By April Ryan, BlackPressUSA

As this nation observes the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, the words of President Trump reverberate. “This country will be WOKE no longer, an emboldened Trump offered during his speech to the recent a joint session of Congress night. Since then, Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell posted on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that “Elon Musk and his DOGE bros have ordered GSA to sell off the site of the historic Freedom Riders Museum in Montgomery.” Her post of little words went on to say, “This is outrageous and we will not let it stand! I am demanding an immediate reversal. Our Civil Rights history is not for sale!”

Also, in the news, the Associated Press is reporting they have a file of names and descriptions of more than 26,000 military images flagged for removal because of connections to women, minorities, culture, or DEI. In more attempts to downplay Blackness, a word that is interchanged with woke, Trump supporters have introduced another bill to take down the bright yellow letters of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C., in exchange for the name Liberty Plaza. D.C. Mayor Morial Bowser is allowing the name change to keep millions of federal dollars flowing there. Black Lives Matter Plaza was named in 2020 after a tense exchange between President Trump and George Floyd protesters in front of the White House. 

There are more reports about cuts to equity initiatives that impact HBCU students. Programs that recruited top HBCU students into the military and the pipeline for Department of Defense contracts have been canceled.

Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing back against this second-term Trump administration’s anti-DEI and Anti-woke message. In the wake of the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, several Congressional Black Caucus leaders are reintroducing the Voting Rights Act. South Carolina Democratic Congressman James Clyburn and Alabama Congresswoman Terry Sewell are sponsoring H.R. 14, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Six decades ago, Lewis was hit with a billy club by police as he marched for the right to vote for African Americans. The right for Black people to vote became law with the 1965 Voting Rights Act that has since been gutted, leaving the nation to vote without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. 

Reflecting on the late Congressman Lewis, March 1, 2020, a few months before his death, Lewis said, “We need more than ever in these times many more someones to make good trouble- to make their own dent in the wall of injustice.”

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By Jackie Taggart

In the 1969 Parrish High School yearbook, a rare glimpse into my family’s history stands out—a picture of my father, the first African American to teach at an all-white Parrish High School in Selma. Back in 1964, he began his teaching career at RB Hudson High School, the cornerstone of Selma’s Black education. Alongside courageous educators like Margaret Moore and Reverend F.D. Reese—whom he marched with during pivotal moments of the movement—my father helped break down the barriers of segregation and inequality.

His early days in Selma were marked by tension and danger: escorted by the National Guard on his first few days at Parrish High School, he soon refused the escorts, determined not to let fear define his path. In 1966, he left Selma for Ann Arbor, Michigan, to further his education with a master’s degree at the University of Michigan, only to return in 1968 and resume his commitment to teaching at RB Hudson. He marched with Dr. King, joined fellow teachers in lunch counter sit-ins, and helped shape the movement through education and civic action.

My mother, Dorothy Kennedy Taggart, also played an essential role as a teacher at RB Hudson. She devoted countless hours tutoring community members, helping them overcome the literacy tests that barred many from registering to vote. Their dedication exemplifies how Black educators not only imparted knowledge but also ignited the fire for civil rights and social justice.

In 2012, during a conversation at the Board of Elections, Congressman John Lewis himself schooled me on the critical role that teachers played in the Civil Rights Movement. His insights underscored a powerful truth: educators were the unsung heroes who risked everything to empower their communities—even as they faced the threat of dismissal or arrest for daring to participate in the fight for voting rights.

As Selma readies itself for Jubilee 60—the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday—I am returning home to honor my family’s legacy and to share this vital history with you. Through exclusive interviews, rare photographs, and firsthand stories, I’ll be covering the events and celebrating the transformative power of education and activism that have defined Selma for generations.

Stay tuned for more from Jubilee 60, as we revisit the courageous past and the enduring spirit of the Black Belt Community.

Follow my journey with The Cincinnati Herald as we bring Selma’s story to life.

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Alvin F. Poussaint, a psychiatrist who provided medical care to Civil Rights activists in 1960s Mississippi and later became a national authority on the effects of racism on Black mental health, died last week at his home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He was 90. His wife, Dr. Tina Young Poussaint, confirmed his death.

Born May 15, 1934, in East Harlem, New York City, Poussaint graduated from Stuyvesant High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in 1956 and a medical degree from Cornell University in 1960. He completed his residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute, where he was chief resident from 1964 to 1965.

Driven by the fight for racial equality, Poussaint served as the southern field director for the Medical Committee for Human Rights from 1965 to 1967, providing care to Civil Rights workers in Mississippi and working to desegregate hospitals throughout the South. He later joined the faculty at Tufts University Medical School, where he directed a psychiatric program in a low-income housing development. In 1969, Poussaint began teaching at Harvard Medical School, ultimately serving as a professor of psychiatry and the faculty associate dean for student affairs.

Poussaint’s research spanned topics such as grief, parenting, violence, and the experiences of children from interracial families. His 1972 book, Why Blacks Kill Blacks, examined how systemic racism affects Black psychological development. He also co-authored Raising Black Children and Lay My Burden Down: Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis Among African Americans, highlighting issues often overlooked in mainstream mental health discussions.

Beyond academia, Poussaint became a prominent cultural advisor. From 1984 to 1993, he worked as a consultant for The Cosby Show and its spinoff, A Different World. His role was to ensure that the programs portrayed Black families in a positive and realistic light, free from harmful stereotypes. While often cited as the inspiration for the character of Dr. Cliff Huxtable, Poussaint denied the claim but acknowledged his influence on the show’s direction. “I don’t rewrite,” he told The Philadelphia Daily News in 1985. “But I indicate what makes sense, what’s off, what’s too inconsistent with reality.”

His collaboration with Bill Cosby extended to co-writing the 2007 book, “Come On, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors” and contributing the introduction and afterword to Cosby’s best-selling book “Fatherhood.” Although Poussaint worked closely with Cosby on various projects, there is no evidence he was aware of the allegations that later emerged against the entertainer.

A firm believer in addressing racism’s profound psychological impact, Poussaint was known for challenging conventional views. In a 1999 opinion piece, he wrote, “It’s time for the American Psychiatric Association to designate extreme racism as a mental health problem. Otherwise, racists will continue to fall through the cracks of the mental health system, and we can expect more of them to act out their deadly delusions.”

Poussaint’s influence extended into politics, serving as Massachusetts co-chairman for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign. Over his career, he received numerous awards and honorary degrees, including a New England Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Special in 1997 for his work on Willoughby’s Wonders. He was a member of several organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Sigma Pi Phi fraternity.

Poussaint is survived by his wife, Dr. Tina Young Poussaint, and their children.

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By April Ryan, Black Press USA

She was a warrior in the truest sense of the word and activist extraordinaire.”  Those words are from Reverend Al Sharpton who is celebrating the life and activism of the iconic Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, Civil Rights activist and leader within the ranks of the New York and National Board of the NAACP.  Dukes 92  passed away this morning in New York. 

Just two weeks ago, Dukes was wheelchair bound and present to perform her duty as NAACP Election Supervisory Chair certifying the elections of the rights groups’ board members. 

Dr. Ben Chavis, elected in 1993,  was the 7th Executive Director and CEO of the  NAACP and spoke on the life of Dukes saying, “The transformative leadership legacy of freedom fighter Hazel Dukes will now be enshrined with the greatest honor and respect as a leader of the NAACP in America and throughout the world.”

Chair of the Board of the NAACP Leon W. Russell told Black Press USA that Dr. Dukes led the NAACP New York Conference for 50 years acknowledging, “Her work has helped ensure that the 116-year-old NAACP could remain relevant and continue its work throughout the years. She has been consistent in her work and her support as a member and a leader.”

Sharpton says she has known her for almost 50 years since he was a teen. “There never was an issue that she was not out front. We’ve gone to jail together and the White House together.”

Sharpton said, “We will never have another Hazel Dukes. But thank God we had this one.”

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By April Ryan

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Before the completed investigation officially began, President Trump laid the blame for the accident on the Army helicopter. He felt it should have been flying at a different altitude, higher or lower, than the jet.    

“We are dealing with a vicious adversary,” according to Rev. Al Sharpton, the head of the National Action Network speaking of President Donald Trump and his hate diatribe Thursday morning. President Trump blamed DEI, the Obama and Biden administrations along with former Transportation Sec.   Pete Buttigieg for the deadly midair crash over the Potomac last night. 67 people died after an accident between an American Airline Plane and an Army Helicopter. When asked why President Trump thought diversity had something to do with the crash, he said,” I have common sense and most people don’t.” Reverend Al, who is investigating the impact of the Trump anti-DEI efforts in retail believes Trump is “obsessed with race” and he is a “raw, insensitive, uncaring man.”

