Facebook Instagram Twitter
Home Blog

Beverly Agee Burton: A Legacy of Law, Leadership, and Love

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Beverly A. Burton, Esq.
Beverly Agee Burton, Esq. (photo: The Burton Wire)

In the story of American progress, there are names we recognize instantly, and then there are the architects of change whose impact lives in institutions, communities, and generations. Beverly Agee Burton is undeniably the latter: a quiet force, a trailblazer, and a woman whose life’s work reflects a deep and enduring commitment to justice.

Born and raised in Virginia, Beverly came of age during a time when opportunities for Black women in society and higher education, especially in spaces like the University of Virginia, were hard-won. As a member of UVA’s historic Class of 1974, she helped integrate the university for women, stepping into spaces that had long excluded women who looked like her. She not only walked through those doors; she left them open for others, becoming the university’s first graduate in Afro-American Studies.

Her commitment to equity did not stop at the classroom. Early in her legal career as a Legal Aid attorney, Beverly recognized that access to justice required more than representation — access to justice required education. As producer and host of the television programs, The Law and You and Focus on the Black Perspective, she brought legal knowledge directly into the community, demystifying systems that too often exclude and intimidate.

Throughout her distinguished career in public service, Beverly consistently chose work that placed people first. As Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Richmond, and later in leadership roles across Chesterfield County and the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, she shaped policies and systems that impacted thousands. Whether serving as Interim City Attorney for Hopewell or guiding complex municipal initiatives, her leadership was marked by integrity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the communities she served.

Her influence extended beyond government offices and courtrooms. As President of the Old Dominion Bar Association, the nation’s oldest bar association for Black Americans, she upheld and advanced a legacy of advocacy and professional excellence. After her first retirement, she co-founded Legal Papers Matter, reinforcing her belief that legal literacy and efficiency are cornerstones of empowerment.

Beverly’s dedication to service is perhaps most visible at the community level. As head of the Randolph Planning Board in Richmond, she helped guide strategic investments that revitalized a historic Black neighborhood in the city’s West End, ensuring that development honored both history and residents. Her work with civic associations, redevelopment committees, and planning boards reflects a lifelong commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities from the ground up.

Equally important is her advocacy for the well-being of those within her profession. Through over a decade of service on the Board of Lawyers Helping Lawyers, she supported attorneys, judges, and law students navigating mental health, substance use, and stress, which is an often-overlooked but critical area of care within the legal field.

Beverly’s excellence has been recognized widely: from the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia’s Cherin Award to induction into the Virginia Law Foundation Fellows, to being named a Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Leader in the Law.” Yet, her greatest legacy may not be found in accolades, but in impact.

At home, Beverly raised two daughters who embody her values (a lawyer and college professor/entrepreneur), extending her legacy of leadership into the next generation.

To know Beverly Agee Burton is to understand what it means to live a life of purpose. She is a woman who has moved institutions, uplifted communities, and changed lives, not for recognition, but because it was necessary.

This Women’s History Month, we honor not only what she has accomplished, but what she represents: courage, service, and an unwavering belief that justice should be accessible to all.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire News and youngest daughter of Beverly Agee Burton. Follow Nsenga on IG @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire. Subscribe to The Burton Wire News on Substack for more exclusive content.

Reverend Jesse Jackson Dies: The Early Fire That Forged a Civil Rights Giant

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0

This post originally appeared on The Burton Wire News on Substack. An excerpt follows. Please read the entire article on Substack.

EXCERPT
The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson marks the end of a towering chapter in the American struggle for civil rights, economic justice, and political empowerment. Though he would later become a presidential candidate and global statesman, Jackson’s earliest years in the public eye defined him as a fearless organizer, strategist, and moral voice for African Americans seeking freedom and equality in a deeply divided nation.

A Protégé in the Civil Rights Crucible

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson came of age during the height of the civil rights movement. His life changed profoundly when he joined the movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a young seminarian, Jackson became closely associated with Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), quickly distinguishing himself as a gifted orator and tireless field organizer.

