NJ State Senators Offer Plan to Promote Amistad Curriculum by Honoring Top Educators

New Jersey would create an Amistad Award Program for teachers who perform exemplary service by providing instruction on slavery and African-American history, under terms of legislation introduced by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Ronald Rice.

The Senate President and Senator Rice (pictured above), who chairs the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, worked with the New Jersey Education Association on the initiative.

The bill would establish the “Amistad Curriculum Award Program” to identify outstanding educators who have shown a commitment to furthering student knowledge on the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African-Americans to society. The curriculum is a well-established and highly regarded educational program.

“The Amistad curriculum is a highly regarded educational program that chronicles the history of African-Americans, the hardships they have overcome and the important contributions they have made to society,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “By honoring educators who have used this curriculum effectively we are supporting an honest accounting of the shameful legacy of slavery, the rich history of African-American accomplishments and the many reasons for cultural pride.”

“Black history is American history. However, for so long, teaching this history and the history of slavery in this country was either rushed through or completely glossed over; this is why the Amistad Commission was created,” said Senator Rice (D-Essex). “The Amistad curriculum will teach young folks about some of the darkest periods in our country’s history, and yet, also impart to them the historical, cultural and social influences and advancements Black Americans have had on the United States. By rewarding and recognizing the efforts of some teachers who effectively educate this part of our history, we are incentivizing all educators to do the same.”

“We are proud to support the Amistad Curriculum Award Program,” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “By identifying and honoring educators who do an exceptional job of integrating that critical content into their instruction, we will provide models that all educators can emulate. By learning from those innovators, we can achieve our goals of ensuring that every student better understands this troubling but important part of our history.”

Under the bill, school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools would nominate teachers who excelled in furthering student knowledge on African-American history. Two award recipients would be named annually, one teacher from a kindergarten-eighth grade school and one from a high school. The award winners would receive $2,500 each.

They would be selected by the Amistad Curriculum Award Committee, consisting of one member appointed by the Governor, one member of the Senate named by the President of the Senate, one member of the General Assembly selected by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and one member appointed by the New Jersey Education Association.

Maj. Gen. William J. Walker named House sergeant-at-arms, first Black man in post

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday named Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, commander of the D.C. National Guard, as the 38th House sergeant-at-arms, marking the first time a Black person has served as the House's top law enforcement officer.

Walker has earned bipartisan praise.

“Throughout his long, dedicated career in public service, General William Walker has proven to be a leader of great integrity and experience who will bring his steady and patriotic leadership to this vital role,” Pelosi said in a statement. “His historic appointment as the first Black American to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms is an important step forward for this institution and our nation."

Walker has 39 years of military experience, most recently as commanding general of the D.C. National Guard. Additionally, he has worked as a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The House must vote to elect Walker to the position. The announcement was met with support from California's Kevin McCarthy, the top House Republican.

“Every member, staffer, employee, and visitor to the Capitol should feel safe with Maj. Gen. Walker at the helm of Sergeant at Arms operations,” McCarthy said in a statement. “We are thankful for his continued service to our country, and I look forward to working with him as he transitions to this new role.”

Walker takes over the role from acting House Sergeant-at-Arms Timothy Blodgett, a temporary replacement for Paul D. Irving, who resigned after the attack along with Michael Stenger, the former Senate sergeant-at-arms, and Steven Sund, the former Capitol Police chief.

[SOURCE: ROLL CALL]

Boycott Coca Cola until they come out against Georgia's new Jim Crow voting law

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

I'm boycotting all Coca Cola products, and I hope that you join me.

Why?

The state of Georgia has passed a restrictive voting law that brings back the era of Jim Crow laws.

The new law includes language that adds a new ID requirement that will overwhemingly effect minority voters, allows voting precints to close at 5PM when many are just getting off work, makes it a crime to give water or food to those standing in line to vote, removes the secretary of state as chair of the State Election Board, allowing the SEB and lawmakers a process to temporarily take over elections offices and limiting the number, location and access to secure absentee drop boxes.

This new era of Jim Crow must be stopped now and it takes just not action from President Biden and Congress, but from us and big business. We may can have more of an immediate effect than our nation's lawmakers if we demand that businesses in Georgia come out against the new voting law. Let's be real here, money talks. If we withhold our dollars that sends a message that everyone, even racist Georgia lawmakers understand.

