After a racist threat and Nazi symbols were found in a Goucher College bathroom, students have taken action demanding justice. The racist threat was discovered in a dorm bathroom Wednesday, sparking a daylong protest on Friday. An unidentified suspect allegedly wrote “I’m gonna kill all n****s” on a wall, along with a Nazi swastika, reports the Baltimore Sun. Reports state the room numbers of students were also written in the bathroom. Room number 104 — one of the dorms singled out — was used as a call for solidarity during the protests.The bathroom is shared with three other dorms belonging to Black students. A student saw the graffiti around 10:50 a.m. and reported it to security, according to CBS Baltimore.“I thought it was a joke at first,” said Adam Jones, a junior philosophy major, when he heard someone say “police.”According to Jones, the knock was a safety check. “The whole point of her knocking on the door was to make sure I wasn’t dead on the floor,” Jones said. “It just kind of sunk in. Someone does want to kill me because of the color of my skin.”Over the past few years, racial incidents have rocked the Maryland college campus. There were four incidents last year. College officials have responded to such incidents by installing an estimated 40 security cameras, implementing a “Race, Power and Perspective” requirement curriculum and recently completed a multi-year partnership with Baltimore Racial Justice Action. “I’ve seen white supremacy be tolerated. Now, students are angry. White supremacists are getting pretty bold now with Donald Trump as president," JaVaunte Neumann, 21, a junior majoring in political science, told the Baltimore Sun. "We are at the point where we can’t wait for the administration or Baltimore County Police.” The school released a statement via Twitter addressing students and announcing its next moves to find out who committed the act.Goucher strongly condemns all bigotry and racism, which are in complete opposition to our values and mission. We will absolutely not tolerate such abhorrent acts of hate, which threaten the well-being and safety of our community members. pic.twitter.com/WSJrAHFStI— Goucher College (@gouchercollege) November 14, 2018“The College looks forward to working collaboratively with our students, to ultimately move forward from this incident, and work to create the just and equitable community which we aspire to be,” Goucher spokeswoman Tara de Souza said in an email statement.The Baltimore County Police department has launched an investigation. However, students are demanding the school require racial bias training for students and campus discussions on race.Now, check these out:21 Questions With Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania's First Openly Gay Black State Legislator First Black Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Among Seven Honored With Presidential Medal Of Freedom Piers Morgan Gets Read For Support Of Stop-And-Frisk Policies On 'Good Morning Britain'...

Not everyone can pass over Dr. Ben Carson's role in aiding the Trump administration in dividing the country. And for Detroit school board members, Carson is just as bad as Trump.The Detroit-native graduated from Southwest High School in 1967 and has become a shining example, representing the good the city can produce.The history-making neurosurgeon, turned director of Housing and Urban Development, has a high school named in his honor in the city, the Benjamin Carson High School of Science and MedicineBut his role in the administration has diminished any goodwill Detroit school board members had for him, reports The Washington Post. They want his name removed from the school altogether.  “It is synonymous with having Trump’s name on our school in blackface,” Detroit school board member Lamar Lemmons told the Post.Carson “is doing Trump’s bidding, and he has adversely affected the African American community in Detroit as well as the nation with his housing policies,” Lemmons said. "And he’s allied himself with a president that says he is a white nationalist and sends dog whistles that even the deaf can hear.”Carson's tenure as HUD director has been rocky, to say the least. The cuts to low-income housing, scandals regarding expensive furniture and his department's inevitability to separate church and state has tainted Carson's legacy.Even though Carson plays a minor role in actual policymaking, Lemmons believes he has aided in Trump's white nationalism.There is reportedly widespread support for the school's name change. Lemmons and others will be pushing for a policy to only name schools for figures who have died.Now, check these out: 21 Questions With Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania's First Openly Gay Black State LegislatorFirst Black Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Among Seven Honored With Presidential Medal Of FreedomPiers Morgan Gets Read For Support Of Stop-And-Frisk Policies On 'Good Morning...

