Month: May 2020

By Devin Crudup,

On Feb. 14, 2020, Africa recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case in Egypt. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus reached the continent via travelers from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. As of last week, WHO reports that cases in Africa have risen to over 30,000 with nearly 1,400 deaths.

While some doctors saw Africa as nothing more than a testing lab for COVID-19 vaccines, citizens of Africa have honed their intelligence and innovation to create inventions that aid in the reduction of the virus within their continent.

Check out these three Africa-based inventions that are contributing to COVID-19 solutions.

RESPIRE-19 Portable Ventilator 

According to Face2Face Africa, Usman Dalhatu, a 20-year-old mechanical engineer student at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, invented and built a local ventilator. With the help of his partners, Dr. Yunusa Muhammad Garba of the Human Anatomy Department, Gombe State University, and Aliyu Hassan, a graduate of Mechatronics Engineering, the design has since been transformed into a portable ultra-modern E-vent automatic ventilator. The group presented their invention to Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, the governor of Gombe State in Nigeria.

“I have equally manufactured an electric cooking stove. I have several projects I am presently working on. But I am appealing to the government to patronize my products, and also assist me in any other relevant way,” Dalhatu told Face2Face Africa.

Our very own @UsmanDalhatu5 that went viral for producing a ventilator, has transformed his emergency ventilator idea into a portable E-vent automatic ventilator. He's just a 200-level Mechanical Engineering student#Abusites #NaturallyAhead pic.twitter.com/qXElRJV2vS

— ABU™ Campus Connect (@ABU_Campus) April 16, 2020

qPCR COVID-19 Testing Kit

Created by tech entrepreneurs and founders of CapeBio, Daniel Ndima, and Dineo Lioma, the qPCR testing kits provide results in 65 minutes. According to Face2Face Africa, the testing kits have proven to be a major breakthrough in South Africa’s COVID-19 battle.

Ndima, the CEO of CapeBio, knows the importance of rapid testing for the heavily populated South Africa.

“The ability to obtain rapid test results allows us to gain a clearer picture of viral infections so that we are able to introduce interventions with greater effectiveness. This will remain important even after lockdown, as South Africa has a population of over 55 million people who will need to be monitored on an ongoing basis,” Ndima told the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation.

2 South African entrepreneurs CapeBio CEO Daniel Ndima & COO Dineo Lioma have developed a COVID-19 test kit that gives results in 65 minutes.

Ndima: BSc in Biotechnology & MSc in Biochemistry

Lioma: BEng Metallurgy, MSc Metallurgy & MPhil Nanotechnology#SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/elEDhcEOGN

— Povo News (@povonewstv) April 22, 2020

Solar-Powered Hand Washing Sink

Created by Ghanaian genius, Richard Kwarteng Aning, the solar-powered hand washing sink was developed to contribute to the reduction of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Ghana. According to Face2Face Africa, the handwashing sink was certified by the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) for commercial production.

The sink comes with a double-tap dispensary — one for soap and another for water that allows soapy water to be dispensed once it senses users’ hands. The sinks are built from recycled barrels and feature a 25-second alarm once the handwashing session is complete.

GHANAIAN INVENTS SENSOR HAND-WASHING SINK FROM SCRAPS

Necessity, they say is the mother of inventions and a young Ghanaian man, Richard Kwarteng Aning, together with his team has given credence to the saying.
Reiterating the need for safety from Coronavirus, the 32-year-ol… pic.twitter.com/nRCIAL4RAd

— Efo Julius (@JuliusEfo) April 7, 2020

As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the globe, these African scientists and inventors are using their brilliance, innovation, and compassion to do their part in aiding in solutions.

Original article was published here.

By Niki McGloster,

Everybody’s gotta eat, but not everyone knows their way around a kitchen enough to make an appetizing dish (we can tell by some of y’all’s struggle meals).

However, there are men and women who know how to transform ingredients into amazingly delectable dishes while making it look magical and effortless. From conception to the plate, their mouth-watering fare pops up constantly on Instagram feeds, forcing us to step up our game.

As of late, digital culinarians are building their brands and sharing their skills through cooking demos and classes to help us recreate good cuisine in the comfort of our homes.

Follow these six chefs, home cooks, and eats entrepreneurs who put their heart and soul into what we all love—food.

