Watch Vice President Harris deliver remarks in Plainfield, Illinois, on today’s Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.
Friday, June 24, 2022
Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Roe vs Wade Reversal
The Congressional Black Caucus released the following statement on the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade:
“The hands of time have once again been turned back. The extreme right-wing Supreme Court majority’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the law of the land for 49 years that gave a woman the right to choose, will have far-reaching and painful consequences. Moreover, in the midst of a Black maternal mortality crisis, restricting access to abortion care will disproportionately endanger the lives of Black Americans,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. “Let me be very clear: government-mandated pregnancy is not pro-life, it is pro-policing of women’s bodies. In response to this unacceptable decision, I, along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are co-leading a letter to President Biden urging him to swiftly declare this unprecedented attack on abortion rights and access as the public health the national emergency that it is. We have seen what life was like pre-Roe v. Wade, and America cannot afford to go back.”
NAACP statement on the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs Wade
The NAACP released the following statement on the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade:
"Today's Supreme Court decision marks a significant regression of our country," said NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy Wallace. "As a legal professional, I am horrified by this decision. As a Black woman, I am outraged to my core. The deciding Justices have ignored fundamental civil rights guaranteed by our Constitution and years of judicial precedent to advance a politically partisan agenda. There is no denying the fact that this is a direct attack on all women, and Black women stand to be disproportionately impacted by the court's egregious assault on basic human rights. We must all stand up to have our voices heard in order to protect our nation from the further degradation of civil rights protections we have worked so hard to secure."
"It is evidently clear at this time that the future of our democracy hangs in the balance. This Supreme Court is turning back the clock to a dangerous era where basic constitutional rights only exist for a select few. They've stripped away our right to vote, and now women have lost their right to their own body. What's next?" said Portia White, Vice President of Policy and Legislative Affairs. "We cannot allow our future to rest in the hands of those determined to crush every bit of it. We need to fight back. Just this week, the NAACP and Vote.org formed an alliance to register and mobilize voters in what will be the most critical midterm election America has ever faced. If you're not registered to vote, or know someone who isn't, now is the moment. This is no time for anyone to sit on the sidelines."
Rep. Maxine Waters statement on the overturning of Roe vs Wade
Rep. Maxine Waters released the following statement on the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade:
Today, I stand in solidarity with the 36 MILLION women being stripped of their right to decide what is best for themselves. We WILL keep fighting!
This is only the beginning of an extreme Republican agenda to take away our personal freedoms, from abortion to contraception, to marriage equality to personal safety.
As a Member of Congress, I'm proud to have voted to protect abortion access. Today's SCOTUS decision makes it even more clear: we need federal protections for reproductive health. I am committed to continuing this FIGHT: in Congress, in the streets, and at the Ballot Box!
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Vote.org and NAACP Announce Partnership to Mobilize Black Voters Across the Country Ahead of 2022 Midterms
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Vote.org announced a partnership to mobilize, register and turn out Black voters ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
This effort launches amid a historic resurgence in voter suppression. According to Vote.org, voter suppression laws have passed in 19 states across the country since the 2020 election. These laws will impact as many as 24 million voters of color. Political data analysts at TargetSmart found that from November 2020 through July 2021, more than 8.6 million voters were purged from official registration lists nationwide, with 63 counties disproportionately purging people of color in the months following the 2020 general election.
“Instead of celebrating 2020’s historic voter turnout, state lawmakers have spent the past two years passing laws to prevent young people and communities of color from casting their ballots,“ said Vote.org CEO Andrea Hailey. Our democracy is stronger when everyone can vote. Vote.org is proud to work with NAACP to defend voting rights and make sure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard in November and beyond.”
“The NAACP and Vote.org are partnering in this critical moment to safeguard our democracy. Our lives are being taken from us and our democracy is being stolen from us. We have been gunned-down at the grocery store and silenced at the ballot box. Now, the Supreme Court is coming for our constitutional rights as well. One thing is clear, our rights and our political power are being targeted and gutted as we speak,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. “At this moment, our right to defend all rights – the right to vote – hangs in the balance. If we don't organize and exercise our right to vote this November, we may very well lose our ability to participate in future elections. This is why we are partnering with Vote.org. We are partnering to defend democracy for all."