Former Secretary Buttigieg immediately went to social media making a statement saying, Trump should be leading, not lying.” Buttigieg also fact-checked Trump saying we grew Air Traffic Control and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch.”

During Trump’s rant on DEI at the White House briefing room podium, he asserted, “the FAA’s diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing. And then it says, the FAA says, people with severe disabilities, the most underrepresented segment of the workforce, and they want them in, and they want them. They can be air traffic controllers. I don’t think so.” Trump went on to say the prior administrations felt those departments were “too White.”

According to reports FAA staffing has been an issue since Inauguration Day January 20, 2025.  Also, Elon Musk, the head of the White House Office of Government Efficiency is reported to have asked the head of the FAA to resign. 

Former Black Obama Administration Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx exclusively told this reporter after the Trump statements,” I would caution against any definitive conclusions until that work [investigation] is done by trained, experienced professionals.”

Foxx, who also worked as a transportation consultant in the Biden administration admonished the Trump address saying, “There is no sugar-coating the tragic midair collision that occurred last night. In my experience, safety has always been the number one focus of the Federal Aviation Administration.” Foxx says there is a safety mission to be completed after this tragedy. “There is a well-practiced root cause process that has been taken in the past. It should be used now with competent professionals. A comprehensive, fact-based investigation will answer the many questions we all have. It would also help guard against future accidents of this type,” according to the transportation expert.

Before the completed investigation officially began, President Trump laid the blame for the accident on the Army helicopter. He felt it should have been flying at a different altitude, higher or lower, than the jet. When it comes to the president’s corrosive comments, reaction has been swift from the Civil Rights community. In a statement from the President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Derrick Johnson, “The NAACP is disgusted by this display of unpresidential, divisive behavior.” Johnson told this reporter in a text message, “The President has made his decision to put politics over people abundantly clear as he uses the highest office in the land to sow hatred rooted in falsehoods instead of providing us with the leadership we need and deserve.”

As Trump worked to distract with his words on DEI, the questions still abound as to what caused the deadly plane crash. Former Sec. Foxx, immediately following the fatal crash said. “My worst fear is that something happened with the avionics. I hope and expect that this is not the case. But most aircraft these days run in a form of GPS. Could a warning system have failed? But then, how can two systems fail? That leads to some even more grave concerns about interference with the systems. There are many other potential causes.”

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In a scene that one might easily describe as privilege meeting privilege, two powerful white and elderly men—Joe Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 78—shared a cordial exchange in the Oval Office, an image strikingly at odds with the grim reality many Black Americans now face with Trump’s re-election. While Biden extended a warm “welcome back” to his predecessor and successor, for African Americans and other marginalized groups, the moment marked something else entirely: the return of a leader who has made explicit promises to dismantle the civil rights framework that barely holds at the edges in the nation.

Trump is adamant about his intentions, thanks to his renewed mandate. Among his stated goals, which include dismantling the Department of Education, defunding historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and killing any remote chance that African Americans could finally receive reparations for centuries of racism and discrimination.

White college students who, in his opinion, have suffered because of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have received a signal from Trump that he would extend reparative measures to them. He’s vowed to ramp up law enforcement efforts targeting minority communities, with plans to reinstate controversial stop-and-frisk laws, grant sweeping immunity to police, and dismantle the Department of Justice’s civil rights division.

For Biden, the White House meeting on Wednesday may have been just another statesmanlike duty, another handshake for the cameras. But for Black Americans, the stakes are disturbingly real. The promise of a Trump administration heavy-handed in law enforcement and dismissive of civil rights is not a distant threat; it’s an imminent one. As Biden offered his congratulations, Black Americans, knowing that white women and white men were responsible for the 2024 election results, were left with the image of a president who appeared shielded by privilege, watching as the same Oval Office welcomed back a leader intent on unraveling hard-fought protections.

As the fire crackled behind the two in the Oval Office, Biden wished for a smooth transition—ironically, the same gesture Trump had denied him four years ago—and Black America could only look on with trepidation and the unmistakable privilege that white America has fought so viciously to deny people of color. Under Trump, Black Americans saw police-involved deaths rise, racist rhetoric embolden hate groups, and policies favoring predominantly white and affluent communities. Now, with the incoming Trump-led administration reinvigorated, communities across the nation are bracing themselves for policies that echo Jim Crow’s shadow.