The Spice Suite (@spicesuite)

Founded by DC-based chef, Angel, the Spice Suite is a one-stop haven of every exotic flavor you can imagine. If you like to add a tantalizing taste to every meal, try a thoughtfully curated SpiceBox, which includes an assortment of her most sought-after items. You can shop everything from habanero garlic to white peach balsamic and other infused oils, spice blends, and gourmet sauces to ensure every homemade dish is delicious. Plus, the former MasterChef contestant provides easy-to-follow how-to vids of cuisine she whips up on the regular at home.

Alex Hill (@justaddhotsauce_)

It’s not enough to just have hot sauce in your bag—you need it in your Instagram feed. Inspired by her Puerto Rican mother,  the OG culinary artist in her family, marketing executive Alex Hill doubles as a lively home cook who crafts comforting and tasty meals alongside her pals. She recently launched Cooking With Friends, an unfiltered digital content series that demonstrates a step-by-step look at how to make an affordable and enjoyable fare (Healthy pours of alcohol and hearty laughs are often included). Hill is also offering intimate online cooking classes for folks at home who want to cook right along with her.

Seth Brundle (@sethbrundle)

The creator of Aspire TV’s “Butter + Brown,” Seth Brundle pairs mouth-watering meals and tasty cocktails alongside his friend and co-host Leslie. The two put a delicious twist on every food and drink combination they craft, from his Crispy Vegan Honey Schrimp (yes, schrimp!) to The Heart-Shaped Herb Sangria. Tbh, you’ll want to lick your fingers by just looking at the photos. While sheltering in place, and even after, make sure to stay locked into Seth’s IG Stories as he does “Live at 5” cooking demos that will make you salivate at the screen.

Maria Hammonds (@deepfriedhoney)

Some cooks prefer to share the sounds of slicing veggies and a popping skillet in their cooking videos. Maria prefers the sounds of Pink Floyd — and the fire soundtracks are just the icing on the cake.

Traditional go-to meals are this self-taught chef’s jam: one-pot garlic asiago pasta, balsamic glazed chicken thighs, crispy beef tacos, and more. While we can’t pull up to her dinner table for a plate, she posts plenty of vids to help replicate her decadent dishes.

Chef Resha (@chefresha)

Good food is downright sexy and the CarnalDish founder makes arousingly satisfying eats. The self-proclaimed flavor junkie creates recipes for foods you can indulge in. Don’t waste your time denying yourself thick, creamy cheeses, super-chocolatey cookies, or hearty red meats, OK? The uber-successful chef entrepreneur merely wants you to enjoy every temptingly yummy dish. Trust, from her page to her stories, you will find it all. A word of advice before diving in? As she puts it simply: “leave your calorie counter at the door.”

Chef Jo (@seasonedbyjo)

As your homemade food ideas begin to run out, look no further than this foodie. DMV-based cook, Chef Jo consistently shares quick-and-easy recipes that spruce up your boring (and let’s be honest, bland) weekly menu. Put a pause on yet another batch of quarantine spaghetti and turn to her daily dishes, which will automatically be an exciting and healthy addition to your at-home menus. Trust us — tender braised short ribs, flavorful pan-seared scallops, thick veggie burgers, and savory chickpea spinach curry are just a preview of how far you can expand your palate by following Chef Jo’s lead in the kitchen.

Original article was published here.

By Devin Crudup,

As the pandemic redirects business models and disrupts financial platforms, many small businesses are taking a hit, but one Black-owned business is thriving and reaching new heights in its distribution endeavors. Blk & Bold, a specialty coffee company, announced a distribution partnership with Amazon and Whole Foods Market. According to Black Enterprise, Blk & Bold proclaims themselves to be the first-ever Black-owned coffee and tea company that is nationally distributed. 

“The seemingly overnight shift of the retail landscape and store operations have no doubt impacted the flow of emerging brands entering and expanding in the market. This is also why the alliance with Whole Foods and other key retailers continues to showcase the support and belief in Blk & Bold as a coffee brand,” co-founder and CEO of Blk & Bold, Pernell Cezar told Black Enterprise. 

