California has taken a historic step by formally apologizing for its role in slavery and its lasting effects on Black Americans. This apology comes alongside other legislation aimed at addressing racial disparities, including protections against hair discrimination for athletes, increased oversight of book bans in state prisons, and funding for reparations initiatives. However, some advocates are disappointed by the lack of direct payments to Black Californians.
Dr. Cornel West, an unaffiliated presidential candidate, joined a group of protesters demonstrating against Wells Fargo Bank in Washington, D.C., demanding reparations for the historical and ongoing injustices faced by African Americans. West emphasized the importance of holding financial institutions accountable for their role in slavery and subsequent systemic discrimination. He specifically mentioned Wells Fargo’s takeover of Wachovia Bank, which had ties to slaveholding institutions. Activists at the protest highlighted the lack of reparatory compensation for African Americans compared to other marginalized groups, such as Holocaust survivors and Japanese internment camp prisoners. The protest also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of big banks in the slave trade and its enduring impact on modern society.
In a historic shift, the US President’s administration has proposed reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This would bring federal policy more in line with public opinion, where 88% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use. The reclassification from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug would reduce the potential for arrests at the federal level, facilitate research, and provide a significant boost to the legal industry.
Almost five years after Elijah McClain’s death in police custody, three responders have been convicted. McClain’s mother, Sheneen, believes justice has yet to be fully served, as two Aurora police officers and other first responders remain uncharged. Despite the convictions, experts note that acquittals for officers remain common due to jury reluctance to criticize law enforcement. The incident has sparked nationwide protests over racial injustice in policing, leading to reexaminations of suspect treatment protocols by various departments. McClain’s case has also raised questions about the use of ketamine and neck restraints by paramedics, resulting in legislative efforts to curb these practices.
The Tennessee House of Representatives has defeated a bill that would have prohibited local governments from studying or providing reparations for slavery. The bill, which passed the Republican-controlled Senate last year, failed in the House after facing opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. While the bill’s sponsor argued it would prevent punishing innocent people for actions committed by past generations, opponents argued that it was important to study the issue and consider reparations as a form of addressing historical injustices.
The proposed ordinance before the Minneapolis City Council aims to protect neighbors, especially those from historically marginalized communities, from the predatory practices of the tobacco industry. The ordinance aims to close loopholes in sampling laws and ensure that all tobacco retailers adhere to the standards set by the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act. The writer argues that the ordinance is necessary to reduce racial health disparities and support public health.
