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The 1866 Memphis Massacre Remains a Dark Stain on American History

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This historical account is yet another node of reflection of what Black folks have had to endure in the making of America under the brutality of slavery, and as Freemen. This is why the call for reparations continues to echo across the land, and rolls over mountains,  even crossing oceans and seas for all mankind to hear. The calls for reparations will never die, just like the memory and the legacy of our enslaved ancestors who built America without ever being paid for it. 

Today marks a tragic and unjust moment in American history, as we remember the racial brutality and sexual violence inflicted upon newly freed enslaved African Americans. The 1866 Memphis massacre, also known as the Memphis Riots, was a three-day racial massacre in Memphis, Tennessee, from May 1, 1866 to May 3, 1866, during the Reconstruction Era.

Background

The massacre occurred in the context of widespread social and political tensions following the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery. African Americans in Memphis had made significant gains in terms of political and economic power during Reconstruction. They had won the right to vote and hold office, and many African Americans had established businesses and acquired property.

On May 1, 1866, a white mob attacked a group of African American veterans who were gathered at a polling place to vote in the municipal election. The mob shot and killed several African Americans and wounded others. The violence escalated over the next two days, as white mobs looted and burned African American homes and businesses and killed dozens of African Americans.

Aftermath

The massacre shocked the nation and led to widespread condemnation. The federal government sent troops to Memphis to restore order, and President Andrew Johnson appointed a commission to investigate the violence. The commission concluded that the massacre had been a deliberate and organized attack by white supremacists.

Despite the federal investigation, no one was ever held accountable for the massacre. The white perpetrators were never punished, and the African American victims received no compensation for their losses.

The 1866 Memphis massacre remains a dark stain on American history. It is a reminder of the racism and violence that African Americans faced during Reconstruction and the long struggle for civil rights that followed.

Watch a short YouTube video on the Memphis Race Riot HERE, or see the comprehensive lecture below by Dr. Steven Ash who authored, A Massacre In Memphis: The Bloody Race Riot Of 1866.

Dr. Steven Ash – “A Massacre In Memphis: The Bloody Race Riot Of 1866”

2024 Elections and Voting Dates

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Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizens in a democracy. It is the means by which people choose their representatives and have a say in the laws and policies that govern their lives.

The History of Voting in America

The right to vote in America has not always been guaranteed. In the early days of the United States, only white male landowners were allowed to vote. It was not until the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1870, that African American men were granted the right to vote. Women were not granted the right to vote until the 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920.

Despite these advances, voting rights have continued to be a source of contention in American history. In the Jim Crow era, Southern states used poll taxes, literacy tests, and other discriminatory practices to disenfranchise African American voters. Even today, there are ongoing efforts to restrict voting rights, particularly for minority voters.

The civil rights movement was a period of social activism and protest that emerged in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, with the aim of ending racial discrimination and segregation, and securing equal rights for African Americans. Voting rights were a central focus of the civil rights movement, as the ability to vote was seen as a fundamental right and a key to achieving racial equality.

Impact of Voting Rights:

  • The civil rights movement and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 led to a significant increase in voter registration and turnout among African Americans.
  • Black voter turnout increased from less than 50% in the 1950s to over 60% in the 1968 presidential election.
  • The Voting Rights Act helped to elect more African American politicians at all levels of government.

10 Things to Know to Protect Your Vote:

  1. Register to vote.
    Check your state’s voter registration deadlines and requirements. Register to vote at least 30 days before Election Day.
  2. Know your voting options.
    Find out if your state offers early voting or mail-in voting. Learn about the different ways to vote in your state.
  3. Get informed about the candidates and issues.
    Research the candidates and issues on the ballot. Make an informed decision about who and what you will vote for.
  4. Vote Early or on Election Day.
    If you are voting in person, find your polling place and bring your photo ID. If you are voting early by mail, make sure to mail your ballot in plenty of time.
  5. Protect your vote from fraud.
    Understand the signs of voter fraud and report any suspicious activity.
  6. Get involved in the election process.
    Volunteer for a candidate or campaign. Attend a rally or debate. Talk to your friends and family about voting.
  7. Educate yourself about voter suppression.
    Be aware of the different ways that people try to suppress voter turnout. Fight against voter suppression.
  8. Make your voice heard.
    Vote in every election, big and small. Your vote matters.
  9. Stay informed about election results.
    Follow the election results on Election Day and in the days after. Make sure your vote was counted.
  10. Get involved in post-election activities. Attend a recount or protest if necessary. Support the candidates and causes you believe in.

