The FBI’s annual crime report showed an alarming spike in the number of hate crimes since 2017. Countless news reports reflect the increase in hate crimes over the past year. Most recently, a Black woman was stabbed on a subway by a white man and called a "Black b***h." According to NBC News, the report revealed an increase in hate crimes that are predominantly race or sexual orientation related. The FBI released its annual hate crimes report this morning. It shows that hate crimes shot up by more than 17% last year when compared to 2016. That is the biggest jump in more than a decade of FBI tracking. https://t.co/KKupuJeNDa— Jaweed Kaleem 🦅 (@jaweedkaleem) November 13, 2018 In 2016, 6,121 crimes were reported versus 7,175 bias crimes in 2017 that targeted 8,493 victims. This 17 percent increase includes 59.6 percent of crimes based on race and the other 35 percent on religion and sexual orientation. The Baltimore Sun stated the data breaks down the crimes by race and shows the top bias is geared toward African Americans, rising by 16 percent alone. Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League Doron Ezickson shared with The Sun that he believes the spread of white nationalism has contributed to the acts. “It is clear that hateful rhetoric and speech leads to hate crimes,” Ezickson said. “When it is allowed or normalized in our public square without condemnation, especially from our leaders, it gives a green light to keep spouting it — and acting on it. This FBI report confirms this, and Maryland is no exception,” he continued. The Sun noted that police typically underreport hate crimes. In data collected last year by the news publication, they found a 35 percent increase in hate-bias reports by Maryland law enforcement agencies alone. Since Trump's first year in office, the president has done little to speak out against hate crimes and white supremacists. The NAACP shared a tweet about the data calling it an “urgent crisis” that needs to be addressed immediately by the Senate. This is shocking & requires Congress’s full attention. Shouldn’t this urgent crisis be subject of first post-recess Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today, instead of ramming through more Trump judges? Our lives are at stake. https://t.co/4gBEWqNDHn— NAACP (@NAACP) November 13, 2018 “From campaign to election, this president has spewed the language of division and hate, and it has manifested in not only racist policies but in racists acts against people of color and other groups,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared in response to the report on the organization's website. Attorney General Matt Whitaker responded to the report in a statement stating that the numbers are a “call to action.” "This report is a call to action — and we will heed that call,” he said. With Trump’s ceaselessly racist rhetoric, we can’t say we didn’t see this coming.No! Really?! Who could’ve ever imagined! pic.twitter.com/DyFbPrmXeq— Reggie (@GBear285) November 13, 2018 Now, check these out: Black Congresswomen Introduce Resolution To Recognize Work Of Shirley Chisholm Andrew Gillum Promises To Ensure Every Vote Is Counted In Florida: 'We're Not Going To Be Hushed' Judge Rules Some Of Georgia's Uncounted Absentee Ballots Must Be...

A transgender man got the surprise of his life when he came face-to-face with actress Laverne Cox.The meeting happened on a digital Ellen DeGeneres show called Fearless. Hosted by model Ashley Graham, the show focuses on boosting the confidence of people who do not fit the status quo. The first episode, which focuses on 25-year-old trans man Rickey, was posted in the middle of Transgender Awareness Week.Rickey grew up in a conservative family in Kansas City, Missouri, and only began his transition a year ago. The 25-year-old wears hoodies to mask his chest because he has not received top surgery.“The hoodies … it’s to hide my chest because I have to bind, and it makes me flat-chested, and they don’t know,” he said. “Top surgery will make me more confident in myself because I feel trapped right now. But, this is who I am, and I don’t have to hide it anymore.”Rickey said he's "still working on his confidence" and told Graham, "I used to get up like 5 in the morning to take showers so I wouldn't have to look at myself in the mirror."After listening to his story, Graham introduced Rickey to Cox so he could connect with someone who went through a similar situation.“I think you’re so incredibly brave and you faced so many obstacles, but I have a friend who has gone through something like you’re going through that can relate to you in a much deeper way,” Graham said.When Cox walked out, Rickey was overcome with emotion and burst into tears. His reaction also made Graham and Cox emotional. After Rickey recovered, the Orange Is the New Black star asked him if he had ever met another transgender person.“Never, you’re the first,” he replied. At the end of the discussion, Cox offered the young man $10,000 toward his surgery. The announcement prompted more tears."If you have one person in your life who supports you and loves you for who you are, hold on to that person," Cox told the young man. "We want you to know you are no longer alone."The actress added, “Everyone should be able to actualize themselves, and our journey is a little bit different than other people’s, but it’s the same journey. We’re just trying to be the best us we can be.”After the episode was posted, Cox raved about the meeting on her Instagram page: View this post on Instagram I'm crying right now trying to write this caption. I am just so overwhelmed reliving getting to meet Rickey and being the first trans person Rickey has ever met in person. Thank you @ashleygraham for introducing me to Rickey on your new show #Fearless for #Ellentube. Thank you Rickey for inspiring me and being a huge part of why I do what I do. Click on the link in my bio to watch the full episode. #transawarenessweek #TransIsBeautiful #ashleygraham #ellendegeneres #ellenA post shared by laverne cox (@lavernecox) on Nov 14, 2018 at 8:54am PST "I'm crying right now," she wrote. "I am just overwhelmed reliving getting to meet Rickey."Like Rickey, Cox has been very open about her past struggles. In October, the 46-year-old told People Magazine she wanted to kill herself 17 years ago. She wrote a document affirming her identity and stating how she wanted to be treated after her death.“One day I sat down, and I typed up notes, and the notes said, ‘My name is Laverne Cox, and I should not be referred to by any other name. My preferred pronouns are ‘she’ and ‘her,’ and I shouldn’t be referred to as any other pronouns.’ And I made about five copies and had a copy in each of my pockets and placed them around my apartment because I was planning to commit suicide,” she recalled.“I was planning to kill myself. I wanted to make sure that I would not be misgendered in my death. I wanted to be sure that I would not be deadnamed in my death. That the disregard for my identity on a daily basis would not happen when I was dead.”She is thankful she survived that dark period in her life.“I am so grateful that I decided not to try to take my life. I’m so grateful that I survived,” she said. “I have come to understand that I am here for a divine purpose, and I want every trans person to know that you are here for a divine purpose no matter what anyone says about you.”Watch the full episode of Fearless below: Now, check these out:Transgender Community And Allies Let Trump Know They #WontBeErased By His Bigoted PoliciesTwin Sisters Become Twin Brothers After Undergoing Transition TogetherWhat This Year’s Midterms Taught Us About The Power Of Black Politically Engaged...

Being a parent and admitting you might need some assistance is OK. For Stephanie Hollifield, she came looking for help in the right place.According to WTVM, Stephanie Hollifield and her husband became foster parents when their daughter Haley was only 7 weeks old. The couple adopted Haley at 8 months old. Now Hollifield is tasked with managing her toddler's growing head of hair. The problem is Hollifield's daughter is Black, and she is white. Hollifield, 33, posted a call for help on a Facebook page titled "Black Friends of Social Media," pleading, “This clueless white momma is humbly coming to you to ask your help with Haley's hair."The Georgia woman said she had contacted friends and strangers for help, but neither were able to provide any advice."I'm still not getting it," she said, explaining her weekly ritual on how she treats her daughter's hair. "We wash once a week. We do the water, leave-in conditioner, oil and hot towel every morning… We are gentle as can be, but she still requires at least 6 minutes of cuddles after the trauma of her daily hair combing."Dear Black Friends of Social Media, This clueless white momma is humbly coming to you to ask your help with Haley’s...Posted by Stephanie Hollifield on Friday, November 9, 2018Her post generated hundreds of likes and comments from stylists sharing their insight on how to care for Black hair. One user, however, went above and beyond the call of duty. Monica Hunter, a fellow Georgia mom who happens to be Black with three young daughters of her own, privately messaged Hollifield offering her services.Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle about the now-viral good deed, Hunter praised Hollifield for posting her inquiry."I applaud her for reaching out and asking for help because that’s not easy at all," she said. "I told her about different products she could use on her baby’s hair. Then I said, 'If you ever need help, I'll come over and help. I'm serious. We'll style Miss Haley’s hair!'"Hollifield gladly accepted the help, and last Sunday, Hunter arrived at her home loaded with combs, headbands, hair product and words of hair wisdom."It was important to me to touch Haley's hair. Some hair is really soft; some is really kinky. With some, the coils are loose; with some, they're tight," Hollifield told Yahoo.Hunter described Haley's hair as being "clean, soft and manageable," suggesting to keep styling at a minimum because Haley is still a toddler.Hollifield revealed that others advised her to give little Haley extensions, to which she exclaimed, "No, ma’am, she's two!"In a follow-up Facebook post written shortly after their meeting, Hollifield posted a photo of the three and thanked Hunter for her help, leaving her feeling confident to do Haley's hair in the future.A couple of days ago, I posted to Facebook asking for advice on caring for my African American daughter’s hair. As a...Posted by Stephanie Hollifield on Sunday, November 11, 2018"This lady, Monica Hunter, who I had never met in person before today, offered to come to my house and walk me through exactly how to style my daughter’s hair," Hollifield wrote."She asked for nothing in return and wouldn’t accept my money," she continued. "By the time she left I had a little more confidence in fixing my daughter's hair, and most importantly I felt supported by my new friend. In a time of so much hate and division, our world needs more people like this."This is only the beginning of a lasting friendship, as Hunter also revealed to Yahoo Lifestyle that the two moms are planning a playdate with Haley and Hunter's daughters soon."I think this opened up an opportunity to create positivity for everybody," she commented about the good that can come from others reading a story like this. "We will definitely be seeing each other again!"Now, check these out:Teen Instagram Model Speaks Out After Being Accused Of 'N****rfishing'An Idris Elba Doll Is Getting Properly Dragged For Looking Nothing Like The Sexiest Man Of The YearMichelle Obama Wants To See Sasha Run For President In 2020 Since ‘Everybody’s...

It's the end of an era as 2 Dope Queens, the popular podcast hosted by Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson, has released its last episode. Though fans will be sad about this news, the duo is ending their podcast run with a bang by featuring the dopest guest ever: Michelle Obama.The two chatted with forever first lady about politics, her "when they go low, we go high" statement and, of course, hair. After discussing wigs, Williams and Robinson asked Obama about the pressure of keeping her hair looking a certain way while existing in "such a public space." "Well, you know, the first thing you've gotta worry about is how to keep it healthy," Obama replied. "My whole goal was I want to end this with hair on my head. ... And so now you've got to think about how do you do that, you know? What are you doing? And are you swimming? Are you working out? But this wasn't just a first lady journey. This is a Black professional women's journey."The former first lady also pointed out she played around with various styles while living on Pennsylvania Avenue, including "braids, weaves, wigs [and] extensions" just like a typical Black woman would.Additionally, Obama revealed she was firm both about not using heat and being flexible with her hair due to her physically active lifestyle. "Baseball cap, you know, that kind of stuff where I could work out, not worry about it, not have to put eyelashes on and all that sort of stuff," Michelle said. "So, we structured days around hair and makeup."However, sometimes the duties of a first lady meant giving her hair a break wasn't an option for Obama."There were some periods where, like holidays, it was like every day. Because we'd have to host parties every day. We'd open up the White House almost every day from Thanksgiving until like the 19th. Every day. December was the tough hair month."What did the forever FLOTUS do to survive eight intense Decembers? Well, she did this: "pull it back, give it a break."Throughout two terms at the White House, Obama said she developed "a whole strategy for hair that I'm sure a lot of white women are sitting over there going, 'Man, I didn't know all that was going on.'"Mrs. Obama is just like us! At the end of the stellar interview, the two pop culture stars waved goodbye to their dedicated podcast listeners in a post to WNYC Studios.  “In the words of Boyz II Men, it’s the ‘end of the road,’" Robinson and Williams wrote. "We want to thank you, listeners, for being with us from the very beginning. We are so honored to have gotten the chance to go on this ride with you. Our show started in a hot basement in Brooklyn, and now we’re selling out theaters across the country. We could not have done it without you.”The next iteration of 2 Dope Queens will take the form of HBO specials set to air in 2019, according to The Hollywood Reporter.You can listen to the full Obama episode below:  Liking this content? Check these out: 12 Podcasts By Black Millennials You Should Listen ToMichelle Obama Wants To See Sasha Run For President In 2020 Since ‘Everybody’s Qualified’[Exclusive] Michelle Obama: Going High When Others Go Low Doesn't Mean Ignoring Reality Or The Power Of Your...

