Vice President Kamala Harris led the Bloody Sunday memorial in Selma, Alabama, on the 59th anniversary of the attacks on civil rights marchers. The event was part of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, a commemoration of the voting rights movement. Harris criticized attempts to restrict voting and emphasized the importance of answering with one's vote. She paid tribute to the bravery of the civil rights marchers and drew parallels between those who worked against the Civil Rights Movement and present-day 'extremists' trying to enact restrictions on voting, education, and reproductive care [eb4148b7]. Attorney General Merrick Garland also spoke at the event, warning that the right to vote in the US is under attack, with sustained efforts to disenfranchise Black voters [ca4536d8][14a065b5][26d02b63]. Garland highlighted that court decisions since 2006 have weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act and mentioned the increase in legislative measures that make it harder for eligible voters to vote and elect representatives of their choice [ca4536d8]. The Department of Justice is challenging discriminatory voting restrictions and redistricting plans [ca4536d8]. Democratic politicians, including Harris, use the commemoration to rally support for the upcoming November election [26d02b63]. The visit to Selma and Garland's remarks underscored the ongoing struggle for voting rights and the importance of voting in preserving democracy [14a065b5][26d02b63].
Senator Tammy Baldwin and her colleagues have introduced the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, a legislation aimed at stopping state voter suppression efforts, safeguarding voting rights protections, and restoring and enhancing the Voting Rights Act. The original Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting, but it has been weakened by Supreme Court rulings. The John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act seeks to restore the Voting Rights Act to its full strength and make it more powerful in striking down state or local laws that impede people's access to the ballot box. The legislation is endorsed by several civil rights organizations and is led by Senators Dick Durbin, Raphael Warnock, and Chuck Schumer [932491fc].
On March 21, 1965, civil rights demonstrators led by Martin Luther King Jr. began their third, successful march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The march was demanding voter registration rights for blacks. The march started on March 21 and ended on March 25, with thousands of civil rights marchers joining in. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, led the final lap to the state capitol at Montgomery. The march was a significant event in the civil rights movement and helped to bring attention to the issue of voting rights for African Americans [c572af73].
The first day of the Birmingham Civil Rights Conference focused on the trauma of crime and hate. Kristen Clarke, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke at the 16th Street Baptist Church. The event aimed to open lines of communication and build trust between the community and law enforcement. Clarke acknowledged the progress made in society but emphasized that there is still work to be done. Hate crimes are message crimes that seek to instill fear in victim's communities. Wray highlighted the positive changes that have taken place since the bombing at the church in 1963. The conference will continue on Tuesday [bce538e1][5ed2f68a].
The organising committee of the annual Bloody Sunday March has condemned the racist abuse aimed at the incoming mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Lilian Seenoi-Barr. Lilian Seenoi-Barr, originally from Kenya, has been selected by the SDLP to be the next first citizen of Derry City and Strabane District Council. On Sunday, a 30-year-old man was arrested by police over online threats against Cllr Seenoi-Barr. The man has since been released on police bail. Kate Nash, whose brother William was murdered on Bloody Sunday, spoke out against racism and sectarianism, stating that they are branches of the same tree. She emphasized that speaking out against racism is the correct thing to do [0640eb21].
The Rev. John Hannah of New Life Covenant Southeast Church organized the annual 'Prayer on the 9' peace march in Chatham, Chicago. The event drew thousands of attendees to raise awareness and foster unity against violence. The march took place along 79th Street, from Greenwood Avenue to the Dan Ryan Expressway. The theme of this year's march was 'Praying for Our City.' Hannah mentioned that the crime rate has decreased in the area over the last decade. The church partners with other churches in the community, including individuals and relatives of gun violence victims. The event also provided mental health services and legal assistance. Englewood will host a similar event called 'Peace Fest: Black-on-Black Love Edition' to honor gun violence victims and survivors' families [2fec9daf][c8b9d7cb].
The article 'Of race, history, memory, and justice too late and incomplete' by Gene Collier discusses the Mississippi killings during the civil rights movement and the pursuit of justice by journalist Jerry Mitchell. The article highlights the case of Edgar Killen, a former Ku Klux Klan member convicted of orchestrating the killings of three civil rights workers in 1964. It explores the delayed justice in the case and the impact it has on race relations, history, and memory. The article raises questions about the incomplete nature of justice and the need for continued efforts to address racial injustices from the past [03e4c801].
Dr. Santario P. Stribling, a retired educator and U.S. Army veteran, reflects on his experiences growing up in Philadelphia, Mississippi, in an opinion piece. He expresses disappointment about the exclusion of his town's infamous history in local education, particularly regarding the murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner in 1964. Dr. Stribling also highlights the glorification of the Confederacy and the lack of education about the true history of the Civil War. He criticizes the bias, violence, and exclusion of facts perpetuated by both small-minded individuals and educated members of society in positions of influence. Despite progress, Dr. Stribling still feels uneasy about the concealment of the truth in his hometown [aafebbee].
Rachelle Zola, a facilitator, author, and advocate for racial equity, is on a walk from Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama, to tell her story and be a safe space for others to tell theirs. She stopped in Dickson for the Juneteenth celebration on June 15. Zola began her trek on April 2 and expects to complete her 754-mile journey in the fall. Along the way, she visits different communities, listens to stories from both white and African American friends, and performs her one-woman play, 'LATE: a Love Story.' Zola's journey began in 2019 when she moved to Chicago and started engaging with the black community. She began sharing their stories on YouTube during the pandemic and later commissioned a friend to write her play. Zola's goal is to get people talking and sharing their stories, especially white people who may not have proximity to black people. She wants to challenge their beliefs and encourage them to hear another story. Zola also shared her perspective on the phrase 'Black Lives Matter' and the importance of understanding its meaning. Her next performance of 'LATE: Love Story' will be in Nashville on June 30. [073efe52]
To celebrate the successful convening of the Fourth Chinese American Convention, a commemorative walk titled 'Walk for Civil Rights' will be held at the National Mall on June 30th, the final day of the convention. The walk is a tribute to the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and symbolizes a commitment to equality and justice. Participants will assemble at The World War II Memorial and walk towards the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Forecourt, where a tribute to Dr. King's legacy will be held. The walk will continue to the Lincoln Memorial, culminating in a rally where representatives from various ethnic groups will deliver speeches reflecting on the historical significance of the Civil Rights Act. Professor Hua Wang, the National Board Chair of UCA, believes the walk commemorates the impact of the Civil Rights Act on minority communities, particularly the Asian community. He emphasizes the need for the Asian community to unite and strive for equality and justice. The walk is the first commemorative civil rights event initiated by the Chinese community and aims to build a more friendly and supportive social environment. The event is part of the Fourth Chinese American Convention, which focuses on embracing a new era of the civil rights movement and advocating for community activities and policy changes. [2ae8d0e7]