Black-Lives-Matter

Peak blackness is in full effect and this is not without rhyme or reason. Since our colonial existence, blackness in America has been rooted in lies, violence and erasure that is no longer acquiesced. Right now, we’re loving us for real. Such like the blackest historical eras, today's movements seem to have officially traded conformity for resistance. But, how woke are we--really?In the name of equality, identity and liberation, we call out the whitest lies that shape American holidays like Independence Day, Christopher Columbus Day and the southern-celebrated Robert E. Lee Day. Yet and still, many of us know nothing of, nor celebrate Juneteenth.Juneteenth became a thing when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, an army soldier-turned Union General, arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce slavery was eradicated per Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The bizarre part? Slavery had already ended--two and half years earlier. On this day, approximately 250,000 enslaved blacks became aware of their free status.The delay occurred for a combination of reasons: Firstly, slaveholders in the deepest parts of the south--Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana--had gotten the memo beforehand, and just as the “economy” was changing, made the exodus to Texas to protect their “assets.” Secondly, as part of the confederacy, the Lone Star state was least governed, and had a small preoccupation of Union soldiers to enforce political changes during the Civil War. Thusly, Texas was the last to concede. Third, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter did not exist. Fourth, like racist people in 2018, racists in 1865 wasn’t shit.Nonetheless, upon hearing the news of slavery’s end, newly emancipated black people danced, shouted and praised the high heavens in the street. They communed over food and libation. In the following years, they commemorated the day with prayer, reflection, music, fun and games. Think family reunion. The mass fete featured foodstuff specific to slavery and black culture--and the central focus was around a firepit. Think “barbeque.”And like many events, which involves black joy, black congregation, black people being free--Juneteenth celebrations were subjected to white tyranny. Jim Crow laws prevented blacks from gathering in public white spaces. Think: white woman calls police on two black men for barbecuing in a park. However, in the spirit of black excellence, Reverend Jack Yates, a former slave and minister, led an initiative to raise $1000 for ten acres of land in Houston, Texas, to keep Juneteenth live and kicking. Think: Oakland residents electric slide all over the park where white lady called the police on black men barbecuing. The land was named Emancipation Park and still exists today. Won’t we do it?The story of Juneteenth is a testament of how black history can be suppressed and unfortunately lost. It confirms that we must be our own documentarians. Though the black community breathes life into American history with every breath, it is equally important to keep our past experiences alive. We owe it to ourselves and our ancestors.In honor of Juneteenth, below are a few deets on some of the blackest Museums across the country--including some really dope ones that are often slept on--to get a thoroughly comprehensive look at African American history, while supporting Black institutions as well:National Museum of African American History and Culture: NMAAHC, located in Washington, D.C., opened its door in the September 2016. The institution is dedicated to Black history and culture from early slavery till the present. The Emmett Till exhibit is a must-see.National Civil Rights Museum:Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, is a historical landmark and main feature of this Memphis, Tennessee museum. The institution also acquired the building the lethal shot came from.Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History:The historic library opened in 1921 as a result of Jim Crow laws, when black people had limited access to books. The library’s focus today is documenting and digitizing African American history, and providing education through programming and art.Apex Museum:According to the website “The APEX Museum is the only museum in Metropolitan Atlanta solely dedicated to telling the rich and often untold story of people of the African Diaspora.”Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History:The Wright, as it is called by local Detroiters, has the “Still I Rise” exhibit that shares Black people’s transition from Africans to African Americans. Unique to this showing is the incorporation of Detroit history. The slave ship exhibit and its audio component will shake visitors to their core. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture:The Schomberg is located in the heart of Harlem, New York. The library was founded in 1925 and began with the collections of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto-Rican born, black scholar. The institution is acknowledged as the leader in the exclusive focus of African and African American culture, history and experience.National Great Blacks in Wax Museum:This Baltimore wax museum offers a comprehensive history of black Americans through sculptural art. Their replication of the middle passage is skillfully executed as it is impactful; the same goes for their exhibit on lynching and castration of Mary Turner.Afrikan Poetry Theater:For 40 years, this cultural nook has contributed to the black community by presenting African and African American history through Black Arts. The theater has hosted the performance and readings of The Last Poets and Amiri Baraka, during the Black Arts and Black Power movements. Today, it continues to offer and educate through performance and youth programming.Dusable Museum of African American History:In Chicago, the Dusable is the go-to institution for art, history and research on all things black culture. It was started in 1961 by an educator and art historian, Dr. Margaret Burroughs and prominent residents of the Second City. Its namesake is Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. The Haitian of African and French descent, established the trading post and permanent settlement that is now known as Chicago.The National Memorial for Peace and Justice:Is the newest and only African American museum dedicated to the memory of enslaved, oppressed and lynched black people. This museum pays homage to their lives and struggles, and honors their deaths.Whitney Plantation Museum:Is located in Wallace, Louisiana, and opened its door in 2014. The plantation has a 262 year history and houses the only museum in Louisiana that centers slavery.International African American Museum:This Charleston, museum focuses on South Carolina’s role in the international slave trade, Civil War and the contributions of black people. The state received and sold more enslaved African captives than any other.Happy Juneteenth, my...

