National News - National News Archive
Fair Sentencing Act An Important First Step But Sizable Sentencing Gap Remains
WASHINGTON - The House today passed a bill that would make much needed changes to current cocaine sentencing laws and which will now go to President Obama's desk for signature. The bill, the Fair Sentencing Act (S. 1789), was unanimously passed by the Senate in March. -more-
Congresswoman Waters' Bill to Revitalize Public Housing Advances
Washington, DC – The House Financial Services Committee today passed the Public Housing Reinvestment and Tenant Protection Act (H.R. 5814), legislation introduced by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) to preserve and revitalize the nation's public housing. -more-
NAACP STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF SHIRLEY SHERROD
(BALTIMORE, MD) NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous issued the following statement today after a careful investigation into the presentation of former USDA Official, Shirley Sherrod.
The NAACP has a zero tolerance policy against racial discrimination, whether practiced by blacks, whites, or any other group.
The NAACP also has long championed and embraced transformation by people who have move beyond racial bias. Most notably, we have done so for late Alabama Governor George Wallace and late US Senator Robert Byrd--each a man who had associated with and supported white supremacists and their cause before embracing civil rights for all. -more-
Robert Rubin and Other National Figures Join United for a Fair Economy in Calling on Congress to Move Quickly to Restore a Permanent, Robust Estate Tax
Boston, MA, July 21, 2010 – With 12 legislative days remaining before the August recess, United for a Fair Economy (UFE) is calling on Congress to prioritize reinstating the estate tax, currently the most progressive tax in the code and the only national tax on wealth. On Wednesday, July 21, four powerful and expert voices joined UFE and its Responsible Wealth network (RW) in a teleconference urging Congress to immediately restore a robust and permanent estate tax. -more-
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Calls Congress to Action Over Proposed FCC Internet Regulations
WASHINGTON, July 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today a group of 18 civil rights organizations submitted a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Commerce Committees expressing their disappointment with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's proposal to regulate the Internet. These organizations are extremely troubled by the potential implications that the FCC's recent adoption of a Notice of Inquiry on broadband classification will have. As a result, the signers are calling on Congress to clarify the Commission's authority over the Internet with narrow, targeted legislation. -more-
USDA Official Shirley Sherrod Resigns
Andrew Breibart who had in the past aired edited misleading footage of ACORN staffers giving unethical advice to a teenage prostitute and pimp has released another video. The video shows Shirley Sherrod, a USDA official in Georgia speaking at a NAACP Banquet earlier this year. The video begins during Sherrod's speech and cuts off in the middle of her statement. Sherrod is speaking about a personal experience she had with a White farmer seeking help. -more-
Stedman Graham
The "Athletes Against Drugs" Interview with Kam Williams
Stedman Graham was born on March 6, 1951 in Whitesboro, NJ, a community founded in 1901 by a group of prominent African-Americans which included Booker T. Washington and Paul Laurence Dunbar. Stedman attended Middle Township High School where the 6'6" phenom starred on the varsity basketball team. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Hardin-Simmons University, he played professionally in Europe for a few years before returning to the U.S. to work on his Master's in Education from Ball State. -more-
CAROLYN HOUSE STEWART INSTALLED AS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY
St. Louis, MO (BlackNews.com) -- Carolyn House Stewart of Tampa, Florida was installed as the 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The swearing-in ceremony was marked by a compelling mix of pageantry, pomp and ritual and was witnessed by an overflow crowd of members. It marked the climax of the Sorority's weeklong conference that took place July 9-16 at St. Louis' Convention Center. -more-
Waters Wins Big for Consumers, Homeowners in Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Legislation
Washington, DC – After the House of Representatives passed the conference report of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act tonight, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) commented on the significance of this comprehensive legislation and highlighted key provisions that she introduced and advocated for as a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and a key member of the conference committee that reconciled differences between House and Senate versions of the legislation. -more-
FIRST IMAGES OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION SITE NOW AVAILABLE VIA WEB CAMERA
(AANEWSWIRE)(Washington, D.C. - June 3, 2010) – A new "MLK Construction Cam" is up and running to allow every American and citizen around the world to tour the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial worksite on the National Mall. To view the site, visit www.MLKMemorial.org. -more-
NAACP LDF Releases Report on Prison-Based Gerrymandering
NEW YORK, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) released Captive Constituents, a report on prison-based gerrymandering.
