Maryland Governor Wes Moore Posthumously Commissions Harriet Tubman as Brigadier General in Maryland National Guard

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined Maryland National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, and Del. Edith Patterson for a commissioning and recognition ceremony at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center. Along with members of the Maryland National Guard, the governor and Maj. Gen. Birckhead posthumously commissioned Harriet Tubman to the rank of Brigadier General for her military service to both the United States and Maryland.

“Harriet Tubman lived the values and virtues that I was taught when I served in the United States Army, and many of the people here today learned too: Live mission first, people always. Lead with honor, integrity, duty, and courage. Leave no one behind,” said Gov. Moore. “And with each act of courage, Harriet Tubman helped bring us together as a nation and a people. She fought for a kind of unity that can only be earned through danger, risk, and sacrifice. And it is a unity we still benefit from to this day.”

Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt, the great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, represented Tubman’s family and received the commissioning proclamation on her behalf.

A number of Harriet Tubman’s descendants took part in the commissioning ceremony, attended by military, community, and local leaders. The Maryland Army National Guard’s 229th Army Band performed ceremonial music and the Maryland Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Squadron provided a flyover.

“Harriet Tubman’s military service was defined by her bravery, wit, and dedication to doing what is right and it truly stands as an example for all veterans to emulate,” said Maryland Adjutant General Janeen L. Birckhead. “I am so proud that her legacy will officially be tied to the Maryland National Guard, as she was born here, lived here, and served here just like our soldiers and airmen.”

Justice Department Sues Mississippi State Senate for Race Discrimination

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against the Mississippi State Senate for discriminating against a Black former staff attorney in its Legislative Services Office (LSO). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, alleges that the Senate paid her about half the salary of her white colleagues in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).

Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits racial discrimination in compensation and other forms of employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin or religion.

“Discriminatory employment practices, like paying a Black employee less than their white colleagues for the same work, are not only unfair, they are unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Black employee at issue in this lawsuit was paid about half the salary of her white colleagues in violation of federal law. This lawsuit makes clear that race-based pay discrimination will not be tolerated in our economy. Our work to eliminate race-based pay disparities is about promoting compliance with the law and promoting equity and fairness for all workers.”

The department alleges in the complaint that the Senate discriminated against Kristie Metcalfe by paying her significantly less than every other LSO attorney, all of whom were white. The complaint further alleges that Ms. Metcalfe and these other attorneys had substantially the same job responsibilities and yet she was paid less than these attorneys throughout her eight-year tenure. The LSO is a non-partisan office that provides legal services, such as drafting bills, for all members of the Senate. In the 34 years prior to Ms. Metcalfe’s hire, the LSO employed only white attorneys.

The complaint alleges the pay gap between Ms. Metcalfe and her white colleagues began when she was hired and was perpetuated in several additional discriminatory pay actions. In 2011, Ms. Metcalfe was paid a starting salary significantly lower than any LSO attorney in over 30 years. Just one month after her hire, every attorney but Ms. Metcalfe was given a substantial raise, further widening the pay gap and leaving her with a salary less than half of what her white colleagues were earning. In the following years, the Senate consistently paid Ms. Metcalfe many times less than her white colleagues. Finally, near the end of Ms. Metcalfe’s tenure, the Senate hired a white attorney with no previous legislative experience and a similar number of years of legal experience as Ms. Metcalfe at a salary significantly higher than Ms. Metcalfe’s. At a meeting with Senate officials responsible for setting LSO salaries, Ms. Metcalfe complained about the pay disparity with the new hire, but the Senate denied her request for comparable pay.

Through this lawsuit, the department is seeking back pay and compensatory damages for Ms. Metcalfe, in addition to injunctive and other appropriate relief.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Jackson Area Office investigated and attempted to resolve Ms. Metcalfe’s charge of discrimination before referring it to the Justice Department for litigation. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov

The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Employment Litigation Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/ and www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.

Trial Attorneys Louis Whitsett and Young Choi of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Graves III for the Southern District of Mississippi are handling the case.

