Week of Jan. 13-19

January 13

1869—On this day in 1869, one of the earliest post-Civil War attempts at organizing Blacks on a national level occurred. The National Convention of Black Leaders was held in Washington, D.C. Frederick Douglass was elected president. Also, the first Black labor union convention took place. It was called the Convention of the Colored National Labor Union.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

NEW YORK (AP)—Through a rap verse, Jay-Z has confirmed the birth of “the most beautiful girl in the world”—his newborn daughter.

The song “Glory” made its debut on his social website Life and Times on Monday—two days after he and Beyonce reportedly gave birth to a daughter, Blue Ivy.

POWER COUPLE—In this Jan. 11, 2009 photo, Beyonce is joined by husband Jay-Z, as she arrives at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)

by Jennifer Peltz

NEW YORK (AP)—“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” actress Tamara Tunie spoke out Tuesday about being a real-life crime victim, saying her former business manager exploited her trust to steal more than $1 million she earned by working doggedly at a peak in her career.

TAMARA TUNIE

Blasting Joseph Cilibrasi as a “menace to society” as he was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 years in prison, Tunie, a native of Homestead, Pa., said he insinuated himself into her life by joining in birthday parties, weddings and other family events, only to use that closeness to embezzle from her and leave a lasting hole in her family’s finances.

by Kathy Matheson

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — At age 62, Donald Carter knows his arthritis and other age-related infirmities will not allow him to live indefinitely in his third-floor walk-up apartment in Philadelphia.

But as a low-income renter, Carter has limited options. And as a gay Black man, he's concerned his choice of senior living facilities might be narrowed further by the possibility of intolerant residents or staff members.

OUT OF THE CLOSET—Donald Carter poses for a photograph Dec. 15, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“The system as it stands is not very accommodating,” Carter said. “I don’t really want to see any kind of negative attitude or lack of service because anyone…is gay or lesbian.”