Branya Robinson, a soon-to-be fourth-grader at Storey Elementary, has been reading a history book that highlights the accomplishments of African American women. Most people know Josephine Baker as a wildly popular American dancer in Parisian nightclubs in the 1930s. Branya says there's more to Ms. Baker's life story: "I learned...
Voices of Protest, Crying for Change, Ring Across US, Beyond
They are nurses and doctors, artists, students, construction workers, government employees; black, brown and white; young and old. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in big cities and tiny towns in every U.S. state - and even around the world - to protest the killing of...
Senate GOP Proposes Policing Changes in ‘Justice Act’
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans unveiled proposed changes to police procedures and accountability Wednesday including an enhanced use-of-force database, restrictions on chokeholds and new commissions to study law enforcement and race, according to a draft obtained by The Associated Press. The “Justice Act” is the most ambitious GOP policing proposal in...
As Protests Rage, Changes for Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben’s Brand
NEW YORK — THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. The owner of the Uncle Ben’s brand of rice says the brand will “evolve” in response to concerns about racial stereotyping. The announcement Wednesday arrived hours after Quaker Oats said it was retiring its Aunt Jemima...
Fresno Juneteenth Rally Will Be Friday at Cultural Arts District Park
Juneteenth has added meaning this year amid Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Despite restrictions on social gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Juneteenth will be celebrated starting at 6 p.m. Friday at the Cultural Arts Park in downtown Fresno....
Trump Signs Executive Order on Police Reform
WASHINGTON — Following weeks of national protests since the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on policing Tuesday that he said would encourage better police practices and establish a database to keep track of officers with a history of excessive use-of-force complaints. In Rose Garden remarks,...
Poll: Americans Are the Unhappiest They've Been in 50 Years
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It's been a rough year for the American psyche. Folks in the U.S. are more unhappy today than they've been in nearly 50 years. This bold — yet unsurprising — conclusion comes from the COVID Response Tracking Study, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago. It...
CA, FBI to Oversee Probe Into Black Man's Hanging Death
PALMDALE — State and federal authorities will monitor the investigation into the death of a black man found hanging from a tree in the Southern California city of Palmdale, officials said Monday following large weekend protests. The body of Robert Fuller was discovered last week at a park near City...
Muslims Join to Demand Police Reforms, Back Black-Led Groups
In the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody, dozens of American Muslim organizations have come together to call for reform to policing practices, and to support black-led organizations. “The victimization of unarmed Black Muslims has a long and troubling history,” said a coalition statement signed by more than 90 civil...
Senate GOP to Restrict Police Chokeholds in Emerging Bill
WASHINGTON — Driven by a rare urgency, Senate Republicans are poised to unveil an extensive package of policing changes that includes new restrictions on police chokeholds and other practices as President Donald Trump signals his support following the mass demonstrations over the deaths of George Floyd and other black Americans. Sen. Tim...