Politics and Truth.

   

 

The great lie promoted by far right racist (and even some black Hoteps) is that we talk about police brutality against black human life, but we are silent on inter-ethnic violence and murder in the black community. The truth is we, as black people, are never silent. Black people for years and centuries in America have created books, studies, programs, and other activism movements to address both police brutality and inter-ethnic violence in the black community. Murder and abuse are wrong actions period no matter who does it, and black people have worked around the clock in places all over America to fight back against gun violence and other evils. We have condemned certain music that glorifies killing black people or degrading women too. I have done that for long years. I don't view it as revolutionary to degrade a black man or a black woman in music in the most vicious way possible in songs. That is reactionary, not revolutionary. So, our eyes are on the prize to end any injustice. The same ones who critique us are very silent on imperialism, on police terrorism, on gentrification, on poverty, on environmental issues, on economic inequality, on health disparities, and on exposing real issues in our community. They are silent on these real issues, because they believe in the myth that the free market (along with Horatio Alger, capitalist worshiping nonsense) alone will liberate humanity. Society doesn't just need economic leaders. We need plumbers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and other human beings who stand up in building up society. The only way to liberate humanity is a radical redistribution of political and economic power to benefits the masses of the people beyond the one percent.

 

 

Right now, Trump allies are having more scrutiny in many investigations. The New York authorities could charge the Trump organization this week because of allegations of corruption. Allen Weisselberg is a Trump loyalist who refuses to give up information to authorities. The FBI also raided the home of a Rudy Giuliani associate at California. Monday was the deadline for the Trump organization to argue against the charges brought up. Time will tell if Weisselberg will flip or not. Federal investigators are investigating or interviewing Victoria Toesning, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Rudy Giuliani. Mother Jones said that Ivanka Trump might have perjured herself by saying that she has no role in the Trump inauguration. The Trump administration have a notorious culture of corruption that has existed.

 

Grassroots people are still fighting for voting rights. The Senate must do its duty to pass progressive voting rights legislation found in the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For the People Act. The vast majority of West Virginians want not only living wages but progressive voting rights legislation. Rev. William Barber has called for nonviolent civil disobedience in order to stand up for our rightful human rights. A solution is not trickle down economics. We need voting rights, infrastructure, and economic rights. You have to end voter suppression and give people living wages in order for America to grow into its highest potential. Rev. William Barber and Rev. Jesse Jackson were recently arrested after using a protest in the middle in the street. Moderates like Senator Manchin are wrong in supporting the archaic filibuster. This is an important moment in our nation's history. Biden said that the infrastructure deal with the Republicans is still on. Many Republicans like Mitt Romney support the deal. The issue is that much of the investments in education and social services have been cut from the deal. Either those components will exist side by side or by separate legislation. Like usual, many Democrats are forced to compromise, while many Republicans don't compromise a thing. We certainly do need infrastructure development as our bridges, roads, railways, schools, hospitals, and other services need 21st century upgrades now. This infrastructure must benefit all Americans too not just the one percent.

 

 

On Wednesday, the House will vote on the January 6th committee to find the total truth on what happened during the 1/6 insurrection against the U.S. Capitol. People want serious legislators to investigate everything and to see if any far right Congress people collaborated with the terrorists. If that is the case, then that Congress person should be banned from Congress. The issue is whether Republican Kevin McCarthy wants to send Trump puppets to the committee or not. Nancy Pelosi wants qualified people to be part of the investigation. The bill will allow at least 5 GOP members on the Committee. The committee will experience subpoenas, sworn testimonies, and debates about responses. To be honest, the GOP leadership don't want a serious investigation about the insurrection and how terrorists used an American flag to harm U.S. Capitol police officers. It is no secret that the Republicans has been infiltrated heavily by racists, anti-Semites, sexists, and Qanon extremists. Their credibility is gone. They claim to be for families, but most of them in Congress opposed the Biden stimulus bill. They claim to love the essence of democracy, but many of them endorse the fake audit in Arizona including voter suppression efforts in other states too. Some of them believe in the great lie that Trump won the 2020 election. 

 

 

Yesterday was the Birthday of the late Brother Kwame Ture.  The first time I heard of him was when the Eyes on the Prize series came about back during the early 1990's. He was always a person who wanted to use determination and militancy in achieving black liberation. He is unique in many ways. Kwame Ture was one of the few revolutionary leaders who was part of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power movement, and the Pan-African Movement. Each other those movements flowed from the same river of the overall black freedom struggle. He told the truth we, who are black Americans, ultimately are Africans in America. You can see that via our DNA, via on how we pronounce words, and in our music. When I listen to gospel music or even in R&B, I do hear the African notations and sounds form black Americans. Kwame Ture experienced the total experience of a freedom fighter. He worked with the SCLC (on the Selma voting rights movement, voting rights registration, etc.), he was a leader in SNCC, he once allied with the Black Panthers, and he promoted his views. He wrote literature, and Kwame Ture was not naive about the real world. Honestly, Ture gave his honest views. Suffering disease, imprisonment, slander, and the FBI's COINTELPRO program, he never gave up. Totally committed to international Pan-African liberation, he worked tirelessly. An unconditional love of Africa was his mentality. Despite his disagreements with Dr. King's views of nonviolence, Dr. King and Kwame Ture were great friends. Also, Kwame Ture was with Dr. King when Dr. King legitimately opposed the unjust Vietnam War. Ture passed away in 1998. Kwame Ture was the bridge between the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power movement. He promoted Black Power as a means for black people to develop their own economic and political power bases in the realm of human self-determination. His spirit of strength lives on. 

Rest in Power Brother Kwame Ture.

 

By Timothy

 

 

Histories of Many Persons.

   

To start with the history of the Presidency, you have to start in the beginning. Regardless of what far right conservatives or class reductionists say, America had a foundation made up of the evils of slavery and the genocide of the Native Americans. Many people back then fought for justice, and some didn't. That fact of history must always be emphasized. In order to make a better, you have to evaluate the past and the present. In the near future, I'm going to make a new series documenting a summary of every President in American history. The first President of the United States was George Washington (1732-1799). He was born in my birth state of Virginia. He was not only a slave owner and President. He was a Freemason, a political leader, a statesman, and a military general. He fought in the French and Indian War, and he was the general of Patriot forces in the Americans Revolutionary War. During the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the Patriot forces suffered heavily until later on via better training and assistance from France including Spain. George Washington was also the person who presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The Convention helped to form the Constitution of the United States. The growth of the federal government existed. Me personally, I believe in a strong federal government as a means to advance the general welfare of all people in society. He was President from April 30, 1789 to March 4, 1797. George Washington was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses and the 14th Chancellor of the College of William and Mary (at Williamsburg, Virginia). From 1749 to 1750, he was an official Surveyor of Culpepper County, Virginia. Washington worked to adopt and ratifythe Constitution, and he was elected twice as President by the Electoral College. He desired a strong, well financed national government. He also was impartial when there was a fierce rivalry between cabinet members Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The reason for this tension caused the Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debate. Jefferson was more sympathetic with the Anti-Federalists who wanted a strong state government and a weaker national government. Alexander Hamilton supported Federalists who wanted a strong federal government to build roads, to set up banking, and the develop more infrastructure to grow American society. Washington sanctioned the Jay Treaty. George Washington gave his Farewell Address to condemn entangling alliances and political polarization. 

 

One of the most terrible things that George Washington did was to own slaves and make policies to protect slavery. He only freed his slaves in a 1799 will. Also, he wanted to assimilate Native Americans into Anglo-American culture which is not right as Native Americans have the right to maintain their culturally diverse identities. George Washington was part of the Anglican Church as a large percentage of Presidents are. To this day, he has been praised in locations, stamps, monuments, and other themes. He was one of the most prominent Presidents in American history. His family were made up of Virginia planters. His great grandfather, John Washington, came into Virginia in 1656 from Sulgrave, Northamptonshire, England. Washington, during his youth, was a map maker as he studied mathematics like trigonometry including land surveying. On January 6, 1759, he married Martha Dandrige Custis. Washington opposed the British Parliament over the Stamp Act of 1765, over taxation without representation, and the Proclamation Act of 1763 (which forbid American settlements west of the Allegheny Mountains and protected the British flur trade). Washington opposed black people to join the Continental Army until the Dunmore Proclamation (that promised freedom to black slaves if they joined the British). It was only on January 16, 1776 when Congress allowed free black people to be in the American militia. By the end of the war, one-tenth of Washington's army were black human beings. As President, George Washington talked to people in his cabinet for advice. He rejected political divisiveness, but he believed in a strong central government. He had to deal with a military, budget, and other issues. Congress made many executive departments in 1789 like the State Department, the Treasury Department, and the Department of War. Washington did terrible things on the issue of slavery. He denied citizenship to black immigrants, slaves were barred from serving in state militias, and he admitted more slavery states. He signed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 to allow agents to kidnap slaves and bring them back into slavery. George Washington wanted Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton to have a true in their disagreements. He failed. Washington rejected Jefferson after his support of Freneau's National Gazette. By his 2nd term, he was neutral involving the French Revolution. Many of Washington's slaves escaped like Ona Judge to Portsmouth, Virginia and Hercules to Philadelphia. Washington knew slavery was evil, but he felt that radical change to eliminate slavery would end the Republic. That argument is of course wrong as freedom should be for all people regardless. Washington's will freed all of his slaves after the death of his wife Martha. Martha signed and order freeing slaves in 1801. George Washington wanted to leave office in 2 terms. He died by having a cold and it escalated massively. He lost much blood and passed away. He was 67 years old. Some believed that he died from epiglottis. He was buried at Mount Vernon, Virginia. 

