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.
“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.
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.
The 45th U.S. president, Donald J. Trump, has become the first former president to be convicted on criminal charges.
The presumptive Republican 2024 presidential nominee was found guilty on all 34 counts by a jury in the unprecedented criminal prosecution of a former president.
Trump was accused of illegally trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, with whom he had a sexual encounter with and that threatened to derail his 2016 campaign. The bombshell verdict ends a dramatic seven-week trial in Manhattan Supreme Court where jurors heard testimony from Daniels and Trump’s former protector and enabler, Michael Cohen.
Trump, 77, was found guilty of falsifying business records throughout 2017 by lying that he was paying his then-lawyer, Cohen, for legal services when he was actually reimbursing him for the hush money he paid Daniels about having sex with Trump inside a Lake Tahoe hotel room in 2006. Officials say, each of the counts the 45th president faces comes with a maximum penalty of four years imprisonment.
Could Trump go to prison? Legal minds say it is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, Trump is facing 136 years behind bars if given consecutive sentences. Officials say it’s more likely that he would be given concurrent sentences for each of the 34 counts. In reality, Trump is facing four years behind bars. But, the judge could also not sentence him to time behind bars.
“Whites Only” signs and racial preferences for American jobs, neighborhoods and even voting were a ubiquitous norm and symbol of racial segregation in the United States for much of the 20th century. These signs and racial preferences were used to restrict access to public facilities, such as schools, parks, and swimming pools, as well as private businesses, such as restaurants and hotels. These signs and racial preferences were a stark reminder of the culture of racism, the second-class status of African Americans and other people of color. Although much progress has been made for a better America, a recent job posting seeking “white” candidates offered evidence of the systemic racism that remains in our society, and a jarring reminder of a country still under construction to bring about sincere change.
The origins of “Whites Only” signs and clearly noted preferences can be traced back to the Jim Crow era, which began in the late 19th century and lasted until the mid-20th century. However, racism and discrimination is part of the bedrock of America. Still, during this time, southern states passed a series of laws that established a system of racial segregation. These laws mandated the separation of Blacks and whites in all aspects of public life, including education, transportation, and housing.
“By the 1890s the expression “Jim Crow” was being used to describe laws and customs aimed at segregating African Americans and others. These laws were intended to restrict social contact between whites and other groups and to limit the freedom and opportunity of people of color.” – Smithsonian National Museum of American History
“Whites Only” signs and preferences were a key part of the Jim Crow system. They were used to enforce segregation and to remind African Americans of their inferior status. These signs and racial preference were often placed in prominent locations, such as the entrances of public buildings and businesses, including the “whites only” job posting from Arthur Grand that led to the Justice Department’s “determination that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by posting a discriminatory job advertisement in March 2023 that restricted eligible candidates to ‘only US Born Citizens [white] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Don’t share with candidates].’ (brackets in original). The Labor Department’s agreement resolves its determination that Arthur Grand violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.”
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s challenged the Jim Crow system and led to the passage of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws outlawed segregation and discrimination based on race. As a result, “Whites Only” signs and racial preferences for social access, housing and jobs began to disappear from public places.
Today, open use of “Whites Only” signs and preferences are supposed to be a relic of the past. But they’re not, as racism remains an insidious evil that operates in the dark as Arthur Grand reminds. Systemic racism in hiring is real and active. Racism and open discrimination, once rampant in the United States, still runs amuck. These discrimination practices that some corporations and institutions still protect and uphold remain a stain and part of the fabric of the nation. Nonetheless, Arthur Grand’s discrimination practices and DOJ’s investigation and subsequent response is a reminder of the on-going struggle for civil rights, the progress that has been made and continues to be made.
“It’s an international signal of distress!” Martha-Ann Alito allegedly shouted at Bob Barnes, the former Washington Post Supreme Court reporter who asked about the upside-down America flag displayed on her lawn in January 2021 at the home she shares with her husband, Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito.
In addition to the ethics concerns, the raising of an upside-down American flag has become a national tradition, however, the U.S. Flag Code, which governs the display and use of the American flag, does not specifically address the display of an upside-down flag as a symbol of distress. Nonetheless, there is a long-standing tradition of using an upside-down flag to signal distress or dire need of assistance.
