The Greene County Democrat

Author: greenecodemocratcom

  • Newswire: U.S. is one of three countries to vote against U.N. resolution calling slavery a ‘crime against humanity’

    Newswire: U.S. is one of three countries to vote against U.N. resolution calling slavery a ‘crime against humanity’

    by The Associated Press

    UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans “the gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations as “a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs.”

    The resolution also urges “the prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural items — including artworks, monuments, museum pieces, documents and national archives — to their countries of origin without charge.

    The vote in the 193-member world body was 123-3, with 52 abstentions. Argentina, Israel and the United States were the three members voting against the resolution. The United Kingdom and all 27 members of the European Union were among those that abstained.

    While the United States opposes the past wrongdoing of the transatlantic slave trade and all other forms of slavery, it “does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred,” deputy U.S. ambassador Dan Negrea said before the vote.

    “The United States also strongly objects to the resolution’s attempt to rank crimes against humanity in any type of hierarchy,” he said. “The assertion that some crimes against humanity are less severe than others objectively diminishes the suffering of countless victims and survivors of other atrocities throughout history.”

    In the United States, support for reparations gained momentum in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. However, the issue has been a difficult one and has been caught up in a broader conservative backlash over how race, history and inequality are handled in public institutions.

    Unlike U.N. Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but are an important reflection of world opinion.

    “Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice,” Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, a key architect of the resolution, said before the vote.

    “The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting,” he said. “Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery.”

    Mahama noted that the vote was taking place on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, honoring the memory of about 13 million African men, women and children enslaved over several centuries.

    Diplomats applauded and some cheered the adoption of the resolution.

    The history of slavery and “its devastating consequences and long-lasting impacts” must never be forgotten, said British acting U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki, speaking on behalf of mainly Western nations, including some that enslaved Africans.

    Western nations are committed to tackling the root causes that persist today, he said, pointing to racial discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance. He said “the scourge of modern slavery” also must be addressed — trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation and forced criminality.

    Cyprus’ deputy U.N. ambassador, Gabriella Michaelidou, speaking on behalf of the E.U., echoed the U.S. and U.K. on concerns about “the use of superlatives” that imply “a hierarchy among atrocity crimes.”

    Michaelidou also cited the E.U.’s concern about the resolution’s “unbalanced interpretation of historical events” and legal references that are inaccurate or inconsistent with international law, including “suggestions of a retroactive application of international rules which was non-existent at the time and claims for reparations.”

    The resolution “unequivocally condemns the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans, slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity.”

    In approving the resolution, the General Assembly affirms the importance of addressing the historical wrongs of slavery that promotes “justice, human rights, dignity and healing.”

    The resolution calls on U.N. member nations to engage in talks “on reparatory justice, including a full and formal apology, measures of restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, guarantees of non-repetition and changes to laws, programs and services to address racism and systemic discrimination.”

    It encourages voluntary contributions to promote education on the transatlantic slave trade and asks the African Union, the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States to collaborate with U.N. bodies and other nations “on reparatory justice and reconciliation.”

  • Newswire: 14 ICE detainees have died in custody; Mexican President and authorities question recent deaths

    Newswire: 14 ICE detainees have died in custody; Mexican President and authorities question recent deaths

    By Laura Strickler, Colleen Long and Daniella Silva, NBC News

    So far this year, 14 people have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, including a Mexican man who was found unresponsive last week at a facility outside Los Angeles, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.

    As of mid-February, ICE was holding more than 68,000 immigrants, among the highest numbers ever, according to federal data. The figure fluctuates as immigrants get deported and others are taken into custody.

    In 2025, ICE reported 33 total in-custody deaths and in 2024 there were 11.

    As the Trump administration has sought to drastically increase space to detain immigrants as part of its mass deportation campaign, holding facilities have struggled with disease and overcrowding.

    Homeland Security recently changed contractors at its largest immigrant detention center at Fort Bliss outside El Paso, Texas, just seven months after it opened.

    The tented facility known as Camp East Montana has had a troubled history, starting with a fatal construction accident and three detainee deaths in less than six weeks, one of which was ruled a homicide. There have also been outbreaks of both tuberculosis and measles.

    The Trump administration has said it is shifting its deportation strategy to increase its focus on arresting and deporting immigrants who have criminal records, following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration officers during deportation operations in Minnesota.

