Monique Welch-Rutherford

As a Black man working every day to build a New Black South, I understand why the people of Memphis felt slighted by recent comments from athletes. What we’re seeing in Memphis isn’t unique. It’s the same reality in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Atlanta, Jackson, Houston—and places folks don’t always name like Montgomery, St. Louis, Shreveport, and many more. Too often, majority-Black cities in the South are being undermined by Republican leadership at the state level. That’s not opinion—that’s pattern. And if you’re not willing to invest in the Deep South, it doesn’t help to discourage others from investing in our communities either. That needs to be said plainly. Entertainers and athletes have the power to shift conversations in ways local leaders often can’t. With that comes responsibility. My hope is that moments like this don’t divide us—but bring us to more tables, with more clarity, to fight for the progress our people deserve. Accountability is not an attack. If you’re from the south and you agree, comment your city. Share if you care 🦾

The University of Missouri has stripped its historic Black student governing body, as well as at least four other minority affinity groups, of all annual designated funding starting in July "Mizzou has been the canary in the mine" insidehighered.com/news/diversity…

A worthwhile read, from @mo_unique_:

Loneliness isn't just a feeling—it’s a data point with far-reaching public health implications, a new @RiceKinderInst, study shows. In my latest for @StraightArrow__, I break down the epidemic and how Houston is becoming a leader in combating it. san.com/cc/how-one-cit…

@ThomasDTiffany If you could’ve been there. We were rolling and so hype for the young man🙌🏾

I love us.

@oop_echeng Forever and always! Let me know how I can help.

@mo_unique_ omg monique! thank you so much! you're always such a great supporter and i'm grateful to have you in my corner 🫶

DIVA DOWN (again): Unfortunately, I was laid off from Houstonia yesterday after its parent company underwent an acquisition. The few months I spent here were amazing and I am so proud of the work that I've done.

also fun fact: I, along with my other colleagues, didn't receive a severence package or get our PTO paid out. We've started a gofundme! gofund.me/4aaa6b297

Tears found Cynthia Cooper-Dyke’s eyes when she went to the free-throw line and Houston Comets fans showered with their love and chants of “M-V-P”. The memory still resonates for the former superstar guard, who fondly recalled the raucous atmosphere at Comets games. Cooper-Dyke said she jumped out of her chair when first hearing the news and called her former teammates, who shared the glee. bit.ly/3O1LA4p

CITY GIRLS UP!

Engelbert confirmed the extended negotiations avoided any impacts to the 2026 schedule. Training camp is set to open on April 19, followed by preseason games beginning April 25 and the start of the regular season on May 8.

New = Lina Hidalgo was told in advance she did not have premium rodeo access before dispute, officials say houstonchronicle.com/politics/houst… via @houstonchron @Thelastlomax

Olivia Miles TOOK OVER in the 3Q against No. 12 Baylor 😤 Miles scored 23 PTS, the most in a quarter in her career and the most points by any D-I player in a single quarter since Caitlin Clark on Feb. 15, 2024 👏

The @WashPost has now laid off its Asia editor, its New Delhi bureau chief, its Sydney bureau chief, its Cairo bureau chief, the entire Middle East reporting team, China correspondents, Iran correspondents, Turkey correspondents, and many more. The world is becoming less America-centric by the minute while the United States is becoming more America-centric than ever. It is just a depressing yet somehow perfect summation of our current moment that one of the most important newspapers in the history of the country - one that has actually shaped the history of the United States - doesn't think reporting on the world is of any use anymore. What an utterly perfect encapsulation of where we have arrived.

The other reporter on my team covering race was also laid off as well as the editor in charge of race coverage across national. The team covering America beyond DC is now 90% white.

A non-journalist friend asked me — is losing 300 people from a newsroom a lot? I pointed out there are about 200 journalists at the Philadelphia Inquirer and about 100 at the Baltimore Banner. Imagine losing both those publications in a day.

Being laid off from The Washington Post doesn’t erase the work or the responsibility to keep telling stories in a moment when they matter more than ever. I’ve built my career by showing up, digging in and putting people first. Reach me: ms.amber.ferguson@gmail.com

"We're not just coaching the game of basketball, we're showing Black girls ... that the seat of power is yours, too." My conversation with @Unrivaledwbb's Teresa Weatherspoon, Noelle Quinn, Rena Wakama, Nola Henry and Roneeka Hodges is out now! Full: youtu.be/NEeBWAz48FQ?si…

Thanks for sharing my story about this alarming crisis in Houston/Harris County @Phil_Lewis_