Atlanta Housing Woes

 

Stories for African Americans

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Atlanta Housing Woes

In the not-so-distant past, Atlanta prided itself on being a city where everyone could find a decent place to live, regardless of income or socioeconomic status.

One could transition from one end of town to the next without giving it much thought.  Baby boomers and Generation Xers rented apartments or bought homes wherever they pleased, even if it meant leaving the inner city behind.

With today's sky-high rents and rising mortgage rates, Atlanta has become less accessible, especially for the poor and middle class, who are being priced out of the American dream. Some blame a housing boom fueled by the upwardly mobile and a desire among suburbanites, who hate being stuck in traffic, to return to the city they once fled because of school desegregation and rising crime. Neighborhoods are being redeveloped, but not in the interest of those struggling to make it.

So, what must Atlanta and other growing cities do to fix their housing problem? Since every American deserves to live in a home they can afford, the private sector must be pressured to build communities within their price range. Georgians, regardless of background, need a place to call their own.  It's the right thing to do.

The government could also partner with businesses to help shoulder the cost of building affordable housing. The mayor of Atlanta, for instance, has collaborated with companies to create mixed-income properties for seniors and low-income residents. Where public housing once stood are loving communities for everyone to enjoy. Tax-credit apartment buildings are also on the rise in the city. Those who qualify pay below-market rent rates, with the federal government picking up the rest. This is a win-win for all involved.

Atlanta still has a long way to go in solving its housing crisis. Because most public housing has been demolished in the city, many of the poor have been pushed out to surrounding areas, which may no longer be feasible since these communities have suffered a similar fate in recent years.  Added to the equation are poor elderly homeowners who are being priced out because of rising property taxes, and the mayor and council must deal with them. With these and other pressing issues on their plate, local governments have their work cut out for them. 

Update: Nearly ten years later, the housing crisis in Atlanta has worsened. The monthly rent for a modest two-bedroom apartment is roughly $1,500, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for low- to middle-income earners to afford. Moreover, the average price for a newly constructed three-bedroom home ranges from 300 to 400 thousand, depending on location, which has future homeowners doubtful of the possibility of home ownership.

December 20,  2018

The Memorable 70s, Part 1: The Music

 The 1970s have been described as a wild and wacky decade that pushed societal boundaries. After a rollercoaster experience, Americans breathed a sigh of relief and said goodbye to a unique time in history. 

Emerging from the 1960s, the country yearned for change. People let their hair down and prepared for what was to come. 

Music underwent significant changes; new genres of music were added, including funk.  Funk, characterized by an eclectic mix of horns, drums, and vocals, originated among African American artists in the late Sixties, but gained widespread popularity in the Seventies, with Dayton, Ohio, in particular, as the epicenter. The city produced such memorable funk bands as The Ohio Players, Slave, Faze-O, Heatwave, Lakeside, and Zapp, featuring Roger.  Incredibly, they crossed paths as they set the standard for future groups. They topped the charts and sold out arenas for most of the decade.

By the late Seventies, funk, known for its syncopated electric baseline and strong, danceable rhythmic groove (1), had begun to have a big influence on music in other parts of the country, notably the South. The group Brick, which got its start in Atlanta, garnered national attention with hits like "Aint gonna hurt nobody," "Dazz,"  and "Dusic," for instance, which struck a chord with listeners.  On Soul Train, they explained their knack for "making up words," such as "Dusic," to enhance their sound, being that they were from a place far from the rest of the country. 

 The Commodores, a renowned funk and rhythm and blues group from Tuskegee, Alabama, recorded the 1976 smash hit "Brick House, which is still a staple on Southern R&B radio stations nearly fifty years later. The South was off and running with its style of funk, with the rest of the country not far behind.

Other funk bands included the following: Earth, Wind & Fire, George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, The Gap Band, The Bar Kays, The Isley Brothers, Tower of Power, Kool & the Gang, The Average White Band, Wild Cherry, and Switch, to name a few. Many have remained intact and continue to make music, having had a profound impact on R&B, Rap, and other musical styles. Funk would also spread to distant shores, including Africa and England, until the early Eighties.

Go-go, a subgenre of funk, emerged in the late 1970s in Washington, D.C.  Created by legendary musician Chuck Brown, it is "..defined by its heavy, syncopated percussion, nonstop groove, call-and-response vocals, and live performance focus." Go-go also has roots in the Blues and R&B music scene and is enjoyed today in the nation's capital.

 As funk was being celebrated for its iconic sound, Disco Music made its way onto the scene, and it was more than just an art form. It had a profound influence on fashion, dance, and everyday life. The media and nightclubs fiercely supported the new style of music, which originated in Latin, African American, and LGBT dance halls in New York City during the late 1960s, before taking the nation by storm in the 1970s. Disco clubs also sprang up nationwide, with the infamous Disco ball hanging from the ceiling. America was ready for something new.

Black female vocalists played a central role in disco's success, dominating with its characteristic features: soaring vocals, prominent bass lines, and flashy dance moves. (2) The late Donna Summer, who was hailed as the Queen of Disco, released numerous top-charting and heartfelt tracks such as "On the Radio," "Hot Stuff," and "Last Dance." She was known for getting into the groove by swaying her hips during live performances and in videos. In 1978, Gloria Gaynor recorded "I Will Survive," which not only ruled the airwaves but is also considered the Disco anthem that resonated with marginalized groups. Lastly, Thelma Houston's iconic release, "Don't Leave Me This Way," propelled her to disco royalty. 

A list of Disco performers from the Seventies includes KC and the Sunshine Band, The Tramps, Sister Sledge, Carl Douglas, Van McCoy, The Bee Gees, ABBA, Rose Royce, GQ, the outstanding Cheryl Lynn, Chic, The Village People, and A Taste of Honey, among countless others, who listeners could not get enough of.

Traditional soul, pop, and R&B musicians jumped on the disco bandwagon as it was one of the most popular forms of music at the time. They were regular guests on music programs like Soul Train, American Bandstand, and the Midnight Special. (3) Their work remains timeless.

Unfortunately, during the late 1970s, disco suffered a fatal blow at the hands of disgruntled bystanders, who publicly burned disco records and trivialized its contribution to popular culture, forcing it underground as dance music. Disco was later banned on most radio stations, and music labels refused to sign Disco legends, to the dismay of its fans. Although short-lived, disco gave America something to feel good about as the country was going through tough times.

