#SAYHERNAME: 18 Black women who have died at the hands of police since Eric Garner's death

We all know the names of Eric Garner, George Floyd, and the far too many other Black men that have died at the hands of police in between their deaths. But other than Breonna Taylor and perhaps Attatiana Jefferson how many of us know the names of 16 other Black women who have died in between the deaths of Garner and Floyd?

The African American Policy Forum has started a #SayHerName Campaign to change that and to help us all understand that Black women are under the same threat from police as Black Men in the United States

Below is a list of 18 Black women who have died at the hands of police since Eric Garner's death. The list does NOT contain the list of every Black woman to have been killed by police since 2014. Click each name to find out about her story:

2014

Pearlie Golden

Michelle Cusseaux

Tanisha Anderson

Natasha McKenna

Mya Hall

Alexia Christian

2015

Joyce Curnell

Ralkina Jones

India Kager

Kisha Michael

2016

Korryn Gaines

Deborah Danner

Michelle Shirley

Charleena Lewis

2018

Decynthia Clements

Pamela Turner

2020

Atatiana Jefferson

Breonna Taylor

Learn more about the AAFP's #SayHerName campaign by clicking here: https://aapf.org/sayhername

Nike & Twitter: Juneteenth To Be Annual Paid Company Holiday

An an internal memo sent to Nike (NKE) staff , CEO John Donahoe announced that the company would recognize Juneteenth an annual paid holiday for U.S. employees.

“As many of you may know, next Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. Starting this year and going forward, Nike will recognize Juneteenth as an annual paid holiday in the U.S,” he wrote. Donahoe said doing so is an “important opportunity is to better commemorate and celebrate Black history and culture.”

Twitter and Square have decided to declare Juneteenth a company holiday as well.

Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey announced on Tuesday that Juneteenth, June 19, will be a holiday for employees at both companies.

He made the announcement on Twitter saying, "A day for celebration, education, and connection." He said the holiday will be honored every year moving forward.

He added that "countries and regions around the world have their own days to celebrate emancipation, and we will do the work to make those dates company holidays everywhere we are present."

Tulsa police major: We're shooting African Americans about 24% less than we probably ought to be

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum on Wednesday blasted one of his police department's top commanders after the officer denied there's systemic racism in law enforcement, then said African Americans "probably ought to be" shot more.

Tulsa Chief of Police Wendell Franklin, the first African American to hold that position, on Thursday also denounced the incendiary comments made by Major Travis Yates.

"Chief Wendell Franklin and the Tulsa Police Department want to make it very clear we do not endorse, condone or support Yates’ comments made on the show," a statement from the TPD said. "This matter has been referred to our Internal Affairs Unit."

Yates was on KFAQ on Monday, in a weekly segment called "Behind the Blue Line," when he said there's no institutional racism in policing.

“All the research said — including Roland Fryer, an African American Harvard professor, Heather MacDonald and the National Academy of Sciences — all of their research says we’re shooting African Americans about 24 percent less than we probably ought to be based on the crimes being committed," Yates said.

Yates did not specifically cite which studies led him to this conclusion.

Mayor Bynum demanded an apology and said the department is investigating Yates. The mayor said of Yates' radio interview: "Speaking of dumb comments."

"He does not speak for my administration, for the Tulsa Police Department, or the City of Tulsa," Bynum said in a statement. "And if he didn’t mean to make the statement in the way it has been received, he owes Tulsans a clarification and an apology."

Lt. Marcus Harper, president of Tulsa’s Black Officers Coalition, said Yates’ comments send a chilling message throughout the department.

“He’s in a position of power in the police department," Harper said. "His attitude is going to go downhill to that young, brand-new officer or that officer in field training right now.”

Serving under Police Chief Franklin are three deputy chiefs, who preside over nine division commanders, who include Maj. Yates. Yates, who supervises the Records Division, would be represented by the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police if the department takes action against him, according to union chairman Jerad Lindsey.

"It's not currently in the FOP's purview," Lindsey said. "We have not been told of any discipline yet."

[SOURCE: NBC NEWS]

LeBron James starts voting rights group

LeBron James is creating a voting rights group aimed in part at motivating African Americans to cast ballots in November, the NBA star told The New York Times on Wednesday.

James told the Times that the idea to form the group, More Than a Vote, was fueled by the worldwide protests over racial inequality and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody.

“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us — we feel like we’re finally getting a foot in the door,” James told the Times. “How long is up to us. We don’t know. But we feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention, and this is the time for us to finally make a difference.”

In addition to looking to turn out voters, James said he wants to use his platform on social media to help combat voter suppression.

“Yes, we want you to go out and vote, but we’re also going to give you the tutorial,” James told the Times. “We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting.”

More Than a Vote will team up with voting rights organizations, including When We All Vote and Stacey Abrams’s Fair Fight, according to the Times.

James and business partner Maverick Carter are putting up the initial funding for the organization, according to the Times.

Texas Southern University Announces Scholarship Fund for George Floyd’s Daughter

The Board of Regents of Texas Southern University (TSU) honors the memory of George Floyd on the day that he is laid to eternal rest. Mr. Floyd was a lifelong citizen of the Third Ward and a revered graduate of Jack Yates High School.

The Board, in conjunction with the TSU Foundation Board, has approved a fund to provide a full scholarship for Floyd’s beloved daughter, Gianna. TSU’s executive and academic staff will prepare a place for Miss Floyd if she wishes to attend the University.

“This Board is committed to education and understands that a college degree is one of many powerful steps toward a productive and successful life,” said Albert H. Myres, chair of the Board of Regents. “We know that this gesture cannot take the place of her dad’s loving presence, but we hope that it will contribute to easing her journey through life.”

“The TSU Foundation is proud to provide this privately-funded scholarship to Ms. Floyd,” said Gerald Smith, chairman of the TSU Foundation. “We know the value of an education in the pursuit of solutions and generational progress. We look forward to embracing her into the TSU family.”

Myres said that George Floyd’s powerful legacy will be strengthened by the offer of an educational pathway for his daughter.

Sen. Kamala Harris statement in three officers that killed Breonna Taylor

Senator Kamala Harris took to Twitter to make the following statement about the three officers that murdered Breonna Taylor:

It’s past time for all three police officers who murdered Breonna Taylor to be arrested. It’s been almost three months. There’s no reason for them to still be roaming free.

Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms being vetted as possible Biden VP pick

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) is among the women under consideration to be former Vice President Biden's running mate, according to a new report.

Bottoms has garnered national attention amid the coronavirus pandemic, notably criticizing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) for being one of the first states to reopen.

She has also been a vocal voice amid the protests over the police killing of George Floyd. Bottoms criticized President Trump's response to his death on CNN on Sunday, saying she was "simply disgusted" with Trump for invoking Floyd's name while discussing economic gains after a better-than-expected employment report on Friday.

SOURCE: THE HILL

John Lewis visits Black Lives Matter Plaza

Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) met with Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and paid a visit to the site where the mayor had “Black Lives Matter” painted on a road that leads to the White House.

Civil Rights leader @repjohnlewis visited 16th St NW outside of the White House - now Black Lives Matter Plaza - Sunday morning. His answer to @fox5dc on his response to Saturday’s massive BLM protests: pic.twitter.com/O1LI4BJb2C

— Stephanie Ramirez (@RamirezReports) June 7, 2020

GoFundMe Suspends Candace Owens After She Trashes George Floyd

GoFundMe suspended pro-Trump personality Candace Owens from its fundraising platform on Sunday, after Owens raised more than $200,000 on the site for an Alabama cafe whose owner called George Floyd a “thug.”

Owens has become one of the right’s most prominent critics of Floyd and the protests held after his killing, with one video she made highlighting his criminal record going viral on Facebook. Those same remarks appear to have prompted GoFundMe to ban Owens. She later repeated the same attacks on Floyd during a chat with right-wing star Glenn Beck, and that video was then boosted by President Donald Trump.