White South Carolina restaurant manager Bobby Paul Edwards who physically abused a black man and forced him to work more than 100 hours a week without pay for years has pleaded guilty in federal court. Edwards used violence and threats toward John Christopher Smith who has intellectual disabilities and worked at eatery J&J Cafeteria in Conway, South Carolina. According to The New York Times, Edwards pleaded guilty to one count of forced labor. He admitted that from 2009 to 2014 he beat Smith with a belt, hit him with pots and pans, punched him and burned him with hot tongs on his bare neck. Smith is around 40 years old and had worked at the eatery since he was 12, the Justice Department revealed. Edwards also hurled racial slurs at Smith, who feared to lose his job, the Times reported. #ThisIsAmerica #2018 “For years, John Christopher Smith suffered in silence as his manager at a South Carolina restaurant physically abused him and forced him to work over 100 hours a week without pay, federal officials say.” @CNN https://t.co/jVa4pL3Jjm— Jemar Tisby (@JemarTisby) June 7, 2018 In an interview with local ABC 15 News last year, Smith said he tried to escape the abuse and get out of the restaurant for years but had nowhere to go.  "I wanted to get out of there a long time ago," he said. "But I didn't have nobody I could go to." He added, "I couldn't go anywhere. I couldn't see none of my family so that was that. That's the main basic thing I wanted to see was my mom come see me. I couldn't see my mom...and I couldn't talk to nobody."In 2014, a frequent customer called the authorities when they noticed scars on Smith's body, CNN reported. Authorities then removed Smith from the restaurant. Abdullah Mustafa, the president of the local chapter of the NAACP, called Smith's disturbing experience "enslavement.""We are talking about enslavement here," he said, according to CNN. Edwards could face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced, the Times reported. He also faces a possible fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution to Smith. His sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.John M. Gore, acting assistant attorney general, said the following in a statement released by the Justice Department:"Human trafficking through forced labor can happen on farms, in homes, and as today’s case shows — in public places, such as restaurants. Edwards abused an African-American man with intellectual disabilities by coercing him to work long hours in a restaurant without...

