches for the primary time to showcase his skills in a competitive environment.

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Termarr Johnson throws to first base throughout the sixth inning of a spring baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo: Charlie Neibergall/AP)

Four years later, Allen took the sector on the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, wearing the purple, white and gold baseball uniform representing historically black college Prairie View A&M University, together with his eyes set on a skilled profession.

More than 200 HBCU standouts were available for the MLB Andre Dawson Classic, a collegiate tournament for players who hope to sooner or later break through the major leagues and maybe help usher in the following generation of African-American stars.

“The opportunity to be here and showcase my talents to scouts and other players that are looking at us at the next level,” said Allen, now a junior defenseman for the Panthers. “It feels great for me because I know these are goals I can achieve and they are there.”

That’s the goal of MLB, which has struggled with a historically low number of black players in the major leagues. A study by the Central Florida Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports found that African-American players made up just 6.2% of players on MLB Opening Day rosters in 2023, down from 7.2% in 2022. Both numbers were the bottom for the reason that study began in 2023 1991, when 18% of MLB players were black.

It’s also the bottom percentage of African-American participation among 4 of the five major skilled sports — the NBA, NFL, MLB and MLS — outside the National Hockey League, where greater than 90% of the players are white. MLB has tried to handle this problem through a series of grassroots diversity initiatives.

“We’re really doubling down on what we’ve done,” said Del Matthews, MLB’s vice chairman of baseball development, “because they’re raising kids who go to college and have internships in the sport. We’re seeing more kids playing in Division I college baseball leagues, and we’re seeing more kids getting called up to the minor leagues. So we just pass it on through the different programs we’ve had.”

There are signs of progress on the skilled level. From 2012 to 2021, 17.4% of first-round picks were African-American players. That number increased to 30% in 2022, when 4 of the primary five players chosen were Black players for the primary time ever, and all 4 were graduates of not less than one MLB diversity initiative. In 2023, Black players made up 10 of the primary 50 draft picks, or 20%.

These gains haven’t yet increased MLB’s player base, and even in the minors, Black participation is growing slowly. When MLB recently announced its Spring Breakout rosters featuring top minor league prospects, 9.5% of players were Black – including 31 graduates of MLB’s diversity programs.

MLB’s activities begin with an annual tour of skilled camps in various cities across the country to discover baseball potential among inner-city kids. The route has grown annually – from 12 stops when it launched in 2018 to 18 cities now – and is aimed toward children aged roughly 13-14, just before they begin secondary school.

The goal is to eventually send these players to more advanced development programs where they’ll gain significant reps in competitive baseball – mostly for gratis – and develop relationships with skilled scouts and former major league players that may help them further in their careers .

“Sports have become so expensive that they have eliminated many of our children,” said Jerry Manuel, former manager of the White Sox and Mets. “So we need to do everything we can to get them back into the pipeline.”

The shows are mostly funded by USA Baseball, the game’s governing body in the United States, which pays for equipment, meals and potential travel to shows that Matthews said would otherwise cost greater than $700 per event. Between 1,200 and 1,500 children are chosen annually to participate in MLB programs focused on diversity, including the DREAM Series, Breakthrough Series, Hank Aaron Invitational and girls’ baseball/softball events. Some players participate in several events a yr – a possibility that will otherwise not be possible for a lot of children from lower-income families.

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That’s why Sheila Moreno was grateful that her son Jadin was introduced to baseball through the Houston Astros’ free youth baseball league, one of greater than 180 organizations affiliated with MLB’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) outreach program to kids in the community about neglected needs.

Moreno said Jadin desired to play skilled baseball abroad, but knowing how expensive the game may very well be, she was frightened the expenses would prevent him from launching his profession. When Moreno stumbled upon Houston’s RBI program, Jadin gained the contacts he needed to earn invites to other development shows. He is currently a junior goalie at Prairie View.

“He didn’t have to pay anything,” Moreno said last month on the Andre Dawson Classic, “in order that was very helpful. All he wanted was to play football. He was just searching for someone who would help him learn basic skills and put in the trouble.

The league reported that just about 700 graduates of its development programs have played college baseball, with about 90% of them being black players.

According to the NCAA’s demographic database, 752 Division I baseball players – about 6% – are black. That’s the best number in 10 years and reflects a small but regular increase that Tony Reagins, MLB’s director of baseball development, said indicates improvement is coming.

Reagins added that the support of former black major league players like Manuel has been especially helpful in showing aspiring professionals what is possible.

One of the MLB prospects is Termarr Johnson, who selected baseball over basketball and football, sports he felt were more popular when he was growing up in Atlanta. He has been involved in almost every diversity initiative MLB has offered and has been exposed to mentors akin to Manuel, Ken Griffey Jr., Dave Winfield and Marquis Grissom – some of whom he can turn to for advice if he so desires.