 

  

 

John Adams was the second American President. He lived from 1735 to 1826. As a statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and leader of the American Revolution, he was involved in very historic events. His wife was Abigail Adams, and his adviser was Thomas Jefferson. John Adams have had a long career in government. He was the 1st Vice President and the 1st United States Minister to the United Kingdom. He was the Chairman of the Maine Committee and the Delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress. He was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. Harvard was where he was educated. He ironically defended British soldiers against the charge of murder from the Boston Massacre. He worked to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Adams was the main author of the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780 that influenced the American Constitution. His essay of Thoughts on Government influenced political thought to this very day in 2021. As part of the Federalist Party, he was in opposition to the Jeffersonian republicans. John Adams was wrong to sign the Alien and Sedition Acts that violated human civil liberties. He helped to build up the Army and the Navy in the Quasi War with France. He was the first President to live in the White House. He was a friend to Thomas Jefferson. Of the first 12 U.S. Presidents, John Adams and his son were the only Presidents who never owned slaves. Adams's great great grandfather Henry Adams immigrated to Massachusetts from Baintree, Essex, England in ca. 1638. Adams was in a family of Puritans. His father was a deacon. He knew of the classics like Thucydides, Plato, Cicero, and Tacitus. John Adams was a lawyer before he was President. He supported the Boston Tea Party protest and he was a member of the Continental Congress. 

 

John Adams wanted American independence. He was part of the Second Continental Congress too. John Adams worked in diplomacy as a commissioner to France. Adams disagreed with Benjamin Franklin on how to deal with French relations. He didn't want a Franco-American alliance while Franklin did. He was a President later on. He suffered the XYZ Affair. John Adams wanted to be neutral involving France and England. Jefferson supported France, and Hamilton supported the UK. Thomas Jefferson was his vice President, and ironically Jefferson would defeat him in a Presidential race.  John Adams retired after 1801. John Adams believed in republicanism, bicameral Congress, and the separation of powers among executive, judicial, and legislative branches. John Adams became Unitarianism. He publicly didn't like slavery , but he refused to support legal policies to abolish slavery. His wife publicly opposed slavery. John Adams was a Federalist, but he had his own thinking on many issues. 

  

As the third President of America, Thomas Jefferson's life and legacy has been debated. Thomas Jefferson was a very controversial man. He was a diplomat, a lawyer, a slaveholder, an architect, a musician, a philosopher, and he was vice President under President John Adams from 1797 to 1801. He believed in republicanism, individual rights (except for certain people, and you know what I mean. People who look like me), and promoted independence against Great Britain. He was a more conservative person on economic issues. He was a delegate from Virginia to the Continental Congress, the 2nd Governor of Virginia, and the delegate from Virginia to the Congress of the Confederation. He was the United States of Secretary of State and the 2nd United States Minister to France. Thomas Jefferson is an open book. He was a Virginia legislator who drafted a state law for religious freedom. Back then, many Baptists and religious minorities were oppressed by the Church of England in Virginia. Therefore, the religious liberty law in Virginia rightfully states that a human being has the right to believe as he or she desires without oppression. Jefferson and James Madison formed the Democratic Republican Party to oppose the Federalist Party. Madison and Jefferson believed in the states' rights doctrine. He promoted the nullifying the federal Alien and Sedition Acts. He fought against the Barbary pirates and he supported the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that doubled the nation's size by theft without any consideration of the Native Americans tribes in the North American continent. Jefferson was a planter in his life. He surveyed many lands. Jefferson was part of the American Philosophical Society. He rejected organized religion denying the miracles of Jesus Christ by viewing him as only a great moral teacher. Thomas Jefferson believed in the views and teachings of the Enlightenment. He owned over 60 slaves, and he was a racist viewing black people as genetically and intellectually inferior (as found in his book about Virginia). Thomas Jefferson knew Sally Hemings, who was a multiracial slave. DNA evidence proved that Jefferson probably fathered at least six children with Hemings, including 4 that survived to adulthood. Evidence finds that Jefferson started his activities with Hemings when she was only 14 while he was 44 at Paris, France. Hemings was pregnant when she was 16 years old. Sally Hemings was born in Virginia.

 

By the time he was 16 years old, Thomas Jefferson studied at the College and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He studied mathematics, metaphysics, and philosophy under Professor William Small. Small promoted empiricists like John Locke, Francis Bacon, and Sir Isaac Newton. Jefferson read literature on law, philosophy, history, religion, science, and agriculture. His library was made up of hundreds of books at first and he had over 1,200 titles by 1773 and grew to almost 6,500 volumes by 1814. On January 1, 1772, Thomas Jefferson married his 3rd cousin Martha Wayles Skelton. He had 6 children with Martha. He helped to finished Monticello. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence despite having the contradiction of being a slaveholder. Thomas Jefferson was President by March 4, 1801 when he was sworn in by Chief Justice John Marshall at the new Capitol in Washington, D.C. Jefferson ended the whiskey tax. He grew the military by investing in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He promoted the Lewis and Clark Expedition of the western side of North America. He wanted Native Americans to be assimilated into Western society. He had his 2nd term in 1804. John Randolph was once Jefferson's ally who accused Jefferson of moving too much into the Federalist direction. Jefferson wanted national roads and canals in 1808. Jefferson opposed the international slave trade in the 1800's. Jefferson accused Burr of treason for attempting to make a military response in America. Burr was found not guilty by Jefferson's political foe John Marshall. Thomas Jefferson, after he was President, sold his books to the Library of Congress. He founded the built the University of Virginia. He communicated with many country leaders. Thomas Jefferson wrote letters in Monticello visited by tourists constantly. He reconciled with John Adams before his death. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams exchanged letters to discuss issues, debate topics, and focus on other things. Thomas Jefferson met the Marquis de Lafayette before Jefferson's death at 1824. Jefferson and Madison gave Lafayette a tour of the University of Virginia. He died on July 4, 1826 on the 50th year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He freed Sally Heming's children in his instructions. Jefferson admitted that slavery was a moral evil that the nation will have to account to God for, but he issued contradictory responses to slavery (which was his error. He even opposed the Haitian Revolution). Jefferson was a farmer and inventor. Thomas Jefferson was a man who made great accomplishments, but he also was wrong in his promotion of racism and his refusal to be courageous on the issue of slavery. 

  

 

Later in Kamala Harris's life, she was a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California in 1990. This was where she was described as "an able prosecutor on the way up." In 1994, Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown appointed her to the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Boards and later to the California Medical Assistance Commission. It is no secret that Willie Brown once dated Kamala Harris during this time. Harris took a 6 month level of absence in 1994 from her duties. Then, she resumed as prosecutor during the years she sat on boards. Harris has defended her work. By February 1998 San Francisco district attorney Terence Hallinan recruited Harris as an assistant district attorney. Kamala harris became the chief of the Career Criminal Division. So, she supervised five other attorney where she prosecuted homicide, burglary, robbery, and sexual assault cases. There were three strikes cases too. By 2000, Harris reportedly clashed with Halinan's assistant Darrell Salomon over Proposition 21. This policy granted prosecutors the option of trying juvenile defendants in Superior Court rather than juvenile courts. Kamala Harris campaigned against the measure, which passed. Salomon opposed directing media inquiries about Proposition 21 to Harris. He reassigned Harris or a de facto demotion. Harris filed a complaint against Salomon and quit. By August 2000, Harris took a job at San Francisco City Hall. She worked for city attorney Louise Renee. Harris ran the Family and Children's Services Division representing child abuse and neglect cases. Renne endorsed Harris during her D.A. campaign. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

By 2002, Kamala Harris prepared to run for District Attorney of San Francisco against Hallinan (the incumbent) and Bill Fazio. Harris and Hallinan advanced to the general runoff with 33 and 37 percent of the vote respectively. In the runoff, Harris pledged never to seek the death penalty and to prosecute three-strike offenders only in cases of violent felonies.  Harris ran a "forceful" campaign, assisted by former mayor Willie Brown, Senator Dianne Feinstein, writer and cartoonist Aaron McGruder, and comedians Eddie Griffin and Chris Rock.  Harris differentiated herself from Hallinan by attacking his performance.  She argued that she left his office because it was technologically inept, emphasizing his 52 percent conviction rate for serious crimes despite an 83 percent average conviction rate statewide. Harris charged that his office was not doing enough to stem the city's gun violence, particularly in poor neighborhoods like Bayview and the Tenderloin, and attacked his willingness to accept plea bargains in cases of domestic violence. Harris won with 56 percent of the vote, becoming the first person of color elected as district attorney of San Francisco. Kamala Harris ran unopposed for a 2nd term in 2007. 

 

 

Kamala Harris made many contributions as San Francisco district attorney. In 2005, she organized an environmental crimes unit. By 2007, she and city attorney Dennis Herrera investigated San Francisco supervisor Ed Jew for violating residency requirements necessary to hold his supervisor position;  Harris charged Jew with nine felonies, alleging that he had lied under oath and falsified documents to make it appear he resided in a Sunset District home, necessary so he could run for supervisor in the 4th district.  Jew pleaded guilty in October 2008 to unrelated federal corruption charges (mail fraud, soliciting a bribe, and extortion). Ed pleaded guilty the following month in state court to a charge of perjury for lying about his address on nomination forms, as part of a plea agreement in which the other state charges were dropped. Jew agreed to never again hold elected office in California.  Harris described the case as "about protecting the integrity of our political process, which is part of the core of our democracy." For his federal offenses, Jew was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison and a $10,000 fine;  for the state perjury conviction, Jew was sentenced to one year in county jail, three years' probation, and about $2,000 in fines. Under Harris, her D.A. office got more than 1,900 convictions for marijuana offenses including people simultaneously convicted of marijuana offenses including serious crimes. The rate at which Harris's office prosecuted marijuana crimes was higher than the rate under Hallinan, but the number of defendants sentenced to state prison for such offenses was substantially lower.  Prosecutions for low-level marijuana offenses were rare under Harris, and her office had a policy of not pursuing jail time for marijuana possession offenses.  Harris's successor as D.A., George Gascón, expunged all San Francisco marijuana offenses going back to 1975.