Coca Cola has it's corporate headquarters in Atlanta and is one of the biggest employers in the region. Not only that but they donate to Georgia politicians on a regular basis. That means they have a lot of pull in Georgia and can apply pressure to help to change this horrible voting law.

But they are not going to do this out of the kindess of their hearts. It is going to take a litle pressure from us to get the ball moving. So I and many others are boycotting Coca Cola products until the company comes out against this new Jim Crow legislation.

That means just not buying Coke, Diet Coke, Powerade, Vitaminwater, or Sprite it means not buying several of their brands. Here is a list of the many brands in their portfolio:

Coca Cola

Diet Coke

AdeS soy-based beverages

Aquarius

Ayataka green tea

Barqs

Chivita

Ciel water

Costa Coffee

Dasani waters

Del Valle juices and nectars

Fairlife

Fanta

Fresca

Fuze Tea

Georgia coffee

Gold Peak teas and coffees

Honest Tea

ILOHAS

innocent smoothies and juices

Minute Maid juices

Powerade sports drinks

Simply juices

Schweppes

smartwater

Sprite

Topo Chico

vitaminwater

Let's send a message that will not tolerate this voter suppression law by boycotting Coca Cola. It will send a message to not just them but to big business throughout the United States.

We can make a difference.

MLB players open to discussing moving 2021 MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta after new voting laws pass in the state

Major League Baseball is scheduled to play its 2021 All-Star Game this summer at Truist Park, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Yet with less than a week to go until Opening Day, the MLB Players Association appears open to discussing whether or not the event should be relocated in response to recent legislative developments in the state.

MLB Players Association director Tony Clark told the Boston Globe that the union body is "very much aware" of the bill signed by Georgia governor Brian Kemp on Thursday that overhauled the state's election laws.

The bill includes "new restrictions on voting by mail and gives the legislature greater control over how elections are run," according to CBS News. It has been opposed by both Democrats and voting rights groups who believe the law will "disproportionately disenfranchise voters of color."

Clark told the Globe that "we have not had a conversation with the league on that issue" before adding that "if there is an opportunity to, we would look forward to having that conversation."

[SOURCE: CBS SPORTS]

Georgia lawmaker arrested during protest of governor signing voting reform bill

Georgia state Rep. Park Cannon was arrested and removed from the Georgia Capitol on Thursday after passage of the state's sweeping elections bill restricting voting access.

In a video posted to social media, a Georgia Capitol police officer speaks with the Democrat outside the door to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp's office.

After knocking on the office door during Kemp's signing of SB 202 -- an election overhaul bill -- Cannon is seen being led away by several officers with her hands cuffed behind her back.

Cannon faces two felony charges -- felony obstruction and preventing or disrupting general assembly session, according to an arrest affidavit seen by CNN. The affidavit states that Cannon was charged with disrupting General Assembly session because she "knowingly and intentionally did by knocking the governor's door during session of singing [sic] a bill."

The arrest affidavit for the felony obstruction charge said she "did knowingly and willfully hinder Officer E. Dorval and Officer G. Sanchez of the Capitol PD, a law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge or the officer's official duties by Use of Threats of Violence, violence to the person of said officer by stomping on LT Langford foot three times during the apprehension and as she was being escorted out of the property. The accused continued on kicking LT Langford with her heels."

Attorney Gerald Griggs told CNN he is representing Cannon. Griggs said he was at the Fulton County jail working to bond Cannon out after she was booked on felony obstruction charges.

"We are getting her out of jail currently. We are gathering information on the case as well. There are multiple videos and we are in contact with the DA," Griggs told CNN.

[SOURCE: CNN]

NAACP PRESIDENT DERRICK JOHNSON CALLS ON CONGRESS TO BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS

After the tragic mass shootings in both Georgia and Colorado, NAACP President Derrick Johnson has released the following statement asking for Congress to ban assault weapons:

“We cannot return to “normal”. Normal in America means endless mass shootings in churches, schools and even grocery stores. Normal in America means crushing trauma for families and communities across the nation. Normal in America means that only 83 days into 2021, 102 mass shootings have already occurred at the hands of gunmen.

Assault weapons are military-style weapons of war, made for offensive military battlefields. They do not belong in the hands of ordinary citizens.

President Biden, we agree with you. We can no longer ‘wait another minute’ to act on the gun violence epidemic. That is why the NAACP is calling on Congress to immediately ban assault weapons. Preventable deaths have been the tragic result of paralyzed progress. As our nation prepares to reopen, the lives of innocent Americans depend on expeditious action.”

