Trump Being Trump on Immigration
After stirring hysteria within immigrant communities about impending ICE raids in the nation’s largest cities, Mr. Not-Our-President has decided to halt the raids in an effort to give Democrats two weeks to come up with an immigration plan that he can agree with. Trump is well versed in creating panic or controversy in an effort to distract from another issue, so some are questioning whether the raids are a real threat. Regardless of whether he is bluffing or not, here are legal tips to follow if you, your family, or friends are found face-to-face with ICE agents.
Reparations Get Their Day
The call for reparations made its way back into the spotlight last week with the House’s hearing on H.R. 40, which would establish a committee to study the long term effects of and potential compensation for slavery. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made his opposition of the bill known, citing the fact that those responsible for slavery are all dead. He also said that the election of President Barack Obama is a form of repayment. Seriously, whose mans is this??
Anyway, Ta-Nehisi Coates' rebuttal in favor of reparations pointed out the existing wealth disparity between the Black and white populations and the United States’ current and past choices to honor agreements from upwards of 200 years ago. With such a poised and intelligent clapback, can we add him to the “Cultural Treasure” list now?
It’s not clear what will come next for H.R. 40, but the call for reparations is slowly, but surely gathering steam.
New W-4 Dropping Ahead of 2020
Did you know that there’s a new W-4 coming out later this year? Allegedly, it’s more confusing than the form we already know, so here are some recommendations for filling out the new form. Listen, don’t ignore this and let them IRS people tell you “It’s above me now” when you call to complain about owing money or getting less than you were expecting.
Congress, What Up?
What our elected officials are working on this week: Incentives for companies that employ veterans, financial support to secure our elections, adjusting requirements for a vets-only STEM scholarship, and a few things in preparation for 2020.
2020 Happenings
Another week, another Biden controversy.
As President, Cory Booker’s plan to reform the criminal justice system would include freeing thousands of inmates convicted of non-violent drug offenses.
Pete Buttigieg’s surprising rise up the ranks may have just hit a snag, thanks to a police shooting of a Black man in the small town of which he’s mayor.
Around the Diaspora
A Sudanese court has ordered an end to the military-enforced internet blackout.
When the Diaspora links up, amazing things happen! In a matter of a month, Ghana has signed visa waiver agreements with Barbados, Guyana, and most recently Jamaica. These agreements would make travel between these Caribbean countries and Ghana easier. This is especially significant in the Year of Return, which marks 400 years since the first slaves were taken through the ports of Ghana.
More wins in the name of U-N-I-T-Y. The Ivory Coast and Ghana have won concessions from major buyers to accept their floor price for the sale of cocoa. The two nations had threatened to stop selling to buyers who were unwilling to meet their minimum price. Together, the two account for 65% of the world’s cocoa supplies.
Police violence is worsening in Brazil’s poor neighborhoods, home to the majority of the nation’s Afro-Brazilians.
Culture that Pops
This week, Pennsylvania became the 40th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. This move will not require employers in the state to close their businesses on this day, but it is a critical step towards making Juneteenth a national holiday.
The 2019 BET Awards were held last night. Here’s a recap in case you missed it.
Lena Waithe is frustrated with the lack of Black financiers supporting Black narratives in film and she’s naming names: Uncles Will and Denzel to be specific.
The United Negro College Fund and African Pride (yes, the hair care brand) join forces to create a $1 million student loan debt relief program.