Author: Carma Henry

Defense counsel in the trial of three white men accused of murdering Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia asked potential jurors on Monday whether they considered the Confederate battle flag a racist symbol.

Almost 17 American missionaries are now reported kidnapped by gang members in Haiti, including 14 adults and three minors. On Saturday, the missionaries traveled to Titanyen, north of Port-au-Prince, and they got abducted when they were en route. Kidnappings in Haiti have increased throughout 2021.

      A new report from First Draft News illustrates the depth of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation targeting Black communities. In a Twitter thread, journalist Jacquelyn Mason explained that the major narratives observed were also put in the context of broader political conversations.  

      President Joe Biden’s Senior Advisor, Cedric Richmond, who serves as the director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, attended a live streamed briefing for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) on Wednesday to address a few issues of concern in the Black community.

      Focusing on the greater work ahead, the ‘me too.’ Movement’s fourth anniversary is being celebrated with a week of action. While Friday, Oct. 15 marked the anniversary of the hashtag #metoo going viral, the organization founded by activist Tarana Burke is recentering the focus beyond the viral nature of the moment. 

     America’s democracy is once again under siege and as divided as during the Civil War. Having been able to continually discriminate against Black people and to deny them their inalienable rights, Republicans and white supremacists were content with America’s democracy. Now the threat of losing their political power has turned them against Democracy. As the idiom says, evil past deeds will cause Chickens to Come Home to Roost.” In other words, this Nation just may reap what it sowed.

     As more people come together not based on race, culture, gender, or the color of your skin, the Democrats will grow stronger. We may appear weak and losing the battle, but we will win the war. Voting rights has made America the great country it is, and the constitution is built on solid principles.

Ali Cultural Arts Center is honoring the dance career of iconic actress and Good Times star Esther Rolle with a new juried exhibition. While living in New York City, the celebrated Pompano Beach-born actress was a member of the Shogola Oloba dance troupe, created and led by master Asadata Dafora, and became its director in 1960. Paying homage to this aspect of her career, artists nationwide submitted works that reflect the spirit of the legendary star. Dance-An Esther Rolle Inspired Exhibition runs from October 29 through February 9. The opening reception is Friday, October 29 from 6 to 8 p.m., and is free and open to the public. For more information, www.pompanobeacharts.org.

 “The body needs movement. The mind needs silence.” were the words I heard when traveling past a yoga class at the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market. At the time, the class was in child’s pose, and they were instructed to quiet the mind. There is so much clarity in the quiet that it is necessary to balance the hustle and bustle of everyday life with stillness. It is important to have proper perspective when formulating opinions or making decisions. This clear thought process comes from being able to review the situation from a place where outside influences and non-related emotions are not a factor. Those objective position exists when we can silence the distractions and focus on what needs the attention.

Message Brief