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By Chanel Cain Howard University News Service Every election season there is an emphasis on how each political party’s campaigns will appeal to the black population to gain the coveted “Black vote.” The Black voter is often constructed as a monolith that makes it easy to either praise for adding to the winning side’s margin, […]
The post There is Power in the Black Vote appeared first on Afro.
\t On Friday, internet and international calls were cut off across the West African nation in anticipation of the election results, according to locals and international observers in the capital, Conakry.
\t This was the third time that Conde matched-up against Diallo. Before the election, observers raised concerns that an electoral dispute could reignite ethnic tensions between Guinea's largest ethnic groups.
I receive a lot of emails, text messages and phone calls from skin folk who have differing thoughts and opinions from the norm but are hesitant to share them publicly because of fear of the fierce backlash of the Knee Grow Illuminati.
But, when the Brother Man speaks out as an individual that goes against the grain of the Knee Grow Illuminati, their blackness and loyalty to the culture are called into question.
If the Knee Grow Illuminati feels the singular voice and one thought concept is so critical to our sucess, why don’t we engage more in shared economics and why don’t our communities look better than they do now?
I prefaced all of the that introductory prose to ask this question that has been posed to me in so many discussions by people who are in self-imposed witness protection and are afraid to share an independent thought publicly for fear of feeling the wrath of the Knee Grow Illuminati.
Yet, the Knee Grow Illuminati continues to make this a priority when there are so many more pressing issues our community needs to be focused on.
By Jason Lange and Trevor Hunnicutt
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Campaign staff for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden are advertising their donations to a group that pays bail fees in Minneapolis after the city’s police jailed people protesting the killing of a black man by a white police officer.
At least 13 Biden campaign staff members posted on Twitter on Friday and Saturday that they made donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which opposes the practice of cash bail, or making people pay to avoid pre-trial imprisonment.
Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement to Reuters that the former vice president opposes the institution of cash bail as a “modern day debtors prison.”
President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign on Saturday said it was “disturbing” that Biden’s team “would financially support the mayhem that is hurting innocent people and destroying what good people spent their lives building,” in an email about the Reuters story that called for Biden to condemn the riots.
“It is up to everyone to fight injustice,” Colleen May, who identified herself as an campaign organizer for Biden in South Carolina, Wisconsin and Florida, said in a Twitter post that included an image of her receipt from donating $50 to the Minnesota Freedom Fund.
Common Ground held a voter registration drive-thru on July 11th modeled after the drive-up COVID-19 community testing sites. Common Ground helped those who needed to register, re-register or check their registration status in the Sherman Park neighborhood. Leaders and volunteers wore masks and gloves and followed doctor-approved safety precautions to protect themselves and those coming []
The post Common Ground Hosts Voter Registration Drive-Thru appeared first on Milwaukee Community Journal.
Hours after PepsiCo announced that it would retire the name and logo of its Aunt Jemima pancake syrup and mix brand, acknowledging that it was based on a racial stereotype, Mars, Inc., the parent company for Uncle Ben’s rice, said it was “evolving” its visual identity in an effort to address racial bias and injustices.
Uncle Ben’s logo features an image of a Black rice grower and Aunt Jemima features a Black woman.
Toward the end of 2020, the 130-year-old pancake and syrup brand will remove the image of “Aunt Jemima” from packaging, parent companies Quaker Foods and PepsiCo said Wednesday.
“We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype,” Kristin Kroepfl, chief marketing officer at Quaker Foods North America, said in a statement.
The statement continued: “As we listen to the voices of consumers, especially in the Black community, and to the voices of our Associates worldwide, we recognize that one way we can do this is by evolving the Uncle Ben’s brand, including its visual brand identity.”
Foot Locker Is Rocking The Vote By Turning All Of Its U.S. Stores Into Voter Registration Sites
Foot Locker is helping voters get a leg up this election year. The athletic retailer is joining forces with the non-profit Rock the Vote to give voter registration services. For 30 years, Rock the Vote has been [...]
The key to a Democratic win in November is voter turnout, which former first lady Michelle Obama knows all too well.
In an interview conducted by TV showrunner Shonda Rhimes for Harper’s Bazaar, Michelle Obama said, “Some folks don’t see the impact of their vote on their day-to-day lives—if the trains still run, the kids are still going to school, and they still have a job, what difference does one vote really make, right?
Obama also pushed people to see beyond just the president when voting, “So every single person out there needs to ask themselves, do they trust the folks in charge to make the right call?
