In a long sought-after interview by mainstream media outlets and journalists, Tucker Carlson was the one selected to conduct an exclusive interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
In his over two hours long interview, Putin undressed America in front of the world to show all its ugly parts. The frightening takeaway was laid bare: our elected officials, under the control of the CIA, are failing us miserably.
Putin accused the United States of supporting Nazism in Ukraine and compared the nations downward spiral and foolish foreign policy bullying and maneuvers to the fall of Rome. Carlson’s unrestrained interview is what journalism used to be before our mainstream media, drunk on its power and wealth, became an agency wing of the United States government. The discussion—amidst the fog of endless wars, a crippling and frustrated society with open borders, and economic chaos orchestrated by a young and lost country—was a timely history lesson that reminds again that history is cyclical.
“Why are the Ukrainian authorities dismantling the Ukrainian Orthodox Church? Because it brings together not only the territory, it brings together our souls. No one will be able to separate the soul.” – Vladimir Putin
America is honoring the release of the new Pauli Murray quarter by the U.S. Mint on February 22, highlighting one of Murray’s timely poems, 54 years later.
“Hope is a song in a weary throat” Murray wrote in Dark Testament: Verse 8. This quote feels particularly meaningful right now, as we enter Black History Month, and as we take measure of the struggles and challenges at home and around the world.
The Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray and the New Coin
The United States Mint has announced that it will be issuing a new coin in honor of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray. Murray was a civil rights activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest who is best known for her work on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. She was also the first African American woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest. The coin will be a $1 gold coin and will feature Murray’s portrait on the front. The reverse of the coin will depict a representation of Pauli’s home and a quote from her: “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” The coin is scheduled to be released on February 22, 2024 and will be available for purchase through the United States Mint.
About the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray Pauli Murray was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1910. She graduated from Hunter College in 1933 and from Howard University Law School in 1944. After law school, Murray worked as a lawyer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Murray was a tireless advocate for civil rights. She was one of the founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the National Women’s Political Caucus. She was also a member of the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Murray died in 1985 at the age of 75. She is remembered as a trailblazing civil rights activist and a brilliant legal mind.
Pauli Murray became an enduring voice for freedom and equal opportunity during her lifetime (1910–1985). She was a founding member of the Congress of Racial Equality and the National Organization for Women, as well as a pioneer of African American genealogy.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the launch of a new software program that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns directly with the IRS. The software, called “IRS Free File,” is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less.
IRS Free File is a secure and easy-to-use program that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically. The program is available in both English and Spanish. To use IRS Free File, taxpayers must first create an account on the IRS website. Once an account is created, taxpayers can access the software and begin filing their tax returns. IRS Free File is a great option for taxpayers who want to file their federal tax returns electronically. The program is secure, easy-to-use, and free.
Here are some of the benefits of using IRS Free File:
Secure: IRS Free File is a secure program that protects taxpayers’ personal information.
Easy-to-use: IRS Free File is an easy-to-use program that can be used by taxpayers of all income levels.
Free: IRS Free File is a free program that is available to taxpayers with an AGI of $73,000 or less.
If you are looking for a secure, easy-to-use, and free way to file your federal tax returns, then IRS Free File is a great option.
April 15, 2024 – Tax day (unless extended due to local state holiday). The tax deadline typically falls on April 15 each year, but can be delayed if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
The physical and emotional abuse many Black families suffered in pursuit of an education and civil rights in America was a traumatizing and arduous journey. Most of the stories have never been told. Some of the victims were as young as 6-years-old Ruby Bridges and 11-year-old Donna Jean Barksdale, who sat alone on her first day of school in Hoxie, Arkansas. Barksdale was one of 21 children to integrate the school in 1955.
School Integration in America School integration in America refers to the process of desegregating schools and creating racially mixed learning environments. The fight for school integration was a key part of the broader civil rights movement in the United States, and it has had a profound impact on American society.
History of School Integration
Pre-1954: Prior to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954, schools in the United States were largely segregated by race. This segregation was often enforced by law, and it created a system of education that was unequal and unjust.