#MeToo founder Tarana Burke expressed concerns poor Black and brown women are being left out of her movement. While speaking at the Facing Race conference in Detroit on November 10, Burke revealed some of the issues women of color have brought up about the direction of the movement, Chicago Sun-Times reports. Burke has dedicated her life to improving the lives of women in the workplace and beyond. Since 2006, her movement has pushed back against sexual harassment, sexual violence and rape culture. The New York Daily News reports the movement has been hijacked by high-profile celebrities, leaving out the common woman.“The number one thing I hear from folks is that the #MeToo movement has forgotten us,” she said of Black, Hispanic and Native American women.“Every day, we hear some version of that. But this is what I’m here to tell you: The #MeToo movement is not defined by what the media has told you. We are the movement, and so I need you to not opt out of the #Metoo movement. … I need you to reframe your work to include sexual violence. That’s how we take back the narrative. Stop giving your power away to white folks.”A year ago, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted using the hashtag #MeToo, bringing the movement to the national stage. Many erroneously credited her for starting the movement. This mistake forced Burke to fight to become the face of her own movement.  “This is not about awareness. It’s about action,” the 45-year-old activist said. “…With #MeToo being as big and loud as it is, we don’t need more awareness. This is about what happens after the hashtag, after the hoopla. This is about the work.”She acknowledged it was difficult getting Black activists on board because of the names attached, but made clear that this fact should not distract from the work.Burke also reminded the attendees that poor women and girls are more vulnerable and need to be at the forefront of the movement.Black and brown girls are more likely to experience sexual violence and be victims of rape, according to Burke. Yet, they are often ignored and underserviced. “I’m at the junior high school and I have sixth, seventh and eighth-grade girls and more than half of these girls’ lives have been touched by sexual violence,” she said. “And what we heard back was they need more guidance counselors.To rally the crowd, she vowed to rein in the movement and prevent "pretty girls" and Hollywood types from taking over and redefining the intent behind the movement.“That’s definitely a racial justice issue,” said Burke. “And, at the end of the day, it’s a human rights issue.”Now, check these out:21 Questions With Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania's First Openly Gay Black State LegislatorFirst Black Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Among Seven Honored With Presidential Medal Of FreedomPiers Morgan Gets Read For Support Of Stop-And-Frisk Policies On 'Good Morning...

On November 8, Malcolm Kenyatta made history in becoming the first openly gay black man to hold title of Pennsylvania state representative. As a North Philly native, Kenyatta is ready to put on for his city in a big way, such as expanding public school funding, increasing pay for the working class, and addressing the need for more affordable housing.Kenyatta has been bold and unafraid in pursuing politics since the tender age of 11. As a pre-teen, Kenyatta won an essay contest where he wrote, "we can’t sit idly by when we recognize barriers in our communities. We have to do something about them.” Almost two decades later, the Temple University alum developed his campaign for Pennsylvania's 181st district of North Philadelphia around the same message.Blavity Politics had a chance to get to know Kenyatta a little better. Check out his answers to 21 questions below. 1. What advice do you have for other young black LGBTQIA folks who aspire to pursue politics? RUN! I was told by so many people that I couldn’t seek elected office as myself and win — I think we proved them wrong. It’s our jobs as candidates and ultimately as elected officials to talk about and make progress on the issues that matter to people and their families. Ultimately the campaign isn’t about you, it’s about those you seek to serve. But you can’t serve them effectively if you’re not being 100% yourself. 2. What are your most important responsibilities as a parent of two pups?Please don’t wish another dog on me. Lol. I love Cleopatra (my little frenchie), but she is a handful all by herself.  3. What is one thing you’d like to be remembered for? Speaking my mind. I don’t think you can solve issues that you refuse to name. Whether you love me or not I hope everyone can say, “you knew how he felt”.  4. If you could say one thing to Trump, what would it be? One word. Impeachment.  5. Your grandfather, Muhammad Kenyatta, was a civil rights activist. Do you feel any pressure following in his footsteps? I’m so blessed to have his example and I’m grateful to not just him, but all the shoulders on which I stand. I don’t feel pressure to do what he did, but I do feel pressure to tackle the issues of my time head on, as he did.  6. What’s one word you would use to describe North Philly? Resilient. I always see stories about North Philly’s decay and decline, but that’s not what I see everyday. I see the hardest working people in the world who refuse to give up, no matter how many challenges try to knock us back or hold us down.  7. Who is one politician you look up to, and why? My grandfather. He wasn’t successful in his political race, but his legacy reminds me that if good people don’t step up. Hate wins when good people remain silent. 8. Who would you tag to be your partner in a rap battle, Cardi or Nicki? Cardi Bardi, banging body, spicy mama, hot tamale. 9. Is there anything you have to do every single day? Watch Rachel Maddow. Hi Rachel! 10. You became politically involved before you reached your teenage years. What advice would 27-year-old Malcolm give to 11-12 year old Malcolm?It’ll be ok. I would have never guessed that I would have buried both of my parents before the age of 30. But I’ve been so blessed by all the folks in my district and out who’ve poured into and supported me the way I know my parents would have.  11. Best place to get a Philly cheesesteak? Max’s ALL DAY LONG!12. Which can you not live without: Instagram or Twitter? Instagram.  13. What/who’s your greatest inspiration? My mom. She was a poor girl from North Philly who never let me know what a limit was. She pushed me and loved me and I’m grateful for her everyday.  14. You’re organizing a huge political rally, and can choose one artist to headline.  Who’s your pick? What’s Beyoncé’s schedule again? 15. Do you feel like there is extra danger being an openly black gay man holding office with a president like Trump in office? I’m committed to representing my district and I won’t let this President scare me. I am however deeply concerned about the hatred he has inspired from the pipe bombs to Tree of Life. This is a time when we need a leader to bring people together, not tear people apart.   16. Who would you want to star as you in your biopic? That’s such a hard one. Can I get a lifeline? 17. What issues will you be focusing on during your first term? Raising the minimum wage. Expanding funding to our public schools. Teaching rents specifically about their rights. 18. Do you have any plans to get/keep young folks involved politically? Yes. I’m so proud of the groups like Run For Something which is doing groundbreaking work and is a big part of my victory.  19. Obama and Biden. Name a better duo.Michelle Obama and her shadow. She is the goat. 20. Would you run for president one day?Not at all.  21. How do you think your journey will look different from other state representatives?I think we each got elected by finding ways to build coalitions. I did that in the campaign and I’ll need each of my colleagues to make big things happen. It's evident that during his term, and for years to come, Malcolm Kenyatta will be a force to be reckoned with. His fearlessness and unwavering willingness to fight for the people of North Philly has potential to not only bring significant change to the city, but to also send a ripple effect of positive social change across the country.  Follow Malcolm's progress @malcolmkenyatta, and read more about his plans at...

Every Beyoncé needs an Ashley! Blavity sat down with one of Queen Bey's dance captains Ashley Everett, who has performed beside Mrs. Carter for over a decade. After the red-haired dancer first found her rhythm at two years old, she went on to study ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and modern dance, eventually entering competitions and joining a ballet company. But as she grew older, Everett was ready to share her potential on a bigger stage.“When I was 16, I moved to New York to pursue my dance career,” Everett told Blavity. “I’m from a small town in northern California. I had to go to the big city to try and start my career, and that’s where it all happened. When I was 17, I auditioned Beyoncé, and my whole world did a 180.”Everett dished that she was still in high school at the time of her audition, but lied on the application, claiming she was 18 years old. While she was certainly taking a chance, her efforts paid off. The dancer was selected for the tour and consequently missed school to shoot music videos.Between touring dates, Everett managed to catch up on her studies, eventually applying and getting accepted into Juilliard. However, she turned down the opportunity to study at the top performing arts school when Bey’s tour was extended. But Everett has no regrets, as she was upgraded (pun intended), becoming one of Beyoncé’s dance captains. She was also featured as one of the two dancers in the infamous "Single Ladies" music video. YouTube | Beyoncé“'Single Ladies' is super iconic,” Everett said. “It turned into the 'Thriller' of our generation. I feel like my kids, and my grandbabies and their grandbabies can look at that and be like, ‘Oh, that’s my family!’ It’ll be around longer than me, and that’s super cool.”Her most memorable moment, though? When Everett’s fiancé proposed to her during the Formation tour. “I was so shocked and had no clue that he was even in town,” Everett said. “That was one of my most vulnerable moments on stage. When we’re performing, you’re playing a character, you’re in the zone. I was completely out of my element all of a sudden when I saw him walk up on stage, and I turned into Ashley at home.”The moment went viral, hitting news stations across the world. “I was overwhelmed with love,” Everett beamed.  YouTube | Simon VenekeoOutside of dancing, Everett has also dabbled in acting, including landing a role on the VH1 drama Hit the Floor, a show about basketball players and their interactions with performers on the dance team. For those inspired by her journey, or just looking for words of wisdom, Everett advises seekers of joy to "be fearless.""It’s so easy to compare yourself to other peoples successes or what they’ve done with their careers," Everett said. "We’re all individuals; our journeys are all different, our timing is all different. Maybe someone starts really young, maybe you don’t hit until you’re 40. As long as you still love it, and you’re doing what you’re love — continue doing it. Be fearless.”Now check these out:Watch Beyoncé's Dance Captain Get Proposed To During A Live ShowThis Cover Song/ Dance Video Mash-Up Featuring Beyoncé's Dance Crew Will Be Your New Favorite ThingBeyoncé's 'On The Run II' Dancers Turned Up In A U.K. Bar, It Was...

We must never become desensitized to the issue of sexual assault and rape. With high-profile cases shining a light rape culture, it’s clear that the lines around what qualifies as consent can sometimes become blurred."In the U.S., one in three women and one in six men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime," according to the National Violence Sexual Resource Center. In order to bring clarity to consent, Blavity sat down with Hannah Brancato, a Baltimore resident who co-founded FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture. With a mission to “upset the culture of rape and promote the culture of consent,” this organization was founded in 2010. Here’s what she shared, and what you need to know:Blavity: How do you define consent?Hannah Brancato: Consent is an ongoing conversation between sexual partners about what they do and do not want [done] with their body in any kind of sexual situation.Blavity: If I gave someone consent in the past, do I have to give consent again in the future?Brancato: Yes. Consent is not like a fixed contract that you sign one time and never look at again; consent is an ongoing and ever-changing conversation. It can also be withdrawn at any time. For example, if I gave consent yesterday, that does not mean I give consent today. That change must be respected.Blavity: What are different ways you can give consent?Brancato: We communicate in many different ways. However, I would say that the best consent is verbal. Consent should be clear and enthusiastic.Blavity: If I consent to one sexual act, does that mean I consent to all?Brancato: No, because consent is a conversation about what you do and do not want. Giving consent to oral sex is not the same as giving consent to anal sex and vice versa. There must be a conversation between partners. That conversation can about what everyone is agreeing to do can happen before.Blavity: How do you withdraw consent during a sexual act?Brancato: Consent is an ongoing, enthusiastic conversation. You can ask questions like, “Are you OK? Do you want me to slow down? Did that feel good?”Also, pay attention to body language. If your partner freezes or is crying that's a good sign that it's time to check in.Blavity: Why do you think there is so much gray area around defining consent?Brancato: I think it's because we are so steeped in rape culture. We see messaging every day saying we can't control our own bodies. But I actually don't think consent is gray. I think it's very clear, but we — as a culture — are learning how to practice it.Blavity: After giving consent, are you allowed to change your mind during the sexual activity?Brancato: Yes. There is no such thing as being not allowed to do something, in regards to your own body. You are entitled to withdraw consent at any time.Blavity: How should my silence in sexual encounters be perceived? If I don't say “no,”does that mean “yes” by default?Brancato: No. You have to explicitly say “yes” when giving consent. Enthusiastic consent means that people are vocally and clearly engaged in a sexual activity. If it's not clear, then there is a possibility of [engaging in what would be considered] a sexual assault.Blavity: If I'm at a party and decide to go home with a guy or girl, does that automatically equate to a form of consent?Brancato: You still have to give [verbal] consent. Just because someone is showing interest, it does not equal giving consent for sexual acts.Blavity: If I'm under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and say “yes” to sexual acts, would that be considered a valid form of consent?Brancato: Alcohol complicates consent, [and] being under the influence is another barrier to giving clear consent. You can't give informed consent while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. [Also], you cannot give or get consent if the other person is not conscious.Blavity: Where do I go If I've been sexually assaulted?Brancato: This is different for everybody. You can go to the hospital first, if you do not want to go to the police. [Although] there is no one-size-fits-all solution, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, and they will provide resources for your specific situation.Blavity: What are four things everyone must know about consent?Brancato: Consent is enthusiastic. Consent is ongoing. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Consent is freely given.Let's keep the conversation going. What questions do you have about consent? Let us know in the comments below.Like this post? Check these out:  Two More Women Now Accuse Nelly Of Sexual Assault As A Sexual Assault Victim, Here’s What I'm Doing To Break Free From My Chains  Why I Chose to Stay Silent About My...

One Sam's Club employee, T.C. Daniels, took his employee of the month picture wearing a Black Panther shirt. The photo was posted in his store for all to see, and everything was cool ... until a club member complained. According to WJLA, a customer repeatedly called the store complaining about the Marvel movie shirt, going so far as to say a KKK shirt would not be allowed in a publicly posted photo.Daniels chronicled the experience on his Facebook page on Tuesday. Daniels wrote he had the support of his store's manager, but a marketing compliance manager thought it would be a good idea for him to retake his photo.The posted photo shows not only the words "Black Panther," but the series' popular characters as well. Ironically, Daniels said he bought the shirt at his store's parent company. "I tell them, 'I'll be more than happy to retake my picture with the entire shirt showing,'" Daniels wrote. "'If that's not an option than I don't want another picture you can just leave the space blank.'"Daniels added he's never had a problem with the shirt while on duty. "If you know anything about me you know I'm a huge Marvel fan; I own many Marvel shirts and wear them to work all the time," he wrote. "In no way does my shirt violate any company dress codes." The superhero fan has worked at the store for 10 years, and in the end, his company had his back."We respect and support T.C.'s decision not to retake the photo and agree that his shirt is not offensive. He is a great associate and his photo will remain posted," read a statement from Wal-Mart.Wakanda forever, indeed. Now, check these out: 7 Key Observations From 'Black Panther' Scenes You May Have MissedBlack Panther's Lessons On Racism, Elite Apathy, Feminism, And More Create Space For Important ConversationsChanging The Narrative: The Importance Of Marvel’s 'Black Panther' In The United...

It's the week before Thanksgiving, and these hilarious tweeters are definitely on our list of things we are thankful for. Activist and author DeRay Mckesson is never seen without his bright blue vest. He wears it everywhere, no matter how formal the occasion. That is why when a picture of the activist without his vest began making the rounds this week, everyone lost their minds:“Fuck it, vest off” - @deray pic.twitter.com/c6ytgW8WDL— Mikelle Street (@MikelleStreet) November 8, 2018DeRay took off his vest before Jay Electronica dropped an album. Wow. https://t.co/5t8o5vWRLY— Mike Cortez (@CortezEra) November 8, 2018Nigga DeRay took off the Patagonia vest. That’s how I know the end is near— $alem (@PeacocksFly) November 7, 2018One thing Twitter adores is a good #WeMetOnTwitter love story. Subverting that love was this Twitter user:5 years ago today I asked my Twitter crush out on a date. Today I asked her to marry me. She said no, both times, so here's a random couple from Google... pic.twitter.com/WhVdfZZy0i— 🇯🇲 Neeks Quamina 🇹🇹 (@NeeksQuamina) November 10, 2018When it comes to telling stories, Quentin Tarantino is known for not being able to stop himself from working the word "n****r" into his films. He's become so known for using the word, someone decided to summarize what the casting process for his movies must now be like:white ppl in their audition for a quentin tarantino movie pic.twitter.com/nVDO2culOz— asura (@kamiafro) November 13, 2018Is it just us, or does getting more sleep change absolutely nothing when you're a busy bee? Getting 4 hours of sleep vs. 8 hours pic.twitter.com/h8FezGLGqY— Big Mad (@ivyanthony95) November 14, 2018Our mamas, aunties and everyone in between must have told us "Jesus paid it all!" a million times. This got one Twitter user wondering, if Jesus paid it all, where is he at the cash register? Why everything cost so much lord I thought you paid it all— stop blaming people for their own oppression (@tdouble_u) November 11, 2018Spirit Airlines' reputation proceeds it. Travel Noire did try to persuade everyone there are some good things about the low cost airline, but it seems some have yet to be convinced: When you make it to your $17 Spirit flight and ask where the pilot is and they look at you and say “Nigga I’m talking to him right now.” pic.twitter.com/gPVzelRSvc— Lip Gallagher (@tonestradamus) November 12, 2018Might it be