As the report details, most states and local governments count incarcerated persons as residents of the prison communities where they are housed when drawing election district lines, even though they are not residents of those communities and have no opportunity to build meaningful ties there. -more-
NAACP TO CELEBRATE 101ST YEAR IN KANSAS CITY MISSOURI
GATHERING TO TACKLE SOLUTIONS TO CRISES FACING POOR COMMUNITIES
(BALTIMORE, MD) The NAACP announced today it will celebrate its 101st year anniversary in Kansas City, MO. The NAACP will kick-off its second century with the ACT-SO competition and performance that attracts hundreds of the nation’s most gifted students to compete in arts, technology and academics. -more-
Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP
Meharry Medical College President testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives
Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP, President & Chief Executive Officer of Meharry Medical College, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Wednesday in his new role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools (AMHPS). -more-
Walden University Honors Nelson Mandela with Honorary Doctorate Degree
MINNEAPOLIS, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Walden University for his tireless fight against apartheid within and beyond the borders of his country.
Walden University was one of six universities in the Laureate International Universities network that conferred an honorary degree on Mandela on May 7 in Madrid. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities (LIU) network--a leading global network of accredited online and campus-based institutions. Other LIU institutions also awarding honorary degrees to Mandela included Universidad Europea de Madrid (Spain), Universidad Andres Bello (Chile), Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (Peru), Istanbul Bilgi University (Turkey) and Universidad de las Americas (Ecuador). -more-
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE SUSPENDS CONSIDERATION OF PHOENIX AS CONFERENCE SITE
NEW YORK (April 30, 2010) -- The National Urban League has immediately suspended consideration of Phoenix, Arizona to host its 2012 Annual Conference, President and CEO Marc H. Morial announced today.
“The passage of Arizona’s ill-considered immigration law has forced us to suspend consideration of Phoenix,” Morial said. “We will not consider holding our conference anywhere in the state as long as this unfortunate law remains in effect.” -more-
Statement of Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO of the Joint Center, on the Death of Dr. Dorothy I. Height
WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Dorothy I. Height's extraordinary life spanned nearly a full century and much of the arc that represents America's advancement toward that more perfect union that the founders envisioned. From an early age, she was an influential force in our national progress, advising presidents and other national leaders whom the vast majority of Americans know only from history books. And until just a few weeks ago, she was still very much in the game -- teaching, advising, leading and inspiring. -more-
Urban Caucus Leader Responds to
Death of Dr. Dorothy Height
WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus issues the following statement on the death of Dr. Dorothy Height, maven of the civil rights movement:
"I join the nation as we mourn the death of a gentle yet powerful leader, Dr. Dorothy Height. A woman of vision, her pioneering spirit and extraordinary sphere of influence was the catalyst that catapulted those from only dreaming of a better world to actually experiencing a better world. -more-
Pelosi Statement on Passing of Civil Rights
Leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height
WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the passing of civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height:
"Men and women of every race and faith are heirs to the work, passion, and legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height. From her earliest days as an activist, she fought for equality under the law for every American -- recognizing that the battle for civil rights extended to African Americans, women, the disabled and anyone denied the chance to succeed because of who they are. For four decades, she stood at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women, continuing the struggle for an America that lived up to its ideals of liberty and opportunity, regardless of race or gender. -more-
National Urban League Reflects On
The Legacy Of Dr. Dorothy Height
NEW YORK (April 20, 2010) -- Reflecting on the passing today of Dr. Dorothy Height, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said the League today has lost a friend, an inspiration, a mentor and a moral touchstone.