Brown v. Board of Education: The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954 declared that racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. This ruling was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it paved the way for the integration of schools across the country.
Challenges to Integration: Despite the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, the process of school integration was not easy. Many white communities resisted integration, and there were numerous instances of violence and intimidation directed at black students and families.
Progress of Integration: Over time, however, school integration has made significant progress. Today, most schools in the United States are integrated, and the vast majority of students attend schools that are racially diverse.
Impact of School Integration School integration has had a positive impact on American society in a number of ways:
Improved educational outcomes: Studies have shown that students who attend integrated schools are more likely to achieve academic success. They are also more likely to develop positive attitudes towards people of other races.
Reduced prejudice: Integrated schools help to reduce prejudice and promote understanding between different racial groups. Students who attend integrated schools are more likely to have friends of other races, and they are less likely to hold negative stereotypes about other groups.
Increased social mobility: Integrated schools help to increase social mobility by providing all students with access to the same educational opportunities. This can help to break down the cycle of poverty and create a more just and equitable society.
School integration is a key part of the American civil rights movement, and it has had a profound impact on American society. Integrated schools help to improve educational outcomes, reduce prejudice, and increase social mobility. They are essential to creating a more just and equitable society for all.
School Integration in Arkansas School integration in Arkansas has been a complex and challenging process that began in the late 1950s and is still ongoing today. The process began with the Little Rock Nine crisis in 1957, when a group of nine African American students were forcibly integrated into the all-white Central High School in Little Rock. This event sparked a national controversy and led to the deployment of federal troops to protect the students. In the years since the Little Rock Nine crisis, Arkansas has made significant progress in integrating its schools. However, the state still faces challenges, such as poverty, segregation, and a lack of resources.
Key Events in School Integration in Arkansas
1957: The Little Rock Nine crisis
1968: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968
1972: The desegregation of the University of Arkansas
1982: The passage of the Arkansas School Integration Act
Challenges to School Integration in Arkansas
Poverty: Arkansas is one of the poorest states in the United States, and this poverty has a significant impact on its schools. Poor students are more likely to attend underfunded schools with fewer resources.
Segregation: Despite the progress that has been made, segregation still exists in Arkansas schools. This is due to a variety of factors, including housing patterns, school zoning, and the lack of resources.
Lack of resources: Arkansas schools are chronically underfunded, and this lack of resources has a negative impact on all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
School integration in Arkansas has been a long and difficult process, but the state has made significant progress in the last 60 years. However, there are still challenges to be faced, such as poverty, segregation, and a lack of resources. By working together, Arkansans can ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
School Integration in Mississippi The history of school integration in Mississippi is a complex and challenging one. In the early 1950s, Mississippi was one of the most segregated states in the United States. Public schools were segregated by race, and there were no black students enrolled in any white schools.
In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. The decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it led to the gradual desegregation of schools across the country. However, Mississippi resisted school desegregation for many years. In 1962, James Meredith became the first black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi. His admission was met with violent protests by white segregationists, and federal troops had to be sent in to protect him.
Despite the resistance, school integration in Mississippi continued to move forward. By 1970, more than half of black students in Mississippi were enrolled in integrated schools. However, segregation continued to exist in many areas of the state, and it was not until the 1990s that Mississippi finally achieved full school integration. The process of school integration in Mississippi was a long and difficult one, but it was ultimately a success. Today, the state has a diverse and integrated system of public schools, and students of all races and ethnicities have the opportunity to learn and grow together.
Impact of school integration in Florida: School integration in Florida has had a significant impact on the state’s education system. It has led to increased educational opportunities for black students, improved academic outcomes, and reduced racial isolation. However, school integration has also been controversial, and there are still some challenges to overcome.
Current challenges to school integration in Florida:
Resegregation: Some Florida school districts have become more segregated in recent years, as white students have moved to private schools or to other districts.
Lack of diversity: Many Florida schools still lack diversity, and black students are more likely to attend schools with predominantly black student populations.
Achievement gap: Black students in Florida continue to lag behind white students in academic achievement.
Despite these challenges and by continuing to work to desegregate schools and ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, Florida can create a more just and equitable society.
Read more about segregation in America by ejiHERE.