The partnership will launch this month, with Vote.org providing digital voting tools and training to the NAACP's network of over 2 million activists and leaders in all 50 states. In 2020, more than 39 million people used Vote.org’s online tools to register, verify registration, request mail ballots, find their polling location and obtain detailed information on each state’s voter requirements. NAACP members will use these tools in community voter drives, helping to simplify the voting process, lower the barriers to political participation and increase turnout among Black voters.
In addition to the 39 million people who used Vote.org’s online voting tools during the last general election, the organization helped more than 4.2 million voters register to vote and reached voters of color and young voters more than 651 million times through its GOTV program in 2020.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Kimberly S. Smith is the New President of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education
Kimberly S. Smith, associate vice provost for student success initiatives in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, has been elected president of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education.
The organization, which describes itself as the “voice for Blacks in higher education,” advocates for the advancement of Black faculty, staff, and students in the academic community. “We do a lot to address issues of equity and inclusion,” Dr. Smith said, “and we’re contributing to research that helps to better understand how to help these individuals be successful.”
As president of American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, Dr. Smith wants to open opportunities to other Black people in higher education. She hopes, for instance, to launch a succession-planning initiative that elevates African American talent. “At Virginia Tech, we have a very high proportion of Black faculty and staff who are leaving,” she said. “Sometimes that is because of better opportunities, which we want people to take, but I also know that some of that is out of frustration with not feeling that they have opportunities to advance at the institution.”
More opportunities for Black leaders to job-shadow and receive mentoring will, she said, help them achieve more success. “It gives people an opportunity to contribute and to learn about someone’s job,” Dr. Smith said. “It’s just another form of mentoring, and we know the benefits of mentoring.”
Dr. Smith has been at Virginia Tech since 1991. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Richmond. She earned a master’s degree in counselor education with a concentration in student affairs from Radford University in Virginia. While working as director of university studies and undergraduate advising at Virginia Tech, she earned a Ph.D. in 2009 in educational leadership and policy studies.
Kenneth Elmore Appointed President of Dean College
The board of trustees of Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, has announced that Kenneth Elmore has been selected to serve as the college’s fourteenth president.
Founded in 1865, Dean College is currently home to 1,200 full-time students and 400 part-time students enrolled in over 30 full-time, part-time, bachelor’s and associate degree programs. African Americans make up 12 percent of the study body.
Elmore has been serving as an associate provost and the dean of students at Boston University, where he has been a member of the leadership team for nearly two decades. Elmore worked as a practicing attorney and in the college’s student orientation and residence offices prior to joining its leadership team in 2003.
President Elmore earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He holds a master’s degree in educational policy, planning, and administration from Boston University and a juris doctorate from New England Law School in Boston.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
NAACP President Derrick Johnson statement on Bipartisan Gun Safety Bill
NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement on Bipartisan Gun Safety Bill.
Watch heartbreaking testimony of Fulton County, Georgia election worker Wandrea “Shaye” Moss
Wandrea “Shaye” Mosss, a Fulton County, GA election worker testified Tuesday at a hearing of the House January 6 committee.
Shaye Moss said she, her mother and grandmother were harassed racially and faced death threats by supporters of President Donald Trump after the 2020 Election. Moss and her mother appeared in a video that was the subject of investigations into allegations of election fraud in Fulton County, Georgia.
Watch her entire testimony below:
Monday, June 20, 2022
Vice Pesident Kamala Harris surprises kids at the National African-American Museum on Juneteenth
Vice President Kamala Harris marked the Juneteenth federal holiday with a visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture where she surprised and spoke to a group of school-aged children.
Newark NJ renames park after Harriet Tubman
Newark marked Juneteenth Monday by renaming a park after American abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman.
Mayor Ras Baraka unveiled the name change of Washington Park to Harriet Tubman Square.
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Activist allege hundreds of ‘missing African American burial plots’
Don't let Juneteenth be just another day off
By George L. Cook III African American Reports
Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.
Juneteenth is now a federal holiday and it's being recognized by more companies and states every year. Juneteenth is also being quickly commercialized as we saw with Walmart's Juneteenth ice cream fiasco and is in danger of just becoming another day off.
Cookouts and Juneteenth ceremonies will be everywhere this weekend, and that's okay. But let's not lose the meaning behind the holiday.
Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates freedom which is why it's also known as Freedom Day and Liberation Day among other names. The Juneteenth weekend is time to reflect on what the Emancipation Proclamation did and didn't do for freed slaves. It's also a day to also reflect on the 13th Amendment which also in some ways kept certain forms of slavery legal.
It's also a day to question if even now in the 21st Century whether Black Americans are truly free. A legitimate question as voting rights, police reform, income inequality, and quality education and housing are still issues long after the slaves were "freed".
So enjoy the holiday but just remember it's a lot more than cookouts and Red Velvet Cake.
Happy Juneteenth.
George L. Cook III African American Reports.
Saturday, June 18, 2022
California changes name of Negro Bar Park
A Folsom-area park will have a temporary new name after a unanimous vote by the California State Park and Recreation Commission.
The commission voted 7-0 this Friday in favor of changing the name of Negro Bar, an area located inside the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The area has a name that a recent campaign says is outdated and discriminatory towards African Americans.
According to California State Parks, officials have been researching the possibility of a name change in the past few years “ given the perception that the place name is derogatory and does not reflect a modern view of inclusion and acceptance of all Californians.”
The area refers to a point along the American River, a ‘bar,’ where up to 600 Black miners and other people settled during the Gold Rush in California’s early history as a state.
According to CSP, the name appears three times on signs located within and near the area, as well as in online and printed materials.
The commission that voted opted to change the name to Black Miners Bar, a temporary name until a more permanent selection is made after more input from the public and government parks officials.
The recent public campaign to change the name started with an online petition by a Stockton resident that visited the area in 2019 and was surprised to see the name of the area contain a word that many people see as a replacement for the n-word.
Her online campaign eventually led to thousands of people signing the petition and the California State Parks taking action to consider the name change.
While the area is temporarily renamed Black Miners Bar, “California State Parks will continue working closely with the California African American Museum, tribal governments and members, stakeholders and members of the public to ensure the new name is appropriate and reflective of its historical significance as a site where Black miners prospected during the Gold Rush era,” according to a CSP news release published Friday.
Friday, June 17, 2022
President Biden nominates Dana M. Douglas for Fifth District Court of Appeals
President Joe Biden is nominating Judge Dana M. Douglas for the United States Fifth District Court of Appeals. If confirmed, Judge Douglas would be the first woman of color to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Prior to joining the bench Douglas was a partner at Liskow & Lewis, where she worked from 2001 to 2018.
Douglas served on the New Orleans Civil Service Commission from 2003 to 2013.
She served as a law clerk for Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana from 2000 to 2001.
Douglas received her J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 2000 and her B.A. from Miami University of Ohio in 1997.
Among those backing her nomination are Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, former Mayor Marc Morial, now president of the National Urban League, and retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore.
President Biden Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2022
After the Union Army captured New Orleans in 1862, slave owners in Confederate states migrated to Texas with more than 150,000 enslaved Black persons. For 3 years, even after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Black Americans in Texas remained in brutal bondage, immorally and illegally deprived of their freedom and basic dignity. On June 19, 1865 — over 2 years after President Lincoln declared all enslaved persons free — Major General Gordon Granger and Union Army troops marched to Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas.
Those who were freed from bondage celebrated their long-overdue emancipation on June 19. Today, our Nation commemorates Juneteenth: a chance to celebrate human freedom, reflect on the grievous and ongoing legacy of slavery, and rededicate ourselves to rooting out the systemic racism that continues to plague our society as we strive to deliver the full promise of America to every American.
This Juneteenth, we are freshly reminded that the poisonous ideology of racism has not yet been defeated — it only hides. Our Nation continues to mourn the 10 lives senselessly taken in Buffalo, New York, and grieve for the families who have lost a piece of their soul. As we confront the awful reality of yet another gunman massacring innocent people in the name of hatred, racism, and fear, we must meet this moment with renewed resolve. We must stand together against white supremacy and show that bigotry and hate have no safe harbor in America.
Juneteenth is a day to reflect on both bondage and freedom — a day of both pain and purpose. It is, in equal measure, a remembrance of both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, as well as a celebration of the promise of a brighter morning to come. On Juneteenth, we remember our extraordinary capacity to heal, to hope, and to emerge from our worst moments as a stronger, freer, and more just Nation. It is also a day to celebrate the power and resilience of Black Americans, who have endured generations of oppression in the ongoing journey toward equal justice, equal dignity, equal rights, and equal opportunity in America.
Last year, I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation establishing Juneteenth as our newest Federal holiday, so that all Americans can feel the power of this day, learn from our history, celebrate our progress, and recognize and engage in the work that continues. Great nations do not ignore their most painful moments — they face them. We grow stronger as a country when we honestly confront our past injustices, including the profound suffering and injustice wrought by slavery and generations of segregation and discrimination against Black Americans. To heal, we must remember. We must never rest until the promise of our Nation is made real for all Americans.
The emancipation of enslaved Black Americans was not the end of our Nation’s work to deliver on the promise of equality — it was only the beginning. On Juneteenth, we recommit to our shared work to ensure racial justice, equity, and equality in America. We commemorate the centuries of struggle and progress led by abolitionists, educators, civil rights advocates, lawyers, activists, trade unionists, religious leaders, public officials, and everyday Americans who have brought our Nation closer to fulfilling its promise.
As my good friend, the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, said, “Our children are the living messengers we send to a future we will never see.” Together as a Nation, let us continue our work together to build a country we are all proud to pass along to our children — one where the foundational promises and ideals of America ring true for every child and every family.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Day of Observance. I call upon the people of the United States to acknowledge and condemn the history of slavery in our Nation and recognize how the impact of America’s original sin remains. I call on every American to celebrate the emancipation of all Black Americans and commit together to eradicate systemic racism and inequity that can never be tolerated and must always be fought against.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
President Biden nominates Derek Chauvin prosecutor to the
President Biden nominated one of the attorneys who prosecuted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd as a federal judge on Wednesday.
Biden nominated Jerry Blackwell to the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. The White House did not mention Blackwell’s role in the Chauvin case in the announcement of the nomination.
Blackwell is a founding partner of law firm Blackwell Burke. He received law and bachelor’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D) and Tina Smith (D) applauded Blackwell’s nomination in a joint statement, saying he was unanimously supported by a judicial selection committee they convened to make recommendations.
“With more than three decades of legal experience, Jerry Blackwell is exceptionally well-qualified to be a U.S. District Court Judge,” said Smith. “I am confident that his experience and commitment to equal justice will make him an excellent federal judge.”
Klobuchar echoed similar sentiments.
“His extensive trial experience – including the successful prosecution of the murder of George Floyd – makes him an excellent choice to be a U.S. District Court Judge,” Klobuchar said. “As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to confirm him.”
Thursday, June 16, 2022
CNN to air Juneteenth special: 'Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom'
Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom will air live worldwide on CNN on Sunday, June 19 at 8pmET, with pre-show coverage beginning at 7pmET including CNN anchor Don Lemon to highlight African-American advocates, trailblazers and creators. It will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com and CNN OTT and mobile apps under "TV Channels" or CNNgo where available.
Concert performers will include Chaka Khan, Khalid, Yolanda Adams, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Billy Porter, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jhené Aiko, Killer Mike, Lucky Daye, Mary Mary, Ne-Yo, Michelle Williams, Mickey Guyton, Robert Glasper, The Roots and Bell Biv DeVoe. The Re-Collective Orchestra, a 68-piece all-Black symphony orchestra, will also perform.
The show will also include presenters such director and choreographer Debbie Allen; Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles; actors Michael Ealy, Gabourey Sidibe and Kendrick Sampson; comedians Leslie Jones and Lil Rel Howery; and stars from ABC's Black-ish stars Deon Cole, Marsai Martin and Miles Brown.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver special remarks during the televised event.
BET celebrates Juneteenth with a curated programming slate under its “Content For Change” initiative
BET will commemorate ‘Juneteenth’ with inspirational films, music videos, and a special interstitial Manifesto campaign featuring messages of hope from top Black talent, thought leaders, and change agents pledging our collective commitment to freedom, liberation, and joy starting Saturday, June 19, at Noon ET/PT
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#JuneteenthOnBET #FreedomDayMarathon
New York, NY – June 17, 2021 – BET celebrates Juneteenth with a curated programming slate under its “Content For Change” initiative that honors the resilience of the African American spirit and the promise of powerful Black futures. Starting at Noon ET/PT, the network will showcase Black achievement across all platforms and will celebrate the national commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States with social justice-themed episodes of series, inspirational films and short-form content.
Juneteenth is our day of celebration.
No matter the zip code,
No matter who we love or how we show up.
No matter our age, gender, faith…
We are one.
Today, we celebrate the collective liberation of Black People.
Our spirit has always been free,
Our perseverance remains unmatched.
Black is beautiful.
Black is brilliant.
Black is bold.
We will exercise our power.
We will dream bigger.
We honor ourselves every day…
On this Juneteenth, we show each other extra love
And celebrate the freedom, that is our birthright.
Happy Juneteenth!
From our family to yours.
We celebrate Juneteenth. This year and always.
Programming line-up celebrating the holiday includes:
On BET:
Noon* - “BLACK-ISH” (Social Justice and Family-themed episodes)
- 5 PM*- “ALI”
- 9 PM-11 PM* – “QUEEN COLLECTIVE” (More about this series below)
- 11 PM* – “PASS THE MIC”
*All Times ET/PT
About The “Queen Collective,” P&G’s signature multicultural talent development initiative in partnership with Queen Latifah, Flavor Unit Entertainment, and Tribeca Studios, continues to accelerate gender and racial equality behind the camera, by opening doors to the next generation of up-and-coming Black women directors, as it returns to the Tribeca Festival for a third year.
The mentoring and talent development program is designed to give women filmmakers of color a platform to share important stories from their unique perspective with the aim of expanding the creative pipeline for Black female creators. Created by four diverse young female directors including Arielle Knight, Tina Charles, Cai Thomas, Haimy Assefa, and premiering at Tribeca on Thursday June 17th, these unique documentaries shine a light on important issues directly impacting the black community such as health care, bias and discrimination.
Tune into BET and BET Her on Saturday, June 19, 2021 to watch the full Queen Collective program at 9:00 pm ET/PT, with an encore on Sunday, June 20 at 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm ET/PT on BET Her. For more information go to BET.com/queencollectivefilms.
Watch and share the Juneteenth programming promo by clicking on the link below:
https://app.shift.io/review/60c798e11d531606b2835804
On BET Her:
9 AM* - “GIRLFRIENDS” (Family-themed episodes)
- 6 PM*- “Miss Juneteenth”
- 9 PM-11 PM* – “QUEEN COLLECTIVE” (Episodes 201-204 to simulcast with BET Her) #QueenCollective
- 11 PM* – “PASS THE MIC”
*All Times ET/PT
On BET+ :
BET+, the premium streaming service for the Black community is capturing the spirit of the holiday by showcasing Black culture through the stories that celebrate family, love, laughter and Black excellence. Some of the nostalgic, feel-good content now streaming on BET+ include:
- All the Way Black
- Always a Bridesmaid
- Bigger
- Boomerang
- Diggstown:
- First Wives Club
- The Jamie Foxx Show
- Madiba
- Martin
- Miss Juneteenth
- The New Edition Story
- Tyler Perry’s Bruh
On BET Digital:
Go to BET.com starting on Friday, June 18 for:
- Op/ED: Juneteenth Is An Opportunity To Remember The Fight Against Voter Suppression.
- Op/ED: Why Juneteenth Is More Than Just A Day Off – Provided in partnership with Color Of Change
- VIDEO: What Is Juneteenth? 5 Fascinating Facts About the Soon To Be Federal Holiday
Go to BET.com Saturday, June 19 (Juneteenth) for:
- Q&A: An interview with Pulitzer Prize winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed on her new book, “On Juneteenth”.
- Article: 5 Juneteenth festivals across the country to help you celebrate the day.
- Article: 10 Movies To Watch In Honor Of Juneteenth
NJ Senate Passes Legislation to Establish Black Heritage Trail, Cultural Commission
 |
| NJ State Senator Troy Singleton |
The New Jersey State The Senate today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and Senator Mike Testa that would require the New Jersey Historical Commission to identify a series of Black heritage sites to be part of a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.
The bill, S-1805, would direct the New Jersey Historical Commission to give special consideration to Black heritage sites that are in close proximity to other sites thematically linked by surrounding arts, cultural, historical, entertainment or other interests. The Commission would also consider sites recommended by the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative Foundation. Online submission of recommendations for privately-owned sites to be included in the trail would be permitted.
“For nearly 400 years, Black Americans have been part of New Jersey’s history. Black heritage and history has, for far too long, gone underrepresented and untold despite our contributions to industry, culture and arts,” said Senator Singleton (D- Burlington). “The purpose of the Black Heritage Trail is to promote and honor these achievements through education, public programs, and historical markers.”
Under the bill, the commission would also be required to design, purchase and erect historical markers deemed necessary for sites or property owned by the State.
The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 38-0.
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