    On March 25, Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, who was in federal custody in California after he was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and theft, was found by security to be unresponsive in his bunk. ICE said in a statement that staff performed CPR and other life-saving procedures, and he was taken to Victor Valley Global Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

    Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference Monday that Mexico would take stronger measures to protest following the reported death, focusing particularly in the Los Angeles region.

    “There are several actions we are going to take to protest the death of another Mexican, one of our fellow citizens, in the United States.”

    Ex-FBI agents on Trump cases cite Todd Blanche’s remarks in suit over ‘illegal’ firings

    Ramos-Solano was arrested by ICE on Feb. 23 and sent to the Adelanto detention center. He received a physical evaluation during his intake screening and was found to have diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. ICE said he received routine medical care in custody, including daily medication for his conditions.

    Ramos-Solano’s cause of death was not immediately made public, and Homeland Security officials didn’t respond to questions about his cause of death.

    At the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles on Monday, members of Ramos-Solano’s family wept as they spoke out against his death and demanded answers.

    “What happened to my dad was very inhumane,” said Gloria Ramos, the daughter of Ramos-Solano. “I think my family and I deserve to know the truth of what happened to my dad.”

    The man’s son, Jorge Ramos, paused often as he spoke, becoming overcome with emotion.

    “He was a good dad. He was a good person. He was not a criminal. He was a hard worker,” he said.

    An official with Mexico’s foreign ministry attended the news conference and denounced the number of deaths in ICE custody this year.

    “Four Mexican nationals have died, apparently due to medical complications, highlighting a pattern of persistent structural deficiencies,” Vanessa Calva Ruiz, the director general of consular protection and strategic planning said. “The recurrence and frequency of these deaths are absolutely unacceptable.”

  • Strengthening Families One Week at a Time

    Strengthening Families One Week at a Time

    Tuesday night marked the beginning of Greene County’s Strengthening Families spring session at Branch Heights Activity Center. The 14-week program aims to strengthen parenting skills and provide behavioral intervention for children and teens. Program coordinator Mrs. Mildred J. Morgan welcomed students and parents with a lovely barbecue sandwich dinner and an overview of the program. 

    Attendees were split into three separate classrooms: children, youth, and parents. Each classroom held introductions and an age-based topic for the group. Daisy Hutton, teacher leader for ages 5 to 11, highlighted the program’s impact for curbing challenging and dangerous behaviors. She stated that the Honorable Lillie Jones-Osborne asked her to join the program 10 years ago to volunteer as a teacher for the children’s class. Hutton commented that Judge Osbourne would order families to attend the program as a disciplinary intervention. “This program is about keeping the kids away from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It’s about teaching them to respect authority,” Hutton stated. 

    The youth class for middle school children and teens was led by Geraldine Walton, former program director for West Alabama Headstart from 1998 to 2012. Walton learned about the strengthening families program in 2022. “I love meeting the students and hearing about their lives,” Walton commented. She led the teens in a discussion about their dreams and how to set goals. Next week, students will discuss one step they can take to fulfill their visions.

    Mrs. Morgan led the parent classroom meeting. She emphasized that all discussions from the parent class will remain confidential and equip parents with tools to reinforce positive behaviors. She stated that the space would be like a therapy session to assist with stress management. Parents were encouraged to hold weekly family meetings so everyone could voice concerns and plan for the week ahead. 

    The program will meet every Tuesday at 5:00 pm, serving dinner and new topics of discussion. Upon completion of the program, a ceremony will be held for parents and students on June 20th, 2026. Mrs. Morgan encourages families to come out each week with potential door prizes underway. 

  • Old But Gold: Stillman Recognizes James Joseph and alumni’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement

    Old But Gold: Stillman Recognizes James Joseph and alumni’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement

    This March, Stillman College’s Civil Rights History Project supporters and coordinators hosted a luncheon to honor the legacy of James Joseph and alumni who made instrumental contributions to the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. The alumni mentioned and in attendance exemplified Stillman’s commitment to serving their community by producing exemplary leaders.

    The program began with an introduction from Gordon Govens, associate professor and executive director of Social Justice Initiatives. He informed attendees that the Civil Rights History Project aims to create a gallery to honor approximately 350 Stillman students who participated in the movement. “This is life-defining work,” Govens stated before he detailed the need to expand the gallery to display the photos of every alumnus involved. Current Stillman students are researching records previously withheld from the public and oral stories. Govens and students hope to raise $150,000 for expansion and to continue the project, as older records and footage are in desperate need of restoration.

