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ePluribus: America is an on-line contemporary American culture magazine that incorporates the original concept of our nation's motto to provide cultural news coverage of America. Our motto is Humanity Starts With Culture.

Newbern, Alabama: A Historic Mayoral Victory After Years of Racist Strife

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“Patrick Braxton is the first Black person to become mayor in the small town of Newbern, Alabama, in the town’s 166-year history.” – ABC News

In the small town of Newbern, Alabama, a significant milestone has been achieved after a protracted legal battle. rooted in blatant racism and undemocratic practices reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Patrick Braxton, the first Black person to be elected mayor in the town’s 166-year history, has finally been recognized as the rightful leader of the town government after a 4-year legal battle.

Braxton’s journey to mayoral recognition was fraught with obstacles. After qualifying to run for the non-partisan position in 2020, Braxton became mayor-elect by default as the sole candidate. However, he was allegedly locked out of town hall and prevented from fulfilling his mayoral duties by some town officials.

This led to a protracted legal dispute that has now been resolved through a lawsuit settlement. The settlement not only acknowledges Braxton as the mayor of Newbern but also mandates the town to hold municipal elections, a practice that has been dormant for decades.

This historic victory for Braxton marks a turning point for Newbern, symbolizing a shift towards a more inclusive and democratic local government. The story of Patrick Braxton serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

 

The Legal Defense Fund, which represented Braxton and other residents, released this statement on behalf of the plaintiffs, “This victory marks a new chapter for Newbern,” said Mayor Patrick Braxton. “I am so grateful to finally get to serve the people of Newbern. This is a win for not only me, but for all of the residents of Newbern. After decades, we will finally be able to act as citizens to cast our ballots and actively participate in the democratic process. I look forward to working together with the city council and town residents to move forward and shape our collective future.”

The full press release can be found HERE.

According to official records, “Newbern, a tiny town of 133 people about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Selma, has a mayor-council government but did not hold elections for six decades. Instead, town officials governed through “hand-me-down” positions with the mayor appointing a successor and the successor appointing council members, according to the lawsuit filed by Braxton and others. That practice resulted in an overwhelmingly white government in a town where Black residents outnumber white residents by a 2-1 margin.

Celebrating the Legacy of James Baldwin

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James Baldwin, a prominent figure in American literature, was a novelist, essayist, playwright, and poet. Born in Harlem, New York — August 2, 1924 —Baldwin’s works delved into complex themes of race, sexuality, and identity, making him a leading voice of the Civil Rights Movement.

Baldwin’s early life was marked by poverty and hardship, yet he found solace in literature and writing during his high school years. After working as a waiter and janitor, he published his first novel, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” in 1953, which garnered critical acclaim.

His literary contributions extended beyond novels to essays, plays, and poetry. Among his most celebrated works are the novels “Another Country” (1962) and “The Fire Next Time” (1963), and the essay collection “Notes of a Native Son” (1955).

Baldwin fearlessly confronted societal injustices, using his platform to speak out against racism, the Vietnam War, and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. His writings also explored his experiences as a gay man, adding another layer of depth to his exploration of identity.

Renowned for his honesty, passion, and intellectual prowess, Baldwin’s work continues to resonate with readers today. His unflinching examination of social issues and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience have solidified his place as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century.

As we commemorate the centennial of his birth, it is essential to recognize James Baldwin’s invaluable contributions to American literature and social discourse. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of words to inspire change and promote understanding.

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.