 

By the early 2000's, Kamala Harris had to deal with crime. The murder rate in San Francisco per capita outpaced the national average. She had a high rate of convictions for homicides and felony gun violations. She fought for higher bail for criminal defendants involved in gun related crimes. Kamala Harris made a gun crime unit. Harris opposed releasing defendants on their own recognizance if they were arrested on gun crimes, sought minimum 90-day sentences for possession of concealed or loaded weapons, and charged all assault weapons possession cases as felonies, adding that she would seek prison terms for criminals who possessed or used assault weapons and would seek maximum penalties on gun-related crimes. It's not a secret that Harris formed a Hate Crimes Unit to fight hate crimes against LGBT kids and teens in schools. Harris supported the Gwen Araujo Justice for Victims Act (which is named after the 17 year old American transgender human being named Gwen Araujo who was murdered by 2 men).  In September 2006, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed A.B. 1160 into law; the law put California on record as declaring it contrary to public policy for defendants to be acquitted or convicted of a lesser included offense on the basis of appeals to "societal bias." Harris supported the ban on gun shows at Cow Palace. It would be until 2019 when the Cow Palace Board of Directors voted to make a statement banning all future gun shows.

 

Kamala Harris had said that she doesn't agree with the death penalty and wants life without parole as the highest punishment. She believes that it is a cost saving measure. After the officer Isaac Espinoza was shot and killed in San Francisco, Kamala Harris refused to support the death penalty. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Oakland mayor Jerry Brown, and the San Francisco Police Officers Association wanted Kamala Harris to support the death penalty. Yet, Harris refused to do so. Polls show that 70 percent of voters supported Harris's decision. When Edwin Ramos, an undocumented person and alleged MS-13 gang member, was accused of murdering a man and his two sons in 2009, Harris sought a sentence of life in prison without parole, a decision Mayor Gavin Newsom backed. There is the recidivism issue. In 2004, Harris recruited civil rights activist Lateefah Simon to form the San Francisco Reentry Division. This was a flagship program part of the Back on Track initiative, a first-of-its-kind reentry program for first-time nonviolent offenders aged 18–30. Initiative participants whose crimes were not weapon- or gang-related would plead guilty in exchange for a deferral of sentencing and regular appearances before a judge over a twelve- to eighteen-month period. The program maintained rigorous graduation requirements, mandating completion of up to 220 hours of community service, obtaining a high-school-equivalency diploma, maintaining steady employment, taking parenting classes, and passing drug tests. At graduation, the court would dismiss the case and expunge the graduate's record.  Over six years, the 200 people graduated from the program had a recidivism rate of less than ten percent, compared to the 53 percent of California's drug offenders who returned to prison within two years of release. Back on Track earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice as a model for reentry programs. The DOJ found that the cost to the taxpayers per participant was markedly lower ($5,000) than the cost of adjudicating a case ($10,000) and housing a low-level offender ($50,000). In 2009, a state law (the Back on Track Reentry Act, A.B. 750) was enacted, encouraging other California counties to start similar programs. Adopted by the National District Attorneys Association as a model, prosecutor offices in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Atlanta have used Back on Track as a template for their own programs.

 

There was the truancy issue too. By 2006, there was an initiative to reduce the city's skyrocketing homicide rate. Harris led a city wide effort to stop truancy for at risk elementary school youth in San Francisco. This program would be debated to this very day. Declaring chronic truancy a matter of public safety and pointing out that the majority of prison inmates and homicide victims are dropouts or habitual truants, Harris's office met with thousands of parents at high-risk schools and sent out letters warning all families of the legal consequences of truancy at the beginning of the fall semester, adding she would prosecute the parents of chronically truant elementary students; penalties included a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail. The program was controversial when introduced. In 2008, Harris issued citations against six parents whose children missed at least fifty days of school, the first time San Francisco prosecuted adults for student truancy. San Francisco's school chief, Carlos Garcia, said the path from truancy to prosecution was lengthy, and that the school district usually spends months encouraging parents through phone calls, reminder letters, private meetings, hearings before the School Attendance Review Board, and offers of help from city agencies and social services; two of the six parents entered no plea but said they would work with the D.A.'s office and social service agencies to create "parental responsibility plans" to help them start sending their children to school regularly. By April 2009, 1,330 elementary school students were habitual or chronic truants, down 23 percent from 1,730 in 2008, and down from 2,517 in 2007 and from 2,856 in 2006. Harris's office prosecuted seven parents in three years, with none jailed.

 

By Timothy

 

 

Social Issues.

 https://newrepublic.com/article/136200/racist-roots-welfare-reform

 

https://newrepublic.com/article/162658/vaccine-fear-health-care-surprise-billing

  

https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Cold-War-World-Letters/dp/1595589147

https://afroeurope.blogspot.com/2010/08/history-of-black-people-in-europe.html#:~:text=It%20is%20generally%20known%20that%20black%20people%20have,another%20physical%20feature%2C%20black%20people%20lived%20in%20Europe. 

https://newrepublic.com/article/157336/drugs-made-american-warfare

 

https://www.jacobinmag.com/2015/07/moynihans-report-fiftieth-anniversary-black-family/

BAR Book Forum: Gerald Horne’s Jazz and Justice

 https://blackagendareport.com/bar-book-forum-gerald-hornes-jazz-and-justice

Over 100 Anti-Protest Bills Have Been Introduced Since George Floyd Rebellion

 https://blackagendareport.com/over-100-anti-protest-bills-have-been-introduced-george-floyd-rebellion

Texas Governor Signs Law to Stop Teachers from Talking about Racism

 https://blackagendareport.com/texas-governor-signs-law-stop-teachers-talking-about-racism

Appearance Versus Essence: Biden is Stabilizing, Not Ending, Neoliberalism

 https://blackagendareport.com/appearance-versus-essence-biden-stabilizing-not-ending-neoliberalism

The Florida Building Collapse and Other News.

  

The terrible news is that the collapse of a building in Florida. There are over 100 unaccounted people. At least 4 people have passed away. It was one of the most tragic events of our time.  What is strange is the mystery on how the building collapsed in the first place. The building was made in the 1980's which wasn't too long ago. News reports describe a study from the 1990's that the building was gradually sinking into the ground. There may have been cracks and foundation issues on the building too. Rescue crews are working constantly in trying to rescue more people. There are many questions about rust, the concrete, and how did the building fall. It could be a gas explosion. Witnesses said that the collapse felt like an earthquake or a large explosion. Some have said that the large sound was like thunder. Many survivors have told their stories of describing a horrific ordeal of surviving the chaos. The elevator have a huge whole. There will be an investigation about the collapse too, as it should be. The building had 130 apartments in the building. The search teams have heroically tried to find more survivors around the clock.

 

Yesterday, Nancy Pelosi announced the creation of a Select Committee to investigate all that has taken place on 1/6. The DOJ released a new chilling video of the Capitol building riot. One judge criticized pro-GOP people who showing historical revisionism about the Capitol riot. Now, over 500 people have been arrested over the insurrection. You have one person who took a plea deal from the Oath Keepers. The Oath Keepers is a paramilitary terrorist group who have massive involvement in the terrorist attack against the U.S. Capitol building. Rudy Giuliani has his law license suspended in New York state, because Rudy said lies about the 2020 election in public. He said these lies in court. We, as black people, know about Giuliani. Back in the 1980's, he was a nationally famous attorney. After the scapegoating of Mayor Dinkins by far right extremists in New York City (many of these racist cowards utilized racist slurs against Mr. Dinkins), Giuliani won the New York mayoral race during the early 1990's. During her time as mayor, she has abused his power to sugarcoat police brutality cases, cut the social safety net, and claimed to be "America's Mayor." Later, he became one of the greatest supporters of Donald Trump. He has defended Trump's racism, lies, and especially he promoted the myth that 2020 election was stolen. Now, we know that Trump in private disrespected Giuliani to his face calling him weak. So, Rudy is so low that he tolerated a racist like Trump demeaning him. 

Yesterday was the Birthday of Sister Danielle Spencer, and she is 56 years old. Trenton, New Jersey is the place of her birth. She is a famous actress who was on the show of What's Happening! and What's Happening Now! When she was a child, she lived in the Bronx, NYC. By the time, she was 8, she became an actress. She worked hard as a child acting star on What's Happening! She lived in Africa, and attended the University of California. She studied at the Tuskegee University Veterinary School in Tuskegee, Alabama. By 1996, she became a veterinarian. She wrote her own book. Also, she worked as a veterinarian in California for more than 25 years. She has her own permanent exhibition of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She is a fighter. She is honest about her breast cancer and other ailments. Also, she is motivational speaker who volunteers and works in many charities. She cares for the homeless and cares for animals too. She is always a role model. I wish Sister Danielle Spencer more blessings. 

 

 

General Mark Milley defended policies to fight racism in the military. Far right extremist Matt Gaetz accused Milley and other generals of promoting some "woke" culture. Gaetz and other far right people are known for disrespecting the military. The military leadership wants to promote anti-racism programs to improve the military in general. Tax dollars should be spent to get rid of racist extremists period. These GOP hypocrites claim to love the military, but they love to promote austerity. Secretary Austin also defended the plan to fight white racism in the military too. Now, Gaetz and others want to defund the military not for any progressive purpose. They want to defund the military in order for them to suppress any form of anti-racist policies to counteract how some in the military have been influenced by white nationalist, racist, and Neo-Nazi evil ideologies. Racism is an international evil that must be eradicated completely. Ironically, Gaetz is in an investigation of many crimes, but he wants to lecture people on "woke culture." He's a hypocrite. So, the major point is that you can't make change by sugarcoating our American history (American history both includes the Civil Rights Movement and antebellum slavery including the peonage system). You can't whitewash the terrorist attacks on the U.S. Capitol on 1/6. You have to be honest with our history and build policies to promote justice for all. Justice is about eliminating systems of oppression and establishing investments in human growth and community growth too.

 

It is important to celebrate late legends. Days ago was the Birthday of the late Wilma Rudolph. She overcame so much to fulfill her dream to participate in track and field. She experienced her dream and more in her life. Wilma Rudolph was one of the greatest athletes in human history. She was born in 1940 at Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee. She was raised at Clarksville, Tennessee. She overcame many illnesses as a child like pneumonia, scarlet fever, and the polio virus. She recovered from polio. She used a leg brace. Later, she regained the power of her leg. At Nashville, she was at Tennessee State University. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Wilma Rudolph could basketball too. She even scored 803 points at her high school basketball's sophomore year (which is a record). She ran track at college and at the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne, Australia. She won more medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics at Rome. She won gold at the 100m, the 200m, and at the 4 X 100m relay. She was the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in a single Olympaid. She was the fastest woman during her generation. She was an international star like Muhammad Ali, Oscar Robertson, and Rafer Johnson. She ran track, went into Africa, and supported civil rights in America. She fought to allow Clarksville to integrate its public facilities and restaurants. She taught kids and taught people track and field. Her Wilma Rudolph Foundation helped to train athletes for years since 1981. In 1992, she was the vice President at Nashville's Baptist Hospital. She loved her 4 children, her 8 grandchildren, and her relatives. Wilma Rudolph had compassion for fellow human beings. 

Rest in Power Sister Wilma Rudolph.

 

 

By Timothy

 

New Events and Real Situations.

 

 

 

  

American democracy is under threat. The Senate voted to have the policy of not having voting rights legislation to be debated in Congress. The GOP Senators have shown who they are. They are disgraceful legislatures who care more for Trump and his ego than freedom and justice for all Americans. Many GOP leaders have promoted the lie that the 2020 election was stolen. Hundreds of people from across America are doing to Washington, D.C. to convince Congress to vote for real voting legislation. This vote now is the procedural vote on For the People Act. This fight for democracy is not over. GOP voting suppression legislation not only limits the times people can vote. Many laws outright shift who can handle voting, and many moderates are in support of the archaic filibuster. The GOP has blocked legislation to investigate the 1/6 attack, blocked legislation for a new infrastructure, hate policing reform legislation, and now doesn't want any bold voting rights legislation. The Republican Party is a total disgrace. The GOP blocked the Voting Rights bill in 2021. It's a shame. That vote was about whether to debate the bill.

 

It has been a dream come true for this track and field athlete. She has been through a lot in her life, but her will to win is powerful. She has the charisma of a Gail Devers and Flo Jo. She has strength and courage. Also, she is her own woman. She is Sha'Carri Richardson. Her family is with her when she won her USA Olympic Trials to have the opportunity to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It was an emotional win for her as her mother recently passed away. She told the truth that people don't know of the sacrifice, the pain, and the challenges that many athletes go through outside of sporting events. They are human just like us with a wide range of emotion. People love Sha'Carri Richardson, because she is real, honest, and filled with the joy of life. That is what we honor and hold dear. She is a young legend. One breaking piece of news is that another black woman has tied to being the 2nd fastest time for a woman in 100 m history. Her name is Blessing Okagbare, and she is from Nigeria. She will compete in the 100m during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The 100m race is going to be filled with some of the most talented sprinters in history indeed. Blessing is probably the greatest African sprinter of all time. Involving track and field, Allyson Felix is going to the Tokyo Olympics for the 400 m. This is her 5th time going to the Olympics after being 3rd in the USA American Trials. The other victors are Quanera Hayes and Wadeline Jonathas. Allyson Felix wanted that place to go into the Olympics. She has a daughter now and a husband. Each of the 3 Sisters thanked God for their victories. There is nothing wrong with that. Felix's and Hayes's children meet each other too.

 

 

There has been criticism about the movie In the Heights about the lack of Afro-Latino representation. That criticism is fair. Yet, Rita Moreno saying to critics just wait was not only ignorant and offensive. It is about erasure of Afro-Latino people who deserve dignity and respect. That is why Moreno recently apologized for that statement. Bill Maher and Paul Begala doubled down on criticizing those who critiqued the film In the Heights. I'm not surprised at Bill Maher. Maher is a fake liberal who said the n word, made Islamophobic statements, was accused of abusing black women that he dated, and did other revolting things. So, Maher is Maher. I don't have any respect for him. Paul Begala is different, because that neoliberal moderate (and an ally of the neoliberal Bill Clinton) should have know better. Begala said that us critics should focus on racial disparities of health, childbirth, and police brutality involving the black community. This ignorant person forgets that black people can do both criticize disparities and critique a movie too. For Begala to have the gall and the arrogance to assume that people who want more Afro-Latino representation are getting their priorities misplaced is the height of white racist arrogance. Maher said that this is why people hate Democrats. No, this is why you have being called out on your lies. The In the Heights movie omits Dominicans and the diverse people of Puerto Rican Americans. Not all Puerto Ricans are white. Most Puerto Ricans have a large amount of indigenous heritage, and tons of Puerto Ricans are black people. The Schomburg Center (as found in New York City), which celebrates black American culture, was created by an Afro-Puerto Rican named Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (who was a historian).  We have to call out racism, colorism, and any form of oppression. That is what we're born to do. So, as a black American person, we have to show solidarity with our Afro-Latino Brothers and Sisters.

 

 

Now, more than 60 percent of all Americans (who are adults) have at least one vaccine. Now, there is the Delta variant that is spreading rapidly in the world including in America. Unvaccinated Americans are heavily vulnerable to that variant too. Some states have over 50 percent of its population fully vaccinated. Over 600,000 Americans have died as a product of the virus in America. The Delta variant is believed to be more transmissible than other variants. Infections are rising in low vaccinated states like in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Missouri. Many people in the hospitals now are younger people, because elderly Americans are heavily vaccinated percentage wise. That is why we aren't out of the woods yet. We have escaped the worst era of the pandemic in America, but we have a long way to go to live in some sense of normalcy in dealing with the pandemic crisis.

 

 

There is an unanimous Supreme Court decision that existed days ago. In a rare 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court said that student athletes can receive education related payments. The NCAA have fought long and hard for years to make sure that student athletes are restricted of such payments, but they failed. This decision can change college sports forever by allowing more money to go to the players. College sports earn billions of dollars every year from contracts, ticket sales, promotions, and selling merchandise. Supporters of the students say that players are exploited by colleges in that system. Kavanaugh said that the NCAA acted in contradiction to antitrust law in preventing workers from being economically compensated. This decision represents another victory for the rights of college athletes and more ways that they deserve financial resources for their talent. It's a large start.

 

By Timothy

 

 

Gospel History.

 https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1075&context=history_theses#:~:text=Gospel%20music%20was%20used%20throughout%20the%20civil%20rights,gospel%20style.%20From%20local%20elders%20to%20student%20organizers%2C

The Dark-Skinned Afro-Latinx Erasure In 'In The Heights'

 https://www.npr.org/2021/06/16/1007338017/the-dark-skinned-afro-latinx-erasure-in-in-the-heights

Toni Morrison Hated 'Hamilton' So Much She Funded a Play About Lin-Manuel Miranda

 https://www.newsweek.com/toni-morrison-hated-hamilton-funded-play-lin-manuel-miranda-haunting-1601524

The Republican Party has Turned Fascist and is Now the Most Dangerous Threat in the World

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/06/22/the-republican-party-has-turned-fascist-and-is-now-the-most-dangerous-threat-in-the-world/

The Missing and the Dead in El Salvador

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/06/22/the-missing-and-the-dead-in-el-salvador/

Cultural Information during late July of 2021.

 

 

 

One of the most unsung singers in the world was Marva Whitney. She had such an outstanding voice singing music that she was called the Soul Sister Number One. She could sing R&B, soul, and funk music. Kansas City, Kansas was the city of her birth. When she was a child (at the age of 3 years old), she was on tour with her family's gospel group called The Manning Gospel Singers. She lived from May 1, 1944 to December 22, 2012. When she was 16 years old, she joined the Alma Whitney Singers. During the 1960's, her career has grown massively. One funky song that she made was Unwind Yourself. Her early albums were Unwind Yourself (1968), Live and Lowdown at the Apollo [actually live in Georgia] (1969), and It's My Thing (1969). She joined many groups, and she worked with James Brown, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, and Lyn Collins. She even worked in gospel music too. Marva Whitney loved to tour worldwide in Europe, Japan, and in other locations. Her friend Dawayne Gilley said that she was one of the first women to embody the authority of funk. Whitney loved to show her voice in the midst of a bass, guitar lines, and horns. Her 2007 album of I Am What I Am was critically acclaim. Marva Whitney was a legend of musical expression to the fullest extent. 

  

Lyn Collins (or Gloria Lavern Collins) lived from June 12, 1948 to March 13, 2005. She was an American soul singer. Her 1972 funk single Think (About It) had a classic sound. She worked with James Brown too. Dime Box, Texas was the place of her birth. Since she was 14 years old, she recorded music. She played with Charles Pike and The Scholars. She possessed gospel influences too. Her music was heavily sampled by hip hop artists, because hip hop is a descendant of funk music literally. She worked in house music with the song of "Shout." House was born in Chicago by the 1980's as a powerful form of self-expression. In February of 2005, she formed her first solo tour. For three weeks, she performed in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She is respected by her peers and colleagues as an outstanding singer. 

  

 

Levi Stubbs is one of the greatest singers in history. He was the lead singer of the R&B group called the Four Tops. He was born in Detroit, Michigan part of the Motown explosion of revolutionary singers plus groups that excelled massively in the world. His voice is baritone. His emotional, dramatic style of singing has been noted by many people. He lived from June 6, 1936 to October 17, 2008. Many people don't know that he was a voice artist in film and television. Tons of people admire his musical skills. Levi Stubbs loved his wife named Clineice with their 5 children. His cousin was Jackie Wilson. His brother Joe was in the group of 100 Proof (Aged in Soul), The Falcons, The Contours, and The Originals. He worked with his friends to form the Four Aims in 1954, and they changed the name to the Four Tops in 1956. They signed with Motown Records in 1963. They made many classic songs like Baby I Need Your Loving, I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), It's the Same Old Song, I'll Turn to Stone, Reach Out I'll Be There, Bernadette, Still Water (Love), Standing in the Shadows of Love, etc. Levi Stubbs supported the Four Tops even when people offered him to go solo. He didn't do it or left the Four Tops. He was loyal to the group which takes a lot of courage and compassion. When Lawrence Payton passed away in 1997, Theo Peoples replaced him. The FourtTops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013. They sold over 50 million records worldwide. Levi Stubbs was one of the best, and his legacy lives on forever. Berry Gordy, Martha Reeves, Hall and Oats, Brian Holland, Ali-Ollie Woodson, and Dennis Edwards all supported him. Levi Stubbs Day exists in the city of Detroit to this very day. 