Tamir Rice was shot and killed by a Cleveland police officer outside a recreation center in 2014 when he was just 12 years old. His mother, Samaria Rice, is planning to open a cultural center in Cleveland as a safe place for children in honor of her son.In an interview with Cleveland.com, Samaria Rice shared that she plans to open The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center in 2019, which will be a hub for children to be mentored, nurtured and taught how to dissect political systems. It's a gift to Tamir, she said. The 3,500-square-foot property was purchased in March by the family estate's foundation, the Tamir Rice Foundation. Samaria Rice told Cleveland.com that she's hosting a party in honor of her son's "Sweet Sixteen” milestone. The event will also serve as a fundraiser to help raise money to renovate the building for the cultural center. The party, open to the public, will include appearances from Ohio State Senator Sandra Williams, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Opal Tometi and spoken word performers, the Eventbrite page for the party states. If police weren’t called on a 12-year-old playing with a toy gun in a park, #TamirRice would be celebrating his 16th birthday this year.#IfPoliceWerentCalled pic.twitter.com/kdNzkCXHok— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) May 17, 2018 Samaria Rice wants to ensure her son continues to be remembered. "Nobody is talking about Tamir any more in Cleveland," she told Cleveland.com. "And that's sad."The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center will help guide children to envision brighter futures in their communities and to help instill a sense of hope. Samaria Rice explained to Cleveland.com that Tamir Rice loved drawing cartoons and making pottery. She hopes the center will help support children through a nuturing environment. "I'm a nurturer and I still had some nurturing to do for Tamir but I was robbed of that...I want to see some positivity," she said. "I don't really see a whole lot of positivity coming out of the inner city when it comes to the youth that is suffering...I want the center to give them a sense of...

On Easter Sunday 2016, Wakeisha Wilson's body was found in an Los Angeles Police Department jail cell, and her death was was initially ruled a suicide. However, Wilson's family and the rest of the black community fought to learn the truth to what looked to be a very suspicious incident. Earlier this year, the LA City Council paid a $298K settlement to end the legal dispute. But, in the case of Wilson's aunt, Sheila Hines-Brim, the fight is far from over. According to NBC Los Angeles, Hines-Brim and another woman, Melina Abdullah, were detained after their protest during a Los Angeles Police Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 8. Hines-Brim allegedly threw a powdery substance at LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. Abdullah is a leader of the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles chapter. "I used her ashes," Hines-Brim said. "So they could be with him. So he could feel her because he murdered her.""That's Wakiesha. She's going to stay with you," Hines-Brim shouted as she walked away from Chief Beck.Hines-Brim told CBS Los Angeles that she heard her niece's spirit inform her to use her ashes. The meeting immediately went into recess following the alleged incident.  Check out the CBS video report...

A judge has dismissed the indictment of a man believed to be the first person to be designated a black identity extremist. That man, Christopher Daniels, was ordered to be released from pre-trial detention early this week, Al Jazeera reports.Daniels was arrested by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in December 2017 for possessing rifles. The federal agencies argued that Daniels could not possess firearms given that he was charged with a misdemeanor domestic assault in Tennessee in 2007.Daniels' supporters maintain that he was arrested as a black identity extremist for his work with two armed groups that regularly protest police brutality, the Huey P. Newton Gun Club and the Guerilla Mainframe. The term "black identity extremist" first became public following the release of an FBI report in 2017. The report claims that the deaths of Michael Brown and other black men at the hands of law enforcement have spawned a dangerous new class of domestic threats.“The FBI assesses it is very likely black identity extremist (BIE) perceptions of police brutality against African Americans spurred an increase in premeditated, retaliatory lethal violence against law enforcement and will very likely serve as justification for such violence,” the report read. The report went on to say that further black deaths would only "feed the resurgence in ideologically motivated, violent criminal activity within the BIE movement."Newly released documents show that the FBI kept tabs on members of the Black Lives Movement following the compilation of the black identity extremist report.Documents from Daniels' court hearings show that he too was being watched by the FBI, who took notice of him after he appeared on several far-right news outlets in reports covering anti-police brutality protests. Prosecutors also used his social media posts criticizing the police when making their case to the court as to why Daniels ought to remain in jail.Daniels' lawyers claimed that while he did own firearms, because the Tennessee definition of misdemeanor domestic assault differs from the federal definition, that he broke no laws. Judge Sidney Fitzwater agreed, and Daniels should be a free man again...

