Lifestyle

‘I’m in the best shape’ Mike Tyson Says Ahead of Fight with Roy Jones, Jr.

Joseph Hammond Zenger News

London — Despite the fact that the Los Angeles Dodgers won a World Series in Texas and the Los Angeles Lakers just won an NBA title in Florida, Brooklyn’s Mike Tyson will soon fight what may be his final match in Los Angeles.

Former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. vowed at an official press conference recently, ahead of their November 28fight in Los Angeles, that both men are training as hard as they did in their primes for their upcoming match.

“I looked at film of Roy when he was at his best because that’s the guy I anticipate fighting,” Tyson said. “I’m in the best shape. I boxed seven rounds so far, and it keeps improving. I’m boxing younger guys and hungry guys, and it’s showing me that, from the looks of things, I’m doing really well.”

Tyson also stressed that he has spared as much as seven full rounds against younger opponents in his training camp for this contest.

“I am the only boss,” he said, referring to his sparring partners. “If you don’t kick my ass, you’re fired. Everyone’s doing their best and if you are not doing your best, you got to go home.” “I usually judge it how I feel that

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night,” he said. Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson waves to fans as he arrives in Bloxwich, Walsall, West Midlands on November 18, 2005.

Tyson also appeared disappointed about the shortened two-minute rounds for this fight, as did Roy Jones, Jr. Professional men’s boxing uses three-minute rounds. Women’s fights use two-minute rounds. Some fights involving senior fighters or certain exhibitions may also use one-minute rounds.

This fight will be contested over eight two-minute rounds as per the rules of the California State Athletic Commission. Both men stressed the smaller, 12-ounce gloves and lack of headgear as part of the reason that, from their perspective, this is no exhibition. The winner will be awarded a “Frontline Battle” Belt by the World Boxing Council.

While age may not have softened their desire to win, both men seemed to take a humbler approach when describing his new opponent. Tyson offered that he had turned down offers to face 47-year-old MMA legend and former NFL 5 “I usually judge it how I feel that night,” he said. Former world heavyweight boxing player Bob Sapp and 48-year-old champion Mike Tyson waves to fans as he arrives in Bloxwich, Walsall, West Midlands title contender Shannon Briggs be- on November 18, 2005. (Courtesy photo/essentiallysports.com) fore finding a worthy challenge in Roy Jones, Jr. Tyson also confirmed Mike Tyson. And now I’ll be able to the nominal home of the NBA’s Los rumors that the two had once dis- say, Yes I did.'” Angeles Lakers and the NHL’s Los cussed a potential fight in 2003 at a Triller will live the stream the Angeles Kings. face-to-face meeting in Texas. match on its streaming service and Earlier this year, the Los Angeles

Jones offered similar praise of the fight will be available around the Lakers won an NBA championTyson as one of boxing’s hardest globe on a variety of pay-per-view ship without the use of their home punchers. Jones described the fight platforms. The organizers also used court. Due to the novel coronaas “bucket list” material. the press conference to announce virus, the event had not had a live

“Everywhere I go in life, young the fight will take place at the Staples sports event since early March kids always ask me if I ever fought Center in downtown Los Angeles, when the Los Angeles King’a played there. $19./mo. 99 ADD TO YOUR PACKAGE FOR ONLY Blazing Fast Internet! As things stand, the venue will not admit fans, but, the staging of the event in such a prestigious venue may pave the way for fans later where available if the conditions improve. The fight had previously been scheduled for an outdoor venue in nearby Carson, CA. No reason for the change 2-YEAR TV PRICE in venue was announced, leading to GUARANTEE speculation that the change could allow live fans to return, albeit wearing a facemask. Tyson last boxed in a 2006 exhiMO. bition fight against Corrie Sanders. America’s Top 120 Package for 12 Mos. Roy Jones, Jr. last boxed in 2018, 190 CHANNELS Including Local Channels! when he won a fringe German cruiserweight title against Scott Sigmon. While Tyson has pledged to stage

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O er ends 1/31/21. All o ers require credit quali cation, 24-month commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for 1-855-407-6870 “I usually judge it how I feel that night,” he said. qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit quali cation. WI

Black Paper Party’s 2020 Holiday Collection Encourages Gift of Representation

WI Staff Report

Traditionally, Christmas gift-giving has been embodied by happy people enjoying the warmth of the season. But rarely have the faces of Santa Claus or the joyful families been Black. In fact, fatherly.com says that African Americans only represent about three percent of all department store Santas in the U.S.