  

 

Annette Simmons is a great R&B singer and soul singing legend. She was an original member of the group of Martha and the Vandellas during the 1960's. Now, she is a member of the singing group of The Original Vandellas. July 4, 1943 is the date of her birth. She worked on doo-wop, rock and roll, funk, and disco music. Detroit, Michigan is the city of her birth. Her parents are Ann and Roger El Wood Beard. Like many legends, she sang in church choirs at an early age. When she was 14, her career grew. She was in The Del-Phis in 1957. She had a child back in the 1960's and left the group in 1964. She continues to be friends with her former bandmates. In 1995, Beard joined Reeves, Ashford, Betty Kelly, and Lois Reeves as Martha and the Vandellas were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Annette Simmons loves her husband Dann Simmons RN or Ashland, Ohio. She lives in Madison Heights, Michigan and Ashland, Ohio. 

  

 

Soul singer Vicki Anderson was born on November 21, 1939. She is the mother of Carleen Anderson. Vicki worked with James Brown, and she is the widow of Bobby Bryd. Houston, Texas is the place of her birth. She joined James Brown in his singing group in 1965. James Brown said in his autobiography that Anderson the best singer he ever had in his revue. In 1970, her most famous song was The Message from the Soul Sisters displaying a feminist anthem. She toured the world too. 

  

 

The songwriting and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon A. Huff are very influential in music in general. Gamble is from Philadelphia and Huff is from Camden, New Jersey. The helped to form the Philadelphia soul music genre of the Philly sound of the 1970's. Gamble and Huff have written and produced 175 gold and platinum records. That is why they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the non-performer category by March of 2008. Leon Huff worked on keyboards. Gamble was on a DJ assisting people. Kenneth Gamble was a solo artist. Gamble, Ross, and Huff worked on the song I'm Gonna Make You Love Me. They produced their first Top 5 hit of Expressway to Your Heart by The Soul Survivors. They worked with people like Archie Bell and the Drells, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, and the Sweet Inspirations. Jerry Butler and Dee Dee Warwick worked with them too. Gamble and Huff formed Philadelphia International Records in 1971. The Philly sound inspired songs like If You Don't Know Me by Now by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Love Train by the O'Jays, and Me and Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul. Gamble and Huff used basslines, lush strings, and hit-hat rhythms (which would be found in disco later on). By 1975, Gamble and Huff were the premiere producers of soul beyond even Motown. Gamble and Huff were political activists by promoting songs that advanced Blackness and self-determination like the O'Jays' Give the People What They Want (1975) and Billy Paul's Am I Black Enough for You? (1972). Gamble worked to help properties in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago via his Clean Up the Ghetto project. Gamble and Huff made so many contributions in R&B, that you can't know R&B fully without mentioning their names. 

 

 

 

One of my favorite singers is Marlena Shaw. She can sing jazz, blues, and soul music. September 22, 1942 was when she was born. By the 1960's, she became an icon of music. Her music has been sampled in hip hop music and television commercials. New Rochelle, New York is the place of her birth. Her uncle and jazz trumpet player Jimmy Burgess introduced her to music. Shaw listened to Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, gospel, and Al Hibber. Marlena Shaw worked in jazz clubs all of the time. She worked with jazz trumpeter Howard McGhee in 1963. She performed California Soul which is my opinion is the best version that she has sung. It was written by Ashford and Simpson. It was sang by the quintet the 5th Dimension. The song is found in Dockers, KFC, and Doge Ram trucks commercials. She made music in the 1970's and beyond. The Spice of Life album was released in November of 1969, and her album of Marlena was released in 1972. 

  

Odetta Holmes is one of the greatest folk singers in history. She lived from December 31, 1930 to December 2, 2008. She inspired many artists. As the voice of the Civil Rights Movement, Odetta was always a civil and human rights activist for decades. She can play the guitar, act, and worked so hard in her walk. She loved to perform folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. She inspired everybody like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, and Janis Joplin. One of my favorite songs from her is Take This Hammer. Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were fans of her music too. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 31, 1930. Later, her family moved into Los Angeles. Her teacher noticed her singing talents. She started operatic training at the age of 113. Odetta sang professionally in a musical in 1944. She toured with singing groups. Later, she Odetta recorded Odetta and Larry with Larry Mohr for Fantasy Records in 1954. She made solo albums too. She sang Water Boy and There's a Hole in My Bucket in 1959 on Tonight with Belafonte TV special. Dr. King called her The Queen of American Folk Music. She sang at the 1963 March on Washington with the song O Freedom. She had jazz/blues albums like Odetta and the Blues (1962) and Odetta (1967). She was on many films as an actress like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) and Dinerama Holday (1955). She made more albums too. She was a friend to Ella Fitzgerald and made a CD in her honor called "To Ella." It was released in 1998. Odetta was honored everywhere. She wanted to perform at Barack Obama's inauguration in January of 2009. She passed away on December 2, 2008 at New York City. Odetta influenced Harry Belafonte, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Maya Angelou, John Waters, Carly Simon, and other artists. Odetta was a black woman with a one in a lifetime talent that was so excellent. 

  

 

To understand Vice President Kamala Harris's life, you have to start from the beginning. Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California on October 20, 1964. Her mother was Shyamala Gopalan, who was a biologist whose work on the progesterone receptor gene stimulated advances in breast cancer researcher. Shyamala came into America from India in 1958 as a 10 year old graduate student in nutrition and endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley. Gaopalan received her PhD. in 1964. Harris's father is Donald J. Harris. Donald J. Harris is a Stanford University professor emeritus of economics. He arrived from the United States from Jamaica in 1961 for graduate study at UC Berkeley, receiving a PhD. in economics in 1966. He is of Afro-Jamaican descent. Donald Harris and Shyamala Gopalan met via the Civil Rights Movement. Kamala Harris and her younger sister Maya lived in Berkeley, California during and after her parents' studies. They stayed briefly on Milvia Street in central Berkeley, then at a duplex on Bancroft Way in West Berkeley, That area is called the flatlands with a large black population. When Kamala Harris was in kindergarten, she was bused as part of Berkeley's comprehensive desegregation program to Thousand Oaks Elementary School, a public school in a more prosperous neighborhood in northern Berkeley which was previously 95 percent white. After the desegregation plan went into effect, northern Berkeley became 40 percent black American. A neighbor regularly took the Harris girls to an African American church in Oakland where they sang in the children's choir. The girls and their mother also frequently visited a nearby African American cultural center. Their mother introduced them to Hinduism by taking them to a nearby Hindu temple where she occasionally sang. As children, she and her sister visited their mother's family in Madras (now Chennai) many times. Kamala Harris said that she was heavily influenced by her maternal grandfather P.V. Gopalan, a retired Indian civil servant shoe progressive views on democracy and women's rights impressed her. Kamala Harris has always remained in touch with her Indian aunts and uncles all over her adult life. Harris has also visited her father's family in Jamaica. 

 

  

When she was 7 years old, her parents divorced. Kamala Harris said that when she and her sister visited their father in Palo Alto on weekends, other children in the neighborhood were not allowed to play with them because they were black. When she was 12, Harris and her sister moved with their mother to live in Montreal Quebec, where Shyamala had accepted a research and teaching position at the McGill University-affiliated Jewish General Hospital. Harris attended a French-speaking primary school, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, then F.A.C.E. School, and finally Westmount High School in Westmount, Quebec, graduating in 1981. Wanda Kagan, a high school friend of Harris, later told CBC News in 2020 that Harris was her best friend and described how she confided in Harris that she had been molested by her stepfather. She said that Harris told her mother, who then insisted Kagan come to live with them for the remainder of her final year of high school. Kagan said Harris had recently told her that their friendship, and playing a role in countering Kagan's exploitation, helped form the commitment Harris felt in protecting women and children as a prosecutor. After high school, in 1982, Harris attended Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C. While at Howard, she interned as a mailroom clerk for California senator Alan Cranston, chaired the economics society, led the debate team, and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Harris graduated from Howard in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics. Kamala Harris then returned to California to attend law school at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law through its Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP).  While at UC Hastings, she served as president of its chapter of the Black Law Students Association. She graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1989  and was admitted to the California Bar in June 1990. Therefore, the early part of Kamala Harris's life is characterized by huge accomplishments. 

By Timothy

 

Languages.

 https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~franker/week11Africa4words.pdf

http://slaverebellion.info/index.php?page=some-african-american-words-of-african-origins

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_words_of_African_origin

Community Control of Public Safety: Building a Transitional Program for Power

 https://blackagendareport.com/community-control-public-safety-building-transitional-program-power

Katori Hall, Les Payne and Tamara Payne, Darnella Frazier, Wesley Morris and More Win Pulitzer Prizes in 2021

 https://goodblacknews.org/2021/06/11/katori-hall-les-payne-and-tamara-payne-darnella-frazier-wesley-morris-and-more-win-pulitzer-prizes-in-2021/

The African Diaspora.

 

 

https://africandiasporagroup.org/

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_diaspora

Independent Media is Political, Too: A Defense of “State” or Publicly-Funded Media

 https://blackagendareport.com/independent-media-political-too-defense-state-or-publicly-funded-media

Freedom Ride: How Not to Celebrate Juneteenth

 https://blackagendareport.com/freedom-ride-how-not-celebrate-juneteenth

Lessons from Eldridge Cleaver and the Black Panther Party

 https://blackagendareport.com/lessons-eldridge-cleaver-and-black-panther-party

Anti-Aging Secrets.

 https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2016-06-01/anti-aging-secrets-from-7-centenarians

On Juneteenth being a National Holiday.