In this return to power, Trump brings with him a promise of transformation—one that may bear little good news for communities of color. His rhetoric on law enforcement paints a vision of a “police state,” where “order” is synonymous with marginalization and where civil liberties are an afterthought. The administration’s proposed reforms under Project 2025 or Agenda 47 promise further marginalization of those already most affected by systemic injustices.

As Biden shook Trump’s hand, the widening chasm between the lived experience of Black people and the political theater of the day was apparent. Confederates who remain heroes of Trump and those ensconced in the MAGA movement are likely to replace the portraits of historical figures like Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. that currently line the Oval Office. Trump has spoken openly of his opposition to removing Confederate monuments and relics that honor those who fought to retain slavery in America.

While the two men smiled and shook hands, it’s likely that the lives of Biden and Trump and many who look like them—particularly those who enjoy their wealth—will, at worst, remain unchanged. In contrast, Black Americans—and other communities of color—are set to face an administration chomping at the bit to eradicate all civil rights protections afforded minorities. Trump’s approach has already emboldened hate groups, stirred racist sentiments, and further divided the nation.

Still, Biden, seated comfortably within the privileges that come with his office and with being white and wealthy, offered a “smooth transition” to a man who promised to tighten the grip of authority on communities that have fought hardest for equity and justice.

“Privilege meeting privilege isn’t just about two men shaking hands,” said one administration official who asked to remain anonymous and who will be without a job come January 20. “It’s about a system that protects itself, a system that tells Black America, ‘It’s your turn to wait—again.’ And while they exchange niceties, Black America holds its breath, knowing that the fight for justice got a lot harder.”

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With the Trump administration preparing to take office in January, plans across numerous policy areas are likely to significantly affect Black Americans. From proposed changes to education funding to civil rights enforcement, early indicators suggest a series of shifts that could reshape access to resources, legal protections, and economic stability within Black communities. Here’s a look at the critical policies and potential outcomes that many might want to monitor under the new administration.

Education Policy

The Department of Education faces an uncertain future under Trump, who has proposed its elimination. This change would dismantle federal oversight on public education standards and divert funding currently allocated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Black leaders are concerned that repealing Biden’s pledged HBCU funding would hinder efforts to address historical underfunding at these institutions. Trump has also indicated a desire to provide what he calls “reparations” for white students, citing perceived discrimination due to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies. If enacted, this approach could shift federal resources away from minority students to focus on what Trump describes as “equal access for all.”

Rule of Law

Trump has consistently signaled a reduction in the Department of Justice’s civil rights oversight, raising concerns among advocates. His approach would likely limit the DOJ’s role in addressing police misconduct and civil rights cases, including those involving voting rights protections. Such changes could result in fewer investigations into racial discrimination in police departments and might allow local jurisdictions to address—or ignore—cases of potential discrimination. For Black communities facing systemic challenges in the justice system, this could mean a significant loss of federal support for ensuring equal protection under the law.

Health Care Policy

The Trump administration has expressed an interest in reducing the scope of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and scaling back Medicaid. Any cuts to these programs stand to have a significant negative impact on Black Americans, who suffer disproportionately from chronic health conditions and high rates of uninsurance. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that Black adults are twice as likely as white adults to rely on Medicaid. Reduced access to affordable health care could increase existing health disparities, particularly in states where Medicaid expansion under the ACA was instrumental in improving Black health outcomes.

Environmental Regulations

Under Trump’s prior administration, environmental protections were scaled back, impacting air and water quality in urban areas where Black Americans are more likely to live. Trump’s deregulatory stance could again see rollbacks on pollution standards and decreased enforcement against industrial polluters, particularly in cities where Black communities are exposed to disproportionately high levels of environmental toxins. According to a report by the NAACP, Black Americans are 75% more likely to live in neighborhoods adjacent to polluting facilities, putting them at greater risk of asthma, respiratory illnesses, and other health issues.

Civil Rights and DE&I Policies

Trump has proposed eliminating many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies across federal agencies, which he argues is needed to combat “reverse discrimination.” This would halt DE&I training, reduce funding for DE&I initiatives, and could even lead to the retraction of DE&I programs in workplaces nationwide. Civil rights groups have raised concerns that ending DE&I policies could weaken protections and opportunities for Black Americans in government and private employment. Additionally, with plans to limit the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, discrimination protections in housing, employment, and education could be at risk.