    Sara Smith, the first white student at Stillman College and organizer of the Civil Rights History Tour 2026, humbly acknowledged everyone in attendance. “I was just here one semester… it was so powerful to me, Susan stated as she recounted how the opportunity to march alongside black students changed her life.

    Following the welcome, keynote speaker Susan Taylor Batten, President and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, took to the podium. She began by acknowledging former faculty member and U.S Ambassador to South Africa James Joseph as a “giant of a man.” Joseph helped initiate the local civil rights movement with the help of Stillman students. Joseph organized marches to protest segregation at the city hall from 1963 to 1964. After having his life threatened and surviving a beating by Ku Klux Klan members and state troopers, Joseph pursued a career in philanthropy that “changed the trajectory of philanthropy in this country,” by creating ABFE, originally the Association of Black Foundation Executives, with a group of Black professionals. The group promoted effective and responsible philanthropy by establishing pipelines and pathways into careers for people in Black communities who would otherwise be denied opportunities. Batten stated in her speech that Joseph knew the ABFE had a responsibility to lead and inspire others. Today, the ABFE continues to provide healing, hope, and reconciliation for those in economically disadvantaged populations.

    Historically black colleges (HBCUs) like Stillman developed teachers, lawyers, clergy, and leaders who shaped the civil rights movement. HBCUs provide a haven for black students, with ideals rooted in equity for others. “When you go to Stillman, you can do anything,” alumnus Terrence Brown began in closing, “Everything I learned about people and leadership, I learned here.” Brown is currently the Director of the 16th Street Baptist Church and Visitor Center, a multipurpose facility set to open in 2027, in Birmingham.

    The colors of Stillman College are navy blue and Vegas gold, chosen to represent stability, tradition, excellence, prestige, and high standards. As the only four-year HBCU in West Alabama, these colors adequately represent a university that prepares students to excel at uplifting their communities. Time spent at Stillman and networking with its alumni can ultimately change one’s trajectory.

  • Eutaw City Council meets to approve paying bills and announces up-coming events

    Eutaw City Council meets to approve paying bills and announces up-coming events

    The Eutaw City Council met for its second regular meeting of the month, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. All members of the Council were present: Valerie Watkins (District 1), Jonathan Woodruff (District 2), Tracey Hunter (District 3), Lorenzo French (District 4) and Carrie Logan (District 5) .

    Mayor Corey Cockrell, presided at the meeting, assisted by City Clerk, SheKelvia Spencer, Administrative Assistant, Joe Powell, Legal Counsel, Zane Willingham, and Kendrick Howell, Chief of Police.

    There were only two items of business on the official agenda, The Council approved both. The first was payment of $75.00 dues for 2026 to the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce. The second was to pay monthly bills for the City of Eutaw.

    Mayor Cockrell gave a report of his activities on behalf of the city and plans for future events. He said the city was planning a clean-up day for Saturday, April 11, 2026, to clean-up litter on the streets and roadways, especially around city facilities such as City Hall, Branch Heights Community Center, Robert H. Young Community Center and others. There will be a cook-out at City Hall to provide lunch for those who volunteer as part of the clean-up effort.

    The Mayor called attention to a financial report, compiled by James Lewis, the city’s financial advisor. The report is a revenue and expense statement for the City’s General Fund for the first five months of the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026.

    The report shows the city is following its budget for the year so far. Mayor Cockrell asked council members to review the report and address any questions to him or Mr. Lewis.

    Mayor Cockrell announced his plans for a “junior mayor and council program” to involve young people in understanding and making city policies and decisions. He introduced a student from Greene County High School, Elias McGhee, who will be part of the program.

    Council member Valerie Watkins reported that the city staff had corrected some sewage problems on Roebuck Avenue but was not sure that this was a permanent solution to the drainage problems in her neighborhood. Tracey Hunter reported that work has begun to fix the lagoon, which should alleviate long standing problems with sewage in Branch Heights.

    Councilwoman Carrie Logan thanked the city for sending her to the National League of Cities training in Washington, D. C. She met with Congresswoman, Terri Sewell, and presented her with a copy of the city’s plans that are in need of funding. She also met with Senator Tubberville and learned about Federal resources to support cities and small towns.

