Economic Downturn?
While everything appears positive when it comes to the recent job growth, more and more reports are surfacing about the U.S. economy not being as strong as it appears. Low wages, general financial instability (where Black people are especially vulnerable), income inequality and 45’s tax cuts are all slowly, but surely adding pressure to the system. Experts are also concerned that Trump’s trade war with China and his threatening to start another with Mexico are creating more instability and uncertainty. In direct contrast, Trump’s Treasury pick Steve Mnuchin declares that the U.S. has the top flight economy of the world, Craig. We’ll leave it to you to decide who’s speaking facts and who’s not.
In the event that the above factors do come together to produce another economic crisis, here are some tips for preparing yourself. Pass along to your people and make sure you stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
Staying on Trump’s (and Friends’) Necks
“Hold up wait a minute, y’all thought we was finished?” This is exactly what the House is saying to Attorney General William Barr and former White House Counsel Don McGahn as a vote nears on formally holding the two in civil contempt for not complying with Congress’ subpoenas. You may (or may not) recall that Barr failed to provide the full, unredacted Russia report in April and McGahn refused to give a public testimony and to provide other materials that were requested of him. The vote is expected to be held on Tuesday. If it passes, the House Judiciary Committee can go to court to seek enforcement of their subpoenas as part of their ongoing investigation on Trump’s potential Russia connects.
Oregon Has the Right Idea
Barbeque Becky and Permit Patty beware. Oregon is gearing up to allow victims of racially motivated 911 calls to sue the caller for up to $250. The bill has passed the State’s Senate, and will need to be edited and passed again in their House before the governor can sign it into law. This should make #LivingWhileBlack easier there, but what do we have to do to make this a thing in the other 49 states and in multiple cities across the nation?
When We See One Another
…beautiful things can happen. After watching Ava DuVernay’s Netflix series on The Exonerated 5, people from all cultures have come together to do what they can, even 30 years after the events took place. For starters, Linda Fairstein, the Assistant District Attorney who orchestrated the fake rape narrative against the teenagers has been DROPPEDT by her publisher. She’d been a successful author of crime fiction novels since the case. Go figure. People are coming for Elizabeth Federer next, the ADA who prosecuted the boys.
Shaun King is using his podcast The Breakdown to educate us all on how we can use the tools accessible to us today to combat these types of injustices. Ava’s stirring portrayal of this story has really created a movement, not a moment, and we hope it continues.
Congress, What’s Good?
This week, we’ve got preventing child marriage in UN refugee settlements, strengthening security on public transportation against terrorism and other threats to the public, and much more.
Also, as an update from last week, the American Dream and Promise Act, which aims to provide conditional permanent resident status to Dreamers and other immigrant segments passed in the House, but is expected to fail in the Senate. TBD on when their vote occurs.
2020 Happenings
After a change of heart, Joe Biden is no longer a supporter of the Hyde Amendment, which bans government money from being used to fund abortions. This dude has a long political rap sheet that appears to be in conflict with the increasing liberalism of his party. Is this your democratic-presidential-candidate king?
Julian Castro visits Flint, Michigan.
With Beto O’Rourke as president, Election Day would be a national holiday.
Even with all of the above, many think Trump will pull off another win in 2020. How that make you feel?
Around the Diaspora
Sudan is experiencing an uprising after its president was ousted in April. It doesn’t look like it’s ending any time soon.
Barbados PM Mia Mottley is working hard to tackle the nation’s debt.
Venezuela’s border with Colombia reopens, allowing thousands to cross over in search of food and medicine.
Culture that Pops
This high school senior’s valedictorian speech was cut short when she attempted to pay tribute to Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice. Then Trayvon’s mother gave her a platform to finish it.
Uncle Barack and Auntie Michelle are kicking flava in your ears with a new Spotify podcast deal. Will you be listening?
Taraji P. Henson is telling all the family business by shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community.
Sony honors John Singleton by renaming one of their biggest theaters after him.