44 percent: Black Broward’s history, Black leaders respond to Trump’s anti-DEI rhetoric
With so much push back against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts – gains intended to improve conditions for those that are often at a disadvantage – it feels best to prioritize Black happiness and joy.
For me that looks like making space for things I enjoy: exercise, spending time with loved ones, and actually taking mental breaks I need and basking in the simple things. That’s not always easy with the onslaught of doom and gloom we’re met with.
But this Black History Month, we deserve our rest and a time to honor ourselves and our ancestors. It’s part of the reason why historian and preservationist Emmanuel George’s work exists. When you take some time for yourself, take a moment to peruse the Black history he has on his Instagram page, Black Broward. It’s filled with Black people in Black spaces being joyful.
INSIDE THE 305:
Heat sends Jimmy Butler to Warriors as part of four-team trade on eve of deadline. Latest details
Welp, it’s official. Jimmy Butler has been traded to the Golden State Warriors, ending a months-long desire to rid themselves of each other. As Heat Reporter for the Miami Herald Anthony Chiang writes: As part of the move, ESPN reported that Butler will decline the $52.4 million player option in his current contract for next season to sign a two-year max extension worth $111 million with the Warriors — the same extension that he once wanted from the Heat. This extension will pay Butler $54.1 million next season when he’ll be 36 years old and $56.8 million for the 2026-27 season when he’ll be 37 years old.
This historian wants you to learn Broward’s Black history. His flashcards might help
Emmanuel George wants you to know Black Broward’s history. He and a partner, David Paulo, also known as ShotByLeather, worked on some Black history flashcards to help you. He spoke to me about how he grew to become a archivist of Black history and how he helped actor Wood Harris find some family history.
‘The new n-word’: Trump’s purge of DEI programs incenses Black leaders in South Florida
When word of President Donald Trump’s efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the federal level spread, Black leaders in South Florida were incensed. And they didn’t hold back on how they felt. I spoke to a few for this piece on what DEI actually is, who it benefits and how impactful Trump’s words have been.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Judge tosses last charge against ex-prosecutor accused of misconduct in Ahmaud Arbery case
Ahmaud Arbery’s family was dealt a blow this week when a Georgia judge presiding over the felony case against former Brunswick District Attorney Jackie Johnson, who was accused of interfering in the investigation against men convicted of murdering Arbery. It took years for Johnson to be brought to trial with the COVID-backlogs.
As the Associated Press writes: Former District Attorney Jackie Johnson has long denied influencing police who initially decided against making arrests when Arbery was fatally shot nearly five years ago in coastal Glynn County, where Johnson then served as the top state prosecutor. The judge’s ruling closed the book on criminal charges that hung over Johnson for more than three years.
Johnson faced charges of violating her oath of office, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing police when her trial opened last week. It ended in her favor Wednesday morning without a verdict from the jury that heard five days of testimony from witnesses, including Johnson.
Black church in D.C. that was vandalized by the Proud Boys gains control over the group’s trademark
A Washington D.C. Superior Court granted a Black church rights to the Proud Boys’ trademark after the far-right group defaulted on a $2.8 million judgment, NBC BLK reported.
As the digital site writes: The Monday ruling in D.C. Superior Court grants rights to the trademark of the group’s name to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and bars the Proud Boys members from selling any merchandise with its name or symbols without the church’s consent. The ruling also allows the church to try to seize any money made from selling the group’s merchandise.
The church filed the lawsuit to try to recoup damages from vandalism made by group members after a December 2020 pro-Donald Trump rally. Black Lives Matter banners were torn down and burned at two churches, including Metropolitan African Methodist. There were also violent clashes between opposing protesters and arrests were made that night.
HIGH CULTURE:
Miami Herald, Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center co-host event
On Monday, The Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center is partnering with The Miami Herald to host a Black History Month event for 120 Miami-Dade County Public School students. They will be treated to a preview for The Price for Freedom and a TED-type Talk with historian Dr. Marvin Dunn and filmmaker Walter Shaw with Q&A. They will also be able to tour the Harriette and Harry Moore exhibit at the Amadlozi Gallery.
Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.
