Breaking Barriers: New Law Paves the Way for Black Farmers in Marijuana Industry

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has approved changes to the state's medical marijuana licensure law that will allow at least three Black farmers to receive licenses. The changes come in response to a legal dispute over discrimination in the initial licensing process.

Under the new law, Black farmers who previously applied for licenses have an additional 90 days to correct any errors or omissions on their applications. Furthermore, if a Black farmer applicant passed away after March 25, 2022, their death cannot be used as a reason to deny their application or any subsequent legal challenges.

The new law specifically benefits farmers involved in the "Pigford" litigation, a federal lawsuit related to the state's medical marijuana licensing program. When the state initially launched the program, none of the first dispensaries were minority-owned, despite a statutory requirement to award licenses to Black farmers.

The Forgotten Pioneers: Walker Browning and the Vibrant Black Community of Billings

The history of westward expansion in the United States is often romanticized as a heroic era of optimism, but it was also marked by discrimination and hardship, particularly for minority groups. Among these groups were African Americans, who faced significant challenges and discrimination as they migrated west in search of a better life.

One such family, the Brownings, settled in Billings, Montana, and played a significant role in building the Black community in the area. Despite their contributions, the stories of these pioneers have been largely overlooked in the historical narrative.

The Browning family advocated for social changes, fought against discrimination, and helped establish institutions like the Wayman Chapel. However, discrimination persisted and the Black population in Montana declined over time.

The historical memory of Black roles in the West has been eroded over time, but efforts are being made to preserve and recognize their contributions.

The Dark Truth: Black Americans' Belief in U.S. Institutions Designed to Hold Them Back

Black Americans have long held a sense of distrust towards US institutions, fueled by historical experiences of racial discrimination. A recent report by the Pew Research Center found that many Black Americans believe that these institutions were designed to hold them back.

The report, based on a survey of 4,736 Black adults, revealed a widespread belief among Black Americans that the prison system, courts and judicial process, policing, political system, and economic system were designed to disadvantage Black people. The report also highlighted ongoing and intentional bias in these institutions, including the singling out of Black public officials, insufficient action by the police to prevent gun and drug violence in Black communities, disproportionate incarceration of Black people for profit, and targeted marketing of luxury items to keep Black people in debt.

These findings underscore the deep skepticism and mistrust that generations of Black Americans have towards US institutions.

Atlanta's Black Seniors: The Key to President Biden's 2024 Election Success

Atlanta's Black seniors could be President Joe Biden's secret weapon in the 2024 election, according to an article from Capital B News. The article highlights the grassroots efforts of seniors in Atlanta who are mobilizing to support Biden's reelection campaign.

These efforts are particularly important because polling data suggests that Americans are less enthusiastic about voting for Biden or his Republican opponent. Biden's margin of victory in Georgia during the 2020 election was less than 12,000 votes, so a high turnout of Black seniors could be crucial for him to secure the state once again.

The article also notes that older Black voters are more likely to vote and approve of Biden's job performance compared to younger Black voters. Their long-standing tradition of identifying as Democrats and their experience in politics may contribute to their strong support for the president.

'Squad' Rep Bowman Blames Pro-Israel Lobby's Attacks on Being an 'Outspoken Black Man'

In a heated debate with his primary challenger, "Squad" member Representative Jamaal Bowman suggested that the pro-Israel lobby is targeting him because he is an "outspoken Black man." Bowman criticized the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), accusing it of operating as a right-wing organization.

AIPAC has poured millions of dollars into supporting Bowman's opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Bowman argued that AIPAC's support for Latimer is due to his vocal opposition to genocide in Gaza and his fight for justice.

However, Latimer defended his support from AIPAC, highlighting that the organization has endorsed other Black politicians who support Israel. A recent poll shows Latimer leading Bowman in the primary race.

If Latimer wins, he will become the first moderate Democrat to defeat a member of the left-wing "Squad.

VP Kamala Harris Celebrates Florida Black Voting Rights Group on Juneteenth, Pledges Support

Vice President Kamala Harris is showing support for the Equal Ground Education Fund, a nonpartisan organization in Florida that focuses on protecting the voting rights of Black Floridians. The group was launched in response to restrictions placed on the voting rights of individuals who completed their felony sentences.

Harris commended the organization's dedication to empowering Black voters and fostering civic engagement. She also emphasized the need to protect the freedom to vote, which she believes is under attack by extremists.

Harris pledged to continue fighting for federal legislation that would expand voter registration and access while combating discrimination. The article notes that although there has been media coverage of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attracting more Black voters, a recent survey indicates that Black voters still predominantly support President Joe Biden.