Jackson was present during some of the most pivotal campaigns of the 1960s, including voter registration drives and economic justice efforts across the South. His ability to mobilize communities, especially young African Americans, helped broaden the movement’s reach. He brought urgency and boldness to campaigns that sought not only desegregation, but dignity, economic opportunity, and political power.

When Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, Jackson emerged from the shadow of his mentor, determined to continue the work. He became one of the most visible inheritors of King’s vision, but he also began shaping a distinctive path of his own, one rooted in grassroots mobilization and institutional power.

Building Economic Power: Operation PUSH

In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity). The organization represented a strategic shift in the freedom struggle, from protest alone to economic leverage. Jackson argued that political equality without economic access left African Americans vulnerable and marginalized.

Operation PUSH pushed corporations to hire more Black executives, invest in minority communities, and open supply chains to Black-owned businesses. Jackson’s “buy Black” campaigns and negotiations with major companies signaled a new phase in civil rights activism, one that recognized the power of markets alongside marches.

Through Operation PUSH, Jackson trained a new generation of activists who understood that justice required structural change. He framed economic empowerment as a continuation of the civil rights movement, not a departure from it.

END OF EXCERPT. 

Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire, wrote this original article and this post. Follow The Burton Wire on Instagram and Meta. Subscribe to The Burton Wire on Substack here. 

Black History Month Turns 100

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Historian Carter G. Woodson. Graphic by: Sasha Brown.

The centennial of Black History Month marks more than the passage of time — it commemorates a transformative act of historical preservation, resistance, and affirmation. In 1926, historian and educator Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to challenge the systematic exclusion of Black people from American historical narratives. What began as a corrective initiative has grown, one hundred years later, into a global observance recognizing the centrality of Black history to the human story.

The importance of this centennial lies first in its reminder of why Black History Month was necessary in the first place. Woodson understood that history is not neutral; it shapes identity, belonging, and power. By documenting Black achievement, struggle, and intellectual life, he sought to counter myths of inferiority and affirm Black humanity in a society structured around racial erasure. The centennial calls us to reflect on how far that work has come, and how incomplete it remains.

This milestone also underscores the role of Black History Month as a living, evolving project rather than a static commemoration. Over the last century, the observance has expanded from a week (Negro History Week) to a month, and from a U.S.-based initiative to an international one. Yet its purpose remains consistent: to elevate overlooked stories, contextualize present-day inequities, and deepen public understanding of Black contributions across disciplines, cultures, and movements.

Equally important, the centennial invites a forward-looking reckoning. At a moment when historical truth is frequently contested and education itself is politicized, Black History Month stands as a reaffirmation of the importance of truth, scholarship, and collective memory. It reminds institutions, educators, and communities that inclusion in history is not symbolic, it is foundational to justice and the story of this country.

Marking 100 years of Black History Month is therefore not simply about honoring the past. It is about recommitting to the responsibility Woodson articulated a century ago: to study history honestly, to center those long marginalized, and to recognize that Black history is not a sidebar to American history; it is essential to understanding who we are and who we aspire to become.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire News. Follow Nsenga on IG @Ntellectual. Subscribe to The Burton Wire News on Substack for more exclusive content. 

Rick Fox: Former NBA Star is Running for Office in the Bahamas

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Rick Fox shows progress since Hurricane Dorian.
Photo: (Instagram/Imrickafox)

Former NBA star and actor Rick Fox is running for office in his home country of the Bahamas. Fox made the lengthy announcement of his 2026 run for the Bahamas’ House of Assembly on his social media platforms.

On a FaceBook post entitled, “Getting to Know Me Beyond What You May Know,” (October 21, 2025) Fox writes about his desire to run for office, which is accompanied by a photo of his late father, Ulrick Fox, a “community champion” and entrepreneur. Fox writes:

“Some of you have asked to know me on a deeper level after my recent post, beyond what I may be known for as an athlete, actor, producer, analyst, and entrepreneur. You’ve asked: Who are you? What’s guiding my consideration at this time? The answer is simple. At my core, I’ve always been a defender, a facilitator, and a leader, at home and abroad. Over the past four years since returning home, I’ve listened to the voices of you, my fellow Bahamians. I hear the frustration, but I also see in us as a nation incredible potential.

