The 44 Percent: Ukraine, ‘Snowfall’ & Miami Beach pledges to change Spring Break policy
I recently had an activist tell me one of the things that keeps her going is the interconnection among marginalized groups worldwide.
Case and point: the experiences of Africans living in Ukraine.
It might be difficult to imagine what I, a Black American five generations removed from slavery, have in common with an African thousands miles away. The answer, in case you haven’t seen the headlines of Africans being reportedly impeded from escaping Ukraine, is that although our birth countries may differ, discrimination of Black people — even in times of crisis — is not unique to America.
At this point, more than 1 million people have fled Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. That should be concerning, regardless of the refugees’ skin color. It’s impossible to know what comes next. I do, however, know this: there’s an absence of humanity among all members of the human race that needs to be resolved.
So as we continue to call for peace in Ukraine, let us also hope that those most vulnerable — whether they be Black, white, blue or otherwise — are met with compassion.
INSIDE THE 305
Positive messaging, planned events for spring break encourage Black leaders and police:
Spring Break is officially here!
In the past, that has meant heavy police presence, a few outlandish occurrences posted to Only in Dade and, most recently, a SWAT truck. This, however, may not be the case this year as Miami Beach officials have pledged to take a less heavy-handed approach, as the Herald’s Martin Vassolo reports.
The city’s new slogan is “Take Care of Our City,” and it features a multicultural group of local influencers, city personnel and industry leaders informing spring breakers about the city’s laws while encouraging them to visit popular areas of Miami Beach while on vacation.
Miami Beach is also planning a $3.2 million concert and activity series during every weekend in March in order to provide entertainment for tourists and residents.
Only time will tell whether Miami Beach sticks to this softer messaging. Some, however, believe the change in tone will do wonders.
“I think this will make a difference for us,” Maj. Henry Doce said at a Black Affairs meeting. “Sometimes that negative messaging just starts off the conversation wrong.”
‘She is Black history.’ Kendrick Meek reflects on his mother’s legacy:
Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek’s death left Americans with big shoes to fill. I sat down with her son, former U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, to talk about how we even begin to honor the legacy of a woman who, according to Meek, is “Black history.”
She is Black history and hopefully her spirit is a part of Black future. Take a look at her life. It wasn’t one of privilege. She climbed, step by step, up a steep mountain, personally and professionally.
OUTSIDE THE 305
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‘One of our nation’s top legal minds.’ Biden hails court pick Jackson in State of Union:
If all goes well, Miami’s Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court. President Joe Biden praised his nominee Tuesday in his first State of the Union address, calling Jackson “one of nation’s top legal minds.”
“A former top litigator in private practice. A former federal public defender. From a family of public school educators and police officers. She’s a consensus builder. Since she’s been nominated, she’s received a broad range of support — including the Fraternal Order of Police and former judges supported by Democrats and Republicans.”
To Biden’s point, Jackson’s nomination has drawn praise from both sides of the aisle. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, for one, was extremely enthused with the selection.
“I’ve known her and her family since she was a little kid and I’m overjoyed that President Biden chose this phenomenal woman as his pick,” U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson said Tuesday in a Florida Democratic Party phone call previewing the speech. “I will dance in the streets of Miami when she is confirmed.”
House passes anti-lynching bill:
After more than 100 years, 200 attempts and 4,000 victims, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would make lynching a hate crime. The bill will now move to the Senate, where “it enjoys broad support,” according to the New York Times’ Emily Cochrane.
“The House today has sent a resounding message that our nation is finally reckoning with one of the darkest and most horrific periods of our history, and that we are morally and legally committed to changing course,” said Representative Bobby L. Rush, Democrat of Illinois, who had vowed to see the legislation become law before retiring at the end of his term.
If confirmed by the Senate, the bill, named after 14-year-old Emmett Till, whose murder catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement, will make lynching a crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
HIGH CULTURE
‘Snowfall’ returns (and I need to catch up):
I definitely dropped the ball on this one.
The fifth season of “Snowfall,” FX’s critically acclaimed drama series about the start of the crack cocaine epidemic, premiered last week and I didn’t let you know. Even worse, I didn’t realize it was even back.
“Snowfall” is by far one of the best shows on television today. That’s a fact. If you’re not hip, do yourself a favor and catch up. This show doesn’t miss.
Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.
