Posts made in July 2024

The New Orleans Massacre of 1866: A Dark Day in Reconstruction Era

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“Immediately after this riot assumed a serious character, the police, aided by the citizens, became the assailants, and from the evidence I am forced to believe, exercised great brutality in making their arrests. Finally, they attacked Convention Hall and a protracted struggle ensued. The people inside the hall gave up some who surrendered, and were attacked afterward and brutally treated.” – U.S. General Absalom Baird, whose role was maintaining order and suppressing violence in the region during Reconstruction, wired this report to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

The Reconstruction Era following the Civil War was a time of great hope and upheaval, as the nation attempted to rebuild and reintegrate. However, this period was also marked by violence and racial tension. One such incident was the New Orleans Massacre of 1866, a tragic event that underscored the fragility of progress and the deep-seated resistance to equality.

On July 30, 1866, a white mob attacked a peaceful gathering of Black citizens and their white allies in New Orleans. The group had convened to advocate for Black voting rights and discuss reforming the state constitution. The ensuing violence left dozens of Black individuals dead and many more injured.

The massacre was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Black Americans in the post-war South. Despite the end of slavery, white supremacists sought to maintain their dominance through intimidation and violence. The New Orleans Massacre was a chilling example of the lengths to which they would go to suppress Black political power.

The incident also highlighted the federal government’s limitations in protecting Black citizens’ rights. Although the Reconstruction Acts were intended to enforce equality and safeguard Black suffrage, they were often met with resistance and undermined by local authorities. The New Orleans Massacre demonstrated the need for stronger federal intervention to ensure the safety and rights of Black Americans.

The New Orleans Massacre of 1866 serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States. It is a testament to the resilience of those who fought for equality in the face of violence and oppression. As we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality, it is essential to remember the lessons of the past and work towards a more just and equitable future for all.

Sonya Massey: A Life Cut Short by Standard Police Violence Against Black Folks

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“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” – Malcolm X

The murder of Sonya Massey – a 36-year-old Black woman – a victim of yet another unjustified act of police violence, has sparked outrage and calls for justice across the nation. Massey’s life was tragically cut short on July 6, 2024 during an encounter with law enforcement, leaving her family, her community and many across the nation shaken and devastated.

The loss of Massey, a mother of two, has left a void that cannot be filled and yet the incident has taken its place alongside the many others who have met a similar fate by the hands of police in these United States of America. Land of the free, home of the brave, we falsely claim. The rebuked demon responsible for her murder is also a figure in line with the thriving business of racism in America: an unqualified and deeply flawed white man who can get fired from multiple police departments, even get kicked out of the Army, and STILL enjoy the white privilege he naturally inherits as part of the lineage of white supremacy, the unrelenting terrorism of Jim Crow and David Duke’s hateful Klan that is part of our American culture. They don’t have to hang Black folks from trees anymore. They can simply put on a uniform and carry on the Black holocaust in America like it 1619. 

Although the police officer that should have never been one has been arrested and charged with murder, the investigation into the shooting continues. And despite Sean Grayson, the Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy who gunned down Massey in her own home after she called 9-11 for help, did not turn on his body camera during his callous act of violence, his partner did, which captured the horror that continues to send shock waves across the country. And the vicious white supremacist audacity of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois is clearly stated on their website, “No individual or small group hires or fires the Sheriff, or has the authority to interfere with the operations of the office.” Sheriff Jack Campbell is who hired this unqualified goon to terrorize the public he claims to serve and protect. If there is any justice, Campbell will be forced out of the office he wants to rule like an 1800s Klansman. 

The circumstances surrounding Massey’s untimely death is par for the course of American history. It is par for the course of the Black experience in America. And so, it is important that we, as a society, confront the issue of police violence, especially against Black people, and work towards a future where such tragedies are not just  prevented but severely punished. 

Grayson had a HISTORY of disciplinary issues. And yet, he was given a badge and a gun to terrorize the public. It is crystal clear that the “good old boys club” in America is alive and well ever since the birth of this nation built under the brutality of chattel slavery … Massey’s ancestors.  Audio recordings — obtained by CBS News — reveal concerns from superiors about Grayson’s integrity and misconduct. And yet, keeping in line with white privilege, Grayson kept his job. He was protected behind the blue wall of shame, racism and evil. How profoundly spiritual that Massey rebuked the demon standing before her in a police uniform before he shot her in the face. 

