A mass shooting on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, a historic Gullah community, resulted in four deaths and several injuries, occurring at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a high school reunion, amid ongoing challenges to preserve Gullah culture.
Support for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show is strong among Black communities, highlighting issues of representation and cultural identity, contrasting with some political criticisms and highlighting his influence and advocacy for marginalized groups.
SuperAgers, individuals over 80 with memory skills comparable to much younger people, tend to live longer and healthier lives, primarily due to their strong social connections and extroverted personalities. These social habits help slow brain aging and reduce risks of diseases like dementia, which is especially significant for Black communities that face higher risks of Alzheimer's. Maintaining social interactions and a positive outlook may be key factors in their longevity and cognitive resilience.
Michelle Obama and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson drew crowds on Martha’s Vineyard during a series of cultural events, including a film festival and book discussions, celebrating Black culture and community, with notable appearances by celebrities and politicians.
Rapper Nelly defends his performance at Donald Trump's inauguration, emphasizing respect for the office and denying political support, while criticizing social media backlash and making remarks about Kamala Harris and his community work.
A TikTok user criticized Kroger for its poorly decorated Juneteenth cookie cakes, which many viewed as disrespectful and lacking creativity. The post went viral, prompting Kroger to remove the cakes and replace them with more generic treats, highlighting ongoing sensitivities around how Black holidays are celebrated in retail settings.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, plans to allocate over $105 million in reparations to its Black community through community redevelopment projects, focusing on healing the legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, without direct payments to survivors or descendants, as part of a broader effort to address historical racial injustices.
Tulsa's new Black mayor, Monroe Nichols, proposes a $100 million private trust to support descendants of the 1921 Race Massacre through scholarships and housing, aiming to repair the historic racial injustice and economic damage inflicted on the Greenwood District, without direct cash payments to survivors or descendants.
The Democratic National Committee plans to target Donald Trump during his rally at Temple University in Philadelphia, highlighting his negative impact on the Black community through billboards and kiosks. This effort follows Trump's controversial comments about cities with large Black populations and aims to contrast his record with President Biden's student loan forgiveness efforts. Despite some faltering support, Black voters remain a crucial demographic for Biden's campaign.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) claims the media misrepresented his comments about the Jim Crow era, which suggested Black families were better off then because they were "together." His remarks drew criticism from the Black community and Congressional Black Caucus, who called for an apology. Donalds defended his statements, arguing they were taken out of context and accusing critics of political gaslighting.
Former Biden campaign staffer Ashley Allison sparked controversy by suggesting that O.J. Simpson was supported by the Black community because "White people were killed" during his trial, prompting criticism on social media. She emphasized the need for an honest conversation about racial dynamics in the country. CNN did not immediately respond to the backlash. O.J. Simpson, a legendary running back, died at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy overshadowed by the infamous double murder trial of his ex-wife and her friend.
Michaelah Montgomery, founder of Conserve the Culture, criticized the media for distorting the perception of Black voters' support for Trump, citing her encounter with the former president at an Atlanta Chick-fil-A. She argued that Trump's authenticity and clear communication have resonated with the Black community, leading to a significant increase in his support among Black voters. Montgomery also accused Biden of oppressing the Black community during his tenure as a U.S. senator and highlighted a decline in his support among Black and Hispanic voters.
Michaelah Montgomery, founder of Conserve the Culture, describes her viral hug with Donald Trump as a "learning experience" for her students, highlighting how the media can distort perceptions. She believes that young Americans in her grassroots organization view Trump as "honest" compared to Biden, who she criticizes for his impact on the Black community. As Trump gears up for the 2024 election, polls suggest a shift in Black voter support, and both Trump and Biden are expected to campaign for further support.
Former President Donald Trump claimed at the Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina that Black Americans relate to his criminal prosecutions, suggesting that they see him as a victim of discrimination similar to their own experiences. He likened his legal troubles to the historic discrimination faced by Black Americans and portrayed himself as a champion for the Black community, despite facing 91 felony counts including racketeering and conspiracy to obstruct justice. While some Black Republicans at the event expressed support for Trump's policies and track record, others, like voter Karqueta Lindsey, were critical of his comparison of his legal issues to the experiences of Black Americans.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of spreading vaccine disinformation, held a campaign event with Black leaders without addressing his past actions. His film "Medical Racism: The New Apartheid" peddled conspiracy theories about Covid vaccines targeting Black communities. Kennedy, once a vocal anti-vaccine activist, has been more subdued on the topic during his 2024 campaign. He continues to spread misinformation about vaccines, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, despite scientific evidence refuting his claims.