New Book: The Third Reconstruction: America's Struggle for Racial Justice in the Twenty-First Century

One of our preeminent historians of race and democracy argues that the period since 2008 has marked nothing less than America’s Third Reconstruction.

In The Third Reconstruction, distinguished historian Peniel E. Joseph offers a powerful and personal new interpretation of recent history. The racial reckoning that unfolded in 2020, he argues, marked the climax of a Third Reconstruction: a new struggle for citizenship and dignity for Black Americans, just as momentous as the movements that arose after the Civil War and during the civil rights era. Joseph draws revealing connections and insights across centuries as he traces this Third Reconstruction from the election of Barack Obama to the rise of Black Lives Matter to the failed assault on the Capitol.

America’s first and second Reconstructions fell tragically short of their grand aims. Our Third Reconstruction offers a new chance to achieve Black dignity and citizenship at last—an opportunity to choose hope over fear.

BUY THE BOOK

Hardcover ******* Kindle Edition

Statement from Tiffany D. Cross on the cancellation of her MSNBC show The Cross Connection

Tiffany Cross released the following statement on Friday evening, after the cancelation of The Cross Connection:

Oprah Winfrey endorses John Fetterman in Pennsylvania Senate race

Television icon Oprah Winfrey announced on Thursday night that she prefers Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman over Oz in the midterm election contest.

"If I lived in Pennsylvania, I would've already cast my vote for John Fetterman, for many reasons," WInfrey said during a conversation she hosted on voting.

"It is an honor and privilege to have Oprah's support in this race," said Fetterman in a statement. "She is a leader on so many issues — fighting for our democracy, passing common-sense gun reform, and ensuring racial justice. I'm grateful for Oprah's support and trust on the issues that matter to people across the country and Pennsylvania as we close out this campaign."

]SOURCE: CNN]

Brittney Griner meets with US officials in Russia

WNBA star Brittney Griner, who is facing nine years in a Russian prison, met with U.S. Embassy officials in Russia on Thursday, according to State Department spokesman Ned Price.

"They saw firsthand her tenacity and perseverance despite her present circumstances. We continue to press for the immediate release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan and fair treatment for every detained American," Price said in a tweet announcing the visit.

Thursday's visit marks the first time U.S. officials have been able to gain direct Griner since early August. Most recently, they were able to speak with her over the phone on her birthday on Oct. 18.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday that the Biden administration was told that Griner is "doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances."

Jean-Pierre said that securing the freedom of Griner and Whelan, a U.S. citizen and former Marine who has been detained in Russia since 2019, continues to be a "top priority" for the White House.

"As we have said before, the U.S. government made a significant offer to the Russians to resolve the current unacceptable and wrongful, wrongful detentions of American citizens Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan," Jean-Pierre said. "I can also tell you that in the subsequent weeks, despite a lack of good faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with Russians through all available channels."

Read more: Brittney Griner meets with US officials in Russia as White House works to secure her release

Former Attorney General Eric Holder endorses Val Demings in Florida senate race

Former Attorney General Eric Holder has endorsed Rep. Val Demings in the Florida Senate race.

Demings responded to the endorsement on Twitter:

I’m honored to receive an endorsement from Attorney General Holder. The right to vote is precious — and his commitment to protecting that right is inspiring. In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to stand up and fight for legislation that protects our democracy.

Read Holder's endorsement below: