Tragic Shooting: Black Woman Killed by Police at Her Home After Calling 911

The fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman in Springfield, Illinois, has raised questions about excessive police violence and lack of transparency. Massey called 911 to report a suspected break-in at her home, but she was shot and killed by Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies who arrived at the scene.

The police claimed that shots were fired at Massey’s home, but there were no reports of her being armed or exhibiting threatening behavior. Massey’s family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who called for immediate release of all body camera footage from the incident.

Community activists and neighbors are demanding more information and transparency from law enforcement. Massey’s death is another tragic example of police killing Black people in their own homes, joining the names of Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and Breonna Taylor.

The officers involved in Jean and Jefferson’s deaths were convicted of murder, but none of the officers involved in Taylor’s death have been held accountable.

ESPY Awards Celebrate Record-Breaking Year of Women's Sports with Black Women at the Forefront

The 2024 ESPY Awards celebrated a landmark year for women's sports, with black women taking center stage. Serena Williams hosted the event, which honored athletes including Simone Biles, A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins.

Staley, coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Wilson was recognized as the best women's sports athlete and best WNBA player, while Mahomes was named the best men's sports athlete and best NFL player.

Biles earned the best comeback athlete award, and Clark received two trophies for her NCAA basketball achievements. Watkins won the best breakthrough athlete award.

The event was marred by technical glitches, with the broadcast being cut off and credits not displayed. Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service, while Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

America's Long Road Ahead: Is the US Ready for President Kamala Harris?

In an article by Samantha Willis for the Virginia Mercury, the author argues that America is still not ready for President Kamala Harris. Despite Harris being qualified, energetic, and a history-making figure as the first woman, African American, and South Asian American elected vice president, the author points to several reasons why her candidacy would face significant challenges.

The author references historical instances where black women, such as Shirley Chisholm and Stacey Abrams, faced significant obstacles and were dismissed as candidates. Furthermore, the author suggests that biases, stereotypes, and double standards regarding beauty and qualifications still exist, making it difficult for black women candidates to succeed in national politics.

The author concludes that America needs to engage in self-reflection and transformation to support and enable women of color becoming president.

Get to Know Republicans: 10 Surprising Facts Ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention

As the 2024 Republican National Convention approaches, Pew Research Center has compiled 10 key facts about Republicans in the US. The majority of registered Republican voters are non-Hispanic White, although this demographic has decreased from 93% to 79% over the past two decades.

In comparison, Hispanic, Black, and Asian voters make up a much smaller percentage of Republican voters than Democratic voters. In terms of education, about two-thirds of Republican voters do not have a four-year college degree, slightly higher than the national average.

The article also highlights that Republican voters tend to be older, with two-thirds aged 50 and older. Additionally, the majority of Republican voters identify with a Christian denomination, and large majorities plan to vote for Donald Trump.

While most Republican voters have confidence in Trump's policy decisions, many have reservations about his personal conduct. Republicans also overwhelmingly perceive illegal immigration as a major issue facing the country, and they are more negative about the state of the US economy than Democrats.

Finally, Republicans hold more divided opinions on abortion compared to Democrats.

Protecting Our Democracy: Why Black Americans Must Show Up and Vote for Biden

In an op-ed for MSNBC, Rep. Joyce Beatty emphasizes the importance of Black Americans turning out to vote in the upcoming election.

Beatty argues that democracy is a critical lifeline for African Americans, promising prosperity and protecting against oppression. She highlights the accomplishments of the Biden administration, including job creation, increased access to education and healthcare, and expanded housing opportunities for Black communities.

However, Beatty warns that progress is at risk of being lost if democracy falters. She calls on Black Americans to vigorously defend democracy and participate in the democratic process, rather than being apathetic or complacent.

Beatty stresses that the choice between Biden and Trump is clear and urges voters to support the Democrats to protect the progress made. She concludes by stating that voting is essential because the future and freedoms of Black Americans depend on it.

Rev. Sharpton Slams Offensive and Elitist Dems for Ignoring Black Biden Voters

Rev. Al Sharpton criticized Democratic lawmakers who have called for President Joe Biden to step aside for another 2024 presidential nominee.

Sharpton warned that the party is in danger of losing Black voters and noted that the overwhelming majority of lawmakers advocating for Biden's replacement are white, which he referred to as tone-deaf. Sharpton emphasized the importance of the Black vote in key states like Wisconsin, and questioned whether lawmakers were attempting to undermine Vice President Kamala Harris.

He also criticized the lack of Black reporters at a recent press conference and argued that discussions about Biden's replacement without considering the Black voters who supported him were offensive and elitist. Sharpton expressed his agreement with Congressman Jim Clyburn and urged the party to take the concerns of Black voters into account.

Kamala Harris Woos Asian American Voters in Philly Amid Decline in Biden's Support

Vice President Kamala Harris is traveling to Philadelphia to address Asian American voters after a recent poll revealed a decline in President Joe Biden's support among this demographic. The poll, conducted by the Asian Pacific Islander American Vote group, showed an 8-point drop in Biden's support among Asian American voters since 2020.

Harris, who has Indian heritage, aims to boost turnout among Asian American and Pacific Islander voters and restore Biden's appeal to this group. While Biden still maintains a strong lead over former President Donald Trump among Asian American voters, the poll indicated an increasing number of undecided and third-party voters within this demographic.

The visit comes at a critical time for Biden's campaign, as concerns arise about his ability to beat Trump and serve another term.

Will Democrats Finally Listen to Black Voters on Foreign Policy? Biden, Harris, and the NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has recently weighed in on the war in Gaza, calling for the United States to halt all weapons deliveries to Israel and for Hamas to release hostages. This highlights the growing discontent among Black voters, a crucial constituency for Democrats.

The Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict has already been hurting the president's credibility among African Americans. The article suggests that the Black community is particularly reticent about the excesses of U.

S. military power abroad due to concerns about the human costs of war and the tradeoff between allocating tax dollars to overseas wars or pressing domestic needs.

To court Black voters, the Democratic Party must address their concerns about U.S.

power overseas and engage in conversations about foreign policy. The article also mentions potential new Democratic leaders, such as Sen.

Raphael Warnock and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who could help bridge the gap between the Black community and the party.

Overall, Democrats need to take Black voters' foreign policy views seriously to secure their support.

Growing Democratic Opposition: Calls for Biden to Step Aside in 2024 Race

A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are calling for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race following his controversial debate performance. At least 18 House Democrats and one Senate Democrat have directly urged Biden to step aside as the party's nominee.

These lawmakers argue that Biden's age and performance during the debate indicate that he may not be the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump. Some have also suggested that Biden should follow the example of George Washington, who chose not to run for a third term.

Despite the calls for him to step aside, Biden has made it clear that he intends to stay in the race. He has been actively addressing concerns about his abilities and has secured a significant number of delegates.

Biden argued that forcing him off the ticket would undermine democracy within the party.

Trump Fails to Win Over Black and Latino Voters, Poll Analysis Reveals

Former President Trump's efforts to appeal to Black and Hispanic voters seem to be falling flat, according to recent poll analysis. With the presidential election approaching, around 70% of Black voters and half of Latinos have an unfavorable view of Trump.

However, both demographic groups have a slightly more positive view of Trump compared to when he left office. Approximately 40% of Hispanic voters have a positive view of Trump, up from about 30% in January 2021.

Similarly, around 70% of Black voters have a negative view of Trump, a decrease of about 20 percentage points from 2021. Trump's history of using racist language and his stances on immigration could be contributing factors to his unpopularity among these voter groups.

However, there is a growing number of working-class Black and Latino men attracted to Trump's economic message and view him as more trustworthy on immigration issues. While Biden is also struggling to capture the enthusiasm of Black and Latino voters, it doesn't necessarily mean they are turning to Trump for support.

Black Kos, Week In Review: Catch up on the latest in politics, culture, and more!

In this week's edition of Black Kos, the focus is on the achievements and contributions of Black scientists, explorers, and inventors. The author highlights the story of Bessie Virginia Blount, a nurse, physical therapist, inventor, and forensic scientist, who made groundbreaking contributions in her field.

Despite facing challenges and discrimination, Blount invented devices such as a portable food receptacle for amputees and a disposable cardboard emesis basin. The article also features news stories such as a lawsuit filed by a Black man who was denied a job interview until he changed his name on his resume, the varied political history of the raised fist symbol, concerns about a conservative policy agenda called Project 2025 and its implications for Black and brown communities, the challenges faced by Haiti in restoring order and security, and a lighthearted social media dating series called Pop the Balloon or Find Love.

Busting the Myth: Black People and Smoke Detectors - What You Need to Know!

In this article, the author discusses the stereotype surrounding smoke detectors and black people. The author highlights the importance of fire safety education in African American communities, as statistics show that African Americans experience the highest rates of fire-related fatalities and injuries compared to other racial groups.

The article also mentions a video where an individual speculates if faulty smoke detector systems are being sold to black communities, leading to higher fatalities. Although there is no research to back up this claim, the article emphasizes the need for more public awareness programs dedicated to fire safety in black communities.

The article concludes by providing some safety tips for responding to a smoke alarm, such as promptly evacuating the home and regularly testing all alarms. Overall, the article aims to break down stereotypes and promote fire safety education in African American communities.

A Showdown in Missouri: Cori Bush Faces Off Against Well-Funded AIPAC Challenger

The Prospect Weekly Roundup discusses Rep. Cori Bush's upcoming primary in Missouri's First Congressional District.

Rep. Bush, a progressive activist with a strong following, is facing a primary challenge from AIPAC-funded candidate Wesley Bell.

Despite being popular among her constituents and having local endorsements, Rep. Bush is up against a well-funded opponent.

The article also touches on President Biden's recent press conference, which failed to reassure voters that he can effectively campaign against Donald Trump or step aside for someone who can. The Biden administration has made progress on climate goals, but putting the country at risk of a second Trump term would undo all of that progress.

The article concludes by noting that in American politics, the most disappointing outcomes are often the ones that prevail.

Trump Aims to Win Over Black and Latino Voters, Poll Shows,

According to an AP analysis of two consecutive polls conducted in June, about 7 in 10 Black Americans and half of Hispanic Americans have an unfavorable view of former President Donald Trump. While these groups view Trump slightly more favorably than they did when he left office in 2021, their opinions of him are still more negative than positive.

Trump has expressed his desire to win over more nonwhite voters in the 2024 election, but he has struggled to grow his appeal beyond his base, winning only 35% of Hispanic voters and 8% of Black voters in 2020. Although President Joe Biden's favorability among Black and Hispanic Americans has also declined since 2021, it is unclear if this loss of enthusiasm for Biden is helping Trump gain support among these groups.

Overall, Americans' views of Trump remain stable and negative, with about 6 in 10 holding an unfavorable opinion of him.