The new report revealed that at least 28 percent of those killed were African Americans, who make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population. Although this figure is staggering, the Center for American Progress (CAP) noted that it is almost certainly under-represents the actual number of civilians who died while in the custody of the criminal justice system.
Wendy’s Window
President Trump wants to paper over the living wound of racism. He’s issued Executive Orders and established a new national commission designed to whitewash our history—and deny the daily reality of being Black in America. He actively appeals to white supremacists and fans the flames of hatred and division in our country, because he thinks it benefits him politically. He ignores the most basic job of every president: the duty to care for all of us, not just those who voted for him.
The Television Academy announced that entertainment industry icon Tyler Perry and The Perry Foundation will receive the 2020 Governors Award “in recognition of their unparalleled contributions to shaping the television medium.”
The tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, and others have illuminated, yet again, the realities of systemic violence Black Americans have faced for centuries and continue to encounter daily. Much of the current attention is focused on law enforcement. But our public education system has its own racialized history of oppression.
Indeed, it is a clear and constant given that if we are to achieve real justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and all the victims of this racist violent democracy called America, to paraphrase Min. Malcolm, then we have two interrelated objectives that must be achieved. They are: radically reimagining and rebuilding America; and sustaining the struggle on every level which will make this possible. And key to all of this is holding the ground we’ve gained, building on what we have and fighting fiercely to move forward, day by day, year by year and battle by battle until victory is clearly won.
On Saturday July 4, a much-needed conversation was launched on Zoom called “Let’s Talk.”
Family, friends, dignitaries, elected officials and community leaders gathered today to remember the life of Rayshard Brooks at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. The 27-year-old African-American man was shot and killed by an Atlanta police officer on June 12th. His death sparked national and international outrage. Brooks’ family selected Ebenezer Baptist Church for the private funeral service because of its global historic presence. “We’re here to provide ministry as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” said Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Senior Pastor of Ebenezer. “It’s Ebenezer’s mission to show up in a time like this, especially given
The streets cried for justice and protection reform, Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke with Representative and Chair of Congressional Black Caucus Karen Bass and together they explored what needs to actively change within the community to meet the needs of the people.
Mayor Eric Garcetti today called for affirmative action in City government and signed an executive directive to study and promote racial equity in City departments. To help lead, coordinate, and drive these efforts, he also named Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley as L.A.’s first-ever Chief Equity Officer.
Calls to #defundthepolice have become the rallying cry of a majority of protests against the Memorial Day death of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The protests, which have been ongoing in several cities across the U.S. since that time, have also created a backlash amongst many Whites.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, issued a statement on the death of at least two Black men who were killed by the police in the past few weeks: Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, GA and Maurice Gordon in Bass River, New Jersey. Her statement follows: