Pictured : Tennyson Smith Jr., Keynote Speaker; Carrie Logan giving Citizens of the Year Award to Danny Cooper
The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and dinner on March 24, 2025, in the newly renovated street level of the original Greene County Courthouse in downtown Eutaw. The Chamber serves and promotes the business and community improvement organizations in Eutaw and surrounding areas of Greene County. This gave many business and community leaders a chance to see the results of a renovation grant provided by the State of Alabama, to the Greene County Historical Society, for the renovation of the street level of the original Greene County Courthouse. The upstairs level, which was the historic courtroom, still needs to be renovated to complete work to make the old Courthouse into a welcome center, museum and community space. Carrie Logan, Director of the Chamber, gave a welcome. Rev. Julia Lyons gave an invocation, and a catfish dinner was catered from the Southfresh Fish Truck. Teresa Atkins, a former classmate of the keynote speaker, introduced Tennyson Smith Jr., Director of Student and Community Outreach at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, and a native of Greene County. Tennyson Smith Jr., spoke mostly from his PhD dissertation at the University of West Alabama on access by low-income rural students to higher education. In his talk, Tennyson Smith Jr., urged the Chamber of Commerce members to take more interest in supporting K-12 education in Greene County, to be able to train and retain a skilled workforce in the county. He urged businesses to visit schools, provide internships and mentorships for students ,and to encourage parental involvement in the schools. “We need to make sure our schools are teaching and exposing our low-income rural children to the skills and mindset they will need to pursue a career in the future,” said Smith. Carre Logan reported on the work of the Chamber during the past year, highlighting a mural on Greene County near the Eutaw City Hall, work on the Christmas Parade and other community-wide activities. Logan then presented awards. Danny Cooper, former Alabama Power District Manager, Chair of the Greene County Industrial Development Authority and leader of the Eutaw Garden Club as the Chamber’s “Citizen of the Year”. Judy Jarvis was honored as the Chamber’s “Volunteer of the Year”. Phillis Belcher, Executive Director of the Greene County Industrial Development Authority was recognized as the Chamber’s “Business of the Year”.
Source: VINCENZO PINTO / Getty – Cardinal Peter Turkson,
By Shannon Dawson, Newsone
On April 21, Vatican officials confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. According to CNN, the beloved pontiff died from a stroke and heart failure. As tributes pour in from around the world, many are mourning a spiritual giant whose legacy will be felt for generations. But amid the grief, a pivotal question has begun to surface: Who will follow in his legendary footsteps? And more specifically, could the next pope be Black? For centuries, the papacy has been predominantly held by Europeans. Yet, in recent decades, the Church has slowly begun to see figures from around the world step into the coveted position. Pope Francis himself shattered centuries of tradition as the first Latin American—and the first Jesuit—to ascend to the papacy in nearly 1,300 years. Now, as the world looks to the future, the question of representation is once again front and center. Could we be on the brink of witnessing a historic moment, the election of the first Black pope in the modern era? Cardinal Peter Turkson has a strong chance of becoming the first Black pope in centuries.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, a leading frontrunner, would make history as the first African pope in centuries, if elected. According to Newsweek, he currently holds 5:1 odds in betting markets and boasts a strong resume for the role. Turkson previously led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he was outspoken on key global issues including climate change, poverty, and economic justice. Made Archbishop of Cape Coast (Ghana) in 1993, Turkson rose to high ranks in 2003, when he became the first Ghanaian to become a cardinal-priest following an historic appointment from Pope John Paul II, according to The College of Cardinals Report. He has also played a major role in shaping the Vatican’s stance on social justice, environmental issues, and human rights. Retired American Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington, D. C., was the first Black Cardinal appointed in the United States. Gregory at age 77 is eligible to vote in the upcoming Conclave and could also be selected as Pope. The idea of a Black pope isn’t as far-fetched or unprecedented as it might seem. In fact, history tells us that there have already been three popes of African descent, albeit in the early centuries of Christianity, according to Pope History. These include Pope Victor I (served c. 189–199 AD), Pope Miltiades (served 311–314 AD) and Pope Gelasius I (served 492–496 AD).
