Tony Todd ( Candyman) passes away

Veteran actor Tony Todd, best known for his iconic role in "Candyman," has reportedly passed away at age 69, according to Deadline and Variety.

The prolific actor, whose film and TV career spanned more than four decades, died on November 6 at his Los Angeles home. Todd’s representatives confirmed his passing but did not disclose a cause of death, as reported by Deadline.

Todd was a horror movie icon who is best known for his iconic portrayal of the hook-wielding title character in Candyman (1992).

NAACP President Condemns Racist Text Messages Sent to Black Americans Across the Country

In multiple states, including Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Black women, men, and students have reported receiving racist text messages from an unknown source, urging them to report to a plantation to pick cotton. 

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared the following statement on the news of hateful, and racist text messages sent to individuals across the country:

"The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.  These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday's election results.

We've said it before and we'll say it again - there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.  

These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized. The NAACP was founded in the spirit of liberation and progress, bringing otherized communities together to fight for a brighter tomorrow. That spirit lives on as we continue to fight for the safety, security, and prosperity of all people. Freedom is on the horizon, and we won't be fear mongered out of the future we deserve."

In addition to the text messages, reports are circulating in states like North Carolina and Georgia, of planned attacks against Black Americans "from now until November." 

The NAACP has taken action to alert and urge the FBI and local law enforcement to take these messages seriously and respond appropriately. The Association continues to monitor and coordinate with our communities on the ground. If you have, or are experiencing hateful acts, please do not hesitate to contact our Constituent Services department. 

FBI investigating racists texts sent to Black Americans

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.

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

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.

OVER 30 REPARATIONS ORGANIZATIONS UNITE TO RELEASE STRATEGIC GUIDEBOOK, URGE FEDERAL COMMISSION ON REPARATIONS

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.