Happy Monday DW fam! Time to look forward and keep the faith. Coco won, Lil Wayne’s album is done, Sinners is streaming, folks all over are screaming, and this newsletter needs a sponsor!
Top Stories for Monday, June 9th, 2025
IKYMI
Coco Gauff’s French Open Triumph Highlights an Enduring Legacy
Coco Gauff has been crowned the queen of Parisian clay, winning the French Open title in a thrilling three-set final against World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, while also continuing to use her platform to advocate for social justice and equality.
Texas
Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones Announces Bid to Succeed Sylvester Turner in Congress
State Rep. Jolanda Jones announced her candidacy for the congressional seat left open by the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, promising to fight for the right to abortion, healthcare, and education.
Hundreds Gather in Houston and San Antonio to Protest Immigration Crackdowns in Workplaces, Courthouses
Protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas occurred following days of unrest in California, with Gov. Greg Abbott praising Trump’s response and urging federal officials to enforce the laws of the United States.
Black Music Month
National News
Black Lives Matter Plaza 5 Years Later
Black Lives Matter Plaza, a symbol of hope and justice, was created in June 2020 by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and local artists, but was demolished in March 2025 due to conservative federal complaints.
Health
The “Beautiful” Budget Bill Is Pretty Ugly for Black Americans
The Trump Administration’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” would cut Medicaid, SNAP, and Planned Parenthood funding, disproportionately affecting Black Americans’ access to healthcare, leading to potential loss of coverage for millions.
Preserved by Purpose
Preserved by Purpose: Who’s Your Daddy…Check Your DNA!
DNA can be used to prove paternity on reality shows, but spiritual DNA involves understanding who we are spiritually and what our purpose is.
Entertainment
Baltimore Choir Takes Black Church Worship to Carnegie Hall
The Community Concert Choir of Baltimore will perform at Carnegie Hall for the first time on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, under the direction of its founder, Dr. Marco Merrick, and will blend Negro spirituals, gospel, […]
Graduation Season
Single in the City: A Look at Love After the Tassel
College graduates facing the post-graduation crossroads can navigate the transition by communicating openly, respecting each other’s growth, being intentional with their time, and knowing when to let go.
Climate Justice
The 10 Hottest Cities in the US, Ranked by Temperature
Phoenix is the hottest city in the US, with 2024 being the hottest year on record, and Death Valley National Park holds the record for the hottest place in the US, with an average summer […]
Word In Black
Celebrating Achievement, Honoring Presence at Rutgers U.
The Rutgers Rites of Passage ceremony, organized by Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance and other student-run committees, has been a source of pride and celebration for Black and brown students at Rutgers University’s campuses since 1992, […]
Monday Newsletter June 9, 2025