The California Reparations Task Force has concluded their two-year effort by approving a list of proposals to be considered by state lawmakers, which include providing financial assistance to Black Californians, creating a center to study the economic and social effects of slavery, and establishing a memorial to honor the victims of slavery and discrimination. The task force also recommended that the state create a commission to study the effects of slavery and discrimination, and to make recommendations on how to address them. If passed, the proposals would be the first of their kind in the United States.
Posts tagged as “African American”
Andrew Gillum, former Florida Democratic candidate for governor, was acquitted Thursday of lying to the FBI in a corruption case. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges that Gillum funneled tens of thousands of dollars in campaign money to personal accounts. Gillum has maintained his innocence throughout the case and expressed relief at the jury's decision, thanking his supporters and looking forward to continuing to serve the public.
The College Board announced on Monday that changes will be made to its new Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies course, following criticism from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about its potential to “indoctrinate students.” The College Board has not yet revealed what changes will be made, but it has said that it is “committed to providing an accurate and comprehensive exploration of African American history and culture.” The company also said that it is “committed to providing an unflinching encounter with the facts and evidence of African American history and culture.”
The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan has issued a security alert warning American citizens to stay in their homes due to escalating violence in the country. The Sudanese military has agreed to guarantee evacuation requests made by the U.S., Britain, France and China, and is coordinating efforts to evacuate citizens and diplomats from Sudan on military aircraft. The Embassy has warned against all travel to Sudan and urged those in the country to remain in their homes and avoid large gatherings.
Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Tennessee on Friday to show her support for the "Tennessee Three" - Reps. Justin Jones and London Lamar, both African American, and Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white - who were expelled from the state House in retaliation for their role in a protest calling for more gun control. Harris will meet with the expelled lawmakers and young people advocating for tougher gun control laws. The expulsion has been widely condemned by gun control advocates, raising questions about the state's commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens.
Tamia Potter made history as the first African American female to be accepted into Vanderbilt University Medical Center's neurosurgery residency program on National Match Day. Potter shared her emotional reaction to the news on social media, and began her medical career as a certified nursing assistant at 17 years old in 2014. Her acceptance marks a milestone for the university and the medical field, and is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her studies.
The Biden administration is considering updating the nation's racial and ethnic categories for the first time since 1997, based on the more than 4,600 comments submitted by various individuals and organizations. The changes are part of the administration's goal of creating a more equitable society, and the decision is expected to be announced in the near future.
A wild African serval cat, nicknamed "Cocaine Cat" by social media users, has been found with cocaine in its system after escaping from a traffic stop and is now being cared for by the Cincinnati Zoo. The cat's story has been trending online in the wake of the release of the horror comedy film "Cocaine Bear," and it remains to be seen if the cat will be able to make a full recovery and live out its days in the zoo.