Johnson was the fourth overall pick in the draft in 2022. Standing in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse before a recent major league spring training game, Johnson credited those programs for his growth on and off the sector.

“The biggest help was that they dealt with the mental element of being a big leaguer, a big leaguer,” Johnson said. “They tell me little things like, ‘Put your shirt on once you exit on the pitch.’ Make sure you run away from the sector. A scout sees it, people see it.

Johnson has impressed to date with the second-ranked Pirates and began his own kids’ camp, hoping it might encourage more black kids to play the sport and keep on with it, similar to MLB programs did for him.

“I don’t know if I would be here right now if it wasn’t for this,” Johnson said.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary welcomed their second child

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Elaine Welteroth, Jonathan Singletary, Elaine Welteroth has baby, Black famous mothers, Black mothers, Black maternal health, birthFUND, theGrio.com

Elaine Welteroth has a brand recent bundle of joy!

The 37-year-old media personality and founding father of birthFUND welcomed her second child, a son named SantiGold, together with her husband, musician Jonathan Singletary, in early November.

While Welteroth said People Magazine that she and her growing family are “healthy and happy” – she admitted that she has been affected by sleep problems since welcoming the most recent member of the family.

“I’m not sure my brain is working at full speed,” she told the web site. “I’m sleep-deprived, but I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Recalling the precise day she went into labor, she stated that she just knew it was the day.

“His birth was largely orchestrated by God,” she explained. “I just instinctively said, ‘I’m going to send my kid to school, and when he comes home, he’ll have a little brother.'”

In addition to her general spidey senses, Welteroth had an impulse to be outdoors, so she went to the park.

“The moment I sat down on the grass, I felt the first contraction,” she said. “I assumed, ‘Let’s go, honey.’ “It’s happening.”

Still, there was no immediate sense of urgency for the young mother of two, even stopping to do some Reiki within the park together with her midwife. Shortly thereafter, she returned home for what she described because the “most beautiful” and “peaceful” home birth. SantiGold’s peaceful delivery could also be a part of the inspiration behind his name, which she said means “peace” in Thai.

“I think you’re more confident in the process the second time around,” she noted, adding, “You can trust the method more. The baby was born inside three hours, I could not consider it.

Welteroth, who welcomed her first child, a boy, together with her husband in April 2022, has long touted her second pregnancy as a “redemptive pregnancy.” Its first stage was marked by complications and anxiety. Halfway through, after learning concerning the full scope of the Black mother’s health crisis, she began working with a midwife and decided to have a house birth. She also learned what number of families couldn’t afford the life-saving care of midwives and doulas, which led her to launch the FUND birth fund earlier this yr.

Elaine Welteroth shares her pain story in Advil's 'Believe My Pain' campaign

It was through the organization’s official opening that she learned she was pregnant together with her second child, announcing the primary group of beneficiaries. Now her organization is preparing to reward 41 more families.

“I started with the mantra: ‘We are the ones who have to save ourselves,’” she said. “I’m just very, very proud of our team and that we can help women and families, especially in this moment when we see how the system is failing families. I am truly encouraged and hopeful.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The ultimate Black-owned gift guide for Divine 9 members

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When it involves honoring the wealthy legacy of the Divine Nine, selecting the proper gift is about greater than just aesthetics – it’s about celebrating the history, culture and unwavering bonds of Black Greek letter organizations. Whether it’s Founders’ Day, inheritance ceremonyor just to point out like to a valued senior or fraternity brother, a meaningful gift reflects the pride, strength and purpose these organizations embody.

From stylish accessories to memorabilia that captures the essence of those organizations, these Black-owned brands can assist you to honor the spirit of service and sisterhood – or brotherhood – that outline the Divine Nine experience.

Truth 2 Code

(Photo: True 2 The Code)

Truth 2 Code offers a variety of fashionable accessories for members of the Divine Nine. Adding street style to classic Greek pieces, the True 2 Greek collection allows members to point out off their letters and private style.

Estelle coloured glass

(Photo: Estelle Colored Glass)

Although they might not be sold as a Greek seller, Estelle coloured glass prepares amazing gifts for members of Greek literary organizations. With a wide selection of coloured glassware designs, consider giving your favorite soror or fraternity brother a set of glasses of their organization’s colours.

(*9*)

DVN

(Photo: DVN)

DVN is a Greek clothing brand that hopes to redefine traditional Greek accessories by offering designs that completely fit people’s on a regular basis style. Founded by Danielle Render, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., DVN combines progressive design and meticulous craftsmanship to create jackets, necklaces and custom pieces that allow all D9 members to “represent their affiliations with confidence and authenticity.”

