Latest news with #Helton
USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
'Journey to Freedom' brings students closer to Black history
A mentoring program for Black girls and young women takes participants on a 14-day tour to learn about Black history, the Underground Railroad. WASHINGTON ‒ Samaria Helton had learned about Thomas Jefferson in school, but she didn't know the former president had hundreds and hundreds of enslaved people until she recently visited his Monticello plantation in Virginia. The visit was important in her quest to know more about Black history, she said. 'This is my history,'' said Helton, a 16-year-old high school junior from Sanford, North Carolina. 'I need to learn my history.' Monticello was one of several stops on a 14-day journey north for Helton and eight other middle and high schoolers in Leadership LINKS Inc., a mentoring program for Black girls and young women. They are learning firsthand about Black history as they visit historic Black churches, former plantations, the national African American museum and other sites that tell that story. The trip, 'The Journey to Freedom," also takes participants through states where abolitionist Harriet Tubman led enslaved people, including herself, on the Underground Railroad to freedom. Organizers said the trip is particularly important now with the stripping of Black historic figures, including Tubman, from websites, the banning of books, the dismantling of education programs and attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. 'Knowledge is a core value for us,'' said Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, a co-founder of Leadership LINKS. 'We're passing on this history across generations.' 'Representation matters' Though the early part of the trip includes stops with Black history connections, it's at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Maryland June 25 where the girls began tracing her path. More: Who gets to write America's history? Activists aim to protect Harriet Tubman, other sites The program aims to introduce the girls to Black female leaders, both historic and present-day, 'so they can see what they can become,'' said Robinson, a graduate of the Naval Academy. The girls had already studied abolitionist Sojourner Truth, so it made sense to focus next on Tubman, Robinson said. 'Not just the mythical figure of Harriet Tubman, but for them to know the full history of her life,' she said, noting that Tubman faced many barriers escaping to freedom. 'That didn't stop her from liberating herself, liberating her family and fighting for liberation for others.' Helton, the high school junior, appreciated the focus on Tubman 'There's a lot to learn from her, to follow her path and fight for our people like she did.'' Juneteenth kicks off trip The trip began on Juneteenth in North Carolina, where the girls celebrated with a soul food dinner and a documentary, 'Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom Documentary.'' 'It was a fun way to kick off our trip,'' said Capria Daniels, 16, a high school junior from Clinton, Maryland. Daniels said she couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the two-week trip. The girls, who range from sixth graders to seniors in high school, came from Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The trip is funded by grants and donations. Stops include the University of Virginia, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Howard University, a historic Black school in Washington, D.C. There's also a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and Tubman's home in upstate New York. The journey ends in Toronto, where many enslaved Black people fled. There are also lighter outings, including the musical 'Hamilton' on Broadway. At some stops, guest speakers discuss the importance of leadership. Daniels said the stops provide a 'better understanding of where I came from so I can teach the next generation.'' 'Most of it is sugarcoated' Beyond site visits and reading assignments, the girls have a passport book to collect stamps at each stop and jot down reflections. They are also equipped with a songbook to learn classic protest songs, such as ''Eyes on the Prize'' and contemporary gospel songs like ''Goodness of God.'' But at the heart of the trip is visiting sites with connections to Black history. 'That makes what we read about real for them in a very different way,'' Robinson said. Helton and Daniels said history lessons in school often don't tell the whole story, including the brutality of slavery. 'We learn the basics, and most of it is sugarcoated,' Helton said. During a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has come under attack by the Trump administration, Helton said she learned more about the horrid conditions of millions of Africans packed into slave ships. 'It was sad just to know they had to go through that,'' she said. Destiny Davis, 20, a summer intern for the program, said even colleges have fallen short in teaching the truth about Black history. 'They leave out a lot of graphic information,'' said Davis, a junior at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. 'They're teaching you the history they want you to know.'' For Daniels, each stop meant learning something new. 'It definitely taught me a lot more about my history.'