"We are following a path that was forged by Dr. Height," Morial said. "Her legacy is a debt we can never repay. We merely hope to honor her memory and try as we can to live up to her example." -more-
Statement by Congresswoman Maxine Waters on the Passing of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Dorothy Height
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters issued the following statement upon learning of the death of noted civil rights leader and icon Dr. Dorothy Height:
“Today our country has lost a great leader, an effective and passionate advocate and an inspiring woman. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height, my dear friend and a true national treasure. -more-
Kerry Mourns Loss of Civil Rights Leader Dorothy Height
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) today released a statement on the passing of civil rights icon and former National Council of Negro Women President Dorothy Height: -more-
American Jewish Committee Mourns
Death of Dorothy I. Height
NEW YORK, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC mourns the passing of Dorothy I. Height, a remarkable leader and friend of the Jewish community, who courageously pressed for racial equality in the civil rights era. Ms. Height was 98 years old. -more-
Statement by Wade Henderson on the Death of Civil Rights Legend, Dr. Dorothy I. Height
“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of our chairperson, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. For the past seven decades, her work and her wisdom have enriched and ennobled the civil rights movement and our nation.
Dr. Height has been an extraordinary leader, a gifted organizer, a trusted adviser, and a shrewd strategist from the days of the New Deal to these times of the Raw Deal for so many Americans. She was at every important meeting, participated in every historic struggle, and advised major national leaders from Eleanor Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama. -more-
Statement from the National Medical Association on the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height
WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from the National Medical Association:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height. She was an endearing friend to many of us, a great civil rights icon on the stage of history, and a national treasure of immense dignity. Her lifelong fight for civil rights and equality changed forever the vistas of hope and opportunity for both African Americans and women. Dr. Height's influence on America and indeed the world will not be forgotten. Her life is an example of the type of servant leadership we should all aspire to emulate." -more-
NASW Mourns the Loss of Social Work Pioneer and Civil Rights Icon Dr. Dorothy I. Height
WASHINGTON—Today, the nation lost one of the foremost leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and the social work profession. Dr. Dorothy I. Height was a renowned civil rights leader and a vital force in the struggle for human rights and equality in the United States for more than half a century. She most recently presided as chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, a position she held for more than 40 years. -more-
STATEMENT OF ANNA BURGER ON THE PASSING OF DOROTHY HEIGHT
Washington, DC—Today, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) released the statement of Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger on the passing of civil rights activist Dorothy Height:
“For those of us who consider ourselves partners in the struggle for equal and civil rights, the passing of Dorothy Height is both cause for mourning and an important reminder of the lengths we still have to go. When Dorothy began marching in protests in the 1930s, women had barely been granted the right to vote, and the civil rights movement wasn’t yet a glimmer in our nation’s eyes. Today, because of Dr. Height’s tireless efforts, women have unprecedented opportunities to build better communities and lead in their workplaces. -more-
Statement From Attorney General Eric Holder On the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height
WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement from Attorney General Eric Holder on the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height was released today by the U.S. Department of Justice:
"Today we mourn the loss of Dr. Dorothy Height, a preeminent leader in our nation's civil rights movement. Whether representing African-American women during the 1963 March on Washington, organizing 'Wednesdays in Mississippi' at Freedom Schools, or mentoring women's organizations across the country and abroad, Dr. Height's commitment to the cause of justice and equality helped to 'open wide the freedom gates' for countless Americans. -more-
Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Statement on the
Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height
“The nation has lost a great leader today — a true visionary whose voice for women’s and civil rights will never be forgotten. Her courage, grace and wisdom guided millions during her extraordinary life and her spirit will continue to live on in the women whom she inspired across the country. -more-
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Forces FCC to Extend Comment Period on Comcast-NBC Merger
Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced today that it will extend the deadline for the public to comment on Comcast’s proposed acquisition of NBC Universal. This decision follows the introduction of H.R. 5020, legislation authored by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), which attracted 56 co-sponsors, calling for an extension of the comment filing period. -more-
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA MOURNS
THE LOSS OF BENJAMIN HOOKS
Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority expressed profound sadness on the death of Dr. Benjamin Hooks. Hailing him as a "civil rights and human rights icon" the Sorority's international president Barbara A. McKinzie praised him for his courage, strength and for being a champion for justice. -more-
Benjamin L. Hooks
Benjamin L. Hooks, Minister and Civil Rights Leader Passes at 85
EXODUS News – Benjamin L. Hooks, minister, attorney and defender of civil rights passed Thursday, April 15, 2010 while suffering an illness. To many in the African community Hooks will be well known as a good and honest man who fought for his Lord and Savior. -more-
A Giant Has Fallen
DETROIT, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks, Civil Rights Leader, Author, Pastor, and the 1st African American to serve on the Federal Communications Commission, will leave a mark that will never be erased. Our nation has lost not only a voice for the neglected and rejected, but a giant who fought for racial equality. Known for his wit and humor but also for his laser like precision on issues that blocked the upward mobility of people of color, the passing of Dr. Hooks now leaves a void in the civil rights community. -more-
Statements from Nancy Pelosi, Chaka Fattah - Congressional Urban Caucus, National Urban League, Cecile Richards - Planned Parenthood, Eric Holder - Attorney General and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission on the passing of Benjamin L Hooks
DNC Announces 35 Television and Radio Ads on Health Reform To Run In Markets in California and Across the Country
DNC TV AD: "Shots": http://www.youtube.com/democraticvideo#p/u/21/eBQaxm_8fFg
DNC RADIO AD: “Hands Off Our Health Care”
Washington – Today, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that it will begin airing 35 television and radio ads beginning today in markets across the country. The ads will praise California Congressmen Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa and other House Democrats who supported historic legislation to reform our nation’s health insurance system and highlight House Republicans like Dan Lungren and Mary Bono Mack who voted against health reform, which makes health insurance more affordable, reins in insurance company abuses and extends coverage to millions of Americans who lack it today. With respect to Republican efforts to repeal health reform the radio ads say “Hands of our Health Care.” -more-
BLACK MARRIAGE DAY 2010 CELEBRATES FILM RELEASES
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) -- Black Marriage Day 2010 will celebrate its eighth year of Black Marriage Day activities in cities across the country with the release of two marriage-themed films as part of this year's Black Marriage Day observance Sunday, March 28, 2010.
Black Marriage Day is a marriage education initiative promoting the benefits of marriage in the Black community created by Nisa Muhammad, Executive Director of Wedded Bliss Foundation, Inc., 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 610, Washington, DC. -more-
Statement of Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, on House Passage of Health Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON, March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement by Ralph B. Everett was released today by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies:
"The health care reform legislation passed by the United States House of Representatives yesterday is an historic measure that will move the nation in the direction of eliminating longstanding racial and ethnic disparities. As its provisions take effect, the new law will improve the state of health care for people of color by covering the uninsured and widening coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. -more-
Statement From 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Chairman Albert E. Dotson, Jr. Regarding the Passing of the Health Care Reform Bill
ATLANTA, March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Albert E. Dotson, Jr. Esq., Chairman of the Board, 100 Black Men of America, Inc.:
"This weekend, our country's leaders have made a historic stand and statement that has echoed across our nation and into the homes of nearly 32 million Americans. President Barack Obama recently said, 'This is what change looks like.' The inevitable evolution of our country stems from change. It was the same idea of change that provided voting rights for women and African Americans, it was change that ushered in the freedom for equal access to educational tools and opportunities for all and now it is the same fundamental concept of change that will provide the uninsured and underinsured with access to needed health care. -more-