Vertus Wellborn Hardiman was the victim of an unethical secret U.S government radiation experiment in 1928. Hardiman was born on March 9, 1922 in Lyles Station, Ind., known as one of the earliest Negro settlements in the United States. When Hardiman was five years old, he was one of nine children that took part in a terrifying medical experiment, where he and other children were severely irradiated during a medical experiment conducted at the local county hospital. To get parental consent the experiment was misrepresented as a new therapy for the scalp fungus known as ringworm.
The radiation of the skull led to immediate symptoms but also to a severe progressive necrosis of the bone all through his life. At the time, many human radiation experiments were conducted on African Americans and were funded by the United States Department of Defense and United States Atomic Energy Commission. Experiments included feeding radioactive food to disabled children, inserting radium rods into school children and injecting pregnant women and babies with radioactive chemicals. The studies were classified until 1986, when they were released in the report entitled “America Nuclear Guinea Pigs: Three Decades of Radiation Experiments.” The treatment on Hardiman’s skull left him with progressive necrosis of the scalp throughout the rest of his life. These types of experiments led to distrust of the medical community among African Americans that lingers on today.
Editor’s note: contributed by Charmaine Simpson, Black History Studies
Read the expanded report below from STAT, a publication reporting from the frontiers of health and medicine.
As part of the theme and commemoration of Black History Month, it is only fitting to highlight the power of love and family depicted in the film Django Unchained. Albeit a tragic love story, Dangerfield and Harriet Newby exemplify the true meaning of love and courage.
Editor’s Note: This account of Dangerfield Newby, the real Django, comes from African Archives. Please follow and support their historical storytelling of American history and culture.
Dangerfield Newby is the actual man on which the movie Django Unchained is loosely based. He was a member of the John Brown raiders. He joined the gang to save his wife, Harriet and children from slavery. —Dangerfield Newby (1815 – October 17, 1859) was the oldest of John Brown’s raiders, one of five black raiders, and the first of his men to die at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
Born into slavery in Fauquier County, Virginia, Newby married a woman also enslaved. Newby’s father was Henry Newby, a landowner in Fauquier County. His mother was Elsey Newby, who was a slave, owned not by Henry, but by a neighbor, John Fox. Elsey and Henry lived together for many years and had several children, although interracial marriage was illegal in Virginia. Dangerfield was their first child. Dangerfield Newby, his mother and his siblings were later freed by his father when he moved them across the Ohio River into Bridgeport, Ohio.
John Fox, who died in 1859, apparently did not attempt to retrieve Elsey, Dangerfield, or any of his siblings. Dangerfield’s wife and their seven children remained in bondage. A letter found on his body revealed some of his motivation for joining John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry. Dangerfield Newby’s wife, Harriet Newby, was the slave of Jesse Jennings, of Arlington or Warrenton, Virginia. Newby had been unable to purchase the freedom of his wife and seven children. Their master raised the price after Newby had saved the $1,500 that had previously been agreed on. Because all of Newby’s other efforts had failed he hoped to free them by force.
Harriet’s poignant letters, found on his body, proved instrumental in advancing the abolitionist cause. Newby was six foot two. On October 17, 1859, the citizens of Harpers Ferry set to put down the raid. Harpers Ferry manufactured guns but the citizens had little ammunition, so during the assault on the raiders they fired anything they could fit into a gun barrel. One man was shooting six inch spikes from his rifle, one of which struck Newby in the throat, killing him instantly.
After the raid, the people of Harpers Ferry took his body, stabbed it repeatedly, and amputated his limbs. His body was left in an alley to be eaten by hogs. In 1899 the remains of Newby-plus remains of nine other raiders-were reburied in a common grave near the body of John Brown in North Elba, New York. Dangerfield Newby’s wife, Harriet and her children were sold to a Louisiana slave owner after the raid.
Additional information and an official biography, by Virginia Changemakers also states that Dangerfield Newby (ca. 1820-1859) was born in Culpeper County, the oldest child of Henry Newby, a white man, and Elsey Newby, an enslaved black woman. In 1858, Henry Newby sold his land in Culpeper and moved with his family to Bridgeport, Ohio, thereby freeing his wife and their children.
