Brooklyn Neighborhood's Innovative Experiment in Transforming Law Enforcement Dynamics
Brownsville, a community in New York City, conducted an experiment where community members, instead of the police, were entrusted with responding to low-level crimes. We discuss it here!
Dushoun Almond, known as Bigga, a member of the Brooklyn In Violence Out, in Brownsville, New York on April 26, 2023. (Credit: Amir Hamja / The New York Times)
By: Adonis Armstrong
In an effort to transform the dynamics of law enforcement in New York, a neighborhood in Brooklyn is beginning an innovative experiment.
The New York Times published an article on Sunday June 4th providing insights into a recent project. In April, residents of Brownsville took part in Brownsville In Violence Out, an initiative where community members, rather than the police, respond to minor street crimes.
Based on the report, individuals involved in Brownsville In Violence Out take turns serving as patrols for a period of five days on two specific blocks multiple times a year. Rather than having law enforcement authorities respond to lower-level incidents, these cases are redirected to the local community members. The police closely observe the residents' actions and only intervene in the event of a significant incident or when an arrest is required, as the civilians lack the authority to make arrests themselves.
In a specific incident, it was reported that a group of teenagers was observed running up Pitkin Avenue in Brownsville, shouting and pursuing a girl. The New York Times shared that five undercover police officers were present, witnessing the situation unfold. Across the street, a group of six men dressed in purple and gray sweatshirts and jeans stood. One of the officers commented, "They got it." As soon as the teenagers noticed the men, they began to slow down. The members of B.I.V.O. (Brownsville In Violence Out) gestured for the teenagers to change their course, and they dispersed as the girl they had initially chased proceeded down a side street.
According to The New York Times, the ongoing endeavor has yielded positive outcomes, including voluntary surrender of illegal firearms, prevention of shoplifting incidents, and the prevention of a bodega robbery. This enterprise is carried out under the umbrella of the Brownsville Safety Alliance, a collective comprising local and city organizations, law enforcement officials, and representatives from the Kings County District Attorney's Office. The primary objective of this alliance is to decrease the involvement of individuals with the criminal justice system, fostering a safer community.
Over the course of the next three years, the city has allocated $2.1 million in funding to facilitate the collaboration between local groups and the alliance, enabling them to work together as a cohesive unit throughout the year.
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Mother of Aderrien Murry Files Lawsuit After Police Shooting
A lawsuit has been filed by Nakala Murry, mother of Aderrien Murry, in response to a police shooting incident in Indianola, Mississippi. We discuss it here!
Nakala Murry, mother of Aderrien who was shot by police in Indianola, Mississippi on Saturday, May 20, 2023, is with her attorney and family members. (Credit: Nakala Murry)
By: Adonis Armstrong
According to CNN, Nakala Murry, the mother of Aderrien Murry, has filed a lawsuit in federal court on Tuesday May 30th. The legal action follows an incident in which a police officer, responding to Aderrien's 911 call, shot him in the chest.
The lawsuit alleged that Capers “failed to assess the situation before displaying and/or discharging his firearm.” It further stated, “The injuries endured by the defendants could have been avoided if defendants would have acquired the adequate training on how to provide proper assistance and care.”
As stated in the lawsuit, the defendants named in the case consist of the City of Indianola, Mississippi, its police chief, and several officers, notably Greg Capers, who the Indianola Police Department confirmed as the individual responsible for shooting Aderrien. Nakala is pursuing a minimum of $5 million in damages, alleging excessive force, negligence, and various other charges.
As previously mentioned, during the early hours on May 20th, Nakala told her son to call 911 following an incident involving the agitated father of one of her other children. Nakala stated that upon Caples arrival, he immediately withdrew his firearm and ordered everyone to exit the house. As Aderrien crossed the hallway towards the living room, the responding officer discharged his weapon, shooting the 11-year-old child in the chest.
Following the incident, Aderrien was rushed to a near by hospital by first responders, where he underwent the insertion of a chest tube and was placed on a ventilator. Nakala, his mother, disclosed that he suffered from a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver as a result of the shooting. Aderrien has been released from the hospital.
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Family Seeks Justice for 11-Year-Old Aderrien Murry Shot by Officer
Family seeks justice as an 11-year-old boy recovers from a police shooting incident, prompting ongoing investigation and calls for accountability. We discuss it here!
Aderrien Murry, 11, was shot by police in Indianola, Mississippi on Saturday, May 20, 2023, after calling 911 during a domestic disturbance involving his mother. (Credit: Nakala Murry)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Following the discharge of an 11-year-old boy from the hospital, his family continues their pursuit of justice against the Indianola police officer responsible for shooting him.
CNN has verified the health condition of Aderrien Murry through a conversation with his mother, Nakala Murry, on Wednesday May 24th. This update follows Officer Greg Capers' response to a domestic disturbance call at Nakala Murry's residence on Saturday May 20th.
In the early hours of that morning, Nakala told Aderrien to call the authorities due to her concerns when the father of one of her other children showed up at her residence in an agitated state at 4 a.m. When Officer Capers' arrived, Nakala alleged that he approached the front door with his firearm drawn, instructing those inside to exit. She disclosed that her son was shot while complying with the officer's instructions.
“Once he came from around the corner, he got shot,” Nakala stated. “I cannot grasp why. The same cop that told him to come out of the house. (Aderrien) did, and he got shot. He kept asking, ‘Why did he shoot me? What did I do wrong?’” she said.
The authorities arrested the father of Nakala's daughter, but he was later released since she did not file a police report. Aderrien was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals at the University of Mississippi Medical Center inserted a chest tube and put him on a ventilator to address the gunshot wound he sustained to his chest. His mother revealed that he suffered from a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver as a result of the shooting.
As the investigation continues, Capers was placed on paid administrative leave on Monday May 22nd. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has stated that they are currently evaluating this significant incident and collecting evidence.
The family is urging the Indianola Police Department to terminate Capers' employment and for him to face arrest, as stated by their attorney Carlos Moore in communication with CNN. Moore also revealed that the incident was recorded by a police body camera, although it has not been made public yet due to an ongoing investigation. “We believe that the city and the officer should be liable to Aderrien Murray for the damages they have caused,” he expressed.
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Landmark Status Granted to Former Segregated School in New York City
Colored School No. 4, a former segregated institution in NYC, now designated as a landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. We discuss it here!
Extensive repairs will be required for the building located at 128 West 17th Street due to significant water damage. (Credit: Clark Hodgin / New York Times)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Throughout New York City, remnants of history can be discovered, with traces of the past scattered across the city. On May 23rd, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission reached a unanimous decision to eternally enshrine a particular building in the archives of history. They decided to protect a school constructed for Black children during the era of slavery, recognizing its profound historical importance as a significant landmark.
As reported by The New York Times, the construction of Colored School No. 4 took place in 1849. By 1860, it had evolved into one of Manhattan's eight public primary schools dedicated to the education of Black students. This Chelsea-based establishment remained exclusively committed to serving Black children until 1894 when the city decided to close segregated public educational institutions.
The attempt to secure landmark status for the venerable structure traces its roots back several years. As early as 2018, historian Eric K. Washington advocated for the city's acknowledgement of its historical importance, but was unsuccessful. However, following a successful petition organized last year, the city could no longer disregard the building's undeniable place in history.
“We stand on the shoulders of the young men and women that attended this school, and while they may be gone, I am honored to ensure they will never be forgotten,” According to The New York Times, Mayor Eric Adams expressed in a statement. To revive the yellow-brick building to its former richness, the city has allocated a generous funding of $6 million, as reported. The restoration project is anticipated to reach its completion by 2027.
Colored School No. 4 is not the sole former segregated institution to receive landmark designation throughout the five boroughs. For instance, Colored School No. 3 in Brooklyn has held this distinction since 1998. By extending a similar honor to the Manhattan building, “the importance of preserving the sites that tell the complete, sometimes challenging, story of our city,” As stated by Sarah Carroll, the chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The group holds the belief that it symbolizes "a difficult, and often overlooked, period in our city’s history" and should be regarded as such.
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Statue Honoring Emmett Till's Mother Unveiled at Illinois Alma Mater
Mamie Till-Mobley Statue Unveiled at Argo Community High School in Honor of Emmett Till's Mother. We discuss it here!
Mamie Till-Mobley (Credit: Getty Images)
By: Adonis Armstrong
On April 29th, 2023, a statue honoring Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, was unveiled at her alma mater, the Argo Community High School in Chicago, Illinois. The statue, which depicts Till-Mobley holding a photo of her son, serves as a powerful reminder of her unwavering strength and courage in the face of immense tragedy.
Mamie Till-Mobley was the mother of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally lynched in 1955 after allegedly whistling at a white woman while visiting family in Mississippi. Till-Mobley's decision to hold an open casket funeral for her son, which allowed the world to see the horrific brutality of his murder, helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement and brought national attention to the issue of racial violence and discrimination.
Unveiling of the Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Memorial Walkway pic.twitter.com/DDQKKCs8aO
— Argo Community HS (@argohs217) April 30, 2023
Argo Community High School unveiled an 850-pound sculpture by Sonja Henderson, who began working on it in 2021. The sculpture depicts Till-Mobley giving a speech at a Civil Rights event, standing at a podium and reading from a piece of paper with a picture of her son in front. The front of the podium features wise words inscribed by Mamie Till-Moble, 'We are only given a certain amount of time to do what we were sent here to do. You don’t have to be around a long time to share the wisdom of a lifetime. There is no time to waste.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by a diverse group of people, including members of Till-Mobley's family, Civil Rights activists, and community leaders. The statue is expected to become a symbol of hope and resilience for generations to come, inspiring people to remember the sacrifices of those who came before them and to continue fighting for justice and equality for all.
The unveiling of the statue comes at a time of heightened racial tensions in the United States, with incidents of police brutality and hate crimes against minorities continuing to make headlines. The statue serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all.
The statue of Mamie Till-Mobley is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman who turned her grief into action and inspired a movement. It serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice, and as an inspiration to future generations to continue fighting for a better world.
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High School Student Dennis Barnes Breaks Guinness Record With $9 Million in Scholarship Offers
Dennis Barnes, a senior at International High School of New Orleans, set a new Guinness Book World Record racking up over $9 million in scholarship offers! We discuss it here!
Dennis Barnes (Credit: WWLTV)
By: Omar Cook
With high school seniors nationwide gearing up to make their college choices, a student in New Orleans has amassed a record-breaking sum of scholarship funding.
Dennis Barnes, a senior at International High School of New Orleans, has shattered the previous Guinness Book of World Records total of $8.7 million in scholarship offers set by a Louisiana student in 2019. Barnes received scholarship offers from 125 colleges across the United States, amounting to a whopping $9 million, according to local CBS station WWL. His remarkable achievement could still increase further as he awaits more decisions. Barnes aims to hit $10 million in scholarship offers before the month ends.
Dennis Barnes (Credit: WWLTV)
“I submitted college applications in August with an eye on raising the bar high for college admissions. Decision letters were an overflow in my mailbox and hundreds of scholarship offers,” Barnes told WWL.
Barnes has a GPA of 4.98 and is currently in leadership positions in his high school's National Honor Society chapter. He is also fluent in Spanish. Additionally, he has been taking college courses at Southern University of New Orleans while simultaneously completing his high school degree for the past two years. Barnes is scheduled to graduate from high school on May 24, and he intends to reveal his college decision on May 2.
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College Board Makes Changes to AP African American Studies Course Following Backlash
College Board responds to backlash and controversy over AP African American Studies course changes following dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. We discuss it here!
Hundreds of people took part in a protest organized by the National Action Network in reaction to the attempts made by Governor Ron DeSantis to limit inclusive education. The demonstrators marched from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida to the Capitol building while chanting slogans and holding signs Wednesday, February 15, 2023. USA TODAY
By: Adonis Armstrong
The College Board has announced additional changes to the AP African American Studies course following backlash over the removal of certain topics, which had been criticized by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The nonprofit organization is responsible for overseeing the Advanced Placement program and standardized tests such as the SAT and PSAT exams, stated that a development committee and experts in the AP program will determine the specific details of these changes over the coming months.
This comes after the College Board engaged in a public dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, and the state's Department of Education. Earlier this year, Florida rejected a preliminary pilot version of the AP African American Studies class, citing a lack of educational value and a state law that prohibits the teaching of critical race theory. He also used his opposition to "wokeness" to gain national attention in the ongoing conversation about how to teach history and address racism in schools, leading to the passage of legislation in Florida that prohibits instruction that implies anyone is privileged or oppressed based on their race or skin color.
The College Board stated their main goal in developing the course was to provide access to a subject that is not commonly available to high school students, and to make this content accessible to as many students as possible. According to the board the AP African American Studies course is currently undergoing a pilot run in 60 high schools, and will be introduced to 800 schools and 16,000 students in the next academic year. The first administration of the AP African American Studies exam is expected to take place in the spring of 2025.
The College Board provides Advanced Placement (AP) courses covering various academic fields, such as mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, and fine arts. These courses are not mandatory and are taught at a collegiate level. Typically, students who attain high scores on the final exam are eligible to receive course credit at their university.