WANDA SYKES TEAMS UP WITH WWW.50KSHOES.COM TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HATIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA –March 9, 2010—Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian and writer, teams up www.50KShoes.com to raise funds for Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, and their ongoing relief efforts to the victims of the devastated country of Haiti. The charity has pledged 1.3 million of shoes, of which 120,000 pairs already sent, to be distributed to Haitians during a sustained giving plan in coordination with other agencies. -more-
Visionary Chris Hedges Issues Dire Warning about America’s Impending Demise in Lecture at The College of New Jersey
by Kam Williams
Pulitzer Prize-winner Chris Hedges is the author of nine insightful assessments of American culture astutely deconstructing the state of the union from a variety of angles, perhaps most notably, “War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning,” “American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America, “and his latest opus, “Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle.” On March 1st, the uncompromisingly-frank visionary delivered a spellbinding, if pessimistic lecture at The College of New Jersey warning of the imminent demise of Western Civilization. -more-
Republicans Continue To Play Partisan Political Games, Californians Lose Healthcare, Unemployment and Other Benefits
Washington, DC – In the latest example that Republicans are more interested in playing partisan political games than in fighting for the best interests of their constituents, Republicans, led by Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning, and with praise from Republicans like Senator John Cornyn of Texas, are blocking the Senate from taking action on critical funding for transportation projects, health care and unemployment benefits. -more-
Dikembe Mutombo
Former NBA Player Dikembe Mutombo to Serve as a National Profile Partner with the U.S. Census
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Dikembe Mutombo, former NBA player and activist, has been chosen by the U.S. Census as a National Profile Partner. In his role, he will work with the Census and create outreach strategies to increase overall participation in the Census among African and African-American communities and also utilize the Census information for outreach projects to improve the quality of life for the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is dedicated to equality and empowerment for all people, with a focus on those in the Congo. -more-
Grassroots Community Applauds President Obama's Continued Leadership on Health Care Reform
Health Care Summit continues momentum for pending health care reform
WASHINGTON -- February 25, 2010, President Obama presided over a historic health care summit, bringing Democrats and Republicans together to discuss their various and divergent positions associated with the latest health care proposal coming out of the White House this week. The following is a statement by Deepak Bhargava, Executive Director of the Center for Community Change. -more-
Political Operative Abandons Latest Attempt To Decimate Equal Opportunity In Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Faced with an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit, a political operative who has failed twice before to place an anti-affirmative action initiative on the Missouri ballot has abandoned his latest attempt to rewrite the state constitution to ban equal opportunity programs. -more-
Governor Rendell, First Lady Honor Distinguished African-Americans
HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Celebrating Black History Month, Governor Edward G. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell today honored four African-American Pennsylvanians during a luncheon at the Governor's Residence. The celebration marked the eighth and final such event of Rendell's administration. -more-
Broadcaster Tavis Smiley to Moderate Conversation on 'Need' for Black Agenda
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some noted Black leaders recently have suggested publicly that President Obama does not need to focus on Black issues. In response to mounting evidence showing African Americans are disproportionately lagging behind on all economic indicators despite assertions of a so-called "post-racial" era, Tavis Smiley said Tuesday he will moderate a national conversation examining whether in fact there needs to be a Black agenda and the accountability of leadership to address issues facing Black Americans. -more-
Jailed Soldier Rapper Bids for U.S. Trial
New America Media, News Report, Aaron Glantz, Posted: Feb 17, 2010
Lawyers for a U.S. Army specialist imprisoned after mailing an incendiary rap song to the Pentagon have filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court demanding the soldier’s trial take place in the United States rather in Iraq, as the military desires. -more-
IPCPR Tobacconists, Pipe Smokers Celebrate Int’l Pipe Smoking Day, Feb. 20, 2010
That’s when International Pipe Smoking Day will be celebrated at the 22nd Annual Gateway Area Pipe Show at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center. Local briar lovers will be raising their pipes in a salute to their pipe smoking brothers and sisters around the world as a show of friendship and unity that reaches across all borders, according to the Bob Callaway, spokesperson for the St. Louis Pipe Club, sponsor of the show. -more-