African Americans and the Arts is this year’s theme in commemoration of Black History Month.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) is marking the occasion with a host of events throughout February. BHM events are organized around five weekly focus areas that celebrate the Black people who have used art as their platform for social justice.
Black History Month, celebrated annually in February in the United States and in both February and March in Canada, stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements and enduring contributions of African Americans to the fabric of global history and culture. Far beyond a mere commemoration, this month-long observance serves as a vital platform for education, understanding, and collective growth.
A Time for Reflection and Celebration
Black History Month provides a crucial opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that African Americans have played in shaping the very foundation of our nations. It invites us to delve into the rich tapestry of their experiences, struggles, and triumphs, paying homage to the countless individuals who have left an indelible mark on society.
Simultaneously, this month is a joyous celebration of the vibrant culture and heritage of African Americans. Through music, art, literature, and culinary traditions, we come together to appreciate the beauty and diversity that emanates from this remarkable community.
Fostering Education and Understanding
One of the paramount values of Black History Month lies in its potential as an educational platform. It offers an invaluable chance to rectify the omissions and distortions that have plagued the teaching of history for far too long. By shedding light on the contributions and perspectives of African Americans, we strive to cultivate a more complete and accurate understanding of our collective past.
Furthermore, Black History Month provides an avenue to promote tolerance and foster a greater sense of empathy among people of all backgrounds. By engaging in open dialogue, sharing stories, and acknowledging the shared humanity that binds us all, we work towards dismantling the barriers of prejudice, racism and discrimination.
Strengthening Community and Pride
For the African American community, Black History Month serves as a beacon of unity and a source of immense pride. It is a time to come together, celebrate shared heritage, and draw strength from the indomitable spirit of resilience that has defined the African American experience and shaped American culture.
By honoring the sacrifices and successes of their ancestors, African Americans find inspiration to continue the fight for justice, equality, and a more inclusive society. Black History Month empowers them to embrace their unique identity, cultivate a sense of self-worth, and envision a brighter future for generations to come.
Creating a More Just and Inclusive Society
Ultimately, Black History Month transcends its historical significance to become a catalyst for social change. It compels us to confront the lingering vestiges of racism and inequality that continue to plague our societies. By acknowledging the past and celebrating the present, we lay the groundwork for a more just and inclusive future.
Through education, empathy, and collective action, Black History Month empowers us to challenge discriminatory practices, dismantle systemic barriers, and work towards creating a society where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
The value and importance of Black History Month extend far beyond the confines of a single month. It is a time for learning, reflection, celebration, and action. By embracing its significance, we honor the legacy of African Americans and pave the way for a more united, equitable, and harmonious nation and world.
A prized Jackie Robinson statue was stolen from a public park in Kansas by thieves who sawed off the bronze sculpture, leaving behind the iconic baseball player’s feet.
The brazen theft slammed by officials as “horrendous” and “disgusting” took place just one week before the start of Black History Month. “More than frustrated, I am angry to see that this has happened,” said Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson. “This was disgusting. This should never happen.”
According to news reports the thieves struck sometime during the night at the League 42 baseball fields in McAdams Park, which is also home to the Jackie Robinson Pavilion. Surveillance footage shows at least two people topple the hefty statue and load it into a silver pick-up truck. City officials theorize the criminals are planning on selling the beloved statue as scrap metal. The sculpture cost the city upwards of $100,000 to install in 2021.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” Jackie Robinson
“It has a huge impact in regards to the history of our community, the history of baseball, what Jackie Robinson really means and this step is actually the opposite of everything that Jackie Robinson stood for. So it’s just appalling to me,” said Troy Houtman, the Director of Parks and Recreation.
According to Houtman, the park has been dealing with a string of vandalism in recent months, and officials are offering the opportunity to return the iconic statue “no questions asked.” “We move on and repair this statue. Hopefully, they’re wise enough to do that and bring the statue back so we can make the repair. If not, I think we’ll find some other actions might occur,” said Houtman. The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered a reward of up to $2,500 for tips leading to arrests and another $5,000 for tips that lead to the statue’s recovery.
Update:
Charred remnants of the stolen Jackie Robinson bronze statue were found Tuesday inside a trash can at a Kansas park, officials said. Pieces of the statue were dumped in the garbage and lit on fire at Garvey Park in Wichita, a police spokesperson said during a press conference streamed by KWCH.
It’s not by chance that Cassandra Welchlin leads an organization focused on advocating for the needs of Black women. The social worker, organizer and now executive director of theMississippi Black Women’s Roundtable(MS BWR), learned the relationship between power and choice at an early age.
Welchlin is the daughter of a single mother who earned a little over $2 an hour cleaning office buildings in downtown Jackson. Her mother couldn’t afford child care, so Welchlin hid in a utility closet as her mom worked. It was in that closet where Welchlin said she learned her ABCs.
“My mother worked across the street from the state Capitol where mostly white male legislators had the power to write a bill into law to increase her wages,” said Welchlin. “I saw that struggle and developed empathy. I may not have known the words to describe it back then, but I understood that this was about women’s economic security and Black women having dignity in their work.”
Today, she leads a group that works to shift power at the voting booth and at the policy table by advocating for policies and leaders that will improve opportunities for Black women and girls to make the best choices for their families and communities. Its work to advance women’s economic security, increase voter participation and support Black women in leadership has earned the nonprofit a $600,000Vote Your Voice(VYV) grant over three years to support its operations.
The Southern Poverty Law Center initiative, conducted in partnership with theCommunity Foundation for Greater Atlanta, supports local, grassroots organizations that are committed to strengthening democracy and voting rights in communities of color in the Deep South. The SPLC has pledged $100 million in grants over the next decade to support organizations in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
“We can’t overstate how critical this work is,” said Robin Brule, the SPLC’s Vote Your Voice program officer. “We’re working with groups on the ground that are place-based and incredibly knowledgeable about their own communities, that have built strong, trusted relationships. They’re working to remove discriminatory barriers to the ballot and are committed to expanding civic engagement and participation, operating, unfortunately, with very few resources to ensure every voter has a voice.”
SHE NEEDED HELP
Cassandra Welchlin is executive director of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, recipient of a three-year, $600,000 Vote Your Voice grant. (Credit: Jonathan Collins)
The need for this work in Mississippi is undeniable.
Black women in the state who work full-time, year-roundearn 57 cents for every dollar white men make, while part-time, part-year workers earn only 51 cents, according to data from the National Women’s Law Center. Child care remains a significant barrier to economic advancement, particularly for single mothers in a state where almost 50% of children are raised in single-parent households – among thehighest share in the nation.
Access to adequate health and reproductive care is also a major challenge for many women and families, as the state has for yearsrefused to expand Medicaid coveragefor low-wage earning people. Also, last year, when the federal government ended the COVID-19 public health emergency, the state startedpurging beneficiaries from its rolls.
Monique Harvin came to MS BWR after the birth of her fifth child. Despite having undergone a surgical procedure to prevent future pregnancies, doctors told Harvin she had a tubular pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition for mother and baby.
“It was stressful – emotionally, spiritually, and on my body,” said Harvin. “It was hard for me to accept.”
After a difficult pregnancy, and the delivery of a healthy baby, Harvin’s mental health swiftly declined. She felt tired and depressed. Her children’s father worked out of town, leaving her to juggle four young children, a newborn and other responsibilities. She needed help.
Yet Harvin said she couldn’t access any substantial postpartum services through Medicaid because she no longer qualified during a short period following her child’s birth. Before March of last year, Mississippi women could receive onlytwo months of postpartum Medicaidcare.
In a passing conversation, a co-worker told Harvin that MS BWR might be interested in hearing her story and could possibly offer some help. Harvin reached out, and she joined what would become a series of meetings and conversations about Black and Latinx women’s struggles seeking quality health care in the state.
“I felt immediately like, ‘Monique, you’re not alone,’” Harvin said. “I got a chance to get it out, to express my concerns, my thoughts, my feelings. Something that had once caused me trauma, depression and anxiety, I could be open about it in a safe environment. Not only sharing but hearing other women’s stories and making connections really helped me to overcome those barriers.”