A Missouri teacher has been suspended after a student wore a Ku Klux Klan costume during a presentation.Last Friday, the Poplar Bluff High School student wore the costume during a history class presentation for an assignment about constitutional amendments, according to KFVS. The students were divided into groups and assigned an amendment. The students in the group featuring the costume were supposed to cover the 15th Amendment, which ensures “the rights of citizens to vote would not be denied or abridged by the United States on account of race or color.”Poplar Bluff School District Superintendent Scott Dill said the students were instructed to discuss “the adverse historical actions of certain organizations that actively engaged in the suppression of voter rights.”The Ku Klux Klan has a history of voter suppression.A student in the class posted a picture of the student in the costume to Snapchat, The Springfield News-Leader reports. A screenshot of that image was posted to Facebook by Poplar Bluff alum Brianna Anthony; Anthony's post went viral."I’ve never ever heard of a history teacher who said it was OK to use a KKK costume for a project. Because when people walk into that classroom and see that uniform, that’s automatically a red flag,” Anthony said.The teacher, who has not been named, will remain on suspension while the district investigates. The teacher wrote an apology letter that was read to students on Monday morning.“It is my job to ensure my students feel safe in class and at school,” the instructor wrote. “Because of my lapse in judgment, many of you were hurt and felt uncomfortable. I never wanted that to happen. I think of my classes as my family, and I would never intentionally offend or hurt any of you.”Dill hopes this incident will serve as a lesson.“There’s no context for this,” Dill said. “There’s no point at which anyone in our public school system is going to say that this is OK. It is very obvious that this can’t happen in any setting anywhere, and so we will do our best to ensure that we do what we do best, which is education. And we will make sure that our students, our teachers, and our community understand the context, understand what is acceptable and what will never be acceptable.”Now, check these out:Mississippi Governor Defends Senatorial Candidate's Lynching Joke By Referencing Abortions Of Black BabiesTeen Instagram Model Speaks Out After Being Accused Of 'N****rfishing'AI Technology Struggled To Detect My Face, Until I Put A White Mask Over...

An Ohio couple received a special present from comedian Dave Chappelle while taking their engagement photos. Chappelle stepped into several of the couple's photos after meeting them at Yellow Spring Brewery. Photographer Jaycee Brammer shared with Fox 5 News that she and her clients asked Chappelle for a photo after they spotted him outside of the brewery, but he said, "he just didn't do that."  "He politely declined and said he just didn’t do that. We totally understood,” she said. “That’s his hometown, and he was just there trying to relax. He actually asked us all where we were from and chatted with us for a few minutes," she continued. Brammer and the couple walked away when Chappelle changed his mind and decided to hop into a few of the shots. "A couple minutes later he randomly changed his mind and said 'Let me just photobomb one!' We were so excited and shocked,” Brammer said. The Cincinnati-based photographer shared her excitement on Facebook with a shoutout to Chappelle. "I am so incredibly grateful and blessed! This is absolute insanity, guys!! Thank you, Dave. YOU ARE THE MAN!" wrote Brammer.She also shared in another post that the couple, Emily and Tommy, now have the “coolest engagement photos EVER.”Congrats to the happily photobombed couple!Now, check these out: Why I Think Dave Chapelle Still Reigns SupremeThis Rapper’s Stamp Of Approval From Dave Chappelle And Erykah Badu Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made OfDave Chappelle Has Not Changed, The Times...

