The Greene County Democrat

Category: Celebrity

  • Newswire: President Trump promises to promote peace while pardoning those who promoted pain

     

    Tech Billionaires attend Trump’s inauguration L. to R. Mark Zuckerberg (Meta-Facebook), Bezos’ fiancé Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Sundar Pichal (Google) and Elon Musk (Tesla)

    By Hazel Trice Edney

    (TriceEdneyWire.com) – President Donald J. Trump, promising in his inaugural address to use his power to “bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent, and totally unpredictable”, has rewarded hundreds of violent Jan. 6 insurrectionists with full pardons and release from prisons despite many of their pleas of guilt.

    Approximately 1,500 of the predominately White crowd, several of whom beat police officers with the United States flag, sprayed them with chemicals, and threatened to hang Vice President Mike Pence, are going free this week with no chance of further punishment for attempting to stop the certification of President Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021. Yet, Trump has repeated called the Jan. 6 insurrection a “day of love.”

    Many of those who protested that day were led by the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, both known as far-right militant organizations. Proud Boys leader, Enrique Tarrio, who had begun his sentence of 22 years and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, had begun an 18-year sentence are now free after Trump’s pardons. They had been convicted of seditious conspiracy. 

    Ironically, Trump’s inaugural address had spoken of glorious days to come for the nation. “We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety, and peace for citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed,” he said. 

    Despite Trump’s sweeping pardons of the Capitol attackers, there has never been an apology from him for his recently continued and repeated false accusations against the Central Park 5 who were found completely innocent of a Central Park jogger 36 years ago. Nor has he apologized for falsely accusing Haitian people of eating dogs and cats of their Ohio neighbors and the string of other lies against people of color.

    Remarkably, Trump’s inauguration, which appeared to have gone smoothly Jan. 20, complete with an indoor U. S. Capitol swearing in ceremony due to the cold, an indoor parade at the Capital One Arena and three inaugural balls, were all undermined by what appeared to be continued lies, insults and not one good word about Biden; nor Vice President Kamala Harris, who Trump handily defeated.
    “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.  We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer.  During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first,” Trump said in his inaugural address in front of members of Congress, the U. S. Supreme Court and Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, Clinton, Vice President Harris and even former Vice President Pence. Several tech billionaires were strategically placed on the dais, in front of Trump’s family members and cabinet selections.

    “Our sovereignty will be reclaimed.  Our safety will be restored.  The scales of justice will be rebalanced.  The vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end,” Trump said to applause. He did not mention the pending pardons during his official inaugural address.

    But only a few hours later, he announced the more than a thousand pardons of what he called, “J-6 hostages.” In campaign promises along the trail over the past months, Trump had promised there would be pardons of those convicted of crimes on Jan. 6. But even his Republican supporters did not expect him to release violent offenders that led to the wounding of more than 140 police officers, the deaths of six others and millions of dollars in damages to the Capitol building.

    “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned,” then Vice President-elect Vance said in front of cameras only days before the inauguration. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson agreed that he thought Trump was not promising sweeping pardons. On Tuesday, he told Politico that he had not yet seen the list and would be reviewing it.

    “Full pardons. Full pardons,” Trump said repeatedly as he signed the executive orders. He said only about six would receive clemency, which means their slates are not wiped cleaned, but their sentences would end or be significantly reduced.

    Trump supporters have argued that Biden’s pardons of his son, Hunter, weeks ago as well as his pardon of members of his entire family within the last few minutes of his tenure as president may have prompted Trump to release the Jan. 6 convicts. But others argue that Trump likely knew exactly what he was going to do and, besides, Biden’s family members were not violent.

    Another executive order issued by Trump includes ending (DEI) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the federal government. “The injection of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) into our institutions has corrupted them by replacing hard work, merit, and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy,” said a statement on
    NAACP president: anti-DEI law harming students, professors

  • Alabama Civil Rights Museum Movement (ACRMM) sponsors activities in Greene County to honor Dr. Martin Luther Kings ‘s birthday

    Spiver W. Gordon, Rev.Samuel Ezell and Mary R.McInnis

    The Alabama Civil Rights Museum Movement, Inc., (ACRMM) is sponsoring a series of programs commemorating the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to Greene County, the State of Alabama, and this nation. Mr. Spiver W. Gordon, ACRMM President, organizes these events each year in celebration and as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of so many leaders who brought about civil, social, and economic changes in our lives.
    The work of Dr. King and SCLC, the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA) and others provided the courageous leadership that changed laws and practices on voting rights, holding public office, desegregating public education, public accommodations, and employment opportunities for Black people in particular. As Mr. Gordon noted: “These rights are still not secured, especially the right to vote. There are strong movements to diminish those and other civil rights going on right now.”
    The annual events of ACRMM, open to the public, are scheduled as follows: On Wednesday January 15, 2025, at 10:00 am, the Dr. MKL, Jr. Educational Seminar Student Development Session will be held at New Peace Baptist Church on Prairie Ave., Eutaw, AL.
    Greene County High School students are the primary invitees. State Representative Curtis Travis the keynote speaker, with special guest, Dr. Monty Thorton and Dr. Dionne Edison, Moderator of Eutaw, AL.
    On Sunday, January 19 at 3:00 p.m., the MLK, Jr. County Wide Freedom Gospel Singing at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Eutaw, AL Rev. Toya Brown, Pastor. Rev. Kelvin Cockrell, Keynote Speaker Eutaw, AL.
    On Monday, January 20, 2025, Freedom Unity Breakfast will be held at the Eutaw Activity Center on Harris Ave., Eutaw, AL, Rev. / Dr. Samuel Ezell, of Zion Brush Creek, Eutaw Alabama, is the keynote speaker. The Freedom Breakfast is followed by the Countywide Freedom March to the William M. Branch Courthouse. Religious Women Freedom Rally, 10:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker, Hon. Mary R. McInnis, Special Guests, Dr. Carol P. Zippert, Pastor Carolyn Branch and others.
    Come join us for music, food, and celebration, “We can never let ourselves forget from whence we have come. We must keep the vigil to protect our rights and continue to serve and build our communities,” Gordon said.

  • Newswire : Vice-President Harris presides over joint session of Congress which certifies Donald Trump’s electoral college victory to be next President

     

    Vice President Kamala Harris, next to House Speaker Mike Johnson, announces that the votes are certified in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 Saul Loeb / AFP – Getty Images

    By Natasha Korecki  and Brennan Leach, NBC News

     

    Upon entering the Senate chamber on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris issued a simple declaration when NBC News asked her about presiding over the certification of the 2024 election: “Democracy prevails.
    ” Minutes later, Harris carried through, steering Congress’ collective endorsement of the electoral vote that she lost and affirming Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

    Hands clasped before her, Harris looked ahead plainly and intently as four senators took turns reading off the electoral totals from each state. 
    She broke into a wide smile both when the vote total reached a threshold to declare Trump the next president and when she got a standing ovation from her party when her vote total was read. 

    Harris’ message of this Jan. 6  was one that both she and her predecessor on the campaign trail, President Joe Biden, conveyed time and again to voters. They advocated for “freedom” and democracy and shunned the events of the violent riot by Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, which led to an unprecedented attack on the nation’s Capitol. 

    Missing on this day compared to four years earlier were gallows and a noose constructed outside the Capitol grounds. Or chants in support of hanging the vice president for failing to reject the will of the people and the true outcome of the election. Instead, the event transpired in the way it was meant to unfold, pro forma, taking only 30 minutes.

    Ultimately, the American electorate rejected Harris, ushering in Trump and his vows to blow up the status quo. Trump claimed 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, won the popular vote and swept across battleground states, including toppling Democrats’ so-called blue wall of states typically necessary for their party’s victory. 

    Unlike Trump’s refusal to accept the outcome of the 2020 vote, Harris conceded her loss and tried to offer her supporters comforting words a day after the election. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say … the light of America’s promise will always burn bright,” she said.

  • Newswire : Traffic stops, racial disparities, and the call for Systemic reform

    Police officer making a traffic stop

    by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

    Traffic stops remain the most common reason for police-initiated contact across all racial groups, according to a new report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The report, part of a series examining police interactions with U.S. residents since 1996, reveals that racial disparities in these encounters persist. The Prison Policy Initiative responded to the report by noting a need to address inequities and rethink public safety strategies.

    The BJS data show that Black drivers are more than twice as likely as drivers of other racial groups to be searched or arrested during a traffic stop. Black individuals are also over three times as likely as White individuals to experience the use of force in their most recent encounter with law enforcement. Although Black people accounted for only 12% of those whose most recent contact was initiated by police or related to a traffic accident, they represented one-third of those who reported being threatened or experiencing nonfatal use of force.

    Alarming Trends for Older Adults and Women

    The report also laid bare troubling trends regarding the use of force against older adults and women. In 2022, people aged 65 or older made up 5% of those who experienced the threat or use of force. While the figure may seem small, it represents a more than tenfold increase since 2015. The rise suggests that even older populations are not spared from escalating police aggression.

    Women also face an increasing risk of police force. In 1999, women comprised only 13% of those subjected to police force. By 2022, that figure had doubled to 28%. Among those who experienced force, women were more likely than men to perceive it as excessive, with 51% of women reporting excessive force compared to 44% of men.

    Persistent Disparities Across Age Groups

    Young adults aged 18-24 were the most likely age group to experience police contact, with 25% reporting interactions in 2022. They were also the most likely to experience police-initiated contact (15%) and traffic accident-related contact (4%). Alarmingly, more than 1 in 5 individuals who reported the threat or use of force in their most recent police encounter were between 16 and 24 years old. The Prison Policy Initiative noted that these kinds of interactions can have life-threatening consequences, as over 70% of police killings in 2023 began with non-violent incidents or situations where no crime had been reported.

    Systemic Issues and Data Gaps

    Officials at the Prison Policy Initiative published a “wish list” of 22 critical gaps in criminal legal system data. The list includes data on arrests for technical violations, the quality of healthcare in correctional facilities, and the outcomes of pretrial supervision. Officials said the absence of such data hampers efforts to understand and address the criminal legal system’s impact fully.

    The Case for Alternatives to Policing

    Further, the available data suggest that many police encounters could be handled more effectively by alternative community resources. In 2022, nearly 30 million people initiated contact with police, but only half of those interactions involved reporting possible crimes. Many sought help for non-crime emergencies, such as medical issues, car accidents, or quality-of-life concerns. A 2022 analysis of 911 calls in major cities found that only 4% involved violent crimes. Officials said this indicates a need for investments in community-based services to reduce the risks associated with police intervention.

    The Path Forward

    Some officials noted that the decline in police contact does reduce opportunities for abuse. However, they said, the deep-seated racial disparities in policing remain unresolved.

    “Just because the sheer number of police interactions was lower than it has been in decades does not mean the problems with our nation’s fraught system of policing are solved,” the Prison Policy Initiative stated in its release. “Racial disparities in police interactions, misconduct, and use of force remain pervasive and demand immediate attention.”
     

  • Newswire : Biden has appointed more Black federal judges than any other president

    President Biden with Associate Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

    By Char Adams, NBC News

    President Joe Biden has appointed more federal judges of color than any president before him, and overtaking Donald Trump’s record for overall federal judge appointments in the process.

    On Friday the Senate confirmed Biden’s judicial nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California Benjamin Cheeks. With Cheeks’ confirmation, Biden has appointed 63 Black federal judges, the most of a presidency of any length, according to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. 

    Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Tiffany Johnson, Biden’s judicial nominee for the Northern District of Georgia, making her the 40th Black woman he has appointed to lifetime federal judgeships — more than any president in a single term. Overall, about 60% of Biden’s 235 appointees are people of color, according to figures the White House shared with NBC News. The Senate confirmed Cheeks and Serena Raquel Murillo last week. 

    Trump appointed 234 federal judges during his first term. White House communications director Ben LaBolt said in an emailed statement that Biden is “proud to have strengthened the judiciary by making it more representative of the country as a whole and that legacy will have an impact for decades to come.”

    “Even before taking office, President Biden signaled to the Senate that he wanted to make sure that people who had been historically excluded from our judiciary” are included, said Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program and an adviser at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. 

    “The research shows that when you have more judges that have different perspectives because they’ve worked on different types of issues or they come from different communities, it improves the decision-making and it certainly improves the trust that communities might have in these institutions. So making sure we have fair-minded judges at all levels is really important.”

    Barack Obama appointed 26 Black women lifetime judges during his two terms, and Trump appointed two Black women judges to the federal bench in his first term.  Jimmy Carter appointed 37 Black lifetime judges in his one term. Both Obama and Bill Clinton each appointed 62 Black judges over the course of their two terms. Biden has beaten their record by one, according to the Leadership Conference. These numbers include multiracial judges and account for those appointed to multiple courts under the same president. 

    Senate Democrats vowed to confirm as many Biden nominees as possible before Trump takes office in January and Republicans take control of the Senate. They’ve confirmed dozens since Election Day, but these circuit nominees are in limbo amid some opposition from Democrats as well as GOP senators.

    In November, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a post on X that, “This Senate will keep working to confirm more of President Biden’s excellent judicial nominees.” 

    In an interview, Marge Baker, executive vice president at People For the American Way, a national progressive organization focused on combating far-right extremism, said it was crucial that the remaining nominees be confirmed. 

    “As pleased as we are with the quality and quantity of nominees that have been confirmed so far, these circuit court nominees are also really, really important,” Baker said. The four circuit judges in limbo are Adeel Abdullah Mangi of New Jersey, nominated for the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals; Julia M. Lipez of Maine, 1st Circuit; Karla M. Campbell of Tennessee, 6th Circuit; and Ryan Young Park of North Carolina, 4th Circuit.

    “These courts make decisions that affect the lives of hundreds of millions of people,” Baker added. “They decide questions about voting rights, about consumer rights, about workers’ rights, about antitrust laws, about climate change, about abortion. There’s just a whole range of issues where these courts of appeals are often the final deciders on.”

    Biden has long made it his goal while in office to reshape the overwhelmingly white and male federal judiciary by appointing judges from various professional and demographic backgrounds. He’s managed to do that, confirming record numbers of former public defenders, civil rights lawyers or lawyers representing workers. More than half his appointees have been women, according to the White House, and his appointments include several LGBTQ judges and judges from several racial and ethnic minority groups.

    Biden made history by appointing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Dozens of his appointments account for various “firsts.”
    “Biden has been a leader in terms of appointing Black judges,” said Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a Washington-based think tank. “The great thing about this is that these appointments will have long-term impacts, at least in terms of representation. This is showing the public that the inclusion of Black judges should be natural, regular.”

    Now, experts say the stakes are high as these appointments can affect court decisions during Trump’s second term. Elliot Mincberg, a Supreme Court expert and counsel for the People For the American Way, said Biden-appointed judges have “had an enormous impact on improving justice for Americans all across the country.”

    Zwarensteyn called it “a tremendous and often not-discussed part” of Biden’s legacy.
    “He’s really taken it to what I would say is the next level in terms of administrations who have done this.”

  • Greene County Children’s Policy Council Holds Annual Christmas Community Reading

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    On Sunday, December 15, 2024, The Greene County Children’s Policy Council held its annual Community Christmas Reading program. The program was held at the Robert Young Community Center. Over one hundred individuals attended the event and was inspired by community individuals reading their favorite Christmas book or poem. Mrs. Mildred Morgan, Ziya Strode, Dr. Carol Zippert and Mrs. Julia Spree read their favorite Christmas book or poems at the event. The SPOT and YLI (Youth Leadership Institute) students read the symbols of Christmas and Luke 2: 1-20.

    A delicious Sunday dinner was served to all in attendance. The children were excited for the entrance of Santa Claus. The children had the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and each child attending the event was given a Christmas book and a toy.

    After the event, the SPOT and YLI students donated the poinsettias used to decorate the tables at the event to the residents at the Greene County Nursing Home.

    The Christmas Community Reading is a part of the Policy Council‘s “Read Greene Read Campaign.” The next community reading will be held in April 2025. We encourage all Greene Countians to continue to “Read Greene Read.”

  • Newswire: Why are Black Santas Important?

    By Shannon Dawson, NBC News

    The question of whether we should have a Black Santa is a powerful one, as it touches on issues of representation, cultural identity, and historical context. In recent years, there has been a significant push by Black parents and communities to introduce and normalize the idea of a Black Santa, especially for children.

    The idea is not just about providing an alternative version of the holiday figure but also about ensuring that children from all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the stories, myths, and celebrations that shape their world.

    The Historical Context

    Santa Claus, as we know him today, is rooted in a long history that includes elements from various cultures, including the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas and the popularized imagery created by artists like Thomas Nast in the 19th century. Nast’s depictions in Harper’s Weekly, starting in 1863, helped cement the modern image of Santa: a chubby, jolly man with a white beard who delivers gifts to children around the world. The image became closely associated with the holiday, continuing to be iconic even after Christmas was declared a federal holiday in 1870.

    However, this image of Santa Claus as a bearded white man became ingrained in mainstream culture, and for generations, children from communities of color were largely left out of that representation. Santa Claus became another symbol of the broader issue of racial representation in American culture. For many children, seeing Santa as only white reinforced the idea that their culture, identity, and presence were secondary or invisible in the grand narratives that define American life.

    For Black parents, the push for a Black Santa is an effort to counteract that invisibility. Representation is important for self-esteem, especially for children. Studies have shown that when children of color see people who look like them in positive, empowering roles—whether in books, movies, or even holiday traditions—it can enhance their sense of self-worth and their belief in what is possible for them.

    In a December 2023 article for The EveryMom, author and journalist Daizha Rioland reflected on the power of Black Santa. She shared how seeing a Black Santa figurine in her grandmother’s living room—something she described as “rare” during her own childhood—filled her with joy. Inspired by that experience, Rioland expressed her desire to ensure her children could share in that same sense of joy and representation.

    “Seeing a Black Santa was rare during my childhood, but I could always count on that one decor item to remind me that Santa didn’t have to be pale as snow, with blue eyes and rosy cheeks,” she penned. “ In fact, it was one of the few decor items that made me feel like Santa Claus might actually see me, know me, and stop by my house on Christmas Eve.
    ”
    Rioland added, ‘When I became a mom three years ago, I knew that even though diversity, representation, and inclusion were on the rise, I had a mission—no, a duty—to show my daughters that Black Santa Claus is the real deal and he’s everywhere in our household. From the mugs to the plates to the pillows we buy for Christmas, there will only be pictures of Black Santas in all their shades and ranges to show my daughters that their skin is beautiful here and in the North Pole.”

    Erin Carpenter, founder of Nude Barre, told NBC News in 2023 that she feels fortunate her daughter attends the Harlem School of the Arts in New York City, where holiday programming highlights Black Santas, giving her the ability to see herself in the famous holiday character. 

    “We’ve been fortunate to have pretty easy access,” she said. “I’m hoping that I can curate more experiences for my children that don’t feel so labored,” the entrepreneur added. “Look, we’ve come a long way in the world, but there’s still a lot more work to do.”

  • Chamber of Commerce and City of Eutaw sponsor annual Christmas Parade

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Eutaw held the annual Christmas Parade for Greene County, Thursday, December 5, 2024. Greene County District Judge Lillie Jones Osborne served as Grand Marshal. Judge Osborne is the first female and African American female to serve as District Judge of Greene County, Alabama. She was appointed District Judge in 1999 by then Alabama Governor Don Siegelman to complete a term held by her late husband, Richard Osborne. Through re-elections she has held that position for the past 25 years.

    This year’s Christmas Parade theme, Festival of Lights, featured a variety of decorated trees on the Old Courthouse Square, sponsored by various local businesses and organizations. Many businesses also decorated their storefronts lifting the Spirit of Christmas.

    Other parade participants riding on beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, or walking in unison, included elected and appointed officials, representatives of churches, non-profit organizations, businesses, housing authorities, local school band, fire departments, ambulance service, and Debutantes sponsored by the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and more.

    Even Santa rode in the local parade. The children enjoyed all the candy thrown from the floats.

    An exceptionally large crowd was out to view the festivities and purchase snacks from the vendors.

    The lighting of the Christmas Tree on the Thomas Gilmore Courthouse Square followed the parade. Many gathered to view this special event.

     

  • Walmart pulls back on DEI efforts, removes some LGBTQ merchandise from website 

    By Melissa Repko, CNBC

    Walmart on Monday confirmed that it’s ending some of its diversity initiatives, removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities.

    The nation’s largest employer, which has about 1.6 million U.S. workers, joined a growing list of companies that have stepped back from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after feeling the heat from conservative activists.

    Some have also attributed changes to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year that struck down affirmative action programs at colleges.

    Those companies include Tractor Supply, which said in June it was eliminating DEI roles and stopping sponsorship of Pride festivals. Lowe’s, Ford and Molson Coors have also walked back some of their equity and inclusion policies in recent months.
    Others, such as Anheuser-Busch-owned Bud Light and Target, have faced sharp backlash and falling sales after marketing campaigns or merchandise focused on the LGBTQ community.

    In a statement, Walmart said it is “willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.”

    “We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone,” the statement said.

    Walmart’s DEI changes were first reported by Bloomberg News. Among the changes, Walmart will no longer allow third-party sellers to sell some LGBTQ-themed items on Walmart’s website, including items marketed to transgender youth like chest binders, company spokeswoman Molly Blakeman said.

    She said it also recently decided to stop sharing data with the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit that tracks companies’ LGBTQ policies, or with other similar organizations.
    Additionally, the big-box retailer is winding down the Center for Racial Equity, a nonprofit that Walmart started in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder sparked protests across the country. At the time, Walmart and the company’s foundation pledged $100 million over five years to fight systemic racism and create the center.

    Over the past year, the company has phased out supplier diversity programs, which gave preferential financing to some groups, such as women and minorities, after the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action.

    It’s also moved away from using the term “diversity, equity and inclusion” or DEI in company documents, employee titles and employee resource groups. For example, its former chief diversity officer role is now called the chief belonging officer.

    Yet, Walmart will continue to award grants, disaster relief, and funding to events like Pride parades, but with more guidelines of how funding can be used, Blakeman said.
    Some recent changes came on the heels of pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who threatened a consumer boycott of Walmart. Starbuck, a vocal DEI-opponent who had also put heat on Tractor Supply, touted Walmart’s changes in a post on X, describing them as “the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America.”

    Walmart had conversations with Starbuck over the last week and already had some DEI-related changes underway, Blakeman said.

  • Newswire : Congressional Black Caucus reaches historic 62 members while preparing to challenge Trump policies

    Congressional Black Caucus members, Gregory Meeks (NY) Joyce Beatty (OH) Troy Carter (LA) and James Clyburn (SC) speak in 2024

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

     

    The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will enter the 119th session of Congress with a historic 62 members, marking the largest number of Black federal lawmakers in U.S. history. In total, 67 Black lawmakers will serve, with five Republican members declining to join the caucus. However, this historic milestone comes against the backdrop of a new Trump administration that has signaled sharp policy shifts, including an almost entirely white Cabinet and the implementation of the anti-minority Project 2025.

    The CBC, established in 1971 to advocate for Black and marginalized communities, now represents 120 million Americans, including 41% of Black Americans. Yet its leaders face a steep challenge under a Trump administration openly pursuing policies that could roll back decades of progress in civil rights, healthcare access, and economic equity.

    “We’ve always been the conscience of Congress, no matter who’s in charge,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., a senior CBC member and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “But now we have a larger choir of leaders ready to call truth to power, ensuring the voices of the voiceless are heard. This administration poses a danger, and we’re here to counter that.”

    Project 2025 and the Challenge Ahead

    President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is advancing Project 2025, a policy blueprint critics say is designed to dismantle protections for marginalized communities while consolidating power among white conservatives. The plan includes eliminating the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, granting police broad immunity in cases involving unarmed citizens, and reversing diversity and inclusion initiatives across federal agencies.
    In addition to these policy threats, Trump’s Cabinet appointments include figures like Dr. Mehmet Oz, tapped to oversee Medicaid and Medicare, and Linda McMahon, his pick for Secretary of Education, raising alarms about the administration’s priorities. The nearly all-white leadership team underscores a stark contrast to the growing diversity in Congress.
    “It will be interesting to see how this administration interacts with a record number of Black lawmakers,” said Niccara Campbell Wallace, executive director of the Rolling Sea Action Fund. “The CBC’s growth means there are more voices to push back, to advocate for policies that reflect the reality of a diverse America.”

    Historic Firsts in Representation

    While the Trump administration doubles down on policies many see as anti-minority, the new Congress will also usher in a wave of historic firsts. Two Black women will serve simultaneously in the U.S. Senate for the first time. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks join a small but growing list of Black women elected to the Senate, doubling the total from two to four.

    Blunt Rochester, the first woman and Black person to represent Delaware in the Senate, reflected on her groundbreaking victory. “This is a historic step forward for our state and our nation,” she said.

    Alsobrooks, a former Prince George’s County executive, highlighted the broader significance of her win. “In over 2,000 people who have served in the U.S. Senate, only three have looked like me,” she said. “I stand here because of the sacrifices of those who came before me.”

    Oregon’s Janelle Bynum also made history, flipping the state’s 5th Congressional District to become its first Black member of Congress. Bynum, who unseated a Republican incumbent, noted, “It’s not lost on me that I’m one generation removed from segregation. We believed in a vision and didn’t stop until we accomplished our goals.”

    Delaware voters made further history by electing Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress. These victories occurred even as the country faced deep divisions over affirmative action, LGBTQ rights, and racial equity.

    The Role of the CBC

    The CBC’s role as the conscience of Congress will be tested as it confronts an administration bent on undoing civil rights gains. Meeks emphasized that the caucus would oppose policies that disproportionately harm Black and marginalized communities, from healthcare access to police reform.

    “Instead of just a quartet, we now have a full choir,” Meeks said. “And we will be loud, clear, and consistent.”
    With Republicans maintaining control of both chambers of Congress, the CBC’s ability to influence legislation will likely depend on its capacity to build coalitions and galvanize public support. Wallace noted that the CBC’s growth, even in a Republican-controlled Congress, is a testament to Black voters and communities’ enduring belief in American ideals.

    “Black Americans have always believed in the promise of what America can be,” Wallace said. “Even when the odds are stacked against us, we continue to fight for a seat at the table.”

    As the CBC prepares for its largest-ever session, its leaders are already looking to the future. Meeks said the caucus is planning to spend the next two years opposing harmful policies and laying the groundwork for the 2026 midterm elections.

    “Two years go by fast,” he said. “We’ll be working every day to reverse the tragedies this administration will bring to our communities and the country as a whole.”
    Blunt Rochester added, “We’ve come a long way, but our work is far from over. Together, we will continue to fight for the future America deserves.”