Aside from funk and disco, other genres of music that had been around for generations underwent a transformation in the 1970s, changing the musical landscape. At the beginning of the decade, pure Soul, as it was often called, infiltrated urban radio with a sound unlike Motown, Stax, or Chess Records of the 1950s and '60s. Notable artists included The Chi-lites, Sly and the Family Stone, The Originals, The Dramatics, War, The Blue Notes, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Barry White, and Memphis star Al Green, to name a few. Many Female singers, such as Sylvia Roberson, Betty Wright, and Gene Night, also contributed to 70's Soul.

The era was heavily influenced by Philadelphia, which had a distinctive brand of Soul Music. Key artists were signed to the renowned Philadelphia International Records and other local labels, giving rise to the Philadelphia sound, known for its lush orchestral arrangements and smooth vocals, according to music critics. They included: Hal Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Spinners, The O'Jays, The Delfonics, Teddy Pendergrass, The Stylistics, Blue Magic, Billy Paul, The Manhattans, The Main Ingredient, Barbara Mason, John Oates, and many other successful acts that made the label famous. Their music impacted generations. 

Along with soul music, rhythm and blues developed a new sound in the 70s, challenging the past. Gone were the restraints of the '50s, the rawness of the '60s; a relaxed version of the genre was born, which captured the nation's attention with artists like Gladys Knight and the Pips, Issac Hayes, The Spinners, and The O'Jays. Other top charting performers included the Jackson Five, Commodores, Isley Brothers, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, and Kool and the Gang, among countless others.  They were regulars on the popular musical programs Soul Train and American Bandstand.

Rhythm and blues in the mid-to-late 1970s often featured younger musicians or newcomers to the field whose focus was on love songs and relationships.  Groups such as Brothers Johnson, Slave, and Switch, for instance, which were popular among African American youth, emphasized romance or falling for that special someone. Additionally, Hall and Oats' smash recording "Sara Smile" and Heatwave's "Always and Forever" were mimicked by black boys everywhere. Lastly, G. C. Cameron's hit song "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" became the motto for the 1976 graduating class in predominantly black high schools after serving as the backdrop for the motion picture Cooley High, a coming-of-age film for black youth at the time. They remain timeless classics.

Other notable rhythm and blues entertainers from the latter half of the 1970s included Mass Production, Peaches & Herb, Ashford & Simpson, The Silvers, Cheryl Lynn, Nile Rodgers and Chic, DeBarge, Rose Royce, GQ, The SOS Band, Enchantment, and many others who made the Seventies worthwhile. R&B radio has kept its memory alive. 

Like other musical genres of the groovy Seventies, rock music experienced a radical transformation while forging an emotional connection with many listeners. (2) Rock evolved from rock and roll in the mid-to-late 1960s to a more complex, diverse, and sophisticated sound, which carried over into the new decade, according to music critics. It also abandoned its R&B roots in search of a new identity. In the early 1970s, soft rock played a key role with unforgettable artists such as Carol King, Carly Simon, The Carpenters, and Jim Croce, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash. Many others made a name for themselves or captured the essence of the times, like Chicago, The Bee Gees, and Helen Redding, who, in 1972, recorded the unofficial women's anthem "I am woman." 

Over the course of the 1970s, rock music branched into six distinct subgenres: soft rock, hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock, arena rock, and punk rock, according to historians. However, it was not a one-size-fits-all, as artists experimented with different sounds and were classified as either British or American rock groups. They found a home on newly created FM rock stations, late-night television, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and the Midnight Special, and had a loyal following among young white male college students. 

During the Seventies, rock bands were numerous, with something for everyone. For instance, groups like the Eagles, Boston, Chicago, Genesis, the Doobie Brothers, and Kansas appealed to a mainstream audience, whereas The Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and AC/DC found success among hardcore fans. Others gained acceptance among a wide range of listeners. Rock would continue to transform into the Eighties, when it welcomed groundbreaking artists from around the globe and a sound that made the decade one of a kind.

Seventies music not only provided us with great memories but also had a major impact on popular culture. Disco, for instance, was associated with platform shoes, bell-bottom pants, and wide collar shirts for men.  Moreover, the Afro hairstyle and dance moves, such as the Bump and Robot, were synonymous with the Soul and R&B music scene.  Braided hairstyles were also popular among black teens on the dance floor from New York City to Albany, Georgia. Additionally, funk inspired young black men to join high school and college bands or start local groups of their own. Lastly, Rock fans, especially white male youth, decorated their rooms with posters of their favorite artist and proudly displayed their likeness on T-shirts. It was an interesting time to be young.

Today, musical groups and artists who stir hearts and become icons are a thing of the past. The interest is there, but the talent may be lacking. For those of us who lived in that magical decade known as the 1970s, we will never forget the music that made us smile, dance all night, buy humongous speakers, and crowd record shops in search of the latest masterpiece. We listened to awesome radio and played records in living rooms and nightclubs, which were an oasis of fun that kept us going.

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Different paths to success

Historically, black men have been a visible presence on college and university campuses in pursuit of the American dream. They come from diverse backgrounds and have studied a wide range of subjects, from education to engineering, before returning to their communities to make a difference. Their ancestors hoped that they would get a quality education after being denied one during slavery. 

However, today, the number of black men in higher education has dropped to an all-time low, and the reasons may be self-evident.

 African American men account for nearly half of all students enrolled in trade schools across the nation, according to federal data. It represents a sharp increase in recent years, due to the rising cost of higher education, job prospects after college, and a renewed interest in skilled trades, such as plumbing, wiring, and construction, which can afford a young person a comfortable life. These jobs not only provide stability but also benefits and competitive pay to help start a family, which many men desire.

These men have dispelled the myth that everyone must attend college, as it is not for everyone, not because they lack the intelligence or endurance to earn a degree, but because they have chosen a different path in life. They aren't saying higher education is not important or hasn't played a significant role in building the black middle class, but what about starting a business, on-the-job training, or taking advantage of the internet? A career in the military is also an option, and investing in the Stock Market. They also recognize the importance of financial literacy, such as building credit and spending wisely, which can lead to homeownership and generational wealth. Thus, pushing the narrative that college is the only way to succeed may be counterproductive for men in general, as a world of opportunities awaits them.

