By Terence Cullen
tcullen@actumllc.com

New York, New York – Jotaka Eaddy, a leading social impact strategist and the founder of #WinWithBlackWomen, receive the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on February 21 in Los Angeles. Previously called the Social Justice Award, the recognition was renamed this year in honor of Dr. Mildred Bond Roxborough, a lifelong Civil Rights activist and the longest-serving staff member of the NAACP.

The NAACP Image Awards are globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award ceremonies that uplift Black excellence and hold a standard of excellence, justice, equality, and progressive change, as exemplified by Eaddy’s career. She has focused her work on bringing together Black women in positions of power everywhere, leveraging over 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and movement building. Founded in August 2020 with a group of 90 women on its first Zoom call, #WinWithBlackWomen has grown into an intergenerational, intersectional collective of 200,000 Black women from across business, sports, movement, politics, entertainment, and beyond. Last year, the group made history in championing Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential bid, convening 90,000 women on the day of the campaign’s launch and raising over $3 million for the Harris-Walz ticket. Their work inspired more than 200 pro-Harris affinity groups that collectively raised over $20 million for the campaign.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, especially after such a pivotal and challenging year. The work of Civil Rights pioneers like Dr. Mildred Bond Roxborough has paved the way for Black women like me to continue the fight for justice,” said Jotaka Eaddy. “To be named at the NAACP’s preeminent ceremony honoring esteemed colleagues and leaders, all of whom I deeply admire, is a tremendous privilege—one I don’t take lightly. Together, we’ve worked on crucial issues, from voting rights and education to women’s reproductive freedoms and building generational wealth, and only together will we continue this path forward.”

Eaddy is also the founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, LLC, where she leads transformative change and global impact for clients including advising Oprah Winfrey: OWN Network’s award-winning OWN Your Vote Campaign; supporting the expansion of inclusive policy and platform changes for some of the world’s largest tech companies and venture firms; and guiding the launch of Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women Initiative that created a historic $1 billion investment in Black women.

“Despite so much chaos and falsehoods around diversity, equity and inclusion, our mission is far from over. We will remain united, standing shoulder to shoulder, and continue working tirelessly for the justice and respect we rightfully deserve,” Eaddy continued.

Eaddy’s previous accomplishments range from her election as the University of South Carolina’s first Black Woman Student Body President and groundbreaking work to abolish the juvenile death penalty in America, to her pivotal leadership as Senior Advisor to the NAACP–all before her successful transition to the C-Suite of Silicon Valley. Described as the “Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley” by Forbes Magazine, Eaddy is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; was recently named the Associated Press’s No. 3 “People to Know” in its 2024 Guide to Democracy; and recognized in Marie Claire’s 2024 Changemakers, ESSENCE’s 2024 Power 40, and TIME Magazine’s 2025 ‘The Closers’.

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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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Dear Editor:

The Cincinnati NAACP vehemently condemns anyone involved with the racist and offensive text messages received by Black and Brown people in our community and around the country. There are provocateurs trying to invoke fear in the community and racial terrorism.

It appears to be coordinated and targeted harassment, to fan the flames of hate and divisiveness, by using messaging of a dark and shameful time in our nation’s history. Unfortunately, this is the byproduct of unchecked and reckless rhetoric by someone who will once again be leading our country.

Hate and intimidation tactics have no place in our communities, and they will not work. We will not stand by in silence while members of our communities are targeted.

Joe Mallory

President

Cincinnati NAACP

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary piece do not necessarily the express the opinions of The Cincinnati Herald.

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President Joe Biden took a significant step this week toward ensuring access to clean drinking water for all Americans, announcing a new EPA rule that mandates the replacement of lead service lines across the nation within ten years. Biden declared that his administration remains committed to “sprinting to the finish” in addressing environmental justice issues and securing clean water for historically marginalized communities.

