Reparations

Is it time for Black WWII vets to receive reparations at last?

By: Roy Douglas Malonson  There’s been an increasing amount of conversation surrounding reparations for the Black American community and righting the economic injustices faced by Blacks caused by centuries of racism and failure from the United States government. One ambitious and long-overdue proposed legislation is the GI Bill Restoration Act. Recently, Congressional Democrats reintroduced the GI Bill Restoration Act, a legislation that would provide descendants of Black World War II veterans the GI Bill benefits that many Black WWII veterans were denied. Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts introduced the legislation in the House, and according to a news release on Clyburn’s website, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia was to introduce the legislation in Senate. “While the original GI Bill ushered in decades of prosperity for post-war America, access to this prosperity was limited for Black World War II veterans who were denied full access to these benefits by mostly-white state and local Veterans Administrations,” the release said. The bill would provide surviving spouses and descendants of Black WWII veterans access to the VA Loan Guarantee Program, which provides assistance for buying and building homes, and the Post-911 GI Bill educational assistance that provides financial assistance for school or job training. The legislation would also establish a Blue Ribbon Panel “to study inequities in the distribution of benefits and assistance administered to female and minority members of the Armed Forces and provide recommendations on additional assistance to repair those inequities,” according to the release. The bill honors Black WWII veterans Sgt. Isaac Woodard Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox, and aims to supply “a transferable benefit” for Black World War II descendants and surviving spouses “to attend college, secure housing, start businesses and build generational wealth.” In 1944, the GI Bill was established to assist “qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school and training,” according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. While white veterans received these benefits and other financial assistance, Black veterans were excluded from the full benefits […]

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Reparations vs. Separations

By: Roy Douglas Malonson Some people are true fans of the changes, especially when it comes to diversity and inclusion, that President Joe Biden has brought to the White House, but some criticize that his campaign promises, specifically ones made to the Black and Brown communities, were nothing more than gimmicks to ensure he won the presidency. Recently, many feel a reported proposal from President Biden to pay $450,000 per family to migrants separated at the border under former President Donald Trump’s rule a slap in the face to Black Americans. Under Trump’s “Zero Tolerance” policy in 2018, more than 5,600 children were separated from their families as the parents were federally prosecuted for illegally crossing the southern border. Because the Trump administration did not have a system in place to reunite the children with their parents, more than 1,000 families remain separated. But Biden has come out disputing that  claim, saying those reports were “garbage.” The American Civil Liberties Union, however, said his administration did make commitments. The ACLU in a statement argued Biden would be turning his back on a core campaign promise to provide a measure of justice for those separated under the Trump policy. “President Biden may not have been fully briefed about the actions of his very own Justice Department as it carefully deliberated and considered the crimes committed against thousands of families separated from their children as an intentional governmental policy,” ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said in a statement, urging Biden to “right the wrongs of this national tragedy.” The ACLU, as well as other organizations, have filed lawsuits against the government claiming that the prolonged trauma caused by the separation has had negative mental health effects on the families. “Prolonged trauma.” That’s only one of the phrases that can be used to describe Black Americans’ experiences in this country. From the atrocities committed during chattel slavery, to the brutal Jim Crow laws, to the systemic racism and anti-blackness embedded into the structures that hold this country together, Black people have endured generational trauma, and any requests for compensation are immediately shut down. While

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Recognizing Juneteenth

By: Roy Douglas Malonson  Some things are long overdue, however, slowly but surely, it appears we are starting to turn a page in America. Juneteenth, a day many of us in Texas are more than familiar with, is starting to gain more attention across America. This year, as the day approaches, cries for social justice and forward movement for African Americans are starting to be heard, even though we still have a long way to go. We just celebrated the grim 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre and the racially-motivated burning of Black Wall Street and President Joe Biden has recognized it as one of the worst atrocities against our people. Keep in mind, however, that Tulsa barely scratched the surface of the many (hidden from history) Black massacres in this country. So, as we celebrate Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, and America’s Second Independence Day, let’s explore the history of what is now the longest-running African American holiday. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The order had established that all enslaved people in Confederate states in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” but in reality, the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t instantly free any enslaved people. The proclamation only applied to places under Confederate control and not to slave-holding border states or rebel areas already under Union control. Did you know? Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth? After the war came to a close in the spring of 1865, General Granger’s arrival in Galveston that June signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people. Although emancipation didn’t happen overnight for everyone—in some cases, enslavers withheld the information until after harvest season—celebrations broke out among newly freed Black people, and Juneteenth was born. That December, slavery in

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One North Carolina City Council Approves Reparations – Sort Of

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Hundreds of years of Black blood spilled that fills the cup we drink from today,” said Councilman Keith Young, one of two African American members of the City Council that voted 7-0 in favor of reparations. It is simply not enough to remove statutes. Black people in this country are dealing with systemic issues.”

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What happened to the 40-acres and a mule?

By: Bobby E. Mills, PhD Promises made: Promises broken! The history of Whites in America is littered with broken promises: the classic examples are the promises made and broken to Native Americans. Some Whites have good intentions, but they miserably fail to act and be godly, as Christians should be. Question: where are the forty-acres and the mule promised to Black Americans? Obviously, “Gone with the Wind,” because of the brutal assassination of America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, at Ford’s Theater by John Wilkes Booth, a Southern-Dixiecrat-White-Trash-Low-Life. The rationale behind Lincoln’s assassination was to extract a more favorable-economic-deal from President Andrew Johnson for the reconstruction of the South. President Johnson believed in the Lincoln Doctrine that the Union must be preserved at all costs, because: “A nation divided against itself cannot stand” and that is an undeniable spiritual fact. President Johnson, because of his Southern heritage, was a sympathizer and wanted to help restore the South at all costs. This is why Johnson was the first President to be impeached. President Johnson withdrew some; but not all, Union soldiers from the South. His predecessor, Russell B. Hayes, withdrew all Union soldiers from the South; leaving our ancestors very, very vulnerable. Thus, the legal enactment of the “Black-Codes” in order to reinstitute economic bondage by keeping our ancestors in an economic bondage-plantation-system, working for cheap wages! No silver or gold ever passed between plantation owners and workers, but Blacks still worked the salt mines, harvested the vegetable fields, picked the cotton, and built the roads, built the civic buildings, including The White House, and so on. Whites created a “Company-Store-organization” to systematically ensure debt-service-slavery; resulting in Blacks owing their souls to the company-store, until Black pastors spiritually taught Blacks that they owe their souls to GOD. Blacks have historically carried the South on its back-breaking-work, while Whites played the roles of Scarlett O’Hara and Red Butler whistling Dixie and blowing in the wind. Thus, will someone please tell, Judge Roy Moore, of Alabama that slavery has “gone with the wind”? In 2020, the former Party of Lincoln (GOP) has been ideologically-politically-hijacked

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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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