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October 16, 2025
On October 16, we commemorate a pivotal moment in history that occurred 30 years ago, resonating deeply within the Black community. This anniversary prompts reflection on the courage and contributions of those who have shaped our cultural landscape.
From trailblazers who fought for justice to everyday heroes making changes in their communities, this day honors their legacy and reminds us of the ongoing struggle for equality. As we celebrate, we also recognize the challenges that remain and the importance of unity in the fight for civil rights.
Join us in revisiting this significant milestone, fostering discussions, and empowering future generations to continue the journey toward a more just society.
On October 16, we celebrate the legacy of Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett, the United States’ first African-American diplomat. Born in 1833 in Connecticut, Bassett was a trailblazer in education and public service.
His journey began at the Birmingham Academy, where he overcame racial barriers to excel academically. After becoming the first African-American graduate of what is now Central Connecticut State University, he held the position of principal at the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia.
Known for his close friendship with abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Bassett’s impact extended into the Civil War as he recruited African-American soldiers. In 1869, President Ulysses S.
Grant appointed him as the American minister to Haiti, where he demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skills amidst a turbulent political landscape. Bassett’s remarkable life reflects a commitment to justice and equality, making him a true pioneer in American history.
The New Georgia Project, once a powerful force for political mobilization in Georgia, is shutting down after a tumultuous decade. Founded by Stacey Abrams in 2013, the organization was instrumental in registering left-leaning voters and transforming Georgia into a key battleground state.
However, internal strife, financial difficulties, and legal challenges led to its decline, culminating in significant staff layoffs and a record $300,000 fine for campaign finance violations. Despite its past accomplishments, including pushing for progressive causes like Medicaid expansion and raising the minimum wage, the group's influence waned as key figures distanced themselves from its operations.
As it closes its doors, the board urges others to continue the fight for justice and equity, recognizing the ongoing need for strong leadership in the political landscape. The organization's closing marks the end of an era for progressive activism in Georgia.
Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, who passed away at 80 from Alzheimer's complications, was a towering figure in Detroit's political landscape. Beginning her career as a teacher, she believed in the potential of her community, eventually transitioning into politics where her influence was profound.
Elected to the Michigan House in 1978 and later to Congress, Kilpatrick secured over $70 million for various Detroit initiatives and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the city's riverfront. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, she championed vital issues like the federal minimum wage and affordable healthcare during a crucial era for Black political power.
A dedicated public servant, Kilpatrick's legacy is a testament to how representation, combined with fiscal savvy, can drive local justice. Her name deserves to be remembered alongside other greats in Michigan’s history, reminding future generations of the impact one determined individual can make in the fight for progress and opportunity.
In a compelling discussion on the podcast Fiction/Non/Fiction, New Yorker writer Jelani Cobb delves into race, politics, and the impact of Trayvon Martin’s tragic death on American society. With his new essay collection, Three or More is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here: 2012-2025, Cobb analyzes how the discourse around race has evolved from the Obama to the Biden administrations, emphasizing the cruciality of transparency in journalism.
He challenges conventional narratives by arguing that we often focus on exceptional moments instead of the underlying, everyday truths that shape history. His preference for a lowercase "b" in "black" reflects his belief that language shapes identity and ideology.
Cobb’s reflections not only revisit pivotal cultural moments but also underscore the importance of journalism in maintaining public trust amidst rising disinformation.
In a pivotal Supreme Court session, justices appeared inclined to restrict race-based electoral districts, potentially undermining the Voting Rights Act. The case centers on Louisiana's Black-majority congressional district, which is under scrutiny for being perceived as overly reliant on race.
Advocates fear that a ruling favoring Louisiana could allow states to redraw maps, shifting power toward Republicans by dismantling districts that typically support minority voters. Legal arguments highlighted whether race should remain a factor in redistricting, with liberal justices defending the necessity of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in addressing ongoing discrimination.
As activists rallied outside the court, the stakes were underscored: the future of fair representation hangs in the balance. With the possibility of transformative repercussions for congressional maps across the South, the court's ruling, expected by June, could reshape American democracy.
In an eye-opening exposé, The Nation dives into the Congressional Black Caucus’s (CBC) troubling alliance with AIPAC, raising stark questions about their silence amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over 60,000 Palestinians have died as starvation, displacement, and genocide unfold, yet the CBC, once viewed as Congress's "conscience," has refrained from condemning Israel's actions.
Surprisingly, more than half of the Caucus's 61 members have ties to AIPAC, effectively prioritizing political funding over the urgent cries for justice from their constituents. As AIPAC's financial influence looms large, Black lawmakers who dare criticize the Israeli regime face significant pushback, jeopardizing their re-elections.
Despite a strong anti-apartheid legacy, the CBC has inverted its mission, aligning with a lobby that undermines civil rights for Black Americans. Amidst a momentous moral crisis, the article urges the CBC to reclaim its voice and confront AIPAC—a call to action that resonates deeply with Black Americans who largely empathize with the Palestinian struggle.