In a statement, GoFundMe said that Owens, who is black, had spread “falsehoods against the black community.”

“GoFundMe has suspended the account associated with Candace Owens and the GoFundMe campaign has been removed because of a repeated pattern of inflammatory statements that spread hate, discrimination, intolerance and falsehoods against the black community at a time of profound national crisis,” the fundraising platform said in a statement. “These actions violate our terms of service.”

Owens had been raising money for the Parkside Cafe in Birmingham, Alabama, which has been embroiled in social-media controversy after co-owner Michael Dykes called Floyd a “thug” and described protesters as “idiots” in a text message that was later posted online. In his text message, Dykes also discussed raising prices and charging a “protest tax.”

Owens reacted to her GoFundMe suspension on Twitter, saying it was proof that conservatives live in a “a world that tells us that our very existence is unacceptable.”

SOURCE: YAHOO

Colin Powell: I will be voting for Joe Biden

Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Democratic former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, becoming the first major Republican to publicly back Donald Trump's rival ahead of November's election.

Powell, who led the U.S. military during the 1991 Gulf War under Republican former President George H.W. Bush and later led the U.S. Department of State under President George W. Bush, said Trump was "ineffective" and has only gotten worse since he took office.

"I cannot in any way support President Trump this year," Powell, who did not vote for Trump in 2016, told CNN in an interview.

Asked if he would vote for Biden, he added: "I will be voting for him."

SOURCE: REUTERS

George Floyd's brother to testify in front of House Judiciary Committee

Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, will testify before the House Judiciary Committee next Wednesday, June 10, sources confirmed to The Hill.

It's not yet clear if Philonise Floyd will testify in-person or virtually now that the House has amended its procedures to allow virtual hearings in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The hearing comes as House Democrats plan to unveil policing reform legislation this week that would repeal the so-called "qualified immunity" doctrine on Monday.

SOURCE: THE HILL

Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan Statement on $100 million Commitment to the Black Community

Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand released the following statement on it's commitment to donate $100 million to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education:

Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community.

Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family. We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice. The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next.

It’s 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same.

Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.

Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.

“Through our Jordan Wings Program, we have been focused on providing access to education, mentorship and opportunity for Black youth facing the obstacles of systemic racism. But we know we can do more. In addition to the investment from NIKE Inc., we are announcing a joint commitment from Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand to donate $100 million over the next 10 years. We must join forces with the community, government and civic leaders to create a lasting impact together," said Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand. “There is still more work for us to do to drive real impact for the Black Community. We embrace the responsibility."

Michael B. Jordan's Just Mercy is now free to stream

Warner Bros. has announced 2019 legal drama Just Mercy will be available to rent for free in the US from Apple TV Plus, Amazon and other digital platforms, throughout June.

The studio made the announcement on Blackout Tuesday, an initiative to protest George Floyd's death in police custody. The studio said it hopes the film can be used as an educational tool for those interested in learning more about the systemic racism in American society.

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORY.

OUR FILM JUST MERCY, BASED ON THE LIFE WORK OF CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY BRYAN STEVENSON, IS ONE RESOURCE WE CAN HUMBLY OFFER TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE SYSTEMIC RACISM THAT PLAGUES OUR SOCIETY. FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, JUST MERCY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR FREE ACROSS DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN THE US.

TO ACTIVELY BE PART OF THE CHANGE OUR COUNTRY IS SO DESPERATELY SEEKING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PAST AND THE COUNTLESS INJUSTICES THAT HAVE LED US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

THANK YOU TO THE ARTISTS, STORYTELLERS AND ADVOCATES WHO HELPED MAKE THIS FILM HAPPEN. WATCH WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ALLIES.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BRYAN STEVENSON AND HIS WORK AT THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE PLEASE VISIT EJI.ORG.

Just Mercy is available for free at the following digital platforms:

                

Black NFL stars team up for powerful message to the league

More than a dozen players, including Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, Michael Thomas, Saquon Barkley,Deshaun Watson, Odell Beckham and Marshon Lattimore took part in a video telling the NFL to listen to its players when it comes to racism, social justice , and how they want to protest.

