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In "How Italians Were Recruited to Become the New N*ggers and Ultimately Became White," William Spivey explores a little-known chapter in American history following the abolition of slavery in 1865. As the Southern economy faced a labor crisis, particularly in plantation states like Louisiana and Mississippi, Italian immigrants—especially Sicilians—were ushered in to fill the labor void.
Spivey reveals how this recruitment marked a troubling transition from one form of racial exploitation to another, intricately weaving the narratives of race and servitude. The article challenges readers to rethink the dynamics of immigration, labor, and racial identity, showing that the end of slavery did not erase systems of oppression, but merely morphed them into new racial hierarchies.
Spivey’s thought-provoking insights compel us to examine the legacies of exploitation in modern society.

Dr. Mary Felton, who has served as the assistant superintendent of Bulloch County schools since 2014, has stepped down effective June 30, after her contract was not renewed.
While the reasons behind this decision remain unclear, Felton is set to embrace a new role as an assistant principal at Claxton Elementary School in Evans County, which she was confirmed for just days after her resignation. Her departure raises questions about diversity in the district, as she was the only top-ranking African-American administrator.
Amid discussions about minority recruitment within the Board of Education, Felton’s exit highlights ongoing challenges in fostering diverse leadership in local schools. As Felton transitions, both the Bulloch County schools and community leaders are left pondering the implications of her departure and the path forward for administrator recruitment and retention.


Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates recently engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that ignited significant backlash across social media, revealing deep fractures within the left. In their discussion, the duo tackled critical questions about the future of the Democratic Party amidst rising authoritarianism and electoral challenges.
Coates championed a steadfast commitment to protecting the vulnerable, while Klein argued for pragmatic strategies that could facilitate electoral victories. However, the aftermath of their conversation highlighted a troubling habit among progressives— the urge to vilify differing perspectives rather than foster constructive discourse.
The real takeaway is that the Democratic Party needs both idealists like Coates and pragmatists like Klein. Rather than choosing sides or casting moral judgments, a more fruitful approach would encourage open dialogue, respectful conflict, and a blend of strategies that balance idealism with electoral realism—essential for navigating today’s complex political landscape.
A civil rights trial is underway in Texas, where claims have emerged that Republican leaders rushed a redistricting process aimed at diminishing the voting power of minority communities. Allegations suggest that the maps were designed under pressure from the Trump Administration to create five Republican-leaning districts, effectively diluting the influence of Hispanic and Black voters who typically support Democrats.
Testimonies from Democratic lawmakers assert that this process was expedited without adequate public input, contradicting previous practices that involved community hearings and discussions. Key witnesses contend the redistricting maps already existed before the legislative process even began.
As the three-judge panel hears the case, the stakes are high for Texas's political landscape and the fate of minority voting rights ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The trial continues to unfold, with critical testimony highlighting concerns about racial targeting and representation.
In a bold move shaking up Texas politics, Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt has launched his campaign for the U.
S. Senate, directly challenging incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Hunt, a two-term congressman with strong ties to Donald Trump, believes that Texans deserve a viable alternative, stating that Cornyn’s relationship with Trump and Paxton’s legal troubles threaten the party's chances in the general election. With both Cornyn and Paxton engaged in a heated battle, Hunt hopes to position himself as a unifying figure for the divided GOP.
While Senate GOP leaders have expressed skepticism about Hunt’s campaign, he argues it’s not a vanity project, but a necessary option for voters seeking change. As Hunt pours significant funds into advertising, the stakes are high for the Texas Senate seat, with implications that could reverberate nationally in the upcoming midterms.

In a provocative commentary, Daniel McCarthy reflects on the controversial legacy of Assata Shakur, aka Joanne Chesimard, who passed away recently in Cuba, where she received asylum after escaping U.S.
justice for her role in political violence as a member of the Black Liberation Army. Despite her criminal past, Shakur is celebrated by some in academia as a champion of social justice, with professors lauding her radical views.
McCarthy argues that this glorification of violent extremism in educational institutions has fostered a new generation of radicals who applaud political violence. He calls for accountability, urging a crackdown on radicalism on campuses and a reevaluation of support for those who idolize figures like Shakur.
Ultimately, he asserts that America must reject the normalization of violence in politics and prioritize educational integrity.

In a captivating interview with Dr. Ben Vinson III, a leading historian of the African diaspora in Latin America, we dive deep into the evolving narratives surrounding Black history in the region.
Vinson, who has made significant strides in understanding Black life beyond slavery, shares his journey—one sparked by an early curiosity about the intersections of race, immigration, and identity. His insights reveal how the historical landscape is shifting, emphasizing the richness of Black cultural experiences in Latin America.
With a focus on individual narratives and new methodologies, Vinson highlights the increasingly sophisticated framework for studying Black identities and communities. He discusses the untapped wealth of archival material waiting to be explored, making a strong case for the vibrant future of scholarship in this field.
This engaging conversation not only challenges conventional perspectives but also inspires a deeper appreciation of the complexities of Black history in Latin America.