DID YOU KNOW….!?Black women are at a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality compared to white women. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is about 2.5 times higher than that of white women

Alpha Phi Alpha: Empowering the Vote and Building a More Just Democracy

The article discusses Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s civic engagement initiative, "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" 👥🗳, which is dedicated to empowering black and brown communities to exercise their political power. 👊 The fraternity was founded in 1906 by seven African American collegiate men and has a long history of promoting social justice and political empowerment. The initiative was created in response to the barriers faced by African Americans in voting, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, during the Jim Crow era. Today, the fight for voting rights continues, with restrictive voting laws and practices disproportionately affecting minority voters 😔. Alpha Phi Alpha's initiative works to register black voters, challenge voting restrictions, and advocate for equal access to the ballot box. It is crucial in the current political climate to ensure that every eligible voter can vote freely and fairly 🙌.

25 Million Black and Latino Voters Vanish from U.S. Voter Databases, Threatening Democracy

A report titled "Surfacing Missing Voters" has revealed that nearly 25 million Black and Latino eligible voters are missing or incorrectly listed in U.S. voter databases. This poses a significant challenge as the November general election approaches. The report draws from U.S. Census data and a recent Stanford study, estimating that 40% of Black and Latino individuals are missing from voter outreach efforts compared to 18% of white individuals. The disparities in representation could potentially impact future election results. Campaigns need to address these issues by investing in community-based data collection, supporting anti-racist modeling efforts, and adopting broad relational organizing strategies. The report emphasizes the importance of rectifying systemic biases and ensuring an equitable electoral process to avoid perpetuating the disenfranchisement of marginalized communities. 🔍🗳️

• Approximately 25 million Black and Latino eligible voters are missing or incorrectly listed in U.S. voter databases. 📉
• 40% of Black and Latino individuals are missing from voter outreach efforts compared to 18% of white individuals. 🖐️🤚
• The disparities in representation could potentially impact future election results. 📊
• Campaigns should address these issues by investing in community-based data collection, supporting anti-racist modeling efforts, and adopting broad relational organizing strategies. 💪🌍
• The report emphasizes the importance of rectifying systemic biases and ensuring an equitable electoral process. 🔄✊

Don't Miss a Beat: Catch Up on the Latest Political News in California

The article highlights several political news stories in California that readers may have missed. Here are some key points:

🚩 The California Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Sen. Steven Bradford's reparation legislation, SB 1403, which would create a new state agency responsible for the administration of reparations.

📊 The State of Black California Conference discussed the progress and challenges faced by Black Californians, including the persistent racial gap in socioeconomic outcomes.

🏢 A report from the California State Auditor's Office found that the state has failed to monitor spending and evaluate the outcomes of homelessness programs.

🌐 The California Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee approved AB 2239, a bill aimed at closing the digital divide for low-income residents in the state.

🗳️ Independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West announced his running mate as Dr. Melina Abdullah, making history as the first all-Black presidential ticket in American history.

🌟 Other presidential candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris, have also selected running mates.

These stories highlight important issues in California politics, from reparations and racial equity to homelessness and digital access.

Fight for Voting Rights: John Lewis Act Faces Opposition in Congress but Supporters Persist

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill named after the late civil rights leader, has stalled in Congress and its chances of passing this year are slim. 😔 The bill aims to better protect the rights of voters, but Republicans in the House have voiced opposition, and Democratic efforts in the Senate have hit a standstill. However, Democrats hope that with voting rights and election concerns at the forefront, lawmakers could be pressured to act this election year. Supporters of the bill argue that new legislation is necessary to counter state laws that could restrict access to the polls and disproportionately affect voters of color. ⚖️ Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the law is unnecessary and that discrimination in voting has significantly decreased since the 1960s. The bill would restore a provision of the Voting Rights Act known as "preclearance" and give the Department of Justice veto power over election changes made by states. 🗳️

Florida's Jim Crow Legacy: Confederate Memorial Day and Confederate Flag Laws Still in Effect

The state of Florida will celebrate Confederate Memorial Day later this month, one of three Confederate anniversaries still recognized by state law. 🌴 This article argues that these celebrations are relics of Jim Crow and should not be glorified. 💔 The article highlights the following points:

• Florida Statutes list 21 legal holidays in the state, including Confederate Memorial Day, which was enacted in 1895. 🗓️
• The state also has laws protecting Confederate flags from mutilation or disrespect. 🚩
• The Lost Cause myth, which downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War, was enforced and perpetuated by Confederate apologists. 🎭
• In 1911, the University of Florida forced a professor to resign for expressing anti-Confederate views, showing the lengths to which Confederate sympathizers went to suppress opposing viewpoints. 👨‍🏫
• The Lost Cause myth still influences American life and contributes to ongoing issues of racial inequality and misinformation. ❌🤔

Faith Ringgold: Unmasking America's Madness Through Art with Late-Surge Recognition from MoMA

