Posts made in June 2024

OTD: Civil Rights Icon Angela Davis Acquitted of All Charges in 1972

Leave a reply

On June 4, 1972, Angela Davis was acquitted of all charges related to a 1970 courthouse shootout that left four people dead. Davis, a prominent civil rights activist and member of the Black Panther Party, was accused of providing the guns used in the shootout, which occurred during an attempt to free three inmates from the Marin County Courthouse in San Rafael, California.

The trial of Angela Davis was a major event in the civil rights movement of the 1970s. Davis’ acquittal was seen as a victory for the movement, and she became a symbol of the struggle for justice.

Background of the Case

In 1970, Davis was a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She was also a member of the Black Panther Party, a revolutionary organization that advocated for the self-defense of African Americans.

On August 7, 1970, three inmates—Jonathan Jackson, William Christmas, and James McClain—attempted to escape from the Marin County Courthouse. During the escape attempt, a shootout occurred between the inmates and the police. Four people were killed in the shootout, including Judge Harold Haley, inmate Jonathan Jackson, and two jurors.

Davis was not present at the shootout, but she was accused of providing the guns used in the escape attempt. She was arrested on October 13, 1970, and charged with conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.

The Trial

Davis’ trial began on March 8, 1972. The prosecution presented evidence that Davis had purchased the guns used in the escape attempt and that she had been in contact with the inmates involved in the shootout.

Davis’ defense team argued that she was not involved in the escape attempt and that the prosecution’s case was based on circumstantial evidence. They also argued that Davis was a political prisoner and that her trial was politically motivated.

The Verdict

After a three-month trial, the jury acquitted Davis of all charges on June 4, 1972. The acquittal was a major victory for the civil rights movement and for Davis herself.

The Aftermath

After her acquittal, Davis continued to be a prominent civil rights activist. She has written several books and has lectured extensively on issues of race, gender, and class. She is also a professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Davis’ acquittal is a reminder of the importance of the civil rights movement in the United States. It is also a reminder of the power of the people to fight for justice. 

Daily Cannabis Use Surpasses Daily Drinking in The U.S.

Leave a reply

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) recently released its findings with decades worth of data, shedding light on drug use and mental health in the United States.  According to the report, the per capita rate of high-frequency marijuana use saw a 14-fold increase since 1992. Here are additional key takeaways from the survey:

Substance Use:

  • Marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug, with 48.2 million Americans aged 12 or older reporting using it in the past year.
  • An an estimated 17.7 million people used marijuana daily or almost daily in 2022, compared to 14.7 million people who drank alcohol at the same rate.
  • Alcohol consumption is prevalent, with 139.8 million Americans aged 12 or older reporting drinking in the past year.
  • Prescription opioid misuse decreased from 9.7 million in 2017 to 6.1 million in 2020.
  • Heroin use remains relatively stable, with approximately 0.5 million Americans reporting use in the past year.
  • Methamphetamine use has increased in recent years, with 1.5 million Americans reporting use in the past year.

Jonathan Caulkins, cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University said, “A good 40 percent of current cannabis users are using it daily or near daily, a pattern that is more associated with tobacco use than typical alcohol use.” According to officials, Caulkins is the author of the study published in the journal Addiction in May.

Mental Health:

    • Nearly one in five Americans experienced a mental illness in the past year.
    • Major depression is the most common mental illness, affecting 21.0 million Americans in the past year.
    • Anxiety disorders are also prevalent, with 41.6 million Americans reporting an anxiety disorder in the past year.
    • Suicide ideation remains a concern, with 12.2 million Americans reporting serious thoughts of suicide in the past year.
    • Substance use disorders and mental illness often co-occur, with 8.1 million Americans experiencing both in the past year.

    The NSDUH findings underscore the need for continued efforts to address substance use and mental health issues in the United States. Comprehensive public health strategies, including prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, are essential to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

    The Rare Planetary Alignment in Gemini

    Leave a reply

    The Jun 3, 2024 astrological conjunction is a rare and significant event that will occur when the planets align in the sign of Gemini. This conjunction is said to bring about major changes and shifts in the world, and it is believed to be a time of great opportunity and potential.

    “In the early morning, six planets — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — will align in the sky. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn may be spotted with the naked eye, but you’ll need a telescope or high-powered binoculars to see Neptune and Uranus.” – Star Walk 

    NASA chimed in with a statement to dampen some of the excitement for starwatchers eager to see the planets in alignment. “Some online sources have shared excitement about a ‘parade of planets’ visible in the morning sky in early June (June 3 in particular). In reality, only two of the six planets supposedly on display — Saturn and Mars — will actually be visible.”

    What is an astrological conjunction?

    An astrological conjunction occurs when two or more planets appear to be in the same degree of the zodiac. This can be a significant event, as it can indicate a time of change and transformation.

    What is the significance of the Jun 3, 2024 conjunction?

    The Jun 3, 2024 conjunction is significant because it is a rare occurrence. Jupiter and Saturn only align in Gemini about once every 20 years. This conjunction is also said to be powerful because it occurs in the sign of Gemini, which is a mutable sign. Mutable signs are known for their adaptability and flexibility, so this conjunction may bring about a time of great change and transformation.

    What can we expect from the Jun 3, 2024 conjunction?

