Resolution apologizing for Boston's role in slavery approved by city council

Boston’s city council unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday apologizing for the Massachusetts capital’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The resolution, which is non-binding, pledges the city will remove “prominent anti-Black symbols” and educate residents on the history of Boston’s slave trade, among other things. But it stops short of committing the city to funding any specific policies or programs to atone for slavery’s harms, such as paying reparations.

Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who proposed the resolution, said in her remarks to the council that the formal apology represents a necessary first step as the city looks to address the harms caused by slavery.

The council is currently weighing a separate proposal creating a city commission to weigh reparations and other forms of atonement for Boston’s legacy of slavery and racial inequality.

Anderson’s resolution states slavery was first legalized in Massachusetts in 1641 and that the developing Boston economy depended on slaves who “served as butlers, maids, courtiers, beer makers, drivers, cooks and producers of clothing.”

Slavery, the resolution continues, led to “present-day trauma and economic, political, social and racial disparities” such as poorer housing and public education options and income inequality.

[SOURCE: MASSLIVE]

"Grandmother of Juneteenth" Opal Lee reflects on her journey to secure a national holiday

At 95 years old, Opal Lee is showing no sign of stopping. Her life's story — including her famous trek from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to call on lawmakers to make Juneteenth a national holiday — has since become legendary, earning her the name "Grandmother of Juneteenth.". Watch her discuss her work yo make Juneteenth a national holiday.

Attorney General Garland Announces Hate Crimes Charges Against Buffalo Mass Shooting Suspect

Following a meeting with families of the ten African Americans shot and killed at the Tops grocery store in Buffalo in May, Attorney General Merrick Garland announces that the Justice Department has charged 18-year-old Payton Gendron with 26 counts of hate crimes and weapons violations. The attorney general also provides details of the accused gunman's planning and execution of the attack.

Keisha Lance Bottoms to join White House staff

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) will join the White House in the coming days as director of the Office of Public Engagement, a White House official confirmed to The Hill on Tuesday.

Bottoms will replace Cedric Richmond, who left the White House last month, as one of President Biden’s top advisers in the West Wing. The Office of Public Engagement is tasked with engaging with the public about the White House’s agenda.

Bottoms has committed to serve at least through the November midterm elections.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Rep. James Clyburn wins Democratic nomination in South Carolina Democratic Primary

South Carolina’s sole Democrat in Congress Jim Clyburn easily fended off two Democratic challengers with 88% of the vote in his primary race Tuesday to secure his 16th term.

“I hope that I am able to continue to serve the people of South Carolina in a way that will make all of them proud, and maybe get that other 10 or 12% that I didn’t get tonight,” Clyburn told reporters virtually after his race was called by the Associated Press with nearly 90 percentage points.

Clyburn will face Republican challenger Duke Buckner, an attorney from Walterboro, in November after results showed Buckner with more than 70 percentage points.

Primary Results

James Clyburn 48,215 votes 88.0%

Michael Addison 4,098 votes 7.5%

Gregg Dixon 2,445 votes 4.5%

Mayor Bowser Directs 51-Star Flags Displayed Along Pennsylvania Avenue in push for D.C. statehood

Ahead of Flag Day, Mayor Muriel Bowser directed 51-star flags to be displayed along Pennsylvania Avenue and issued the following statement regarding DC statehood:

“Today, ahead of Flag Day, I directed our team to hang 51-star flags along Pennsylvania Avenue as a reminder to Congress and the nation that the 700,000 tax-paying American citizens living in Washington, DC demand to be recognized. On Flag Day, we celebrate American ideals, American history, and American liberty. But the very foundation of those ideals, and the basis for our liberty, is representation. DC’s disenfranchisement is a stain on American democracy – a 220-year-old wrong that demands to be righted. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the Washington, DC Admission Act, and now the U.S. Senate must do the same.

“As Americans nationwide brace for a decision on the future of Roe v. Wade, we are also reminded that DC’s disenfranchisement impacts not just Americans living in DC, but Americans nationwide who share our values. While the stakes are even higher for Washingtonians, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the majority of Americans who believe in a woman’s right to choose. We also stand shoulder to shoulder with the majority of Americans demanding common sense gun reforms, and with the majority of Americans who want to build a more inclusive democracy.

“We are at an inflection point for American democracy, and it is within the Senate’s power to do the right thing, embrace representation, and move DC statehood forward to the President’s desk.”

Senator Raphael Warnock leading Herschel Walker among Black voters

Democrat Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger, Herschel Walker are tied at 46% apiece according to recent polling.

But when it comes to support among Black voters it's not close as Warnock holds a significant edge.

Eighty-three percent of Black voters said they support the Democratic incumbent, compared to only 7 percent who are backing Walker.[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Warnock run strongest among black women, with Warnock ahead of Walker 91% to 3%. Warnock also leads among black men, with Warnock holding a 74% to 11% advantage over Walker.

