44 Percent: TPS for Haitians, Hakeem Jeffries and ‘Sinners’
In recent years, Juneteenth has become a much more celebrated holiday among Black people. And I can’t say I fault us. Celebrating the Fourth of July feels forced in light of all the struggles Black people have faced to help create this country.
Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” reads: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery…”
So, I do not fault any Black person who will simply choose to rest and not join in in any celebration.
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INSIDE THE 305:
Federal judge rules in favor of Haitians with TPS, restores February 2026 deadline
A New York federal judge has ruled in favor of Haitians with temporary legal status in the United States, deciding on Tuesday that the Trump administration was wrong in deciding to cut short their end date by six months, Herald reporters Jacqueline Charles and Jay Weaver.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan’s ruling means that Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status designation should return to its original February 2026 date, giving more than a half-million Haitian nationals with TPS more time to shield themselves against losing their work permits and deportation protections in the United States.
Would Byron Donalds differ from DeSantis as governor? Here’s what he told us
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds sat down with the Miami Herald about what kind of governor he would be if elected. Donalds has gotten the endorsement of Donald Trump and is recognized by half of Floridians since announcing his campaign last year.
Donalds, a Republican, is polling at about a five-point lead over David Jolly, the most notable Democratic candidate, with about a third of voters still undecided, according to the polling firm Victory Insights. And the possibility of Casey DeSantis challenging him in a Republican primary is beginning to fade, according to lobbyists and consultants, Herald reporter Siena Duncan wrote.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Jacksonville’s Paris Richardson will represent Florida in Miss America pageant
Duval County native and University of Florida alum Paris Richardson was crowned Miss Florida, representing the state in the Miss America pageant.
The proud 2020 Jean Ribault High School alum made history by bringing the Miss Florida crown back to Gainesville for the first time in more than 70 years. She’s only the second Miss Gainesville to win the title, and the first since Marcia Crane earned the title in 1952, The Florida Union-Times reported.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Breaks Record in Hourslong Speech Opposing Trump’s Policy Bill
On Thursday, U.S. House minority speaker Hakeem Jeffries spoke for eight hours and 45 minutes opposing Donald Trump’s policy bill. His speech is now the record for the longest on the House floor.
Thursday’s speech was not a filibuster, the Senate tactic that allows a member to speechify for unlimited time, delaying action indefinitely, The New York Times reported. But Mr. Jeffries was making use of his prerogative as a leader to stretch his allotted 60 seconds of speaking time for far longer, in a House tradition known as a “magic minute.” In doing so, he was attempting to seize a pivotal moment for Democrats — who have toiled to find a cohesive strategy, message and messenger for countering Mr. Trump — to make a forceful case against the president and his agenda.
HIGH CULTURE:
‘Sinners’ on Max Will Include a Black American Sign Language Version
After a successful box office run, “Sinners” will debut on Max on Friday, July 4, and will also include a Black American Sign Language version. I’ve seen the movie three times – and I will be enjoying it a fourth time on DVD/Bluray (because physical media still matters) and as many times after on Max.