Blk & Bold coffee has a plethora of options to choose from, including a Rise & Grind medium roast, BLK & Bold dark roast, and a steeped Ethiopian light roast. The brand also has a variety of teas and Blk & Bold accessories for purchase on the company’s site shop as well as their recently launched Amazon storefront.

The company also released its Music Blend, which is endorsed by songstress, Kelly Rowland.

View this post on Instagram

This one's for the coffee AND music lovers! We've curated the perfect playlist to accompany your morning routine! Follow BLK & Bold on @spotify , hit play, & vibe out with a cup of coffee. Speaking of #coffee, you know we had to throw that new @kellyrowland in the blend! ☕️ Click the link in our bio to listen to Bold Vibes on @spotify

A post shared by BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages (@blkandbold) on Apr 22, 2020 at 8:07am PDT

Blk & Bold was launched by friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson — in 2018 — after the duo decided to ditch their careers in higher education fundraising and retail. Since then, the company has successfully completed a test run in 15 Whole Foods locations and is set to widen its distribution to Whole Foods’ Midwest market, which includes 31 stores in Nebraska, Illinois, and Iowa. 

The Iowa-based company also donates 5 percent of its profits to a nonprofit organization that supports at-risk youth. 

“As our national and regional retailer partnerships grow, so do the opportunities for anyone to participate in supporting at-risk youth, the demographic in most need,” Johnson told Black Enterprise. “Creating a pathway for everyday consumers to become contributors to the most vulnerable communities is as personally fulfilling as it is motivating for BLK & Bold’s growth.”

Click here to get your coffee fix with Blk & Bold Coffee.

Original article was published here.

By Njera Perkins,

Gerber is widely-known for their always adorable baby campaigns and now they’re adding diversity to their roster of spokesbabies with the first-ever adopted baby for the brand.

TODAY reports Magnolia Earl is the newest addition to the Gerber family and their first adopted baby since the company’s campaign tradition began in 1928.

The company made the big announcement during the third hour of the TODAY show Friday morning.

“This is incredible,” Magnolia’s mom Courtney Earl proclaimed on TODAY. “It means that when people see our families, or if you see a family that doesn’t necessarily match, that you don’t have to question the belonging of anybody in that family.”

Courtney shared a statement in a press release describing when her family first received the news.

“On May 9th, 2019, we received a call from the Adoption Agency that there was an expectant mom that was in labor and wanted to talk to us! We pulled off the highway, got a chance to connect with her amazing birth parents, and a few hours later, this sweet baby girl was born.”

Kelly Schneider, a spokeswoman for Gerber, shared how the Gerber Baby Photo Search has been able to provide comfort during this isolated time.

“Photo Search is a moment of celebration that so many families look forward to each year. And this year – perhaps more than ever – the Gerber family is thrilled to celebrate with Magnolia and her family, and with families across America,” she said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made all of us feel more isolated than ever before, so finding new ways to feel connected has never mattered more.”

As the new Gerber face, Magnolia and her family were awarded several gifts including a $25,000 cash prize, $1,000 in Gerber Childrenswear, $1,000 from Walmart, and new phones with a year of free unlimited service from Verizon, according to People.

“Our Gerber family of farmers, factory workers, employees and customers are all united in our pursuit to do everything and anything for baby. We believe  every baby is a Gerber baby  and standing behind our babies has never mattered more than it does now,” Bill Partyka, president and CEO of Gerber, said.

Gerber has welcomed Magnolia and her family with open arms, and their newest addition sends a powerful message to families around the world.

“Adoption is incredibly special to our family’s story,” said Courtney, who’s older daughters are also adopted. “Winning Photo Search is an opportunity to tell Magnolia’s story and shed light on all the beautiful and different ways families are made.”

Magnolia will be booked and busy with the title of “Gerber Spokesbaby” also serving as a Gerber Brand Ambassador. According to Gerber, she will participate in various content shoots, brand activations, and press appearances until their next Photo Search in 2021.

Original article was published here.

By Njera Perkins,

Students all over the country have had to adjust to the new normal in addition to being uprooted from their respective schools and colleges mid-semester.

Class of 2020 has especially endured their fair share of hardships over the last two months, but still, they persevered and crossed the finish line.

As college graduates all over celebrate this exciting chapter of their lives, Princeton University’s Nicholas Johnson is celebrating a major accomplishment of his own.