Since day one, the president said his administration has prioritized the removal of lead pipes, with he and Vice President Kamala Harris committing to replace all lead pipes within a decade. The effort, part of the administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, doubles down on their focus on protecting public health, particularly in underserved areas. “No level of lead exposure is safe,” Biden emphasized, noting the devastating impacts of lead poisoning, especially on children and expectant mothers.

The NAACP recently released a report highlighting how unsafe drinking water affects Black communities disproportionately, using problems in Jackson, MS, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other cities as examples. “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right,” the report stated, calling for immediate action from state legislators to enforce policies prioritizing clean water access in low-income and minority communities.

The report stressed that decisions on water infrastructure funding often occur at the state level, leaving marginalized communities vulnerable when funding priorities are misaligned. The NAACP urges lawmakers to “allocate funds for the modernization and maintenance of water systems” in areas that have suffered from long-term neglect.

Milwaukee and Nationwide Efforts

In Milwaukee, Biden declared that the city is progressing significantly thanks to a $30 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With the funding, Milwaukee can replace its lead pipes within ten years instead of the previously projected 60-year timeline. The city also prioritizes disadvantaged communities in its lead pipe replacement efforts, partnering with other Midwest cities like Detroit to advance regional clean water initiatives. “Milwaukee is now a leader in the region,” Biden added, noting the city’s partnership with Detroit through the Great Lakes Lead Pipes Partnership, which aims to accelerate lead pipe replacement across the Midwest.

The Biden administration’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements will mandate lead pipe replacement across the country, making this the first-ever national requirement. Since the rule was first announced, Biden has secured $15 billion specifically for lead pipe replacement, along with an additional $11.7 billion that can be allocated to drinking water projects and lead pipe removal. The funds will be directed, in part, toward disadvantaged communities bearing the brunt of lead contamination. “We are ensuring that every American can turn on their tap and drink clean water,” Biden said.

Beyond Milwaukee, cities across the United States benefit from Biden’s commitment to clean water. Detroit has accelerated its efforts, replacing over 8,000 lead pipes this year to replace all 80,000 lead pipes within a decade. With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is on track to replace all its lead pipes by 2026. Similarly, Denver and St. Paul have received millions in federal funding, setting ambitious targets to eliminate lead pipes by 2032 and within a decade. “Lead poisoning is a major public health issue,” Biden reiterated, pointing to the irreversible harm it causes, especially in children.

Addressing Inequities in Water Access for Black Communities

The NAACP’s recent report highlights the persistent inequities in water access, particularly in Black communities, where outdated or poorly maintained infrastructure is often the norm. The report noted that industrial pollution and inadequate environmental regulations exacerbate water contamination in these areas. “Water filters and testing are typically not affordable for those who need them most,” the NAACP stated, emphasizing that low-income households face additional challenges in securing safe drinking water.

The Biden administration is also tackling toxic PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and have been linked to various health issues. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the administration has allocated $10 billion to combat PFAS contamination in drinking water. The EPA has finalized a national standard to address these chemicals, a move that will protect an estimated 100 million Americans from PFAS exposure. Biden emphasized that his administration is “working to ensure that every community is protected from harmful contaminants,” underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions that encompass both lead and PFAS.

Building a Foundation for the Future

To further expand access to clean water, the Biden administration is also investing over $5 billion in Tribal water infrastructure, recognizing that half of Tribal households currently lack access to basic drinking water and sanitation. The administration has launched 900 clean water infrastructure projects for Tribal Nations to address this gap. “Every level of government—state, federal, and local—bears the responsibility to ensure access to safe drinking water,” the NAACP stated, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to water quality issues.

In Wisconsin alone, the Investing in America agenda has brought $7.2 billion in public sector investments, including funding for high-speed internet, transportation, and clean energy initiatives. The investments include $1.7 billion to expand high-speed internet to 72,000 homes and small businesses, and $4.1 billion to rebuild roads, bridges, and transit systems, demonstrating the breadth of Biden’s commitment to infrastructure and economic revitalization.

The NAACP report also outlines key recommendations for state and federal governments, including establishing emergency response plans for water crises, enforcing water quality standards, and community engagement in water policy decisions. “The input and well-being of all communities must be factored into water policies,” the report emphasized, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public health and safety.

Securing Clean Water for All

Biden’s latest clean water initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that every American has access to this basic necessity. “The well-being of our nation depends on safe drinking water,” Biden said. The administration’s ambitious agenda aims to modernize water systems across the country, create jobs, and foster economic stability while addressing the long-standing disparities in water access that have impacted communities of color.

“Access to clean water is a fundamental human right,” the NAACP stated, a sentiment that Biden echoed in his commitment to replace every lead pipe and safeguard this essential resource for future generations.

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By Asia Alexander

Howard University News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To commemorate a dark chapter in American history, President Joe Biden recently signed a proclamation in the Oval Office marking the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot and approving a new national monument.

The Springfield Race Riot was a brutal assault by a white mob on the Black community of Springfield, Illinois, resulting in the town being burned down and lives lost in 1908. The monument commemorates this violence and highlights the pervasive racism, intimidation and brutality faced by Black Americans nationwide.

Before signing the proclamation President Biden made remarks about the attempt to erase Black History. 

Biden said he never thought he would “have to worry about people wanting to erase history — to literally erase history: what we can’t read, what we can’t write.” 

“We’re allowing history to be written — what happened — so our children, our grandchildren, everybody understands what happened and what could still happen,” he added. 

In August of 1908, Joe James, 17, and George Richardson, 36, were jailed in Springfield on accusations of rape. On Aug. 14, a mob of 5,000 young White men gathered demanding their release for lynching. The sheriff and a White business owner moved the men to a Bloomington jail 60 miles away to avoid violence.

Angered by the relocation, the mob turned violent, looting and burning Black-owned homes and businesses and attacking residents. Despite efforts by the governor, state militia, Black firefighters and community members, the violence continued throughout the weekend. According to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the two men were later lynched, and seven others lost their lives in the ensuing riot.

The Springfield massacre is not unique in American history; other towns like Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921 and Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898 also faced similar fates. These thriving Black communities were destroyed due to racial violence, leading to loss of life and property.

The national outrage that followed the Springfield riot played a pivotal role in propelling the Civil Rights Movement, including the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In attendance at the Oval Office signing were members of Congress, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Austin Randolph, president of the NAACP Springfield chapter. Randolph noted that this proclamation would bring healing and hope for the future generations of Springfield.

“This will help Springfield and also the students who come behind us,” Randolph said. “This is history. This is life. We are trying to make sure this event of the riot, the evil, the unjust will never happen again. We are taking the opportunity to make sure we can move forward and heal.” 

Biden’s proclamation follows the murder of Sonya Massey, who was killed just 8.2 miles from Springfield in Woodside Township, Illinois. Massey, a Black woman, was shot in her home after calling 911 for help. The incident, which quickly garnered national attention, highlights ongoing concerns about safety in the community.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois addressed these concerns by highlighting recent legislative efforts aimed at enhancing security and ensuring the safety of the Black community in Springfield. 

“I introduced the Police Independent Review and Training Act in response to the Laquan McDonald shootings in Chicago,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud that Illinois has enacted a law requiring such independent investigations, as seen in the Sonya Massey case. Within 48 hours, state police took over the investigation to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure a more impartial process.” 

This monument marks President Biden’s 11th designation under the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the second national monument dedicated to the Civil Rights struggle. Throughout his presidency, he has also established the Blackwell School National Historic Site, the Amache National Historic Site, the Brown v. Board National Historic Park, and the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.

The new national monument encompasses 1.57 acres of federal land in Springfield and will be managed by the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior. The monument has not been designed yet.

National Park Service Director Chuck Sams echoed Randolph’s sentiments, stating that this monument will offer future generations a chance to reflect on the past. 

