President Biden signs bill designating Jackie Robinson Ballpark as Commemorative Site

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the President signed H.R. 8012 into law.

The “Jackie Robinson Ballpark National Commemorative Site Act,” which designates the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a Commemorative Site and makes the Site a part of the African American Civil Rights Network.

The bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to give the site the designation of a National Historic Landmark.

Representatives Mike Waltz and Darren Soto, and Senators Marco Rubio and Rapheal Warnock sponsored the bill.

Rep. Bennie Thompson to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal

Rep. Bennie Thompson (Mississippi) is being honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden. According to a White House press release, this award is given out to Americans who "have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."

He is receiving the award for chairing the House January 6th Committee and being at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.

REV. AL SHARPTON RESPONDS TO HORRIFIC VIDEO OF UPSTATE NY CORRECTION OFFICERS KILLING ROBERT L. BROOKS

Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement in wake of footage released this afternoon that shows correction officers fatally beating inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Utica, New York.

Brooks, 43, had been serving a 12-year sentence since 2017 at the facility when he was beaten by several officers on December 9th. He died a day later of what the local medical examiner called “asphyxia due to compression of the neck.” Governor Hochul subsequently ordered the firing of 14 officers at the facility, and Brooks’ death is now being investigated by four agencies including the New York Attorney General’s Office, which released the footage on Friday.

“The footage of Robert Brooks’ death is as horrifying as what we saw when George Floyd, Tyre Nichols, and countless other Black men and women have been killed by law enforcement. These officers clearly thought they were within their right to hit Brooks in the stomach with the heel of a boot, level punches at his face or torso, and throw him around like a ragdoll—all with his hands behind his back. They were wrong. It is disturbing that some of them had the sense to smile and smirk while a human being was forced against a wall by three officers just a few feet away. Their actions in this tape not only justify their firing but should merit appropriate criminal charges.

I and the National Action Network want to thank New York State’s leaders for their swift action to address this heinous murder. Governor Hochul’s decision to rightfully fire the 14 officials involved has been followed up with transparency by Attorney General James. This is a signal to the rest of the nation that leaders have a sworn duty to respond to unspeakable acts such as these for the sake of those murdered and their families. My hope is that the criminal justice system will see this case through and ensure justice for Robert Brooks and his loved ones.”

United Negro College Fund Statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter

The UNCF released the following statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter

We deeply mourn the passing of our nation’s 39th President, Jimmy Carter.

President Carter was a true advocate for higher education and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

He was the first U.S. president to issue an executive order focusing on historically Black colleges and universities. Executive Order 12232 directed the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education “to implement a federal initiative designed to achieve a significant increase in the I participation by historically Black colleges and universities in federally sponsored programs.” The order specified that “… initiative shall seek to identify, reduce and eliminate barriers which may have unfairly resulted in reduced participation in, and reduced benefits from, federally sponsored programs.”

Every president has followed with an executive order on HBCUs since President Carter issued his in 1980.

During his presidency, President Carter established the White House Initiative on HBCUs. This initiative aimed to increase federal funding and support for HBCUs, as well as improve their visibility and recognition. It also sought to address the unique challenges faced by HBCUs, such as financial constraints and limited resources.

President Carter's policies helped HBCUs enhance their academic programs, infrastructure and research capabilities. This support played a crucial role in expanding access to higher education for African American students, fostering educational opportunities, and promoting diversity in the higher education system.

Furthermore, Carter's administration emphasized the importance of equal educational opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity. His commitment to civil rights and equality aligned with the mission and values of UNCF and HBCUs, making his policies particularly significant to these institutions.

Under President Carter's leadership, the United States witnessed progress and advancements in the support and recognition of HBCUs. His unwavering support will forever be remembered and appreciated by UNCF and the entire HBCU community.

As we reflect on President Carter's legacy, let us honor his memory by continuing to advocate for the importance of HBCUs and their role in creating a more equitable, inclusive and progressive society.

Peace and blessings to the Carter Family as we salute President Carter for his dedicated service to provide better futures for all.

Allen Toussaint's Musical Legacy honored with 48th Black Heritage Stamp

The 48th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors the legendary musician and songwriter Allen Toussaint (1938-2015). An icon of New Orleans music, Toussaint's contributions to rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and rock 'n' roll have left an enduring mark on American music.

Music icon Allen Toussaint's legacy continues to inspire. A prolific pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer, Toussaint left an indelible mark on New Orleans music and beyond.

His legendary career spanned decades, producing countless hits and collaborations with a wide array of artists. From classic songs such as "Fortune Teller" and "Southern Nights" to his behind-the-scenes work, Toussaint's influence continues to resonate globally.

President Barack Obama recognized Toussaint with the National Medal of Arts in 2013. His previous honors include induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2012, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2022, the New Orleans City Council renamed Robert E. Lee Boulevard for Toussaint, who lived on the four-mile-long thoroughfare during the last years of his life.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using a photograph by Bill Thompkins.

The Allen Toussaint stamp will be issued in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. The stamps are available here: https://store.usps.com/store/product/allen-toussaint-stamps-S_486004