The university revealed Johnson made history for the class of 2020 and Princeton being named the school’s first Black valedictorian on April 27.

Nicholas Johnson, an operations research and financial engineering concentrator from Montreal, has been named valedictorian of #Princeton20.

Congratulations, Nicholas! 👏 pic.twitter.com/pS11ep2rWZ

— Princeton University (@Princeton) April 27, 2020

The operations research and financial engineering major is also the first valedictorian in his department’s 21-year history, according to the School of Engineering and Applied Science. 

Johnson’s peers celebrated his historical academic achievement proudly sharing the news on social media.

Confirmed: one of my best friends, Nick Johnson, is the first black Valedictorian in Princeton’s 274 year history. Beyond proud 🙌🏾

— Menelik Graham (@menelik_graham) May 8, 2020

Johnson was an accomplished student during his undergraduate career serving as a writing fellow at Princeton’s Writing Center, a residential college adviser for Whitman College, and even worked as a software engineer at Google’s California headquarters during his senior year.

His time at Princeton nurtured his academic interests and led to international opportunities in the form of cultural immersion trips to Peru, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

Outside of his academics, Johnson also expressed his appreciation for the close bonds he formed with his fellow classmates.

“My favorite memories of my time at Princeton are memories of time spent with close friends and classmates engaging in stimulating discussions — often late at night — about our beliefs, the cultures and environments in which we were raised, the state of the world, and how we plan on contributing positively to it in our own unique way,” Johnson said, according to Princeton University.

Johnson will spend his post-graduation summer interning as a hybrid quantitative researcher and software developer at the D. E. Shaw Group before he begins his Ph.D. studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.

In addition to his degree, Johnson also plans to pursue certificates in statistics and machine learning, applied and computational mathematics, and applications of computing.

Original article was published here.

By Devin Crudup,

Black-owned nonprofit, Moms As Entrepreneurs (MAE), is making this Mother’s Day special despite the pandemic. The Baltimore-based incubator announced the launch of its Moms Give Community Fund — via Instagram — to help support and aid mom-owned businesses during the outbreak.

The fast-growing organization is headed by two mom entrepreneurs — Dr. Tammira Lucas and Jasmine Simms — who are passionate about providing the necessary tools for moms to thrive in business, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Experts estimate that up to 90% of businesses owned by women and people of color have been, or will likely be, shut out of the Federal Paycheck Protection Program. We understand the disparities that moms, especially moms of color, are dealing with as they continue to maintain their businesses during COVID-19,” Lucas told Black Enterprise.

With federal COVID-19 relief funds going to established businesses, the founders of MAE took matters into their own hands and stepped up to the plate to provide funds for up and coming mom and women-owned businesses.

“Many relief programs do not support businesses that do not have payroll expenses or support businesses that may not have relationships with commercial banks. We also realize that while these women are trying to find relief for their businesses, they are also trying to be teachers and mothers. We knew we had to help. If we aren’t able to save mom-owned businesses, women-owned businesses in general will see a decline and push our hard work of elevating women-owned businesses back by decades,” Lucas said.

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They say when leaders see a problem, they provide a solution to it! I spent the first three weeks of quarantined helping local small businesses create emergency plans to sustain their businesses and families. MOST of them were moms, the head of households, community advocates, and change-makers. They all shared the same fear and frustrations. I worked on creating a fund for our Warnock Fellows that they were able to access, but there was more work needed! ⠀ ⠀ I spoke with decision-makers about supporting micro-businesses and solopreneurs BEFORE the second round of PPP funding. Needless to say, all of them said what was already known. ⠀ ⠀ Jasmine Simms and I refused to allow the businesses that drive the economy, and communities simply die, so we created a fund to support mom-owned businesses! ⠀ ⠀ Think about this; you are reading this post because of a mom; without them, none of us would exist.⠀ ⠀ Support a mom-owned business and donate to our fund so your local hair salon, boutique, makeup artist, consultant, change-maker, or community leader can remain in business!⠀ ⠀ #GivingTuesday #mompreneur #nonprofit #mompreneur #momlife #entrepreneur #momboss #bossbabe #smallbusiness #womeninbusiness #girlboss #handmade #momsofinstagram #shopsmall #momblogger #womenempowerment #entrepreneurlife #femaleentrepreneur #bosslady #womensupportingwomen #motivation #mompreneurlife #mom #businesswoman #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #workingmom #workfromhome #ladyboss #motherhood

A post shared by Moms As Entrepreneurs (@maeentrepreneur) on May 4, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT

According to Black Enterprise, grants ranging from $500-$1,000 will be awarded to applicants. The incubator will start accepting applications on May 18.