Our leaders are failing us in unimaginable ways.  From never-ending wars with standing ovations for a war criminal on the House floor, a compromised Congress ruled by a foreign lobby (AIPAC), including corporations, to the steady corroding of the values we supposedly espouse. We, the People are left to fend for ourselves as we tread these shark invested waters of our so-called democracy.

And so, a rally calling for #JusticeForSonyaMassey is taking place July 30th at 6 p.m. in Chicago. This is a call to action for all American communities to stand together and demand accountability. If you can, join to ensure that truth and justice prevail. Not just for Massey, but for all Americans. It’s time to end police brutality. It’s time to end the weaponizing of protecting and serving. It’s time to stop the unjust killings of Black people in America. 

 

OTD: The Declaration of the 14th Amendment

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“On July 28, 1868, the 14th amendment was declared, in a certificate of the Secretary of State, ratified by the necessary 28 of the 37 States, and became part of the supreme law of the land.” – National Archives

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted on 1868-07-09. It was one of the three Reconstruction Amendments adopted after the Civil War. The 14th Amendment has been interpreted to protect a wide range of individual rights, including the right to due process of law, the right to equal protection under the law, and the right to vote.

Background

The 14th Amendment was drafted in response to the Black Codes, a series of laws passed by Southern states after the Civil War that restricted the rights of African Americans. The amendment was designed to protect the civil rights of African Americans and to ensure that they were treated equally under the law.

Key Provisions

The 14th Amendment contains several key provisions, including:

  • The Citizenship Clause, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”
  • The Due Process Clause, which states that no state shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
  • The Equal Protection Clause, which states that no state shall “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Interpretation

The 14th Amendment has been interpreted by the Supreme Court in a number of landmark cases. These cases have established that the 14th Amendment protects a wide range of individual rights, including:

  • The right to due process of law, which means that the government must follow certain procedures before it can deprive a person of life, liberty, or property.
  • The right to equal protection under the law, which means that the government must treat all people equally.
  • The right to vote, which is guaranteed by the 15th Amendment but is also protected by the 14th Amendment.

Legacy

The 14th Amendment has had a profound impact on American law and society. It has been used to protect the rights of African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups. It has also been used to strike down laws that discriminate against these groups. The 14th Amendment is a key part of the foundation of American democracy.

Letter to Harriet Tubman

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Rochester, August 29, 1868

Dear Harriet: I am glad to know that the story of your eventful life has been written by a kind lady, and that the same is soon to be published. You ask for what you do not need when you call upon me for a word of commendation. I need such words from you far more than you can need them from me, especially where your superior labors and devotion to the cause of the lately enslaved of our land are known as I know them.

The difference between us is very marked. Most that I have done and suffered in the service of our cause has been in public, and I have received much encouragement at every step of the way. You, on the other hand, have labored in a private way. I have wrought in the day – you in the night. I have had the applause of the crowd and the satisfaction that comes of being approved by the multitude, while the most that you have done has been witnessed by a few trembling, scarred, and foot-sore bondmen and women, whom you have led out of the house of bondage, and whose heartfelt, “God bless you,” has been your only reward.

The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and of your heroism. Excepting John Brown – of sacred memory – I know of no one who has willingly encountered more perils and hardships to serve our enslaved people than you have. Much that you have done would seem improbable to those who do not know you as I know you. It is to me a great pleasure and a great privilege to bear testimony for your character and your works, and to say to those to whom you may come, that I regard you in every way truthful and trustworthy.

Your friend,
Frederick Douglass.

Kamala Harris: From VP to Madam President?

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Kamala Devi Harris, the 49th and current vice president of the United States is a prominent figure in American politics and law. Her distinction and political journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant milestones. As a member of the Democratic Party, Harris’s election to the vice presidency in 2020 made her the first female to hold this high office. Her ascendancy to the second-highest position in the United States government shattered long-standing barriers and set a precedent for future generations.

Harris’s vice presidency is not only historic but also reflective of the evolving demographics and aspirations of the American people. Growing up as the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, Harris embodies the diversity that has come to define the United States. Her background as a prosecutor and attorney general in California brought valuable experience and perspective to the vice presidential role. Harris’s commitment to justice and her advocacy for criminal justice reform earned her respect from both sides of the aisle.