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Ronaldinho accused of disrespecting charity match and leaving bitter taste with his behaviour
Ronaldinho accused of disrespecting charity match and leaving bitter taste with his behaviour Ronaldinho was the headliner at an exhibition match in Poland on Saturday, but the Brazil icon and Ballon d'Or winner has been heavily criticised for his behaviour during the event Ronaldinho came under fire for his actions during a Polish charity match (Image: Getty Images ) Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has caused a stir at a Polish charity exhibition match, with the former Ballon d'Or winner reportedly arriving late to the event and swiftly leaving in what was termed a 'disrespectful' manner. The forward, who enjoyed an illustrious career in European football from 2001 to 2011, clinched a Champions League title with Barcelona and a Scudetto with AC Milan, amongst other honours. Ronaldinho, who triumphed at the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, has nearly 250 career domestic goals to his name, along with registering 181 assists. He has always been known for his relaxed demeanour and reported disinterest in training while playing, yet it appears his notoriety may be overshadowing him post-retirement. In 2018, he hung up his boots, but his star power remained in demand, which led him to be featured at the Ronaldinho Show, a football charity event complete with freestyle displays and penalty shootouts, alongside live music performances. This extravaganza took place on Saturday at Chorzów's Silesian Stadium in Poland and saw Ronaldinho grace the pitch alongside his friends and local footballing heroes. Article continues below Although meant to be a gala day, the mood shifted as Ronaldinho's attendance came under scrutiny by the Polish show Moc Futbolu, implying the legend left much to be desired with his brief appearance, reports the Mirror. Ronaldinho allegedly caused quite a commotion among organisers when he arrived two hours late to the pre-match meal prior to the charity event. Ronaldinho played with some ex-Brazil team-mates (Image: Getty Images ) He reportedly shunned all media interactions, not touching on the charity match with reporters and also demanded a separate ride to the stadium, not wishing to mingle with his team-mates on the day. The football legend played for 73 minutes in the exhibition before being subbed off, after which he's accused of leaving promptly and not even waiting to know the final score at the end of the match. Despite facing criticism for his behaviour during the charity match, Ronaldinho expressed his gratitude on social media, acknowledging the many spectators who paid to see him, as well as his son and brother, who joined him. Article continues below "Thank you Poland! What an incredible night with almost 60,000 people in the stadium! A beautiful party," Ronaldinho, aged 45, shared on X. "Thanks to all athletes who participated; it was a very special feeling to be on the field with my brother and son... A movie played in my head with [ex-Porto goalkeeper] Helton also giving way to his son. "Our lives are dedicated to football and to receive this affection in a country so far from our own only makes me very thankful... I just want to thank God and all of you, my friends, family and professional colleagues, you've brought me this far! Thank you."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ronaldinho leaves bitter taste with 'disrespectful' actions at charity match
Brazil icon and Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho has come under fire after his actions at a Polish charity match rubbed organisers and fans up the wrong way Brazil legend Ronaldinho has ruffled feathers at a Polish exhibition match. The 45-year-old Ballon d'Or winner reportedly arrived at the event late and made a "disrespectful" swift getaway. The skilful and naturally talented forward enjoyed a remarkable career in Europe from 2001 until 2011, winning a Champions League with Barcelona and a Scudetto with AC Milan, among other accolades. He lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and scored nearly 250 times domestically, providing 181 assists. Ronaldinho built up a reputation as a laid-back, carefree figure with no penchant for training during his playing days, but reports suggest that since his retirement in 2018, his distinction may precede him. The legend was commissioned to appear at the Ronaldinho Show, a charity football match and freestyle event with a penalty shootout guaranteed, featuring live musical performances. It took place on Saturday in the Polish city of Chorzów at the Silesian Stadium and featured some of his friends as well as local footballing legends. While the day was supposed to be a joyous affair, and Ronaldinho did show up, claims made by reporters on the Polish programme Moc Futbolu suggest the superstar made a negative impression. It is alleged that Ronaldinho's behaviour caused a stir amongst organisers, as he turned up to the pre-match meal held before the event two hours late. He is also accused of avoiding all interaction with the media to speak on the event and demanding separate transport to the stadium, casting team-mates aside. Ronaldinho played 73 minutes of the clash, but, after being substituted, it is suggested that he made a swift exit. He didn't wait around until the end of the match, not even knowing the result once the final whistle had sounded. Despite being heavily criticised for his actions at the charity match, Ronaldinho took to social media after the game to post a thank-you message to those who came out to see him, as well as his son and brother who were brought along. "Thank you Poland! What an incredible night with almost 60,000 people in the stadium! A beautiful party," posted the 45-year-old to X. "Thanks to all athletes who participated; it was a very special feeling to be on the field with my brother and son... A movie played in my head with [ex-Porto goalkeeper] Helton also giving way to his son. "Our lives are dedicated to football and to receive this affection in a country so far from our own only makes me very thankful... I just want to thank God and all of you, my friends, family and professional colleagues, you've brought me this far! Thank you." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
'This is my history:' Students join 14-day \