“This national monument will allow both current and future generations to reflect on these tragic events and be inspired by the resilience of the Black community and the national leaders who fought for social change and Civil Rights in America,” Sams said. 

Asia Alexander is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.

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Black Democratic operatives and minority-owned firms are raising alarms over spending practices in Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. They accuse the campaign of favoring white-owned vendors while sidelining Black-owned firms. The controversy, first reported by NOTUS, a nonprofit newsroom created by the Allbritton Journalism Institute, has caused growing frustration among Democratic leaders, operatives, and donors. Many fear that these missteps could harm Harris’ standing with voters of color in the crucial weeks before Election Day.

Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, expressed frustration in an August call with Harris’s campaign. Alongside other prominent Black leaders, Johnson questioned why minority-owned political firms—historically integral to Democratic campaigns—were not receiving a fair share of the campaign’s record-breaking fundraising, nearly $1 billion since Harris became the Democratic nominee.

“If Black voters are the base, it should be Black vendors telling the story,” a participant on the call told NOTUS. Yet despite pressing the issue, many left the conversation with no clear resolution. Johnson and other leaders reportedly vowed to escalate their concerns, demanding transparency on how the campaign allocates its funds and why there appears to be a lack of equitable spending with minority-owned firms.

One point of contention is Harris’ underinvestment in the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing more than 200 Black-owned newspapers and media companies collectively known as the Black Press of America. In June, the Harris campaign signed a modest $1.5 million advertising and partnership deal with NNPA, which pales compared to the near-billion-dollar fundraising total. The Black Press, which has been a trusted voice in Black communities for nearly 198 years, has long played a crucial role in informing and mobilizing Black voters.

Founded in New York in 1827, before the end of slavery, the Black Press of America remains a cornerstone of communication within Black communities. As the NNPA prepares to celebrate the Black Press’ 200th anniversary, many argue that a stronger investment from Harris, who has publicly vowed to support Black businesses, is warranted and necessary.

A Long-Standing Issue for Democrats

The marginalization of Black-owned political firms is not new to Democratic campaigns, but Harris’ candidacy has sharpened the issue. Black operatives and media companies argue that Harris’ campaign is following a pattern of taking Black vendors for granted despite their critical role in past Democratic victories.

Insiders say the problem is not just a Harris issue but one inherited from the Biden campaign, where similar grievances were raised in 2020. Still, the stakes are higher for Harris, who, as the first Black and Southeast Asian woman to lead a major party ticket, faces calls to align her campaign’s spending with her historic candidacy.

One Democratic consultant close to the campaign told NOTUS, “It’s not just the media. It’s the get-out-the-vote operations and grassroots efforts too. Every time we push for more Black spending, it’s met with resistance, and the amounts we’re talking about are just a fraction of what’s being spent on the general market. It’s getting pretty insulting.”

Internal Campaign Friction

Frustration has also been mounting within the campaign itself. NOTUS reported that sources close to the campaign said while Harris has repeatedly directed her team to prioritize spending with minority-owned vendors, that directive has not been consistently implemented. Over a dozen campaign staffers, vendors, and external advisers told NOTUS that they have seen little follow-through.

Minyon Moore, a close adviser to Harris and chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, emphasized that Harris values engaging voters through trusted voices from their communities. “Certainly, it is important to her that she reaches voters through the lens of people that can communicate with them,” Moore told NOTUS. “That’s her value system.”

Yet, many Black operatives feel the campaign is not meeting those values. Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks has come under fire for being unresponsive to internal and external requests for more equitable spending. Fulks is reportedly quick to reject proposals related to Black outreach efforts, frustrating many in the campaign with his budget handling. Some have even accused Fulks of downplaying the need for Black-owned firms, arguing that using white-owned firms with Black associates on the project should be seen as equivalent to hiring Black-owned vendors—an assertion that has only deepened the frustration among Black operatives.