A group of activists imitated a slave auction to advocate for the renaming of Boston’s Faneuil Hall. The Boston Globe reported the reenactment by the New Democracy Coalition included 30 speakers who shared prayers and testimonies along with singing “This Little Light of Mine."Kevin Peterson, the group's founder, explained the significance of the rally to The Boston Globe.  “I would like the community to understand that slavery was a reality in Boston, and I would like the community to connect the fact that what happened in the 1740s, in terms of the denigration of Black people, continues into 2018,” he said.Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Cradle of Liberty," was named after Peter Faneuil, a wealthy French colonial slaveowner.  The trader funded the central marketplace that included the famous meeting hall over the market floor.  The coalition’s spokesman Barry Lawton said the city has been "desensitized to the offense of memorializing a slaver and a trafficker like Peter Faneuil." According to The Globe, a hearing to change the building’s name will occur with the city council and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.“If we were to change the name of Faneuil Hall today, 30 years from now, no one would know why we did it. Not many people know about the history of that man,” Walsh said. “We can’t erase history, but we can learn from it.”A white woman who was among the 40-plus attendees told the publication that she felt a duty to show up and support.“I just feel like it’s actually white people’s work, not Black people’s work,” she shared. "So I feel like it’s important to show up and do something.”The New Democracy Coalition suggested renaming the building after Crispus Attucks, a Black man who was the first person killed during the 1770 Boston Massacre.Members of the New Democracy Coalition & other religious leaders & clergy members are calling to rename Faneuil Hall.They claim the funds used to build Faneuil Hall by Peter Faneuil came from proceeds of the slave trade. pic.twitter.com/q6jJ1saLKu— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) June 5, 2018Now, check these out: How Black Boston History Acted As My TherapyFrom Her Favorite Hip-Hop Hit To Tackling Crisis, Get To Know Boston's Ayanna Pressley Who Is Poised To Make Political History (Twice)NAACP Says Boston Mayor Needs Summer School, Gives Him Terrible Grades In New Report...

Another day, another instance of white people treating 911 as a customer service line.A white professor is under fire at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for allegedly calling police on a Black student for having her feet propped on a chair.In a video posted to Twitter on Monday, several police officers talked in the back of Anita Moss' classroom before Moss pointed to a Black student in the middle row, signaling to officers the alleged offender. After being approached by a single officer, the scholar quietly gathered her belongings and left the lecture hall with the officer.So this happened today in class, a girl had her feet up and the professor called the police after calling our class uncivil 😬 pic.twitter.com/spq0ShXiFU— Apurva Rawal (@ApurvaYRawal) November 12, 2018 Apurva Racal, the student who filmed the interaction, described what happened in a series of tweets:This professor stopped class entirely and stepped out to call the police just because one student had her feet up on a seat in front of her. Mind you she wasn't talking or interrupting lecture— Apurva Racal (@ApurvaYRawal) November 12, 2018 Racal claimed the incident bruised Moss' ego, who went on a "whole tirade" in a previous lecture about how disrespectful her students were, as some were on their phone and not paying attention. The class before this professor went on a whole tirade about how uncivil we all were because a few students were on their phone or not paying attention, cutting lecture time for the rest of us because her ego was bruised— Apurva Racal (@ApurvaYRawal) November 12, 2018 The student in question confirmed her identity on Twitter and disclosed that Professor Moss told her she needed to leave the classroom, or she would contact officials."I never disobeyed the student code of conduct. Not once," she continued.This is me in Anita Moss’ 2053 Bio classroom. Upon entering class I was told I needed to leave or would be escorted out by officers, I never disobeyed the student code of conduct. Not once. A police report is being filed atm, this is just the beginning. Thanks for your support! https://t.co/YUZGmwgFa7— pistachio 🍂🍁 (@FavoritePaigeee) November 12, 2018 Naturally, Twitter users questioned the professor's motives, wondering why Moss would call the police for such a trivial matter. As a professor I was horrified that this happened to you. If you ever need a scientist in Michigan, I’m your woman.