Prince William County Public Schools Name First Woman, African American Superintendent

History is being made in Prince William County (Virginia), as its school board names its first woman and first African American superintendent.

Latanya McDade will begin her new job leading Virginia’s second largest school district on July 1. She replaces retiring Superintendent Steven Walts.

McDade is currently the chief education officer in the Chicago Public Schools district. She’s worked there for 23 years, beginning as a teacher, then principal and later working her way up into a top administrative position.

Following the Prince William County School Board’s unanimous vote, McDade addressed the group with her husband and two sons at her side.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to be selected as the new superintendent of the Prince William County School division,” McDade said.

McDade also said it’s her role as a parent that best prepares her for the challenge ahead.

“All I would want in education for my own children is what I want for every Prince William County school student," she said.

McDade’s remarks were greeted with a standing ovation.

[SOURCE: NBC WASHINGTON]

Sen. Cory Booker statement on recent mass shootings

United States Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement on the recent mass shootings in both Georgia and Colorado:

A return to normalcy cannot mean a return to mass shooting after mass shooting.

We have the power to stop this.

Kim Janey becomes 1st woman, person of color to be Boston mayor

Boston has a new mayor in Kim Janey, who became the city’s first female and first person of color to take the office Monday.

Marty Walsh resigned Monday evening to become President Joe Biden’s labor secretary. The Boston City Council President Janey, who is Black, stepped into the role of acting mayor and is scheduled to have a ceremonial swearing in Wednesday.

By any typical political stopwatch, Janey's rise has been lightning quick. She was first sworn in as a city councilor just three years ago.

Although Janey, 55, is holding the office only on an interim basis, she's widely seen as hailing a new chapter in Boston’s political history.

[SOURCE: BAYNEWS9]

National Museum of African American History and Culture to Jointly Acquire Amy Sherald’s Painting of Breonna Taylor

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is in talks with the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky to jointly acquire a painting of Breonna Taylor by Amy Sherald that first appeared on the cover of the September 2020 issue of Vanity Fair. The museum plans to display the portrait later this year.

Sherald’s portrait depicts Taylor in a blue flowing gown, designed by Jasmine Elder of the Atlanta-based fashion brand Jibri. Sherald has said that producing this image keeps Breonna alive forever. The portrait will be purchased from the artist, who plans to donate proceeds to causes that support social-justice reform.

Sherald is an American painter who documents the contemporary African American experience through portraits. She is best known for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama featured in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Another portrait by Sherald, Grand Dame Queenie, is on display in the museum’s art gallery.

Troy Carter & Karen Carter Peterson headed to runoff election to replace Cedric Richmond in the House

Two longtime Louisiana state legislators are headed to an April 24 runoff in the special election to replace Democrat Cedric L. Richmond in the deep-blue 2nd District.

Democratic state Sen. Troy Carter was leading an all-party, 15-candidate field Saturday with 36 percent of the vote when The Associated Press declared he had made the runoff. He next faces fellow Democrat Karen Carter Peterson, also a state senator, who finished second with 23 percent, edging out progressive outsider Gary Chamber who took 21 percent.

Under Louisiana law, a candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

American Red Cross urges more African Americans to donate blood to sickle cell disease patients

Although this story is part of a push to get Philadelphia residents to attend a blood drive, its message about a lack of African American donors is relevant to both potential donors and those with sickle cell disease.

The American Red Cross is in great need of more African Americans to donate blood, which is a critical need for many patients with sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell disease affects 100,000 Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it affects one out of every 365 African American births, which is 73% of all cases.

Evanston Illinois: First US city to offer reparations for Black Americans

The city of Evanston, which is north of Chicago, once one of the most segregated cities in America has become the first place to offer the reparations. $25,000 payments to eligible residents will begin this spring.

This is due to the work of Robin Rue Simmons, an alderman in Evanston's 5th Ward, who introduced the reparations legislation.

Biden, Haris, Warnock, Ossoff, and Stacey Abrams meet to discuss voting rights

President Biden on Friday met with Stacey Abrams and Georgia lawmakers while in Atlanta to discuss voting rights in the face of legislation introduced by state GOP lawmakers in various states that would restrict access to the ballot.

Biden and Vice President Harris met with Abrams, Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms during a stop at Emory University.