Election details for all states can be found on Ballotpedia, including the Administration Legislation Tracker:

  • For early voting dates for 2024 presidential primary elections click HERE. 
  • For early voting dates for 2024 statewide primary elections click HERE. 
  • For early voting dates for the 2024 general election click HERE. 
  • For early voting by state click HERE.
  • For more on local elected officials click HERE. 

    $1 Bills With Printing Error in Circulation Worth Thousands

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    The $1 bill and the U.S. Mint

    The $1 bill is the smallest denomination of United States currency currently in circulation. It features a portrait of George Washington on the front and the Great Seal of the United States on the back. The $1 bill is printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and is minted by the United States Mint.

    The U.S. Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury responsible for producing coins for the United States. It was established in 1792 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Mint also produces medals, tokens, and other numismatic items.

    According to officials, “two batches of $1 bills were printed in 2014 and 2016 with a specific error from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and they went into circulation before it was noticed, the personal finance blog reported. The first batch was issued in New York and the second in Washington D.C., for a total of 6.4 million banknotes. Under the right condition and matching serial number, currency collectors are willing to pay between $20,000 and $150,000 for a pair from these batches. Only nine of these extremely rare pairs have been matched, leaving millions of these special $1 bills out there.

    How to check your $1 bills? WealthyNickel says look for the following:

    • Series date that reads “Series 2013.” The series date can be found on the right side of the George Washington photograph.
    • The “B” Federal Reserve Seal above the serial number.
    • The serial number features a star and sits somewhere between “B00000001★ – B00250000★” or “B03200001★ – B09600000★”
    • You must have two $1 bills that match this criteria.

    History of errors on the $1 bill in circulation

    The $1 bill is the most common denomination of U.S. currency in circulation, and it has a long history of errors. Some of the most notable errors include:

    • 1869 printing error: In 1869, a printing error resulted in the Treasury seal being omitted from the back of the $1 bill. This error is known as the “seal-less $1 bill,” and it is one of the most valuable errors in U.S. currency.
    • 1934-1935 printing error: In 1934 and 1935, a printing error resulted in the date on the $1 bill being printed upside down. This error is known as the “upside-down date $1 bill,” and it is another valuable error.
    • 1963 printing error: In 1963, a printing error resulted in the “E” in “ONE” being printed backwards. This error is known as the “backwards E $1 bill,” and it is a relatively common error.
    • 1995 printing error: In 1995, a printing error resulted in the Treasury seal being printed in the wrong color. This error is known as the “wrong-color seal $1 bill,” and it is a relatively rare error.
    • 2014 and 2016 printing error: Two batches of $1 bills were printed in 2014 and 2016 with a specific error from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and they went into circulation before it was noticed.

    In addition to these printing errors, there have also been a number of other errors on the $1 bill in circulation. These errors include:

    • Mismatched serial numbers: Some $1 bills have been found with mismatched serial numbers. This error is likely due to a mistake at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
    • Counterfeit bills: Counterfeit $1 bills are a problem in the United States. These bills are often made with high-quality counterfeit materials, and they can be difficult to distinguish from genuine bills.
    • Mutilated bills: Mutilated $1 bills are bills that have been damaged in some way. This damage can be caused by fire, water, or other factors.

    If you find a $1 bill with an error, it is important to keep it. Error bills can be valuable, and they can also be interesting to collectors.

    Haiti Installs New Transitional Government

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    Haiti has installed a new government, following the official resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. According to news reports the provisional government has been sworn in during a secret ceremony at the presidential palace nearly two months after a criminal insurrection plunged the capital into chaos.