The initiative,Mississippi Voices Project, which addresses access to health care for Black and Latinx women, is just one of the ways MS BWR aims to translate the individual needs and stories of women into political action. The organization also runs a program, calledQuarters Because We Care Project, that provides laundry services to low-income families throughout the year.
“We leverage that as an opportunity to do all the work that we do,” said Welchlin. “We do voter registration in the laundromat. My mother is also a retired teacher. She conducts school in the laundromat. While the moms are washing, she takes their babies and reads with them.”
WE ARE THE PEOPLE
The nonprofit also provides rent and utility support to mothers in need, while offering training opportunities for women interested in political leadership and youth civic engagement.
Khloe Robinson is a 10thgrader who became involved with MS BWR when her mother brought her along to some community cleanup events the group held around Jackson. She’s now part of a youth leadership team that works to help young people understand the power of voting and ensure that when they’re old enough to cast a ballot, they’re motivated to head to the polls.
“We see a lot of politicians who don’t really represent us, that’s why making sure Black people get out and vote is so important,” said Robinson. “Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable is really focused on making Jackson a better place. They really try to get into the community and inform people about what we can do to make this city better.”
The SPLC grant will help MS BWR expand its existing work outside of the Jackson metro area, to conduct surveys and polling, and to continue voting rights and youth engagement work year-round. One of the group’s aims is to increase participation in down-ballot elections that have a pronounced impact on local communities.
“We are thrilled about this grant,” Welchlin said. “So often, small nonprofits don’t get the recognition, don’t get the dollars. Yet we’re the ones that are closest to the people. We are the people; our families are the people. So, this is personal. We still haven’t gotten to where we want to, but we’ve grown so much. This means a lot.”
Here’s a look at Mississippi’s other Vote Your Voice grant recipients and how they plan to use this funding to strengthen democracy:
CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND – GRANT AMOUNT: $300,000
TheChildren’s Defense Fundworks to level the playing field for all children by advocating for policies that improve their lives and by creating community partnerships and programs to empower children and their families – with a particular focus on the needs of children in families with low incomes, children of color and children with disabilities. Through this $300,000 grant, the organization aims to boost civic engagement, voter education, registration and mobilization among young people, returning citizens, individuals purged from voter rolls and sporadic voters by hosting community workshops and forums; door-to-door canvassing; a targeted issued-based communications campaign; and digital engagement.
MISSISSIPPI CENTER FOR REENTRY – GRANT AMOUNT: $50,000
TheMississippi Center for Reentryprovides life skills and job training, GED education, career planning and job placement assistance to formerly incarcerated people to assist them in reentering society. Since 2022, the group has provided voter education and held registration drives in Mississippi prisons, educating more than 400 individuals and assisting more than 150 currently incarcerated people in completing voter registration applications. Through this grant, the organization aims to increase civic engagement among formerly incarcerated Mississippians of color in nonmetro areas and to advocate for policy change within the corrections system.
MISSISSIPPI STATE CONFERENCE NAACP – GRANT AMOUNT: $495,000
TheMississippi State Conference NAACPis a chapter of the historic civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Since 1909, its mission has been to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all people. Since 2012, the Mississippi State Conference NAACP has registered more than 50,000 new voters. With this grant, it seeks to increase the voting participation rates of Black people throughout the state by increasing knowledge and awareness on issues impacting the community such as health care access and Medicaid expansion, minimum wage, and criminal justice reform.
PARENTS’ CAMPAIGN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FUND – GRANT AMOUNT: $330,000
TheParents’ Campaign Research and Education Fundis an alliance of moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, community leaders and citizens who advocate for Mississippi’s public school students. The organization provides objective research and analysis of public education policies and legislation to state leaders, policymakers and the public. With this SPLC grant, the organization aims to mobilize Mississippi public school supporters in critical elections and to engage and coach local advocates to become agents of civic change who can directly influence leaders and institutions that determine the quality of their children’s education and economic and civic opportunities. The group will be particularly focused on engaging communities of color, rural communities, young and single parents, and low-wealth households.