"They discussed state legislation in Georgia and across the country that would make it harder for people to vote, along with possible solutions to make voting more accessible," White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "The President re-affirmed his commitment to re-authorizing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and his strong belief that every eligible voter should be able to vote and have their vote counted."

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Amalgamated Bank endorses HR 40 and reparations

Amalgamated Bank, the largest union-owned bank in the U.S. released a statement on Wednesday announcing that it backs reparations for Black Americans, becoming the first major American bank to do so.

Last year, Amalgamated Bank doubled-down on its commitment to racial justice initiatives. Catapulted by the cruel murder of George Floyd, the bank issued a statement supporting Black Lives Matter and publicly committed to 10 concrete actions to support racial justice, including the formation of a Racial Justice Task Force to build a more inclusive work environment. These efforts are built on the foundation that Amalgamated is America’s socially responsible bank and seeks to be a leader among its peers in creating a more just, sustainable world.

Today, Amalgamated Bank announced its endorsement of HR 40, which is calling upon the Federal Government to form a Commission to explore reparations for African Americans. As of now, we are the first major U.S. bank to endorse HR 40, but are hopeful we are not the last.

While Amalgamated’s nearly one hundred-year-old legacy of social action is clearly demonstrated, we acknowledge that there is more for all of us to do to stem the tide of complacency and call for higher levels of justice for all people.

Amalgamated also acknowledges the deep roots connecting the financial sector to the American slave economy. Banks and lenders played a key role in not only financing slavery, but in excluding Black people from financial resources by redlining, withholding investment into black-owned businesses, predatory lending practices, engaging in predatory pay day lending, and charging exorbitant fees that trap people in a downward spiral of debt.

Broadly speaking, the concept of reparations for gross violations against human rights is not new. Reparations have been used in numerous countries to attempt to achieve justice for past violations against specific groups of people. Although these strategies haven’t always been executed perfectly, they have been one of the key ways for governments to make amends for past violations, apologize, and restore equity among impacted communities.

We believe the commission created through H.R. 40 is an important first step towards achieving racial justice. The work shouldn’t stop there. Amalgamated believes there must be real, tangible remedies for African Americans and an explicit acknowledgement and apology by the Federal government for slavery’s role in creating our modern economy. We believe that this isn’t just morally right but is required for the country to truly move forward and build the thriving, equitable economy we clearly need.

That is why Amalgamated is proud to announce our support for H.R. 40 and reparations. We invite other banks and financial companies to do the same.

In addition to Amalgamated Bank’s endorsement of H.R. 40, the Amalgamated Foundation will continue its commitment to racial justice and expand that to strategies in support of reparations over the coming months.

Oklahoma City squad becomes first African American cheer team to win High School NCA National Championship

Impact Xtreme, an Oklahoma City cheerleading squad has become the first African American cheer team to win the High School NCA National Championship.

Mom of 1-year-old accidentally shot plans to sue Houston Police Department

The mother of the 1-year-old baby who was shot in tbd head during an encounter between police and an alleged serial robber claims she and her baby were still inside her vehicle when officers opened fire.

Nearly two weeks later, the child remains in the pediatric intensive care unit. Smalls said the bullet has been taken out but fragments remain.

Hampton University mobile clinic to help with COVID-19 vaccinations

As the fight to vaccinate communities of color continues, one historically Black university is teaming up with Hampton, Virginia, community leaders and physicians to bring doses to residents' backyards.

Hampton University is allocating $500,000 for a "vaccine-mobile" RV to serve the greater Hampton Roads community, which is 49.3% Black. The RV is slated to serve under-vaccinated groups, including low-income, African American, Hispanic and elderly communities.

After months of research and blueprints, the newly renovated RV carries a full-size pharmacy refrigerator with a minus 20-degree freezer, a minus 80-degree freezer and examination tables to administer COVID-19 vaccinations and tests.

Hampton University plans on tapping into other trusted, active and Black-led community groups such as Black Greek Lettered organizations and mentoring organizations like 100 Black Men to help publicize the mobile clinic.

"HBCUs are not just colleges, they're an integral part of the black community. HBCUs have to be ambassadors for the minority community," said Alonzo Bell Jr., president of the Virginia peninsula chapter of 100 Black Men. Bell, a Newport News, Virginia, native, said that HBCUs like Hampton must do the work to get local residents vaccinated.