She also gave talking points for people how to dismiss their vote, “When I’m talking to young people, I like to ask them a simple question: Would you let your grandma decide what you wear on a night out to the club?
Not many people want someone else making their decisions for them, especially when that person might not see the world the same way as they do.”
Local organizers hope to increase voter turn turnout from Forester Athletic Complex to various voting locations including the Skyline Branch Library, the Martin Luther King Center and the Oak Cliff Sub-Courthouse Building on the success of its recent “Pack the Polls” car parade during the July primary election, local community groups and leaders are hosting a caravan designed to […]
By Janell Gore, South Kern Sol
Since the death of George Floyd people across the country have been expressing their anger and have been demanding change in law enforcement practices by protesting, looting, and people from all types of backgrounds using their platforms to speak out on the issue.
For many black people the death of Floyd and many other lives that were taken unjustly feels closer.
This movement is not only personal to Waller, but to many in Kern County and its leaders.
“That means that all the social justice organizers, the black community and allies must use the same messaging because there’s power in numbers and numbers create change, especially in Kern County where the marginalized population is huge.”
In order to make real change, Faheemah Salahud-Din Floyd, the executive director of FAAM, said it’s important to talk to black leaders about the issues going on and the ways to fix it.
Shortly after members of the California legislature took a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds at the California Capitol to protest racism and the death of George Floyd, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) took the opportunity to call out some of her Latino colleagues.
“I have to be honest, I’m disappointed with our Latino caucus,” Gonzalez said at the event that Assemblymember Syndey Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), a member the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), organized.
Gonzalez said although some of the California Legislative Latino Caucus (CLLC) members have co-authored pieces of legislation with Black Caucus members, they have not been supportive enough of policy that can make a measurable difference in the lives of Black Californians.
“As a caucus, we’ve been woefully silent on some of the issues that the Black caucus has put out there on police reform,” continued Gonzalez, who is chair of the Latino caucus.
The protest-slash-tribute took place in front of the California State Capitol’s West steps to honor the late George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer who pinned the unarmed Black man down during an arrest.
By Robert F. Smith These past four months, and particularly the past few weeks, have been among the hardest we’ve experienced as a nation. These issues matter to all of us. Naturally, they’re personal to me – and I know they’re a priority for you. We must end systemic racism and lift our nation and []
The post OP-ED: Eradicate Systemic Racism Together appeared first on Afro.
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump didn’t know the significance to Black Americans of the date and location he chose for his first campaign rally since the coronavirus pandemic more than three months ago, key Republican supporters of the president in Congress said Sunday.
Trump had scheduled the rally for June 19, known as Juneteenth because it marks the end of slavery in the United States.
He resisted until late Friday when, in a rare turnabout, Trump tweeted that he had moved the rally to this Saturday, June 20, out of respect for the view of supporters and others who had asked him to.
“The president moving the date by a day once he was informed on what the Juneteenth was, that was a good decision on his part,” said Scott, the only black Republican senator.
Trump had been under pressure over his response to civil unrest following the death of George Floyd, a black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer at the time his return to campaign rallies was announced, including tweets that were interpreted as insensitive to African Americans.
“To the polls” was presented as the answer this week as members of Keepers of 306, a National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) initiative that engages civic-minded young leaders moved to answer the question being asked by many: “Where do we go from here?” The no-wavering answer came on Tuesday (June 30) evening during a virtual []
Owens’ name was tucked into a comedy bit that at times was hilarious and at other times was, of course, very sobering considering the reason why Chappelle was performing it in the first place.
Chappelle also pointed to John Crawford, an unarmed Black man who was killed by an officer in Beavercreek in 2014.
Chappelle also defended LeBron James from Laura Ingraham‘s racist “shut up and dribble” comment before diving headfirst into the muddy waters that is Candace Owens, who he described in no uncertain and justifiably crude terms.
“We didn’t choose him,” Chappelle said about Floyd while referring to Owens and her like-minded racist conservative detractors collectively, “you did!”
Chances are that Candace Owens, who never lets an opportunity pass for possible publicity, will be responding to Chappelle.
In the midst of the uprising and the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on communities of color, individuals and organizations are leading initiatives focused on Black mental health. According to Philadelphia Magazine, a Pennsylvania-based therapist raised over $81,000 to provide free therapy for those coping with trauma that []
The post Therapist Raises Over $80K To Provide Free Mental Health Resources For The Black Community appeared first on The New York Beacon.