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Colin Kaepernick Will Fund Independent Autopsy of Lashawn Thompson Who Died in Bug Infested Cell
Former NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick will fund an independent autopsy of Lashawn Thompson, a Fulton County Jail inmate who passed away last year while in custody and his bed was infested with bed bugs. We discuss it here!
Colin Kaepernick with the San Francisco 49ers
Photo: AP PHOTO/TED S. WARREN.
By: Omar Cook
According to civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will fund an independent autopsy of Lashawn Thompson, a Fulton County Jail inmate who passed away last year while in custody in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thompson's family alleges that he was consumed by bed bugs and lice, as evidenced by the bite marks that were discovered all over his body. Colin Kaepernick, a free agent in the NFL and activist, is now offering his support to Thompson's family.
These are the conditions of the Fulton County Jail, where Lashawn Thompson was found dead, covered in lice and feces. At the time of his death, over 90% of his unit was severly malnourished. EVERY person had lice or scabies.
— Clara T Green (@ClaraTGreen) April 13, 2023
He was 35 years old. pic.twitter.com/OnQYGgo4ZL
Although the initial autopsy report from the Fulton County medical examiner listed Lashawn Thompson's cause of death as "undetermined," it did acknowledge an "extremely severe" bug infestation that may have exacerbated other health problems. Yesterday, on April 20th, it was revealed that Colin Kaepernick will finance a second autopsy. The former San Francisco 49ers player reached out to civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, who is representing the victim's family, to ensure that accurate information about Thompson's death is obtained.
At the press conference, Attorney Ben Crump announced that Colin Kaepernick would help fund an independent autopsy of Lashawn Thompson. The medical examiner’s report did not determine a cause of death but did note the severe bed bug infestation. pic.twitter.com/BWDg9DJFjl
— Matthew Pearson (@justmattphotoj) April 20, 2023
Michael Harper, who is legally representing Thompson's family, stated, "The cell he was in was not fit for a diseased animal. This is inexcusable and it’s deplorable." After expressing his condolences to Thompson's family, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat issued a statement acknowledging that the type of infestations that led to Thompson's death could be a recurring issue in a facility where many detainees sleep on the floor due to overcrowding. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has taken measures by initiating an inquiry into the jail where Thompson passed away, as well as two other county jails.
Colin Kaepernick has previously supported families of victims in similar circumstances. As per Sports Illustrated, the former quarterback disclosed in 2022 that he would fund several independent investigations via his Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative. Kaepernick continues to be a voice for change and is using his platform to fight for injustices around America.
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America Rallies Behind Ralph Yarl With GoFundMe Surpassing $3 Million After Traumatic Shooting
After being shot twice for accidentally knocking on the wrong door, 16 year old Ralph Yarl, is receiving an outpour of support with GoFundMe donations surpassing $3 Million. We discuss it here!
Ralph Yarl
Photo: GoFundMe
By: Omar Cook
Last Thursday, a 16 year old Black teenager, Ralph Yarl, was shot twice by an 84 year-old white male, Andrew Lester, after knocking on his door by accident. The incident happened in Kansas City, Missouri, as Yarl was looking to pick up his younger siblings but went to the wrong address.
Ralph was instructed by his mother to go and get his two brothers but simply went to an address that was similar to the one his mother gave him. Felony charges have been filed by Kansas City authorities against Lester as he faces assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. This was a decision that was first revealed by Prosecutor Zack Thompson.
“After a thorough review of the case file, the appropriate laws, and information gained during the investigation phase of the case, I filed two felony counts,” Thompson said. “We understand how frustrating this has been, but I can assure the criminal justice system is working and will continue to work.”
On Monday, April 17, a GoFundMe was launched by Ralph Yarl’s aunt, Faith Spoonmore, to support her nephew’s recovery. The GoFundMe has already received an outpouring of support bringing in over $3 million so far.
Spoonmore wrote, “Even though he is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally. The trauma that he has to endure and survive is unimaginable … He is our miracle. We have heard these types of stories many times, and unfortunately, most black boys are not alive to get another chance.”
Relatives describes Ralph as a quiet and gentle person who truly loves the art of music. Ralph is an accomplished musician as he recently earned Missouri All-State Band recognition. He also plays multiple instruments in the metropolitan youth orchestra.
Lester eventually turned himself into police on Tuesday, April 18. Lester posted a $200,000 bond and released from the Clay County Detention Center hours later. CNN reveleaed a probable cause document where Lester claimed he was “scared to death” and also “believed someone was attempting to break into the house” which says his defense will most likely try to prove that he was in danger.