Pope Victor I (c. 189–199 AD) Widely recognized as the first African pope, Victor I was born in the Roman province of Africa—likely in present-day Libya or Tunisia. His papacy is best remembered for his decisive leadership during the Quartodeciman controversy, a major dispute over the correct date to celebrate Easter. Victor pushed for the uniform observance of Easter on a Sunday, aligning with Roman tradition and moving away from the practice of celebrating it on the 14th of Nisan, a date based on the Jewish calendar. Though his firm stance drew criticism from some Eastern bishops, it established a precedent for liturgical unity in the Church, according to Pope History. Pope Miltiades (311–314 AD) Born in Africa, Pope Miltiades led the Church during a pivotal transition in its history. His papacy began just as the Roman Empire was easing its persecution of Christians. In 311 AD, Emperor Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration, ending the systematic oppression of Christians and allowing them to worship freely. Miltiades was instrumental in helping the Church navigate this newfound freedom. His diplomatic skills and steady leadership laid the groundwork for Christianity’s emergence from the shadows and into the public square as a legally recognized faith. Pope St. Gelasius I (492–496 AD) Considered one of the most prolific papal writers of the Church’s early centuries, Pope St. Gelasius I was born in North Africa during the twilight years of the Western Roman Empire, just before its fall to the Vandals. Despite the political chaos of the time, Gelasius powerfully asserted the primacy of the Bishop of Rome over the other major patriarchates of Christendom—Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria. His most enduring legacy lies in his articulation of the doctrine of the “Two Powers”—spiritual and temporal—establishing the pope’s supremacy in spiritual matters. This vision of papal authority would influence Church-state relations for the next thousand years. Could It Happen? So, could there be a Black pope in the future? Yes, it absolutely could happen. There is no doctrinal or institutional rule preventing a Black man from becoming pope. The increasing diversity of the College of Cardinals and the Church’s growing inclusivity make it a very real possibility in the coming decades.
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
A new national survey from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School finds young Americans facing financial uncertainty, deteriorating mental health, and a growing lack of trust in institutions. The 50th edition of the Harvard Youth Poll offers a comprehensive look at the attitudes of Americans aged 18 to 29—particularly young Black individuals—who feel increasingly left out of national conversations and underserved by political leadership.
Conducted March 14–25, 2025, the poll surveyed 2,096 respondents across the country. More than four in 10 say they are “barely getting by” financially. Young Black Americans continue to face deep financial stress, with 45% reporting hardship. Many express concern about limited opportunities, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of education and housing. Among those struggling, 51% believe President Trump’s policies will worsen their finances in the coming years.
Only 15% of all respondents say the country is headed in the right direction. Just 16% report doing well financially, while economic hardship is more severe for women, young Hispanics, and those without a college degree. Nearly half of young women (47%) report limited financial security, while 52% of young Hispanics say they are struggling or just getting by. Half of respondents without a degree report hardship, compared to 29% of college graduates. Approval ratings among young Americans continue to decline. President Trump’s approval stands at 31%, virtually unchanged from earlier years. Approval of Democrats in Congress has dropped to 23%, down from 42% in 2017. Congressional Republicans remain essentially unchanged at 29%. Among young Black Americans, Trump’s approval has risen to 16%—up from just 6% in 2017—but a strong majority still disapprove. Social connection has also weakened. Only 17% of young people report feeling deeply connected to any community, and 18% say they feel no strong sense of belonging. For Black youth, the sense of isolation intersects with political disengagement and mental health struggles. Those without strong community ties are more likely to report symptoms of depression, with 59% saying they felt down or hopeless for several days in the past two weeks. The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain evident. Isolation during formative years—especially among those who were entering high school or college in 2020—continues to shape mental health outcomes. Individuals aged 19 and 23 report the highest levels of lasting social isolation, with 38% and 40%, respectively, saying they lost connection with friends and have not reestablished those relationships. Among those who lost friendships and failed to reconnect, 55% reported depressive symptoms. Views on traditional life milestones are shifting. Just 48% say having children is important, and 57% say the same about getting married. While 86% say financial security is a top goal, only 56% are confident they’ll achieve it. Confidence in reaching life goals is higher among Republicans, who are more likely than Democrats to say marriage, children, and homeownership are important—and achievable. Distrust in major institutions is widespread. Only 19% of young Americans trust the federal government to do the right thing most or all of the time. Trust in Congress stands at 18%, the presidency at 23%, and the Supreme Court at 29%. The survey also found that young Black Americans are more likely to say they feel excluded from decisions that affect their lives and communities. The debate over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) remains divisive. Just 9% of young Americans say DEI initiatives have helped them personally, while 11% say they have been harmed. Among Democrats, 22% report positive experiences with DEI, compared to only 3% of Republicans. Conversely, 21% of young Republicans believe DEI harmed them. Young