The Black Paper Party aims to shift that narrative a bit.

The company – developed by a trio of women familiar with the lack of diversity with Christmas choices in the Big Box stores they worked for – creates ornaments and gift-wrapping paper with children, families and Santas that look like them.

“Coming from corporate retail, we noticed a deficit of products featuring people of color, especially during the holidays when a high percentage of money spent on holiday shopping is by Black Americans,” said Madia Willis, one of the founders of the BPP. “We saw creating wrapping paper and holiday ornaments as a necessity.”

Although the lack of Black holiday-themed products is hardly new, the current climate and constant reminders of unequal treatment make it more important than ever to have as many positive Black images on screens, in stores and on shelves across the U.S. as possible.

In that vein, the BPP team de-

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“Not only should Black children and Black people see themselves represented on holiday wrapping paper and gifts but Black representation should not be an afterthought or trend. It should be commonplace and available to all,” added Jasmine Hudson, co-founder.

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THANKSGIVING from Page 12

wanted to get out. They wanted to enjoy weekends at the beach. But there wasn’t much else you could do then, in May, because everything was closed. Even many of my friends who were very cautious in the beginning seem to have gotten tired and frustrated. Some of them have let their guard down and loosened their standards related to safety.”

Indeed, the virus numbers appear depressing. Forty-states continue to head in the wrong direction with 17 states reporting their highest number of new infections since the start of the pandemic.

In Michigan, the governor recently suspended classes for all of the state’s high schools and colleges for at least the next three weeks. Two months ago, only 10 states were trending in the wrong direction. During the summer surge, 77,000 daily infections was the peak number. On Friday, Nov. 13, that number had soared to 185,000 new infections daily. Positivity rates have hit new highs in several states: South Dakota, 60 percent; Idaho, 42 percent; Alabama, 24 percent;

Party’s website frequently for their Black Friday Promotion.

BPP is a Black- and women-owned business, co-owned by Jasmine Hudson, J'Aaron Merand Pennsylvania, 22 percent.

At the current rate, experts from the Covid Tracking Project predict that the daily death rate, now recorded at 1,300 on Nov. 14, could be as high as 2,100 daily deaths by mid-January.

This reporter spoke with his youngest child who now resides in New York – a millennial – for his thoughts.

“I understand the restrictions being proposed and helpful but at the same time I’m concerned about small business owners,” said Jared McNeir, 26. “The state’s shutting down everything and that’s necessary. But the federal government must provide financial assistance. Americans tend to think as individuals and that’s part of the pushback. But people need to more willingly comply. I think they will if they believe that their individual needs will continue to be met,” McNeir said.

Dale Green, 53, a federal government employee and African American living in Chicago, commented on the mayor’s 14-day, stay-at-home quarantine which went into effect on Monday, Nov. 16. chant and Madia Willis who collectively have over 15 years of retail, product development, and creative design experience.

WI

“The new restrictions don’t bother me personally because I wasn’t going out a lot anyway,” Green said who noted that he mostly works from home these days.

“During the summer, we could still go to the parks and people were there in droves. The police were pretty lenient too – letting people stay out well beyond park curfews and allowing them to bring their own alcohol. But now it’s getting cold.”

“I have younger relatives who still have gatherings with a lot of guests but I’m not attending those kinds of events. People are arguing that they have their right to do what they want but I have a friend who almost died from the virus. Knowing someone personally who was effected by it – a very close friend – who was on a ventilator and with whom I’d hung out about a week before he was hospitalized, made me think. It made it more real.”

“Maybe those who don’t want to follow the precautions are doing that because they don’t believe it can happen to them. But it can,” Green said.