Federal Poverty Policy

In previous statements, Trump has advocated for limiting welfare and SNAP benefits, aiming to reduce federal poverty assistance programs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to live below the poverty line, making federal assistance essential for many Black families. Restrictions on these programs could create economic strain in communities already facing higher unemployment rates and limited access to generational wealth. Without strong safety nets, Black communities may experience increased financial instability and a reduced ability to recover from economic downturns.

Reproductive Health

Trump’s support for restrictive reproductive health policies could have far-reaching consequences for Black women, who already face higher maternal mortality rates. His administration’s stance on limiting reproductive services, including defunding clinics that provide abortion and contraception, could disproportionately affect Black women, especially those in underserved areas. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, partly due to limited access to quality reproductive healthcare.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Trump has indicated that immigration restrictions could be expanded, with stricter enforcement and limitations on family-based immigration, which could affect Black immigrant communities from African and Caribbean countries. With around 4.6 million Black immigrants living in the U.S. (Pew Research), policies that increase deportation rates or restrict visas could destabilize families and communities with close ties to immigrants. Additionally, Trump’s foreign policy stance may deprioritize diplomatic relationships with African and Caribbean nations, limiting business, travel, and educational exchanges that have become vital to many Black Americans with familial or cultural connections abroad.

Trump’s Business Interests and Economic Policy

The Trump administration’s emphasis on corporate tax cuts and deregulation could benefit large corporations but may do little to address income inequality, which disproportionately affects Black Americans. Critics argue that policies focused on supporting corporations and high-income individuals could further limit investment in community programs, housing, and small business support. In these areas, Black communities often seek economic mobility. Data from the Economic Policy Institute suggests that tax policies benefiting corporations without targeted support for lower-income communities tend to increase economic disparities.

Technology and Digital Access

Trump’s approach to technology policy may reduce funding for broadband expansion, essential for improving internet access in underserved Black communities. The digital divide remains a persistent issue, with Pew Research reporting that Black Americans are less likely to have broadband access at home compared to white Americans. Policies that overlook digital equity could limit educational, employment, and healthcare access, further impacting Black communities that rely on affordable internet services for remote opportunities.

A Focus on Civil Rights and Equity

For Black Americans, the incoming Trump administration’s policies in these areas could signal significant shifts in daily life, from economic security and healthcare access to environmental justice and educational opportunity. As Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP, noted, “Our rights, health, and economic well-being hinge on strong, equitable policies. It’s our job to stay vigilant and protect the progress we’ve made.”

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By Stacy M. Brown and Greer Marshall

LIBK and NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent and Let It Be Known Producer
@StacyBrownMedia

With just one week until the pulse of the nation beats at the ballot box and over 51 million votes already cast, Kamala Harris stood before an audience Tuesday night that outgrew its bounds. What was once imagined as an intimate gathering of 8,000 souls evolved into an ocean of hope, a swelling tide of support that illuminated the final stretch of her journey, with over 75,000 people gathering at the Ellipse in our nation’s capital.

At 7:37 pm, under a sky heavy with purpose, Harris stepped onto the stage, embraced by a wave of thunderous love—a scene lit in flashing reds and blues, where applause rolled like a breaking tide. Her spirit was ablaze as she lifted her voice: “Good evening, America!” Each word rose above the chants of her name pulsing through the crowd, “Kamala, Kamala.” Her gaze remained steady, and with reverence for each life present, as she continued to speak. “Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives.” When she paused, it was clear that she was feeling the weight of the moment. With clear conviction, she said, ”One week from today, you will have a chance to make a decision that directly affects your lives, the lives of your family, and the future of this country. It will probably be the most important vote you’ve ever cast,” she said. Beyond selecting between two parties and two candidates, she said, “It’s about more than just making a choice—of whether you have a country of freedom or one ruled by division.”

Emphasizing her focus on “common ground and common-sense solutions,” Harris promises to hold space for all, regardless of creed or corner of the country. “I am not here to play politics; I am here to make progress,” she proclaimed, as “Freedom” and “USA” banners waved above the crowd like living symbols. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy. He wants to put them in jail. We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms. It’s time to turn the page on the drama, conflict, fear, and division,” Harris advises.

