Posts made in May 2024

Literacy Tests Lasting Impact on America’s Political Landscape

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If you were living in the South in the early 1960s and wanted to vote, you first had to answer some very difficult questions.

At least if you were Black, you did.

Literacy tests have been used in the United States since the early 1800s as a way to restrict voting rights for African Americans. The first literacy test law was passed in Connecticut in 1818, and by the end of the 19th century, most southern states had passed similar laws.

Literacy tests were often administered in a discriminatory manner, with white applicants being given easier tests than African Americans. In addition, African Americans were often harassed and intimidated when they tried to register to vote.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed literacy tests and other discriminatory practices that prevented African Americans from voting. However, some states have continued to use literacy tests in recent years, despite challenges from civil rights groups.

Key Events in the History of Literacy Tests in America

  • 1818: Connecticut passes the first literacy test law in the United States.
  • 1865: The 15th Amendment to the Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing African Americans the right to vote.
  • 1890s: Most southern states pass literacy test laws.
  • 1915: The Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of literacy tests in the case of Guinn v. United States.
  • 1957: The Civil Rights Act of 1957 prohibits literacy tests that are administered in a discriminatory manner.
  • 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlaws literacy tests and other discriminatory practices that prevent African Americans from voting.
  • 2013: The Supreme Court strikes down a voter ID law in North Carolina that was found to discriminate against African American voters.

The Legacy of Literacy Tests

Literacy tests have had a lasting impact on the political landscape of the United States. They have been used to disenfranchise African Americans and other marginalized groups, and they have contributed to the low voter turnout rates in the United States.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a major victory for civil rights activists, but it did not completely eliminate the use of literacy tests. Some states have continued to use literacy tests in recent years, despite challenges from civil rights groups.

The legacy of literacy tests is a reminder of the long history of discrimination in the United States. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting the right to vote for all Americans.

Can you pass the Jim Crow Literacy Test?

Literacy tests were one of the most effective ways the white power structure in Alabama and across the Deep South kept Black Americans from voting. With a hugely consequential election on the horizon this year, the Southern Poverty Law Center is excited to launch The South’s Got Now | Decidimos. A bilingual voter engagement campaign in English and Spanish, The South’s Got Now | Decidimos (which means “we decide”) will educate and energize young people of color in the Deep South as they build their power as changemakers. – SPLC 

Jim Crow Museum:

OTD In 2010: The Tragic Story of Kalief Browder

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Kalief Browder was a 16-year-old African-American teenager from the Bronx, New York, who was arrested in 2010 and spent three years in jail on Rikers Island awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit.

Browder was accused of stealing a backpack, but he denied the charges and refused to plead guilty. He was held in solitary confinement for much of his time at Rikers, where he was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. He was also denied access to education and basic necessities, such as clean clothes and adequate food.

In 2013, Browder’s case was finally dismissed, but the experience had a profound and lasting impact on him. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and he struggled to readjust to life outside of prison. In 2015, Browder committed suicide at the age of 22. His story has become a symbol of the injustices of the criminal justice system, and his case has been cited by advocates for criminal justice reform. Browder’s legacy includes the Kalief Browder Foundation, which was established by his family to advocate for criminal justice reform and to provide support to young people who have been affected by the justice system.

Remembering Kalief Browder:

Venida Browder, mother of Kalief Browder:

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Gullah Tale: The Slick Scorpion And The Foolish Frog

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There’s an old Gullah Geechee tale about the slick scorpion & the foolish frog:

Once upon a time, there was a very smart frog who befriended a conniving scorpion. The frog wished he could he could be a scorpion. He admired their exoskeletons & how other animals respected their stinger. He loved them so much, he could even speak like them. 

The scorpion, however, wished he could be a frog. But he knew he could never swim or jump like his friend. 

“Dem scorpion gwine sting yuh soonman,“ the other frogs warned. “Him got poison in he bookey.”

“The scorpion is my friend,” he told his fellow frogs. “Plus, I’ve seen a frog eat a tadpole. Why should I be more worried about a scorpion than my own people?”

They tried to explain that scorpions eat the same insects as frogs, but they also EAT FROGS, so they consider frogs to be their competition AND THEIR PREY.  