    Councilman Lorenzo French said he was helping with the April 11th clean-up day and asked for people to volunteer. Councilman Woodruff said he had no report but was trying to live up to the motto, “Let’s respect each other and respect ourselves, as members of the City Council”.

    John Cashin, recently selected as the Chairperson of the Greene County Airport Authority reported on efforts to raise funds for resurfacing the runway, cutting down trees that were obstructing visibility and general working to re-open the Eutaw Airport, as soon as improvements movement could be made and certified by the appropriate state and Federal aviation authorities.

    A young man wearing a black shirt and brown pants stands next to an adult man in a blue blazer and jeans, both smiling, in front of a plain background.
    Elias McGhee and Mayor Corey Cockrell
  • Newswire: ‘No Kings’ protests set to become largest in US History

    Newswire: ‘No Kings’ protests set to become largest in US History

    A new wave of nationwide demonstrations is set to take place this weekend, as organizers behind the “No Kings” movement prepare what they say could become the largest protest in American history. 

    In Alabama, there are over a dozen “No-Kings protests” for this Saturday, March 28, 2026. There is one set for Selma, at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge for 10:00 AM to Noon. There is one in Tuscaloosa at the Government Plaza from 4:00 to 6:00PM. Check the No Kings website for a map and other scheduled rallies.

    With thousands of events already planned across the country, No Kings’ mobilization reflects growing public concern over the current political climate and the direction of U.S. democracy. On Saturday, March 28, the organizers are set to host what might be the largest protest in this country’s history. 

    According to Fast Company, the upcoming protests include more than 3,000 community-led events spanning all 50 states and every congressional district. That number already surpasses previous “No Kings” demonstrations, including the October 2025 event, which drew an estimated 7 million participants nationwide. 

    Organizers say the rapid expansion signals a broad and diverse coalition of Americans who are unified around a central message. The official No Kings platform emphasizes that the demonstrations are rooted in the belief that power belongs to the people, not to any singular authority. As stated on their website, “In America, we have no kings,” a phrase that has become the rallying cry for participants across political and geographic lines.

    A wide network of advocacy groups, including Indivisible, the ACLU, and the American Federation of Teachers, is coordinating the protests. Leaders within the movement point to a range of concerns driving turnout, including economic instability, immigration enforcement practices, and ongoing military conflicts abroad.

    Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, told Fast Company that the scale of the upcoming March 28 demonstrations reflects a shared urgency among Americans.  “We will be in every single congressional district,” Levin said, emphasizing that participation is expected from both traditionally liberal and conservative regions.

    The movement’s momentum has been building throughout the past year. Earlier protests in June and October 2025 drew millions, signaling what many organizers describe as a sustained and expanding push for civic engagement. This latest action is positioned as a continuation of that energy, with even more events being added daily.

    Organizers also stress that the demonstrations are nonviolent and centered on democratic principles. The goal is to create space for collective expression while reinforcing the idea that civic participation remains a powerful tool for change.

    With another major action — including a planned May Day general strike already on the horizon — the March 28 protests mark a pivotal moment for the movement. As turnout expectations continue to grow, the question now is not just how many people will show up, but how their voices may shape the national conversation moving forward.

  • Newswire: Alabama governor commutes death sentence of man who didn’t kill anyone

    Newswire: Alabama governor commutes death sentence of man who didn’t kill anyone

    Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey commuted on Tuesday, March 10, the death sentence of Charles “Sonny” Burton to life without parole, saying his execution, which was set for Thursday, would be “unjust.”

    In 1991, Burton was one of six men involved in the robbery of an AutoZone store in Talladega that ended with the murder of a customer, Doug Battle; Burton did not pull the trigger in the killing.

    “Doug Battle was brutally murdered by Derrick DeBruce while shopping in an auto parts store. But DeBruce was ultimately sentenced to life without parole. Charles Burton did not shoot the victim, did not direct the triggerman to shoot the victim and had already left the store by the time the shooting occurred. Yet Mr. Burton was set to be executed while DeBruce was allowed to live out his life in prison,” Ivey said in a statement.

    “I cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr. Burton under such disparate circumstances. I believe it would be unjust for one participant in this crime to be executed while the participant who pulled the trigger was not,” she said.

    Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed disappointment in a statement first to NBC News. “There has never been any doubt that Sonny Burton has Douglas Battle’s blood on his hands,” he said.