WI

Bowser’s Trip to See Biden in Delaware Alarms Some District Residents

James Wright However, the order exempted trav- interests of the District of Columbia,” WI Staff Writer el deemed essential. The order also the mayor said according to a WTOP @JamesDCWrighter exempted travel to and from nearby radio report. “And some of them are Maryland and Virginia. formal and some of them are informal,

Regina Pixley believes D.C.’s elected The mayor traveled by car, accom- but all of them are necessary.” officials should lead by example. panied by a security team member and Bowser said she is tested for the

So, Pixley, advisory neighborhood an aide. The trip lasted seven hours, coronavirus on a consistent basis. commissioner for single-member dis- according to a Bowser spokesman. “I am regularly tested, and tested trict 8C04 in Ward 8, was outraged Residents who travel to high-risk according to my levels of exposure and when she learned that D.C. Mayor states must quarantine at home for doing my job,” she said according to Muriel Bowser took a one-day trip to 14 days when they return to the city, a WTOP report. As far as activities Wilmington, Del., to talk with Biden except those who are traveling for es- in Delaware, she said no celebratory transition officials and to listen to the sential purposes, the order said. party, reception or greeting line took president-elect’s Nov. 7 victory speech. On Nov. 9, a new mayoral order place.

“Mayor Bowser is telling us that we took effect gutting the two-week, non- “I congratulated the people that I should not go to states such as Dela- essential travel quarantine and man- saw,” she said. ware because they are on her list of dated a negative COVID-19 test for Bowser said she wanted to build high-risk states for the coronavirus and people who wanted to visit the Dis- bridges for the city to the new adminthen she turns around and goes there,” trict from high-risk states. Residents istration. Pixley said. Noting that Bowser and who travel to high-risk states should “The new president is our neighthe city’s health director “set the rules quarantine when they return, except bor, and I will be his mayor while he’s for traveling to states like that,” she for those engaging in essential activi- here,” she said, according to a WTOP said, “I don’t think that she is setting ties, unless they test negative three days radio report. “And there are special a good example for D.C. residents to after their trip. events that our city supports with the follow while we are in a pandemic.” At a Nov. 9 news conference, Bowser federal government. And so, building

Delaware has become one of the defended Delaware trip “essential travel.” relationships with the new team is go46 states on the list of high-risk states On Nov. 10, Bowser talked about ing to be important for all of us.” to which D.C. residents should avoid the Delaware trip at a ribbon-cut- Charles Gaither, a Ward 4 resident, travel in a mayoral order targeting ar- ting ceremony for the Shepherd Park said Bowser did the right thing by takeas with a daily coronavirus case rate of Community Center in Ward 4. ing the trip. more than 10 per 100,000 residents. “I do a lot of things to advance the “It is part of her job as CEO of the

5 Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Biden Campaign Advisor Symone Sanders in Delaware for the victory speeches of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. (Courtesy photo/Facebook grab)

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

Immediately after her confirmation in 2017 as U.S. Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos rubbed African Americans the wrong way. Her policies hurt even worse.

During one of her first interviews (none with African-American media), DeVos linked Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] with the issue of school choice.

She called them “real pioneers when it comes to school choice” and “living proof that when more options are provided to students, they are afforded greater access and greater quality.”

However, Black Twitter lashed back, noting that HBCUs had primarily been established because African-American students had no alternative option for higher education.

DeVos raised the ire of many when she rescinded the Obama Administration’s guidance that sought to stem the school-to-prison pipeline by getting schools to reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions, especially for students of color who receive disciplinary actions at disproportionately higher rates.

Rep. Katherine Clark, a Democrat from Massachusetts, chided DeVos.

“Black children are just plain old more disruptive in the classroom,” Clark lashed out at DeVos during a meeting. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

Nonetheless, growing criticism would not sway DeVos whose job qualifications have long been refuted by many educators. But with Biden poised to take control, there’s growing optimism about the changes which will inevitably come.

“With a new secretary of education, we can reinstate the focus on equitable student outcomes for Black and brown District of Columbia,” he said. “She is doing what is necessary for the people of D.C. That talk about her violating her own order is a bunch of rubbish. I am sure she took precautions before she took the trip.”

Anthony Wright disagrees with Gaither, saying “what Mayor Bowser did was wrong.”

