Black Americans living abroad mark Juneteenth As the United States marks only the second federally recognized Juneteenth, Black Americans living overseas have embraced the holiday as a day of reflection and an opportunity to educate people in their host countries on Black history.
Belgium returns Congo independence hero’s tooth to … BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian authorities on Monday returned a gold-capped tooth belonging to the slain Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba, as the former colonial power continues to confront its bloody past and look toward reconciliation. The restitution of the relic took place after Belgium’s King Philippe earlier this month expressed his “deepest regrets” for his […]
Juneteenth celebrations emphasize ending racial disparities DALLAS (AP) — After Opal Lee led hundreds in a walk through her Texas hometown to celebrate Juneteenth, the 95-year-old Black woman who helped successfully push for the holiday to get national recognition said it’s important that people learn the history behind it. “We need to know so people can heal from it and never […]
Juneteenth is a paid holiday in fewer than half of … Lawmakers in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and other states failed to advance proposals this year that would have closed state offices and given most of their public employees paid time off for the June 19 holiday.
DC mayor’s race reflects Democratic dilemma over … WASHINGTON (AP) — Mayor Muriel Bowser cruised to reelection in the nation’s capital four years ago without serious opposition, and as the city enjoyed prosperous times, the main criticism of her policies was that Washington was growing too quickly, driving up housing costs and pricing out Black residents in an uncontrolled gentrification wave. One tumultuous […]
Al Sharpton takes a bow, with Spike, to close out … NEW YORK (AP) — On the eve of Juneteenth, the Tribeca Festival came to a close with the Rev. Al Sharpton documentary “Loudmouth” in a premiere that united on stage Sharpton and Spike Lee — two towering New York figures who have each been vilified and celebrated for careers championing racial justice. The event held […]
Efforts spotlight slave who inspired beach name, … BEVERLY, Mass. (AP) — An enslaved Black man, the tall tale he inspired and the beach that now bears his name are the focus of new efforts to recognize the role of slavery along Massachusetts’ picturesque North Shore. As the story goes, Robin Mingo was promised freedom by his white master if the tide ever […]
Foundations embrace organized labor with $20 million … Following a string of union victories at Amazon and Starbucks, a group of prominent progressive grant makers is seeking to put a total of $20 million into a coalition with organized labor that will steer funds to organizing and advocacy campaigns in the South. A contentious battle to unionize an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Ala., […]
Confederate flag-toting man, son convicted in Capitol … WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday convicted a Confederate flag-toting man and his son of charges that they stormed the U.S. Capitol together during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, to obstruct Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s presidential victory. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden delivered the verdict from the bench after hearing two […]
Despite push, states slow to make Juneteenth a paid … NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. But after an initial burst of action, the movement to have it recognized as an official holiday in the states has largely stalled. Although almost every state recognizes Juneteenth […]
Cities nationwide not reporting crime data to FBI Dozens of cities across the United States are not reporting their crime data to the FBI, making it hard to determine and keep track of crime rates.