Situated on the Atlantic coast in westernmost Africa and surrounded on three sides by Senegal, Gambia is twice the size of Delaware. The Gambia River flows for 200 mi (322 km) through Gambia on its way to the Atlantic. The country, the smallest on the continent, averages only 20 mi (32 km) in width.
Republic.
Since the 13th century, the Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples have settled in what is now Gambia. The Portuguese were the first European explorers, encountering the Gambia River in 1455, and in 1681, the French founded an enclave at Albredabut. During the 17th century, Gambia was settled by various companies of English merchants. Slavery was the chief source of revenue before it was abolished in 1807. Gambia became a British Crown colony in 1843 and an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations on Feb. 18, 1965. Full independence was approved in a 1970 referendum, and on April 24 of that year Gambia proclaimed itself a republic.
Dauda Kairaba Jawara served as Gambias president from 1970 to 1994. A military coup led by Capt. Yahya Jammeh deposed the president in July 1994, suspended the constitution, and banned existing political parties. Jammeh promised new elections, which were held in Sept. 1996 and which he won with 55% of the vote. In 1997, he returned the country to civilian rule, and in 2001, he lifted the ban against opposition parties. Censorship of the press and other repressive measures mar the countrys transition to democracy. In Dec. 2004, Gambia passed a media law that allows the state to jail journalists found guilty of libel and sedition. In September presidential elections, incumbent Yahya Jammeh won a third term.
In Nov. 2011 presidential elections, incumbent Yahya Jammeh won 72% of the vote, Ousainou Darboe 17%, and Hamat Bah 11% with 83% voter turnout.
On the morning of Dec. 30, 2014, an attempt was made to oust President Jammeh. Nine men attacked the presidential palace in Banjul. The coup attempt was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Lamin Sanneh. Sanneh once led the countrys
Last week’s two-part townhall series “Reimagining America,” hosted and livestreamed by Berkshire Bank and Reevx Labs, is now available for viewing online at “ The Future of the Black Economy ” and “ The Future of Latinx Economy.”
The important events brought together leading policy makers, economic experts and community bank executives to discuss the economic impact of COVID-19 on African American and Hispanic communities, and how we can work together to rebuild a stronger, more inclusive economy that ensures everyone thrives.
Malia Lazu, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience and Culture Officer at Berkshire Bank, said, “I would like to thank our panelists and moderators for contributing to an honest and constructive conversation about the significant racial injustices and economic inequities that exist in our country and how we can work together to build a more just society and inclusive economy.
Of Commerce Courtland Cox and Berkshire Bank’s Executive Vice President & Chief Experience & Culture Officer, Malia Lazu.
On June 5th, U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Executive Director & Co-Founder of United We Dream Cristina Jimenez, and Entrepreneur & Builder Capitalist Nathalie Molina Niño joined Berkshire and Berkshire Bank’s Executive Vice President & Chief Experience & Culture Officer, Malia Lazu for “ The Future Of The Latinx Economy.”
One of the most popular sports in America, college football, faces questions about player safety, proper quarantine procedures, scheduling games, and how college football fans will be able to attend games given the large capacities of many college football stadiums.
If college football returns, the team dynamics on many college football teams might be very different given how vocal many black college football players of the past and present have been about racial issues on college campuses.
Ferentz and Iowa’s football program found themselves under the microscope as many black Iowa football players opened up about feeling mistreated, uncomfortable within the program, and decried the unethical behavior of Iowa strength coach Chris Doyle.
A lot of former Clemson black players have spoken out against the name of the honors college at Clemson which is named for John C. Calhoun, a South Carolina politician who served as vice president of the United States from 1825 to 1832 and was an outspoken advocate of slavery, saying it was “a positive good.”
Like many black people in America feel empowered to openly discuss white privilege and white surpremacy with other white people, it seems that black college athletes are feeling empowered to speak out against racism on college campuses and college football programs.
During the 2018 midterms, 53% of voters were women. Yet for some, a distrust of the system and other barriers keep them from the polls.
Following yet another Black man, Rayshard Brooks, killed at the hands of police on Friday June 12 in Atlanta, crowds of protestors, including Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce, are expected to march with the NAACP on Monday (June 15).
RELATED: Atlanta Man Fatally Shot In Wendy’s Drive-Thru By Police
Pierce shared his thoughts with one word on Twitter in response to the senseless killing of Brooks, “Disgraceful” he said replying to Stacey Abrams tweet of the incident.
“We are asking and demanding urgent action so that we can move forward as a city, community and as a state to ensure that no other family has to go through what Mr. Brooks family has to go through,” said Rev. James “Major” Woodall, state president of the Georgia NAACP.