    “Burton does not deserve special treatment because he is old — he could have been executed a long time ago, but like many death-row inmates, he chose to drag out his case through endless frivolous appeals. I firmly believe that he should have faced the punishment imposed by a jury of his peers and upheld by numerous judges,” he said.

    Burton admits to entering the store armed with a gun. He said he stole cash from a safe in the back room, then fled outside to wait by a getaway car.

    Inside the store, one of his accomplices, Derrick DeBruce, shot Battle, 34, in the back, killing him. The state acknowledged this fact in its response to Burton’s application for a stay of execution from the U.S. Supreme Court.

    Burton’s death sentence was possible because of a legal doctrine known as felony murder, which allows prosecutors to treat anyone involved in certain felonies, such as robbery or burglary, equally responsible for a killing that occurs during the crime, even if they did not commit the act themselves.

    In a phone interview earlier this month from William C. Holman Correctional Facility, the site of the state’s execution chamber, Burton told NBC News he had no idea Battle’s murder was going to happen.

    “I didn’t assist nobody. I didn’t aid nobody. I didn’t tell nobody to shoot nobody,” he said.

    Ivey had faced a growing chorus of voices asking for mercy for Burton, 75, including the victim’s daughter, who published an op-ed in the Montgomery Advertiser urging Ivey to spare his life.

    Burton expressed gratitude to NBC News for that show of support.

    “She forgave me, and I want to say how much I appreciated that,” he said. “She lifts a whole lot of guilt off me.”

    Burton’s family and legal team expressed their gratitude in a statement from federal defender Matt Schulz, who represented Burton for nearly two decades.

    “Governor Ivey’s decision is to be applauded, as it demonstrates measured, responsible, and respectable leadership. Though a ‘thank you’ indeed falls short of the level of gratitude the parties wish to express, Sonny Burton, his family, his friends, his legal team, and all those who have supported Sonny’s request for clemency thank you, Governor Ivey,” said Schulz.

    Schulz also shared a statement from Burton to Ivey. “Just saying thank you doesn’t seem like much. But it’s what I can give her. And I do thank her. Thank you, Governor,” said Burton.

    Burton would have been the ninth person to be executed by nitrogen gas — a method first carried out in Alabama in 2024. He is only the second person to have his death sentence commuted by Ivey. 

  • Newswire: Trump says mail-in voting is ‘corrupt.’ The president voted by mail just days ago.

    Newswire: Trump says mail-in voting is ‘corrupt.’ The president voted by mail just days ago.

    President Donald Trump has repeatedly denounced the practice
    of mail-in voting, calling it “corrupt” and a form of “cheating” in
    elections. As recently as Monday, the president characterized
    mail-in voting as “mail-in cheating.”
    However, a Washington Post report reveals that despite
    Trump’s pronouncements against mail-in voting, the president
    recently voted by mail in Tuesday’s special election in Palm
    Beach, Florida.
    The report cites voter records on the Palm Beach County
    Supervisor of Elections website that show Trump voted by mail
    in Palm Beach County, where he resides at his Mar-a-Lago
    estate and beach club outside of the White House. The
    Washington Post report also revealed that Trump has been
    registered to vote in Florida since 2019 and that he mailed his
    ballot at least one other time in 2020.
    The revelation that Trump voted by mail is a clear contradiction
    of his public statements and his big push for Congress to pass
    the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship
    to vote and restrict voting by mail. During a roundtable in
    Memphis on Monday, Trump also falsely claimed that the United
    States is the only country that allows mail-in voting. At least 34
    countries allow voters to mail in their ballots.
    “It’s not surprising that he’s utilizing something he’s waging war
    on. It’s the hypocrisy, but that is what he’s always done,”
    political commentator Reecie Colbert told theGrio.
    Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said President Trump’s
    efforts to end mail-in voting are intended to sow doubt about its
    practice ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, in which his party
    is expected to suffer major losses.
    “It’s clear to me that the president is afraid of people voting, and
    he’s certainly afraid of people exercising their ability to cast a
    vote in disagreement with him, and we’ve seen unlimited
    flirtation and attempts to try to not only rearrange the
    conversation around voting and people participating, but also
    we’ve seen measures trying to go forth to prevent people from
    voting in elections to come,” Seawright told theGrio.
    On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for a
    consequential case on the future of mail-in voting, which could
    have repercussions for access to the ballot for Black and Brown
    voters in states where advocates say Republican leaders are
    trying to suppress their vote.
    “I think with Black people, we have to understand the
    assignment. And the known in the equation is that they’re going
    to cheat. The known in the equation is that they’re going to
    suppress our votes. And so what we have to do is we have to
    be the unknown in the equation, which is what we do has to
    exceed what they’re trying to do,” said Colbert.
    The host of Sirius XM’s “The Reecie Colbert Show” told theGrio
    that Republicans are making the “calculation” that their voters
    are higher propensity voters and therefore the “roadblocks”
    placed to deter Black and Brown voters will still result in
    Republicans “going to vote anyway.” She explained, “I don’t
    think that that’s necessarily a smart calculation, but that’s what
    they’re banking on.”
    Colbert added, “We know the table has been set. It’s incumbent
    upon us to make sure that our votes are not disenfranchised.
    And that’s not fair…but those are the cards that were dealt. So
    we have to make sure that we vote out of cheating distance of
    them.”
    Seawright, who advises many national Democratic campaigns,
    said President Trump and Republicans will turn to “unlimited
    measures and attempts to try to silence and suffocate the
    voices” of voters, whether Black or not.
    “At one point in time, some of us thought that it was just African-
    American voices that they wanted to silence and suffocate, and in some cases exterminate. Now, it’s pretty much anyone who may stand in disagreement with the extreme agenda that has come out of this modern-day Republican Party,” said Seawright.
    Colbert pointed out one other irony to the revelation that Trump
    voted by mail in a state that still restricts access to voting for
    convicted felons.
    “Florida has waged war on felons voting, and yet the felon, 34-
    time convicted felon president, still is voting in Florida elections,”
    she said.
  • Newswire: Student Loans will now be handled by the U.S. Treasury

