December 6th, 2024

DOES THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE INSURRECTION ACT AGAINST BLACK ORGANIZATIONS BUT NOT WHITES?

DOES THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE INSURRECTION ACT AGAINST BLACK ORGANIZATIONS BUT NOT WHITES

The Insurrection Act of 1807, signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, is a federal law that authorizes the President of the United States to send the nation’s military and federalized National Guard troops within the United States to defeat civil disorder, insurgence, or rebellion. It enables the president to quell riots across the nation. It has a mixeduse history. The Insurrection Act was famously invoked by President Eisenhower in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 to quash white resistance to the desegregation of the high school by the Little Rock Nine and was used again by President Kennedy in 1962-63 in Mississippi and Alabama to conquer the enraged white populace’s opposition to desegregation of educational institutions there.

 

A separate but associated law, the Posse Comitatus Act, was used in the years before the Civil War relative to the Fugitive Slave Act. Insurgency fears have historically focused on the rising up of enslaved Black people in America. Since the concept of slavery inevitably inspires an impulse for freedom, all African-descended individuals were (and in some cases continue to be) feared as potential insurrectionists. When Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1871 it was referred to as the “Ku Klux Klan Act” because it contained a new “insurrection provision.” Bestowed with this new power, the president instantly ordered federal military troops to enforce civil rights in the South. When this led to the arrest of hundreds of Klansmen, white southerners were outraged and insisted that this interfered with state’s rights; the former slaves and their supporters disputed this and maintained that the federal government was deliberately failing to protect them.

 

Six years later the federal government was forced to admit that the governments of several southern states were being aided rather than impeded in their political abuses by the presence of the military, so the units were withdrawn without any helpful replacement strategy. Once again the southern Black people were abandoned by their central government to face inflamed white hatred. Even when the Insurrection Act was implemented to enforce the desegregation of southern public schools, segregationists like Alabama governor George Wallace declared the courageous Black students to be “insurrectionists.”

 

Nevertheless, when his actions defied the law, no one dared to refer to him as such. President Lyndon B. Johnson imposed the Insurrection Act during the “Long Hot Summer” riots against racial injustice of 1967, and in 1968, to neutralize what he referred to as “race riots” around the country. When in 1992 a jury acquitted all the officers who had beaten Rodney King, the Los Angeles Black community exploded in frustration and agony, and the act was employed against them.

 

The Act has often been utilized as a cudgel, as well as to suppress legitimate dissent against systemic racism. After Hurricane Katrina President George W. Bush eagerly offered to use it in New Orleans, but the officials there declined. As a result, the urgently needed relief funds they did seek were slow to arrive and fewer were granted than needed. It is worth noting President Trump’s bullying exhortations to take advantage of the Insurrection Act to quell the nationwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations over George Floyd’s murder. After the lynching of Mr. Floyd, thenPresident Trump directed the furious suppression of the peaceful protest in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. During these weeks of grief Trump repeatedly urged the military and law enforcement officials to combat protesters physically.

However, on January 6, 2021, when white radical right-wing extremists rioted in an attempt to overturn Congress and a legitimately victorious election, Trump defiantly refused to intervene, despite the pleadings of advisors to deploy the Insurrection Act against the white rioters even though a reasonable interpretation of the Act’s authors intention would indicate that a crisis of such consequence would be an example of what they feared when they wrote and passed the Act. The totality of these laws was allegedly used is alleged to protect Black lives, but they have become a symbol of oppression and control, a legal weapon used to suppress Black peoples’ freedom of speech and calls for fairness, justice, and full rights of citizenship for Black people in this country. After generations of slavery, Black Americans have now suffered another 150 years of brutality, economic injustice, and a disgusting system of criminal detention.

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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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