BlackVoter.Org

Detroit’s Reparations Task Force has unveiled its long-awaited recommendations aimed at addressing historical injustices faced by African American residents. Established following a 2021 voter-approved initiative, the task force emphasizes the need for reparative justice through a multifaceted approach.

Key proposals include cash payments, housing grants, and expanded African-centered education, along with pressing reforms such as firing “high-risk” police officers and ending water shutoffs.

To qualify for reparations, applicants must be current Detroit residents, at least 21 years old, and descendants of enslaved Africans.

The report acknowledges the systemic neglect and exploitation that has led to stark disparities in the city. Recommendations also call for new affordable housing initiatives, economic development support for Black-owned businesses, and changes in policing practices.



To fund these initiatives, the task force suggests implementing a downtown entertainment tax, revising casino revenue agreements, and holding developers accountable for promised benefits. The recommendations mark a pivotal moment for Detroit as it seeks to heal and rebuild trust within its communities.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, producing some of the most influential figures in culture, politics, music, and Hollywood. This article spotlights 12 remarkable HBCU alumni who have made significant contributions across diverse fields.

From Vice President Kamala Harris, who graduated from Howard University, to the musical talents of 2 Chainz from Alabama State University and Megan Thee Stallion from Texas Southern University, these individuals highlight the incredible impact HBCUs have on society. The list also features icons like Taraji P.

Henson and Samuel L. Jackson, who honed their craft in university settings that fostered creativity and ambition.

Each alumna and alumnus represents a powerful narrative of perseverance and success, underscoring the vital role HBCUs play in shaping future leaders. As these alumni continue to inspire new generations, it's clear that HBCUs remain a cornerstone of excellence, creativity, and cultural influence.

Wilmington, North Carolina, recently held a powerful memorial ceremony to honor the victims of the 1898 massacre and coup, a chilling event often termed the only successful coup in U.S.

history. Nearly 130 years ago, white supremacists violently attacked the thriving African American community, destroying businesses, ousting Black political leaders, and committing acts of murder.

This remembrance not only paid tribute to those who suffered but also served as a reminder of the ongoing impact of this tragic history. Local leaders, including soon-to-be city council member Chakema Clinton-Quintana, emphasized the importance of education and awareness, urging the community to acknowledge this dark past to prevent history from repeating itself.

A wreath-laying ceremony at 1898 Memorial Park highlighted the event's significance, fostering community engagement and the commitment to create a better future. As Wilmington reflects on its history, there’s a strong call for continued education to ensure the lessons learned resonate with future generations.

Discover the rich legacy at the African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where history truly comes alive! Housed in a building that once served as the USO Club for African American soldiers during World War II, this museum stands as a testament to the resilience and valor of African Americans in the military. Museum Director Latoya Norman shares how young soldiers, some even just 14, shaped their futures while navigating a segregated world.

After serving, they returned home empowered by the GI Bill, ready to fight for equality both on and off the battlefield. The museum’s exhibits span from the American Revolutionary War to the War on Terror, providing an inspiring look at those who served with distinction.

Open Wednesday through Saturday, this museum invites you to explore a vital chapter of history and honor the stories of those who fought bravely for freedom and equality.

In a move sparking outrage, two panels honoring African American soldiers from World War II have been removed from the American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. Among those affected is the panel commemorating George H.

Pruitt, a young soldier who died heroically at just 23. This removal has deeply distressed family members like Raphael Morris, whose uncle Julius Morris lies at the cemetery, and highlights a troubling trend perceived by many as an effort to diminish representation of Black service members.

Local officials and historians are calling for the reinstatement of these panels, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the 1 million African American soldiers who fought in Europe. Morris, who manages a cemetery for African Americans in Missouri, believes that the stories of these heroes must not be allowed to fade.

Despite the current controversy, he expresses hope that the contributions of Black soldiers will again receive the recognition they deserve in Margraten’s visitor center.

Burkina Faso is making waves by extending citizenship to 700 Black Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Afro-Europeans in a bid to invigorate its economy. At a vibrant “Welcome Home” event, President Captain Ibrahim Traoré celebrated the power of Pan-Africanism and the potential of these new citizens, referring to them as "ambassadors of Burkina Faso.

" In a groundbreaking move, the government has abolished financial barriers for obtaining permanent residency, encouraging these individuals to invest in key sectors like agriculture and energy. Traoré framed the initiative as not just a means of economic growth but a vital step in the broader struggle for African dignity and liberation from neocolonial influences.

The excitement is palpable, as these new citizens are positioned to contribute to the nation’s prosperity while fostering a rich cultural exchange. This bold strategy could pave the way for a dynamic era in Burkina Faso, showcasing the resilience and unity of the African diaspora.

Cleo Hearn, founder of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo and a pioneering force in the rodeo community, has passed away at 86. Known for his groundbreaking achievements, Hearn was the first African American to clinch a major rodeo title in calf roping and to earn a rodeo scholarship while attending college.

His passion for inclusivity led him to create the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, originally named the Texas Black Rodeo, which celebrates diversity within the Western tradition. Beyond rodeo, Hearn served in the Presidential Honor Guard under President John F.

Kennedy and produced numerous rodeos, including his impactful 1971 event in Harlem for 10,000 children. Recognized with multiple honors, including induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, Hearn’s legacy continues through the rodeo tour that bears his name.

His son is set to carry on his vision, ensuring that the spirit of diversity and culture in rodeo thrives for future generations. Hearn will be deeply missed, but his profound impact on the community will forever be remembered.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a groundbreaking mayor-elect of New York City, embodies a captivating blend of identity and ideology that has conservatives in a tizzy. The Ugandan-born, South African-raised, and Queens-bred Muslim Democratic Socialist recently took office, bringing his Africana Studies degree from Bowdoin College into the political arena.

For right-wing pundits, he’s the ultimate nightmare: a figure who disrupts their narratives with his diverse background, progressive values, and deep understanding of systemic injustices.

Africana Studies, a field born from Black liberation struggles, taught Mamdani to interrogate power and recognize global injustices.

His approach to governance reflects this rich educational legacy—prioritizing housing justice, immigrant rights, and police accountability. In a time when America grapples with multiracial democracy, Mamdani’s election signals a shift towards a future where complex identities and radical ideas can forge a path to justice, shaking the foundations of traditional politics.

As he steps into leadership, Mamdani proves that education can equip transformative leaders ready to confront entrenched systems of oppression.