    Newswire: Student Loans will now be handled by the U.S. Treasury

    Besides being anti-immigrant, anti-diversity and inherently anti-
    science, the Trump administration has shown time and time again that it is anti-education — because a populace that learns things
    leaves fewer of the “poorly educated” voter who President Donald
    Trump said he loves so much.

    So, the federal government is still in its process of defunding the
    Department of Education, and, on Thursday, the administration
    announced plans to shift the nearly $1.7 trillion student loan
    portfolio to the Treasury Department, claiming its mission is to
    improve the efficiency of the loan system, or what it described as
    “overdue financial discipline.”

    From the New York Times: About half of all undergraduate
    students receive federal aid each year, according to the
    Institute of Education Sciences. More than 40 million
    people currently have federal student loans, including 9.2
    million in default and 2.4 million in late-stage delinquency,
    according to the Education Department.

    “Treasury has the unique experience, the operational
    capability and the financial expertise to bring long
    overdue financial discipline to the program and be better
    stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

    Linda McMahon, the education secretary, said that
    student aid would be better managed at Treasury. A fact
    sheet from the administration promised students would
    receive “the high-quality service they have come to
    expect under the Trump administration.”

    The second McMahon — the education secretary who thinks
    Black history is DEI while being ignorant of even some of the
    most well-known Black history — spoke of “the high-quality
    service they have come to expect under the Trump
    administration,” you have to know we’re being sold a bill of goods.

    The Trump administration doesn’t provide “high-quality” anything
    — certainly, not education-related.

    Instead, Trump has railed about “returning education to the
    states,” as if it would improve the quality of education overall,
    which ignores the glaring fact that states and local governments
    already dictate the academic side of their educational systems,
    including the setting of curricula, teacher hiring, teacher licensing,
    and standardized testing.

    Under Trump’s DOE, far-right groups are overseeing programs to
    “educate” America with thoroughly whitewashed U.S. history
    propaganda disguised as “patriotic” civics lessons. HBCUs have
    lost millions in grant funding, and Black academic institutions and
    programs, in general, have been threatened.

    Any and every program aimed at bettering the quality of
    education for Black people and other marginalized groups has
    been derailed with anti-DEI investigations and threats to withhold federal funding. And, as far as student loans go, all the MAGA-fied DOE has done is attack loan forgiveness initiatives and garnish the wages of borrowers who struggle to pay them back,
    crippling their credit scores.