Watch Remarks by Vice President Harris Before Roundtable to Discuss Roe V. Wade

Vice President Convened a Roundtable with Constitutional Law, Privacy, and Technology Experts to Discuss what is at Stake if Roe v. Wade is Overturned. Watch her opening remarks:

Watch Sha'Carri Richardson win the women's 200m at the NYC Grand Prix

While many have criticized Sha'Carri Richardson, including myself it's only right to praise her when she does well. Richardson used a blistering stretch run to hold off the field and win the women's 200m at the NYC Grand Prix in 22.38.

Congratulations young lady! I truly hope that this is the start of something great for you.

"Blood on Your Hands", a plea to the United States Congress to act on gun violence

Hello, my name is George L. Cook III. I wrote this poem, "Blood on Your Hands" in response to the shooting in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York. I am begging the United States Congress to actually do something about gun violence in this country, and thoughts and prayers is not what I want. Watch me recite the poem in the video below.

This poem is in my new poetry book, The Blood Is On Your Hands Poems About Gun Violence available now on Amazon.

Purchase the book on Amazon:

Paperback******* Kindle

Phylicia Rashad Wins Second Tony Award

Phylicia Rashad has won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for SKELETON CREW. She won for her performance as Faye in the play.

This is Rashad's second Tony award. She received her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, as Lena Younger in the Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun.

"You don't come to this place alone. You've heard it several times tonight, and it's true. It takes the work of many people," she said in her acceptance speech. "It's wonderful to be a part of this commiunity. It's wonderful to present humanity in its fullness and to feel it received. Thank you all so very much"

Her additional Broadway credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, August: Osage County, Cymbeline, Gem of the Ocean, Jelly’s Last Jam, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls, The Wiz and Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death. She has numerous directing credits, including productions of Gem of the Ocean at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Joe Turner's Come and Gone at the Mark Taper Forum and Fences at both the Long Wharf Theatre and the McCarter Theatre.

Civil: Ben Crump documentary to be released on Juneteenth

CIVIL is an intimate look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump and his mission to raise the value of Black life in America. Through the lens of award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren (Becoming), CIVIL follows a year in the life as Crump takes on the civil cases for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Black farmers and banking while Black victims.

The film was produced by Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams, Lauren Cioffi and Nadia Hallgren

Civil: Ben Crump will be released on Netflix June 19, 2022

WATCH THE TRAILER

Rev. Al Sharpton test positive for Covid-19

Legendary civil rights leader, reverend and NAN (National Action Network) founder Al Sharpton has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19. The statement came a day after he had officially received his results.

“On Friday, I tested positive for COVID-19 but have not displayed any symptoms at this time. On my doctor’s advice, I am quarantining over the next several days to keep those around me safe,” Sharpton stated. “I will continue to do my radio and TV shows remotely over that time. Please continue to get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already.”

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on Senate Group Reaching Bipartisan Compromise on Gun Control Bill

Senator Cory Booker (Dem-NJ) released the following statement after a group of 20 U.S. senators, of which he was one reached a deal on the framework for bipartisan legislation on gun control:

I support these bipartisan measures that would begin to curb gun violence in America. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will find a way to make these changes and provide these resources. We need to continue our efforts to pass common sense gun safety laws. 

The proposal includes:

 

Support for State Crisis Intervention Orders

• Provides resources to states and tribes to create and administer laws that help ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals whom a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or others, consistent with state and federal due process and constitutional protections.

 

Investment in Children and Family Mental Health Services

• National expansion of community behavioral health center model; major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs; and other support services available in the community, including crisis and trauma intervention and recovery.

 

Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

• Convicted domestic violence abusers and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders are included in NICS, including those who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.

 

Funding for School-Based Mental Health and Supportive Services

• Invests in programs to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including: early identification and intervention programs and school based mental health and wrap-around services.

 

Funding for School Safety Resources

• Invests in programs to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts and provide training to school personnel and students.

 

Clarification of Definition of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.

 

Telehealth Investments

•  Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.

 

Under 21 Enhanced Review Process

• For buyers under 21 years of age, requires an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement.

 

Penalties for Straw Purchasing

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.

Stacey Abrams says that she will raise teacher pay in Georgia

During an appearance on Symone Sanders' MSNBC show Georgia gubanatorial candidate Stacey Abrams made news by announcing that she would raise teacher pay in Georgia.

“We invite anyone who wants to see Georgia move forward to come here, that means President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris” Candidate for GA Governor @staceyabrams tells @SymoneDSanders whether @POTUS and @VPOTUS will join her on the campaign trail. pic.twitter.com/ZheRM78BIE

— SYMONE (@symonemsnbc) June 12, 2022

Anheuser-Busch Foundation and UNCF Renew Partnership to Provide Emergency Aid to Help HBCU Students

Graduation Day is a college student’s dream. Recently for some, their dream would have been shattered had it not been for emergency funding assistance from UNCF (United Negro College Fund) provided by the Anheuser-Busch Foundation.

For the second consecutive year, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation has made a $200,000 donation to UNCF to support an emergency fund that awards up to $2,500 per student, to help students attending UNCF-member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) complete their degree requirements. Through last year’s grant, 69 students received assistance this year to help them walk across the stage on graduation day.

