Booker says it ‘irked’ him that Thurmond held the previous record for the longest Senate speech, a record Booker recently surpassed. The sentiment reflects a deeper frustration; Booker felt the record, held by a notorious segregationist, symbolized systemic efforts to bar Black Americans from political power. It’s not just about the length of the speech, but the context in which that record was set – a time when the fight for civil rights was brutal, and the Senate itself was a battleground for racial justice.
The fact that Thurmond’s record stood for so long, a testament to obstructionism against civil rights legislation, is a powerful symbol of the enduring legacy of racial prejudice in American politics.… Continue reading
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Human remains found at the Prairie Green Landfill have been identified as those of Morgan Harris, a victim of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, who is serving a life sentence. A second set of remains was also discovered during the search, which was initiated at the request of Harris’ and Marcedes Myran’s families. The search, conducted in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the federal government, began in December 2024. Harris’ family has been notified, and the province requests their privacy be respected.
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The family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by an Illinois police officer, will receive a $10 million settlement. This outcome, while providing some financial relief, highlights a deeply troubling pattern: taxpayers are, in effect, perpetually bailing out police departments for the wrongful actions of their officers. The sheer volume of similar cases underscores a systemic issue that demands far more comprehensive reform than simply writing checks.
It’s easy to focus on the financial aspect—$10 million is a significant sum—but for the Massey family, no amount of money can replace their loss. The settlement doesn’t erase the trauma of Sonya’s death, nor does it bring her back.… Continue reading
Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a Tuskegee Airman, passed away at age 100. A decorated World War II pilot, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for shooting down three German aircraft and was part of a Top Gun-winning team. Despite facing racial barriers throughout his life, including being denied a commercial pilot’s license due to his race, Stewart achieved a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer and vice president of a natural gas pipeline company. His death comes amid controversy surrounding the temporary removal of Air Force training materials featuring the Tuskegee Airmen.
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Former Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson is on trial for allegedly hindering the investigation into Ahmaud Arbery’s murder by attempting to shield the McMichaels, who were subsequently convicted of murder, from arrest. The prosecution will present evidence including phone logs and messages between Johnson and Greg McMichael, suggesting potential interference. Johnson denies wrongdoing, claiming she recused herself and that accusations are retaliatory. This trial, stemming from the highly publicized Arbery case, aims to address concerns of systemic failures and potential corruption within the Glynn County justice system.
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A letter urging residents to report “brown folks” has been condemned by Oregon officials, sparking outrage and highlighting the state’s complex history with racism. The incident underscores a deep-seated issue, revealing a disturbing undercurrent of prejudice that clashes sharply with the progressive image some may associate with the Pacific Northwest.
The mayor’s statement, expressing shock and dismay at such a letter, feels inadequate considering Oregon’s past. His words ring hollow when weighed against the state’s historical legacy of systemic racism, including the “whites only” clause in its original constitution. The irony is palpable; how can a leader genuinely express surprise at such blatant bigotry when the very foundation of the state bears the scars of similar prejudice?… Continue reading
Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor will seek to vacate up to 2,600 convictions stemming from a 1988-1990 Broward County Sheriff’s Office sting operation involving sheriff’s office-manufactured crack cocaine. A 1993 Florida Supreme Court ruling deemed these prosecutions illegal due to the Sheriff’s Office’s creation of the drugs used in the sting. This action follows a review of old records revealing lingering convictions from this operation, which often resulted in harsh penalties including mandatory minimum sentences. The State Attorney’s office will contact affected individuals, and Sheriff Gregory Tony supports this effort to overturn these convictions.
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Donald Trump’s proposed ban on DEI initiatives represents a calculated effort to dismantle decades of progress toward racial equity, echoing the tactics of the Jim Crow era by framing such initiatives as unfair to white Americans. This “colorblind” approach ignores systemic racism and the persistent racial wealth gap, falsely portraying DEI as preferential treatment rather than a necessary tool to address historical and ongoing inequities. The policy, spearheaded by figures like Stephen Miller, would severely limit workplace protections for Black Americans and further marginalize underrepresented groups. This action is not simply a policy shift but a direct assault on the principles of equity and justice, mirroring historical attempts to maintain white dominance under the guise of neutrality.
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John Sawchak, 54, is accused of shooting his neighbour, Davis Moturi, after a long history of harassment and evasion of arrest, according to court records. The Minneapolis Police Department is facing criticism for failing to arrest Sawchak on active warrants before he allegedly carried out the shooting, returning to the center of controversy over race and policing. Sawchak had two outstanding warrants against him for alleged harassment of the victim, and a third for assaulting another neighbour, while the defence insists their client denies the allegations. The department claims they had tried multiple times to arrest Sawchak, but faced challenges due to his history of mental illness, gun ownership, and refusal to engage with police. A motion for an independent review of all incidents between Sawchak and Moturi, and the shooting, was approved by the Minneapolis City Council.
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