The older frogs even tried to explain that scorpions are born with an exoskeleton because they CAN’T jump. They have stingers because they are not quick enough to catch their prey. 

They even warned the foolish frog  that the other animals weren’t afraid of scorpions; they just knew  the only way a scorpion could hurt them is if they got too close. 

 “Lissen tuh we, churrn,” said the other frogs. “Unnah seen how dem scorpion do we.” 

“This is why we can’t move forward as a species,” said the frog. “We need to stop focusing on the past and let go of that victim mentality”.

But the frog wouldn’t listen.

One day, the river flooded and all of the other frogs began swimming to the banks. But the scorpion couldn’t swim, so he asked the articulate frog for a ride on his back.

“My people say you’ll sting me,” the frog said to his scorpion friend reluctantly.

“Have you ever seen me sting another scorpion?” The scorpion said. “Maybe if your people stopped worrying about being stung  and focused on being  as articulate as you are, people would respect them more. Now let me ride on your back.”

“Dem scorpion gwine sting yuh,“ the other frogs warned. “Him got poison in he bookey. Unnah de how he do we?”

But the articulate frog wouldn’t listen. “You really should stop hating scorpions so much, he told the other frogs. “Why would he sting me when we both have the same goals? Can’t you see that we’re all just trying to get our of the river?” 

So the frog let the scorpion  ride on his back. Of course, halfway across, the scorpion stung the frog.

“Why did you sting me?” Asked the frog. “I thought we were friends!” 

The frog could see the other frogs watching safely from the bank of the river. The scorpion could see all of the other scorpions drowning. Just before they both succumbed to their watery death, the scorpion leaned in close, smiled, and whispered his response loud enough for all the surviving frogs and the dying scorpions to hear. 

“Nigger.”

Anyway, here’s a video of a frog getting stung.

Editor’s Note: This folktale was shared on Twitter (X) by Michael Harriot, Writer, The Grio. 

Op-Ed: The Treatment of Black Women in Business

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Editors note: this opinion piece comes from Anthony Baldini, Founder of Athlete Strategies & “Sports in LA” | Sports business analyst | Investor in women’s sports properties. Baldini is a communications and business development advisor at the intersection of sports, technology, and venture capital.

This post is about the treatment of Black women in business. If you can’t handle it respectfully, don’t comment. Our collective goal for any discussion should be progress, not ego on who is right/wrong.  Nike is signing Caitlin Clark to an eight-figure deal and giving her a signature shoe – an obvious decision for the apparel behemoth. 

However, this means that the only active WNBA players with active signature shoes are: CC, Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, and Sabrina Ionescu. 

What do they have in common? They’re all white women playing in a dominantly Black league.

This is a new development. Previously, almost every WNBA player signature shoe from 1995-2011 belonged to a Black woman: Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo (Cuban), Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, Cynthia Cooper, Nikki McCray, Chamique Holdsclaw, Diana Taurasi (Argentinian-Italian) and Candace Parker. 

Stardom drives shoe deal decisions, but shoe deals also drive stardom. Marketers and media have the ability to dictate culture and what’s popular. And right now, basketball companies are saying *only* white women are the face of the WNBA, when A’ja, Arike, Jewell, AT and Sky are right there. 

Some say “they’re just the best players right now and more marketable,” but come on. COME ON. Stop that. Anyone who is authentically working in women’s sports genuinely understands that representation matters, both ethically and economically. Anyone disagreeing with that is a false actor. This is a truth I have seen first-hand. 

The U.S. economy stands to add trillions annually if there were more women entrepreneurs (which would require VCs funding women at a greater clip than the current 2-13% rate). Meanwhile, underrepresentation of Black businesses is costing the economy additional billions in unrealized revenues. And so it as a member of both these groups, the Black woman, who faces hardship and unequal footing in America in society and in business, from private civilians to premier basketball players. 

A’ja Wilson is on the 2024 TIME100 List. And yet for all the progress in society regarding race, and the celebration that is made of A’ja now in media, when it comes to actual *business transactions* that require supporting Black women there is a statistical-based significant fall off that is supported by anecdotal evidence like this WNBA shoe example. 