The origin of this tradition is unclear, but it is believed to date back to the early days of maritime signaling. In the 1800s, ships in distress would often fly their flags upside down to attract attention and signal their need for help. This practice was eventually adopted by land-based organizations, such as the military and civilian emergency services.
Today, the display of an upside-down American flag is generally recognized as a symbol of distress. It is often used in emergency situations, such as when a person is lost or injured, or when a property is in danger. In some cases, like the one flown at Justice Alito’s home in 2021, an upside-down flag may also be used as a protest symbol, to express dissatisfaction with the government or other authority figures.
It is important to note that the display of an upside-down flag is not without controversy. Some people believe that it is disrespectful to the flag and should not be used under any circumstances. Others argue that it is a legitimate way to signal distress or protest. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to display an upside-down flag is a personal one.
“What we now know as Memorial Day began as “Decoration Day” in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. Civil War. It was a tradition initiated by former slaves to celebrate emancipation and commemorate those who died for that cause.” – Liberation News
If you do a quick internet search about the history and significance of Memorial Day, a whitewashed version of the origin of Memorial Day will propagate, even though the truth of the official commemoration of our nation’s fallen soldiers is rooted in African-American history following the Civil War. This assertion is backed by historians of U.S. history, including Howard Zinn and David W. Blight.
“Over time several American towns, north and south, claimed to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. But all of them commemorate cemetery decoration events from 1866. Pride of place as the first large scale ritual of Decoration Day, therefore, goes to African Americans in Charleston. By their labor, their words, their songs, and their solemn parade of flowers and marching feet on their former owners’ race course, they created for themselves, and for us, the Independence Day of the Second American Revolution.” – David W. Blight. Blight, professor of American history at Yale University and director of the Gilder-Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance and Abolition.
Click HERE to learn more about the political hijacking of Decoration Day. For an additional historical account of the origin of Memorial Day or Decoration Day, click HERE.
Wikipedia participates in the disinformation campaign of Memorial Day, even crediting those who feigned ignorance of Decoration Day and denied the origin of these sacred commemorations.
Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on the last Monday of May. It commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Origins of Memorial Day
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the American Civil War (1861-1865). What we now know as Memorial Day began as “Decoration Day” in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. Civil War. It was a tradition initiated by former slaves to celebrate emancipation and commemorate those who died for that cause.
Meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor the sacrifices made by those who died in service to their country. It is also a day to reflect on the true meaning of freedom and democracy.
Memorial Day Traditions
There are many ways to observe Memorial Day. Some people visit cemeteries to pay their respects to fallen soldiers. Others attend parades or memorial services. Many people also spend time with family and friends, remembering those who are no longer with us. Regardless of how Americans decide to mark Memorial Day, it is imperative to remember and teach that its history and origin is in African-American history and culture. This piece of American history matters in the pursuit of a better nation for all.
“At 9 a.m. on May 1, the procession stepped off led by three thousand Black schoolchildren carrying arm loads of roses and singing “John Brown’s Body.” The children were followed by several hundred Black women with baskets of flowers, wreaths and crosses. Then came Black men marching in cadence, followed by contingents of Union infantry and other Black and white citizens. As many as possible gathering in the cemetery enclosure; a childrens’ choir sang “We’ll Rally around the Flag,” the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and several spirituals before several Black ministers read from scripture. No record survives of which biblical passages rung out in the warm spring air, but the spirit of Leviticus 25 was surely present at those burial rites: “for it is the jubilee; it shall be holy unto you. . . . in the year of this jubilee he shall return every man unto his own possession.”
“Following the solemn dedication the crowd dispersed into the infield and did what many of us do on Memorial Day: they enjoyed picnics, listened to speeches, and watched soldiers drill. Among the full brigade of Union infantry participating was the famous 54th Massachusetts and the 34th and 104th U.S. Colored Troops, who performed a special double-columned march around the gravesite. The war was over, and Decoration Day had been founded by African Americans in a ritual of remembrance and consecration. The war, they had boldly announced, had been all about the triumph of their emancipation over a slaveholders’ republic, and not about state rights, defense of home, nor merely soldiers’ valor and sacrifice.”
Memorial Day Quotes
“In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country have always stepped up to the plate. They have run toward danger in order to protect the people they love and the values they hold dear. That’s the story of Memorial Day.”—Barack Obama
“Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives for our country. It is also a day to reflect on the true meaning of freedom and democracy.”—John F. Kennedy
The June 4, 2024 primary in Washington, DC will be held to select the Democratic and Republican nominees for various local and federal offices, including the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, and the members of the D.C. Council.