On Tuesday as well, Ralph’s classmates at Stalley High School organized a school wide walkout to pay their respects. This was a strong gesture as Ralph will need all the support and love he can get.
Students at Staley High School in Kansas City, Missouri, walked out of class on Tuesday to march for Ralph Yarl, their Black classmate who was shot twice on Thursday by an 84-year-old white man after going to the wrong address to pick up his brothers.https://t.co/JSMRtJbEVF pic.twitter.com/3yYAswArV6
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2023
This has been an unfortunate and saddening event as no teenager should have to face a traumatic experience just because they went to the wrong house. More updates coming soon.
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Malcolm X's Daughter Sues CIA, NYPD, FBI Over Concealing Evidence
Qubilah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X's daughters has filed a lawsuit against the CIA, NYPD, and FBI for allegedly withholding information related to her father's assassination. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
In 1965, civil rights leader Malcolm X was assassinated while giving a speech in New York City. The murder of the prominent activist and orator shocked the world and sparked a new era of activism and protest. However, despite decades of investigation the full story of Malcolm X's assassination has never been fully uncovered. Now one of his daughters is taking legal action to try and uncover the full truth. Every year we celebrate Black History in the month of February. It became a Federal institution in 1976 when President Gerald Ford made a declaration and became law signed by Congress in 1986.
Qubilah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X's six daughter is suing the CIA, the FBI, and NYPD for allegedly withholding information related to her father's assassination. The lawsuit which was filed in February 2021, claims that the agencies have failed to release records related to the assassination, despite repeated requests from Shabazz and other members of the family.
The lawsuit alleges that the agencies are in violation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which requires government agencies to release records upon request. According to the complaint the agencies have failed to release documents that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Malcolm X's death, and including potential links to the government or law enforcement agencies.
Shabazz's lawsuit comes at a time of renewed interest in Malcolm X's life and legacy. A new documentary, Who Killed Malcolm X?, which aired on Netflix in 2020 has sparked fresh debate and investigation into the events surrounding his assassination. The documentary raised new questions about the role of the NYPD and the FBI in the killing suggesting that the agencies may have been more involved than previously thought.
Malcolm X was a controversial figure during his lifetime known for his fiery speeches and his advocacy for Black rights and self-determination. He was a leader in the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist group, before splitting from the organization and founding his own group, the Organization of Afro-American Unity. He was assassinated on February 21, 1965, while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan.
The circumstances of Malcolm X's death have long been the subject of speculation and controversy. Three members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of his murder, but questions have persisted about whether they acted alone or were part of a larger conspiracy. The new lawsuit filed by Shabazz is just the latest attempt to uncover the truth about what happened that day.
The lawsuit seeks to force the CIA, the FBI, and the NYPD to release any records related to Malcolm X's assassination that have not already been made public. It also seeks to hold the agencies accountable for their alleged failure to comply with FOIA requests. The hope is that by forcing the agencies to release more information, the truth about what happened to Malcolm X can finally be uncovered.
The lawsuit is just one part of a larger effort to uncover the truth about Malcolm X's assassination. The renewed interest in his life and legacy sparked by the documentary and other events has led to renewed investigation and inquiry. For Shabazz and other members of the family, the hope is that the lawsuit will be a step towards closure and justice for their father.
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That's the Black Fact: The History and Significance of Black History Month
Learn about the history and significance of Black History Month, including the role of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the evolution of the celebration from a week to a month.
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Learn about the history and significance of Black History Month, including the role of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the evolution of the celebration from a week to a month.
Black History Month (1976)
Every year we celebrate Black History in the month of February. It became a Federal institution in 1976 when President Gerald Ford made a declaration and became law signed by Congress in 1986.
But it’s true beginning was due to Harvard-educated historian and author, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who is credited with creating Black History Month. He was inspired after attending a 50th anniversary celebration of the 13th Amendment where various exhibits portrayed events in African American culture. With a mission to amplify Black people’s contributions and achievements, Woodson went on to create what is now known as the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH).
In 1926, Woodson and ASALH declared the second week of February—which aligned with Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays—to be “Negro History Week.”
During the next 50 years, communities, schools and organizations started participating in the week-long recognition of African American trials and successes. As public interest grew, particularly during the 1960s civil rights movement, the celebration expanded from a week to a month.
Take time to research more about the celebration and the people that made this an official memorial.
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That's the Black Fact: The Devil's Punchbowl a Tragedy in History
Revisiting a tragedy in history The Devil’s Punchbowl, the post American Civil War Black concentration camp!
The Devil’s Punchbowl
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing The Devil’s Punchbowl, the post American Civil War Black concentration camp!