— Julie Libarkin (@GeoEdResearch) November 13, 2018Pretty straightforward here: Af-Am student stretched out in class not bothering anyone, talking or dysrupting class & Racist WW bio prof called campus police...not 1 student policy says ANYTHING about students not being able 2put feet up on t/back of chairs.#BioBetty https://t.co/1iEp3lI1PS— Dr. Kate Shaw MA., MS., PsyD. (@katelovesneuro) November 13, 2018In an email to students on Tuesday, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said there would be two separate investigations into the situation, one conducted by the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity Services and another by the College of Sciences. In the meantime, however, the accused professor's classes will be taught by another faculty member for the remainder of the semester. The investigations are expected to end next week, where an "appropriate administrative action will be determined."No matter the results of the internal investigation, President Eighmy vowed to enact change that makes UTSA a more inclusive institution."Regardless of the final outcomes regarding yesterday’s incident, we have an obligation as an institution to take a hard look at our campus climate—especially for students of color—and enact systemic change to make UTSA a more inclusive campus," the university's president said. "Beyond this particular incident," the president wrote, "I am very much aware that the circumstance represents another example of the work we need to do as an institution around issues of inclusivity and supporting our students of color."Earlier this month, UTSA announced the hiring of a vice president of inclusive excellence, a founding position for the university. Vice President Myron Anderson will serve as a "leadership anchor, helping UTSA shape policies, set goals and provide strategic direction for the journey toward improving the campus climate for underrepresented groups."According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, UTSA's student body is about 53 percent Hispanic, 24 percent white and less than 9 percent African-American. Now, check these out:Mississippi Governor Defends Senatorial Candidate's Lynching Joke By Referencing Abortions Of Black BabiesMilitary Vet Says Louisiana Police Tased Her In The Eye During Violent EncounterKKK Reportedly Posting Fliers Throughout Austin To 'Stop Black Lives...

Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman ever elected to Congress. Her drive pushed her to become one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first Black woman to run for president. Her legacy stands as a trailblazer who opened the door for many women, particularly women of color who want to change the face of politics. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Chisholm’s election to Congress, New York Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and California Congresswoman Barbara Lee have introduced a resolution that would recognize Chisholm’s historical feats. Sixty other representatives back the bill, which is supported by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, who will introduce a companion bill in the Senate, Senate Democrats announced in a press release. “[Chisholm’s] definitive contributions were numerous, including creating nutrition assistance programs, expanding health care services for parents and children, increasing the minimum wage, supporting veterans, and providing opportunities for women in college, graduate school, and collegiate and professional sports,” Congresswoman Clarke said in a press release. “She was a voice for a vulnerable and marginalized people.”The resolution proves itself to be incredibly timely, as many historical firsts took place on the night of the midterm elections. Ayanna Pressley became the first Black woman elected to represent Massachusetts in Congress; Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim women elected to Congress; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest congresswoman-elect; Sharice Davids along with Deb Haaland became the first Native American women elected, and many others became the first representatives for their communities. For these amazing women, Chisholm walked so they could run. “Working for [Chisholm] showed me the power of ‘unbought and unbossed’ women,” Congresswoman Lee said. “On the 50th anniversary of her election to Congress, it is fitting that we are welcoming an unprecedented number of women, and women of color… None of us would be here today without Congresswoman Chisholm, who paved the way.”The bill asks that all of Chisholm’s accomplishments and work be both acknowledged and paid tribute to by the House of Representatives. Now, check these out: Producer Lena Waithe Wears Blackity Black Shirley Chisholm Hoodie To MTV Movie AwardsAnika Noni Rose To Produce And Star In A Shirley Chisholm FilmSenator Kamala Harris, Cory Booker And Other Leading Democrats Want A Statue Of Shirley Chisholm In The U.S....