Grandmother Will Mark President's Day By Petitioning Obama To Commute Her 27-Year Prison Sentence For Non-Violent Crime
WASHINGTON – Hamedah Hasan, a mother and grandmother serving her 17th year of a 27-year federal prison sentence for a non-violent crime, asked President Obama today to commute her remaining sentence. Hasan's petition was filed with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of the Pardon Attorney, and was accompanied by almost 50 letters of support from prison chaplains, community members, advocates, friends and family. The American Civil Liberties Union represents Hasan in her commutation petition. -more-
Youth Jobs Hit Hard by Recession
YO! Youth Outlook Multimedia, News Report
By Jamilah King
In the almost two years since Salim Lemelle, 23, graduated from Pomona College in Southern California, the budding screenwriter says he’s applied to countless jobs. During one interview to become a production assistant on a Los Angeles film set, the employer told him that within one hour of posting the job on Craigslist, the company had received over 5,000 replies. In another instance, Lemelle applied for a job at McDonald’s and was denied. -more-
National Urban League Urges Focus on Job Creation During Meeting With President Obama
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 10, 2010) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today called for a stronger focus on employment counseling, job creation and direct aid to public employers during a meeting today with President Barack Obama. -more-
NYC Sued Over Unlawful and Discriminatory Policing in Public Housing
NEW YORK, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), the Legal Aid Society (LAS), and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss) filed a class action lawsuit against the City of New York and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) challenging the New York City Police Department's reckless and unlawful practice of routinely subjecting NYCHA residents and their visitors to illegal stops and false arrests purportedly to enforce trespass laws. -more-
Incoming Senate President Calls for Hearings to Investigate Banks for Fraudulently Reducing Consumer Home Equity Loans
Tallahassee, Fla. / Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos today called for hearings in Tallassee to investigate claims that after banks received hundreds of billions in federal bailout money they squeezed consumers and fraudulently or arbitrarily reduced Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) to improve their own bottom lines. -more-
Protest Will Demand: Emergency Relief Must Get to the Haitian People Now!
When: Friday January 22 -- 12:00 noon (press conference) & 4:00 – 7:00 pm Street Protest
Where: United States Mission to the United Nations, 140 E 45th Street (3rd & Lexington)
The Haiti Emergency Committee announced today its opposition to the Obama administration’s conduct towards Haiti in the wake of the earthquake of January 12. It issued this statement:
With 500,000 Haitians feared dead under the rubbles following the earthquake, Haiti needs robust Emergency Assistance. The first 48 hours in the aftermath of the earthquake were very critical. The Haitian people have been helping one another with their bare hands from the very first few moments of the earthquake. -more-
ACLU Lawsuit Challenges Abusive Police Practices In New York City Schools
NEW YORK – New York Police Department personnel assigned to New York City's public schools have repeatedly violated students' civil rights through wrongful arrests and the excessive use of force, according to a class action federal lawsuit filed today by the American Civil Liberties Union, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP. -more-
Big Brother of the Year & His Little Brother To Be Recognized During White House National Mentoring Month Ceremony
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brother of the Year and his Little Brother will be recognized in a White House ceremony (Jan. 20th, 4 p.m., EST/East Room) to mark National Mentoring Month. The celebration comes as the nation's largest donor-supported network of volunteer mentors of youth issues a call for Americans to support its effort to match thousands of children, especially boys of color, who are waiting to be matched with mentors. -more-
ACLU Issues Report On Obama Administration's Civil Liberties Record
NEW YORK – The Obama administration's record on restoring civil liberties during its first year in office is mixed, according to a new report analyzing the administration's performance released today by the American Civil Liberties Union. Of a set of 145 detailed recommendations the ACLU made to the new president upon his election, the administration has acted on just over one-third of them. -more-
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Encourages All to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Vision of Civil Rights and Economic and Social Justice (Good Jobs) For All Americans
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Bill George today called for more energy and activism by all in 2010 to come closer to fulfilling Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of economic and social justice for all. -more-
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Murders of African-Americans
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice today announced that Paul Schlesselman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of threatening to kill and inflict bodily harm upon a presidential candidate, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Schlesselman faces a sentence of 10 years under the plea agreement. A sentencing date of April 15, 2010, was set by Judge J. Daniel Breen, who is presiding over the case in Jackson, Tenn. -more-
FIRM Urges Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitians in US
Statement by Gabe Gonzalez
Washington - The Obama Administration announced a temporary suspension of deportations to the devastated country of Haiti, which suffered immeasurable loss, destruction and death from a massive earthquake earlier this week. The following is a statement by Gabe Gonzalez, campaign director at the Center for Community Change. Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) is a CCC project. -more-
TV One Political Editor Roland Martin Sits Down With the President for 'Living The Dream: An Interview With President Barack Obama,' a Martin Luther King Holiday Special Jan. 18 At 8 PM ET
SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- TV One offers viewers a very special Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday programming event Monday, January 18th from 8-9 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM ET, when the network presents Living the Dream: An Interview with President Barack Obama. Conducted by host of Washington Watch with Roland Martin and TV One political editor Roland Martin, this all-new primetime Washington Watch special interview with the 44th President of the United States will focus on a host of issues of concern to African Americans, including education, poverty, the economy, jobs and unemployment, parental responsibility, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, al Qaeda, health care, race in America, and the controversial comments of Sen. Harry Reid as quoted in a new book about the 2008 campaign. -more-
Reverend Al Sharpton, Former Congressman J.C. Watts, and Dr. Gary A. Puckrein of the National Minority Quality Forum Stand Together for Equity in Health Care Quality and Access
NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reverend Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network, Former Congressman J.C. Watts, and Dr. Gary A. Puckrein, President of the National Minority Quality Forum, called a press conference at the Boriken Neighborhood Health Center in New York City to focus a spotlight on the need for health care reform that eliminates inequities in health care quality and access for America's emerging majority. -more-
City of Miami Gardens Celebrates 6th Annual Unity in the Community in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The 6th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is underway in the City of Miami Gardens. On Monday, January 18, 2010 the City's Annual MLK Unity in the Community Holiday Celebration will be held at Miami Carol City Park, located at 3201 NW 185th Street, from noon-5:00 P.M. This is a FREE community event open to all in South Florida. Special invited guests include, Nappy Boy Family featuring Grammy(TM) nominated national recording artist, T-Pain, Sophia Fresh, Young Cash, Tay Dizm and One Chance along with Pleasure P. -more-
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging New Jersey's Written Civil Service Examination for Promotion to Police Sergeant Discriminates Against African-Americans and Hispanics
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Civil Service Commission alleging a pattern or practice of employment discrimination against African-Americans and Hispanics, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint challenges New Jersey's use of a written examination for promotion to the rank of police sergeant in localities throughout the state. -more-
Job Report Highlights Points of Pain as U.S. Economy Struggles to Recover
NEW YORK, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Rainbow PUSH Coalition prepares for its January 13-15 Wall Street Economic Summit in New York, Reverend Jesse Jackson commented on today's jobs report.
"Today we find that 85,000 jobs were lost in December 2009, a reversal from the 4,000 job gain in November. While the banks have been bailed-out and the Dow soars over 10,000, working families still find themselves in the zones of pain. Real unemployment now stands at some 17%. Nine million Americans are presently part time because their hours were cut. December, we saw an increase in people dropping out of the labor force. -more-
STATES DENY FOOD STAMPS, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO DRUG OFFENDERS
By Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell and Elisabeth Kingsbury, J.D.
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - Each year, hundreds of thousands of people released from U.S. prisons after felony drug convictions discover that serving time isn't their only punishment. They are permanently denied the life-sustaining benefits of food stamps and other public assistance. -more-