people of color are more likely than white youth to view DEI as promoting fairness. Foreign policy views also reveal generational differences. Young Republicans are less likely to support global alliances than Democrats. Only 13% of young Republicans say the U.S. should maintain current NATO obligations, compared to 46% of Democrats. When asked about reasons for U.S. involvement abroad, respondents most often cited protecting allies, defending national security, and addressing human rights violations—but fewer than one in five supported interventions to promote democracy or counter foreign influence. Concerns about immigration have shifted over the past year. Forty-two percent of young Americans now say there is a crisis at the Southern border—down from 53% in 2024. Among Democrats, belief in a border crisis dropped 17 points, from 43% to 26%. Democratic respondents are also more likely to say that recent immigration has done more good than harm. President Trump’s policy proposals continue to meet resistance among young Americans. None of the eight tested initiatives—ranging from tariffs to eliminating federal departments—received majority support. Tariffs were backed by just 19% overall, and only 5% of Democrats. A proposal to create a Department of Government Efficiency received 35% support, the highest among those tested. One of the least supported policies—redeveloping Gaza by displacing Palestinians—was opposed by a majority, including 77% of Democrats. “These findings are a stark reality check,” said Setti Warren, director of the Institute of Politics. “And leaders across the country would be wise to pay close attention.” “This is a generation that’s weathered pandemic isolation during formative years, entered an unstable economy, and faced skyrocketing housing and education costs—all while being told they’re not resilient enough,” said John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Institute of Politics. “What Gen Z needs isn’t another lecture, but genuine recognition of their struggles and leaders willing to listen before they speak.” “Amid financial hardship and a devastating crisis of community, young Americans are increasingly disillusioned with the world as they struggle to find their place in it,” said Jordan Schwartz, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. “This generation doesn’t expect politics to solve their problems, but as young Americans continue to lose faith in government institutions, the need for politicians to listen to and learn from young people has never been greater.”
By Lauren Burke and Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Reporters
Sen. Booker and Leader Jeffries conduct sit-in on steps of U. S. Capitol in Washington, D. C. In a show of solidarity against the congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration, dozens of congressional Democratic members of Congress gathered on the steps of the U.S. House of Representatives from sunrise to sunset Sunday, April 27 to speak out against budget cuts. “The budget is a moral document,” said New Jersey Senator Cory Booker as he sat wearing a black shirt and pants next to the Democratic leader in the U.S. House, Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. The two started with only Senator Chris Coons of Delaware at 7:30 am on Sunday. As the day moved forward many other members, advocates, and curious onlookers joined them in support of their effort to bring attention to what may be a historic budget in terms of cuts to social programs. Throughout the day, lawmakers took turns sharing personal stories and reading testimonies from constituents whose lives have been transformed by government assistance. But since Trump took office for his second term in January, his focus has been on cutting the federal government and the jobs and programs associated that assist millions of Americans. “I was on the steps of the Capitol with Leader Jeffries, Sen. Booker, and many others to make the case for what’s at stake with Trump’s budget. Medicaid, food assistance, and social security. It’s all on the line. A moral moment” wrote Senator Amy Klobuchar, who may lead the Democrats as the next Leader of the Party in the U.S. Senate after the criticism of the leadership of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the retirement announcement of Senator Dick Durbin on April 23. Jeffries warned that the proposed cuts would devastate seniors, families, and vulnerable communities. “Republicans are crashing the economy in real-time,” he said. “Now, they want to jam a reckless budget down the throats of the American people that will end Medicaid as we know it, destroy Social Security, and rip food from the mouths of children, seniors, and veterans. As Democrats, we’re going to continue to stand on the side of the American people and we will not rest until we bury this reckless Republican budget in the ground.” Throughout the day, figures such as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, civil rights attorney Maya Wiley, Rev. William Barber II, and others joined the sit-in. Senators Chris Coons, Raphael Warnock, Angela Alsobrooks, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, Sarah McBride, Mark Takano, Tom Suozzi, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Steven Horsford, Suhas Subramanyam, Emily Randall, Sarah Elfreth, and Delegate Stacey Plaskett also participated. Wiley shared personal stories of Americans who would suffer under the proposed cuts. “The cuts, when we’re talking about cuts, people bleed and we should put names behind them,” Wiley said. “You know, Sarah in South Dakota had a son who had seizures one to five times a day and had to quit her job to try to save her son. It is Medicaid that helps pay for her health care to do that. Or Jasmine in Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, with two kids, who was taking care of other people’s children when she fell and became disabled, and it’s Medicaid that was taking care of her.” Booker said Democrats must move beyond “business as usual” and find new ways to confront injustice. “We can’t keep doing things like business as usual,” he said. “Speaking out and speaking up is how we will convince at least four Republicans in the House and Senate to do the right thing and vote no.”.