The Devils Punchbowl (1865)
The Devil's Punchbowl is a location that has been forgotten in history occurring in 1865. This post American Civil War Black history note occurred in Natchez (Adams County), Mississippi.
As the Black enslaved made their way to freedom, the population in the town of Natchez quickly went from 10,000 to nearly 100,000. To deal with the extreme population growth due to the relocation of recent freedmen, a concentration camp was established by Union soldiers to dispose of the recently freed slaves. Don Estes, former director of the Natchez City Cemetery, said. "So, they decided to build an encampment for 'em at Devil's Punchbowl, which they walled off and wouldn't let 'em out."
The camp was called the Devil's Punchbowl because of how the area was shaped. The camp was at the bottom hollow pit with trees on the bluffs above. The women and children were locked behind the concrete walls of camp and left to die from starvation. Over 20,000 freed slaves were said to be killed inside this American concentration camp in one year.
It’s a story so horrific that it’s nearly been erased from American history.
This is a story that no matter how offensive of it may be for some, it should be remembered as a tribute to those that succumbed to the torturous ideology that prevailed at that time.
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That's the Black Fact: Introducing Hiram Rhodes Revels
Introducing Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve on the United States Senate!
Hiram Rhodes Revels
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve on the United States Senate!
Hiram Rhodes Revels (1827 - 1901)
Hiram Rhodes Revels was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on September 27, 1827. Despite being born in the South in a time of widespread slavery, Revels was a member of a free family. He and his brother both apprenticed as barbers. Revels' in 1845 moved from North Carolina to study in Ohio and Indiana.
Revels participated in the Civil War, organizing two Black regiments for the Union Army. He also fought for the Union at the Battle of Vicksburg. He quickly grew to be a respected member of the community, known for his keen intelligence and oratorical skills. Having no previous government experience, Revels garnered enough community support to win election to the position of alderman in 1868, during the first phase of Reconstruction.
In 1870, the state congress selected Revels to fill a vacant seat in the United States Senate. Debate surrounding his eligibility hinged on the
1857 Dred Scott decision, which precluded African American citizenship.
The decision was effectively reversed by the ratification of the 14th Amendment after the Civil War. Democrats argued that Revels did not meet the nine-year citizenship requirement to hold congressional office given his ineligibility for citizenship through the war years. Ultimately, Revels and his Republican allies prevailed by citing Revels's mixed-race background, and Revels became the first African American to serve in the United States Senate. His appointment was particularly symbolic in that the seat he occupied had previously belonged to Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy.
He only held the seat for one year. He accepted the Presidency of HBCU Alcorn A&M College back in Mississippi. In addition to his administrative and teaching roles, Revels remained involved in the Methodist church, preaching until the end of his life on January 16, 1901.
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That's the Black Fact: Introducing James Edward Maceo West
Introducing James Edward Maceo West, the creator of the foil electret microphone!
James Edward Maceo West
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing James Edward Maceo West, inventor and acoustician!
James Edward Maceo West 1931 -
Dr. West was born in Prince Edwards County, Virginia on February 10, 1931. West was deeply interested in radio and electronics from an early age, and he trained as a physicist. After graduating from Temple University in 1956 where he interned with Bell Labs during the summer breaks, they hired him and he began working in research on how humans hear led to his invention of the foil electret microphone in 1960.
If you've ever used a microphone, and most have, you can salute James West for it. Such devices were more sensitive, yet they used less power and were smaller than other microphones at the time, and they revolutionized the field of acoustics. Today, foil electret-style mics are used in everything from telephones to computers.
James West holds 47 patents in the United States and more than 200 foreign patents on microphones and techniques for making polymer electrets.
Dr. West was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 1999. He retired in 2001 after 40 years of service at Bell Laboratories, but he wasn’t finished! He took a Research Professor position with John’s Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering.
So as you’re doing interviews, being interviewed, or find yourself around a microphone for any other reason, you can thank Dr. West for his contribution.
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That's the Black Fact: Introducing Sylvia Rhone
Introducing Sylvia Rhone, the Godmother of Black Music!
Sylvia Rhone
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing Sylvia Rhone, music executive, record producer, and former chairman and CEO of Epic Records!
Sylvia Rhone 1952 -
Born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Harlem, NY, Ms. Rhone can be called the Godmother of Black Music. But one of her biggest career highlights is the establishment of Sugar Hill in 1979 with her husband Joe Robinson and others.