A Lack of Investment Could Cost Support

The underinvestment in Black-owned firms goes beyond finances; it’s a problem that could threaten Harris’ standing with Black voters. In 2020, Black voters overwhelmingly supported Joe Biden, with 92% backing his candidacy, according to Pew Research. However, that support has softened in 2024. A recent poll from Howard University showed that Black voter support for Harris had dropped to 82%.

An even more troubling sign for the Harris campaign comes from a recent NAACP poll showing that one in four Black men under 50 now support Donald Trump. This shift is deeply concerning for Democrats, who have relied heavily on the Black vote in past elections. For many Black operatives, the solution is clear: Harris must direct more resources to Black-owned firms that know how to mobilize Black voters effectively.

Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, which targets Black voters, told NOTUS that while Harris has a compelling story, the real question is whether the campaign will spend enough to reach skeptical voters. “They very clearly understand the need to increase communication with Black voters,” Shropshire said. “But can they reach enough voters to turn enthusiasm into actual votes?”

Calls for Urgent Action

With only weeks left until Election Day, many operatives across racial lines call for swift course correction. While the Harris campaign has added some Black-owned firms, including HIT Strategies and Walton Isaacson, overall spending with minority-owned vendors remains significantly lower than with white-owned firms—a gap that could have lasting repercussions.

The amount of spending worries many operatives. In 2020, the Biden campaign spent over $70 million on paid media for Black audiences, yet this year’s Harris campaign is projected to spend far less, according to campaign consultants. Several key Black Democratic leaders, including Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford and campaign co-chair Marcia Fudge, have raised concerns in private meetings about the disparity in spending.

As Election Day draws nearer, the central question remains: “Who are you trusting to tell the story of the vice president?” asked one senior Democratic consultant. With Black voters being a critical component of the Democratic coalition, Harris’ campaign must act quickly to ensure it isn’t alienating the very base it relies on for success.

As the campaign scrambles to close the gap with voters, the pressure is mounting on Harris to ensure that her spending aligns with her promises. The frustration from Black operatives is clear: unless swift and decisive action is taken, the campaign risks losing the trust of Black communities and the businesses that have long supported the Democratic Party.

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By Susan Johnson

Communications Chair

The Cincinnati NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner will be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Sharonville Convention Center.

Tickets are on sale now, and the cost is $95 per person. The dinner will include honors of annual Awardees and an array of entertainment. We are extremely excited that this year’s group of awardees are leading the charge in our communities.

The designated theme for this year’s dinner is, “Unbought & Unbossed,” it echoes the sentiment of the first African American Woman to run for the presidency of the United States of America.   Each year we collectively reaffirm our commitment to justice and the pursuit of a society where we all thrive together. Having devised a comprehensive plan to propel justice forward throughout the year, we implement the lessons learned back to our communities. And through our unified, strategic efforts, we will continue to build a brighter future for Black America.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was established in 1909 and is America’s oldest and boldest, largest and most renowned, well-equipped and most respected Civil Rights organization that exists. It was formed by both Black and White activists, specifically in response to the ongoing violence and lynchings of African Americans around the country.

To be clear, the mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of ALL persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Now, more than ever, the mission is relevant and vital. We will continue the fight against racial disparities and injustice until it is won. Enlisting the participation of all social justice warriors and freedom fighters who share our core values and mission, we can accomplish our goals of creating a society in which we may all have the opportunity to excel to our highest height.

The Cincinnati NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Dinner is a long-standing tradition that brings together NAACP members and community supporters to raise funds to support the operations of our local Branch. At the level where we have been diligently working to eliminate discrimination and inequalities for over a decade, since 1915 in 52 neighborhoods and our surrounding communities.

Every day we focus on key areas for the benefit of our communities: Voter education and empowerment, criminal justice reforms, public safety, racial health disparities, and economic inclusion, serving women and children, and other aspects. We couldn’t do the work that we do and fight toward our mission without the generous support of our community, and the monetary support of our allies and partners.