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
National Newspaper Publishers Association President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. delivered a forceful address during the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, calling on global leaders to confront algorithmic discrimination, reject media-driven imperialism, and fully recognize the crimes of slavery through official reparatory justice. Representing the Black Press of America and media led by people of African descent around the world, Chavis condemned what he called “digital racism” — the growing presence of racial bias embedded in artificial intelligence and across digital platforms. He said the same systems that once commodified Black bodies are now being used to control and misrepresent Black voices in the digital space. “We, therefore, call on this distinguished gathering of leaders and experts to challenge member states to cite and to prevent the institutionalization of racism in all forms of media, including social media, AI, and any form of digital bias and algorithmic discrimination,” Chavis stated. This year’s forum theme, “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence,” guided a week of sessions and events hosted by the U.N. and its agencies. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) participated in multiple discussions centered on justice, recognition, and development, with Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem delivering remarks at the session’s opening.
Chavis, a veteran civil rights leader and former NAACP executive director, said one of his key goals was to ensure accurate and direct language around slavery and its legacy. He pointed out that for the first time, the Permanent Forum is officially using the term “reparations.” He also called for the U.N. and its member states to update terminology related to the transatlantic slave trade, including recognition of chattel enslavement as a legal framework for understanding the denial of humanity.
“We cannot trust nor entertain the notion that former and contemporary enslavers will now use AI and digital transformation to respect our humanity and fundamental rights,” Chavis told the forum. He proposed the formation of an international collective of multimedia and digital organizations that are owned and operated by Africans and people of African descent. Such a collective, he said, would serve as a necessary counter to the racism and imperialism maintained by so-called mainstream global media corporations and technology companies.
Established by the U.N. General Assembly in 2021, the Permanent Forum serves as a consultative and advisory body to the U.N. system and the Human Rights Council. Its mandate includes providing expert guidance on combating systemic racism, contributing to the drafting of a U.N. declaration on the rights of people of African descent, and assessing progress from the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) while shaping the next decade (2025–2034). Chavis’s appearance also focused on language deconstruction, especially in the Caribbean, where sanitized or inaccurate terminology has distorted historical understanding. The famed Wilmington Ten leader spoke of the importance of framing slavery as a crime against humanity rooted in the ownership of human beings. “Our focus is on reparatory justice, digital justice, and the dismantling of algorithmic bias,” Chavis said. “Basta the crimes against our humanity. Basta Racism. Basta Imperialism. A Luta Continua. Victoria est Cert.”
Trash collected in downtown Eutaw on Saturday April 12, Clean-up Day sponsored by Eutaw City Council, Eutaw Garden Club and other volunteers
By John Zippert, Co-Publisher
This is a report of three meetings that the Eutaw City Council held during April 2025, the regular meetings on April 8 and 21 and a work session on April 15, 2025. The Eutaw City Council handled mostly routine business as well as a continuing argument over the best use of financial resources.
