In 1955, my mother, grandmother and maternal aunt, led my cousins and I to the TV to watch the funeral of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old boy that was killed by a heartless mob in Mississippi. What was the crime? Allegedly, whistling at a white woman. My view is that the inventors of this excuse were driven by pure evil.
Emmitt’s mother switched the narrative and reframed the debate about justice, human rights and racial violence when she insisted on an open casket for the world to see the swollen and maimed face of her baby.
Emmett Tills murder in the renegade state of Mississippi was emblematic of the 3500 recorded acts of murder-lynching against its Black citizens in the United States from 1885- 1910, according to famed historian John Hope Franklin. Coupled this carnage with 10,000 instances of mob violence.
Unrelenting pressure, a series of tiny inputs by countless change agents has raised the temperature to a boiling point and the Congress could no longer stall or block a community inspired movement to fully humanize the democracy.
The United States Congress has been trying to pass anti-lynching legislation since Emmet Tills’ death but has been unable to get the job done. Rep. Bobby Rush, former Black Panther Party member authored the Emmett Till anti-lynching act that unanimously passed Congress, March 29, 2022. Congressman Al Green, 9th District, and Sheila Jackson-Lee 18th, co-sponsored this legislation. This overdue legislation makes this type of mob violence a federal hate crime. It is worthy to note that it passed with unanimous Democratic and Republican support. It took decades to convince many of these hidden rebels to get on the right side of history.
The passage of this ACT is an opening salvo in an intensifying struggle to rectify, redress and repair open and unconscious wounds and pain. This triumph will hopefully pry open the door to reparations for racial violence against citizens of color.
A courageous woman in Sherman Texas-Grayson County, Ms. Melissa Thiele has led a successful movement to establish a marker for the 1930 lynching of George Hughes and the unprovoked Tulsa styled destruction of the Black community. A familiar theme is present, white landowners spinning out of control when confronted about fair wages for fair labor. Yes, emblematic of racial and class struggle, workers versus bosses.
In 1909, genocidal fury erupted from the bowels of hell and 20 to 40 Black men were killed in Slocum, Texas, near Palestine, Texas. The sheriff of this red clay county told the New York Times that armed white men were killing Negroes as fast as they could find them. This time the sadism appears to have emerged from the murky waters of a wage- theft dispute.
We have discovered that an accused white perpetrator was to be tried in our fair county of Harris, but the process collapsed like helium escaping from a pierced birthday balloon.
Perhaps, all of us will discover ourselves in this struggle for human development. Certainly, this wrenching legislation led Rep. Green to climb near the summit.
“I am a son of the segregated South; a 74-year-old man who in his lifetime was forced to drink from ‘colored only’ water fountains, sit in the back of segregated buses, sit on the balcony of segregated movie theaters, and step off the sidewalk when others of a different hue came along. Having this bill signed into law is not only a nod to justice, but also a solemn salute to the thousands of black Americans who have been lynched since the Jim Crow era.”
Kudos to the people’s relay team that brought the baton to the finished line, for we know that it is one thing to start and another thing to finish.
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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.