Community - Page 4

Majority of Black Americans say race shapes identity

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By Associated Press A majority of Black Americans say being Black is central to how they think about themselves and shape their identities, even as many have diverse experiences and come from various backgrounds, according to a new report by Pew Research Center. About three-quarters of Black people said so despite where they come from, their economic status or educational backgrounds. Overall, 14 percent say being Black is only somewhat important to their identity and 9 percent say it has little to no impact, highlighting the diversity of thought among Black Americans, which include U.S.-born Black people and Black immigrants,

An Alabama family started an antiracist library to promote racial justice and the importance of diversity in reading

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By Alaa Elassar, Kristen Berthiaume remembers when George Floyd was murdered, with body cam footage revealing his struggles to breathe and cries for his mother as a police officer knelt on his neck. Berthiaume couldn’t stop thinking about Floyd, his loved ones, and the Black community as nationwide protests and demands for justice were often met with what she says was blatant racism and ignorance. After talking with her family about what role they could play in promoting racial justice in their community in Homewood, Alabama, an idea was born. “Our library was closed due to Covid, but I noticed that books about

TSU Thanks Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines Fighting Covid-19

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By Emmanuel Freeman Tennessee State University recently showed its appreciation for frontline workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by gifting more than 2,500 potted African Violet plants to healthcare workers at several hospitals, clinics and other facilities in the Nashville metro area. Representing TSU President Glenda Glover, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Chandra Reddy, led a group of university officials and staff to deliver the plants to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers at Ascension Saint Thomas West, Select Specialty Hospital, Nashville General Hospital, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Clinic, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The act

Childhood friends bring message of racial justice

By Howard Monroe Two childhood friends are teaming up to bring a message of racial justice to Philadelphia’s suburbs. “This symbol is used as a way for people to talk and people to have conversations,” Brian Bowens said. A colorful talking point for one of the darkest times in history. Bowens is the artist behind the Symbol of Solidarity mural in Jenkintown. “To me, with this symbol, it just shows an illustration of all types of walks, all types of backgrounds and experiences coming together in power, in unity and agreement,” Bowens said. The two-story mural on Johnson Street began

One of the longest marches of the civil rights movement is honored in Louisiana

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By Leah Asmelash The Louisiana Civil Rights Trail is steadily growing after officials in the state unveiled a fourth marker this week honoring a historic march against anti-Black violence. The new marker, unveiled on Monday, is in Young Park in Baton Rouge — marking the 105-mile march from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge. The march, known as the Bogalusa Civil Rights March, took place in 1967, four years after the March on Washington. Started by activist A.Z. Young, the 10-day march was a protest against the general treatment of Black Americans, following years of harassment by the KKK in Louisiana. Monday’s unveiling ceremony

Authorities in this community say they’re facing a gun violence ‘crisis.’ They’re asking residents for help

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By Christina Maxouris Saleemah Graham-Fleming had been told she wouldn’t be able to have children. That’s why she always called Sanaa Amenhotep, the oldest of her three daughters, a miracle. The two loved each other fiercely: they had frequent “cuddle time” sessions and dedicated Friday girls’ nights. The teen would often join her mom for errands, riding in the passenger seat and snapping photos for her social media accounts, which she always kept up to date. On April 5, Sanaa stepped out with her younger sister to take some pictures near their Columbia apartment, but she never came home, her

Toledo-raised performers headline African American Festival

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By Madison Hahamy Homegrown talent is a highlight of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union’s African American Festival, which is back after a pandemic cancellation for its 16th year on Friday and Saturday. The festival includes a prayer breakfast, parade, and performances, most notably by singers Lyfe Jennings and Shirley Murdock, both native Toledoans who have not returned to the city in more than a year. Suzette Cowell, CEO of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, said that the local ties that can be found throughout the two-day festival are intentional and ensure that the festival has “a hometown feeling.”

What 2021 is showing us about Black lives mattering

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 by Richard J. Reddick More than a year after the pivotal moment where millions of Americans witnessed the murder of George Floyd at the hands of those charged with the responsibility to serve and protect — and about two weeks after the salutary news that his killer would pay with a 22.5 year prison sentence — it seems like a good moment to assess what progress, if any, has been made in the social and professional advancement of Black Americans. Unfortunately (but not perhaps unsurprisingly) there are lately troubling new examples that that progress is haltingly slow. Three news-making events

City leaders to commemorate 100 years of Frederick Douglass Park

By Aleah Hordges Indy Parks and Recreation is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Frederick Douglass Park beginning Wednesday morning and throughout the week. The centennial celebration is presented by Citizens Energy Group. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, U.S. Congressman Andre Carson, representatives from the Indianapolis Parks Alliance and many others will commemorate Frederick Douglass Park on Wednesday at 10 a.m. The park was founded on July 7, 1921 and has been a safe haven for families in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. There will be food pantries, fitness classes, a pool party and sports clinics in celebration of its milestone. Details will also

This CNN Hero offers Skid Row’s homeless food and hope, but she also brings ‘Beauty 2 the Streetz’

By Allie Torgan Before the Covid-19 health and economic crisis, the nation’s homeless population was already on the rise. Now, more than a year after the last official population count, many of those working with homeless communities believe numbers are much higher. “I would estimate we’ve got about 8,000 people who are sleeping out on the streets or in some of the shelters,” said Shirley Raines, whose non-profit serves the homeless community on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. By the last official count in early 2020, more than 4,500 individuals resided in the roughly 50-block area. “There are more women