The Council adopted a Boligee and Eutaw Area Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 as a guideline and goals for future projects to support community improvement and economic growth over the next five years. The plan document was and prepared by the Delta Regional Authority with funding from Hope Enterprise Corporation. Engagement, writing and graphic design were completed by the Delta Design Build Workshop (Delta DB).
The City Council tabled this item in its April 8 meeting but approved it at the meeting on April 21, which gave members time to read and study the document. Some members were concerned that the plan might obligate the City to matching funds on projects for which it does not have funds on hand. Mayor Latasha Johnson clarified that the Strategic Plan was a guide to needed economic development, infrastructure, cultural and arts projects which would assist the city’s growth and development in the upcoming years. Copies are available through City Hall.
An agenda item that appeared in all three meetings concerned budget compliance for the General Fund and raises for city employees or laying off employees and return to a 40-hour work week. This agenda item was tabled in all three meetings pending a report through March 31,2025, half of the fiscal year, on the city finances and recommendations by the city’s Financial Adviser, Ralph Liverman. Some council members want Liverman to appear in person, so their will be no misunderstandings about his recommendations.
Mayor Johnson said that she kept employees, on the 32-hour schedule, to keep within the budget guidelines and not layoff staff. Council members Hunter and Woodruff were arguing that their interpretation of Liverman’s advice was that they should layoff staff and return to the 40-hour schedule to be in budgetary compliance. This matter was tabled until the March 31 financial report and budgetary adjustments and recommendations are available.
Another financial issue that came before the City Council, at all three meetings, was the disposition of two checks ($146,103.69 and $28,286.48) totaling $ !74,390.17, from the Alabama Examiner of Public Accounts from an audit of the Greene County ad valorem tax collections June 24, 2017 through June 26,2023, including some checks paid to the City that were outstanding and needed to be replaced. Councilman Woodruff asserted that these tax funds, which were an unexpected windfall, should be set aside in the Capital Improvements Fund for later use when the city’s financial status was clearer. The City Clerk explained that she used some of the funds to pay bills and that these funds will be reimbursed to the City from various construction projects. Woodruff also wanted to retain the funds to pay off the most recent loan to the City, at 6.5% interest, which he characterized as very high and expensive. This issue was postponed until there was a more accurate picture of the city’s finances, possibly after the March 31 financial report.
In other business, the Eutaw City Council:
• Approved a resolution for Zane Willingham, City Attorney, to represent the City in civil asset forfeitures of less than $5,000 on a contingency basis.
• Approved a 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor License for the King and Queen Cantina on Boligee Street in Eutaw.
• Approved Ordinance no. 2025-4 setting qualification fees for Mayor and City Council candidates in the upcoming municipal elections.
• Approved Resolution 2025-3 for the 2025 “Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday on July 18-20, 2025.
• Approved purchasing of dirt to repair the City Park Baseball Field.
• Approved T&H Services for a contract to remove trash on Park Avenue.
• Approved payment of bills.
The City Water Clerk reported $132,291 in revenues for March 2025; as compared to March 2024 – $102,740, March 2023 of $113,365, March 2022 of $117,585. This means the increase in water rates is generating $20,000+ in revenues each month toward increasing expenses.
Tommy Johnson, Chief of Police, reported that he had scheduled a special training class for women on the use of guns, for Saturday May 24, 2025, with registration at 7:45 AM and starting time at 8:00 AM at City Hall. The training will include a visit to the shoot range for practice in shooting. It also will include safety and maintenance of weapons.
Several councilmembers complained of large potholes in city streets that need to be repaired. The Mayor said she had a long list of street repair projects which she was working on as fast as she could with limited resources for materials and staff.
The Mayor thanked the Eutaw Garden Club for co-sponsoring the City Clean-up Day on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Left to right are: Kelley R. Wilson-Service Caseworker; Carmeshia Gibson-Adult Service Worker; Modesta Smiley-Service Caseworker; LaTonya H Wooley-Service Supervisor; & Wilson Morgan-Director. Center sitting: Judge Rolonda M. Wedgeworth. Ms. Takeshia Knox-Quality Assurance/Resource Supervisor who was not pictured.
