- BLACKVOTER.ORG
- Posts
- BLACKVOTER.ORG
BLACKVOTER.ORG
BlackVoter.org
December 18, 2024
In a heartwarming initiative, Temple University's Black Alumni Alliance (TUBAA) has created a lasting legacy through the TUBAA Scholarship, which provides $1,000 annually to students majoring in Africology and African American Studies facing financial hurdles. Spearheaded by former TUBAA President Sharese Shedrick, this campaign, rooted in a commitment to support fellow students, has gained traction thanks to the collective efforts of over 350 generous donors.
Shedrick’s vision was fueled by her desire to give back, inspired by her own family's deep connection to Temple. Despite challenges maintaining momentum amidst other fundraising efforts, TUBAA's unity and dedication shined, achieving 100% giving participation from board members for three years running.
Beyond the scholarship, TUBAA’s community engagement, including a holiday book drive and outreach initiatives, exemplifies their commitment to empowering future generations. Shedrick emphasizes that this scholarship isn’t just for today; it fosters a support network that will uplift Temple students for years to come.
In a significant move, the U.S.
has transferred detainees from the infamous Guantanamo Bay facility to Kenya and Malaysia, marking the first such transfer in over a year. Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu, who had been held without charge since 2007, has been sent to Kenya following a review that deemed his detention unnecessary.
Meanwhile, two Malaysian detainees involved in high-profile al-Qaeda attacks have returned home after cooperating with U.S.
authorities. This milestone comes during ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to close the controversial detention center, which has become a symbol of human rights abuses since its establishment in 2002.
While the number of detainees has dwindled, with only 27 remaining, the complexities surrounding their legal status continue to pose challenges. Both past and current administrations have grappled with the issue, highlighting the long-standing and contentious nature of U.
S. counterterrorism policies.
In a striking new AP-NORC poll, public perception shows Elon Musk and Donald Trump share remarkably similar favorability ratings among Americans. Musk's bold appearance at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago post-election bash poised him as not just a businessman but a revolutionary figure ready to shake up Washington.
As the world’s richest man with a net worth exceeding $400 billion, Musk juggles multiple enterprises, including Tesla and SpaceX, while aligning closely with Trump’s vision for governance. Despite skepticism from some investors regarding his focus on politics over business, others see immense potential for Tesla and Musk’s other ventures amid Trump’s presidency.
With a growing influence in Republican circles and significant financial backing for Trump, Musk’s partnership with the incoming administration could reshape not only electric vehicle policies but also the broader landscape of U.S.
technology and business. This unprecedented alliance may herald profound changes in both business and politics.
In an insightful interview, Eugene Thompson reflects on his pioneering role as the first director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, highlighting its connection to the significant yet often overlooked 1939 library sit-in, a crucial moment in civil rights history. Thompson's journey into museum work began unexpectedly, but his love for history and community engagement flourished as he curated impactful exhibits and fostered local historical awareness.
He recounts the challenges he faced in his early days, noting the strength he drew from mentors and community leaders, including the creation of the Watson Reading Room. The plaque commemorating the sit-in, which Thompson installed, sparked broader awareness of this pivotal event, showcasing the importance of remembering and celebrating the contributions of African Americans in Alexandria.
Through his passion and vision, Thompson not only preserved history but also inspired future generations to embrace their role in shaping the narrative.
In a tragic incident that has shaken the Chattanooga community, 17-year-old Daremon Waldon, a Howard School student, was shot and killed while trying to protect his mother during a domestic dispute. The suspect, Dejuan Rowland, 26, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly firing multiple shots through the door of their home on December 1.
The shooting occurred after Waldon’s mother attempted to evict Rowland from their residence. "He lost his life protecting me," a heartbroken Rhonda Waldon told Local 3 News.
This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and leaves many in the community grappling with grief and disbelief. As the investigation continues, families and friends remember Daremon as a "great kid" whose life ended much too soon.
In an engaging dive into Richmond’s past and present, historian Dr. Julian Hayter emphasizes the importance of understanding our history to shape a brighter future.
His latest book, The Making of Twenty-First-Century Richmond: Politics, Policy, and Governance, 1988-2016, co-authored with Amy Howard and Thad Williamson, explores how pivotal policies laid the groundwork for modern-day Richmond. Picking up where his acclaimed book The Dream is Lost ended, Hayter reveals the intricacies of race and politics from 1985 to 2016, arguing that much of what residents cherish today stems from efforts made in the late 20th century.
With lively narratives and critical insights, the work challenges perceptions and dives into the roles of various leaders, emphasizing that understanding our city's layered history is essential for progress. Ultimately, Hayter hopes readers walk away with a clearer vision of how Richmond evolved and the necessity of continuing that journey of understanding.
In the heartfelt tribute to Nikki Giovanni, Rev. Dr.
F. Willis Johnson reflects on the profound impact of the iconic poet's work on his journey through understanding Black consciousness and creativity.
Giovanni, who passed away at 81, was a formidable voice of the Black Arts Movement, using her poetry as both protest and celebration. Her words, such as those in “Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day,” taught the power of resilience, intertwining joy with the struggles of life.
For over three decades at Virginia Tech, Giovanni ignited the imaginations of countless students, showing that poetry can be a healing force and a weapon in the fight for justice. Johnson encourages readers to carry forward her legacy of love, authenticity, and the belief that their stories matter.
As he bids farewell to this "warrior-poet," he reminds us that Giovanni’s gift was illuminating a path toward liberation through the transformative power of language and love.
In a surprising twist of political fate, Indian Americans are carving out a significant role in Donald Trump's administration, despite a historical lean towards the Democratic Party. With Trump’s victory, the community finds itself with unprecedented representation, including prominent figures like Harmeet Dhillon at the DOJ and Kash Patel at the FBI.
The narrative is shifting as Indian Americans, once firmly aligned with Democratic candidates like Kamala Harris, are now looking at the potential benefits of a Republican administration. Many express cautious optimism about Trump's Indian American appointees, viewing them as signs that the administration might pursue more inclusive policies than initially presumed.
This change reflects a broader trend where younger Indian Americans are increasingly favoring the GOP, driven by values that resonate with their experiences in business and politics. As the political landscape evolves, Indian Americans stand ready to influence the future, embracing both their heritage and newfound political power.