Click here for more information about Moms As Entrepreneurs.

Original article was published here.

By Brandon Kirkwood,

A new vegan soul food restaurant has opened in Los Angeles California thanks to actor, comedian, rapper, and tv personality Nick Cannon.

Cannon teamed up with plant-based vegan chic Chef Velvet to open The V Tree Hollywood as part of the already established Yamashiro Japanese restaurant located in the landmark Hollywood Hills.

The V Tree Hollywood officially opened its doors on April 30th with dine-in on hold until world events change but with takeout and delivery ready to go.

Serving a variety of “SoulFULL plant-based cuisine” the restaurant carries over many of Chef Velvet’s recipes from her Charlotte, North Carolina restaurant Veltree where Nick Cannon first encountered her vegan soul food.

Cannon raved about her plant-based vegan soul foods in a video he posted to Facebook especially the “chicken” saying in the video:

“This is, uh, chicken, well… or something like it! It tastes better than chicken! It feels better than chicken,”

Many items have been carried over from Chef Velvet’s North Carolina to the Hollywood Hills located V Tree along with some new additions too.

The restaurant’s ever-changing menu features staples southern-inspired soul food dishes made with organic ingredients like Krab Cakes, BBQ Ribz, Fried Drumsticks, Cajun Shrimp, and of course the classic sweet and salty Chic’n and Waffles.

Cannon and Chef Velvet wanted to bring much needed plant-based vegan soul food options to the Hollywood area and they definitely succeeded as The V Tree sold out of everything just after their grand opening.

The new restaurant took to Instagram to thank their customers and show their disbelief in selling out so quickly especially during this health crisis.

“LA, thank you! Thank you for completely selling us out. Thank you for your [patience], thank you for your encouraging words, and thank you for your support, We do not take it for granted that you choose to support our business…. again, thank you!”

After Cannon was diagnosed with lupus (a health issue that affects the body’s immune system) he began slowly adopting a plant-based diet and drinking more water.

“Once I got out of that, I knew I wanted to keep a healthy lifestyle, but I didn’t want to be that confined. I wanted to enjoy food. So now it’s just eating clean. I don’t eat pork or processed foods,” he said in a GQ interview.

With Chef Velvet’s delicious recipes and extensive experience with restaurants and businesses in the vegan plant-based niche, this restaurant should do well and hopefully continue to grow into new locations.

Original article was published here.

Dr. Ala Stanford and other African American doctors (mostly women) from Pennsylvania have launched the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to provide free mobile coronavirus testing to underserved communities in hopes to prevent further spread of the virus, especially among Black people.

Dr. Stanford, who is a pediatric surgeon, owns a private practice and a Black-owned medical consulting firm called REAL Concierge Medicine. She is also on staff at Abington-Jefferson Hospital in Hatfield Township. She says she launched the initiative because she wanted to do something about the increasing numbers of cases and deaths related to COVID-19 in communities where Afriacn Americans live.

Initially, she created and uploaded a video trying to disprove the myth that African Americans were resistant to COVID-19. But even though some were worried that if they had the virus, they couldn’t get tested.

That’s when she decided to form Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium with her colleagues in the medical field as well as churches in the Black communities in Philadelphia. Having some testing kits on hand, Stanford and the other doctors “put our supplies together and we went out to the community,” she told WHYY.

Those who want to be tested can sign up for an appointment online. The group is testing anyone, particularly in underserved communities, who has coronavirus symptoms or known contact with someone who tested positive.

They have set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to provide COVID-19 testing, advocacy, and educate Black people about the coronavirus disease. It has so far raised more than $25,000 of its $50,000 goal.

Original article was published here.

By Lydia Blanco,

Before the COVID-19 quarantine, TikTok was viewed as an app for teens that many people couldn’t understand. Now, millions of people around the world are appreciating black culture and creating funny videos to keep themselves and others entertained while sheltering in place. Then you have 16-year-old Alexis Loveraz who is using the platform to tutor students in math.