As vice president, Harris has taken on a range of responsibilities, including serving as the chair of the National Space Council and leading diplomatic efforts on behalf of the United States. Her foreign policy engagements have focused on strengthening alliances, promoting democracy, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and poverty. Harris’s vice presidency has not been without its challenges. She has faced criticism from both within and outside her party, with some arguing that she has not done enough to address pressing issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic inequality, border security and immigration.

Despite the obstacles, Harris has remained resilient and committed to her role as vice president. Her work reflects her deep-seated belief in the importance of public service and her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of all Americans. As she continues to serve the nation, Harris now stands as the Democratic Party symbol of hope, progress, and the unwavering pursuit of a more just and equitable society, now that President Joe Biden is stepping aside as a candidate in the 2024 election. He threw his endorsement behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. 

The president’s statement on X reads, “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.” With reports suggesting Sen. Joe Manchin may change party and challenge Harris, the vice president will start to consolidate support from Democratic legislators, governors and advocacy groups. 

The Cyclical Nature of Political Assassinations in America

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Political assassinations have been a recurring feature in American history, often shaping the course of the nation. From presidents to civil rights leaders, these targeted killings have left a lasting impact.

In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. This event shocked the nation and had far-reaching consequences for Reconstruction and the future of race relations in America. Decades later, in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas. The assassination led to widespread grief and conspiracy theories that persist to this day.

Civil rights leaders were also targets of political assassinations. In 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated by members of the Nation of Islam, and in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray. These killings were a major setback for the civil rights movement and highlighted the deep racial divisions in American society.

What were the motives behind the assassination of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.?

The motives behind the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were complex and multifaceted.

In the case of Malcolm X, his assassination, with alleged covert government assistance, was carried out by members of the Nation of Islam, a group he had once been a prominent member of. However, he had become increasingly critical of the Nation and its leader, Elijah Muhammad, in the years leading up to his death. His criticisms and his formation of a rival organization, the Organization of Afro-American Unity, are believed to have been key factors in the decision to assassinate him.

The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. was carried out by James Earl Ray, a white supremacist. Ray had a history of racism and criminal activity. While his exact motives remain somewhat unclear, it is widely believed that his hatred of King and the civil rights movement played a significant role in his decision to commit the assassination.

In both cases, the assassinations were driven by a combination of political, ideological, and personal factors. They were acts of violence that had a profound impact on the civil rights movement and American society as a whole.

More recently, there have been attempts on the lives of other political figures. In 2011, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot in the head during a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona. She survived but was left with severe injuries. And in 2024, former President Donald Trump was reportedly shot at by a sniper during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. He was not injured, but the incident underscored the ongoing threat of political violence.

And these are just a few examples of the many political assassinations that have taken place in America. These events have had a profound impact on the nation, shaping its history and its politics. It is important to remember these events and to learn from them, so that we can work to prevent future acts of political violence, like the recent assassination attempt of Republican nominee for president, well known for his own incitement of political violence, former president Donald Trump who survived a snipers bullets that nearly ending his life. The shooting at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania took the life of one rally attendee and wounded several others.  

Here are a few other attempted assassinations and assassinations of U.S. presidents in American history:

  • James Garfield: Wounded July 2, 1881, he died 79 days later
  • William McKinley: Wounded September 6, 1901, he died 8 days later
  • Theodore Roosevelt: Attempted assassination on Oct 14, 1912
  • Andrew Jackson: Attempted assassination Jan. 30, 1835 outside the Capitol Building
  • William Howard Taft: Attempted assassination alleged in 1909 and 1910
  • Herbert Hoover: Attempted assassination alleged in 1928
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt: Attempted assassination Feb 15, 1933
  • Harry S. Truman: Attempted assassination in 1947 during the Jewish insurgency in Palestine before the formation of the State of Israel, and November 1, 1950, Puerto Rican pro-independence activists
  • Richard Nixon: Attempted assassination on April 13, 1972 and on February 22, 1974
  • Gerald Ford: Attempted assassination August 1974; September 5, 1975; September 22, 1975
  • Jimmy Carter: Alleged attempted assassination May 5, 1979

Officials: Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania

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Former president Donald Trump and presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election appears to have been shot at by a sniper during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Video of the incident show Trump was graced by potential bullets, and was bloodied on his head close to his ear, and escorted defiantly off the stage by secret service agents.