Although many black men have achieved their goals without attending college, the dramatic decline in the number of African American men enrolling in higher education still must be addressed for obvious reasons.  For instance, there is a severe shortage of black male teachers to serve as role models for black boys and help put them on the right track. There is also a critical need for African American doctors and nurses, particularly in urban and rural areas, which medical schools like Morehouse School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College are desperately trying to fix. Reaching out to black boys by visiting schools, Boys Clubs, and inviting them to campuses to experience college life could help turn the tide. 

Meanwhile, panic is not the answer; these young men are carefully weighing their options for what they would like to do with their lives.

Politics 1968 (August 2024)

Fifty-six years ago, another U.S president announced that he would not seek or accept his party's nomination for a second term in office. Lyndon B. Johnson, the 35th president of the United States, withdrew during the bitterness of the Vietnam War and protests at home, which tested the office of the presidency.  Six months later, at the Democratic National Convention, the torch was passed to his vice president, a man deserving of the honor.  

Although Vice President Hubert Humphrey had not competed in the Democratic primaries during the contentious 1968 election, he was the darling of the party bosses, who believed he was best suited to take on the Republican nominee. Humphrey, however, was a talented leader who had dreamed of big things long before being thrust into the national spotlight. 

Hubert Horatio Humphrey, born in the small prairie town of Wallace, South Dakota, entered politics in the 1940s while a professor of Political Science at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota.  After an unsuccessful run for mayor of Minneapolis, MN., in 1943, he played a major role in the 1944 merger of the Democratic and Farmer-Labor Parties of Minnesota to form the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) for hardworking Minnesotans. (1) He also joined Roosevelt's 1944 reelection campaign, which took place at the height of World War II. This effort resulted in a successful bid for mayor of Minneapolis in 1945, with Humphrey securing sixty percent of the vote. 

As mayor, Humphrey focused on crime and labor issues, while also promoting civil rights. He appointed a long-time ally to reform the police department and crack down on lawlessness in the streets of Minneapolis, which were steeped in anti-semitism and bias against African Americans. He also aided the city's small but significant black population by setting up the Fair Employment Committee to "prohibit racial discrimination in the workforce" among other anti-discrimination and pro-labor initiatives. (2) In 1947, Humphrey won reelection "by the largest margin in the city's history up to that time." (3)

During his final year as mayor, Humphrey attended the historic 1948 Democratic National Convention. Racial discrimination grabbed center stage as Democrats struggled to include a pro-civil Rights plank in their platform. When President Harry Truman and his advisors "shelved" the idea for fear of antagonizing Southern segregationists, Humphrey delivered an impassioned plea for his party to be on the right side of history, stating, "To those who say, my friends, to those who say that we are rushing this issue of Civil Rights, I tell them we are 172 years (too) late! To those who say this Civil Rights program is an infringement on states' rights, I say this: the time has arrived in America for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadow of states' rights and walk forth right into the bright sunshine of human rights." (4)

As a result of Humphrey's powerful message, Democrats adopted a pro-Civil Rights platform with Truman's backing,  as Southern segregationists walked out, and ultimately nominated their own candidate for president.

Following his appearance at the 1948 Democratic National Convention, Humphrey was elected to the United States Senate from Minnesota on the Democratic ticket, where he continued his fight for Civil Rights and other important issues. He was the "lead author of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and introduced the first initiative to create the Peace Corps." (5) He also chaired the Select Committee on Disarmament during the Cold War Years. 

Senator Humphrey, who had run unsuccessfully for president in 1952 and 1960, was chosen by President Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate in the 1964 election. Upon accepting the honor at the historic 1964 Democratic National Convention, which hinged on Civil Rights, he was pressured by the president to encourage the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, led by Fannie Lou Hamer, and whose delegates were democratically elected, compared to the statewide segregationist Democratic Party, to accept an at-large seat with no voting privileges against his better judgment. Not surprisingly, the MFDP refused the offer and returned to their home state to continue fighting for social and economic justice. 

After he was elected as Johnson's vice president,  Humphrey's problems only escalated.  He was reportedly excluded from official White House business, not awarded any special assignments, and often ridiculed by an overpowering Johnson, a treatment viewed by historians as a carbon copy of the way Johnson was allegedly treated as Kennedy's vice president.

 In addition to being ostracized by the president, Humphrey was compelled to back the unpopular Vietnam War, antagonizing his liberal base as demonstrations flared up around the country. 

As the war raged on in March 1968, President Johnson shocked the nation by announcing that he would not run for a second term in office.  With a chance at redemption, Humphrey declared his candidacy. However, he opted not to run in the primaries and set his sights on the convention, which proved to be a winning strategy.

At the convention, the party was fractured among supporters of the late Senator Robert Kennedy, who had been assassinated two months earlier, Senator Eugene McCarthy, who led in the delegate count, and those loyal to the president. However, the party establishment brokered a deal that gave the sitting vice president the nomination. In a crowded hall, Humphrey called for unity and laid out his hopes and dreams for America as protesters clashed with police outside over the Vietnam War and a loss of confidence in government. 

When the Fall campaign approached, Humphrey lagged far behind former Vice President Nixon in the polls, who had lost a close election to President Kennedy eight years earlier.  Humphrey gradually broke with the administration's policy on the war in Vietnam over the objections of the White House and supported social reforms, which bridged the gap considerably.  Unfortunately, it was not enough as Nixon cruised to victory in the Electoral College to become the first president elected since the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

After losing a third try for the Whitehouse, Humphrey returned to the United States Senate in 1970 from his beloved Minnesota. He even ran in the 1972 Democratic Primaries but lost to South Dakota Senator George McGovern. He remained in the U.S. Senate until 1978, when he passed away from bladder cancer, leaving behind a rich legacy on human rights. 

References: 

1. Wikipedia 

2. Wikipedia

3. Wikipedia

4. Wikipedia

5. Wikipedia

Strengthen not eliminate Social Security

Social Security, created in 1935 as a safety net for Americans in their golden years, has been a target of Republicans for generations. During the Reagan administration, Congress was pressured to raise the age requirement for collecting full benefits and reduce the amount paid to recipients. Moreover, President George W. Bush advocated privatizing Social Security, and Mitt Romney famously called it a Ponzi scheme. Despite Republican opposition, the plan has survived intact for the future.