RELATED: Atlanta Erupts In Protests After Killing Of Rayshard Brooks By Police
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields resigned on Saturday (June 13); however, the NAACP is demanding that she be entirely removed from the Atlanta Police Department.
RELATED: Atlanta Cop Who Killed Rayshard Brooks Has Been Fired
Brooks was killed on Friday night, after police responded to a call about a man sleeping in a parked vehicle in a Wendy's drive-through lane in Atlanta, causing other customers to drive around it, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.
Chappelle poignantly explained how the image of Floyd calling for his deceased mother and pleading for his life is seared into his and the nation’s wounded psyche.
Chappelle also took on NRA, as well as Candace Owens, a Black right-wing media personality who brought up Floyd’s troubled past to criticize the Black community for making him a “martyr.”
We didn’t choose [Floyd]— you did,” Chappelle shot back.
Owens replied to Chappelle’s criticism on Twitter by saying that, unlike people on the “left,” she has a sense of humor and can take a joke.
Although Chappelle couched his comments in humor, the basis of his sharp rebuke—that Floyd’s humanity is worthy of justice regardless of his past—was not a joke.
Foot Locker will “Rock the Vote” at its stores this election year. In a press release, Foot Locker announced a partnership with Rock the Vote to utilize Foot Locker retail…
Electoral authorities in Guinea on Saturday declared President Alpha Conde winner of Sunday's election with 59.49% of the vote, defeating his main rival Cellou Diallo.
\t Some people went to the streets to protest immediately after the announcement. Such demonstrations have occurred for months after the government changed the constitution through a national referendum, allowing Conde to extend his decade in power.
\t Opposition candidate Cellou Diallo received 33.50% of the vote, the electoral commission said. Voter turnout was almost 80%.
\t Political tensions in the West African nation turned violent in recent days after Diallo claimed victory ahead of the official results. Celebrations by his supporters were suppressed when security forces fired tear gas to disperse them.
They accuse the electoral authorities of rigging the vote for incumbent president Alpha Conde.
\t At least nine people have been killed since the election, according to the government. The violence sparked international condemnation by the U.S. and others.
\t ``Today is a sad day for African democracy,'' said Sally Bilaly Sow, a Guinean blogger and activist living abroad. The government should take into account the will of the people who have a desire for change, he said.
ICC warning
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor warned on Friday that warring factions in Guinea could be prosecuted after fighting erupted.
“I wish to repeat this important reminder: anyone who commits, orders, incites, encourages and contributes in any other way to crimes … is liable to prosecution either by the Guinean courts or the ICC,” she said.
#ICC Prosecutor #FatouBensouda: "I wish to repeat this important reminder: anyone who commits, orders, incites, encourages or contributes, in any other way, to the commission of #RomeStatute crimes, is liable to prosecution either by #Guinean courts or by the #ICC."
— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) October 23, 2020
By Tali Arbel Associated Press Several civil rights and other advocacy groups are calling on large advertisers to stop Facebook ad campaigns during July because they say the social network isn’t doing enough to curtail racist and violent content on its platform. The groups in the “#StopHateforProfit” campaign launch, include Anti-Defamation League, the NAACP, Sleeping []
I am angry because I am tired of seeing Black people in America continually be subject to the same behaviors by those in “positions of power.”
It’s pathetic that in the year 2020 we are still asking for fair treatment in the communities, schools, justice system, and workplace.
I am a professionally trained lobbyist and community organizer that has worked in and around politics and policy for almost 17 years at the local, state and federal levels of government and one thing that I am constantly reminded…I am Black!
So, if you have a police force that continually abuses Black people that tone is set by the Police Chief and you have a Mayor and City Council that are allowing it.
In 2016, Black voter turnout was 59.6% in the Presidential election and lower than that in some local races.
Juneteenth has always been a day for the Black community to gather in celebration, and at a moment like this, where our nation is forced to reckon with the consequences of its racist and bigoted systems, it’s important that we continue the tradition of gathering in purpose, power, and action.
Join us as we kick off our Juneteenth celebrations on Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 P.M. ET with a virtual town hall on sports and the struggle for social justice.
NAACP and REVOLT TV have partnered to provide a safe space for Black families to convene in that same spirit.
Join us on Friday, June 19 at 4 P.M. as the leaders of the new civil rights movement, celebrities, and other public figures come together for our Virtual Black Family Reunion.
And at 6 P.M. ET, Angela Rye will host a virtual town hall to honor the Black lives lost these past few months, uplift our community in this time of distress, and rally together to form a united path forward.