Click HERE for list of Early Vote Centers for each Ward.
Key Dates
Voter Registration Deadline:Apr 15, 2024
Early Voting:May 20, 2024–May 31, 2024
Election Day:June 4, 2024
Who Can Vote?
To be eligible to vote in the June 4, 2024 primary in Washington, DC, you must be:
A U.S. citizen
A resident of the District of Columbia
At least 18 years old on or before Election Day
Qualified non-citizen DC residents may vote in local elections (UPDATE)
How to Register to Vote
You can register to vote in Washington, DC online, by mail, or in person.
To register online:
Go to the DC Board of Elections website: dcboe.org.
James Zwerg (born Mar 25, 1940) is an American civil rights activist and college professor. He is best known for being the first white student to enroll at the University of Mississippi in 1962, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
Zwerg was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in a working-class family. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he became involved in the civil rights movement. In 1962, Zwerg decided to transfer to the University of Mississippi, a historically all-white school in the Deep South. His enrollment was met with violent opposition from white segregationists, who rioted and attacked Zwerg and other Black students.
After Zwerg woke up, he said from his hospital bed, “Segregation must be stopped. It must be broken down. Those of us on the Freedom Rides will continue…. We’re dedicated to this, we’ll take hitting, we’ll take beating. We’re willing to accept death. But we’re going to keep coming.”
Despite the violence, Zwerg persisted in his studies and eventually graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1963. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Zwerg has worked as a college professor and civil rights activist throughout his career. He has taught at Tougaloo College, Mississippi Valley State University, and Jackson State University. He has also worked with the NAACP and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Zwerg’s story is a reminder of the courage and determination of the civil rights activists who fought for equality in the United States. He is an inspiration to all who work for justice and equality.
Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual event that takes place in May and aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage people to seek help if they are struggling. It is a time for us to come together as a community and show our support for those affected by mental illness.
Why is Mental Health Awareness Month important?
Mental health problems are common, affecting many individuals and families in the US every year. However, there is still a lot of stigma associated with mental illness, which can make it difficult for people to seek help. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to challenge this stigma and to encourage people to talk about their mental health. It is a time for us to educate ourselves about mental health issues and to show compassion and understanding to those who are struggling. Click HERE for the state of mental health in America.
What happens during Mental Health Awareness Month?
During Mental Health Awareness Month, there are a number of events and activities that take place across the UK to raise awareness of mental health issues. These events include:
Talks and workshops on mental health
Information stalls
Fundraising events
Social media campaigns
These events are a great opportunity to learn more about mental health and to connect with others who are affected by it. They are also a chance to show our support for those who are struggling and to let them know that they are not alone.
How can I get involved?
There are a number of ways that you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness Month:
Attend events in your local area
Talk to your friends and family about mental health
Share information about mental health on social media
Donate to a mental health charity
Volunteer your time to a mental health organization
By getting involved in Mental Health Awareness Month, you can help to make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness. You can help to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a more understanding and supportive community.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for us to come together and show our support for those affected by mental illness. It is a time for us to educate ourselves, to show compassion, and to make a difference.
Black Wall Street was a thriving African American business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the turn of the 20th century. It was one of the most prosperous black communities in the United States and was known for its black-owned businesses, schools, churches, and hospitals.
The community was founded in 1906 by a group of Black entrepreneurs who had been forced out of other parts of Tulsa due to racial discrimination. Black Wall Street quickly became a symbol of black economic empowerment and was home to a thriving middle class.
Unfortunately, Black Wall Street was destroyed in the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, when a white mob attacked the community, killing an estimated 300 people and burning down over 1,000 homes and businesses. The massacre was one of the worst acts of racial violence in American history.
In the years since the massacre, Black Wall Street has been rebuilt and is once again a thriving community. It is now home to several Black-owned businesses, including restaurants, shops, and professional offices.
Black Wall Street is a reminder of the resilience and determination of the African American community in the face of adversity. It is also a symbol of the economic power that Black Americans can achieve when they are given the opportunity.
The Future of Black Wall Street
The Black Wall Street Times reported the news of Senate Bill S. 3543 that proposes the establishment of Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument to preserve the legacy of Tulsa’s Historic African American Business District and 1921 Race Massacre.