If the GOP dismantles Social Security or relegate it to the states or private sector, it will be destined to fail, and the death knell of the party as Americans rebel. 

Unlike in the past, few companies offer employee pension plans, forcing Americans to rely heavily on Social Security or savings when they retire. Today, most pensions are provided in the public sector for those lucky Americans.  Now that the Trump Administration and Republican-controlled legislatures are fighting to eliminate retirement packages for federal and state employees and replace them with a 401 (k), the future looks bleaker. 

 The 401 (k) retirement system was introduced in the 1980s as a safety net for Americans, alongside Social Security.  The employee contributes a percentage of his earnings, which the employer matches. The downside is that it is not mandatory and, in most instances, is based on the Stock Market. Additionally, many companies fail to offer a 401 (k), and for those that do, employees are allowed to borrow and replenish it, which could spell trouble for the future. 

The truth is that many Americans are facing financial uncertainty about the future, and will not go down without a fight if Social Security is drastically modified or eliminated. Because of record inflation, high rent, and balooning mortgages, citizens are guaranteed to pack town hall meetings, picket Congress, and engage in violence if Republicans make good on a promise since the Sixties to do away with this cherished government entitlement. They will also show up at the polls in large numbers to reject the GOP.

Instead, Social Security should be strengthened, along with a mandatory national savings program, like that proposed by President Obama.  It would soften the landing pad of retirement and give Americans something to look forward to when they leave the workforce.

Trends in Georgia Higher Education: Update from February 12, 2017

 African American students in Georgia have always looked forward to attending a historically black college or university in the University System of Georgia.  Many have enrolled as first-generation college students or followed a path set by their parents.  However, due to a recent phenomenon in higher education in the State, this may no longer be the case.

Historically black State institutions of higher learning in Georgia may be forced to combine with predominantly white public colleges and universities to streamline services if the Board of Regents has its way. It could spell the end of one endangered HBCU's motto of "education on a personal level."

Only Albany State University, one of three State-supported HBCUs in Georgia, has seen its mission altered thus far. It recently merged with Darton State College in 2015, a predominantly white institution located on the city's Westside, with ASU serving as its flagship campus. With expanded course offerings in nursing,  biology, and education, it is a force to be reckoned with in Southwest Georgia.  The two campuses recently combined their athletic teams to serve a student body of nearly 8,000 men and women.  It should translate into jobs in an economically strapped area.

Savannah State University,  the second of Georgia's three State-funded HBCUs, is being considered for a merger with Armstrong State, a public, predominantly white university also in Savannah.  With the consolidation of similar institutions already finalized by the  Board of Regents, these schools may not escape their fate despite being located on Georgia's booming coast. However, unlike Albany and other places where downsizing has become the new normal on the college level,  Savannah boasts old money capable of fighting such a move all the way to the State capital.  If not, it could lead to an educational powerhouse in the State's oldest city, with better opportunities for those in the area. 

Lastly, historically black Fort Valley State University, the state's only other public HBCU, may be spared for obvious reasons. There is no compatible institution within proximity that hasn't been combined or lost its independence, such as Macon State College or Middle Georgia State College in nearby Cochran.  In addition,  African Americans in Georgia will insist that at least one state-sponsored HBCU remain intact to welcome students from challenging backgrounds.

The reaction around the state has been mostly positive, which could bolster post-secondary education in the state.

Update:  Armstrong State University in Savannah recently merged with Georgia Southern University, fifty miles away, leaving Savannah State University intact. The Board of Regents has also decided to merge nearby East Georgia State College in Swainsboro with Georgia Southern University in Statesboro for economic reasons.

A Crucial Decision

 America is electing a new president, and two major contenders are vying for the office. One has distinguished herself as a leader for women's rights. Many characterize the other as a charlatan with his best interests at heart. The country will have the opportunity to turn the page or get mired in the past. 

By choosing the latter, the nation risks repeating ideas that failed or being further divided by a man who evidently chose style over substance. 

Trump, the man seeking a non-consecutive second term in office, has vowed to destroy the country from within by rebuking his opponents and setting the stage for a culture war with various institutions at his disposal. To that end, he will rely heavily on the Supreme Court, which he packed with conservative ideologues during his first term and those in his inner circle unwilling to tell him no.

Trump may also employ the federal judiciary to halt criminal actions against him. For instance, Trump will nominate judges who can manipulate the system, or he will bank on the recent Supreme Court ruling, which granted him immunity from prosecution in matters involving official White House business or Constitutional duties. If interpreted correctly, nothing the former president is accused of should meet the guidelines. Conservatives have often petitioned the courts to overturn longstanding precedents, such as with Roe v. Wade. Trump will pick up the mantle if granted four more years in office. 

There is also worry that if granted a second term, Trump will govern recklessly with no guardrails. Even though there is a system of checks and balances, Trump, with a possible Republican-controlled Congress and a Conservative-leaning Supreme Court in his pocket, could introduce legislation detrimental to the country, such as overturning Brown v. Board of Education, the Voting and Civil Rights Acts, Miranda v. Arizona, and Loving v. Virginia. A total abortion ban may also be on the docket, as well as police immunity in cases involving brutality or officer wrongdoing.  Lastly, Trump may take extreme measures on immigration, even for those entering the country legally, such as travel bans.

The past should be a guide to Trump's leadership style. The forty-fifth president is betting the country has amnesia or is blindsided by the inflation he laid the foundation for. He gave tax breaks to those who didn't deserve them and flatlined the economy with his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the supply chain is suffering due to corporate greed and mistakes made by the previous administration. Trump inherited stellar economic conditions but squandered them.

When Americans go to the polls, they should reflect on how millions lost their lives to COVID-19, how corporations were given the green light to overcharge consumers, and how controversy rocked the Whitehouse four short years ago, which created the situation we find ourselves in today.