    The controversial former  Prime Minister, a neurosurgeon and former health minister, is currently in the US after he was denied a return to Haiti. The nine-person “transitional council” was officially established on Thursday during an event at the national palace in Port-au-Prince, according to The Guardian.

    The new government faces a number of challenges, including:

    • Choose a new prime minister: “Its first task will be to choose a new prime minister before paving the way for elections. At a second ceremony marking the establishment of the council, the recently appointed US ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Hankins, said he hoped his country could help Haiti return to a path of stability, democracy and economic growth.”
    • Political instability: Haiti has been plagued by political instability for many years. The assassination of President Moïse has further destabilized the country. Many say the US is partly responsible for Haiti’s current drama partly because of the large number of weapons flowing into the hands of Haiti’s gangs from the US.
    • Economic crisis: Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, political instability and gang violence. 

    The international community is watching closely to see how the new government will address the small island nation’s challenges. As reported, the US Ambassador to Haiti said, “We won’t be the solution but hopefully we’ll be part of helping those finding the solution.” In an official statement Hankins said, “Haiti deserves peace, security, and prosperity.  I am dedicated to being a humble partner to the Haitian people at this time of crisis and throughout our shared journey to a future with democracy, stability, prosperity, and peace.”

    However, there are still concerns that the new government may not be able to overcome the challenges facing Haiti. The country is deeply divided and there is a great deal of poverty and inequality. Any new government will need to work hard and collaboratively to build consensus and address the needs of the people.

    The relationship between the United States and Haiti has been complex and often strained. The two countries have a long history of political, economic, and social interaction, dating back to the early days of the Haitian Revolution.

    U.S. and Haiti Relationship and Historical Timeline

    • 1791: Haitian Revolution begins, led by Toussaint Louverture.
    • 1804: Haiti declares independence from France, becoming the first independent black-majority republic in the world.
    • 1825: The United States recognizes Haiti’s independence.
    • 1862-1877: The United States occupies Haiti.
    • 1915-1934: The United States occupies Haiti again.
    • 1957: François Duvalier becomes president of Haiti.
    • 1971: Jean-Claude Duvalier succeeds his father as president of Haiti.
    • 1986: Jean-Claude Duvalier is overthrown in a popular uprising.
    • 1991: The United States invades Haiti to restore President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power.
    • 2004: Aristide is overthrown in a coup d’état.
    • 2010: A devastating earthquake hits Haiti, killing hundreds of thousands of people.
    • 2015: Jovenel Moïse is elected president of Haiti.
    • 2017: Hurricane Matthew devastates Haiti.
    • 2018: Moïse is re-elected president of Haiti.
    • 2021: Moïse is assassinated.

    The United States has been a major player in Haitian history, both for good and for ill. The U.S. has intervened in Haiti militarily on several occasions, and it has also provided significant economic and humanitarian assistance. The relationship between the two countries remains complex, but there is a growing recognition that both countries have a stake in each other’s future and success.

    The Supreme Court And The Legalities of Homelessness

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    The United States Supreme Court has ruled on a number of cases related to homelessness, including the legality of certain laws and policies that affect homeless individuals and families.

    Here are some key takeaways from the Court’s decisions:

    • The Court has recognized that homelessness is a serious problem in the United States.
    • The Court has held that the government has a legitimate interest in addressing homelessness.
    • However, the Court has also recognized that homeless individuals have certain constitutional rights, including the right to due process and the right to equal protection under the law.
    • The Court has ruled that certain laws and policies that target homeless individuals are unconstitutional.
    • The Court has also ruled that the government has a responsibility to provide adequate shelter for homeless individuals in certain circumstances.

    Here are some specific examples of the Court’s rulings (some forthcoming) on homelessness:

    • In Martin v. Boise (2019), the Court ruled that a city ordinance that prohibited individuals from sleeping in public places was unconstitutional.
    • The Flores Settlement Agreement (1997), which arose out of Flores v. Reno, a 1987 California case. the Court ruled that the government has a responsibility to provide adequate shelter for homeless families with children.
    • In Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, the justices will decide whether cities and states can effectively criminalize homelessness by penalizing people for sleeping outdoors.