Preliminary news reports say that the suspected shooter is deceased, including a rally attendee. There are also reports of two critically injured people.  

What to know, according to the Associated Press:

  • What happened: Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when a popping sound was heard, and the former president put his right hand up to his right ear. It’s still not clear yet whether Trump was struck by gunfire or was injured as he was pulled to the ground by agents.
  • What we know about the shooter: Two officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. They said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents. Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, an AP source says.
  • Biden’s response: In a televised address, the president said “everybody must condemn” the attack, he is relieved that Trump is reportedly “doing well”. His campaign said it’s pausing all messaging to supporters and is working to pull down all of its television ads as quickly as possible.

HERE’s the full early report from the AP.

Richard Simons “The Pied Piper of Pounds” Has Died

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Richard Simons was a fitness guru and personal trainer who helped countless people achieve their health and fitness goals. With years of experience in the fitness industry, Simons was known for his infectious spirited attitude, his knowledge, expertise, and commitment to helping his obese clients succeed against the odds. He exuded joy and passion for helping people struggling with their weight and not stigmatizing them for it. 

With the passing of Dr. Ruth, the world lost two iconic people back to back. One taught us to loosen the constraints of sex and to pursue healthy sexual lives, while the other showed us how to workout and have fun doing it. Dr. Ruth was 96 and Richard Simmons was 76. Perhaps longevity lies in sexuality… who knows, either way, both of their passing signals an end to an old America, a chapter that in hindsight seemed more peaceful. But, I digress. 

Simons began his fitness journey as a teenager, competing in track and field and cross country. He went on to earn a degree in exercise science from the University of California, Berkeley, and later became certified as a personal trainer by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Training Philosophy

Simons’ training philosophy is based on the belief that everyone has the potential to achieve their fitness goals. He takes a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on the whole person and not just their physical health. He believes that fitness should be enjoyable and sustainable, and he works with his clients to develop personalized programs that fit their individual needs and goals.

Success Stories

Simons has helped countless clients achieve their fitness goals. Some of his success stories include:

  • Helping a client lose 100 pounds and keep it off for over five years
  • Helping a client overcome a chronic back injury and regain her ability to run
  • Helping a client prepare for and complete a triathlon

Media and Publications

Simons has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and Shape. He is also the author of two books on fitness, “The 10 Commandments of Fitness” and “The 30-Day Body Transformation.”

Awards and Recognition

Simons has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including:

  • NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year
  • American Council on Exercise (ACE) Fitness Professional of the Year
  • IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year

Legacy

Simons was a true pioneer in the fitness industry. He helped countless people achieve their fitness goals, and his work has inspired others to pursue careers in fitness. He was a role model for fitness professionals and a true asset to the industry.  He was born on July 12, 1948 and died at age 76 on July 13, 2024, a day after celebrating his birthday. 

The Legacy of Dr. Ruth, America’s Favorite Sex Therapist

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Dr. Ruth Westheimer, known affectionately as “Dr. Ruth,” was a pioneering sex therapist and media personality who revolutionized the way people thought and talked about sex. Through her books, television shows, and radio programs, she provided frank and compassionate advice on a wide range of sexual issues, helping to break down taboos and empower individuals to embrace their sexuality.

Born Karola Ruth Siegel in Germany in 1928, Dr. Ruth survived the Holocaust and immigrated to the United States in 1956. She earned a doctorate in education from Columbia University and began her career as a sex therapist in the 1970s. 

In 1980, Dr. Ruth launched her nationally syndicated radio show, “Sexually Speaking,” which quickly became one of the most popular radio programs in the country. Her warm and approachable manner, combined with her no-nonsense advice, made her a trusted voice on all things sex.

In addition to her radio show, Dr. Ruth hosted several television shows, including “The Dr. Ruth Show” and “Ask Dr. Ruth.” She also wrote over 45 books on sex and relationships, including “Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex” and “The New Our Bodies, Ourselves.”

Dr. Ruth’s work had a profound impact on American culture. She helped to destigmatize sex and make it a topic that could be discussed openly and honestly. She also advocated for sexual pleasure and fulfillment for both men and women, regardless of age or ability. Recently, she was appointed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as the state’s honorary ambassador to loneliness.