They Should Rethink Their Choice

 I have listened to African Americans who have turned their back on the Democrats. I am not a Democrat or a Republican, and I have voted for both parties. On this issue, however, I side with the Democrats. Often, when Biden advanced legislation that would have benefited African Americans, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, it was voted down by Sen. John Manchin, Democrat of West Virginia, who held the party hostage, and Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat of Arizona, after receiving money from liberal donors. Their votes were crucial to the slim Democratic majority in the Senate. Republicans and the conservative-leaning Supreme Court also played a significant role in dismantling the president's agenda, such as the student loan forgiveness program.

Biden bashers also claim Trump poured money into historically black colleges and universities. If so, it was done to curtail black enrollment at predominantly white colleges. It is the oldest trick in the White Supremacy playbook. For example, when the Supreme Court outlawed segregation in public education in 1954, Southern States rushed to upgrade segregated schools or abide by Plessy v. Ferguson 1896, which declared that segregation or separate facilities for white and black people, such as eating establishments and schools, were legal as long as they were equal. In other words, they sought to stalemate or hinder the court's decision. 

President Biden and the Democrats have enacted legislation beneficial to the African American community, despite what critics may claim. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 issued stimulus checks to struggling Americans. It also provided parents $300.00 a month for each child under six and $200.00 for those between the ages of six and eighteen. It lifted millions of kids from poverty before its demise and could be resurrected with Republican support. Moreover, the historic bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has allocated billions for roads, bridges, and other projects in so-called red and blue States, translating into construction opportunities for young black men. And to stimulate the supply chain after the COVID-19 shutdown, Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped the cost of Insulin at $35.00 and added jobs. Lastly, the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act finally saw the light of day nearly seventy years after the young boy was brutally murdered, something his mother and others fought so hard for.

Aside from passing historic pieces of legislation, Democrats claim to be keeping White Supremacists or MAGA Republicans at bay, who long for the past. It is believed by many that MAGA Republicans desire to overturn the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution and undo the 1954 ruling on segregation in public education if Trump is re-elected and Republicans take control of Congress. Such actions would dismantle the hard work of the Civil Rights Movement.

Critics also worry that if Trump and far-right Conservatives take control in 2025, other laws this country takes for granted will be at risk. They include Virginia v. Loving (1967), Miranda v. Arizona (1966), and the Supreme Court ruling affirming gay marriage (2015), for instance. There is also concern that abortion rights will be totally banned, the Affordable Care Act abolished, and both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 invalidated. Finally, Trump has pledged to give police federal immunity in cases involving brutality. 

Since Biden is no longer on the ballot, it is up to Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, to convey to the American people that the country may not survive another Trump presidency unscathed. The nation must rally around her for the best possible outcome, regardless of one's views on the issues. 

The Redlining Factor

De facto segregation existed in most American cities during the dark days of Jim Crow, with the effects felt today.

It is a separation of people based on housing patterns or restrictions, customs, choice, or institutional racism rather than law. (1) It was upheld by those in power with harsh penalties for anyone who dared defy the system. It is also deeply rooted in geography or discrimination on a geographical basis.

Redlining played a major role in De facto segregation, denying African Americans the right to buy a home wherever they chose. It confined blacks to a particular area as banks refused to give them mortgages and shaded in red predominantly black communities on city maps, indicating they would be turned down by a traditional lending institution. It also prevented Black homeowners from getting home improvement loans, and the value of their property was often deflated when they tried to sell or move up the social ladder. It was common practice in the North as a covert form of discrimination with federal backing, and caused black Americans to lose out on decades of generational wealth,which  comes with home ownership.

In the South, whites relied on overt measures, in addition to redlining, to keep blacks out of their communities, such as lynching, physical assaults, intimidation, and death. It was a sad and often regular occurrence until Congress passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which banned discrimination in the housing market, including who a tenant may choose to rent to. However, the damage had been done.

In many instances, redlining resulted in ghettos or poor inner-city neighborhoods. The value of homes often plummeted as homeowners found it difficult to borrow money for upkeep, sometimes falling prey to shady loan deals or rent-to-own schemes. Also, African Americans who were lucky relocated to the suburbs, leaving behind the less fortunate. As a result, black students attended segregated schools or were bused to areas less welcoming. In later years, food deserts emerged as once-proud bodegas and corner markets closed their doors, and chain stores and strip malls shied away from the areas. It was common practice across the country in so-called blighted communities.

Lastly, de facto segregation, strengthened by redlining, impacted rural areas particularly hard. In the 1970s, an African American businessman and future mayor of a predominantly black community in Southwest Georgia, voiced his concerns on the local radio station about how black neighborhoods were less developed than the white ones.  Many lacked tree-lined streets, paved roads, sidewalks, parks, or streetlights for safety. And to add insult to injury, scores older homes were constructed without indoor plumbing with residents relying on outhouses or outdoor toilets.

As a result, a law was passed that mandated homes within the city limits be equipped with an indoor toilet, sink, and bathtub. Landlords often attached small rooms on the back of older homes as a solution that could be entered from inside or the back porch. The dirt roads disappeared during the Funk and Disco era, but the sidewalks never materialized. 

Sources: 

1. Google 

 

It Would be Difficult to Replace Biden, Who Deserves the Nomination

In the past, political bosses picked their party's nominees for president even after the advent of the primary system. This was to ensure the best possible man, as it were at the time, would get the job if there was no agreed-upon candidate or the convention deadlocked. It could mean as many as thirty or more ballots were cast before a leader was deemed suitable to those involved in the time-consuming process. Sometimes, it bore fruit, and at others, it didn't. 

In the 1960 Democratic presidential primaries, John F. Kennedy aspired to win as many primaries as possible to prevent a brokered convention. He enlisted his brother, Bobby, to keep his delegates in line or loyal to him and poached other delegates from rival candidates. After winning his party nomination, Kennedy narrowly defeated Vice President Richard Nixon in the general election.

Eight years later, in 1968, following the assassination of Bobby Kennedy, Vice President Hubert Humphrey was awarded the Democratic nomination. Humphrey had not competed in the primaries, and Senator Gene McCarthy held the delegate lead, likely after picking up Kennedy defectors. Humphrey lost a nail-biter to former Vice President Richard Nixon on election night in November.

Finally, in 1976, President Ford nearly lost the Republican nomination to Governor Ronald Reagan of California, even though he accumulated more delegates while campaigning in the states that held primaries and caucuses. Ford suffered a narrow defeat to Jimmy Carter, an unknown governor from Georgia. 