Most HBCUs are located in or around Black neighborhoods. In addition to Hampton, HBCUs such as North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University recently transformed areas of their campuses into vaccination sites, further serving the members of their communities.

[SOURCE: GMA]

Academy Awards: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield both nominated for best supporting actor

In an weird move both Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield were nominated for Academy Awards in the best supporting actor category for their roles in "Judas and the Black Messiah".

It's weird because anyone who has seen the movie knows that Lakeith Stanfield was obviously the lead actor.

Lakeith Stanfield posted a response to the nomination on Instagram: “I’m confused too but fuck it lmao.”

That being said, its great that both men were nominated for their outstanding performances in the film.

"Judas and the Black Messiah" was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

Senator Cory Booker: How the American Rescue Plan helps you and New Jersey

Senator Cory Booker (NJ) sent out the following statement explaining how the American Rescue Plan helps New Jersey:

March 13, 2021

Dear New Jerseyan,

This past week, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, delivering on his and Congressional Democrats’ promise to provide COVID-19 relief to the American people. I supported this bold legislation because it provides an urgent and historic investment in the health and financial stability of millions of New Jerseyans and people across the country, a boost to our small businesses, and a lifeline to state and local governments. The landmark American Rescue Plan puts our country on a path to ending this pandemic and building back stronger and better. 

The American Rescue Plan provides a number of benefits, which will directly benefit you. I encourage New Jerseyans who would like to see a detailed breakdown and more information on how to access these critical resources to take a look at our updated COVID-19 Federal Relief Update for New Jerseyans at booker.senate.gov/coronavirus.

Here is just a snapshot of what this landmark bill will do for the American people:

Stimulus Checks

• $1,400 direct payments to individuals making less than $75,000 or couples making less than $150,000 and each of their dependent children. (Some individuals earning up to $80,000 and couples earning up to $160,000 will be eligible to receive a reduced amount of this benefit).
• This will total $9.62 billion in combined direct payments for 3,691,546 eligible New Jersey households – an average $2,605 per household.
• On top of $600 checks approved in December, these $1,400 payments fulfill a promise of providing $2,000 stimulus payments per person.
• Unlike previous rounds, adult dependents would be eligible for payments.
• Citizen spouses and children living in mixed-status families are also eligible for payments.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

• Emergency provisions expanding unemployment insurance benefits that were due to lapse March 14 will now be extended to September 6.
• These changes extend the $300 federal weekly enhanced benefit through September 6.
• The American Rescue Plan makes the first $10,200 of unemployment insurance benefit income tax-free for individuals earning up to $150,000.
• Freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors are eligible for expanded benefits.
• Over 268,000 New Jerseyans whose federal UI benefits were due to expire this week will have them extended.

Tax Credits

• Expands the existing Child Tax Credit for families with children by up to $1,600 per child, from $2,000 to $3,600 per child under age six and $3,4000 per child under age 18. 
• Families will become able to receive the credit as a monthly payment.
• More than 1.6 million New Jersey children will benefit from this expanded credit, including an additional 560,000 children who previously did not qualify for the full benefit.
• 82% of New Jersey children will now be eligible for the Child Tax Credit
• In addition to benefiting millions of New Jersey children, these changes will lift 10 million American children out of poverty, including an estimated 89,000 in New Jersey.

Vaccines/Testing

• The American Rescue Plan provides $14 billion for vaccines, helping to scale up America’s vaccine capacity.
• The law also provides $49 billion for testing, contact tracing, genomic sequencing to track new variants and monitor of COVID-19 to better prevent its spread.
• It also provides $7.6 billion to hire 100,000 public health workers to administer vaccines and support the pandemic response.

State/Local Assistance

• The American Rescue Plan provides $360 billion in direct, flexible aid to every state, county and municipal government, to help cover increased costs and lost revenues due to the pandemic, while keeping essential public workers on the job and maintaining critical services for residents; includes $10 billion to expand broadband internet access.
• The law provides an estimated $10.2 billion for New Jersey, including approximately $6.4 billion for the state plus another $192 million for broadband, $1.823 billion combined for all 21 counties, and $1.741 billion split among all 565 municipalities. 
• The law provides $50 billion for Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to reimburse state and local COVID response costs at 100% cost share.
• New Jersey has already received $2 billion from FEMA DRF.

Help is on the way. Together, we will finally overcome this pandemic and build back better. 

Sincerely,

Cory A. Booker
United States Senator