Amidst those frustrations, I see opportunity, opportunity for growth, innovation, and national renewal. We can be greater. We can be so much more. More is on the way. I believe this wholeheartedly.

In my time back home, I’ve helped build businesses that have become global solutions. Through that process, I’ve worked side by side with many Bahamians, partners, employees, vendors, and customers, who’ve given me a front-row seat to where we’re winning as a nation and where we can do better.”


Fox, 56, was born in Toronto to a Bahamian father and Canadian mother. His family moved to the Bahamas when he was a child, and he grew up in Nassau. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian devastated the Grand Bahamas, killing 50 and displacing 70,000 people. U.S. celebrities with Bahamian roots, including rocker Lenny Kravitz, Myron Rolle, and Fox, donated and supported relief efforts.

Fox’s platform focuses on transparency, economic modernization (affordability & security), and ensuring opportunity for Bahamians.

Read more at Yahoo!

Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire News, wrote this news alert. Follow Nsenga on IG @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire.

Subscribe to The Burton Wire News on Substack for exclusive content, coverage, programming, and events. 

Jubilant Sykes: Celebrated Opera and Gospel Singer Killed by Son

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Jubilant Sykes (Instagram/photo by John Carrington)

(Santa Monica, CA December 9, 2025) – The internet is mourning the death of Grammy-nominated opera and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes. Sykes, 71, was stabbed to death in his home in Santa Monica, California. The singer’s son Micah Sykes, 31, was arrested and held on suspicion of murder.

Sian Cain of The Guardian writes:

“Officers responded to a 911 call on Monday night reporting an assault in progress at the residence in Santa Monica, according to a statement from the Santa Monica police department.

They found Sykes inside with critical stab wounds. Paramedics arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene, police said.

Sykes’ son Micah was at the home and taken into custody without incident, police said. It wasn’t immediately known if he has an attorney.

Police recovered a weapon, and the investigation was ongoing.”

Jubilant Sykes was nominated for best classical album at the 2010 Grammy Awards. This story is developing.

Read more at The Guardian.

This news alert  was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on IG @Ntellectual.

Subscribe to The Burton Wire News on Substack for exclusive content, coverage, and events. 

Jimmy Cliff: Iconic Singer, Actor, and Activist Dies

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Photo: Instagram (11/24/25) - Photo: @ErikKabik

Jamaica has lost a native son, and the world has lost one of the most influential singers, musicians, actors, and activists of our time. Cultural icon Jimmy Cliff has died at 81. His death was announced on Instagram by his wife, Latifa Chambers.

The Instagram post reads:

Instagram post announcing Jimmy Cliff’s passing. (Screenshot)

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”

Her message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Star of the iconic film The Harder They Come, Cliff had many international hits, including “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “I Can See Clearly Now.” Born James Chambers in St James, Colony of Jamaica, Cliff began writing music at a young age. A pioneer of reggae music and a key figure in bringing Jamaican music to the world’s stage, Cliff recorded the hit, “Hurricane Hattie” (1961)with iconic producer Leslie Kong. After a series of hit records with Kong, Cliff was signed to Island Records (UK) in 1964, releasing the highly acclaimed album Hard Road to Travel in 1967. His legendary album Wonderful World, Beautiful People, featured the hits “Waterfall,” and the iconic protest song “Vietnam.”

In 1972, Cliff starred as Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin in the classic reggae film, The Harder They Come, directed by Perry Henzel. The Harder They Come is an important film because it introduced reggae music and Jamaican culture to a global audience, with its powerful social commentary on poverty and systemic oppression in post-colonial Jamaica, a documentary-style portrayal of life in Kingston, and an unapologetic storyline of liberation at all costs. The film and its soundtrack, which features the music of Jimmy Cliff, The Maytals, and The Slickers, significantly raised international awareness of the reggae genre, making the film a cult classic that continues to resonate with global audiences today. The soundtrack was a global success, featuring the iconic songs “Many Rivers to Cross,” “Rivers of Babylon,” “Pressure Drop,” “Cliff Hanger,” and “Johnny Too Bad.”