Dr. Ruth passed away at age 96 in her Manhattan home on Friday, July 12. According to reports, she is survived by her two children and four grandchildren. Dr. Ruth’s legacy will continues to inspire and empower people around the world. She was a trailblazer who paved the way for a more open and informed dialogue about sex and sexuality. Her work will continue to impact future generations, helping them to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on This History

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In the shadow of the Civil War, a new form of racial segregation emerged in the United States: the sundown town. These were communities, predominantly in the North and Midwest, that actively excluded Black Americans from residing within their borders. While the South was notorious for its Jim Crow laws, sundown towns operated under a cloak of informal intimidation, often enforced through violence and threats.

The term “sundown town” originated from the chilling signs posted at the town limits, warning Black people: “Don’t let the sun go down on you in ____.” This sharp message served as a stark reminder that Black presence after dark was unwelcome, and could result in violence or even death.

The origins of sundown towns can be traced back to the late 19th century, following the end of Reconstruction. As white supremacy regained its grip, Black Americans faced a resurgence of discrimination and violence. Sundown towns became a way to enforce segregation, not through legal statutes, but through fear and intimidation.

These towns employed various tactics to maintain their racial exclusivity. In some cases, violence and threats were used to drive out Black residents. Others relied on economic pressure, denying Black people access to jobs or housing. Still others employed social ostracization, making it impossible for Black people to feel welcome or integrated into the community.

The impact of sundown towns on Black communities was profound. It limited their access to housing, jobs, and education, and created a climate of fear and isolation. It also contributed to the perpetuation of racial stereotypes and prejudices.

While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial discrimination in housing, the legacy of sundown towns persists. Many of these communities remain predominantly white, with limited opportunities for Black residents. The scars of past discrimination continue to shape the social and economic landscape of these towns.

Unveiling the Hidden History:

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to shed light on the history of sundown towns. Researchers have compiled extensive databases and maps, documenting the existence of these communities across the country. Historians and activists are working to raise awareness about this often-overlooked chapter of American history.

Moving Forward:

Understanding the history of sundown towns is crucial for confronting the ongoing challenges of racial injustice in the United States. By acknowledging this dark chapter, we can begin to dismantle the structures of segregation that continue to exist, and work towards building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Here are some resources for learning more about sundown towns:

Let us not allow the sun to set on the truth. Let us confront the history of sundown towns, and work towards a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Sundown towns employed a variety of tactics to maintain their racial exclusivity, often operating through a combination of overt and covert methods. Here are some of the most common:

Overt tactics:

  • Intimidation and violence: Sundown towns used threats, harassment, and physical violence to drive out Black residents and visitors. This could include vandalism, property damage, arson, and even lynching’s.
  • Signs and warnings: Many sundown towns posted signs at their borders explicitly stating that Black people were not welcome after dark. These signs served as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating the town’s racial code.
  • Curfews: Some sundown towns imposed curfews specifically on Black residents, limiting their movement after dark and making it difficult for them to work or socialize.
  • Denial of services: Black people were often denied access to basic services, such as housing, jobs, food, and healthcare. This made it extremely difficult for them to survive in sundown towns.
  • Economic pressure: Sundown towns sometimes used economic pressure to force Black residents out. This could include denying them access to credit, refusing to hire them, or boycotting their businesses.

Covert tactics:

  • Social ostracization: Sundown towns often used social ostracization to make Black residents feel unwelcome and isolated. This could include excluding them from social events, refusing to speak to them, and spreading rumors about them.
  • Discrimination in law enforcement: Black people were often subjected to discriminatory treatment by law enforcement in sundown towns. This could include being stopped and questioned without cause, arrested for minor offenses, or subjected to excessive force.
  • Discrimination in housing: Black people were often denied access to desirable housing in sundown towns. This could include being steered away from certain neighborhoods, being charged higher rents, or being denied mortgages.
  • Discrimination in education: Black children were often denied access to quality education in sundown towns. This could include being segregated into inferior schools, being denied access to certain courses, or being subjected to racial harassment and discrimination from teachers and students.

These tactics were used to create a climate of fear and intimidation that made it difficult for Black people to live in sundown towns. The goal was to maintain racial segregation and white supremacy, and to prevent Black people from achieving economic or social equality. Today, sundown towns operate in the dark and will coordinated efforts from some in law enforcement. Case in point is the story of Rasheem Carter.