    The Court’s rulings on homelessness have had a significant impact on the way that the government and society address this issue. The Court’s decisions have helped to protect the rights of homeless individuals and have ensured that the government provides adequate shelter for homeless families with children.

    Today the housing issue is back in the national spotlight after the Supreme Court heard oral argument on Monday and as reported by SCOTUSBlog, “in a case that one legal expert has called the ‘most important Supreme Court case about homelessness in at least 40 years.’ The issue before the court is the constitutionality of ordinances in an Oregon town that bar people who are homeless from using blankets, pillows, or cardboard boxes for protection from the elements while sleeping within the city limits. Defending the ordinances, the city contends that the laws simply bar camping on public property by everyone. But the challengers in the case counter that the ordinances effectively make it a crime to be homeless in the city.”

    Follow the latest development on the Supreme Court’s ruling on homelessness and the housing crisis HERE or at SCOTUSBlog.

    The AP also reported, “The case started in the rural Oregon town of Grants Pass, which began fining people $295 for sleeping outside as the cost of housing escalated and tents sprung up in the city’s public parks. The San Francisco-based U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the law under its holding that banning camping in places without enough shelter beds amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.”

    WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 22: Homeless rights activists hold a rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on April 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court heard oral argument in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson and Smith v. Spizzirri, a dispute over the constitutionality of ordinances that bar people who are homeless from camping on city streets. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

    The Storied History of Campus Protests in America

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    History of College Campus Protests in America

    College campus protests have a long and storied history in America. They have been used to express a wide range of grievances, from the Vietnam War to apartheid to climate change.

    Early Protests

    The first recorded college campus protest in America took place at Harvard University in 1766. Students protested the British Stamp Act, which they saw as a violation of their rights. In the 19th century, college campus protests became more common. Students protested the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the expansion of slavery.                                                                                                                                                      

    A Black Students Union leader addresses a crowd of demonstrators in December 1968.

    The 1960s and 1970s

    The 1960s and 1970s were a time of great social and political upheaval in America. College campus protests were a major part of this upheaval. Students protested the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the women’s rights movement. They also protested against the establishment and the status quo.

    The 1980s and 1990s

    The 1980s and 1990s were a time of relative calm on college campuses. There were still some protests, but they were not as frequent or as large as they had been in the 1960s and 1970s.

    The 21st Century

    College campus protests have made a comeback in the 21st century. Students have protested the Iraq War, the War on Terror, and the Great Recession. They have also protested against racism, sexism, and homophobia. Today, students have launched protests and encampments at more than a dozen schools across the country, from Massachusetts to Michigan to California. They’re protesting the genocide occurring in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the recent war the international community is now calling a genocide.

    On January 26, 2024 South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ accusing it of ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Palestinian people.

    Columbia University Student Protest History

    Columbia University has a long and storied history of student activism and protest. Some of the most notable protests include:

    • 1968 Columbia University protests: In 1968, Columbia University students protested the university’s ties to the Vietnam War and the construction of a gymnasium in Morningside Park. The protests culminated in a five-day occupation of five university buildings.
    • 1985 divestment campaign: In 1985, Columbia University students launched a campaign to divest the university’s endowment from companies doing business in South Africa. The campaign was successful, and Columbia University became one of the first major universities to divest from South Africa.
    • 2007 graduate student strike: In 2007, Columbia University graduate students went on strike to demand better pay and benefits. The strike lasted for three weeks and ended with a tentative agreement between the university and the graduate student union.
    • 2015 student protests: In 2015, Columbia University students protested the university’s handling of sexual assault cases. The protests led to the resignation of the university’s president, Lee Bollinger.
    • 2016 Black Lives Matter protests: In 2016, Columbia University students protested racial injustice and police brutality in the wake of the killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. The protests included a sit-in at the university’s main library.
    • 2024 Anti-Israel protests: Students are calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza, an end to the Oct. 7th Israel-Hamas war and their universities’ investment in companies that profit from it or do business with Israel.

    Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14, 2023. Thousands of Palestinians sought refuge on October 14 after Israel warned them to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip before an expected ground offensive against Hamas, one week on from the deadliest attack in Israeli history. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP)

    These are just a few of the many student protests that have occurred at Columbia University over the years. Student activism has played a significant role in shaping the university’s history and culture, and it continues to be an important force for change on campus. 

    Significance of College Campus Protests

    College campus protests have played an important role in American history. They have helped to bring about social and political change. They have also helped to raise awareness of important issues. College campus protests are a sign of a healthy democracy. They show that students are engaged in the political process and that they are willing to stand up for what they believe in.

    Restitution Study Group Take Fight Over Benin Bronzes to United Nations

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    Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely, Harlem, USA’s Ambassador to the United Nations, and Antonio Isuperio of Brazil, representing the Restitution Study Group, delivered a compelling statement at the United Nations, urging action on the ownership and management of the Benin bronzes.

    The statement was delivered during the Arts and Culture Panel Discussion at the 3rd session of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland. The session commenced on April 16th and continued until April 19th.

     

    The Restitution Study Group’s statement outlined five key points:

    • Recognition: Emphasizing the slave trade origin of the Benin bronzes, calling for global acknowledgment of this historical context.
    • Inclusion: Advocating for the inclusion of Afrodescendants in the global management of these cultural relics.
    • Ownership Rights: Asserting Afrodescendants’ rights to ownership of the Benin bronzes.
    • Provenance Research: Proposing the implementation of the PFPAD protocol for provenance research, considering the slave trade origin of the Benin bronzes and all African artifacts to prevent repatriation to slave trader heirs and ensure protection of the moral ownership rights of Afrodescendants.
    • Healing Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue between Nigeria, the Benin kingdom, and Afrodescendants on the issue of the slave trade Benin bronzes for mutual understanding and healing.

    They also announced the forthcoming establishment of the Benin Kingdom Museum in Harlem USA — a place for cultural heritage education, atonement and healing. http://www.theBKM.org

    The Restitution Study Group’s impassioned plea at the United Nations reflects a global call for justice, recognition, and healing concerning the ownership and legacy of the Benin bronzes.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, J.D., M.A., Executive Director
    Restitution Study Group – www.rsgincorp.org – 917.365.3007

    Anti-Lynching Protest Song ‘Strange Fruit’ Marks Its Haunting Recording Date

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    On April 20, 1939, Billie Holiday recorded the first great protest song of the Civil Rights Movement, ‘Strange Fruit.’

    “Strange Fruit” is a powerful protest song written by Abel Meeropol and made famous by Billie Holiday’s haunting rendition in 1939. The song is a stark and moving indictment of the lynching of African Americans in the United States, drawing comparisons between the hanging bodies of Black people and the strange fruit of the South.

     

    Background and Inspiration

    Abel Meeropol, a Jewish schoolteacher from the Bronx, wrote “Strange Fruit” in 1937 after seeing a photograph of a lynching in the South. The image of the lifeless bodies of Black people hanging from trees haunted him, and he felt compelled to write a song that would expose the horrors of lynching and the racism that fueled it.

    Billie Holiday’s Rendition

    Billie Holiday, an African American singer known for her powerful and emotive voice, first performed “Strange Fruit” in 1939 at a nightclub in New York City. The song was met with both praise and controversy. Some people were deeply moved by the song’s message and Holiday’s performance, while others were outraged by its graphic depiction of lynching.

    Impact and Legacy

    “Strange Fruit” quickly became a powerful anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. It was performed at rallies and protests, and it helped to raise awareness of the ongoing problem of lynching in the United States. The song also had a significant impact on the music industry, paving the way for more socially conscious music.

    As described by African Archives on X, In 1939, Holiday received a warning from the Federal Bureau of Narcotics to stop singing the song. This order was led by commissioner Harry Anslinger. He had a mission to eradicate all drugs everywhere, and believed jazz music was the problem. His attack was racially biased. Holiday was subsequently put on trial –The United States of America vs. Billie Holiday – despite the struggling performer just wanting to recover, but was sent to prison and her cabaret license was revoked. That didn’t keep her down. She continued to perform “Strange Fruit” even at a sold out show at Carnegie Hall.