A mentoring program for Black girls and young women takes participants on a 14-day "Journey to Freedom'' tour to learn about the Underground Railroad. WASHINGTON ‒ Samaria Helton had learned about Thomas Jefferson in school, but didn't know the former president had hundreds and hundreds of enslaved people until she recently visited his Monticello plantation in Virginia. The visit was important in her quest to know more about Black history, she said. 'This is my history,'' said Helton, a 16-year-old high school junior from Sanford, North Carolina. 'I need to learn my history.' Monticello was one of several stops on a 14-day journey North for Helton and eight other middle and high schoolers in Leadership LINKS Inc., a mentoring program for Black girls and young women. They are learning first-hand about Black history as they visit historic Black churches, former plantations, the national African American museum and other sites that tell that story. The trip, 'The Journey to Freedom,'' also takes participants through states where abolitionist Harriet Tubman led enslaved people, including herself, on the Underground Railroad to freedom. Organizers said the trip is particularly important now with the stripping of Black historic figures, including Tubman, from websites, the banning of books, the dismantling of education programs and the attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. 'Knowledge is a core value for us,'' said Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, a co-founder of Leadership LINKS. 'We're passing on this history across generations.' 'Representation matters' While the early part of the trip includes stops with Black history connections, it's at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Maryland June 25 where the girls began tracing her path. More: Who gets to write America's history? Activists aim to protect Harriet Tubman, other sites The program aims to introduce the girls to Black women leaders, both historic and present-day. 'So they can see what they can become,'' said Robinson, a graduate of the Naval Academy. The girls had already studied abolitionist Sojourner Truth, so it made sense to focus next on Tubman, Sistrunk Robinson said. 'Not just the mythical figure of Harriet Tubman, but for them to know the full history of her life,' she said, noting that Tubman faced many barriers escaping to freedom. 'That didn't stop her from liberating herself, liberating her family and fighting for liberation for others.' Helton, the high school junior, appreciated the focus on Tubman 'There's a lot to learn from her, to follow her path and fight for our people like she did,'' she said. Juneteenth kicks off trip The trip began on Juneteenth in North Carolina where the girls celebrated with soul food dinner and a documentary, 'Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom Documentary.'' 'It was a fun way to kick off our trip,'' said Capria Daniels, 16, a high school junior from Clinton, Maryland. Daniels said she couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the two-week trip. The girls, who range from sixth graders to seniors in high school, came from Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The trip is funded by grants and donations. Stops include the University of Virgina, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Howard University, a historic Black school in Washington, D.C. There's also a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and Tubman's home in upstate New York. The journey ends in Toronto, where many enslaved Black people fled. There are also lighter outings, including the musical 'Hamilton' on Broadway. At some stops, guest speakers discuss the importance of leadership. Daniels said the stops provide a 'better understanding of where I came from so I can teach the next generation.'' 'Most of it is sugar coated' Beyond site visits and reading assignments, the girls have a passport book to collect stamps at each stop and jot down reflections. They are also equipped with a songbook to learn classic protest songs, such as ''Eyes on the Prize'' and contemporary gospel songs like ''Goodness of God.'' Still at the heart of the trip is visiting sites with connections to Black history. 'That makes what we read about real for them in a very different way,'' said Robinson. Helton and Daniels said history lessons in school often don't tell the whole story, including the brutality of slavery. 'We learn the basics and most of it is sugar coated,' Helton said. During a visit earlier this week to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has come under attack by the Trump administration, Helton said she learned more about the horrid conditions of millions of Africans packed into slave ships. 'It was sad just to know they had to go through that,'' she said. Destiny Davis, 20, a summer intern for the program, said even colleges have fallen short in teaching the truth about Black history. 'They leave out a lot of graphic information,'' said Davis, a junior at the University of North Carolina, at Greensboro. 'They're teaching you the history they want you to know.'' For Daniels, each stop meant learning something new. 'It definitely taught me a lot more about my history,' she said.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4-star OL Zykie Helton announces commitment
Four-star offensive lineman Zykie Helton has committed to the Georgia Buldlogs over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Helton was previously committed to Alabama from July 2023 to March 2024. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound interior offensive lineman plays high school football for Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Georgia. Helton is the No. 31 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2026, per Rivals. The Carrollton star is the No. 54 recruit in Georgia. The 247Sports Composite ranks Helton as the No. 457 recruit in the country. Advertisement Helton joins three-star offensive lineman Zachary Lewis in committing to Georgia football this week. Helton is Georgia's 14th commitment in the class of 2026. The Bulldogs now have the nation's No. 5 recruiting class after Helton's decision. Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran (63) reacts against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Helton announced his commitment to Georgia via social media. He joins Carrollton star wide receiver Ryan Mosley in committing to the Bulldogs. Coach Kirby Smart and Georgia have three offensive line commitments in the class of 2026 in Helton, Lewis and four-star offensive tackle Graham Houston. The Bulldogs have the best recruiting class in the SEC. Zykie Helton's commitment announcement Follow UGAWire on Instagram! This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Elite offensive lineman Zykie Helton makes commitment decision
