Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Trump Seizing Control of D.C. Police, Deploying National Guard

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Trump Seizing Control of D.C. Police, Deploying National Guard

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“President Trump does not care about keeping Washington, D.C., or any of our communities safe. His claims about crime in the District — where violent crime is now at a 30-year low — are patently false. On his first day in office, Trump granted pardons to nearly 1,500 individuals convicted of or charged in connection with the deadly January 6th Capitol attack, eliminating any credibility he has on the issue of public safety. Taking over local control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police and deploying the National Guard under the guise of public safety puts residents in danger. This unprecedented attack on D.C. home rule is a blatantly racist and despicable power grab, and it won’t stop in Washington, D.C.

“While we don’t yet know the full impact this decision will have on D.C. and the Black and minority communities Trump has suggested he may target next, we do know this: militarized over-policing will inevitably lead to increased fear and mistrust among communities that have too often been treated as occupied populations, rather than as citizens who deserve to be served and protected.

“It is clear that President Trump will do anything to distract from the crises plaguing his administration — from the Epstein files to the disastrous jobs report — including putting the residents of D.C. and the American people in harm’s way. Any and all failures that result from this dangerous overreach of power will fall squarely on his shoulders.

“The CBC will continue fighting to protect D.C.’s right to self-governance and we urge all Americans to recognize this for what it is: a test run for broader authoritarian overreach. The stakes are high not just for Washington, D.C., but for the future of democracy in every corner of this country.”

NJ ACTIVIST GROUPS CONDEMN TRUMP TAKEOVER OF WASHINGTON DC

Two activist organizations in New Jersey have condemned President Trump’s takeover of Washington DC. 

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) and The Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance (MLKPCJR) both condemned Trump’s announcement that he would be exercising greater federal control over the district. 

Yesterday Trump declared that National Guard troops would be deployed in the district and that there would be a federal takeover of one of the police forces there. 

“We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Washington DC who have expressed total opposition to National Guard troops being deployed in their city, and to the federal takeover of police in the district,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

Hamm said he was speaking on behalf of both groups. POP is a volunteer grassroots organization working for racial, social, and economic justice. The MLKPCJR is a coalition of 287 organizations that endorsed the convention which was held in April. 

“This was absolutely unnecessary and the reasons given by the president for doing so were spurious and unfounded. He said he was doing this because of a spike in crime when statistics show the opposite is true,” Hamm said. 

“This has absolutely nothing to do with crime and public safety and everything to do with the acquisition of greater power and control by the president. Obviously, being a political dictator is not enough. He wants to be a military dictator too,” he said. 

“The president seems to want to do a lot with the National guard these days. He sent them to Los Angeles when there was no need to do so. He’s bringing them to Washington when there is no need to do so,” he said. 

“However, when the Capitol was under violent attack by the January 6 rioters attempting to overthrow the government he waited hours to mobilize the guard when they were needed much earlier. This caused more people to be injured and killed ,” Hamm said. 

“This move by Trump may be calculated to distract public attention from his more pressing problems such as his unpopular domestic and foreign policies, the pain inflicted on working people by his cuts in social programs, billion dollar tax breaks for the rich, his declining poll numbers, and the Epstein files,” he said. 

“However, we believe there is more to it than that. This is yet another racist attack by Trump and his fascist MAGA movement on African Americans,” he said. 

The cities where he wants to send troops have majority or large black populations and most of them have black mayors. “Trump’s attack on Washington DC is an attack on black self-determination and black political power which are seen as obstacles by white supremacists to their apartheid agenda for the US,” Hamm said. 

“Home rule for Washington DC was something that African Americans fought very hard for. It is seen by many as a step along the path to statehood for the nation’s capital which black people and other DC residents have demanded for decades,” he said. 

“DC home rule is targeted for elimination in Project 2025. Republicans have introduced legislation to end home rule in the district,” he said.  

“Trump is trying to terrorize us into submission. We will not capitulate. We have faced troops before during our struggle for freedom and liberation. Troops or not we will continue to resist,” he said. 

“We want the troops out of Washington. We want control of the police returned to the district. We want statehood for Washington DC. We want an end to the Trump regime,” he said. 

For further information call the People’s Organization For Progress at 
(973)801-0001.

Run With Maud Race taking place on August 23, 2025

The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation invites you to join them for the Run With Maud Race on August 23, 2025, as they come together to honor Ahmaud’s legacy and promote unity within our community.

Run With Maud: Honoring Ahmaud’s Legacy Through Action

The Run With Maud movement is more than just a race—it’s a powerful tribute to Ahmaud Arbery’s life, a call for justice, and a commitment to making a difference. Every step taken in Ahmaud’s honor represents a step toward unity, equality, and positive change. Whether you run, walk, or show your support in other ways, Run With Maud is about standing together to create a future where every life is valued, and every community is strengthened.

By joining the Run With Maud movement, you help continue Ahmaud’s legacy through the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation’s vital programs, including scholarships for students, youth empowerment initiatives, and advocacy for social justice. Your participation and support allow us to uplift the next generation and build safer, more inclusive communities.

Join the Movement! Be part of something bigger. Sign up to receive updates, participate in future Run With Maud events, and support the foundation’s mission. Together, we can turn tragedy into progress and honor Ahmaud’s life with purpose. If you can't make it to Atlanta you can participate virtually. Find out more and register today and take action for change here: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Atlanta/RunWithMaud

Dystany Spurlock to Make NHRA History With Support From Foxxtecca

Foxxtecca is making history with professional motorcycle drag racer Dystany Spurlock, who will become only the second Black woman ever to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. She makes her debut Juneteenth weekend, June 20–22, at her home track, Virginia Motorsports Park, during the Virginia NHRA Nationals.

Spurlock joins trailblazer Peggy Llewellyn in one of motorsports' most exclusive and underrepresented clubs, women of color competing at the sport's highest level.

"Since 2021, I've been working behind the scenes with Dystany Spurlock to help her reach the next level in her career," said Chris Harris, co-founder of Foxxtecca, a media and mobility company focused on culture and equity. "In my eyes, she checks every box. Unfortunately, many of the companies we approached weren't willing to provide the financial backing needed to take that next step, so my partner and I, Kellie Crawford, made the decision to invest in her ourselves.

"We're not shying away from the DEI conversation, we're embracing it fully as we continue to break barriers. Foxxtecca may be a small company with limited resources, but we believe in Dystany and understand the impact of her visibility at this level. Our hope is that this moment inspires larger companies to recognize her talent and come alongside her for a full-time campaign in 2026."

Spurlock will debut as part of Arana Racing, a respected father-son team led by Hector Arana Sr. and Hector Arana Jr., both champions and innovators in motorcycle drag racing. The partnership marks a powerful cultural milestone, bringing together Black and Hispanic excellence on one of drag racing's biggest stages.

"This moment has been years in the making," Spurlock said. "I've faced every kind of roadblock imaginable, but I've never stopped chasing this dream. I'm proud to represent my community, and I'm beyond thankful to Foxxtecca for believing in me when so many didn't. This isn't just about me racing, it's about showing the next generation what's possible."

The Virginia NHRA Nationals will take place June 20–22 in North Dinwiddie, Va., at Virginia Motorsports Park. Spurlock's debut is expected to draw fans, supporters, and media eager to witness a pivotal moment for motorsports, culture, and representation.

For more information about Foxxtecca, visit www.foxxtecca.com.

Maurice D. Gipson, J.D., Ph.D. is Appointed 15th President & CEO of Philander Smith University

The Philander Smith University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Maurice D. Gipson as the institution’s 15th President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The announcement was made during a press conference held Thursday afternoon on the Philander Smith University campus.

Dr. Gipson had served as interim president since August 2024, following the service of longtime trustee Dr. Cynthia A. Bond-Hopson, who led the institution as interim from June 2023 to July 2024. The Board had previously engaged a national search firm to identify candidates for the role. Following a thorough and deliberate process, the Trustees affirmed Dr. Gipson’s appointment, citing his proven leadership and deep connection to the University’s mission.

“We are incredibly proud to name Dr. Maurice Gipson as our 15th President and Chief Executive Officer,” said Board Chair Dr. Tionna Jenkins, a 2001 alumna of the institution. “He brings not only the experience and strategic insight needed for this moment, but also a heartfelt understanding of what makes Philander Smith University so special. We believe his leadership will help shape a bold and meaningful future for our students and our institution.”

Dr. Gipson is no stranger to the Philander Smith University community. He previously served a four-year term on the Board of Trustees, including leadership roles as Chair of the Governance Committee and Vice Chairman.

Prior to stepping into the presidency, Dr. Gipson served as Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at the University of Missouri, where he was a senior executive for the 30,000-student flagship campus. There, he oversaw a division of more than 120 staff and managed a multi-million dollar budget. He previously held leadership posts at Arkansas State University and the University of Texas at Austin and served in various roles at Wiley College and Huston-Tillotson University.With over a decade of higher education leadership experience, Dr. Gipson is a seasoned administrator and accomplished scholar. His academic expertise spans African American history, Black nationalism, and the Black freedom struggle—subjects he has taught as a faculty member and presented internationally, including at the Black Power Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. He is currently working on a book chronicling the Black Freedom Struggle in Arkansas.

A native of Ferriday, Louisiana, Dr. Gipson is a graduate of Louisiana State University and holds a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, with a civil rights emphasis. He also earned a master’s degree in history from Missouri State University and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi. He is a licensed attorney.

“I am deeply honored to lead this historic institution at such a critical time,” said Dr. Gipson. “Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root—for students, for families, and for communities. As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

Dr. Gipson has strong connections to Philander Smith University and the local community. His mother-in-law, Linda Lyons Medley, is a proud member of the Philander Smith Class of 1973, and his wife, Jasmine, is a native of Little Rock and a graduate of Little Rock Central High School.

Following the resignation of Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., in May 2023 after eight years of leadership, Dr. Gipson’s appointment marks a new era of stability and progress for the institution, reflecting a renewed commitment to academic excellence and student-centered innovation at this private, Historically Black College and University.

An inauguration for Dr. Gipson will follow at a later date.