Cliff was so popular that he was featured on Season One of Saturday Night Live (1976). Cliff’s song, “Trapped,” was covered by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and included on the 1985 We Are the World Album. In 1985, Cliff’s album Cliff Hanger 1985), won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. In 1985, Cliff also contributed to the song “Sun City”, a protest song written and composed by Steven Van Zandt and recorded by Artists United Against Apartheid to convey opposition to the South African policy of apartheid.

Cliff continued to appear in films and contribute to soundtracks like Cool Runnings, Cocktail, and Club Paradise. Cliff’s song, “You Can Get It if You Really Want It,” is a mainstay in Hollywood television and film, appearing on multiple soundtracks, including Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997), Blackpool (2004), Hitch (2005), and the Marvel series,”I Am Groot” (2022). The wildly popular song was even used as a campaign anthem by the Sandinista National Liberation Front in the 1990 election in Nicaragua.

Jimmy Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 at the 25th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. He was inducted by iconic musician Wyclef Jean.

Cliff is survived by his wife Latifa Chambers, son Aken, and daughters Lily and Nabiyah Be, of “Daisy Jones & the Six” fame.

He was 81.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor of The Burton Wire News. Follow Nsenga on IG @TheBurtonWire Subscribe to The Burton Wire News on Substack for exclusive content.

Wole Soyinka: Nigerian Nobel Laureate’s U.S. Visa Revoked

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Wole Soyinka. (Flickr/Sloetry)

Elizabeth A. Harris of The New York Times is reporting celebrated Nigerian Nobel Laureate poet and activist Wole Soyinka, 91, has had his U.S. visa revoked. The Nobel Prize-winning author stated last Tuesday (October 29) that he received a letter from Rick Swart, the U.S. consulate general in Lagos stating the legendary poet’s U.S. visa had been revoked, after “additional information had become available.” Soyinka, who has a non-immigrant B1/B2 visa, also said he did not attend a visa renewal meeting requested by the U.S. State Department. Watch this YouTube video from THECABLE to hear Soyinka’s comments about the revocation.

Soyinka has been a vocal critic of U.S. President Trump. Soyinka’s U.S. visa was granted in April 2024 under the Biden Administration. A non-immigrant B1/B2 visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but this summer, the current administration restricted the length of visas for Nigerian citizens. The current U.S. consulate general has requested Soyinka present his passport to the consulate for revocation. Read more at the New York Times.

This post was curated by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow The Burton Wire on Instagram and Meta. 

Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica Braces for Category 5 Storm

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Hurricane Melissa. (Google Images)

The nation of Jamaica is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, which was upgraded to a Category 5 storm overnight. Patrick Smith of NBC News is reporting that massive flooding is expected as Jamaica braces for the most powerful storm to land on the country in the last 37 years. In 1988 Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica, destroying crops and livestock, leveling 100,000 homes, wiped out power to the nation, and killed nearly 50 people.

Smith of NBC News reports: “Hurricane Melissa intensified to a powerful Category 5 storm early Monday as forecasters warned it would cause catastrophic flash flooding, life-threatening landslides and extremely strong winds across the Caribbean.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami warned people in Jamaica to go to their shelters and stay there during the storm, with dangerous conditions beginning Monday and lasting through Tuesday.

Melissa is set to make landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday. Government officials are set to address the public at 11:30 a.m. Monday.”

At this posting, the storm is 130 miles Southwest of Kingston. This story is developing.

For more information, click here.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder and editor-in-chief of the Burton Wire. Follow The Burton Wire on Instagram or Facebook. 

Tyra Spaulding: Former Miss Universe Jamaica Contestant Dies by Suicide

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding dies at 26. Photo: Instagram

The internet is ablaze with news of Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding’s sudden death. The 26-year-old, who documented her struggle with mental health on YouTube, died by suicide. Family members found her dead in her apartment. Escher Walcott  writes for People Magazine:

 

“On the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 23, Spaulding was found dead at her apartment of a suspected suicide, The Gleaner reported, citing the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU). The 2023 Miss Universe contestant was allegedly discovered hanging in her bedroom by her relatives.”

