Tennessee

Slavery on Ballot for Voters in 5 U.S. States

More than 150 years after slaves were freed in the U.S., voters in five states will soon decide whether to close loopholes that led to the proliferation of a different form of slavery — forced labor by people convicted of certain crimes.

Opioid Settlement: California, 13 Other States, to Share $30 Billion-Plus in Payouts

The money from two different settlement deals will be used to support recovery and relief efforts for people struggling with opioid addiction, a problem that disproportionately affects African Americans. It has been identified as a contributing factor to the high rate of unhoused Black people in California.

New Report Shows Number of People Killed by Police Skyrocketed in 2020

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.

Why the 2020 Vote Matters More than Ever to African Americans

“Some had to pay fees. Some were tested. Many people died for that right. It is too important for us not to vote, and if we want to have a democracy, we need to participate in it. We can’t hope that situations will change. We have to be active in helping candidates get elected who will create that change,” said Lex Scott, the president of the Black Lives Matter Utah Chapter.

‘Ye is on Your 2020 California Ballot as a Vice Presidential Candidate

When you get your California election ballot soon – that’s if you don’t have it already –expect to see Kanye West’s name on it.  

The 43-year-old rapper and business mogul is on the California ballot as the candidate for vice president on the American Independent Party (AIP) ticket. The presidential candidate on the AIP ticket is San Diego-based Mexican American businessman Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente Guerra.  

Wealth gap costs over last two decades: $2.7 trillion in Black income, $16 trillion to U.S. economy

“Yet even today, with all those credentials and as one of the leading executives on Wall Street,” wrote Raymond J. McGuire, Citi’s Vice Chairman and Chair of its Global Banking and Capital Markets, “I am still seen first as a six-foot-four, two-hundred-pound Black man wherever I go — even in my own neighborhood. I could have been George Floyd. And my wife and I are constantly aware that our children could have their innocence snatched away from them at any given moment, simply for the perceived threat of their skin color.”

The New Faces on the L.A. Sparks Roster

Due to the Coronavirus delaying the start of the 2020 WNBA season, each team had to cut their roster to 12 players. This allowed players to receive their first paycheck in late June. To finalize their roster, the Sparks had to waive their rookies Beatrice Mompremier and Tynice Martin.

AARP and NNPA Join Forces for Riveting Webinar on Saving Black Lives During COVID-19 Pandemic

“People are stressed and worried, not only about caring for themselves but protecting and caring for someone in the home or someone long distance,” Choula stated. 

“It’s very important that there is increased conversation with nursing facilities through virtual visitation and phone calls, which is what AARP is advocating.” 

150 Years After Ratification of the 15th Amendment, Black Votes Are Still Contested: The Black fight for the franchise

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” So reads the 15th Amendment, ratified on February 3, 1870, the third of what came to be known as the Reconstruction amendments.

Comerica Bank Names Irvin Ashford, Jr., Chief Community Officer

Comerica Bank has named Irvin Ashford, Jr., its new Chief Community Officer. Ashford, will be responsible for community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including development, lending, community investments, volunteerism and data analysis. Additionally, he will lead Comerica’s diversity business resource groups. Ashford previously served as Comerica’s National Director of Financial Education and External Affairs and will maintain these responsibilities in his new role. Ashford will report directly into the Office of the Chairman.