Nine Republicans Reject Naming Post Office After Maya Angelou

Congress held a vote today on the rather mundane subject of renaming a post office, which normally passes with all 381 votes going for the renaming. That was not the case when a vote was held to rename a post office in Winston-Salem, N.C. after the world renowned poet and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, Maya Angelou.

The measure did pass with 371 votes, but its very telling that a party that claims not to be racist has nine white men voting no on naming a post office after a black woman.

The nine Republicans who voted against naming the post office after Maya Angelou were GOP Reps Mo Brooks of Alabama, Ken Buck of Colorado, Michael Burgess of Texas, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, Andy Harris of Maryland, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Alex Mooney of West Virginia, and Steven Palazzo of Mississippi. Rep. Don Young of Alaska voted present.

Rep. Steve Israel, D-Ny., released a statement saying:

"Naming post offices is one of the most benign and bipartisan duties we perform in the House of Representatives, and there is rarely any opposition. That's why I was shocked today as nine Republicans voted against naming a post office after Maya Angelou, indisputably one of our country's greatest poets, authors and civil rights activists. The fact that these nine Members would cast a no vote shows a blatant disrespect and only adds to the damaging actions they've taken this year to reverse progress from long and hard fought civil rights battles."

Republicans release video reaching out to African Americans

It's now March of 2016 and the GOP being the GOP waited until February 29, the LAST day of Black History Month to release a video showing focusing on African Americans. What's very interesting is the video titled We Are The GOP, was released after the Donald Trump/David Duke/KKK controversy. Gee, wonder if there's a connection there? Watch the video below.

Bernie Sanders supporters making republican mistakes when it comes to attracting black voters

Bernie Sanders supporters are passionate in their support of their candidate, and there is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact it’s great that so many young voters are energized and excited about presidential politics.

What’s not exciting is that they knowingly or not have taken to using Republican tactics to attract black voters. Instead of working to make sure black voters know Bernie Sanders civil rights record and what his platform is as it pertains to African Americans, they are busy attacking Hillary Clinton.

Much like the Republican strategy has been used against President Obama they are letting us know what they are against but not what they are for. Talking badly about someone black voters like and respect does not help your cause at all. It hasn’t helped Republicans attract black votes, and it didn’t work too well in 2008 or 2012.

We are reminded ad nauseam about Hillary Clinton being First Lady during Bill Clinton’s criminal justice reforms, her super predator comments, and her treatment of #BlackLivesMatter. I can remember all of those attacks, but you know what I can’t remember? Bernie Sanders stance on issues that affect African Americans.

Whatever you think of Hillary Clinton she has put the work in with many in the African American community to earn their support. None of her supporters are going to change their minds because of a negative post on Facebook or a negative tweet on Twitter. Since many are older voters, they will ignore those type of post because they have better things to do than deal with negativity.

Try posting, tweeting, and talking about the positives for the candidate you support. If you want people to listen about Bernie Sanders talk to them and not at them, you just might get people to listen.

In short, stop acting like Republicans.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com georgelcookiii@gmail.com

In the interest of full disclosure Mr. Cook is a Hillary Clinton supporter but a Democrat first.

The Hartford Sponsors Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History And Culture

The Hartford announced its founding sponsorship of the Smithsonian’s newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, NMAAHC. The company made a $1 million contribution over five years to support the design and construction of the building, scheduled to open Sept. 24 in Washington D.C.

“The Hartford has been a part of American history for more than 200 years, growing, thriving and changing along with our nation,” said Susan Johnson, head of diversity and inclusion at The Hartford. “We are proud to be a founding sponsor of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and celebrate the important contributions of African Americans to the American Dream.”

Virginia Sen. Donald McEachin files papers to run for Congress

Virginia Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) has filed paperwork to run for Congress.

“As I said all along I’m very interested in the fourth congressional seat, but right now I’m busy doing the people’s business here at the General Assembly,” McEachin said through a spokeswoman. “I will have a lot more to say about Congress right after we adjourn.”