Mayor Orders Termination of 4 Officers After Manuel Ellis Died From Police Restraint in Tacoma, Washington

The mayor of Tacoma, Washington, has told the city manager to fire four police officers following the death of, Manuel Ellis a black man after police restrained him in March.

Mayor Victoria Woodards on Thursday night directed City Manager Elizabeth Pauli to fire the officers involved in the restraint of 33-year-old Ellis.

Her order comes as the country has been roiled by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Four Minneapolis officers have been criminally charged. Woodards said the Tacoma officers should also be prosecuted in the death of Ellis.

“The officers who committed this crime should be fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Woodards said in a statement aired live on Tacoma TV and Facebook. “I am demanding tonight that the Pierce County Sheriff review and confirm every action taken by each officer.”

The News Tribune reports the Pierce County medical examiner’s office ruled Ellis’ March 3 death a homicide caused by a lack of oxygen due to physical restraint. The newspaper reports methamphetamine intoxication and a heart disease were contributing factors.

[SOURCE: TIME]

Congressional Black Caucus to propose policing reforms

The Congressional Black Caucus is at work on a package of policing reforms the House could advance later this month in response to the death of George Floyd, Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., the chair of the caucus, told ABC News.

A federal chokehold ban, a review of police training standards and a reform of the legal doctrine that shields police officers from legal liability are some of the proposals circulating among the group, which House Democratic leaders have tasked with leading the chamber's response to Floyd's death and the ongoing protests.

"We are going to do everything we can, while the nation has a height of awareness on the issue, to pass transformative legislation," said Bass. "We want to make sure that, in this time period, we are very visible so that African Americans around the country understand that this is our experience as well."

SOURCE: ABC NEWS

Cory Booker delivers emotional speech about racism in the Senate

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker delivered a passionate speech in the Senate about systemic racism in the US and the ongoing George Floyd protests.

Rand Paul holds up anti-lynching legislation

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said Wednesday he is holding up popular bipartisan legislation to make lynching a federal crime, a long-sought goal of supporters that is acutely relevant now against the backdrop of nationwide protests against police mistreatment of African Americans.

"We want the bill to be stronger," Paul told reporters on Capitol Hill. "We think that lynching is an awful thing that should be roundly condemned and should be universally condemned."

We want the bill to be stronger. We think that lynching is an awful thing that should be roundly condemned and should be universally condemned. I don't think it's a good idea to conflate someone who has an altercation where they had minor bruises with lynching," Paul said.

"The bill as written would allow altercations resulting in a cut, abrasion, bruise, or any other injury no matter how temporary to be subject to a 10-year penalty. My amendment would simply apply a serious bodily injury standard, which would ensure crimes resulting in substantial risk of death and extreme physical pain be prosecuted as a lynching," Paul explained further in a statement from his office later Wednesday.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer criticized Paul over the move on Wednesday, tweeting, "It is shameful that one GOP Senator is standing in the way of seeing this bill become law."

SOURCE: CNN

Barack Obama's message of hope to those protesting George Floyd's death

In a hopeful speech former President, Barack Obama personally thanked protesters in the streets across the nation following the death of George Floyd, and urged young African Americans to "feel hopeful even as you may feel angry" because he feels change is coming.

Ferguson Elects Its First Black Mayor

The Missouri city where the death of Michael Brown set off weeks of nationwide protests and outrage in 2014 elected its first woman and first black mayor Tuesday night, according to CNN affiliate KMOV.

Returns from the St. Louis County Board of Elections show Ella Jones took 54% of the vote in the race for mayor of Ferguson versus Heather Robinett with 46%.

Jones is both the city's first black mayor and the first woman in that office, according to KMOV. Jones has worked as a chemist and church pastor, according to her campaign biography. She has served on the Ferguson city council since 2015, when she was elected as its first African-American member.

[SOURCES: CNN]