georgia

Defendants in Ahmaud Arbery case say slavery-era law enabled them to shoot

By: Stacy M. Brown In Georgia, defense attorneys are making the case that the three white men involved in killing Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, were justified by a Civil War-era law instituted to catch runaway slaves. Travis McMichael, 35, his father, Gregory McMichael, 65, and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan, 52, plans to defend their actions by claiming they were making a citizens’ arrest that went awry only after Arbery resisted. When the trio killed Arbery on February 23, 2020, Georgia law allowed almost anyone to arrest another citizen if “they had reasonable and probable grounds of suspicion” that a suspect had committed a felony. The state overturned the statute after Arbery’s murder. Lawmakers introduced and passed the original code in 1863 to capture slaves who had escaped from plantations in the South. “They are going to use this law because it wasn’t repealed until after Ahmaud Arbery was killed by the McMichael family, and I am not sure we’re going to have the justice that we should,” said Shirley James, publisher of the Savannah Tribune in Georgia. James said Georgia also employs the Stand-Your-Ground law that allows citizens to use deadly force when confronted with life-or-death situations. “The thing that happens a lot, even with George Floyd and a lot of our African Americans who have been unjustly murdered, the victim becomes the criminal,” James remarked. “They are looking at Arbery’s life and he’s deceased and can’t defend himself.” She added that very few people of color are among the 1,000 prospective jurors, and Glynn County, where the trial will occur, counts as a mostly white area. “I don’t think in that county that you will find the kind of objectivity that you need,” James demurred. “When you think of the mindset of the things going on now with people so free to speak out in reference to their discriminatory attitudes, they have about us …” Recent reports suggest that many U.S. states still have laws that allow for citizens to make arrests. Chris Slobogin, a law professor at Tennessee’s Vanderbilt University, told Reuters News Service that citizen’s […]

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SB1: Texas Republicans pass voter suppression law

By: Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor On the evening of August 31, the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature passed overhaul of Texas’ election laws. The moment was the final chapter in a weeks-long saga that included Texas Democrats leaving the state to prevent the changes from passing. Donald Trump’s false claims of election fraud after his loss to President Biden is propelling the GOP across the U.S. to change voting laws.  The new laws will tighten an already strict set of voting laws in Texas. The new laws will eliminate drive-thru voting and extended hours to vote. The legislation also bans mail ballot drop boxes and makes it a crime for election officials to distribute vote by mail applications. It also allows the “free movement” for partisan poll watchers. Texas’ Republican Governor Greg Abbott is expected to quickly sign the legislation into law.  The Texas bill is the latest in a national GOP push to make voting less easy after President Biden defeated Donald Trump by seven million votes in November 2020. The underlying argument made by Republicans, which is part of the “big lie” messaging, is a manufactured need for “voter security.” New voting restrictions led by Republican Governors and legislatures have taken place in Georgia, Florida, and Arizona as well. “Voter suppression has passed in Texas. But Texas Dems fought hard, beat back some of the worst provisions & took the fight to the one place it can finally be won: our nation’s capital. This isn’t the time to give up or give in. This is the time to pass federal voting rights,” wrote former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke. “Texas senators voted to pass Jim Crow-style voter suppression legislation, clearing the path for Governor Greg Abbott to sign away voting rights for potentially tens of thousands of Texans — especially Black and Latino voters, low-income voters, and voters with disabilities,” wrote government watchdog Accountable.US in a statement. Voting rights activists and organizations are likely to challenge the new Texas laws. But much of their attention has been focused on pressuring U.S. Senate Democrats and President Biden to end the

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Martin Luther King III and wife talk voting rights, abolishing filibuster