“Everybody needs to follow the rules,” Wright said. “She is the one who puts out the list. She is the one who updates the list every two weeks that everyone has to follow. To me, it is Bowser’s way of saying ‘Do as I say, not students and return to comprehensive federal investments that provide more resources for public schools instead of programs that funnel funds away from public schools,” said Everton Blair, Jr. a member of Gwinnett County Board of Education in Georgia and an affiliate of LEE (Leadership for Educational Equity).

Darrell Andrews, known by his peers as “Coach D” and the author of the book, “Believing the HYPE: Seven Keys to Motivating Students of Color,” counts among those looking forward to a new education secretary.

For two decades, Andrews has consulted and worked with thousands of schools and school districts, helping them develop systems for inspiring academic excellence for students of color.

“Under the DeVos tenure, school seems to have eliminated anything relating to students of color academic advancement for this was not the foas I do’. She could have watched Biden’s speech on TV like everybody else.”

Robert Brannum, a longtime Ward 5 political activist, understands why some residents are uneasy about the mayor’s trip. Nevertheless, he said Bowser had every right to go.

“The trip was essential travel,” Brannum said. “Whether a trip is essential travel is determined by the traveler and she is the mayor and represents the people. I have no issue with that. However, if she was going to Delaware to go to the beach, then that would be

Black Educators Among Those Celebrating Departure of Betsy DeVos

Message to U.S. Education Secretary: ‘Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out’

5 Everton Blair, Jr. Board Representative, Gwinnett County Board of Education and member of LEE (Leadership for Educational Equity)

a different story.” WI cus of this administration,” Andrews wrote in an email.

“It seems like she had districts bogged down with many stressors such as starting school in the U.S. again during COVID-19 because of her boss’s wishes,” he continued. “Schools seem to have been bogged down with insignificant goals and objectives, that hurt Black student advancement under her leadership.”

“A new secretary, under a president that supports racial equity, will have the ability to get things back on course, to release funds that help to close the achievement gap and make academic advancement of Black and brown students a priority once again.”

“The new secretary will not be limited by an administration that does not support this focus – for racial equity is one of the four areas of focus under the Biden-Harris Administration,” Andrews concluded.

WI

LIFESTYLE wi book review

"Unprepared: America in the Time of Coronavirus" introduction by Timothy Egan, complied and edited by Jon Sternfeld c.2020, Bloomsbury $28.00 / $38.00 Canada 355 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

Your fingers are raw and wrinkly.

That's because sanitizer is your friend, you use a lot of soap and water, and there's no way you're going to risk some sort of nasty virus this winter. But the virus, where do we go now? In "Unprepared," compiled and edited by Jon Sternfeld, you first have to know where we've been.

On Dec. 31 last year, as the first few notes of "Auld Lang Syne" began to play, Chinese officials quietly warned citizens that they'd confirmed seven cases of SARS from a seafood market in Wuhan. Chances are, the average American didn't know it.

Five days later, 59 people in Wuhan were sick with the virus.

By Jan. 21, 300 Chinese victims had fallen ill, a fact that National Public Radio reported, and the CDC in Atlanta confirmed America's first case of 2019nCoV in Washington state; the following day, President Donald Trump said the situation was "under control." A month later, the stock market "slumped" in response to what was now called coronavirus.

By early March, there were 90,000 COVID-19 cases, world-wide. Many of those were in the U.S. and the pandemic was spreading despite President Trump's public assertion that things were "fine." Americans wanted tests, but access was lacking; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical personnel was starting to run out. On March 7, there were "around" 200 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.; three days later, that had more than tripled. Dr. Anthony Fauci of the NIAID suggested that Americans would have to "hunker down significantly" to squash the virus. African Americans were particularly hit by illness. Businesses temporarily shuttered and unemployment rose.

By May, Americans were frustrated about shut-downs, mask mandates, job loss and deaths. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta said, "This is chaos…."

On May 25, George Floyd died on a street in Minneapolis and protests broke out in almost every major city in America.

On June 5, there were more than 875,000 confirmed Coronavirus cases in the U.S...

For sure, readers of "Unprepared" will notice one important thing: it's not finished.

That should come as no big surprise; compiler-editor Jon Sternfeld admits in his author's note that he compiled only just so far, and that he "wouldn't venture to guess" what would happen after he penned his note last summer. It's probably just as well; who could've ever accurately predicted the last four months?