The atmosphere was pulsating, like a never-ending fiesta for the soul. Fatimah Glasnow, who came five hours early from Southeast D.C. to secure her spot, was deeply moved. “The feeling here is hope, love, and peace,” Glasnow said. “An America where we can all thrive, regardless of our race or gender. I needed this kind of energy in my life.” Glasnow felt seen and empowered, and her faith was renewed by Harris’s words, particularly on issues of social and maternal justice. “She’s advocated for social justice and, really, justice itself.”

For Harris, this gathering was more than a rally; it was a moment to bare the heart of her mission, a testament to what fuels her as a leader. There’s something about people being treated unfairly or overlooked that, frankly, just gets to me,” she shared. “I don’t like it. It’s what my mother instilled in me—a drive to hold accountable those who use their wealth or power to take advantage of others.”

When addressing the fall of Roe v. Wade, her resolve was clear. She promised the crowd, “I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America.” With this pledge, Harris reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to preserving and expanding civil rights.

Capitol Hill resident Leander Davis, a social services worker, said Harris’s words resonated deeply. “She’s all of us,” Davis said. “She’s been criticized, ostracized, demonized, and called all sorts of names, yet she hasn’t stopped fighting for what’s right. When she’s president, we will all be better off.”

Harris’s campaign is woven from a life spent challenging injustice and protecting those vulnerable. This was personal. As her words echoed, the crowd’s response was nothing less than electric. Harris made it clear: Her campaign was a call to action. Vowing, “If you give me the chance to fight on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way.”

A striking contrast to the divisive language that has marked Trump’s racist rhetoric, Harris did not shy away from the comparison. “If elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office,” Harris said, gesturing toward the White House, “with an enemies list. When elected, I will walk in with a to-do list.” Her words painted a vision of governance rooted not in vengeance but in purpose. Her administration, she pledged, would focus on practical solutions: lowering costs, supporting working families, and rekindling a sense of unity and shared ambition across the nation.

Though her years as Vice President under President Joe Biden had been an honor, Harris acknowledged the urgency of a new direction. “I have been honored to serve as Joe Biden’s vice president,” she said. “But I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office. My presidency will be different because the challenges we face are different.” Her voice conveyed both respect and determination—a promise to carry forward Biden’s legacy but forge a new path to meet America’s evolving needs.

The vice president confronted the charged topic of immigration, calling for accountability and cooperation. “Politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election—and instead treat it as the serious challenge that it is,” she said, “that we must finally come together to solve.” She also insisted that “I will work with Democrats and Republicans to sign into law the border security bill that Donald Trump killed.”

Harris said while she will focus on prosecuting cartels and transnational gangs, “we must acknowledge we are a nation of immigrants.” Vowing to push for change that would reflect the country’s roots and values. Harris said, “And I will work with Congress to pass immigration reform, including an earned path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants, like farmworkers and our laborers.”

As her speech reached its crescendo, Harris delivered a final rallying cry. “America, we’ve been consumed by division, chaos, and mistrust for too long. But it doesn’t have to be this way,” she proclaimed, her voice rising with passion. “It is time for a new generation of leadership, and I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the United States.”

Evoking images of marches and a vision of unity, she shared, “I grew up as a child of the civil rights movement.” She said, “My parents took me to those marches, pushing me in a stroller through crowds of people of all races, faiths, and walks of life, all fighting for the ideals of freedom and opportunity. I’ve lived the promise of America.”

Her voice was thick with memory and gratitude as she reflected on her mother’s sacrifices and determination, sharing, “I saw how hard our mother worked to give her daughters the same chances this country gave her,” Harris said. “Growing up, I was blessed to have family by blood and family by love, who instilled in me the values of community, compassion, and faith that have always defined our nation at its best. I’ve lived the promise of America.”

In her closing remarks, her face reflected the nation’s hopes and struggles. “I’ve spent my life fighting for the people who have been hurt and counted out, but never stopped believing that in our country anything is possible,” Harris said. “I have lived the promise of America, and I see the promise of America in all of you. In all of you, I see it.”

Harri’s message was unmistakable: this was a campaign fueled by purpose and people and grounded in the unyielding pursuit of justice. More than a candidate, Harris stood as a bridge to a future where leadership meant action and inclusion, a vision built on the resilience and spirit of every American she vowed to serve. In the final days of her campaign, Harris stands at the crossroads of dreams and demands. On this night, surrounded by an ocean of optimistic faces, Harris underscored the magic of the moment. She reminded us that their decision was more than just a vote—it was a breath of courage, a step toward a world remade.