  

 

Today is a very historic day. President Joe Biden yesterday (on June 17, 2021) signed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. It is certainly a great time to see a vision made into a reality. This comes in the midst of legislation being debated in Congress that deals with expanding plus protecting voting rights. Juneteenth was originated when Union soldiers told black Texans that the Civil War is over (and black people are forever free). Opal Lee was there at the signing of the bill into law, and she is an elder who fought constantly to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth is part of black American culture and American culture as we (who are black Americans) are very much Americans. Our ancestors helped to build this nation, and we are definitely entitled to reparations. So, this is great news. Likewise, we have a long way to go in dealing with economic inequality, health disparities, environmental issues, gentrification, racism, and other subjects that must be addressed. Far right extremists are not only in favor of voting suppression laws in various states. Also, they oppose critical race theory (that deals with teaching people about the real history of America). Biden is back at the White House from traveling to Geneva, Switzerland. Today, Juneteenth is a national holiday as it should be. Now, the Senate must do its job to pass progressive voting rights legislation. In order to have real healing and real change, we have to be honest about our history. Also, we have to execute policies that address oppression. There must be investments, enforcement to address injustices, and the elimination of the structures of racism too. There must be laws to end police brutality, and there must be reparations for black Americans. We will never forget the Maafa and slavery, and we are entitled to freedom and justice concretely. Juneteenth represents freedom, triumph, joy, resiliency,and power found in our black experience. We, as black people, are beautiful and amazing period. 

Now, the Supreme Court for a third time refused to overthrow the Affordable Care Crime. The decision was a 7-2 decision. This is certainly great news. Only Alito and Gorusch dissented. This means that millions of Americans, who have the ACA, will keep their health insurance. Many Republican-led states and some in the Trump administration failed to make their goal to end the ACA a reality. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is a liar to assume that the ACA is a massive government takeover as most health care systems in America are run by corporations not by the government. The ACA is a moderate law that has parts which were promoted by Mitt Romney and the Heritage Foundation. That is why the ACA is a first step in establishing true, universal health care. There should be an expansion of health care as health complications continue to exist, especially during a time of pandemic. We know about the statistics involving health disparities and discrimination in health care services in the USA too. Paxton omits that true federalism means that the federal government makes laws supreme in the land, not the state having a carte blanche right to do as it pleases without restraint. The truth is that overall human rights is superior to states' rights. Some states refuse to even expand Medicaid to help the lives of humanity, which is wrong. You have to help your neighbor, and one way of doing that is to advance Medicaid expansion. 

 

21 GOP members vote no on Congressional Gold Medals for January 6 officers who responded to terrorists. This revealed many things. It revealed the truth that GOP far right people don't care about police protecting people in Congress. Gosar even called the terrorists involved in the insurrection as "peaceful patriots." These criminals aren't patriots. They are sick criminals, traitors, and terrorists plain and simple. The GOP have shown to be a disgrace. I don't understand how anyone can be a Republican now. I can understand if a person is an independent, but the GOP is dominated by overt nihilists and haters of progressive change. I remember years ago when moderate and liberal Republicans existed in the U.S. Congress. That day is over. Back in the day, liberals were in both Republican and Democratic parties. Gosar seek to whitewash the events of 1/6 and use historical revisionism. Now, we have Qanon lovers, racists, and Trump worshipers dominating the GOP presently. For all of its rhetoric about the blue, those 21 Republican reveal themselves as anti-democratic and liars.

 

Soon, a new NYC mayor will exist. There are many candidates who want that position. New York City has been through a lot. It was originally settled by Native Americans. Later, the Dutch, the English, and black Africans have lived in New York City. NYC was once the major slave depots in the Americas. Warriors for freedom fought back for justice in New York City too. Some of the greatest leaders of the world are found in the city. After deindustralization, complex issues grew too. On the issues of civil liberties, crime, and poverty, I do feel that the best candidate is Maya Wiley. She is a civil rights activist, a person who knows about the issues, and she is a black woman who completely rejects stop and frisk. The de Blasio era will soon be over. Now, we shall see a new human being with the mayoral position dealing with many complex political issues. Regardless of who wins, our core convictions remain the same. We believe in investments to build up communities, we want human beings to be safe and secure, and we want compassion to be sent out to help individuals to reach their highest heights of progress. Our civil liberties, our health, our environment, and our freedoms in general always matter. .

The meeting between President Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin is over at Geneva, Switzerland. It was a historic meeting amidst many foreign policy crisis going on in the world from hacking attacks to the growth of China as a superpower. Biden came into the meeting not expecting miracles but an understanding. Putin tried to be slick to obfuscate his human rights abuses by comparing them to America. Putin even slandered the BLM, when the BLM never stormed the U.S. Capitol building in 1/6/2021 at all. BLM means justice for black people not an attempt to destroy democracy. Putin is clear in harboring hatred of real democratic principles, as he is allied with oligarchs. Biden wanted to reiterate the point that he is in favor of promoting democratic values in the world. When asked if he was a killer, Putin never denied that  allegation. Biden and Putin gave separate interviews with reporters on the scene. Putin said that he hopes that more dialogue will happen. Putin is a disgrace to compare terrorist insurrectionists to dissidents (the bigot Tucker Carlson from FOX promoted the lie that the FBI orchestrated the 1/6 attack). Putin made a ridiculous comparison. These terrorists killed a police officer in the U.S. Capitol. Biden said that he doesn't have trust of Putin, but he wants to verify if Putin changes course.

 

 

By Timothy

 

Why the Vietnam War? by Michael Swanson

 https://kennedysandking.com/reviews/why-the-vietnam-war-by-michael-swanson

Michael Kazin and the NY Review vs JFK

 https://kennedysandking.com/john-f-kennedy-reviews/michael-kazin-and-the-ny-review-vs-jfk

The Golden Rule.

 http://www.redmoonrising.com/goldenrule.htm

Politics and Reality.

  

Over 150 years ago, the American Civil War existed. Many of our ancestors were part of that war that killed more Americans on American soil via warfare since 1776. At least one of my ancestors was a Union soldier in the Civil War. The Civil War didn't just talk place in my home state of Virginia. It took place all over America in Pennsylvania, in Texas, in Arizona, and even in New Mexico. Juneteenth was the time when African Americans in Texas were told that the Civil War was over (on June 19, 1865 by Union General Gordon Granger), and everyone was free from the injustice of slavery. After all of these years, the United States Senate voted to allow Juneteenth to be a federal American holiday. That is certainly great news after all of this time. We have a long way to go. The bill will go to the House for final confirmation. We still have to deal with gentrification, systematic racism, poverty, climate change, education, and other issues that impact us all. The wisdom of the elders and the vigor plus the energy of the youth certainly inspire us all. The long road for justice is not over, but we are still walking in the same path towards freedom. That path is a righteousness whose foundation was laid long ago by our heroic ancestors who gave their all for us. 

 

New emails show that Trump pressed the DOJ to challenge the election. If this was released long before this time, Trump possibly would be impeached and banned from holding public office again. Trump wanted the DOJ to sue 6 swing states in order to overturn the results from the Electoral College. Of course, such important information should be investigated. This is one out of many reasons why I'm glad that Donald Trump is a one term President. This information was released also by House Democrats. Trump wanted votes in swing states not to be counted and have a special election in its place. This is outright evil done by Trump. We are still fighting for democracy. That is why many Texas state Democrats came into Washington, D.C. to inspire Congress to pass new voting rights legislation federally. We have a crisis of democracy in America. An unjust voter suppression law was passed in Georgia. You have many states with bills that not only limit voting rights, but they show cruelty in nullifying voters' right to vote if strict policies aren't adhered too. Being a centrism won't cut it on this issue. You have to be for one way and that is for democracy. Our ancestors fought for the right to vote too. Joe Manchin and Sinema care more for the filibuster than for progressive change. Lawsuits are constantly being filed to eradicate these unjust voter suppression laws. Many of these laws and bills suppress the rights of elected officials.

Biden gave a speech in Brussels, Belgium to defend NATO. He harbors many disagreements with Russia and China. Biden said that he doesn't seek conflict with Russia, but he will respond to Putin. Biden outlined his disagreements with Putin. The G7 summit is about Western powers outlining their unity to counteract the rising powers of Russia and China. China is a superpower now. Some want to promote the myth that China intentionally spread the virus from a Wuhan lab. Biden seeks to discuss many issues with Putin. Putin is not a hero. He is an autocrat, a liar, and a person who promotes anti-democratic values. He even whitewashes the actions of terrorists involved in the 1/6 insurrection. Putin has defended the insurrectionists which shows that Putin is an overt disgraceful person. Biden issued the statement that he doesn't want conflict with Russia, but he wants to respond to Putin. Some in the corporate media aren't reporting that American and UK sophisticated warships are being sent to the South China Sea. That is a provocative move. China has its imperfections from civil liberties issues, the Uyghur situation, and on other issues, but we have to rise above war mongering. In America, we have a crisis where corporations in America receive multi-trillion dollar bailouts, but some states are now cutting unemployment benefits from those who need them. In the final analysis, the G7 may promote token change, but they desire the status quo. No massive change economically, socially, or politically will exist from the G7 as they represent some of the most wealthiest interests on Earth. With the global pandemic, police brutality, and other issues, we desire revolutionary change.

 

In recent years, many people even deny that Bruce Lee was a real martial artist, a philosopher, and a real fighter. This lie has been spread by many people who either don't know about fighting or don't know Bruce Lee. The truth is that Bruce Lee fought for his entire life. He was known as a street fighter. He was trained by the martial artist Ip Man. Real, legendary fighters and martial artists like Jim Kelly (who was a black American kickboxing competitor, athlete, and movie star), Louis Delgado, Joe Lewis (he was a student of Bruce Lee, and Joe Lewis was one of the greatest kickboxers in history. Joe Lewis said that Bruce Lee hit extremely hard like a heavyweight), Don Insanto, George Dillman (who was an expert karate martial artist being a 10th degree black belt), Lewis Ray "Skipper" Mullins, William Cheung (a Wing Chung expert), and others (who know Bruce Lee in real life) have already said that Bruce Lee was a great martial artist and a great fighter.

 

Some breaking news is that the Israeli Parliament has voted to oust Benjamin Netanyahu. For many years, he has been one of the most controversial Prime Ministers of Israel. He has been accused of economic corruption. He has been a hardliner in Middle Eastern policies, and many in his own nation have said that it's time for him to go. I remember him doing the 1990's as he opposed even the moderate Olso accords. He compared the Iranian government to Nazis, so Netanyahu has no shame in his extremist, abhorrent rhetoric. Attorney General Garland promised to investigate the data mining of Trump's DOJ against Democrats and others. This is blatantly against the integrity of the rule of law. Now, we know that the Trump Justice Department seized records of reporters and even members of his administration. This proved that Trump's administration is one of the most corrupt administrations in history. There should be a Senate investigation and subpoenas towards Barr and Sessions. Barr and Sessions must testify under oath to find the truth. This action was not just an abuse of power. It was blatantly wrong and evil. Many people of the GOP are obviously silent.  