Credit to shoe brands for their aforementioned work from 1995-2011. But how in the 12+ years since have we not had a Black woman in the WNBA with an active signature shoe line? It’s not enough for a player to just have a colorway. The signature shoe and the marketing push behind it comes with social implications.

I’m asking those with the power to create change to value Black Women.

The Stolen Wealth of Slavery: A Case for Reparations

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The United States has a long and complicated history with slavery and its aftermath. The issue of reparations for Black Americans has been debated for decades, and there is no easy answer.

What is reparations?

Reparations are a form of compensation paid to individuals or groups who have been harmed by past injustices. In the case of Black Americans, reparations could take many forms, such as financial payments, land grants, or educational opportunities.

The case for reparations

Advocates of reparations argue that Black Americans have been systemically discriminated against for centuries, and that reparations are a way to address the harm caused by this discrimination. They point to the fact that Black Americans still face racial disparities in areas such as wealth, income, education, and criminal justice.

The case against reparations

Opponents of reparations argue that it is unfair to make current generations pay for the sins of their ancestors. They also argue that reparations would be impractical and difficult to implement.

The debate over reparations

The debate over reparations is likely to continue for many years to come. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue, and there is no easy answer.

Recent developments

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to support reparations for Black Americans. In 2020, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would create a commission to study the issue of reparations. The bill is currently pending in the Senate.

The Stolen Wealth of Slavery: A Case for Reparations by David Montero and Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D.

Donate to support FAN’s vision of an informed and compassionate community: https://www.familyactionnetwork.net/support/

David Montero:
https://www.familyactionnetwork.net/speaker/david-montero/

Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D.:
https://www.familyactionnetwork.net/speaker/michael-eric-dyson-ph-d/

Michael Eric Dyson, Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America: https://youtu.be/B7PFZvrjRh8?si=IWSW_8UB4-YXGERu

“Slavery isn’t just a Southern story. The North benefited from stolen labor,” review of Montero’s book in the Christian Science Monitor, April 25, 2024: https://www.csmonitor.com/text_edition/Books/Book-Reviews/2024/0425/stolen-wealth-of-slavery-David-Montero-reparations

Jonathan Eig, 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner (Biography), for “King: A Life”: https://www.jonathaneig.com/
Book Club: Kickback – Exposing the Global Corporate Bribery Network – by David Montero, Thom Hartmann Program, Aug 31, 2018: https://youtu.be/tJsD8ozY4Hg?si=31aH6nuhIaHgiNAm

The New York Kidnapping Club: Wall Street, Slavery, and Resistance on the Eve of the Civil War, by Jonathan Daniel Wells:
https://www.jonathandanielwells.com/the-new-york-kidnapping-club

“How Wall Street Funded Slavery,” Montero’s Feb. 9, 2024 piece for TIME magazine:
https://time.com/6692434/6692434/

“Book on slavery’s wealth touches prominent Pittsburgh philanthropists,” 90.5 WESA: https://www.wesa.fm/identity-community/2024-04-02/prominent-pittsburgh-philanthropists-slavery-wealth-book

The Boy Scouts of America Changing Its Name … Again

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The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) underwent a name change in 2018, becoming “Scouts BSA”. This change was made to reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusion and to welcome both boys and girls into its programs.

The BSA has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding in 1910. Over the years, the organization has played a significant role in the lives of millions of young people, providing them with opportunities for character development, leadership, and outdoor adventure.

BSA History:

  • 1910: BSA is founded by William D. Boyce and Ernest Thompson Seton.
  • 1911: The first Boy Scout Handbook is published.
  • 1916: The BSA becomes a chartered organization of the U.S. Congress.
  • 1920: The first National Jamboree is held in Washington, D.C.
  • 1949: The BSA introduces its Explorer program for older boys.
  • 1972: The BSA begins accepting girls into its Exploring program.
  • 2017: The BSA announces that it will begin accepting girls into all of its programs.
  • 2018: The BSA officially changes its name to “Scouts BSA”.

BSA Today:

Today, Scouts BSA is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 2.3 million members. The organization offers a wide range of programs for boys and girls aged 5 to 21, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing.