Tributes have poured in for Spaulding, including the Miss Universe Jamaica organization, which posted a tribute on its Instagram page.

The Miss Universe Jamaica organization stated on its Instagram page:

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding. 🕊️💙She was a radiant soul and an amazing human being.

Her light, grace, beauty, and kind spirit touched every life she encountered, leaving memories that will never fade.

She had a smile that lit up every room, bringing warmth and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We at the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization keep Tyra’s family, friends, and loved ones in our heartfelt prayers as we celebrate the beautiful life she shared with us.”

Rest in peace Tyra.

To read the entire article, click here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please know you are not alone, and there is support available. Call or text the 988 Lifeline to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.”

Black Theatre Day: September 17 is a Global Day of Celebration

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Black Theatre Day is celebrated annually on September 17. (Photo: The Craft Institute)

The CRAFT Institute, alongside The International Black Theatre Summit, will celebrate the 4th annual Black Theatre Day on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Black Theatre Day was founded by Dr. Monica White Ndounou, an associate professor at Dartmouth College and the founder of The CRAFT Institute, to serve as an annual day of solidarity with Black theatres worldwide. This global day of celebration serves as a platform for amplifying the voices and visibility of Black theatre institutions across the United States, honoring a rich legacy that dates back to the African Grove Theatre, the first known Black professional theatre, which opened its doors on September 17, 1821.

Dr. Ndounou, founding Executive Director of The CRAFT Institute, emphasizes the importance of this day. “Black Theatre Day is a vital opportunity to reflect on the historical contributions of Black artists and institutions while inspiring future generations to engage with and support these important narratives,” the servant leader states.

According to Ndounou, “Black Theatre Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action, encouraging year-round support and recognition of Black theatre.” The CRAFT Institute invites civic, educational, and cultural institutions to join in on celebrating this important day, highlighting the profound impact of Black theatre on the arts and the community.

In her leadership role, Dr. Ndounou has been a prominent advocate for Black theatre, previously serving as President of the Black Theatre Association and on the executive board of The August Wilson Society. Her commitment to advancing Black theatre initiatives is reflected in her ongoing efforts to create spaces for dialogue, creativity, and empowerment in the arts.

The Craft Institute has put together a list of ways for organizations, individuals, and cultural institutions to celebrate Black Theatre Day. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Black Theatre Day:

  • Celebrating Black Theatre History: Educators and community leaders can highlight the living legacy of Black theatre through workshops, discussions, and performances.
  • Creating Special Programming: The day can be marked by dedicating performances or community events to honor Black Theatre Day and its significance.
  • Fundraising Initiatives: Communities are invited to support local productions through donations, volunteering, and attendance at events.
  • Sharing Work on Social Media: The CRAFT Institute encourages individuals and organizations to post about their productions and archives, tagging @blacktheatreday and using the hashtag #BlackTheatreDay to uplift the movement.
  • Amplifying Fellow Black Theatres: Resharing the work of other Black theatre institutions and artists helps to foster solidarity and collective visibility within the community.

The CRAFT Institute is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to fostering inclusive ecosystems within the arts and entertainment sectors. It biennially hosts The International Black Theatre Summit and the Writer’s Retreat, furthering its mission to support and elevate Black theatre.

To learn more about Black Theatre Day or to share your Black Theatre Day festivities, visit thecraftinstitute.org or follow them @TheCraftInstitute or @BlackTheatre Day.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder and editor-in-chief of the Burton Wire. Follow Dr. Burton on IG @TheBurtonWire.

123...200Page 1 of 200

Follow us on Instagram @theburtonwire

TheBurtonWire.com is the premier online destination for people who think for themselves. This blog offers news from the African Diaspora, global culture that is produced by often overlooked populations, and opinion that is informed and based on fact.
Contact us: info@theburtonwire.com
Facebook Instagram Twitter

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright © 2021 The Burton Wire | Website Designed by UrVoyce