 

 

By Timothy

 

GEORGE FLOYD, FOUR HUNDRED YEARS LATER

 https://whispersofawomanist.com/2021/05/26/george-floyd-four-hundred-years-later/

“NOT A RACIST COUNTRY,” A BLACK FEMALE PERSPECTIVE

 https://whispersofawomanist.com/2021/05/04/not-a-racist-country-a-black-female-perspective/

A WORD ON NANCY PELOSI AND THE PETTING INCIDENT…

 https://whispersofawomanist.com/2021/05/28/a-word-on-nancy-pelosi-and-the-petting-incident/

HARRY AIN’T A HERO…

 https://whispersofawomanist.com/2021/05/29/harry-aint-a-hero/

From Black Wall Street to Black Capitalism

 https://blackagendareport.com/black-wall-street-black-capitalism

TRANSCRIPT: Gerald Horne: Haiti and African Liberation in the Americas

 https://blackagendareport.com/transcript-gerald-horne-haiti-and-african-liberation-americas

US Universities Have Turned Into Rapacious Capitalist Machines

 https://blackagendareport.com/us-universities-have-turned-rapacious-capitalist-machines

Six Love, Naomi Osaka: Defying Capitalist Decadence in Sport

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/06/14/six-love-naomi-osaka-defying-capitalist-decadence-in-sport/

Power at Any Cost

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/06/14/power-at-any-cost-how-opportunistic-mansour-abbas-joined-hands-with-avowed-arab-killers/

An Analysis of China’s Borderland History Offers a Left Case for the Uyghurs

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/06/14/an-analysis-of-chinas-borderland-history-offers-a-left-case-for-the-uyghurs/

The Facts are Coming About.

  

 

You can't mention anything about 9/11 with analyzing the elephant in the room. We know what that elephant is, and it's the 9/11 Truth Movement. That movement has been praised and criticized by people throughout the world. One of the strongest critics of 9/11 Truth have been members of the corporate media (as found in networks, mainstream newspapers, etc.). What it is necessary to do now is to fairly talk about 9/11 Truth without outlining biased or  displaying the typical demonization of people. That is what I'm born to do. The 9/11 Truth movement is a diverse amount of people in America and in the world who don't believe in the official story of 9/11. They are unified on that point. They don't believe that 9/11 was a surprise attack. Some believe that 9/11 was allowed to happened, and some believe that the government orchestrated 9/11. The peak of the popularity of the 9/11 Truth movement was from 2001 to 2009. The first decade of the 21st century saw such a rapid advance of 9/11 Truth that then President George W. Bush condemned it as promoting "outrageous conspiracy theories." Ironically, the 9/11 Truth Movement has did some good in getting more people interested in researching the war on terror and questioning authority. They have done a great job in organizing people to promote human civil liberties and peace in the world. We all know about the imperfections found in the Patriot Act and in the USA Military Commissions Act. We know of the high level of surveillance technology in the world that came after 9/11 too. Many 9/11 Truth members unfortunately have promoted overt hoaxes that only advance falsehoods and not the truth. There are two major factions of the 9/11 Truth Movement. One faction are made up of sincere human beings who try to document information. They want serious research to be presented to the public. The other faction of this movement are made up of people who advance disinformation, falsehoods (like the myth that no plane hit the Pentagon which only distracts from real issues), and don't advance serious, documented information.

 

Back in March of 2004, the 9/11 Truth movement members met in March 2004 at the International inquiry into 9/11 being held at San Francisco, California. There is the intersectionality of 9/11 Truth members working in peace, environmental, and anti-imperialist movements too. It is not unusual to find that governments throughout human history organize terror to advance fear and control over the people. For example, Operation Gleiwitz was done by the Nazi in order to provoke the invasion of Poland. We know about Operation Northwoods when some in the government wanted to bomb places in America to provoke an invasion of Cuba. President John F. Kennedy rejected that plan outright. We know about President LBJ exploiting the Gulf on Tonkin situation to advance the Vietnam War in another level. Operation Ajax was when British and American intelligence used a false flag operation to overthrow a democratically elected leader Muhammad Mossadeq from power in Iran (so, Western forces can get oil resources in Iran. The Shah was installed, and the Shah was a dictator in Iran for decades). Operation Gladio was involved by NATO. Many 9/11 related questions still remain. By the end of this prose, you will know where I agree and disagree with 9/11 Truth. We know that just before 9/11, George W. Bush was ready to sign papers to involved the U.S. in Afghanistan (as sited by the British Jane's International Security magazine, the magazine of India Reacts from June 26, 2001, and from an article from Julian Boger as cited in The Guardian). Also, many of the same folks who claim to be against governmental corruption are allied with the far right movements of extremists (and excuse neoliberal capitalism).

 

Some far right extremists even falsely equate neoliberalism with socialism when socialists defended labor rights, civil rights, and human rights for decades and centuries. Some of the fake "patriots" even equate any kind of government intervention with communists. These folks are the paleoconservative, anti-governmental individuals who dismiss any health care programs and have a fetish of gun rights (there is nothing wrong with an innocent person owning a gun, but criminals should never own a gun. A gun is a tool not a god). In our time, we have many of these paleoconservative, info-entertainers who want to sell products and are multimillionaires at the expense of promoting paranoia, xenophobia, and other problems. We know which info-entertainer that I'm talking about. He's from Austin, Texas. His name is Alex Jones. 

 

 

On February 12, 2016, Alex Jones praised Barry Goldwater. Goldwater was the man who opposed the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and didn’t rule out using nuclear weapons in Vietnam. His friend was General Curtis LeMay (he executed firebombing of even Japanese civilians during World War II) who tried to provoke war with the Russians during the 1950’s and the 1960’s. Alex Jones is silent on the American Security Council, the World Anti-Communist League, the Council for National Policy, the Western Goals Foundation, and Le Cercle. Alex Jones is also the friend of the notorious racist and sexist Ted Nugent. Birds of a feather do flock together.

 

It is true that many political elites have done evil against many people and the Third World people, but I reject anti-progressive lies that are meant to advance xenophobia, sexism, and racism. Now, it is very important to expose government corruption. We know that the oligarchy have done illegal actions. I have noticed that these paleaoconservatives only attack the so-called “liberal” Eastern Establishment. They never attack the establishment groups like the Council for National Policy, the American Security Council, Le Cercle, the Pilgrim Society, the John Birch Society, etc. because many of these groups have links to the far right movements that they endorse. One leading Skulls & Bones author is Kris Millegan. He published the works of Sutton, Iserbyt, and others. His father is Lloyd Millegan, who was a ranking OSS, Army G2, and CIA officer. Lloyd Millegan Sr. was acquainted with John Foster Dulles from a very young age. A few years later Millegan, Sr. was recruited into the OSS and kept tabs on the notoriously reactionary and stubborn General Douglas MacArthur as one of the general's staffers. A full decade later, in 1956, years before the massive American troop involvement in the Vietnam War broke out, he was partying with General Edward Lansdale and even a few North Vietnamese leaders in Saigon. The common lie and myth was that JFK started American military involvement in the Vietnam War. The truth is that Eisenhower had military advisors in Vietnam long before JFK was President. Dulles, along with his brother, later belonged to the Pilgrim Society. MacArthur and Lansdale were favorites of the American Security Council. Even author Alexandra Robbins was a member of the Scroll & Key. 

 

 

Gordon Duff is senior editor of Veterans Today, has promoted the missile into the Pentagon myth. Dick Eastman is not only a person who believes in the light that no 757 hit the Pentagon. He is an evil anti-Semite who believes in the slander of Holocaust denial. Jewish people, Roma, black people, etc. died in the Holocaust by the murderous actions of the evil Nazis. I’m glad that the Allied forces defeated the Nazis by 1945. Many of the disinformation agents are racist Holocaust deniers like Ryan Dawson. Dr. Richard Falk is a CFR member, a proponent of the no plane hit the Pentagon myth, and he was a vocal support of the radical Ayatollah Khomeini back in the day. The CNP have members with links Oliver North and Jack Abramoff. The son of CNP board member Elsa Prince, Erik Prince, later founded and chaired Total Intelligence Solutions and Blackwater USA, the private CIA and Bush White House nexus of the JSOC assassination programs in the post 9/11 world. Blackwater later changed its name to Academi, with the new chairman being a long-time key shareholder in Coast to Coast AM. Top-level neocon, former CIA director and known CNP speaker James Woolsey chairs the advisory board of Executive Action, LLC, a firm named after the CIA's term for assassination. Also, these palaeconservatives who talk about conservativism readily believe in unrestrained corporate fascism by opposing any kind of involvement of the state in the market. Some want a ban on taxes and a powerless government. There is a huge difference between moderate socialism and communism. Even socialism is a reality in the world and has helped many people. The corporation that treats its personnel the worst - the lowest wages, the least amount of benefits, the longest hours, the harshest spy and enforcement measures against unionists, etc. are abysmally unjust. Even the good parts of FDR's New Deal program (with similar programs appearing in Western Europe) had progressive parts to it. It established a minimum wage, a maximum number of working hours, abolished child labor, provided pensions, and set up watchdog agencies for banks and corporations. To a large extent it ended the age of the robber barons and is one of the cornerstones of the modern social democracy. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with exposing real conspiracies, yet we must use accurate information and inspiration to call for justice. 

The official story is accurate to mention that many Islamist extremists wanted to attack America, and these extremists did attack America. Yet, it ignores how that anger is a product of U.S. & Western intervention in the Middle East. Also, the official story ignores definitely ignores how governments have exploited terrorist attacks for their own aims of expanding the power of the oligarchy. The official story ignores how U.S. allies provided specific warnings about terrorist threats to America. Many FBI agents who tried to stop the attacks were blocked by headquarters. That was obstruction not incompetence. The official story ignores the CIA’s “plane into building exercise” and NORAD war games (which were conducted by Western forces) during that morning. Around noon on 9/11, air traffic controllers who handled some of the hijacked flights made a recording recalling their experiences of the events from a few hours earlier. The tape was later destroyed by an unidentified FAA supervisor without any transcripts taken. 