Scouts BSA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all youth, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. The organization believes that scouting can help young people develop the skills and values they need to be successful in life.

The Early Days And Current List of Outdoor Movies in DC

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The details in the table linked below is a schedule of movies playing in Washington, DC this summer. It includes dates, days of the week, movie titles, showtimes, locations, and the series or event the movie is a part of. The table also indicates whether there is a cost to attend and if registration is required. 

Click HERE for DC Outdoor Movies List for 2024.

The Early Days of American Outdoor Movies

The history of American outdoor movies can be traced back to the late 19th century, when traveling film exhibitors would set up their projectors in parks and other public spaces. These early outdoor screenings were often accompanied by live music and other entertainment, and they quickly became popular with audiences of all ages.

In the early 1900s, the development of portable projectors made it possible for outdoor movies to be shown in more remote locations. This led to the establishment of drive-in theaters, which became a popular form of family entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s. During the 1970s and 1980s, the rise of home video led to a decline in the popularity of drive-in theaters.

However, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in outdoor movies. This has been driven in part by the popularity of outdoor festivals and events, as well as the development of new technologies that make it possible to show movies in high-quality in a variety of outdoor settings. Today, American outdoor movies are a popular form of entertainment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great way to experience the magic of movies in a unique and memorable setting.

Segregation and Outdoor Movies

Historically, outdoor movies have been a popular form of entertainment, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for moviegoers. However, the practice of segregation in outdoor movie theaters has left a dark stain on this cherished pastime.

During the Jim Crow era in the United States, segregation was rampant in all aspects of society, including recreation. Outdoor movie theaters were segregated spaces, with separate sections for white and Black patrons. This segregation enforced a harmful system of racial inequality and deprived Black communities of opportunities for leisure and social interaction.

The struggle for desegregation in outdoor movie theaters was part of the broader civil rights movement. Activists and organizations fought to challenge discriminatory practices and create inclusive, equitable spaces for all moviegoers.

One notable example is the case of the Moonlight Theater in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1962, a group of Black activists organized a protest against the theater’s policy of segregation. The protest gained significant attention and led to the desegregation of the Moonlight Theater, becoming a symbol of the fight for civil rights in the South.

While segregation in outdoor movie theaters is a painful reminder of the past, it also serves as a catalyst for reflection and action. Today, we must strive to create inclusive and welcoming spaces at all levels of society, ensuring that everyone has equal access to entertainment and other forms of leisure.

As we welcome and celebrate outdoor movie screenings, let us honor the history and sacrifices of those who fought for desegregation. Let us also commit to building a more just and equitable society for all.

May is Haitian-American Heritage Month

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Haitian-American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of Haitian-Americans to the United States. It is observed every May, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of its inception.

Here are some things to know about Haitian-American Heritage Month:

  • History: Haitian-American Heritage Month was first established in 1998 by President Bill Clinton. It was created to recognize the contributions of Haitian-Americans to the United States, and to celebrate their culture and traditions.
  • Population: Haitian-Americans are the fifth-largest Caribbean immigrant group in the United States, with a population of over 1 million people. They are concentrated in states such as Florida, New York, and New Jersey.
  • Culture: Haitian-Americans have a rich and vibrant culture, which is influenced by their African, French, and Spanish heritage. They are known for their music, art, and literature.
  • Contributions: Haitian-Americans have made significant contributions to the United States in many fields, including business, politics, and the arts. Notable Haitian-Americans include Wyclef Jean, Garcelle Beauvais, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Karine Jean-Pierre, the daughter of Haitian immigrants.
  • Challenges: Haitian-Americans have also faced challenges in the United States, including discrimination and poverty. However, they have persevered and made a positive impact on society.

New York is the second destination for Haitian immigrants in the United States, with a population of over 163,000. This year, various events across the City will celebrate the First Black Republic of the world and the second independent country in the Western Hemisphere.

Haitian-American Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and contributions of Haitian-Americans. It is also a time to celebrate their resilience and strength.

Celebrating Mom’s as a Call to Action

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This Mother’s Day CODEPINK is going to Congress to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza and a free Palestine.