By Rolonda M. Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County, Alabama
Whereas, our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of Alabama; and
Whereas, positive childhood experiences (PCES) – like loving caregivers and safe, stable and nurturing relationships – can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) to promote the social emotional and developmental wellbeing of children; and
Whereas, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects throughout an individual’s lifetime and impact future generations of their family; and
Whereas, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is serious problem affecting every community in the U.S. and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone and
Whereas, children who live in families with access to concrete economic and social supports are less likely to experience abuse and neglect and
Whereas, we acknowledge that in order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break down bias and barriers and inspire action for expected and unexpected partners in prevention; and
Whereas, we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive and effective systems that ensure all children and family are healthy and thriving; and
Whereas, we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home visiting and family-strengthening policies, economic supports and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state and local levels;
Now Therefore, on this 21st day of April 2025, I, Rolonda M. Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as National Children Abuse Prevention Month.
By Reuters
The NAACP sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday to stop its alleged illegal effort to cut off funding to schools that use diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and prevent Black students from receiving equal education opportunities.
In a complaint filed in Washington, D.C., the largest U.S. civil rights group faulted the Trump administration for targeting programs that offer “truthful, inclusive curricula,” policies to give Black Americans equal access to selective education opportunities, and efforts to foster a sense of belonging and address racism.
It also said the policies “advance a misinterpretation” of federal civil rights laws and Supreme Court precedent that undermine NAACP members’ equal protection rights and protections from viewpoint discrimination under the U.S. Constitution.
The Education Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the federal lawsuit.
U.S. President Donald Trump has made ending racial preferences and so-called DEI programs a top priority in his second White House term.
The Education Department had on February 14 sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to schools receiving federal funding. That letter said federal law prevented the schools from considering race as a factor in areas such as admissions, hiring and promotion, pay, financial aid, scholarships and prizes, housing and graduation ceremonies.
Then on April 3, the department demanded certifications of compliance from schools, including an end to DEI programs. It said this was required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, and a 2023 Supreme Court decision involving Harvard University that effectively ended race-conscious admissions in higher education.
While the department agreed in a separate lawsuit in New Hampshire not to enforce the “Dear Colleague” letter until April 24, the NAACP said some schools have lost funding while others have flinched and canceled programs.
It cited the Waterloo, Iowa, school district’s withdrawal of first-grade students from the University of Northern Iowa’s annual African American Read-In, which nearly 3,500 students at 73 schools attended.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson accused the White House of “effectively sanctioning” discrimination that U.S. civil rights laws were designed to prevent.
“Children of color consistently attend segregated, chronically underfunded schools where they receive less educational opportunities and more discipline,” Johnson said. “Denying these truths doesn’t make them disappear — it deepens the harm.” The case is NAACP v U.S. Department of Education et al, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, No. 25-01120.
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – While news headlines continue to focus on the chaos, confusion and legal challenges caused by the new administration’s recent changes, it could be easy to miss recent congressional actions that will cost consumers more than $5 billion annually in unnecessary and excessive bank overdraft fees
On March 27, a 52-48 Senate, party line roll call vote , the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) overdraft rule was overturned. It would have lowered the typical cost of an overdraft fee at very large banks (with at least $10 billion in assets) from around $35 to $5. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to soon pass, and then reach the president’s desk for final action.
South Carolina’s Republican Senator Tim Scott, who chairs the chamber’s Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, sponsored a Congressional Review Act resolution that only required a simple majority to pass. Should the House concur with a second majority vote, large lenders could charge fees much higher than the actual cost of an overdraft to the financial institution. Following the Senate vote, Scott claimed a consumer victory – despite a wealth of research that documents massive and negative financial impact to consumers paying excessive overdraft fees.
“This overdraft conversation is a critically important conversation if you are like me, a guy who grew up in poverty, a single parent household, who understands the difficulty, the challenge, of single moms making those ends meet,” said Scott. “I want every single hardworking American to have access to our financial system.”
But access on what terms? It is curious that Sen. Scott’s comments do not acknowledge how overdraft fees already disproportionately impact Black and Latino consumers.
“Black and Latino consumers are already four to five times more likely to be unbanked than white Americans,” wrote the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) in a comment letter supporting the overdraft rule. “They are also disproportionately likely to be ejected from the financial mainstream. Ejection from the mainstream financial system can have long-lasting and negative systemic effects.” CRL urged senators to vote for the interests of consumers, not the profits of large banks.