WE MUST VOTE – GRANT AMOUNT: $150,000
We Must Voteis a voter mobilization organization created to help people understand the power of their vote by providing education, registration and transportation assistance to underserved communities and people who have rarely or never voted. Over the last several years, it has registered more than 21,000 voters and assisted 255 formerly incarcerated people in restoring their voting rights. With the grant, We Must Vote aims to increase voter turnout among Black citizens in rural communities who have limited access to resources, through targeted campaigns, door-to-door canvassing and voting rights restoration efforts.
ONE VOICE – GRANT AMOUNT: $400,000
One Voiceis a nonprofit working to democratize public policy in Mississippi. The organization advocates for the representation of historically silenced communities in spaces of power and works with communities to increase their awareness and capacity to create change and build power. With this SPLC grant, One Voice will work to expand voting rights in the state, push back against voter suppression laws and increase civic engagement among young Latinx voters in rural areas.
MISSISSIPPI VOTES – GRANT AMOUNT: $500,000
Mississippi Votesis a youth-led intergenerational organization invested in moving Mississippi forward through outreach that empowers young people, encourages civic engagement and educates communities on voting rights through place-based grassroots organizing. Through this grant, Mississippi Votes will increase its voter registration activities among low-propensity Black and Latinx voters, host youth policy summits, increase its field operations and door-knocking initiatives, and continue to advocate for electoral transparency in state politics.
Editor’s note:35 years ago the nation witnessed a terrible tragedy in the global race to space. Click HERE for the full report and remembrance from NASA.
On January 28, 1986, the world witnessed a devastating tragedy in the history of space exploration when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff. Let’s delve briefly into the events leading up to the disaster, the investigation that followed, and the profound impact it had on NASA and the space program.
The Challenger Mission: The Challenger (STS-51-L) mission was NASA’s 25th space shuttle flight and was intended to deploy a communications satellite, the TDRS-B. The crew consisted of seven brave astronauts: Commander Francis “Dick” Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialists Ellison Onizuka, Judy Resnik, and Ronald McNair, and Payload Specialists Gregory Jarvis and Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected through the Teacher in Space Project.
The Disaster: The Challenger disaster unfolded during the launch phase when a failure occurred in the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. A faulty seal in the right-hand booster allowed hot gases to leak and ignite the external fuel tank. The resulting explosion caused the vehicle to disintegrate and tragically claimed the lives of all seven crew members.
Investigation and Findings: In the aftermath of the tragedy, an extensive investigation was conducted by the Rogers Commission, led by former Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The commission’s findings revealed that the disaster was primarily caused by the failure of the O-ring seals in the solid rocket boosters, which had been compromised by unusually cold weather conditions on the day of the launch.
Impact on NASA and the Space Program: The Challenger disaster had a profound impact on NASA and the space program. The agency conducted a thorough review of its safety procedures and implemented significant changes to prevent similar accidents in the future. The disaster also led to a temporary suspension of the space shuttle program and a period of intense scrutiny and public debate about the risks and benefits of space exploration.
Legacy and Memorial: The Challenger disaster serves as a solemn reminder of the inherent dangers of space exploration and the sacrifices made by dedicated individuals in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The crew of Challenger is remembered as heroes who gave their lives in the name of exploration, and their memory continues to inspire and motivate future generations.
Conclusion: The Challenger Space Shuttle accident remains a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration, forever etched in the collective memory of humanity. The lessons learned from this tragedy have shaped NASA’s safety protocols and have made the space program more resilient. As we continue to venture into the vast expanse of the cosmos, we honor the memory of the Challenger crew and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of human exploration
Spotlight: Ms. Woolsey’s soccer ball. Click HERE for a special story of a soccer ball and the Challenger Crew. “It’s crazy that a little piece of leather would survive something as horrific as that incident,” Ms. Woolsey said, “One of my players said she was asked the question how did it feel the day this happened. I found her response really moving because she said ‘I was furious. I was angry that the only thing that came back instead of people’s parents was a ball.’”
The soccer ball was returned to the school following an official memorial service by President Ronald Reagan.
President Ronald Reagan addresses the nation after the Challenger accident:
