The Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies course has added a lesson on sports and racial justice, including the story of Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem as a protest against racial oppression and police brutality. The course plan, which had faced controversy and revisions, now includes terms and concepts such as "systemic" and "intersectionality" that had previously been minimized or omitted. The course, currently in a trial phase, is set to launch nationwide next fall and aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of African American history, culture, and experiences.
Comedian Kevin Hart faces backlash after a resurfaced clip from a 2021 conference shows him suggesting that people in low-income communities aren't "smart enough" to have bank accounts, attributing the prevalence of liquor stores and check cashing places to this perceived lack of financial literacy. Critics argue that Hart's comments ignore the systemic oppression and economic challenges faced by these communities. Hart, who has a reported net worth of $450 million and is involved in various business ventures, including an alcohol company, is called out for his apparent disconnect from the struggles of his upbringing.
The recent racist shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, has brought back painful memories for residents of Buffalo, New York, who experienced a similar attack in May 2022. Both shootings targeted Black individuals, with the Jacksonville shooter leaving behind a white supremacist document. The Buffalo community continues to grapple with the trauma and systemic oppression faced by Black people, emphasizing the need for healing and support. Efforts are being made to address gun violence, provide mental health resources, and promote community healing. However, residents express frustration at the ongoing racial violence and question when it will ever end.