As the senatorial race in Mississippi’s runoff special election continues to heat up, the state's governor made a repugnant reference to the abortions of Black babies while attempting to defend of one candidate's joke about lynching.  Blavity previously reported that Cindy Hyde-Smith joked about attending a "public hanging" during a speech to supporters on November 2. "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row," she said of a white comrade who introduced her before her public address.She defended her statement after video of the commentary went viral."I referred to accepting an invitation to a speaking engagement," Hyde-Smith said defending her statement. "In referencing the one who invited me, I used an exaggerated expression of regard, and any attempt to turn this into a negative connotation is ridiculous."The senatorial candidate refuses to make a formal apology for the remark. At Smith's recent press conference in Jackson, Mississippi, she doubled down on her defense. “I put out a statement yesterday, and I stand by that statement, and that’s all I’m going to say about it,” she repeated to the press.Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant’s statements during the conference only continued to incite outrage. Mississippi conservative outlet Y’all Politics originally shared the video from the event where Bryant backed Smith. “When you make as many public speeches as we do in public life, that does occur," Governor Bryant said in the clip. "But I know this woman, and I know her heart; I knew it when I appointed her, and I know it now. She meant no offense by that statement; there is nothing in her heart of ill will."  “Now in a political campaign people can say anything they want to say," he continued. "They can spin in it; they can go on social media and accuse you of all sorts of things.” “Absolutely, we have been sensitive to race relations in this state. I brought the president of the United States here to open the civil rights museum. African American leadership would fail to come to the event because the president of the United States was there," Bryant continued. "Today, I talked about the genocide of over 20 million African American children. See in my heart I’m confused about where the outrage is at about 20 million African American children have been aborted. No one wants to say anything about that." A reporter addressed the lack of acknowledgment of the political candidate's statements.  “Everything is not about race,” the governor responded. “Remember we are in the middle of a political campaign. Those that oppose Cindy Hyde-Smith will take advantage of this,” he said. “You might want to ask yourself where the video came from. I’m not blaming the person that took it, but it was clearly designed for political purpose.” Several people took to Twitter to share their outrage:Reporter: Why did you make reference to lynchings when running against an AfAm candidate? “Well what about the 20 million abortions African Americans have done???????? Nobody is talking about that.” pic.twitter.com/eNpkxJgNzw— Husayn Symonds 🇧🇲 (@HusaynPS) November 13, 2018 Wow. MS needs to overhaul and dump these dinosaurs. Her/His constant referral to the genocidal statement shows me that they truly believe and celebrate in the lynching history of the State. This isn't a party issue, this is truly a apocalyptic vision shared by these 2 degenerates— Edward Palmer (@ChoctawSF) November 12, 2018It's kind of staggering how they managed to open their mouths and somehow dig themselves deeper. You'd think lynchings would be rock bottom, but there you go. pic.twitter.com/PNCkefIcy4— Aesir Pagan (@AesirPagan) November 13, 2018 Did he really just pivot to, “Well what about the 20 million abortions African Americans have done???????? Nobody is talking about that.” ????? Yup, he did! Fire, meet Gasoline. pic.twitter.com/HrVsaJUlGQ— Carly Reim (@CarltReim) November 13, 2018 A debate between Smith and Epsy is set to take place one week before the runoff election on November 20.Now, check these out:Meet Epsy Campbell-Barr, Costa Rica's New-Vice President And The First Black Woman VP In The AmericasJudge Rules Some Of Georgia's Uncounted Absentee Ballots Must Be TalliedWhat This Year’s Midterms Taught Us About The Power Of Black Politically Engaged...