More than 54 million students are home from school, leaving them and their parents to partner with teachers as they strive to finish the remainder of the academic year.

CBSNewYork originally reported that the high school junior has a 4.0 GPA and is passionate about helping others. While school is out, Loveraz took it upon himself to help others after being encouraged by his friends. On any given day he is helping students tighten up algebra, geometry, and chemistry.

As a result, he has been named the “TikTok Tutor” with more than 165,000 followers and 2.3 million likes on the platform.

In an interview with CBS2, he told Alexis Sanchez, “I was, like, really shocked. Things that they probably forgot like before COVID-19, this is like a refresher of what I’m, like, giving them out. It’s really cool because they understand it even better the way I’m explaining it to them.”

And other students have admitted that his tutoring style is more helpful than some teachers in the comments section of Loveraz’s TikTok account.

Original article was published here.

By Nefeteria Brewster,

The scene outside of the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing Thursday, April 30 was like dejavu for some on social media. Some users found a protest dubbed the American Patriot Rally to be similar to that of the Black Panthers as they rallied at the California Statehouse in the late 1960s.

It was May 2, 1967, when two dozen armed Black men entered the California state Capitol. Ten of them would make their way to the back of the Assembly Chamber before being disarmed and marched away by the state police.

Some Twitter users felt as if the American Patriot Rally should have ended similarly. Instead the group of men, some of them armed, had their temperatures checked before police officers allowed them into the capitol, where lawmakers were debating.

One Twitter user stated, “Weird how the black panthers were demonised for doing this outside a State House but when white people do it they’re allowed in the building,” in reference to the incident.

The Assembly session had already begun in 1967 when Speaker Pro Tem Carlos Bee ordered that the men be removed. Once the men were forced outside of the chamber the police attempted to disarm them. The group argued for their rights to have the weapons as long as they were not concealed, according to The Sacramento Bee. 

After the questioning, officers returned their weapons to them because “the intruders had broken no law,” the newspaper reports.

Following their release, the men left the Capitol and drove off with some companions who remained outside during the incident. Several police officers took the demonstrators to the city jail after the group drove into the 15th and L Streets service station.

An officer stated, “We’re going to take them all down and check them all out and we’re going to check out all these weapons,” despite the fact that the men had not been charged with any offense, according to The Sacramento Bee. 

A statement that Bobby Seale of Oakland read on behalf of the Black Panther Party said, “The Black Panther party for self-defense calls upon the American people in general and the black people in particular to take careful note of the racist California Legislature which is considering legislation aimed at keeping the black people disarmed and powerless at the very same time that racist police agencies throughout the country are intensifying the terror, brutality, murder and repression of black people.”

The group that gathered Thursday protested for state businesses to reopen on Friday, May 1 after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, extended her stay-at-home mandate that she made in early April until May 15. No known arrests have been reported in connection with the Thursday incident. 

Michigan has been ranked within the top five states in the United States to be mostly affected by the novel coronavirus, with 3,788 deaths and more than 41,000 infections recorded across the Midwestern state.

On Wednesday, April 29, Whitmer accused Republicans of treating the virus like a “political problem,” rather than “a public health crisis” after the Republican-controlled legislature refused her request to extend emergency orders and cleared a way for her to be sued over her handling of the pandemic, BBC news reports. 

Many US states — including Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina — already have taken steps to loosen virus mitigation restrictions despite meeting certain recommendations, such as having a minimal amount of reported cases.

Thursday’s protest is believed to have been larger than one that took place on April 15, during which Michigan protesters sat in their cars in order to create traffic around the statehouse. It began with the group gathering outside of the capitol building chanting “Let us in!”, “Let us work” and “This is the people’s house, you cannot lock us out,”NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit.

“The virus is here,” Joni George, a demonstrator, told The Associated Press. “It’s going to be here… It’s time to let people go back to work. That’s all there is to it.”

President Donald Trump threw his support behind demonstrators on April 17, tweeting “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”

LIBERATE MICHIGAN!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020

But others on the floor felt otherwise during Thursday’s session. 

“Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us,” Senator Dayna Polehanki tweeted. “Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today. #mileg”

Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs

— Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020

Original article was published here.