It would be difficult to pull this off today or replace Biden since the rules are stricter, and he has met the delegate threshold.  If I am not mistaken, the Democratic delegates are bound to the presumptive nominee, or what is a closed convention. 

Male Bonding

 Men need male companionship no matter how hard they try to avoid it.  A woman is his wife, sister, mother, aunt, or partner.  She is not intended to be his buddy, homeboy, or someone he can discuss women's issues with or hang out with. 

Boys form pivotal relationships, some lasting a lifetime or in spirit. It is a rite of passage for young men on their path to manhood.

The black barbershop has survived for this reason. It is a sacred place where black men fellowship or air their differences. They get a fresh cut and feel they belong. Some come without needing the barber's service and depart better than when they entered.  

The church, lodges, fraternities, nightclubs, colleges, and other hangouts provided similar services, strengthening the Civil Rights Movement.

Men need friends or the proper male companion, whether someone in the community, a son, or a long-lost buddy. I learned this growing up or being around guys my age at work or in the community. Having friends, and someone to talk to or ask a favor makes life easier and a joy to be alive.

We all Matter

Everyone has a story. Don't overlook anyone or think they have nothing to contribute or bold to say.

Ordinary Americans participated in the Civil Rights Movement. They were Sharecroppers, like Fannie Lou Hamer, or a retired soldier, such as Jimmie Lee Jackson, who was murdered protecting his mother and grandfather from racist state patrolmen.

I hate it when people don't see or go out of their way to avoid me because of my status in their eyes. They think they are better based on their assets. They should get to know the man behind the glasses or simple clothes.  

I am delighted, however, when a beautiful woman or upscale guy speaks or says hello.  It shows positive home training or someone who did not put themselves on a pedestal.

Whitewashing

The whitewashing of history is a strategy that dates back to the post-Civil War period. It involves attempts to omit the contributions of Black people in fields such as Science, Math, medicine, and other areas. Additionally, it seeks to rewrite the past in favor of white individuals by downplaying the effects of Slavery, Jim Crow laws, and racism.  This includes banning the teaching of subjects in schools that shed light on the struggles faced by people of color at the hands of their oppressors, as well as highlighting their resilience as a community.

Gaslighting is a key component of whitewashing as it relates to African Americans. It is blaming black people for their lot in society or any cruelty they experience in a culture that views them as less than. In simple terms, it is "flipping the script." For example, if an unarmed black man is shot in the back while fleeing the police, a biased legal system may criticize him for being afraid, without considering whether he would receive fair treatment in court.

Black people and like-minded individuals must reveal the truth and keep our story alive. This may involve building our own schools, calling out bigots, and holding wrongdoers accountable. Doing nothing is not an option; we have a rich history, and we are making significant contributions today. We must be prepared, Black people; we have important work to do. 

Biden V. Trump: Round Two

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have emerged as their party's nominees for the 2024 presidential election, with no contender on the horizon. Trump's remaining opponent recently dropped out, virtually assuring he will be the Republican choice in the Fall with a sizable delegate lead. Biden also lacks a formidable challenger among Democrats and has accumulated big wins in the primaries. The question is which candidate can convince the American people to support them for four more years in office, similar to the 1892 election, which featured an ex-president challenging a sitting commander-in-chief for reelection.

As for President Biden, the economy has grown at a rate not seen in fifty years despite being hampered by inflation, which could work against him. Record-low unemployment, rising wages, and a booming stock market have put a strain on the supply chain,  weakened by the COVID-19 shutdown, and have eroded Americans' purchasing power. Greed has also played a role, as the marketplace is dominated by a handful of corporate giants who raise prices with impunity. Even though the cost of eggs has tumbled, the same can't be said for meat, poultry, and other staples. The price of gasoline has also trended upward, along with the prices of clothes, cars, and dining out.  Moreover, renters are paying as much as thirty percent of their income on a place to live amid a national housing crisis. The construction of new homes has lagged far behind demand, and corporations are snapping up available property in many communities, which has the administration deeply concerned.

Aside from the economy, the Biden Administration is confronted with concerns over Israel, Ukraine, and African Americans reportedly abandoning the party in droves. A growing number of Democrats are convinced Benjamin Netanyahu has gone too far in his pursuit of Hamas, causing the death of thousands of innocent Palestinians, including widespread destruction of property. They fault the administration for not doing enough to halt the violence. 

It is believed that the war in Ukraine will not hurt the president's chances as much as possibly losing the black vote. Support among African Americans has dropped by thirty percent in most polls over voting rights, the economy, and a general belief that the White House has not done enough to address their concerns, even though they voted him into office. The Biden Administration is working on ways to bridge the gap among African American voters, like reaching out to black radio stations. If not, it could result in one of the most lopsided turnouts by people of color for Democrats since the 1950s.

However, there is a major issue that could work in the president's favor. The Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down Roe v. Wade has galvanized women and progressives, as the conservative-leaning court was viewed as caving to right-wing pressure. Following the historic ruling, Democrats maintained control of the Senate by adding seats in the 2022 midterm elections but suffered significant losses in the House. The party also scored victories in key local races. Biden warned the high court in the 2024 State of the Union that women would come for them in the Fall. 

Meanwhile, Trump is attempting to become the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms. Although he is leading in polls, nothing can be taken for granted.

Trump is haunted by a past that Americans, including his own party, are having a hard time getting past. Memories of COVID-19 are fresh in the minds of millions, and the January 6th insurrection, which many viewed as a threat to Democracy. As a result, the former president scores poorly among independents, which could cost him crucial votes in the battleground states. Moreover, a large share of Americans, including Republicans, are fed up with Trump's antics or tendency to go off the rails and simply want to move forward if it means throwing their support behind Biden.

In addition to his weakened image, Trump's legal issues have Americans wondering whether he could hold office if convicted, or if they can stomach a felon serving in the White House. White Republicans with a four-year college degree or higher think not, while GOP voters with a high school diploma or less seem to not mind. They worry re-electing him could send the wrong message to young people and hurt the nation's image abroad. Thus, many of the Grand Old Party plan to write in another candidate or stay home on election day. 