Without funding, the students would not have finalized their degree completion due to outstanding academic debt, including fees from tuition, room and board, tutoring, lab fees and other college-related fees that were not covered through direct payments by the student, family contributions, grants, loans or scholarships.

“I would like to sincerely thank UNCF and Anheuser-Busch Foundation for the scholarship which enabled me to become a LeMoyne-Owen College graduate,” said Braxton Miller, a biology major who plans to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the fall to begin nursing school and pursue a career as a holistic nurse.

Camden Marsh, a graduating senior at Allen University, said the scholarship funds helped him “to pay off student loans.” “I want to personally thank UNCF and Anheuser-Busch Foundation for helping me as I embark upon this new journey in my life upon graduation.”

“I want to truly thank UNCF and Anheuser-Busch. You saved me when I had to pay for not one but two courses I had to take. You truly and honestly blessed me,” said James Wilson, Benedict College graduate who majored in criminal justice administration and will enter the U.S. military to pursue his chosen field.

Through the renewed partnership, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation is continuing the degree completion program this year to support eligible students, with applications opening in July and awards announced in the fall. Eligible students must be African American, a senior attending a UNCF-member HBCU with a financial need preventing them from graduating. Students must major in business, engineering or supply chain logistics. Awards up to $2,500 will be made to an estimated 70 students.

Over a 50-year partnership, Anheuser Busch—through both the company and its foundation—have contributed more than $5.5 million to boost UNCF’s mission.

“For more than five decades, Anheuser-Busch and its foundation have championed UNCF’s efforts, making investments in HBCU students’ futures a priority, and helping so many students with emergency funding at a time when they needed it the most to graduate,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “We thank the Anheuser-Busch Foundation for helping these talented, deserving students to realize their college graduation and make their dreams come true.”

”At the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, we are committed to investing in the economic prosperity of our friends and neighbors to help build stronger communities,” said Julio Suárez, Anheuser-Busch Foundation. “Through our longstanding partnership with UNCF and the degree completion program, we are proud to continue to empower these bright students, so that they may secure the full benefits of a college degree and be able to pursue their professional goals.”

Scholarship recipients have shared “thank you” videos, expressing their appreciation to UNCF and Anheuser-Busch Foundation for providing the emergency funds necessary to help them graduate.

All-Black Hockey Team Competes In Minnesota’s Summer Showdown

Minnesota’s Summer Showdown is where youth hockey shines in the state, and it draws anyone trying to immerse themselves deeply in the game.

A U-18 hockey team has assembled players from all over the country with one thing in common, thanks to a pair of hockey moms from California who just wanted their sons to have this experience.

Every one of the U-18 Panthers, from across the country, is Black.

NAACP President calls for firing of Washington Commanders coach over June 6 remarks

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio upset many when he asked on Twitter why protests following the killing of George Floyd were not investigated as the attack on the Capitol was.

In response, NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement calling for Del Rio to resign or be terminated:

"It is time for Jack Del Rio to resign or be terminated. His comments could not have been more offensive and ignorant. The January 6th insurrection —an attempted coup—was far from a 'dust-up'. Each day we learn more and more on just how close our democracy came to autocracy. Downplaying the insurrection by comparing it to nationwide protests, which were in response to a public lynching, is twisted. You can’t coach a majority Black team while turning your back on the Black community. It's time for you to pack up and step off the field."

Read the full text of Jan. 6 House Committee chair Bennie Thompson's remarks in first Jan. 6 hearing.

Read the full text of chair Bennie Thompson's opening remarks in first Jan. 6 hearing delivered on Jun 9, 2022.

Read the full text of chair Bennie Thompson's remarks in first Jan. 6 hearing. by George L. Cook III on Scribd

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley Nominated to Head U.S. Africa Command

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced June 9 that the president has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Langley, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first African American Marine promoted to four stars.

Langley is currently serving as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command; commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; and commander, Marine Corps Forces North, Norfolk, Virginia.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and commissioned in 1985. He commanded at every level from platoon to regiment, including Battery K, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines in support of Operations WILDFIRE in Western United States; battalion and regimental commands in 12th Marines forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan; and both the 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central and Regional Support Command – Southwest in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

As a general officer, his command assignments include deputy commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade; commander, Marine Forces Europe and Africa; and deputy commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and Deputy commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.

Langley’s staff and joint assignments include serving as a division officer for Marine Corps Institute, Marine Barracks 8th and I; deputy G-1, 1st Marine Division deployed in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia; naval surface fire support requirements officer in the Expeditionary Warfare Division (N75) and joint integration officer in the Surface Warfare Division (N76), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; policy action officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5; Iraq desk officer in the Joint Staff Response Cell, J-3 Operations Directorate; deputy executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; assessments branch head, Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; assistant division commander of 3d Marine Division; deputy director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff; assistant deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; and director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command.

Langley’s formal military education includes U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and College of Naval Command and Staff. He holds multiple advanced degrees including Masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Langley assumed the duties of commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command on Nov. 3, 2021.