For sponsorship information or to donate to the Cincinnati NAACP, please visit our website at www.cincinnatinaacp.com or kindly contact our local office, at 513-281-1900.

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On the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument in Springfield, Illinois. The new monument will preserve 1.57 acres of federal land and highlight a significant but painful moment in American history, when a white mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, leading to the lynching of two Black men and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.

“Our history is not just about the past; it’s about our present and our future,” Biden said during the announcement. “The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument will help us remember an unspeakable attack on the Black community and honor the Americans who came together in its aftermath to help deliver on the promise of civil rights.”

The Springfield 1908 Race Riot was a violent response by a white mob to the allegations against two Black men, Joe James and George Richardson, held in the Sangamon County Jail. The mob’s demands for their release escalated into widespread violence after the men were moved to another location for their safety. Throughout the weekend of August 14–16, 1908, two Black men, Scott Burton and William Donnegan, were lynched, and dozens of Black-owned and Jewish-owned businesses were looted and destroyed.

The riot, which occurred just blocks away from President Abraham Lincoln’s home, shocked the nation and led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Civil rights leaders such as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Mary Church Terrell played pivotal roles in establishing the NAACP, an organization that has been instrumental in the fight for civil rights in the United States.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson attended the event at the White House on Friday, August 16, where President Biden signed the proclamation. The President also hosted guests in the Oval Office, including the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the Black Press of America.

The designation marks Biden’s eleventh use of the Antiquities Act, following the establishment of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in 2023, created on the 82nd anniversary of Emmett Till’s birth. The White House announced that the National Park Service (NPS) will manage the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and include the charred foundations of five homes never rebuilt after the riot.

“Establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is an important step in recognizing and remembering this painful but important moment in America’s history,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Springfield 1908 Race Riot was a horrific and significant part of our nation’s march toward equality and civil rights. As we work to tell America’s story—even when difficult—may this monument help us learn from the past in order to build a more just and equitable future.”

NPS Director Chuck Sams also applauded the new monument. “This national monument will provide current and future generations an opportunity to reflect on the tragic events but also to be inspired by the resilience of the Black community and national leaders that went on to fight for social change and civil rights in America,” Sams insisted.

The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument joins an extensive network of sites dedicated to commemorating civil rights history across the United States, including the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and the Brown v. Board National Historic Park. The NPS plans to collaborate with local communities to prepare for interpretation, commemoration, and visitor experiences at the new site, which will eventually be part of the NPS’s African American Civil Rights Network.

White House officials said the new monument underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing civil rights and racial justice. Officials said it also builds on previous actions such as signing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, and making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

With the president’s actions, the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument became part of the National Park System, which now includes 431 national park sites.

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By Rev. Norman Franklin

Herald Contributor

The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) tracks the progress of gender equality in government services. Women are evolving as a new power dynamic. 

CAWP data reveals that women hold 30.5% of elected offices in municipal governments across the nation, 30.9% in state legislatures, and 26.5% in the U.S. Congress. 

Although this data reveals significant improvements when contrasted with late twentieth-century data, current state-by-state data reveals women are underrepresented in municipal government, and state and federal elected offices. 

Some forerunners cut swaths through Napier grass like isms impeding race and gender equality. Shirley Chisholm, an African American woman, resisted the status quo and sowed seeds of progress along the “Chisholm Trail.” 

She opened pathways for others to travel. 

Chisholm began her career in public service in 1960. She earned a master’s degree in early childhood education from Columbia University and became a recognized expert in early education and child welfare. New York City would benefit; she served as a consultant to the Division of Day Care. 

Prolonged strivings in a milieu of injustice birth a desire for something better; desire cannot lay dormant, it fuels actions. 