FBI Statement on Offensive and Racist Text Messages

The FBI released the following statement on the offensive and racist text messages many African Americans around the United States recieived:

The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter.

As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities.

African Diaspora International Film Festival 2024 Line Up Announced

The 32nd Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival in New York (ADIFF NY 2024) presents an impressive lineup, featuring icons such as Miriam Makeba, Denzel Washington, Raoul Peck, Sergio Giral, Ian Gabriel, Lázaro Ramos, Rolf de Heer, Maryse Condé, Billy Woodberry, and many more. With an eclectic selection of 65 films from 32 countries—half of which are US and NY premieres—ADIFF NY 2024 is set to captivate audiences across the tri-state area and beyond. Screenings will take place at Teachers College, The Forum at Columbia University, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre, and Cinema Village from November 29 to December 15, 2024.

One of the festival highlights is Ian Gabriel’s "Death of a Whistleblower", a film that explores a web of conspiracy and corruption in South Africa. Mr. Gabriel’s work is among the significant films in the 30 Years of the New South Africa program, which presents a panorama of pivotal moments in South African cinema. Other highlights of the program include Ernest Cole: Lost and Found by Raoul Peck, Sierra’s Gold (awarded Best South African Film at Durban 2024), Quantum, starring Bohang Moeko (recognized for his performances in South African TV dramas such as Ring of Lies and Is'thunzi), Legacy - The Decolonized History of South Africa, Joe Bullet (a South African classic), and Banned.

"Power Alley/Levante" by Lillah Halla from Brazil is the centerpiece of ADIFF-NY 2024. The story of Sofia opens the door to the lives of a group of young women members of a volleyball team in São Paulo. Sofia has an opportunity to advance her career in Chile, but an unexpected event disrupts her dreams. The narrative then takes the viewer deeper into contemporary Brazilian society and its pressing issues. 2023 FIPRESCI Prize Winner at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was featured in the Un Certain Regard section.

Nastasya Generalova is the daughter of an African-American father and a Russian mother. In "Breaking Boundaries", we follow Nastasya as she pursues her goal of becoming a member of the USA artistic gymnastics team. She faces financial obstacles, racial discrimination, and the inherent difficulties of this incredibly demanding sport with courage and determination. This is a story of resilience, perseverance, and determination.

The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos is another highlight of ADIFF NY 2024. Fresh from TIFF 2024, this film is based on a true story. Set in Lagos, this is not Nollywood; the acting, the story, and the work of the Agbajowo Collective give this film, seven years in the making, the type of powerful narrative that has marked African cinema.

The Closing Night film is a case study in colonialism and media. Colonialism is central to the narrative pertaining to Africa and the African diaspora. "Selling A Colonial War" is a detailed analysis of how colonial forces build structures of manipulation and deceit to justify the stealing and control of territories and people. It is a revealing film about the Netherlands’ colonial past. 2023 Winner of the IDFA ReFrame Award for Creative Use of Archive.

NEW YORK AND US PREMIERES

"Father and Soldier": Omar Sy - best known for his role in Lupin on Netflix - plays the role of a father who follows his son, recruited by the French Army, into the battlefields of Europe during World War I in order to protect him and bring him back home to Senegal. Official Selection, Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2023.

"Amal": Amal, played masterfully by Lubna Azabal (The Blue Caftan), is a teacher in Brussels who is committed to giving her students a broader understanding of life and humanity. Her commitment, however, has a tragic ending.

"Disko Africa: A Malagasy Story": Kwame struggles to make a living in a clandestine mine. He is suddenly forced to return due to an unexpected tragedy. Winner Special Mention at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.

"Kidnapping Inc.": Doc and Zoe are two hapless kidnappers tasked with what appears to be a simple abduction for hire, only to find out that it’s anything but, and they end up in the middle of a political conspiracy. Director Bruno Mourral combines a great sense of humor with a clear understanding of the tragic reality of his country to give us an accurate portrayal of a chaotic environment. Official Selection Sundance 2024.
Ain’t No Back to a Merry Go Round: A page from the Civil Rights Movement in Maryland, this is the story of a multiracial organized movement that led to the desegregation of Glen Echo Amusement Park in Maryland.

"Mother Suriname": Through the eyes of a Surinamese woman, we witness the Dutch Colonial Empire’s brutality and inhumanity. The film combines stunning cinematography with evocative storytelling to highlight the cultural heritage and resilience of the Surinamese people.

The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi: With his life in jeopardy and jail almost a certainty, one question remains, how could a farm boy bring down the global financial system and how far is the international world order willing to go to silence his story?

PROGRAMS
Historically, ADIFF curates programs around different themes that place a high level of reflection at the forefront, using films as a backdrop. This year's programs include:
• School Program: Highlights of the program: The Great Debaters and The Wall Street Boy.
• Senior Program: Music Pictures: New Orleans.
• Parisian Tales: Highlight of the program: Screening of The Parisienne Uncovered followed by a conversation with filmmaker and activist Rokhaya Diallo.
• An Evening With Billy Woodberry: Billy Woodberry, one of the key figures of the LA Rebellion, will travel from Lisbon to screen and discuss two of his films, Bless Their Little Hearts and Mario, his latest film on the life of the African leader Mario de Andrade.
• Caribbean Leaders: Spotlight on Errol Barrow (Barbados), Frantz Fanon (Martinique), Walter Rodney (British Guiana) and conversation with Arlen Harris, director of Walter Rodney, What They Don’t Want You to Know.
• Festival Roundtables:
- "History and Legacy of Racial Relations in Latin America" will focus on the historical factors that continue to shape discourse and attitudes toward Latino people of African descent.
- "South Africa: 1994 2024, A Conversation" will take a deeper look at the current state of affairs in South Africa, 30 years after the end of apartheid.
• ADIFF Mini Virtual Festival: Twelve ADIFF films available virtually, most of them worldwide.

For more information about the 32nd Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival, please e-mail pr@nyadiff.org. Festival website: www.nyadiff.org, Facebook and twitter is @nyadiff, Instagram: ny_adiff

The African Diaspora International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

The 32nd Annual New York African Diaspora International Film Festival is made possible thanks to the support of the following institutions and individuals: ArtMattan Films, New York State Council on the Arts, The Harlem Community Development Corporation, The New York City Council in the Arts, West Harlem Development Corporation, The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation administered by LMCC, The Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs and The George Clement Bond Center for African Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, The International Organization of La Francophonie New York, The Netherlands consulate-general in New York, Villa Albertine and the French Embassy in the United States. Funded in part by a grant from the New York City Tourism Foundation. WNYC is a media partner of the African Diaspora International Film Festival.
http://www.NYADIFF.org

ABOUT THE AFRICAN DIASPORA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Established in 1993, the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is a Harlem based minority-led not-for profit international film festival that presents, interprets and educates about films that explore the human experience of people of color all over the world in order to inspire imaginations, disrupt stereotypes and help transform attitudes that perpetuate injustice.

The mission of The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is to expand the traditional views and perceptions of what the Black experience is by showcasing award-winning socially relevant documentary and fiction films about people of color, from Peru to Zimbabwe, from the USA to Belgium and from New Zealand to Jamaica

Commenting on the line up of ADIFF Chicago 2019, film critic Kathleen Sachs of the Chicago Readers wrote: “The films in the 17th Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival – Chicago do what much media and even the public school system fail to do: educate. Through robust programming that gives meaning to the word "diverse," the selections in this year's festival illuminate the experiences of those living in the African diaspora around the world. The New York-based husband-and-wife programmers, Reinaldo Barroso-Spech and Diarah N'Daw-Spech, have chosen more than a dozen films that, through a variety of modes and genres, further dimensionalize already complex issues specific to those living in these communities. Naturally, documentary lends itself to this mission, though several narrative features and a short fiction add to the plenitude of information.”

Rep. Jim Clyburn on the problems the Democratic Party faces

Democrats and their allies are grappling with how Vice President Kamala Harris fell short to President-elect Donald Trump in the race for the White House. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont released a statement criticizing the Democratic Party for abandoning working-class people. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.