Our experiences inform us that the implementation of a menthol ban will inevitably and undoubtedly create an increased number of stops, frisks, and interactions between law enforcement and members from Black and Brown communities. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, Black and Brown residents in the U.S. continue to have a long and troubled legacy of disproportionately larger numbers of police stops and interactions with the police. The proposed menthol ban will do nothing to quell this troubling reality.
discrimination
COMMENTARY: In 2021, Organized Labor is Again Flexing its Muscles
NNPA NEWSWIRE — We have seen dramatic change in the makeup of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under President Biden. Two former counsels to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – David Prouty, and Gwynne Wilcox – were named to the NLRB while Peter Ohy was named NLRB general counsel and Jennifer Abruzzo became permanent general counsel. Abruzzo immediately began encouraging the board to reinstitute the Joy Silk Mills doctrine, which allows organizing elections to be decided by card-check instead of needing to go to a full vote, providing a real boost for organizing efforts.
IL Attorney General lays framework for Joliet Police Department investigation
Lawyers from the Illinois Attorney General’s office encouraged Joliet residents to come forward to provide information that may be helpful in its civil investigation of the Joliet Police Department, which began Sept. 8. During a recent town hall meeting, attorneys part of the investigation examining whether JPD has a practice or pattern of civil rights violations, introduced themselves, gave an overview of what they will be working on and answered questions.
COMMENTARY: Black Lives Matter and The Color of Your Skin
NNPA NEWSWIRE _ History in America has demonstrated that White citizens will make war, and justifying horrific atrocities against Black people, including lynching. Even after slavery was abolished, there was still lynching, and many today believe police brutality is still connected to the history of lynching. There were 3436 people lynched from 1889 to 1932, and the majority was Black people, according to publisher Ida Wells.
Illinois Attorney General's office give update on Joliet Police Department investigation
Lawyers from the Illinois Attorney General’s office encouraged Joliet residents to come forward to provide information that may be helpful in its civil investigation of the Joliet Police Department, which began
Sept. 8. During a Sept. 23 town hall meeting, attorneys part of the investigation examining whether JPD has a practice or pattern of civil rights violations, introduced themselves, gave an overview of what they will be working on and answered questions.
Reps. Beatty, Cooper and Sewell Introduce Legislation to Establish National Rosa Parks Day
NNPA NEWSWIRE — In 2005, Joyce Beatty, then-Member of the Ohio General Assembly, spearheaded legislation to designate December 1st as “Rosa Parks Day” in the State of Ohio – making the Buckeye State the first in the nation to formally recognize the Civil Rights icon.
COMMENTARY: Black Men Must Talk About Drugs Ravishing Our Community
NNPA NEWSWIRE – It is no mistake that drugs are so prevalent in the Black community, that our children can direct a stranger were to purchase drugs. The most amazing thing about drugs in the Black community is that nothing is done, because everyone is scared, others don’t care, so it is accepted.
IN MEMORIAM: Civil Rights Icon Vernon Jordan Dies at 85
NNPA NEWSWIRE — NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics. “An icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled,” Johnson declared. “In 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for a lifetime of social justice activism. His exemplary life will shine as a guiding light for all that seek truth and justice for all people.”
In First Act of New Congress, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Introduces Reparations Bill
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “The impact of slavery and its vestiges continues to affect African Americans and indeed all Americans in communities throughout our nation,” Jackson Lee remarked. “This legislation is intended to examine the institution of slavery in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present, and further recommend appropriate remedies. Since the initial introduction of this legislation, its proponents have made substantial progress in elevating the discussion of reparations and reparatory justice at the national level and joining the mainstream international debate on the issues.”