    “In the midst of a growing affordability crisis where American
    families are already struggling to make ends meet, this risks
    driving millions of borrowers further into financial hardship,” Aissa
    Canchola Bañez, the policy director for Protect Borrowers, a
    group that targets predatory lenders, told the Times. “Instead of
    providing relief to the millions of defaulted borrowers who have
    fallen behind, the department is moving a portfolio of our most
    vulnerable borrowers to an agency with little to no expertise in the
    rights and benefits afforded to borrowers under the Higher
    Education Act.”

    Education is being controlled by an administration that thrives on
    anti-intellectualism and the demonization of institutions of
    learning, and it shows with every new policy change.

  • Greene County BOE makes moves to develop family partnerships for increased student success

    Greene County BOE makes moves to develop family partnerships for increased student success

    by Maya Quinn
    Managing Editor

    The Greene County Board of Education (BOE) met to discuss the progress of newly implemented programs and proposed contracts. Superintendent Dr. Timothy Thurman, President Leo Branch, Vice President Robert Davis, Veronica Richardson, Carrie Dancy, and Brandon Meriwether were present for the meeting.

    The Greene County school system is responsible for educating the next generation of adults to live and prosper in Greene County. However, the school cannot accomplish the imperative task alone. Successful school systems maintain optimal structure through a “three-legged stool” model: dedicated teachers, involved parents, and resilient students. Without positive guidance and partnerships with parents, the stool cannot stand.

    Meeting Summary

    In a unanimous vote, all action items (detailed after this summary) proposed by Superintendent Dr. Thurman received approval at the meeting. All payments, bills, claims, and payroll were reconciled by Chief Financial Officer Marquita Lennon, leaving the school board’s account with $157,105.76 from local revenue. The board allocated a considerable amount of funds to procure new buses for the school system.

    Dr. Thurman, Superintendent, gave a formal report of ongoing activities. He began by detailing the importance of PTA meetings at Robert Brown Middle School and Eutaw High School, noting that increased parent involvement is “critical for the school system to move forward.” He then eagerly updated attendees on the parent volunteering initiative’s training progress with parent involvement facilitator, Deborah Waiters. Any parents interested in receiving training are encouraged to call the board.

    He also announced programs for rising kindergarteners and a scholarship with Huntington College. The fully funded Judge Jumpstart Program will host 4-K students over the summer to prepare them for the upcoming school year. The “Grow Your Own” Scholarship and partnership with Huntington is to help students earn degrees to teach in rural areas. These programs are game-changers, providing resources upon entering and exiting the school system. “We’re trying to be as transparent as possible,” Dr. Thurman reminded, “we need parent participation to move forward.”

    At the conclusion of the superintendent’s report, board member and parent Veronica Richardson wanted to ensure that parents receive letters about upcoming Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) and ACT testing. After spring break, testing will resume the week of April 6th.

    Approved Action Items

    •  Garry Rice will attend the Southern Regional Education Board Conference in Nashville, TN, July 14 – 17, 2026
    • Tomora Hill and two students will attend the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, GA, April 25-29, 2026
    • Shamyra Jones and four students will attend the Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 30 – May 2, 2026
    • The Greene County Board of Education will contract Marshanda Daniels to serve as technical support for the district for one year.
    • An E-Rate Mini Bid with Uniti Fiber for internet access points licenses, equipment, and installation in the amount of $111,816.82 (district pays 15% of the total quote).

    Following the approval of the action items, the board members entered an executive session to discuss the personnel action report. Board members did not disclose approved items in the report during the meeting. However, the local school accountant, LaTanya Cockrell-Fowler, informed The Democrat via email of Sarah Crawford’s resignation as the 2nd-grade teacher at Eutaw Primary School.

     

    Public Comments

    Understanding family relationships is a critical factor in student success. Whether it be test scores or mental health, having a sustained partnership between educators and families is essential for the school system to learn what is best for the children of Greene County. Knowledge of a student’s culture provides important information for the school system to secure the resources necessary to support students at any stage of their learning.

    Brandi Jones was the only parent not on staff or the board present. She politely introduced herself and asked a series of questions about the superintendent selection process and the need to consult external sources on strategic planning within the district. Jones considers herself a parent advocate, religiously showing up for PTA and board meetings.

    “Parents don’t realize the power that they have.” Jones commented, “There is no perfect school system. We have to work together to solve issues.” Jones is passionate about creating a parent alliance to “meet parents where they are” and ensure Greene County schools can retain their students.


    The next board meeting will be on Monday, April 20th, at 4:30 pm.

    Sign up to receive a weekly newsletter with our latest stories.

    We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.