Well before starting the label, Ms. Rhone had a career as an artist herself. She began her music career as a secretary for Buddha Records in 1974. She was promoted several times in the six years she was with the label. In 1980 she got a break in management as she was appointed the Regional Promotions Manager for Special Markets, and she was eventually promoted to director of National black music marketing for Atlantic Records.
Sylvia has produced records for artists like Ike & Tina Turner, and many others. She’s also known for the song “Pillow Talk” which incidentally was written for Al Green, who turned it down at the time due his religious beliefs, citing that the song was too risque.
Since 2014, she has been Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records where she has nurtured rap artists like 21 Savage, Bobby Shmurda, and Future. She’s been a trailblazer her entire career.
Ms. Rhone’s resume is far too established for a three paragraph article, so we encourage you to take a look at the vast and lengthy contributions she’s added to the music industry with her voice and leadership!
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Angel Gregorio Makes History With The First All Black Shopping Center In D.C.
Discover the motivating story of Angel Gregorio and her journey to creating the first all-black shopping center in D.C. We discuss it here!
Angel Gregorio | Owner of Black and Forth
By: Adonis Armstrong
In 2015, Angel Gregorio took a leap of faith and quit from being a principal to a business owner. She opened up a spice shop called the Spice Suite, but her aspirations were always bigger. Instead of just opening her own establishment, she remolded a 7,500 square foot lot in a D.C. neighborhood into a retail community for local Black-owned businesses. She named the space, Black and Forth, which is located at 2201 Channing St. NE.
Black and Forth
Angel now is the first Black woman to own a strip mall in D.C. and has partnered with other Black women entrepreneurs as well. The strip mall is home to a variety of businesses, including hair salons, clothing stores, and restaurants. Many of these businesses have been owned and operated by African American entrepreneurs for years and they will continue to be a staple in the community.
It is pivotal that the Black and Forth shopping center is protected and celebrated for future generations to understand the rich legacy of this extraordinary cultured place. I believe it will serve as a symbol of trust and motivation for other Black entrepreneurs who are looking to begin their own business in the future. With Angel Gregorio's leadership, the Black and Forth shopping center will be a vital part of D.C.'s community and a guide for financial empowerment for the black community.
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That's the Black Fact: Introducing Henry Boyd
Introducing Henry Boyd, who invented the popular Boyd Bedstead in 1826!
Henry Boyd
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Introducing Henry Boyd, inventor, carpenter, and master mechanic!
Henry Boyd (1802-1886)
Henry Boyd was born enslaved on a plantation in Kentucky in 1802. He spent the first 18 years of his life enslaved. During his youth, he was apprenticed out to a cabinet maker. He turned out to be a very skilled apprentice that allowed him to accept additional work assignments.
Doing additional work, he was able to save enough money to gain his freedom. At 24, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Ohio was a free state but its close border to Kentucky didn’t make it a welcoming state for African Americans.
To make ends meet, Boyd found work at the riverfront where most African American and Irish people found employment unloading cargo from steamboats. It wasn’t long before he became a janitor at a store.
Boyd’s fortune changed when a white carpenter showed up too drunk to work. Boyd used this opportunity to build a counter for the shopkeeper. So impressed by the craftsmanship, the storekeeper began to help him get contracted by other businesses where he found himself working side by side with white carpenters.
Henry Boyd accumulated enough money to purchase his own workshop for woodworking. His workshop soon grew to encompass four buildings located at the corner of Eighth and Broadway in Cincinnati. Here, Boyd would build and assemble bedframes of his own design, the Boyd Bedstead. This was an improvement over existing bedframes of the day.
The Boyd Bedstead utilized a right and left wood screw process, with swelled rails, making for a sturdier fit to endure more stress. He was unable to obtain a patent for it, due to the color of his skin.
In 1883 George Porter, a white cabinet maker obtained a patent for the technology Boyd used for making the beds. Boyd's bed design started to be duplicated by others. He stamped his name on each frame so that people would know that they were receiving the real Boyd Bedstead.
The H. Boyd Company, as his business was known, catered to hotels as well as individuals. In 1844, the company produced over 1,000 beds. By 1855, H. Boyd Company had expanded to include a showroom that also displayed his parlor furniture.
Sadly after a third fire destroyed his business, insurance companies refused to insure him. That led to the closing of his business for good in 1862. On March 1, 1886, Henry Boyd passed away at the age of 83. Despite his success and prominence achieved, Boyd was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in the Spring Grove Cemetary.
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That's the Black Fact: Introducing Lucy Stanton Day Sessions
That's the Black Fact: Introducing Lucy Stanton Day Sessions, the first African American woman to graduate from college!