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Cincinnati NAACP

On Feb. 12, Cincinnati NAACP was the first chapter in the United States to launch V.O.T.E., a comprehensive voter and civic engagement strategy that includes a mobile unit to engage Hamilton County residents directly in the voting process.  

The first Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Civic Engagement Unit outreach event was held in April, with monthly events with community partners scheduled afterward. Cincinnati NAACP leaders, mobile unit sponsors, and community partners discussed strategic priorities and bus appearances and showed the mobile unit. 

Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Civic Engagement Unit is 24 ft long X 10 ft wide X 11 ft. tall. Retrofitted with six computer stations, printers, and Wi-Fi, the vehicle travels to historically marginalized neighborhoods with low voter engagement.  

Trained volunteers are educating residents about the voting process, distributing instructional materials, printing their sample ballot, providing absentee ballot request forms, and assisting in online registration (paper voter registration forms will also be available). Additionally, residents are being instructed to verify their registration status, track their mailed applications and ballots, find polling locations, and identify their elected officials.  

“We could not have been more excited to launch the first in the nation NAACP civic engagement strategy and mobile unit in Cincinnati on the 109th charter day of our branch, said Joe Mallory, Cincinnati NAACP President. For 109 years, our chapter has been a local leader and national role model in our organization’s mission to advance policies and practices that expand human and Civil Rights. Thank you to sponsors and partners, Fifth Third Foundation, McElrath Slade Wholeness Institute, Kroger, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, J. Phillip Holloman, and the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio. The Cincinnati NAACP is leveraging technology and mobility to reach residents more easily to empower, engage and educate them on voting.” 

David Whitehead, Cincinnati NAACP Political Action & Voter Empowerment Chair, said, “We look forward to elevating and continuing to do the work of the Cincinnati NAACP by taking the mobile unit into communities, educating residents about civic engagement, and training volunteers.” He went on to say, “Our goal is to make our model scalable and sustainable beyond the election cycle.” 

Community partners can request the Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Civic Engagement Unit. Requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on unit and volunteer availability. 

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Jury selection began Monday, Sept. 9, in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating the civil rights of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who died following a brutal beating by police in January 2023. The incident, captured on police cameras, ignited protests and calls for police reform nationwide.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith face charges of using excessive force, failing to intervene, and obstructing justice through witness tampering. All three have pleaded not guilty.

On January 7, 2023, the police allegedly pulled over Nichols for alleged reckless driving. After being removed from his car, Nichols attempted to flee on foot. Officers caught up with him and violently assaulted him, as shown in police body camera footage. Nichols died in the hospital three days later from his injuries. The autopsy revealed that he died from blunt force trauma to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide.

The three officers on trial and two other officers—Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr.—were members of the Memphis Police Department’s now-disbanded SCORPION Unit, a specialized crime suppression team. All five officers were fired after the incident and were later charged with second-degree murder in state court. Mills and Martin have pleaded guilty to federal charges and may testify during the trial.

While the trial is expected to last three to four weeks, the incident has also triggered a broader civil rights investigation into the Memphis Police Department.

In September 2023, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee announced the launch of an investigation into potential patterns of unconstitutional conduct within the Memphis Police Department. The investigation, which Nichols’ death sparked, is looking into whether the department used excessive force and racially discriminatory practices, particularly during traffic stops involving Black people.

“The tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is launching this investigation to examine serious allegations that the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and discriminatory policing based on race.”

Clarke emphasized that while Nichols’ death was a catalyst, reports of officers escalating encounters and using excessive force over an extended period prompted the investigation. “There are also indications that officers may use force punitively when faced with behavior they perceive to be insolent,” Clarke stated.

The investigation will examine whether Memphis police violated constitutional rights through unlawful stops, excessive force, or racially discriminatory policing practices.

In addition to the federal trial and civil rights probe, Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million lawsuit against the City of Memphis, Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, the five officers involved in Nichols’ death, and other officials. The lawsuit alleges negligence in hiring practices and creating a culture of aggressive policing within the SCORPION Unit.

The trial has drawn national attention, with Nichols’ family expected to attend as the officers’ trial.

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