Despite his mounting negatives, Trump could capitalize on the crisis at the Southern border that has Americans worried. Immigrants from Central America and parts of Mexico have crowded American cities, putting a strain on services and causing tension with locals, notably African Americans. Southern Republican governors have strongly criticized the current president on this issue despite the former president encouraging the GOP to block a plan in Congress that might have curtailed the problem. If Trump can gain traction on immigration amid a stalemate on Capitol Hill, it could flip votes in close states. 

Other issues that might benefit Trump include Biden's age, which has created waves in the press, the housing crisis, and other concerns that may not be the fault of the current commander-in-chief.

In November, we will see which man will lead the country for the next four years. 

Shirley Chishlom

Racism is so universal in

this country, so

widespread, and

deep-seated, that it is

invisible because it is so

normal.

Choose life

 Tupac Shakur said we have to change the way we eat. We can eliminate inflammation and fight heart disease, obesity, and other chronic ailments. We can then live healthier lives, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and spend more time with friends and loved ones. This year, we must make a change for a brighter future. 

In Retrospect: Southern Backlash To The Affordable Care Act

In 1954, when the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed segregation in public education, Southern states fought it tooth and nail, like the Affordable Care Act of today. They claim it would expand the size of government; however, the underlying factor may be race or socioeconomic status.

Republicans control most of the state legislatures in the South. Within their borders are those who would benefit the greatest from the new healthcare law: minorities and the poor, who tend to vote Democratic. Republican Governors have refused to expand Medicaid as authorized by the Affordable Care Act, which could aid the unemployed or low-wage earners, despite widespread support for it.  In Georgia, for instance, at least 60 percent of respondents in a recent poll back such a move, but the governor refuses, as in other states.  In most instances, Southern governors, with the full backing of Republican-controlled legislatures, have opted out of any part of the recently passed healthcare bill, causing the federal government to intervene, like during school desegregation in the 1950s and '60s, by setting up the healthcare exchanges or the Federal Healthcare Marketplace for thousands of uninsured Americans to obtain coverage.

Other Southern states headed by Republicans tend to oppose the Affordable Care Act simply because it's the president's or a Democratic plan.  Republicans largely supported Mitt Romney's version of the law during his time as governor of Massachusetts.  The conservative Heritage Foundation even threw its support behind such a measure in the 1980s to ease the healthcare burden in the United States.  However, as soon as Obama proposed the idea, the G.O.P. bolted for the hills.

However, not all states in the South have backed away from or circumvented the Affordable Care Act.  Those with Democratic governors, such as those in Kentucky and Arkansas, have adopted the new law and expanded Medicaid for low-income citizens.

Nothing much has changed in more than ten years since the passage of the historic bill, which enjoys overwhelming support from the American people. Republican governors, such as Brian Kemp of Georgia, have denied citizens the full benefits of the measure, such as Medicaid Expansion, which uses Federal dollars to help the poor and uninsured and can help prevent rural and urban hospitals from closing, something that has occurred a lot during his tenure.  Maybe one day the governor will wake up and bow to the will of the people.

 

• GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

COMMENTARY

Bookman: The truth is that it is Kemp, not Trump, who is the candidate of the past

JAY BOOKMAN

APRIL 20, 2023 1:00 AM

     

 Columnist Jay Bookman writes that Gov. Brian Kemp’s recent speech to GOP donors that it’s time to move on from his former political ally is a compelling message, but it is the governor, not Donald Trump, who is the candidate of the past. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (File July 2020)

In a high-profile speech over the weekend in Nashville, Gov. Brian Kemp told national Republican donors that it’s time for the party to look forward, to the elections and issues of 2024, rather than backward to the debacle of 2020.

“Not a single swing voter in a single swing state will vote for our nominee if they choose to talk about the 2020 election being stolen,” Kemp told the audience, in a clear if not explicit warning about the dangers of renominating Donald Trump.

It’s a compelling message, but the truth is that it is Kemp, not Trump, who is the candidate of the past. Kemp is calling upon his party to return to its pre-Trump roots, but he is doing so at a time when its base shows no sign of having learned its lesson, no sign that it is willing to give up the emotional gratification of another Trump candidacy in return for a better if more boring chance at victory. They have no interest in incrementalism; what they want is an outlet for their fury, and Trump provides it.

Right here in Kemp’s home state, in a recent poll among Georgia Republican voters conducted by the University of Georgia, Trump outpaced Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his nearest rival for the 2024 nomination, by more than 20 percentage points. And DeSantis, as Kemp seems to recognize, is hardly the candidate of normality and sanity. All you need to know about the mood of the GOP electorate is that he and Trump are by far the most popular candidates.

It must be frustrating. Here in Georgia, by any definition a crucial swing state, Trump-backed candidates have lost three consecutive Senate races to the Democrats. In that same time frame, the more pragmatic Kemp has soundly defeated a Trump-backed challenger in the 2020 GOP primary and went on to thrash Stacey Abrams in November as well. In an earlier University of Georgia poll, this one taken in January, voters gave Kemp a 62% job approval rating.

Kemp also can boast of a significant conservative record. He signed a six-week abortion ban long before DeSantis did in Florida. He signed a bill allowing open, unpermitted carrying of firearms well before DeSantis followed suit. He gutted state campaign-finance safeguards with his creation of “leadership PACs” that can accept unlimited donations, and he has never let ethical niceties interfere with his pursuit of power, even if he is more subtle about it than the rampaging DeSantis and Trump.

He’s also been pretty sly. In the recently concluded legislative session, Kemp offered just enough late backing for a school-voucher bill to be able to portray himself as a supporter, but not enough to push it through to passage, which would have required him to sign the controversial legislation.

In essence, Kemp operates within the traditional boundaries of politics. He generally doesn’t stoop to being an Internet troll; “owning the libs” might be fun but hasn’t been a high priority. He doesn’t bash gay Americans for sport or call them groomers. He’s not trying to ban drag queens or books from school libraries. He doesn’t hint darkly at a second American civil war, or pay homage to Vladimir Putin. He doesn’t play on Twitter, and while he offers enough lip service to the Fox News hysteria of the day to maintain his conservative credibility, he doesn’t allow the conservative entertainment industry to set his agenda. He’s not interested in blowing everything up, he wants to make it work for the causes in which he believes.

Oh, and he knows better than to try to overturn lost elections through violence or through cockamamie schemes to trash the Constitution. That’s something.
All that said, though, Kemp has not been a good governor. It’s been lunacy to encourage people to carry guns, as he has done with multiple changes to weaken state gun laws. The more guns that are carried, the more people feel compelled to arm themselves, and the quicker they are to use those weapons. It’s wrong to let government dictate the most intimate, important decisions of a woman’s life, and the stubborn refusal of Kemp and his fellow Georgia Republicans to accept Medicaid expansion and the billions in federal aid that comes with it has forced hundreds of thousands of working Georgians to live without health insurance for no reason other than petty political spite.

But if Kemp hasn’t been a good governor, he has admittedly been an effective one. Once upon a time, Republicans and Democrats alike could build a career on that. Now, in a Republican Party more and more disinterested in governance, and less and less serious about the nation’s future, Kemp’s call is falling on deafened ears.

Source: Georgia Recorder

Emmett's Murder

 I knew the story of Emmett Till, like thousands of black boys growing up in the rural South, who suppressed it in our minds. It traumatized us, unlike any of the murders of African American men, women, and children of Apartheid America that I am coming to grips with today.

Fourteen-year-old Emmett Till's disfigured body, lying in a coffin for the world to see, has awakened in me a need to tell his story and fight for redemption. He is crying out from the grave, asking us to right an injustice, half a century old. To do less is not an option.

Emmett Till, who was brutally murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman in a country store in Mississippi during the Summer of 1955, lived like most black boys in the inner city of Chicago. He attended school and church regularly, and dressed immaculately as customary for black males of that era. He was also described as a leader, especially by his mother, Mamie Till, who shared with reporters how he agreed to do the shopping, cleaning, and cooking to show his appreciation for the long hours she worked as a clerk overseeing secret and confidential files for the U.S. Air Force. (1) Till enjoyed a measure of freedom that many African-American youth in the South did not have.

Mrs. Till, like most African-American mothers in the North, prepared their sons for what to expect on a possible trip South since the societies were radically different. Many blacks who migrated North during the Great Migration left loved ones behind and made clandestine visits to see them whenever possible.  Emmett made the faithful journey in August 1955 when his great-uncle, Moses White, visited the family from Money, Mississippi. The fourteen-year-old begged his mother if he could return with him and a cousin to meet family in the Delta.  After careful consideration, she offered him her blessing. 

On August 21, 1955, when Emmett arrived in the small town of Money in the Mississippi Delta, he found it to be much different than his hometown of Chicago. For instance, he could breathe fresh air, fish, or walk barefoot to the store. Three days later, while buying refreshments at Bryant's Grocery and Meat Market with his cousins after a long day of working in the fields, he was accused of flirting with or touching the hand of Carolyn Bryant, the white cashier and owner's wife, something a black man dared do in the Jim Crow era South. Whether it happened or was an innocent mistake has been a topic of debate for years. He left for his uncle's home unaware of the seriousness of the matter. 

Shortly after the alleged incident, on August 28, 1955, Carolyn's husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J.W. Milan, abducted Emmett, who had never experienced such hate in Chicago, from Uncle Moses White's home at approximately 2:00 a.m., and carried him to an isolated location. "They then beat the teenager brutally, dragged him to the bank of the Tallahatchie River, shot him in the head, and tied him with barbed wire to a large metal fan and shoved his body into the water," according to History.com. (2) Till was also lynched before being drowned.

On August 31st, 1955, three days after the brutal attack, "Emmett's badly beaten and decomposed body was found in the Tallahatchie River," according to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. (3) Authorities rescued him from a section of the river in a nearby jurisdiction after being alerted by fisherman. When news of the gruesome discovery reached the black community, Moses White, who had recently reported his nephew missing, and others familiar with the case, speculated it could be Till. White made a positive identification based on a ring Till was wearing, given to him by his late father, and made the heartbreaking call to his mother.

Over the objection of local authorities,  Mrs. Till demanded that her son's remains be shipped to Chicago. Devastated but unbroken, she hastily made funeral arrangements and opted to have an open casket ceremony to show the world what they did to her son. 

On September 3rd, 1955, the day of the funeral, Thousands filed past Till's open coffin at Roberts Temple Church of Chicago.  They wanted "to see evidence of the hate crime," recalls history.com. Women fainted at the sight of him as men looked on in horror.  By now, Till's face and head were bloated beyond recognition due to the trauma he experienced in the final days of his life and from being submerged underwater. An ear and an eye were also missing, prompting speculation that they were taken as souvenirs. 

 Two distinguished black publications, the Chicago Defender and Jet Magazine, carried "graphic images" of Till's corpse, invoking outrage and indignation throughout the country, and sparking the modern Civil Rights Movement. (4) 

Three days later, on September 6th, 1955, J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant were indicted for the murder of Emmett Till based on crucial eyewitness testimony and outside pressure. Carolyn Bryant, the catalyst for Till's death, was not charged. 

On September 19th, 1955, two weeks after Emmett was laid to rest, his murder trial convened with high hopes for a conviction.  Mrs. Till made the risky trip from Chicago to attend every session and spoke out on her son's behalf. However, an all-white male jury acquitted Roy Bryant and J.W. Milan of the slaying of Emmett Till in less than ninety minutes of deliberations, despite "overwhelming evidence of the defendant's guilt," according to History.com, including eyewitness testimony from Emmett's great uncle, Moses White, who courageously pointed out the men as having kidnapped Till from his home. (5) A local African-American male also testified to seeing the deceased in a vehicle with the men the night he disappeared. It was typical of Southern juries in the Jim Crow era not to convict white defendants accused of murdering blacks, even if there was irrefutable proof that a crime had taken place.

Nearly seventy years after Till's senseless murder and the lack of accountability, the U.S. Senate, on March 7, 2022, followed the House of Representatives and passed the Emmet Till Anti lynching Act.  On March 29, President Joseph Biden signed the historic measure into law during a special ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, which African-American leaders had fought diligently to pass. Till's mother, who spent the balance of her life fighting to bring her son's killers to justice and keep his memory alive, would have been proud.

We must keep her dream alive by spreading the word of an innocent boy whose life was snatched from us due to a breach of social norms. He lives among us still.

Sources:

1. History.com.

2. History.com.

3. Children's Museum of Indianapolis

4. History.com

5. History.com