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In a surprising turn of events, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has filed for reelection, reversing his earlier decision not to run again. The long-serving mayor, who has held office since 2017, is the city's first and longest-serving African-American mayor.
Colvin's political journey includes two terms as a city council member and time as Mayor Pro Tem. Recently, he has garnered attention for implementing a Youth Curfew in response to rising youth incidents, a decision met with mixed reactions.
Colvin believes that community involvement and parental supervision are essential for tackling youth issues. As the election draws near, he aims to take back control of Fayetteville’s safety and strengthen community ties.

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Explore the rich and often overlooked history of Afro-Colombians, who played a vital role in shaping Colombia's culture and societal landscape. With the fourth-largest Black population in the Western Hemisphere, Afro-Colombians have a legacy that dates back to the 16th century when African slaves were brought to work in mines and plantations.
The fight for freedom has been a longstanding theme, with notable figures like Benkos Biojó leading resistance against oppression. Despite their significant contributions to Colombia's music, sports, and cultural heritage, Afro-Colombians face ongoing challenges, including racial discrimination and economic hardship, exacerbated by Colombia's civil conflict.
Today, many continue to fight for recognition and a return to their roots after being displaced by violence. As their stories weave through the fabric of Colombian history, understanding the Afro-Colombian experience reveals the resilience and vibrancy of their community.

In a captivating interview, Dr. Robert Greene II engages with Dr.
Martha S. Jones about her forthcoming memoir, The Trouble of Color: An American Family Memoir.
As a prominent historian at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Jones delves into her family's complex history, exploring themes of racial identity, passing, and the emotional depth behind past struggles.
Departing from traditional historiography, she employs a memoir style to convey not only facts but also heartfelt truths and personal reflections, drawing inspiration from acclaimed writers like Kiese Laymon. Dr.
Jones discusses the significance of her ancestral ties to Kentucky and promotes understanding of less-highlighted places in Black history. In weaving together personal narratives and broader cultural insights, Jones invites readers to discover the intricate layers of her family's story while emphasizing the continuity of historical themes in contemporary society.
This thought-provoking dialogue illuminates why Black history is essential for understanding America today.

William Lacy Clay Sr., Missouri's first Black congressman and a formidable civil rights advocate, has passed away, leaving an indelible mark on St.
Louis politics. Rising to prominence amid an era of racial inequality, Clay’s political journey began as a city alderman and spanned three decades in the U.
S. House of Representatives.
Known as a radical political leader, he fearlessly championed the rights of Black Americans, highlighted systemic discrimination through impactful reports, and organized significant protests, including the Jefferson Bank demonstrations that resonated nationally. His bold leadership style and commitment to social justice earned him the reputation as the “Malcolm X of Congress.
” Clay was pivotal in mobilizing Black voter turnout, helping to reshape the political landscape in St. Louis.
His legacy as a charismatic and assertive figure reflects his deep-rooted dedication to equality and civil rights, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice.

Dive into the profound exploration of slavery's legacy with the Harpur Edge Book Club, where History Professor Anne Bailey sheds light on her poignant work, The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest Slave Auction in American History. In a captivating virtual session, Bailey unraveled the harrowing stories behind the infamous Butler slave auction, taking attendees on a journey through history's painful chapters.
Her insights not only illuminate the struggles of enslaved families but also spark crucial conversations about racial injustice today. Binghamton students, like freshman Julia Fitzgerald, found inspiration in Bailey’s message—a call to remember the past and advocate for equality.
As the Book Club plans its next read, they're eager for student suggestions, particularly from works by Harpur alumni or faculty.

Erika Evans, a former federal prosecutor in Seattle, left her job in March due to disillusionment with the Trump administration's policies, including the rollback of diversity initiatives. Now, she's seeking to become Seattle's city attorney, aiming to combat systemic discrimination and promote civil rights—a mission inspired by her grandfather, Olympic medalist Lee Evans, who protested racial inequality.
Evans is part of a growing movement of former federal employees motivated to run for office after feeling alienated by Trump's impact on federal governance. With increased energy among Democrats ahead of the midterm elections—seventy-two percent of them feeling highly motivated to vote—potential candidates are flocking to organizations like Run for Something and Emerge for support.
Evans passionately believes that diversity strengthens the nation, and she plans to work against federal overreach if elected, championing the values she holds dear.