    Arslinger’s team arrested her on her hospital bed cutting off her methadone medication after claiming to have found heroin in her bedroom. I0 days later, Holiday died.

    Today, “Strange Fruit” is still regarded as one of the most powerful and moving protest songs ever written. It stands as a testament to the horrors of racism and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

    Notable Performances

    • Billie Holiday’s original recording of “Strange Fruit” in 1939 remains the definitive version of the song.
    • Nina Simone’s rendition of “Strange Fruit” in the 1960s is also highly acclaimed.
    • The song has been covered by many other artists, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Sting.

    Cultural Significance

    “Strange Fruit” has had a lasting impact on American culture. It has been featured in films, television shows, and documentaries, and it has been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities. The song continues to be a powerful reminder of the history of racism in the United States and the ongoing struggle for justice.

    “Break the Siege” Freedom Flotilla Sets Sail on Palestinian Aid Mission

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    The 2024 flotilla to Gaza is a planned flotilla of ships that will attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver aid to besieged Palestinians. The flotilla is being organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a coalition of international human rights groups.

    Background

    The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The blockade has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. This has had a devastating impact on the economy of Gaza and the living conditions of its residents.

    The 2010 Flotilla Raid

    In 2010, a flotilla of six ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy. The Israeli navy boarded the ships and killed nine activists on board. The raid was widely condemned by the international community.

    The 2015 Flotilla Flotilla III

    In 2015, another flotilla of ships attempted to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The Israeli navy intercepted the ships and prevented them from reaching Gaza. “It started from Sweden on 10 May 2015 and stopped in several European cities along the way to Gaza. On 29 June 2015 the Swedish-flagged vessel “Marianne” was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters about 100 nautical miles from the Palestinian coast of Gaza.

    The 2016 “Women’s Boat to Gaza”

    The Women’s Boat to Gaza (WBG) was an initiative by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in 2016 to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition launched the Women’s Boat to Gaza to raise awareness of the role of women in advancing the Palestinian struggle in the Palestinian Territories and diaspora. The Women’s Boat to Gaza also supported the goals of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign:

    1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;
    2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
    3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution 194.

    The 2024 Flotilla

    The 2024 flotilla is the latest attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The flotilla is expected to set sail in May 2024. The flotilla will consist of several ships carrying humanitarian aid and human rights activists.

    The organizers of the flotilla hope that it will raise awareness of the plight of the people of Gaza and pressure Israel to lift the blockade, deliver desperately needed aid, and end the on-going war started Oct. 7, 2023 the international community and the UN has strongly condemned as a genocide. The Israeli government has said that it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza. Click HERE for the official FFC statement and to track the aid ship.  

    Marking 162nd Emancipation Day in The District of Columbia

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    Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia commemorates the ending of slavery in the nation’s capital on Apr 16, 1862. 

    On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which ended slavery in Washington, D.C. and freed over 3,000 enslaved individuals.

    History:

    • On Apr 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed over 3,100 enslaved people in the District of Columbia.
    • The act was part of a broader effort by the Lincoln administration to end slavery in the United States.
    • The following year, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.
    • Emancipation Day has been celebrated in the District of Columbia since 1866.

     

     

     

     

     

    Celebrations:

    • Emancipation Day is a public holiday in the District of Columbia.
    • The day is typically celebrated with parades, festivals, and other events.
    • The National Park Service also hosts a variety of programs and events to commemorate Emancipation Day.

    Significance:

    • Emancipation Day is a reminder of the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.
    • The day is also a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the District of Columbia and the nation.

    September 17, 1862:

    • Battle of Antietam Prompts the Emancipation Proclamation and Ends Potential European Intervention in the Civil War.

    District of Columbia Emancipation Act of 1862

    Historians discussed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act of April 16, 1862. The act freed about 3,100 slaves in the nation’s capital and compensated owners up to $300 for each former slave. The panel also talked about the influence the act had on the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued eight months later on January 1, 1863. The National Archives hosted this 90-minute event on April 16, the annual Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia.