Before her death in a Texas jail under mysterious circumstances, Sandra Bland made a video discussing Black Lives Matter. Check out her thoughts on Black Lives Matter below.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Racism stings at black-owned businesses
When Paulette Still left a career in banking to open Posy Flower Design and Event Decor, she expected to sacrifice a steady and hefty paycheck for the chance to be her own boss. She didn't expect the number of people who would challenge her entrepreneurship based strictly on her race.
After the doors of her storefront opened in 2010, a doctor buying flowers for his wife informed her that she couldn't be the owner because black people in Pittsburgh “owned wig stores and cleaning businesses.” When she switched to appointment-only hours, customers would book appointments based on the strength of her work featured online only to “turn on their heels” after seeing her in person.
“I had someone say, ‘You should have your picture on the website,'” she said. “I showed you my flowers and my work and you were excited but you met me and you weren't excited anymore.”
According to 2006 Census figures, black-owned businesses nationally have average annual sales of $74,018, compared to $439,579 in sales for white-owned firms. Black-owned businesses received 1.7 percent of $23.09 billion in Small Business Administration loans in the 2013 fiscal year, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Read more; Racism stings at black-owned businesses
Saturday, July 18, 2015
President Obama honors nation's oldest veteran
President Obama honored a very special veteran Friday: 110-year-old Emma Didlake.
A resident of Detroit, Didlake is believed to be the nation's oldest veteran.
"We are so grateful that she is here with us today," Obama during a brief Oval Office photo opportunity.
He added: "And it's a great reminder of not only the sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made on our behalf, but also the kind of trailblazing that our women veterans made, (and) African American veterans who helped to integrate our Armed Services."
Didlake "was a Private during the course of her service and her decorations include the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal," the White House said in a statement.
"It's a great honor to have her here," the president said.
Read more: Obama honors nation's oldest veteran
Trooper in Sandra Bland traffic stop violated policy
A trooper who pulled over and later arrested a woman found dead in her jail cell was put on desk duty Friday for violating procedures, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
Sandra Bland, 28, was arrested July 10, and after spending the weekend in the Waller County jail, she was found hanged in her cell Monday. Harris County's medical examiner said the death was a suicide, but Bland's family disputes the finding.
The FBI has joined the Texas Rangers in investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The state Public Safety Department and Waller County district attorney have requested that the FBI conduct a forensic analysis on video footage from the incident.
In arresting Bland, the trooper "violated the department's procedures regarding traffic stops and the department's courtesy policy," state public safety officials said Friday without specifying what procedures the trooper, whose name has not been released, had violated.
Read more: Texas: Trooper in traffic stop violated policy
Serena Williams taking some time off due to elbow injury
5 time Wimbledon champ Serena Williams is taking some time off due to an elbow injury. She released the following statement on her Facebook Page.
As much fun as we have been having the past 8 or so weeks I have to take some time to let my elbow heal. I am confident...
Posted by Serena Williams on Saturday, July 18, 2015
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