The FBI is investigating a series of racist text messages sent to Black Americans across the country. A state attorney general has suggested that foreign actors may be involved. NBC News' Zinhle Essamuah spoke with victims who described feeling "immediately disturbed, scared, and afraid" upon receiving the messages.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are remarkable public servants who ran an inspired and positive campaign focused on lifting people up. We look forward to our continued partnership on behalf of the American people in the next chapter of their public service journey.
It has yet to be decided who will control the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. We must count every vote and wait until the results in Oregon, Arizona and California are clear.
I am proud that the Democratic Party does not believe in election denial. Our Democracy is precious and it involves elevating public trust in our system of free and fair elections, not undermining it.
We cannot love America only when we win.
The American people have spoken. I congratulate President-elect Donald J. Trump.
In a powerful and unified call to action, over 30 leading reparations organizations, including Reparations United, National Black Cultural Information Trust (NBCIT), Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), and the BLIS Collective, have unveiled the Voices of America Reparatory Justice Guidebook, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at establishing a federal reparations commission through an executive order. The Guidebook outlines 19 targeted actions directed at President Joe Biden, the Congressional Black Caucus, prominent civil rights organizations, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
This unprecedented coalition emphasizes the urgency of the commission’s formation before the inauguration of the next president, underscoring the unique historical opportunity for current leaders to address the long-standing calls for reparative justice for Black Americans. The Guidebook provides actionable steps and contact information for individuals and organizations to support this cause.
Critical Calls to Key Leaders
The Guidebook’s actions target key figures, calling on them to use their influence and leadership to champion reparative justice:
President Joe Biden – The coalition highlights that President Biden has the authority and a unique opportunity to cement his legacy by taking decisive action on reparations.
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) – As representatives of both their districts and the broader Black American population, the CBC is urged to heed the widespread support for a reparations commission and message the need for a Reparations Commission to the President.
The Big Eight Civil Rights Organizations – Recent reports indicate that President Biden has requested these organizations to provide written recommendations on supporting Black communities. This coalition encourages the Big Eight to prioritize reparations in their advisement.
Vice President Kamala Harris – In her presidential campaign, Harris is urged to recognize and address the importance of reparations as a vital issue for Black Americans, especially given many voters' current dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.
"The call for an executive order is significant as we have found the legislative process unavailable to us, even with 88% of Democratic support in the 117th Congress," stated Kamm Howard of Reparations United. "With recent studies showing strong bipartisan support for a commission, President Biden has an opportunity to solidify his legacy by embracing this vital cause."
Recent research supports the coalition’s advocacy, indicating that 88% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans either support or are open to the idea of a federal reparations commission. Additionally, studies highlight the economic and societal benefits that reparations could bring to the nation as a whole.
A Call to the Nation: How to Get Involved
The Voices of America Reparatory Justice Guidebook provides detailed steps for individuals and organizations to participate in this movement. It includes contact information and outlines 19 ways to support the call for a federal reparations commission. Through a nationwide movement, this coalition is rallying support to bring transformative justice and economic empowerment to Black communities.
In addition, the Collaborate have declared November 12th, National Reparations Action Day - a day of messaging all targets collectively on the need for a reparations commission by executive order.
For more information or to participate in the Voices of America Reparatory Justice Guidebook initiatives, please contact Reparations United through their website at https://reparationsunited.org.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Black Health Matters (BHM), a leading health and wellness organization for African Americans, will host its hybrid Summit and Expo at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3400 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216 from (8:00am – 3:30pm, EST). BHM has teamed up with Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) to offer this free one-day health expo for the community. The BHM Fall 2024 Health Summit & Expo links leading medical experts, community health advocates and specialists in chronic illness and nutrition, offering stimulating and informative panel discussions and one on one consultations to the community. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be offered along with no-cost health screenings, fitness activities, cooking and nutrition demonstrations. Register for free at bhmfall2024summit.com.
"This will be the very first Black Health Matters Summit and Expo held in the Queen City," says Roslyn Young-Daniels, founder, and president of Black Health Matters, LLC. "Carolina is a global leader in medical and health research, making it an ideal location to elevate awareness and provide resources needed to advocate for better health outcomes for African Americans and their loved ones. We are deeply appreciative of our sponsors, including AstraZeneca, Sanofi-Regeneron, argenx, Biogen, Watchman/Boston Scientific, Kite Pharmaceuticals, Vertex, Novartis, and Eisai, along with a grant provided by Merck."
The Charlotte chapter of GirlTrek will host a fun walk immediately prior to the start of the Summit. Following the walk, opening remarks will be delivered by Roslyn Young-Daniels, at 8:45am ET. In-person and online attendees will additionally enjoy a low-impact exercise session led by fitness expert DaShaun Johnson.
Speaking to attendees during motivational event sessions throughout the day will be Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC); entrepreneur, educator, author and speaker Sonya Curry; Charlotte Mayor, Vi Alexander Lyles; New York Times best-selling author and attorney Bakari Sellers, actress, director and producer Terri J. Vaughn, and more. All speaker-led sessions will be livestreamed. More details about the speakers and the full agenda may be found by visiting www.BlackHealthMatters.com.
In addition to the informational sessions, throughout the day, in-person attendees will have access to no-cost medical screenings, health education materials, and prizes, beginning at 9:00am ET. Free breakfast and lunch will also be available. The day's events are scheduled to conclude at 3:30pm ET.
Black Health Matters, now in its 12th year, convenes health and research professionals, national personalities, local community leaders, and fitness and nutrition experts to deliver health information of particular interest to African Americans. The November event in Charlotte is the fourth BHM event in 2024. Participation in the Black Health Matters Fall 2024 Health Summit & Expo is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required, and early registration is encouraged. To attend in person, or to view the livestream of the event online, please visit: www.BlackHealthMatters.com, for more details.
Additional community partners for the Fall 2024 Black Health Matters Health Summit & Expo in Charlotte, include several organizations who will provide free health screenings, including Allergy & Asthma Network; Atrium Health; Piedmont Black Nurses Association; RAO Community Health; and the Iota Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. More than 25 other local community partners will also be on-site, including several local chapters of Greek organizations.