“This legislation, which should be called the ‘High Bank Fees Forever Act,’ would block the type of price cut that Americans have been clamoring for,” said Nadine Chabrier, senior policy counsel at CRL. “The measure would deny hundreds of dollars of relief each year from reaching families living paycheck-to-paycheck while letting huge financial institutions perpetually price gouge these families.”
CFPB’s overdraft rule required bank fees to correspond with their actual costs and losses – instead of generating a revenue stream designed to boost bank profits. Also, by requiring bank account-opening disclosures, consumers would assured choices to compare offerings and decide whether to pay overdraft fees automatically or manually.
A near 300-member coalition of national and state advocates in civil rights, labor, religion, higher education, and other areas are working to raise awareness about the need to continue CFPB’s consumer protections.
“The CFPB is an agency of the people. From the protection from junk fees, to fighting excessive overdraft fees, providing assistance to impacted victims of natural disasters, and holding predatory practices accountable, the NAACP stands firm in bringing back the CFPB,” said Keisha D. Bross, NAACP Director of Opportunity, Race, and Justice. ”The NAACP will fight to hold financial entities responsible for the years of inequitable practices from big banks and lenders.”
“It is shameful that Republicans are effectively writing bonus checks to executives at the nation’s largest banks while ordinary people struggle with high prices and increased costs of living,” added Lauren Saunders, the National Consumer Law Center’s associate director.
“Banking charters were never supposed to be a license to rip people off, but unfortunately, many banks rely on gotcha penalty fees to pad their profits, effectively diminishing the difference between insured depositories and payday lenders,” noted Adam Rust, director of financial services for the Consumer Federation of America. “Reversing this rule is a gift to banks, and if the House goes forward with their version, it will harm people for decades to come.”
As the measure advances to the House for further deliberation, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, posed an apt question to her colleagues:
“Whether you like the CFPB or not, it doesn’t make any sense to hike bank fees on 23 million hard-working families,” said the longtime lawmaker, “Why do you want to force them to pay $5 billion in more fees every year?
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org”
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a global voice for the poor, immigrants, and the environment, died Monday at age 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death from the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where Francis chose to live instead of the Apostolic Palace. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Farrell. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” Church bells rang across Rome as word spread. The pope had been hospitalized since mid-February with double pneumonia, marking his longest hospitalization during his 12-year papacy. Despite his declining health, he finally appeared before thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. A former chemical technician, he entered the Jesuit order in 1958, was ordained in 1969, and rose through the ranks to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and Cardinal in 2001. Elected pope in 2013 following Benedict XVI’s resignation, Francis quickly distinguished himself with a reformist tone. He rejected the papal palace and wore simpler vestments. He condemned economic exploitation, called for urgent action on climate change, and made the inclusion of migrants, the poor, and LGBTQ+ Catholics central to his mission. However, his papacy also deepened tensions within the Catholic Church, especially in the United States. While Francis urged compassion and social justice, many American Catholics—particularly white conservatives—supported political figures whose policies ran counter to the pope’s teachings. In a February op-ed for the National Catholic Reporter, writer Alessandra Harris addressed the disconnect: “We are living in a time when self-professed Catholics are not only turning a blind eye to evil but have elected and are supporting President Donald Trump, who is against diversity, against immigrants, against the poor.” Harris cited a long history of racism in the Church, from segregation and exclusion in Catholic schools and neighborhoods to the silence of Church leaders during Jim Crow and beyond. She noted that 59% of white Catholics voted for Trump, writing that “the Catholic Church is once again siding with white supremacy or hoping to benefit from its proximity to whiteness at the expense of people who are Black, Native, noncitizens and LGBTQIA+.” Though Pope Francis spoke forcefully against racism, xenophobia, and exclusion, the institutional Church in the U.S. has often lagged behind his moral calls. “Trampling upon a person’s dignity is a serious sin,”Francis once said—a principle he lived by and preached consistently. Now, as the Church prepares for its next chapter, many are left wondering whether his vision of inclusion will take deeper root or fade with him. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church,” said Cardinal Farrell.