There is a lot of conflict between the police and the Black Lives Matter movement, but little by little, steps are being taken to narrow that gap. One police department in Santa Cruz, California is doing just that. According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the Santa Cruz Police Department is hosting an art exhibit inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The exhibit is called “Black Lives in Santa Cruz: What Matters,” and is made up of a series of portraits and quotes by photographer Allison Garcia. Garcia was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and wanted to highlight the issues that affect the small black community in Santa Cruz.“It was nice to actually peak in and see what other folks of color are saying about their experiences,” said 36-year-old Tremain Hedden-Jones, who is one of the people profiled in the exhibit. After seeing the display in February, Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills asked if the department could host an exhibition. “I think in this time and place in our country, and in our city, that people can’t speak with each other without screaming, this was a good way to actually listen to what people are saying,” said Mills. “This was an excellent idea,” said NAACP Santa Cruz County treasurer Akin Babatola, who attended the police department's exhibition opening on Monday. “Among other things, we want to continue to build the bridge. I think just the fact of their sponsorship, and just the fact of this exhibit, more than ever humanizes the police department.”Of course the visibility is important, but some residents had valid questions regarding whether the dialogue created by the exhibit will actually lead to change. “I think it’s great but my question is — why?” said said 59-year-old Elaine Johnson, who is black. “It’s easy for people to interview us, but ... once this comes down, then what?”Visitors and residents can check out the exhibit at the Community Room in the Santa Cruz Police Department, 155 Center Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 12.So our question is, if this police department can take a step forward in supporting BLM, how about everyone...

Richard Edmond Vargas, also known as "Richie Reseda" is a convicted felon who has been serving time in an all-male prison in Soledad, California, for armed robbery since he was a teen. "The Feminist on Cellblock Y," a documentary produced by filmmaker Contessa Gayles, follows the now 25-year-old Reseda and his fellow prison mates as they participate in an inmate rehabilitation program centered around feminist literature. It's said in the documentary, "a lot of them come out even worse than they were before," referring to the inmates. In order to counter that particular manifestation, these men spend their days learning about the patriarchy, discovering the power of vulnerability, and personally combating toxic masculinity. Additionally, the program encourages the men to confront all of the areas where these toxic ideals of masculinity have prevailed in their lives. "We cannot challenge our harmful behavior without challenging patriarchy," Reseda says in the film.Reseda is the mentee of Black Live Matter co-founder and activist Patrisse Cullors. The two crossed paths during his high school years when Cullors was his school counselor. She has continued to support him and his program since he's been incarcerated. She also mentioned him in her book, "When they Call You A Terrorist". "This documentary is about a human being who wasn’t given up on. This is what transformative justice looks like," Cullors recently wrote in a poignant Facebook post about the documentary. "This is why I believe not just in the politics of abolition, but the practice. The hard messy sometimes disappointing but always rewarding work of abolition."Watch the trailer here. The documentary is available to stream on...

A 25-year-old black woman was arrested by white officers early Sunday morning inside a Waffle House in Mobile County, Alabama. Chikesia Clemons' arrest was captured in a graphic viral video which sparked outrage and protests. According to AL.com, Clemons was arrested around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday after reportedly engaging in a dispute over plastic utensils with a Waffle House employee. Clemons' mother, Chiquitta Clemons-Howard, told AL.com that her daughter asked for plastic utensils when the employee told her she'd have to pay 50 cents. Clemons then told the employee that she had not previously been charged for utensils, and the employee then reportedly canceled the order. The arrest occurred some time after Clemons asked for the Waffle House district manager's contact information, Clemons-Howard told AL.com.Clemons can be heard asking, “what are you doing?” to the officers before one responds, “I’m about to break your arm, that’s what I'm about to do.” "They didn't even ask her to leave, she was waiting for them to give her the district manager's card so she could file a complaint on one of the waitresses," Clemons-Howard told AL.com. "When they went to go get the card, that's when the police showed up. The officer should've come in and said we need you to leave."When police officers arrived, they can be seen tackling Clemons to the ground after an exchange. Clemons can be heard yelling, "What are you doing?" as officers attempted to handcuff her on the ground. The Saraland Police Department issued the following statement on the incident on Sunday, AL.com reported:"The Saraland Police Department is aware of the arrest at Waffle House and the accompanying video on social media," the statement said. "The situation is being thoroughly reviewed and is under active investigation right now. Our department strives for transparency and we encourage our community to be aware of current...