💥 Faith Ringgold, an artist known for her paintings, quilts, and children's books, passed away at the age of 93. Throughout her career, Ringgold combined personal and political themes to create thought-provoking artwork. While her work resonated with audiences who didn't typically visit art galleries, the art establishment largely ignored her. However, in recent years, Ringgold has received increased attention and recognition. 🏛️ The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) acquired several of her pieces in 2016, including the monumental 1967 painting "American People Series #20: Die," which depicts a chaotic scene of people in panic. 🖌️ Ringgold's paintings from the "American People Series" illustrate the power imbalances between white and Black individuals during the civil rights movement. ✊ Ringgold's art reflects the political climate of her time and continues to resonate today. 🎨

Fayetteville Voters Abandon Political Parties: A Wake-Up Call for Democrats and Republicans

A growing number of voters in Fayetteville, North Carolina are abandoning political parties and registering as unaffiliated 📈. This trend is seen statewide and is largely attributed to the state's rapid growth and net migration 🌇. Unaffiliated voters now make up about 35% of registered voters in Cumberland County, compared to 20.7% twenty years ago 🗳️. Demographic data show that unaffiliated voters tend to be younger, which has raised concerns for the future of the Democratic Party 😮. Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift among Black voters, with a decline in the percentage identifying as Democrats and an increase in Black unaffiliated voters 🖤. Registering as unaffiliated offers voters freedom to participate in either party's primary, which could explain the higher number of unaffiliated voters participating in the Democratic primary in the 2020 election ✨. Parties are adapting their strategies to reach unaffiliated voters, but the challenge lies in overcoming voter cynicism and getting them to the polls 🤔🗳️.

Power in Numbers: How Black and Latino Voters Will Shape the US Elections

The upcoming US presidential election will be heavily influenced by the votes of Black and Latino voters. 🗳️ Latinos are projected to make up 14.7% of all eligible voters, surpassing Black voters for the first time. 💪 The Hispanic vote has been steadily growing over the years, with 36.2 million Hispanics projected to cast their ballots in 2024. 🌟 In key battleground states like Arizona, where one in five votes are Hispanic, both candidates are vying for their support. 👀 On the other hand, African American voters have historically been a reliable voting bloc for the Democratic Party, with support ranging from 83% to 95% for Democratic presidential candidates. 🙌 However, there has been a small increase in support for Donald Trump among Black voters, with 12% voting for him in 2020. 📈 The changing dynamics between Black and Hispanic voters will have a significant impact on the election and future political power in the US. 🇺🇸

Florida Honors Tuskegee Airmen with New State Holiday Celebrating Pioneering Black Pilots

Florida has designated a new state holiday to honor the Tuskegee Airmen ✈️, the first Black military aviators in the United States. The holiday, called Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The Tuskegee Airmen were trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and went on to fly over 1,500 missions during World War II, including escorting bombers into enemy territory. Despite their impressive achievements and valor, the Tuskegee Airmen faced discrimination and were kept segregated in the military. The holiday in Florida will take place on the fourth Thursday in March, starting in 2025. There are several Florida connections to the Tuskegee Airmen, including training at Dale Mabry Field near Tallahassee and the presence of several Airmen who were Florida residents. The holiday aims to recognize and remember the important legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and their contributions to the U.S. military. 🇺🇸🎉

US Supreme Court Deals Blow to Black Lives Matter Activist in Protest Incident Appeal

📢 The US Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson in a case that could have implications for the ability to engage in public protests. The case revolves around a lawsuit by a police officer who was injured during a protest in Baton Rouge in 2016. The officer accused Mckesson of negligence after being struck by a rock during the protest, which was sparked by the fatal police shooting of a Black man. The Supreme Court decision means that the lawsuit can proceed. ⚖️ The lower court had previously rejected Mckesson's defense that his rights to free speech and assembly protect him from the negligence claim. Legal scholars have raised concerns that this decision could have a chilling effect on activism seeking social or political change. 🚫⛔

Black Voters' Support for Biden in 2024 Questioned Amid Money Woes

🗳️ Black voters played a crucial role in electing President Joe Biden in 2020, but their support may be wavering as they face ongoing financial struggles. Some polls indicate that Black voter enthusiasm for Biden is slipping, which could potentially benefit former President Donald Trump and even third-party candidates in the 2024 election. 💰

The Biden campaign is countering these concerns by highlighting its accomplishments in radio ads, such as investments in historically Black colleges and universities, the cancellation of student loan debt, and reductions in Black child poverty. Nevertheless, many Black voters are still feeling the financial pressure of high grocery prices, expensive housing markets, and student debt payments. 😔

Despite Biden's efforts, some Black voters like Jennifer Garner and Audrianna Lewis are questioning their support for him due to ongoing financial burdens. They are calling for more concrete actions from political leaders to address these issues. 🤔

Overall, it's clear that the economy is a top concern for Black voters, and their support in the 2024 election may depend on seeing tangible improvements to their financial situations. 📉💼📈 The stakes are high, and political candidates will need to address these concerns to secure the support of this crucial voting bloc. 🗳️🙌

Thank you for being a beacon of light in our journey towards justice and equality. Your resilience and courage inspire us all. Let's continue to stand tall, speak out, and make a difference. Until tomorrow, stay strong!