Lucy Staton Day Sessions
“Welcome to ‘That’s the Black Fact’. In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!”
By: Ervin Green
Welcome to “That’s the Black Fact.” In this space you’ll find profiles on the culture and the people who built it!
Lucy Stanton Day Sessions (1831-1910)
Born free in Cleveland, Ohio, her father was a barber who passed before she was born, and her mother remarried later to a wealthy black businessman who was also an abolitionist and a participator in the Underground Railroad. Her stepfather created a school for African Americans because they couldn’t attend public schools.
As you can imagine, her household was all about the academics and she loved it. In 1846, she enrolled in Oberlin Collegiate Institute (now Oberlin College) where she continued to excel academically and in 1849, she was elected president of the school’s Ladies Literary Society. Sessions is believed to be the first African American woman to graduate from college in 1850. Her commencement speech was said to be a moving appeal for anti slavery.
In 1866 she was sponsored by the Cleveland Freedman's Association to teach in Georgia and later Mississippi, where she met and married her second husband in 1878. The couple moved to Tennessee where Lucy Sessions continued her philanthropic work, including serving as president of the local Women's Christian Temperance Union. She and her husband later moved to Los Angeles, California. Lucy Stanton Day Sessions died in Los Angeles in 1910.
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Florida Blocks Teaching of AP African American Studies Class
Florida is facing criticism for blocking the implementation of a high school (AP) Advanced Placement course on African American studies. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Florida is facing criticism for blocking the implementation of a high school (AP) Advanced Placement course on African American studies. The course was created by a group of teachers and specialists, aimed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the African American experience. However, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) rejected the course, expressing that it did not meet the state's guidelines for curriculum.
Critics of the FDOE's decision argue that the rejection of the AP African American studies course is a form of censorship and an attempt to hush the voices and viewpoints of African Americans. They too point out that the course had been approved by the College Board, the organization that supervises AP courses, and had received positive feedback from teachers and students who had taken the course.
Advocates for the course have called on the FDOE to reexamine its decision and to implement the course in Florida's high schools. They argue that the course would give students an important viewpoint on American history and society, and would offer assistance to combat the systemic prejudice and segregation that African Americans proceed to face.
The discussion over the AP African American studies course highlights the progressing debate over the representation and inclusion of marginalized groups in the American education system. It too raises vital questions about the role of the state in deciding what is instructed in schools and who has the control to shape the narrative of American history.
In conclusion, the block of a high school AP African American studies course in Florida is a profoundly controversial issue, with critics arguing that it is a form of censorship and an attempt to quiet the voices and viewpoints of African Americans. The debate over the inclusion of marginalized groups in the American education system proceeds, and it is significant that we as a society work to guarantee that all students have access to a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that reflects the complexity and abundance of our country's history and culture.
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Wes Moore Makes History as First Black Governor of Maryland
Wes Moore makes history as the first Black governor of Maryland! We discuss it here!
Wes Moore | Governor of Maryland
Eric Lee | The Washington Post via Getty Images
“It’s impossible not to think about our past and our path. We’re blocks away from the Annapolis docks, where so many enslaved people arrived in this country against their will”
By: Adonis Armstrong
Wes Moore makes history as the first Black governor of Maryland as he was sworn in on January 18, at the state’s capitol building in Annapolis, which is the nation’s oldest state Capitol building and steps away from a dock that was one of the largest slave ports in America. Moore who is an Army vet who served in Afghanistan, author, and former CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation.
“This might be his first day as an elected official, but Wes Moore has been a public servant his entire adult life”
Oprah Winfrey introduced the 44 year old Democrat. Moore was sworn in using two Bibles, one of which belonged to Frederick Douglass. In his inaugural speech, he mentioned that Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the nation, but also described it as “asset-rich and strategy poor.”
“It is time for our policies to be as bold as our aspirations and to confront the fact that we have been offered false choices. We do not have to choose between a competitive economy and an equitable one.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
Wes, who has never been in a public office before Wednesday, won by a landslide in November. Moore won the Democratic primary in July before winning the general election by more than 30 percent against Republican Dan Cox.
Moore wasn’t the only one who made history in Maryland yesterday. Aruna Miller who will serve under Moore as his lieutenant governor, is first Black woman to hold the position. Earlier this month Anthony G. Brown became the first Black attorney general in Maryland.
Meet Adonis Armstrong, Co-Founder & President of 247 Live Culture!
Email: Adonis@247LiveCulture.com