Mayor Rahm Emmanuel has left many Chicago residents — especially those in the black community — very jaded. The mayor's mass public school closings and his "strategic gentrification" plan have received much criticism. Cue 22-year-old Ja'Mal Green, who has decided to throw his hat into the mayoral ring. I ask the people to unify and make it happen, they did. I have officially announced my candidacy for mayor of the city of Chicago because it’s up to us! pic.twitter.com/tHYFpd96IP— Ja'Mal Green (@JaymalGreen) April 18, 2018“Millennials all over the world are stepping up and taking charge,” Green told the Chicago Sun-Times. “In the environment we’re in today, Chicago needs change, corruption needs to end, we need a modern approach to politics in Chicago.”Green's platform includes investing more in neighborhood schools and mental health centers, more effective police oversight, decriminalizing marijuana and giving Chicago Public Schools an elected board. Green is known for being a long time critic of Mayor Emmanuel. Green's team officially filed paperwork with the Illinois State Board of Elections on April 6 to launch his political committee, Green For Chicago. Green formerly served as CEO of Majostee Allstars youth center, but has stepped down from that role to focus on his mayoral campaign.A supporter of Bernie Sanders' 2016 Democratic presidential primary campaign, Green has already taken a nod from Sanders' grassroots campaign style by passing out flyers at public transportation stops.In order to get on the official mayoral ballot, Green will have to collect 12,500 signatures; he can start doing so on August...

Students at the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento led a "die-in" on Tuesday in honor of Stephon Clark and to stand in solidarity with all black victims of police brutality.  The national "die-in" was sponsored by the UC Davis chapter of White Coats 4 Black Lives, a medical student-run organization born out of demonstrations that took place in 2014. Students at medical schools in cities across the country including Harvard University, Touro University California and Upstate Medical University, also participated in the die-in on Tuesday. 1hr left until the National White Coat Die-In led by the UC Davis WC4BL Chapter following incidents such as the tragic loss of Sacramento-native Stephon Clark at the hands of law enforcement. Messages and actions shared at #wc4bl . Press Release: https://t.co/CBwzfJwLn6 pic.twitter.com/g01TfzZ31r— #wc4bl (@natlwc4bl) April 17, 2018The protest was meant to call attention to racism, the disproportionate number of black people killed by the police and to urge healthcare providers to take action. "We want to highlight and educate the community on just how intricately intertwined racial inequality is to all dimensions of physical and mental health," Elise Boykin, a student at UC Davis School of Medicine said according to a press release. "When we lose people of color in senseless tragedies it affects the health of the entire community. That burden of healing rests on the shoulders of physicians, nurses, social workers and mental health providers. That impact creates a public health crisis, we cannot lay idly and continue to watch this happen. The time for equality and justice is always right now." #UCDavis observing 20 minutes of silence in memory of #StephonClark as part of today’s #WhiteCoats4BlackLives #NationalDieIn. pic.twitter.com/eTsbxrYrGN— Hammad Moses Khan (@HammadMKhan) April 17, 2018On Tuesday, the UC Davis medical students joined groups Sacramento Area Congregations Together, Black Lives Matter Sacramento, Council on American Islamic Relations, Sacramento Law Enforcement Accountability Directive and Live Free. They positioned themselves on the ground in front of the university, with many students holding cellphones to represent that Clark was unarmed and only had a cellphone in his hand when he was fatally shot by police on March 18. .@UCDavisMedCntr students are preparing to do a 'White Coat Die-In' in response to the shooting of #StephonClark. pic.twitter.com/4SxpokNbEc— Daniela Pardo (@danielapardotv) April 17, 2018#StephonClark's kids' grandpa speaking now at #WhiteCoats4BlackLives. Clark's girlfriend and children are standing by him. pic.twitter.com/FkhjBBVBLK— Daniela Pardo (@danielapardotv) April 17, 2018White Coats 4 Black Lives has created an online petition directed to elected officials and healthcare providers. "We must continue to stand against institutional racism on which our nation was founded, and which persists to this day; from our streets to our emergency rooms and clinics, racism has very real consequences and is costing our community members and patients their lives," the petition read in...