Crucial Concerns: 5 Key Election Issues Black Men Demand Answers to This Season

The upcoming election season presents a crucial opportunity to engage Black men and address their specific concerns. Reverend Rhonda Thomas emphasizes the importance of early and consistent engagement of Black male voters, as they often feel ignored by political parties.

After hosting listening sessions with Black men in Florida, Thomas identified five critical issues that Black men want to see addressed: equitable education, living wages, inflation and its impact on Black communities, rights restoration for individuals with felony convictions, and policing in predominantly Black communities. Thomas calls for political parties to invest in Black-led grassroots groups that have a greater degree of trust with voters to effectively engage Black men.

By addressing these concerns and investing in targeted outreach efforts, political parties can ensure that the voices and needs of Black men are considered and represented.

Presidential Candidates Embrace Juneteenth as an Opportunity to Connect with Black Voters

US presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump are using Juneteenth commemorations to connect with Black voters. Juneteenth is a federal holiday that marks the official end of slavery in the United States.

Both candidates, in their respective speeches and social media posts, have attempted to show their support for the Black community and address issues that are important to them. Biden, the Democratic candidate, has outlined his plans for criminal justice reform and improving economic opportunities for Black Americans.

He has also acknowledged the need for systemic change to address racial inequality. Trump, the Republican candidate, has touted his administration's efforts to create jobs and economic growth for all Americans, including the Black community.

He has also emphasized his administration's criminal justice reform initiatives. With the Black vote expected to play a significant role in the upcoming election, both candidates are using Juneteenth as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of Black voters.

In Milwaukee, Trump Paying the Price for His Slurs Against Black-Led Cities

Former President Donald Trump has a history of slurring majority-Black cities as symbols of urban decay and political corruption. Now, he may finally face consequences for his rhetoric.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has responded to Trump's insults by placing 10 billboards around Milwaukee, the city where the GOP will hold its presidential nominating convention next month. The DNC has also compiled a list of other instances in which Trump has disparaged Milwaukee and other Black cities.

This move comes as Trump tries to win over Black voters, despite his previous derogatory comments about cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and Chicago. Democrats are determined to remind voters that under Trump's presidency, the Black uninsured rate and unemployment rate both increased.

They believe that Black voters will remember Trump's failures and help elect Joe Biden in November.

Journalist Honors Ancestor in Moving Ceremony for Black Civil War Soldiers on Juneteenth

On Juneteenth, journalist Darren Sands pays tribute to his ancestor, Hewlett Sands, who served in the Civil War as a soldier in the 26th United States Colored Infantry. Sands discovered his ancestor's name on the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.

C., which prompted him to dig deeper into his family's history.

This year, Sands returned to the memorial to honor Hewlett Sands and all the Black soldiers who fought for their freedom and the Union. He also celebrates the work of Frank Smith, the director of the memorial, who played a crucial role in preserving this lesser-known history.

Sands recognizes the importance of Juneteenth as a day of remembrance and appreciation for the sacrifices of enslaved people. He feels a deep connection to his ancestor and the ideals he fought for, highlighting the impact that their bravery continues to have on future generations.

Team Trump Boldly Ventures into the Black Community with Swing-State Cigar Nights

In a bold move, Team Trump is reaching out to the black community in an effort to gain support for the former president. Two prominent Donald Trump supporters in Congress are planning a swing-state event titled "Cigars, Cognac, and Congress" in Atlanta to highlight the differences between Trump and President Biden.

The event aims to motivate black voters in a swing state that has historically been a challenge for the GOP. The event will feature discussions on important issues facing the black community, and former ESPN anchor Sage Steele will join the congressmen.

The goal is to peel off between 25% and 30% of the black vote, which would mathematically prevent Democrats from winning. Recent polls show that Trump has tripled his support among African-American voters, making this outreach effort strategically important.

Black Americans Speak Out: The Resurgence of White Supremacy in the 2024 Election is Terrifying!

In an article published by BuzzFeed, Black Americans are brutally honest about their fears and concerns regarding the 2024 election. The author highlights the voices of Black voters to commemorate Juneteenth and reveals the deep divisions within this voting group.

While 40% of respondents expressed support for Joe Biden, a surprising number also showed support for former President Trump. The article presents 16 anonymous political confessions from Black voters, shedding light on the issues they care about most and why they support their chosen candidate.

Some voters express concerns about civil rights, while others focus on economic issues, abortion laws, or taxation. The resurgence of white supremacy is another significant concern expressed by Black voters, and many feel that Trump's presidency could roll back the progress of the past 100 years.

Ultimately, the article highlights the diversity and complexity of Black Americans' political perspectives as they navigate the current political landscape.