Uncovering the Roots: Dylan Penningroth Explores Black Legal History Before the Civil Rights Movement!

Join Monticello on November 11, 2025, for an enlightening evening with acclaimed scholar Dylan Penningroth as he unveils his groundbreaking book, "Before the Movement." This engaging event, part of the Leonard J.

Sadosky Memorial Lecture series, promises to reshape your understanding of Black history and legal activism before the Civil Rights Movement. Penningroth dives into archival treasures that reveal how African Americans navigated and influenced the legal landscape centuries before the 1960s, challenging the narrative that they were passive victims of injustice.

Through personal stories and rigorous research, he illuminates the proactive legal strategies employed by Black individuals as they fought for their rights and dignity. The evening will feature a discussion followed by a book signing, making it a not-to-be-missed experience for history buffs and advocates alike.

Empower the Black Vote: Redistricting, Representation, and the Role of the Black Press

In his compelling editorial, Dr. John E.

Warren sheds light on the urgent issue of redistricting and its implications for the Black community. With moves in Texas aiming to gerrymander districts to benefit Republicans, the stakes are higher than ever ahead of the midterm elections.

California's proactive measures to counter this momentum highlight the necessity for voters to remain informed and engaged. Dr.

Warren emphasizes the pivotal role of the Black Press in keeping communities updated and mobilized against attempts to undermine voting rights. He passionately calls for collective action to prevent regressive policies that threaten social and economic progress.

As redistricting unfolds, he urges every citizen to harness their power at the polls to ensure that their voices are heard and to safeguard democracy against those who seek to manipulate it. It’s a rallying cry for unity and vigilance at a critical moment in our political landscape.

Empowering Voices: Celebrating African American Progress from Civil Rights to Contemporary Impact!

This engaging article explores the rich and tumultuous history of African Americans, detailing their struggles for civil rights, education, and equality throughout American history. Starting with early black communities and the horrors of slavery, it traverses key milestones including the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the electrifying era of the civil rights movement.

The piece highlights the indomitable spirit of African Americans, showcasing how they fought for political representation and made significant cultural contributions, from the Harlem Renaissance to modern advancements in politics exemplified by the election of Barack Obama in 2008. It also confronts ongoing societal challenges faced by Black Americans, demonstrating a powerful narrative of resilience, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

This article serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of recognizing and understanding African American history in shaping the nation.

Rediscovering Resistance: Toni Morrison's Timeless Warning Against America's Fascist Trends

In a thought-provoking piece, Michael Eric Dyson revisits Toni Morrison's prescient warnings from 1995 about the creeping rise of fascism in America—issues that resonate eerily today. Morrison, who linked fascism to the insidious nature of racism, urged us to recognize that this threat isn't confined to one political party; both sides contribute to a climate of division and persecution.

Dyson emphasizes our collective responsibility to resist this tide, drawing parallels with the resilient spirit of Black Americans throughout history who fought against oppression through varied means—from nonviolent protests to bold acts of civil disobedience. The piece highlights that true resistance is multifaceted and must occur across all facets of society, encouraging us to conjure hope and action in the face of adversities.

As Morrison famously stated, America has weathered storms before and has the strength to rise again.

NAACP Takes Texas to Court: Redistricting Case Aims to Restore Black Voter Power!

The NAACP has launched a bold lawsuit against Texas over newly drawn congressional maps that it claims dilute the political power of Black voters. This legal action, backed by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, targets Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson, seeking to halt the implementation of these maps deemed a “racial gerrymander.

” The suit argues that the redistricting process not only contravenes the Voting Rights Act but also the U.S.

Constitution by minimizing representation for voters of color in a state where non-white residents comprise 60%. NAACP President Derrick Johnson emphasized that the redistricting effort is discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Furthermore, it raises broader concerns about ongoing voting rights protections in the face of partisan tactics aimed at electoral advantage. As the fight escalates, various organizations signal that legal challenges will emerge across the country in reaction to similar efforts.

Historic Win: Ciara Smith Becomes Anniston's First African American and Youngest Mayor!

In a historic turn of events, Ciara Smith has emerged victorious in the Anniston mayoral election, becoming not only the youngest but also the first African-American woman to hold this office in the city’s history. Smith, who previously served as interim mayor after the resignation of Jack Draper, clinched a stunning 57% of the votes, far outpacing her competitors.

Her election marks a significant moment for Anniston, infusing fresh leadership into the community. Smith expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her and is excited about her goals for the upcoming four years, which include prioritizing healthcare and the future of Fort McClellan.

Meanwhile, Birmingham’s incumbent mayor, Randall Woodfin, also celebrated a decisive victory, reinforcing his leadership for another term. Changes are underway in Hoover as well, where police chief Nick Derzis is set to take the reins after defeating longtime mayor Frank Brocato.

Facing Hate with Resilience: North Belfast Mum Stands Firm in Her Home and Community

In the face of recent racist attacks, Sia Fay, a courageous mother of two from North Belfast, remains defiant in her commitment to her home. Following a window-smashing incident labeled "locals only," and previous vandalism, Sia refuses to let fear drive her away.

With her children, aged 12 and 14, she emphasizes resilience and community connections as essential tools for combating racism. Undeterred, Sia proposes a street party to foster unity among neighbors, inviting everyone to share in African culture and games, hoping to dismantle misconceptions.

Local leaders, including Justice Minister Naomi Long, have condemned the violence and highlighted the importance of changing the language surrounding migration. As the number of race hate crimes in Northern Ireland rises alarmingly, Sia's story stands as a testament to strength, urging solidarity against hate.

Together, she believes, they can show that their community values kindness over division.