Shirley Chisholm joined the NAACP, the Urban League, the League of Women Voters, and the Democratic Party Club in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. In 1964, she became the second African American in the New York Legislature. In 1968, she was elected to represent New York in Congress. A court-ordered redistricting created a new district in her neighborhood. She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, and in, 1977, she became to first Black woman and second woman to serve on the House Rules Committee. 

The ambiance of 1972 America was race and gender biased; Chisholm bumped up against it in the Democratic primaries. She was excluded from participating in televised primary debates. The skilled debater graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College in 1946; she won prizes on the debate team.

Legal action was taken. Chisholm was allowed one speech. She entered 12 primaries and won 152 delegates. 

She exemplified the “Golden Rule.” George Wallace was an avowed racist. His platform, when he ran for Governor of Alabama, was “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.”  He stood on the steps of the University of Alabama in 1963 to block Black students from attending.

Wallace met Rep. Shirley Chisholm on June 8, 1972. Both were running for president.  The Democratic party favored the Wallace candidacy; a gunman altered his trajectory.  Wallace was shot five times at a campaign stop in Laurel, Maryland. He was permanently paralyzed. 

Chisholm paid Wallace a visit at Holy Cross Hospital. The fifteen-minute visit, his paralysis, and kind words from an African American woman had an impact on his stone racist heart. “I wouldn’t want what happened to you to happen to anyone,” she told him. Profuse weeping followed, it may have endured through the night; his perspective changed. I’m not certain that it was by the next morning. 

Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 30, 1924. Her parents were immigrants. Her father, Charles St. Hill, was from Guyana; her mother, Ruby Seale, was from Barbados. They had four daughters; Shirley was the oldest. She married Conrad Chisholm in 1949. They later divorced. She married Arthur Hardwick Jr., a New York State legislator, in 1977. 

Shirley Chisholm served seven terms in the House of Representatives. She died on January 1, 2005. 

She blazed the “Chisholm Trail.” She charted a path that many women have followed. 

An all-woman city council took the oath of office in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 1, 2024. It’s not an anomaly. Women are entering public service across the political spectrum. 

A record number of women were elected to federal and state office in the 2022 midterm elections. The 118^th Congress is the most gender diverse in U.S. history. 

But there is more work to be done. 

The U.S. was outranked by 25 other countries in the global parity index. This index benchmarks national gender gaps on political, economic, and social criteria. 

Gender equality owes a debt of gratitude to the “Fighting Shirley Chisholm – Unbought and Unbossed.”

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The Sinai Temple No. 59 annual Potentate Ball held its days of celebration February 16-17 at the Embassy Suites in Blue Ash. This celebration is held each year to continue the rich tradition of service to the community; and also honoring their leader ~ The Illustrious Potentate Noble Calvin Wesley Luckett for his outstanding services not only to our country, but also to the community and brotherhood.

Joining in this celebration under the leadership of the Illustrious Commandress Latasha Carson Joiner were the Ladies/Daughters of Sinai Court No. 35, an auxiliary of female members of Prince Hall Shriners.

The Nobles/Shriners of Sinai Temple have had a long and colorful history in Prince Hall Masonry ever since the fraternal order was established as an

Imperial Council of Prince Hall Shriners in Chicago on June 3, 1893.

Sinai Temple No. 59 was organized in Ohio on August 6, 1913. They are a Benevolent, Charitable and Fraternal Organization with the Brothers of the Order dedicated to the principle of fostering civic, economic and educational development programs. The members are lifetime members of the NAACP, and also make annual donations to March of Dimes, Community Chest, American Cancer Society, and other civic and local organizations.  The members of Sinai Temple and Sinai Court are dedicated men and women who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for the good of mankind.

Joining in this celebration were families and friends from every corner of Ohio and other states.

The evenings were filled with great fellowship and hospitality, live music, dancing and delicious food.

A proclamation was awarded by Alicia Reece, Hamilton County Commissioner President to all the members of Sinai Temple No. 59 for their continued services to our community.

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