Vontélle Divine glasses collection

(Photo: Vontélle)

Designed for us, Vontélle is a Black woman-owned eyewear brand offering optical frames and sunglasses that complement Black facial expression. Vontélle “Divine” Collection combines the brand’s mission to create better-fitting, vibrant, fashion-forward styles with colours and patterns inspired by historically black sororities and sororities.

Betty Plus promotion

For over 30 years Betty Plus promotion, Black, a family business, is a one-stop shop for Greek accessories, clothing and custom embroidery. Offering deals for every Divine 9 organization, Betty’s Promo Plus offers collections of transition gifts, holiday gifts and more.

Fashionably Greek

(Photo: Fashionably Greek)

Fashionably Greek provides a various range of trendy and customizable clothing options, offering clothes and niknaks for all D9 sororities and choose fraternities (Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi). Its products are perfect for any occasion, from homecoming to social events and even to the office.

University nativity scene

University nativity scene is certainly one of the biggest Greek accessories stores. This Black family-owned business offers a big selection of merchandise for each D9 and non-D9 Black Greek organizations. Customers can shop online or visit a store near Tennessee State University in person.

Macy’s Divine Nine Fraternity and Sorority Collections

(Photo courtesy of Macy’s)

Macy’s Divine Nine Brotherhood collection AND Kasper Sorority Collection pay tribute to the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations by offering men’s and girls’s clothing that highlights the distinct colours of every organization. These business-style garments are perfect for members to subtly have fun their affiliation at work events and/or branch meetings.

Black-owned brands will be able to shop from Oprah's 2024 favorites list

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Why Denzel Washington quit drinking at 60

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Denzel Washington, alcohol use, sobriety, drug abuse, Gladiator II, Denzel Washington retiring, theGrio.com

Denzel Washington has been sober for nearly a decade, but he had one particular vice: wine.(*60*)

In a brand new profile, the 69-year-old actor talks about his history with wine, drugs like LSD and growing up in New York within the Seventies. Esquire magazine..(*60*)

“Wine is very difficult,” he warned. “It’s very slow… It’s not like boom.”(*60*)

He explained that, unlike harder substances, he had “the perfect idea for wine tasting and so on – and that’s how it was in the beginning.”(*60*)

“And this is a very subtle thing,” he added.(*60*)

Washington said his habit really took off in 1999, when he built a house with a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar and “learned to drink the best of it.”(*60*)

He added: “My passion was wine, and now I was pouring $4,000 bottles just because it was left.”(*60*)

The “Gladiator II” star eventually developed an intake management system; he frequently ordered the 2 best bottles of wine available at his favorite liquor store.(*60*)

“And my wife says, ‘Why do you only order two?’ I said, “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more.” So I limited it to 2 bottles and drank each in the course of the day,” he told the publication.(*60*)

Even though she drinks wine day by day, the “Equalizer 3” star said she never drank alcohol while working or preparing for a task, even while filming “Flight,” which tells the story of an alcoholic pilot.(*60*)

“I would clean up and go back to work – I could do both,” he said. “Regardless of the months of shooting, bang, it is time to wrap up. And then boom. Three months of wine and time to get back to work.(*60*)

The actor admitted that when he was younger, it was easier to take care of this pattern.(*60*)

“Two months off and we’re going. But the drinking was a fifteen-year pattern. And truth be told, it didn’t start in 1999. It began earlier,” he explained.(*60*)

Washington, who was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, described what it was like growing up there within the late Seventies. Spending time on projects with individuals who exposed him to heroin, cocaine, hard alcohol and more, he admits that he experimented but personally “never got hooked on it.” (*60*)

In fact, much of those formative years experiences were passed on to a few of Washington’s best and most complex figures. Still, he said, “I am unable to consider a single role where I said, ‘Man, that is me.’ Completely me? No, no.(*60*)

Since he quit drinking, he appears like “everything is opening up to him.”(*60*)

Will one of Denzel Washington's last films be

“It’s like you’re seventy,” he said. “This is real. And it’s okay. This is the last chapter – if I get one other thirty, what do I would like to do? My mother lived to be ninety-seven.(*60*)

The husband and father of 4 also pays more attention to fitness today, due to Lenny Kravitz, who introduced him to his trainer.(*60*)

“I’m doing everything I can,” he said.(*60*)

As he noted in the course of the “Gladiator II” press session, he’s also enthusiastic about upcoming projects which will become his last – and yes, they include two more “Equalizer” movies.(*60*)

“People love these daggone ‘Equalizers,'” he said. (*60*)

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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