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BlackVoter.org
January 13, 2025
There's an urgent call for President Joe Biden to grant a posthumous pardon to Marcus Garvey—an influential leader in the movement for Black empowerment whose legacy deserves recognition. Sentenced to five years in prison for a dubious mail fraud charge in 1923, Garvey's conviction has long been viewed as a miscarriage of justice, marred by racial prejudice and governmental misconduct.
Now, with just days left in his presidency, Garvey's family and supporters, including the Center for Global Africa and numerous Congress members, are rallying for a pardon that would restore his name. The petition highlights how Garvey’s work laid the foundation for civil rights movements globally, inspiring figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
and Nelson Mandela. Beyond personal vindication, the push for Garvey’s pardon signifies a broader fight for justice and dignity in American history.
As advocates rally, they hope Biden will act swiftly to correct this historical wrong.
Join us on February 20, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for an inspiring Homeschool Field Trip Day celebrating Black History Month at the Western Reserve Historical Society! Designed for all ages, this event highlights Cleveland’s vital Black community and their enduring contributions. Little ones (ages 3-5) will explore influential figures in the transportation industry, while older children (ages 6-12) will discover the strong community bonds formed by African Americans in early 20th-century Cleveland.
Teens (ages 13+) will delve into Cleveland’s pivotal role in the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War. Admission is affordable at $8 for students, with parents and guardians welcome for free! Enjoy a day rich in history and learning while making memories with your family.
In the wake of recent elections, a puzzling trend has emerged: despite the high percentage of conservative Black voters, Donald Trump continues to rally only a fraction of their support. Delano Squires, writing for The Daily Signal, highlights the “Selma effect” — a powerful psychological link between racial identity and political allegiance that has solidified the Democratic Party as the protector of civil rights.
While nearly 80% of African Americans identify as conservative or moderate, Trump only garnered 13% of their votes, a stark contrast to what would be expected based on their ideologies. Media narratives have reinforced fears around Trump, associating him with a regression in civil rights, further complicating his appeal.
This disconnect challenges the GOP to confront not only their outreach strategies but also the broader societal implications surrounding racial identity in political choices. Squires stresses the need for Republicans to understand and navigate these intricate dynamics if they hope to connect with this significant demographic.
As President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees embark on their Senate confirmation hearings, the implications for Black Americans loom large. Many of his picks, like Pam Bondi for Attorney General and Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff, reveal a troubling trend: a lack of support for diversity and equity initiatives, with critics labeling them as anti-Black policies.
Notable figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
, who has a past of promoting vaccine conspiracies, and Pete Hegseth, known for discounting racial discrimination in the military, further exacerbate concerns. The potential implications of this Cabinet on issues such as immigration, health care, and education could spell significant challenges for Black communities.
With confirmation battles ahead, eyes will be on the Senate to see if any Republican senators break ranks to oppose these controversial nominees. The hearings are set to be a contentious showcase of the administration's vision impacting millions of lives.
On January 13, we commemorate the incredible life of Matilda McCrear, the last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade, who passed away 85 years ago. Born Abake in West Africa around 1857, her harrowing journey began when she was just two years old, captured and sold into slavery aboard the infamous ship Clotilda.
Matilda endured unimaginable hardships but remained resilient, eventually freeing her family after the Civil War. In 1931, as an elderly woman, she embarked on a brave 15-mile trek to seek justice for her past, only to be denied in court.
Despite facing systemic racism and economic hardship, Matilda's spirit persevered, leaving a powerful legacy that echoes in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Her grandson's reflection on her life highlights the personal connection to history, reminding us of the enduring fight against injustice and the importance of remembering those who endured unimaginable pain while striving for a better future.
Dive into the rich tapestry of African heritage political identity during the Gilded Age in Rhode Island with the engaging lecture series "Am I Not a Man and a Woman." Hosted at the elegant Rosecliff mansion, this enlightening event highlights how Newport became a hub for African heritage families, fostering a unique space for cultural and political dialogue.
Presented by esteemed scholars Theresa and Keith Stokes from the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, the series explores significant historical documents and personal narratives, tracing the roots of Black Civil Rights movements from the 18th-century Free African Societies to the advent of Colored Women’s Clubs. While the lecture series has concluded, this exploration of Newport's pivotal role in shaping African American history remains crucial for understanding the broader civil rights landscape.
California's wildfires are not just a disaster; they're a catalyst for deepening inequality, particularly in areas like Altadena, a historically Black community. While celebrity homes grab headlines, many local residents face grim realities as they return to devastated neighborhoods.
Minorities, particularly Black and Hispanic families, worry that recovery will be out of reach, with the threat of gentrification looming large. Longtime residents like Kenneth Snowden are urging for equitable assistance from state and federal officials, stressing that all homes, regardless of value, deserve support.
The fires have destroyed not only properties but also the rich history of community ownership and resilience. As families like the Santoros grapple with the loss of their homes and uncertain futures, the hope to rebuild and preserve their generational progress is a powerful message confronting potential exploitation in a rapidly changing landscape.
The call for action is clear: equitable recovery is essential for these communities to thrive again.