 

The 9/11 Truth Movement correctly says that there was a deliberate conspiracy to use the attacks as an excuse to promote the war on terror, an invasion in Middle Eastern and Central Asian nations, and for the West to get resources throughout the Earth. The 9/11 Truth movement is right that the 9/11 Commission is a complete whitewash of the facts. Some 9/11 truth people unfortunately mix true conclusions with myths and falsehoods (like the no plane hit the Pentagon myth and the pod myth). So, the 9/11 Truth Movement has been praised, reviled, and slandered. One thing is true. The 9/11 Truth Movement is here to stay. The 9/11 Truth movement has been courageous to show their views whether people agree with them or not. I agree with 9/11 Truth on some issues and not on others. 

 

  

  

Recently, I found out that Jerome Angelo Newsome is my 5th cousin as we share the same ancestor of Burwell Williams (who was my 6th great grandfather). Jerome Newsome was born on April 28, 1953 at Sussex, Virginia. He once married a woman named Gwendolyn W. Howell (b. 1953) from April 30, 1977 at Fort Lee, Virginia to January 8, 1987 at Prince William, Virginia. Jerome Newsome's parents were Joseph Frederick Newsome (1920-1991) and Marion Cornelia Lowry (1930-2018). Jerome's siblings are Eloise Cornelia Newsome (She is my 5th cousin who was born on October 26, 1959 at Sussez, Virginia). My 4th cousin Joseph Frederick Newsome (1920-1991) was born on November 14, 1920. His parents were Joseph Felton Newsome (b. 1884) and Laura Lee Artis (1892-1982). Joseph Frederick Newsome's siblings are Thomas Moyler Newsome (1917-1982), Cartherine Newsome (b. 1920), Josephine Newsome (b. 1921), Viola Newsome (b. 1926), Irene Newsome (b. 1928), Carl Bernard Newsome (1933-2006), and Annie Laura Newsome (b. 1930). My 3rd cousin Laura Lee Artis lived from April 1892 to January 27, 1982 at Colonial Heights, Virginia. Laura Lee Artis's parents are Benjamin Thomas Artis (1852-1936) and Indiana Briggs (1855-1923). Her siblings are Martha E. Artis, Willie L. Artis, Indiana Virginia Artis, Benjamin T. Artis Jr., and Bessie M. Artis. My 2nd cousin Benjamin Thomas Artis Sr.'s parents are William Artis (b. 1841) and Indiana Bozeman Crocker (1831-1896). Indiana Bozeman Crocker was my 1st cousin. Indiana's parents were the free African American Thomas Crocker (1814-1877) and the Nottoway descendant Patsy Williams Crocker (1810-1870). Thomas and Patsy Crocker's children are: Benjamin Thomas Artis, Caroline M. Artis (b. 1852), Washington Artis (1859-1920), William W. Artis (b. 1863), Benjamin Joe Artis (1866-1933), Clara J. Artis (b. 1868), and Henrietta Artis (1873-1877). Many of Benajmin Joe Artis' family traveled from Virginia into New York state. Benjamin Joe Artis Sr. married Annie B. Lewis, and their children are: Medaline Seldon (1895-1935), Annie L. Artis (b. 1900), Fannie M. Artis (b. 1902), Emily M. Artis (b. 1906), Prince E. Artis (1908-1972), Miriam I. Artis (b. 1912), Thaddeus Wilson Artis (1913-1968), Benjamin Elliot Artis (1897-1968), and Lewis A. Artis.  Elliot Benjamin Artis Sr. married Julia Ann Wyche (1907-1976) and had the following children of: Ella Beatrice Artis (1925-1927) Thelma Artis (1926-2012), Erma Inez Artis (1928-1996), Virginia May Artis (1929-1992), Elliot Benjamin Jr. (1931-2003), Mabel L. Artis (1933-2012), Sarah Eliza Artis (1934-1935), Lloyd William Artis (1942-1987), and George Edward Artis Sr. (1936-2003). Elliot Benjamin Artis Jr. was born on April 10, 1931 at Ossining, New York. He married Edna P. Moseley and had the following children of: Elliot B. Artis III (1955-2017), Mark Elliot Artis (1958-2013), and Michele Artis. 

 

My 5th great grandaunt Patsy Williams Crocker (1870-1870) was born from Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791). Winifred Woodson-Bozeman's mother was my 7th great grandmother Nancy Woodson (who was a Nottoway Native American). The late Willie Davis Wiggins (1916-1980) was my 2nd cousin. He married Laura Mae Whitehead (b. 1918), and the couple had the following children: Ellen  Beatrice Wiggins (1939-2007), Harvey Davis Wiggins (b. 1941), Christine Wiggins (1942-1986), Laura Elaine Wiggins (1949-1998), Jeanette Wiggins (1950-1993), Carolyn Eloise Wiggins (b. 1954), Steve Donald Wiggins (1956-2013), and Dewayne E. Wiggins (1958-2004). Willie Davis Wiggins' parents are William Wiggins (1878-1931) and Annie L. Barnes (b. 1878). My 1st cousin William Wiggins had the following children with Annie L. Barnes: Lonie Wiggins (b. 1896), Eddie Quiney Wiggins (1897-1918), Nettie Wiggins (b. 1898), William Wiggins, Leroy Wiggins (b. 1905), Annie M. Wiggins (b. 1906), Henry Wiggins (b. 1909), Alice Wiggins (b. 1913), Della L. Wiggins (b. 1914), Willie Davis Wiggins (1916-1980), Bennie Wiggins (1918-1993), and Virgie Wiggins (b. 1920). William Wiggins's parents were John Henry Wiggins and Cordelia (Candy) Turner. Both John Henry Wiggins and Cordelia Turner are related to me. Cordelia Turner was my 3rd great grandaunt, daughter of Morefield Hurst and Milly Woodson-Bozeman. John Henry Wiggins was my 1st cousin whose parents are the free African American Robert Wiggins and Nottoway Sally Williams (b. 1825). 

  

By Timothy

 

 

Early July 2021 Updates.

 

FBI Director Christopher Wray has testified under oath to Congress after the January 6th report. Wray said that things are complicated in terms of the warnings. Rep. Gaetz questions FBI Director when Gaetz has a federal investigation against him. The events of 1/6 is not completely known at this moment. We know many events before, during, and after the insurrection. Yet, question still remain about the federal response, who are involved, and if some far right wing political leaders are complicit in the insurrection. Wray didn't answer questions on specific investigations like on Rudy Giuliani. Members of the Three Percenters, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, the Qanon cultists, and other Trump supporters were charged with being involved in the 1/6 insurrection. These terrorists being charged should be convicted. The Capitol police told their testimonies of being cursed at and called racial epithets by these violent criminals. The person who agitated the crowd to invade the U.S. Capitol was Donald Trump. Trump is one of the worst Presidents in American history because of his actions. His actions represent the worst in our society. 

 

 

Representative Val Demings is now running for the U.S. Senate. She is running against Marco Rubio. Val Demings has the experience, the prestige, and the determination to be a great Senator. Marco Rubio has been a person who compromised so much to Donald Trump that he is like a puppet of the Trump machine. The race will be interesting. Val Demings is from Florida, and Florida is made up of high percentage of conservatives and progressives. For Demings to win, she must have massive Democratic support and resources. You can't take nothing for granted, and every vote matters. If voting didn't matter, why are Republicans constantly passing laws that suppress voting rights. It is very clear that Val Demings is a much better candidate than Marco Rubio. Rubio has sold his soul for Trump, and it shows. Therefore, our eyes are open in Florida. Florida represents a real opportunity where the Senate can be more progressive indeed.

Singers Omarion, Lalah Hathaway and Kierra Sheard’s Tulsa Tribute Anthem Proceeds to Aid Reparations Campaign for Massacre Survivors and Descendants. Their song is called We Will Never Forget. In truth, we will never forget at Tulsa, Oklahoma. The song was written and produced by Greg Curtis and executive produced by Michelle Le Fleur. It is important to know about this sad chapter in our history, so we are further inspired to fight for justice. The Tulsa Massacre started 100 years ago when innocent black men, women, and children were assaulted and murdered by a racist terrorist mob. Bombs from airplanes were dropped from planes in the homes. Churches were destroyed. Property were taken. Mass graves are still being discovered decades later. Many of the survivors in 2021 have told their terrifying stories in front of the whole world. We will never forget, as justice still must be made for our people. Today, we still have fascism in the world that must be eradicated completely. Yes, black Americans deserve reparations.

 

Texas Governor signed the 1836 project when the Texas Republic was formed to promote slavery. That is why Remember the Alamo was created. These folks rebelled against the Mexican law that banned slavery. In fact, many of the Texas settlers came into Texas in order to spread slavery. That is what the Texas independence movement was all about. Santa Ana was a dictator, but many of those Texans wanted the status quo of oppressing people in chains too. Also, Texas joined the Confederacy. During the Civil War, Texas was one of the last places of resistance from the Confederate enemy. Texas is the state that have some Republicans who desire to whitewash slavery and other parts of real American history. Abbot doesn't want critical race theory to be taught. Far right Republicans have archaic views.  

 

Things are certainly revealed at the proper time. In 2020, the 1.8-acre Millie Woodson-Turner homestead, located between Courtland and Capron, became a Virginia state Landmark officially. Millie Woodson Turner is my 4th great grandmother, and her daughter Susanna Field Hurst Turner is my 3rd great grandmother. So, my ancestors given proper acknowledgment certainly inspires my soul. Even when I was a child, I knew of the Iroquoian Nottoway people. Nottoway Native Americans are also known as the Cheroenhaka. Back then, we heard stories. You have to put 2 to 2 together to understand the real history. Years later, I learned the truth. Millie Woodson-Turner (who married a free African American named Morefield Hurst) received an allotment of land in 1850. Susanna lived until 1949. This history is not just about Virginian history. It is about American history. It is certainly a wild feeling to see my ancestors mentioned in collegiate archaeological studies.

 

 

By Timothy