an unwritten law of physics that when one person starts running, everyone starts running?Lmaooo Black people don’t play. If we see someone else running we all running 🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️😂 pic.twitter.com/ndtiF0Ecns— AlexWithDaTea☕️ (@ILoveBeinBlack) November 12, 2018Speaking of the mysteries of science, we may have finally discovered how racism continues to thrive.How racism is passed on from generation to generation pic.twitter.com/aFLoYtE9JX— Nightwalker (@X60136732X) November 10, 2018In a week in which President Trump managed to skip out on a number of opportunities to honor the troops due to rain, some wonder what happened to all of his "respect the flag" patriotic rhetoric:::laughs in Colin Kaepernick:: https://t.co/zQuEqF6yoL— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 12, 2018Migos appeared on James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke," and Takeoff managed to become a meme (once again):When the driver fall asleep a lil & you hear dat DDDZZZZDZSDSZRRR from them lil grooves on the freeway. https://t.co/bZbzljEg1S— .mani G🌎 (@DamaniG_) November 14, 2018While we're on the subject of artists, we are pleased to report the source of Kanye's bizarre dancing has uncovered: nThe ancestors beating his ass. https://t.co/wR1J9KsR6O— Cymone (@PhattiLabelle) November 12, 2018Last, but certainly not least: remember that incredibly expensive Idris Elba doll folks were dragging for looking nothing like the actor? Well, Idris saw it, too and won the internet with his simple response. We stan a Black star who has a sense of humor. pic.twitter.com/1CGuEJy9sR— Idris Elba (@idriselba) November 14, 2018Liking this content? Check these out: Cam Newton Is Asking If You Got McDonald's Money And Y’all Still Haven’t Found Your Chill In This Week’s Most Childish TweetsTwitter Says Mona Lisa Was Ready To Risk It All For Rap In One Of This Week's Most Out Of Pocket TweetsPeople Created Hilarious Memes In Reaction To The New Obama Portrait Because The Internet Has No...

After a hard-fought 10 day battle to secure the highest office in the state, Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams exited the race on Friday. Her decision makes her Republican opponent Brian Kemp the governor-elect. According to NBC News, during a speech to thousands of supporters Friday afternoon, Abrams said, "I acknowledge that former Secretary of State Brian Kemp will be certified the victor in the 2018 gubernatorial elections."Abrams added she was not truly conceding, just acknowledging the reality of things. In her remarks, she condemned Kemp for remaining secretary of state during the election in his favor, and accused him of using to office to execute several acts of deliberate voter suppression. "To watch an elected official who claims to represent the people in this state baldly pin his hopes for election on the suppression of the people’s democratic right to vote has been truly appalling," she said. "So let’s be clear: This is not a speech of concession."When polls closed the evening of November 6, the race was deemed too close to call. Abrams spent the days following the election fighting to have absentee and irregular ballots included in official vote totals.With a 5 p.m. Friday deadline for all of Georgia's counties to confirm their election results, her chances to find more votes were fading.The Associated Press reported early Friday Abrams' campaign is preparing for an unprecedented legal challenge that could leave the Georgia Supreme Court deciding whether to force another round of voting. However, The Hill reports Abrams told supporters during her speech she sees "no legal path forward" and has no plans to "scheme" her way into the governor's mansion using the courts. NPR reports Abrams' effort is the closest any Georgia Democratic candidate has come to winning a gubernatorial race. Kemp just barely won, taking in about 50.2 percent of the vote.Had she won, Abrams would have been the United States' first Black woman governor. Now, check these out:The Midterm Election Results May Not Have Been Ideal, But We Sure Made Our Ancestors Proud7 Moments Illustrating The Unsung Heroism Of Black JournalistsHBCU Students Are Suing The State Of Alabama For Voter...

The November 6 midterm elections may have come and gone, but the battle still rages on for some of the nation’s most coveted political seats.The Mississippi Senate race between Democratic candidate Mike Espy and incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith has gone into a runoff, giving the traditionally red state the opportunity to flip to blue.While Espy's potential win might not be enough to override the Republican majority within the Senate, it could create more of a hindrance when Republican-endorsed legislation does make its way to the Senate floor, especially if Democrats can get into the ears of Republican senators and sway their votes.A state with a turbulent history of racism, Mississippi now has the chance to move forward in a major way. To help you learn more about this contentious election in the Deep South, we've highlighted some important facts around voting laws in Mississippi, and some information about the candidates:1. Voter Disenfranchisement and Voter Suppression is real. Voter disenfranchisement is the revoking of an individual’s right to vote. According to the Sentencing Project, one out of 10 people are unable to vote because of a previous felony charge. When you look at voter disenfranchisement for Black people in Mississippi, a staggering 127,130 were unable to vote as of 2016.According to Mississippi Today,  in a report published on October 24, five percent of polling offices in Mississippi had been closed since 2013. In 2013, the Supreme Court decided to no longer keep a partial law that required states with a history of voter suppression to receive federal approval before making any changes around voting laws and proceedings. The closure of polling places can be detrimental to Black voting outcome, especially in a state where there are high levels of poverty. Being able to easily find and travel to a polling station is important when we talk about voter turnout.The current sitting senator of Mississippi, Cindy Hyde-Smith, made headlines for suggesting that voter suppression wouldn't be a bad thing for the upcoming recount. In a video that was tweeted by Lamar White Jr., a publisher of a local news site in Louisiana, Hyde-Smith can be heard saying, "And then they remind me that there’s a lot of liberal folks in those other schools who maybe we don’t want to vote.” She goes on to say in the video that, “maybe we want to make it just a little more difficult. And I think that’s a great idea.”With a high amount of voter suppression claims being reported in states like Georgia and Florida, it's unremarkable that sitting member of congress would make such remarks about encouraging voter suppression.  via Getty Images 2. Mike Espy isn't new to Mississippi politics or the national stageMike Espy served as a congressional representative for Mississippi's second district for six years. He was the state's first Black congressman since the Reconstruction Era.As a congressman, Espy co-sponsored a bill to extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to include bilingual voting material. He then went on to make history again, when former President Bill Clinton appointed him secretary of U.S. agriculture. His appointment was short lived, when he resigned due to an investigation around ethics violations. Espy, went to trial and was later found not guilty of the charges.If Espy wins the November 27 recount, he will be the first Black senator to represent the state of Mississippi. 3. Mike Espy;s stand on certain issues has led some to perceive him as a moderate Democrat. When it comes to the issues some might perceive Mike Espy as a moderate Democrat. When asked about his views on abortion in an interview with the Jackson Free Press, he stated, "I'm anti-abortion, but I'm pro-choice." He was awarded the Silver Rifle award by the NRA when he was a congressman in 1988. Espy also broke away from party line when he endorsed Republican candidate Haley Barbour for governor of Mississippi in 2007. On his campaign website, Espy, say's he doesn't support building a new wall at the U.S. and Mexico boarder but believes in secure boarders. It also says he, "believes that the separation of children from their parents is abhorrent to our sense of American decency." Which has been in line with the Democratic leadership. The site also mentions raising minimum wage, enhancing Mississippi's infrastructure, and improving Mississippi's agriculture economy to name a few of the issues the candidate said he will focus on as senator. via  Screenshot of Cindy Hyde-Smith campaign website4. His opponent, Cindy Hyde-Smith, is a sitting senator who has espoused racist dog-whistles. Mike Espy's opponent, Republican candidate and sitting senator, Cindy Hyde-Smith was appointed to the senate after the previous Senator Thad Cochran resigned. As senator, Hyde-Smith has sponsored two pro-life legislation and hasn't been afraid to play the dog-whistle in this contentious race. Hyde-Smith has made headlines for what some perceive as racist comments. At a campaign event in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hyde-Smith made a comment stating, "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row" in reference to the white cattle rancher who was standing next to her.Hyde-Smith made those remarks as a sitting senator of a state that has the highest recorded number of lynchings, according the NAACP. What makes these racist remarks even more insulting is the fact that her opposing candidate Mike Espy, is a Black man. Hyde-Smith has refused to apologize and referred  to her statement issued on the matter when further asked by reporters to clarify her statements regarding the "public hanging" comment. On November 27, Mississippians will have an opportunity to vote again in the runoffs, making a decision that could help shift politics for a state that has been seen as strongly controlled by Republicans. Will Cindy Hyde-Smith be elected despite her controversial remarks? or will Mississippians elect their first Black senator, marking a new chapter for the state that has been heavily plagued by racism? We'll be watching. Now check these out:Michelle Obama Gets Candid About Trying To Please Fashion Critics As The First Black FLOTUSWoman Brutally Beaten, Stabbed In Subway Station By White Man As He Called Her A 'Black B***h' April Ryan Is Calling Out Trump's Racism In New Op-EdMake sure you're following Blavity: Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and...

Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump during a ceremony at the White House on Friday.The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest honor, with notable recipients including Cicely Tyson and the late Aretha Franklin. Page is one of the seven distinguished individuals to receive the honor this year, CBS News reports. Three of the 2018 awards were given posthumously to former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, singer Elvis Presley and baseball legend Babe Ruth. Former Dallas Roger Staubach, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Republican donor Miriam Adelson round out the list of honorees.Page, 73, spent 15 seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears, gaining a reputation for being one of the league's most formidable pass rushers. During his 12 years with Minnesota, the Vikings won four of the five conference titles he played in, and he was named the league's most valuable player in 1971, according to the Twin Cities Pioneers Press.A nine-time Pro Bowler, Page also was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1971 and 1973. Page is one of the few players to have played on Minnesota's Super Bowl team in each of their four appearances. The football star was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1988. Long before his 1981 retirement from the league, Page was already preparing for a career in law. While still playing for the Vikings, the athlete became a student at the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1978.Following retirement, he worked at the Minneapolis law firm Lindquist and Vennum from 1979 to 1984. Page was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General in 1985, and was soon thereafter promoted to Assistant Attorney General.In 1992, Page was elected to be an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, becoming the first person of color to serve on that court. Page was reelected in 1998, again in 2004 and for a final time in 2010. In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio last year, the justice told host Gary Eichten he was drawn to the legal profession because "the law is about solving problems and helping people."Unlike some of his fellow medal recipients, Page is an outspoken critic of President Trump. "The current administration has played to the people’s worst fears and has played to people's racial insecurities," the storied athlete said in 2017. Page backed Hillary Clinton for president in 2016.Nevertheless, he is putting his opinions of the current administration aside as he accepts this accolade."The politics of this are somebody else’s problem," he said. "We live in a time when people would like to shed more heat than light, and I am more interested in shedding light."Now, check these out:‘That’s Not It:' Angela Rye Checks Black Trump Supporter Who Called April Ryan 'Spicy'A Number Of Democrats Are Reportedly Pushing For Marcia Fudge To Be The Next House Speaker And She's Considering ItCBC Meets With House Speaker Hopeful After Announcing They Want A Black Speaker Of The...

Witnesses are coming forward about the killing of Black security guard Jemel Roberson, who was shot by a police officer at a south suburban Chicago bar early Sunday.The 26-year-old was on duty at Manny's Blue Room Lounge in Robbins, Illinois when a gunman opened fire, The Chicago Tribune reports. Roberson apprehended the suspect and was shot and killed by a police officer who arrived at the scene. The guard carried a gun for work. He was licensed to own and carry.According to CNN, Roberson was only on duty the night of his death because he was working extra shifts to ensure his nine-month-old son, unborn child and partner would have a nice Christmas.Law enforcement officials claim Roberson had nothing to identify him as a security guard. The Tribune reports Roberson family attorney Greg Kulis claims Roberson was wearing a cap and sweatshirt with the word "security" on them. Kulis is filing a lawsuit alleging several witnesses screamed at the cop to let him know Roberson was a security guard but the officer didn't listen. Dorian Myrickes, who was also working security that night and was wounded by the gunman, supports this claim. He also alleges the police officer gave Roberson a quick warning and barely gave him five seconds to respond before starting to shoot.  “The first shot goes in [Roberson’s] leg,” said Myrickes. “[The officer] waves the gun across the bar, everybody’s like, ‘Whoa, whoa,’ and then [the officer] shoots [Roberson] again. I saw Jemel get hit a second time in the side.”Myrickes further claims he heard a Black cop rebuking the offending cop before he passed out. “One cop, Black cop with glasses, he said, ‘Man, you didn’t have to do that, you didn’t have to do that. We know these guys. We told you they’re security,’” recalled Myrickes.According to USA TODAY, Roberson's family is demanding the name of the police officer responsible for his death be released. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt is representing Avontea Boose, the mother of Roberson's son, and has threatened to release the officer's name if officials don't do so.Merritt is also representing the family of Botham Jean, who was shot to death in his own home by an off-duty cop in September. Now, check these out: Black Security Guard Shot And Killed By Police Officer While Trying To Stop GunmanBody Cam Footage Shows Black Man Being Shot In The Back By Cop As He Runs AwayWhite Cop Sues City For Racial Discrimination After Fatally Shooting A Black...