Despite its we-know-what-happens cliffhanger, though, "Unprepared" is too much, and that may be because we've lived what's here and it's still pretty fresh in most readers' minds. And yet, reading it makes the last year feel like a new shock, like knowing a stove is hot and touching it anyway. Watching the virus arrive in this oral history – this must have been what dust storm victims felt like. "Unprepared" is not an easy thing. It's not cut-and-dried, nor is it complimentary to many politicians; instead, you're left with your own thoughts, fears and a story to complete. It's a sobering book, and there's no way to sanitize that.

Sometimes, you crave more information, so look for "Plagues, Pandemics and Viruses: From the Plague of Athens to Covid-19" by Heather E. Quinlan (Visible Ink Press), which is a wide look at frightening times throughout history; or "The Rules of Contagion" by Adam Kucharski (Basic Books), a book about how things spread, from ideas to fads and violence to diseases. WI 36 - NOVEMBER 19 -25, 2020

horoscopes

NOV 18 - 25, 2020

ARIES Forward progress comes to an abrupt halt as a money opportunity comes in from a new direction. Aries, you tend to run toward what is new and exciting, but this is a changeable situation. Don't commit resources until you examine the downside. Lucky Numbers: 20, 25, 39

TAURUS Today, you may feel scattered with your phone buzzing and many people wanting your attention. Some are asking you to change when you are already well underway in your chosen direction. They may pepper you with arguments, but today these are just distractions. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 22

GEMINI Find happiness today by letting go of the past, especially a past relationship with someone who betrayed your trust. Instead of putting a wall up to protect yourself, learn to trust yourself. You are resilient and strong. And your intuition will warn you when you need to walk away. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 21

CANCER Today, forward movement comes skidding to a halt with some technical issues. The printer may not be working, or the cat threw up on your mouse (I'm speaking from experience). Today's a good day to take a breath and solve one problem at a time. Lucky Numbers: 7, 17, 25

LEO Today, you could be irritated by something a neighbor does. This is a quick aspect and not strong enough to help you win a fight. So, put on your noise-canceling headphones or close the blinds and let this troublesome energy pass. Lucky Numbers: 9, 36, 40

VIRGO You may feel a great compulsion to make an investment today. If this is a business, there could be a sizable upfront cost. Do prudent thinking today before moving forward. Once you have done your research, this energy gives you courage. Lucky Numbers: 4, 12, 21

LIBRA Stripping away what is unnecessary in your home can bring an understanding of who you are and how to connect with your past. Use caution today, as you may break a family heirloom. Instead, check with siblings or cousins and see if they want some of these family treasures. Look around your house, keep what you love, and start to get rid of the rest. Lucky Numbers: 7, 38, 44

SCORPIO Today, there's magic in your artwork and movement. Consider visualizing something you really want, then taking a canvas and painting in the colors you are inspired to choose. Or do a few yoga poses with every breathtaking in the energy that you want and expelling what you no longer wish to have. Lucky Numbers: 11, 28, 30

SAGITTARIUS You're more confident than ever, champing at the bit like a racehorse waiting for the gates to open. It's time to think bigger. Consider the biggest race you could win, whether that be an influencer, mentor, or a celebrity. Craft a short message to them and send it out. This is a good day to do what you have not dared to do in the past. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 34

CAPRICORN Your charisma is strong today, like sweet, warm honey. Unfortunately, this honey is attracting some flies. In other words, you're getting romantic attention from someone you find uninteresting. That's OK. You need to have a conversation with the universe, so you can start to attract the love relationship you want. Look up at that first-quarter moon tonight and tell the universe to bring you a great love. Lucky Numbers: 24, 29, 55

AQUARIUS Today, there is the realization of how your beliefs, especially about love relationships, rule your life. And if you take the time to question your beliefs, you can change your life. Talk to someone who has an entirely different take on things. Listen to other opinions and consider the possibilities. Lucky Numbers: 13, 18, 40

PISCES What was promised you in the form of cash or an object of value arrives, but it's not nearly what you'd hoped for. You may need to call and tell somebody it's their responsibility to follow through with their promises. Instead of feeling disappointed, it's better to focus on how to remedy the situation or, more accurately, who can remedy it for you. Lucky Numbers: 39, 43, 54