    The Jun 3, 2024 conjunction is said to bring about a number of changes and shifts in the world. These changes may be positive or negative, but they are likely to be significant. Some of the potential changes that may occur include:

    • A shift in the global economy
    • A change in the political landscape
    • A major technological breakthrough
    • A natural disaster
    • A spiritual awakening

    How can we prepare for the Jun 3, 2024 conjunction?

    There are a number of things that we can do to prepare for the Jun 3, 2024 conjunction. These include:

    • Staying informed about current events
    • Being open to change
    • Trusting our intuition
    • Taking care of our physical and mental health
    • Connecting with our spiritual side

    OTD: Harriet Tubman’s Raid on Combahee Ferry

    Leave a reply

    Harriet Tubman’s Raid on Combahee Ferry

    • Date: Jun 2, 1863
    • Location: Combahee River, South Carolina
    • Freedom Fighters: Harriet Tubman, 150 freed slaves, and the Union Navy
    • Result: A successful raid that freed 750 enslaved people

    Background

    Harriet Tubman was a former slave who became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom in the North. In 1863, she led a daring raid on Combahee Ferry, South Carolina, where she guided 150 freed slaves to freedom aboard three Union Navy gunboats.

    The Raid

    Tubman and the freed slaves boarded the gunboats at night and sailed up the Combahee River. They avoided Confederate mines and patrols, and eventually reached the Union-controlled town of Beaufort. The raid was a complete success, and Tubman was hailed as a hero.

    “Once ashore, the Union troops set fire to the plantations, destroying infrastructure and seizing thousands of dollars worth of food and supplies. When the steamboats sounded their whistles, slaves throughout the area understood that it was being liberated. Tubman watched as slaves stampeded toward the boats. “I never saw such a sight,” she said later, describing a scene of chaos with women carrying still-steaming pots of rice, pigs squealing in bags slung over shoulders, and babies hanging around their parents’ necks.

    Although their owners, armed with handguns and whips, tried to stop the mass escape, their efforts were nearly useless in the tumult. As confederate troops raced to the scene, steamboats packed full of slaves took off toward Beaufort. More than 700 slaves were rescued in the Combahee River Raid. Newspapers heralded Tubman’s ‘patriotism, sagacity, energy and ability,’ and she was praised for her recruiting efforts – most of the newly liberated men went on to join the Union army.” – African Archives Educational Center

    Significance

    The Combahee Ferry Raid was a major victory for the Union and a turning point in the Civil War. It also marked the first time that a woman had led a military operation in the United States. Tubman’s courage and determination inspired others, and she became a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

    American Legacy: Michelle Obama’s Mother, Marian Shields Robinson Dies at 86

    Leave a reply

    “Of course, I’m thinking about my mommy, Marian Robinson who is sitting in the front row, supporting us like she has always done, always putting herself last on the list, so that she can give me and Craig, our children, everything that makes today possible,” Michelle Obama said during her portrait unveiling in 2018. 

    Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, has passed away. She was 86 years old.

    Undoubtedly, she leaves behind a legacy that will forever shape our humanity and American culture. Marian Shields Robinson lived a life that exemplified womanhood in a cruel world, and like a candle in the wind, she showed the world the face of strength, grace through sacrifice, and the meaning of family.

    Here are some thoughts on her passing and legacy…

    Project 2025: The Ultraconservative Policy Agenda for America

    Leave a reply

    Nine years in the making, Project 2025 is a long-term strategic plan, the effort of a “broad coalition of conservative organizations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025.” The goal of Project 2025 is to secure Republican majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and the presidency by 2025.

    According to its authors, “the goal of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project […] build on four pillars that will, collectively, pave the way for an effective conservative administration: a policy agenda, personnel, training, and a 180-day playbook.”

    They say the plan focuses on several key areas, including:

    • Strengthening the Republican brand and message
    • Increasing voter registration and turnout
    • Improving fundraising and campaign operations
    • Recruiting and training candidates
    • Developing a strong ground game

    Project 2025 has been criticized by some Republicans and Democrats, who argue that it is too ambitious and divisive, and that it ignores the importance of state and local races. However, The Heritage Foundation has defended the plan, saying that it is necessary to address the challenges facing the Republican Party and the country.

    According to news reports, the ultraconservative group has spent more than a year recruiting people to implement Project 2025 within a Trump administration if he’s elected president again. 

    Protests led by activists and civil rights groups against Project 2025 say the initiative threatens our democracy and marginalizes communities, especially BIPOC. Demonstrations aim to raise awareness and mobilize opposition to prevent its implementation.

    Tamani Mwandani, founder of 3 Levels Edutainment, is advocating awareness and action against the alarming implications of Project 2025,“ In an interview with The Miami Times, he said, “Not since the presidency of Ronald Reagan and his ‘trickle-down economics,’ ‘welfare queens,’ the flooding of Black communities with crack cocaine, which was extremely detrimental and harmful to the forward progress of Black people, have Black, brown and grassroots communities faced a greater threat than that of Project 2025.” Mwandani’s says his organization is hosting a multi-weekend community gathering (June 9 and June 23) to break down Project 2025 and its most dangerous goals.

    The success of Project 2025 remains to be seen, especially following the unprecedented conviction of presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump. Nevertheless, it is clear the Republican Party is committed to winning elections and changing our democracy for their will in the years to come.