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia In 1963, more than 250,000 people marched on Washington, D.C., for jobs and freedom with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nearly 60 years later, Martin Luther King III helped lead a massive march on the nation’s capital. This time the objective focused on voting rights. “John Lewis told us that the most powerful nonviolent tool we have is voting rights,” King told the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) during an exclusive interview broadcast over the social media channels of the Black Press of America. The NNPA is the trade association that represents the Black Press of America. “We are in a battle to protect our most sacred right,” King continued. The oldest son of the late civil rights leader called the more than 400 voter suppression bills in GOP-led states a reaction to the massive voter turnout in Georgia and other places that helped Democrats gain control of both chambers of Congress and the White House. King and his wife, Arndrea, said part of their mission is to register new voters and fight suppression laws. “The 400 pieces of legislation introduced since January are a reaction to the massive voter turnout, we saw last year and is a preparation for 2022,” said Arndrea King, a national merit scholar who studied psychology at Emory University. “If people come out and make themselves heard and press for federal protection, for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, we can stop this,” Arndrea King insisted. In addition to the August 28 march, the King family set a goal of registering 2 million new voters ahead of 2022. The couple insisted that the Black Press of America remains the most prominent and trusted vehicle. The King family and other civil rights activists have gotten out vital messaging using the Black Press. “All of us greatly appreciate the Black Press because none of what we are doing, none of what my father did, and so many others would be known without the Black Press,” Martin Luther King III asserted. “The Black Press is so important. We

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 Voting made tougher in Texas

By: Roy Douglas Malonson Old Jim Crow laws have officially returned to Texas. Really, they never left. Lawmakers in Texas are already trying to attack the Black vote ahead of the 2022 midterm elections by making it even tougher to cast a ballot. The State Senate approved an election law that is basically ending all of the provisions made last year that made it safer and easier to vote during the pandemic. They have now put roadblocks in place, including statewide limits on polling-place hours, a new formula for locating polling places and a ban on drop boxes to assist mail-in voters. The proposal also would ban anyone except the voter who filled out a ballot from dropping it in a mailbox or delivering it to an election official. This move adds new paperwork requirements for voters who need help because of language problems or disabilities. And it will give so-called poll watchers the right to videotape voters if they deem them suspicious. We know what this is — a clear case of voter suppression. They may as well ask us to count jellybeans in a jar again! Texas is now following in the footsteps of Iowa and Georgia, where lawmakers also attacked voters’ civil rights by tightening voting rules last month. ‘Trump Republicans’ are waging a war after jumping on the baseless claims that former President Donald Trump was “cheated” out of the election. Despite there being no evidence of election fraud in Texas last year, supporters of the bills say their measures are needed to make the state’s elections more secure. “This bill is designed to address areas throughout the process where bad actors can take advantage, so Texans can feel confident that their elections are fair, honest and open,” State Senator Bryan Hughes said during Senate debate. Forgive my speech, but that is complete and total BS. There was not voter fraud and Trump lost, plain and simple. What everyone fails to realize is that Trump said early on that he would not accept any decision of defeat, with the egomaniacal thought he would not — or

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COMMENTARY: Hitlerism: Trumpism

Republicans are sick and penicillin is not the cure, because they desire to live in an entirely White country. America was never a White country because Native Americans (Indians) and Mexicans were indigenous-inhabitants of the land when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. By and large, the Republican Party has a White Privilege agenda, and the Democratic Party has an inclusive Multi-Cultural American identity agenda as profoundly displayed in President Biden’s inaugural inclusive-programmatic format.

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OP-ED: Our Battle to Protect Democracy’s Greatest Tool: It’s on us to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Even in the darkest of times, we can hear our friend and mentor John Lewis: “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”

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With 150,000 Dead and Polls in Free Fall, Trump Seeks a Culture War

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Trump’s poll numbers indicate he will have an uphill battle defeating Joe Biden. In 2016, Hillary Clinton lost the electoral college but won the popular vote over Trump by 2.8 million votes. Trump’s poll numbers in vital battleground states are in freefall and he continues to ratchet up conflict in the U.S. in what appears to be an attempt to drive bring out Republican base voters.

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OP-ED (IN MEMORIAM): John Lewis Made America a More Perfect Union

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “From marching in the streets to fighting in the halls of Congress, John Lewis literally dedicated his life to the project of making American democracy stronger, more open and equal to all. Because of his sacrifice, Black people have had greater access to the ballot and have had the ability to serve in elected office at every level in our country.”

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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