John Lewis calls for start of Trump impeachment inquiry

Rep. John Lewis,(D-GA 5th District) , called for the start of an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump during an impassioned speech on the House floor. Lewis, who has until now withheld judgment on whether to begin impeachment proceedings, said delaying the inquiry any further “would betray the foundation of our democracy.” “I have been patient while we tried every other path and used every other tool,” Lewis said, but added that lawmakers would “never find the truth” unless the House uses the Constitution to begin an investigation into the president immediately.

Rep. Elijah Cummings Supports Impeachment

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement on the impeachment inquiry:

“As elected Representatives of the American people, we speak not only for those who are here with us now, but for generations yet unborn. Our voices today are messages to a future we may never see.

“When the history books are written about this tumultuous era, I want them to show that I was among those in the House of Representatives who stood up to lawlessness and tyranny. If Senate Republicans choose to close their eyes, put party over country, and forego their duty under the Constitution, the history books will show that too.

“We can now see with our own eyes that the President is jeopardizing our national security. He admitted to personally withholding military security aid that Congress appropriated to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression. He admitted to personally urging a foreign actor to dig up dirt on his political rival. And he personally attacked a whistleblower whose protected information is being withheld from Congress in violation of the law.

“If there is a core lesson President Trump should have learned from the 2016 election, it is this: Pressing a foreign actor to interfere in our national elections is a fundamental corruption of our democracy, an affront to the Constitution, and a grave breach of his oath of office.

“Each member of the House and the Senate must decide whether he or she will stand for the country or cave to this Administration. I pray that each member chooses our country.”

Congressman Al Green statement on impeachment inquiry

On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, Congressman Al Green (D-TX 9th District) , who has tried several times to move articles of impeachment against President Trump released the following statement in response to the announcement of an impeachment inquiry:

“On behalf of people of goodwill, I thank the First 58 who voted to move articles of impeachment on December 6, 2017, the Historic 66 who voted to move articles of impeachment on January 19, 2018, and the Noble 95 who voted to move articles of impeachment on July 17, 2019. For their tireless and progressive efforts, I would also like to thank By The People, Center for Popular Democracy, Citizens Impeachment Coalition, Common Cause, Courage Campaign, CREDO, CREW, DC Action Lab, Democracy for America, Free Speech For People, Indivisible, Lawyers for Good Government, Mainers for Accountable Leadership, March for Truth, March for Truth – Boston, MoveOn, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Need to Impeach, NextGen America, Our Revolution, Popular Democracy, Progressive Democrats of America, Revolving Door Project, Social Security Works, StandUp America, and Women’s March.

“With nearly 200 Members of the House of Representatives favoring an impeachment inquiry, we have been

VINDICATED.

“However, as we approach the 218 votes needed to impeach, there is more to be done.”

A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump

Founding Director Lonnie Bunch's deeply personal tale of the triumphs and challenges of bringing the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to life. His story is by turns inspiring, funny, frustrating, quixotic, bittersweet, and above all, a compelling read.

In its first four months of operation, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture surpassed one million visits and quickly became a cherished, vital monument to the African American experience. And yet this accomplishment was never assured. In A Fool's Errand, founding director Lonnie Bunch tells his story of bringing his clear vision and leadership to bear to realize this shared dream of many generations of Americans.

Outlining the challenges of site choice, architect selection, building design, and the compilation of an unparalleled collection of African American artifacts, Bunch also delves into his personal struggles--especially the stress of a high-profile undertaking--and the triumph of establishing such an institution without mentors or guidebooks to light the way. His memoir underscores his determination to create a museum that treats the black experience as an essential component of every American's identity.

This inside account of how Bunch planned, managed, and executed the museum's mission informs and inspires not only readers working in museums, cultural institutions, and activist groups, but also those in the nonprofit and business worlds who wish to understand how to succeed--and do it spectacularly--in the face of major political, structural, and financial challenges.

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Jharrel Jerome Wins Emmy for Lead Actor in 'When They See Us'

Jharrel Jerome took home the award for lead actor in a limited series for When They See Us during Sunday night's Emmy Awards.

Jerome beat out other nominees Mahershala Ali (True Detective), Benicio Del Toro (Escape at Dannemora), Hugh Grant (A Very English Scandal), Jared Harris (Chernobyl) and Sam Rockwell (Fosse/Verdon).

While his acceptance speech included the usual suspects, such as his peers, cast and crew, and family, Jerome took a moment to dedicate his win to the true inspirations whose harrowing life experiences brought this story to life.

"Most important[ly], this is for the men known as the Exonerated Five," he said. "Thank you so much. It's an honor, it's a blessing."