“If you google the history of Mother’s Day, the internet will tell you that Mother’s Day began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis decided to honor her mother. But “Mothers’ Day”—with the apostrophe not in the singular spot, but in the plural—actually started in the 1870s, when the sheer enormity of the death caused by the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War convinced writer and reformer Julia Ward Howe that women must take control of politics from the men who had permitted such carnage. Mothers’ Day was not designed to encourage people to be nice to their mothers. It was part of women’s effort to gain power to change society,” wrote Heather Cox Richardson in her piece titled, Letters from an American. 

The Conception of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates mothers and motherhood. It is observed on the second Sunday of May each year.

The idea of a Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century. In 1908, Anna Jarvis, a Philadelphia woman, began a campaign to establish a national Mother’s Day. She was inspired by her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had been a peace activist during the Civil War.

Mother’s Day – Founded by Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia. First officially observed in 1908, it honored motherhood and family life at a time of rising feminist activism. An early supporter was John Wanamaker, whose store stood opposite. Mother’s Day was given federal recognition in 1914. (Historical marker located at S. Juniper and Market Sts. Philadelphia PA – Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission 1998)

Jarvis’s campaign gained support from a number of women’s groups and civic organizations. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution of Congress designating the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day quickly became a popular holiday in the United States. It is a time for families to honor their mothers and show their appreciation for all that they do. Traditional Mother’s Day activities include giving gifts, cards, and flowers, as well as spending time together as a family.

Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, the International Mother’s Day Shrine. Grafton, West Virginia

Mother’s Day is also a time to reflect on the role of mothers in society. Mothers are the primary caregivers for children in most families, and they play a vital role in shaping their children’s lives. Mothers also often work outside the home, and they face many challenges in balancing their work and family responsibilities.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of mothers and to recognize the importance of their role in society.

Cinco de Mayo: The History, People & Multicultural Celebrations

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Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla on 05-05-1862. The battle was a major turning point in the Franco-Mexican War, and the victory is celebrated as a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign invasion.

The origins of Cinco de Mayo can be traced back to the 1840s, when Mexico was in a state of economic and political turmoil. In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, and the two countries fought a war that lasted until 1848. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded a large portion of Mexican territory to the United States.

In the years that followed the war, Mexico was plagued by political instability and economic problems. In 1861, the Mexican government defaulted on its foreign debt, and the French, British, and Spanish sent naval forces to Mexico to demand repayment.

The French, however, had ulterior motives, and they soon invaded Mexico, hoping to establish a puppet government.

 

E63MJX Mexican dancers, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Old Mesilla, Las Cruces, New Mexico USA

The Mexican people were outraged by the French invasion, and they rallied to support the government of President Benito Juárez. The French army was much larger and better equipped than the Mexican army, but the Mexicans fought bravely and managed to defeat the French at the Battle of Puebla on 05-05-1862.

The victory at Puebla was a major boost to Mexican morale, and it helped to rally the country against the French invaders. The war continued for several more years, but the French were eventually defeated in 1867. Cinco de Mayo is now a national holiday in Mexico, and it is also celebrated in many parts of the United States. The holiday is a time for Mexicans to celebrate their heritage and to commemorate the victory at Puebla.

Why Americans Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated on May 5th to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although the battle was a minor victory for Mexico, it became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign invasion and has since been celebrated as a day of Mexican pride and heritage in the United States.

There are several reasons why Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo:

  • Mexican-American heritage: Cinco de Mayo is a significant holiday for Mexican-Americans, who make up a large and vibrant community in the United States. Many Mexican-Americans use Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to celebrate their culture and heritage.
  • Cultural exchange: Cinco de Mayo is a time for people of all backgrounds to learn about and appreciate Mexican culture. Many cities and towns in the United States host Cinco de Mayo festivals and celebrations, which often include traditional Mexican food, music, and dance.
  • Commercialization: Cinco de Mayo has become a major commercial holiday in the United States, with businesses offering special promotions and discounts. This has helped to raise awareness of the holiday and make it more popular among Americans of all backgrounds.

While Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in the United States, it is widely celebrated across the country. Many people use the day to enjoy Mexican food and drinks, listen to Mexican music, and learn more about Mexican culture.