Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, was a military hero known for his victory in the Mexican-American War. Despite his Southern roots and ownership of slaves, he opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories. His presidency, however, was cut short due to his untimely death in 1850, leaving unresolved issues that would eventually lead to the Civil War.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has drawn a controversial comparison between opposition to increased school spending and the Confederacy’s resistance to freeing slaves, sparking a heated debate in the city. Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has clashed with the district’s CEO over budget allocations and has appointed six new nominees to the school board in an effort to overhaul the city’s public education system.
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.
All three candidates vying for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General have expressed their support for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism, adding momentum to the ongoing debate surrounding historical injustices. This comes as the Commonwealth, a 56-nation organization rooted in the British Empire, prepares to elect its next leader in October. The candidates’ stances highlight the evolving nature of the Commonwealth and its members’ commitment to addressing the legacies of colonialism.
A new UN report details a widespread and brutal system of forced labor in North Korea, including military conscription, state-assigned jobs, and ‘Shock Brigades’ that often involve dangerous work with no pay, freedom, or basic rights. The report, based on interviews with escaped North Koreans, alleges that the system may even amount to the crime against humanity of enslavement.
A heated exchange occurred in the California Assembly Judiciary Committee during the discussion of a bill proposing slavery reparations for African Americans. Republican Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez argued against the bill, citing the potential cost of $800 billion and the unfairness of making Asian and Latino Californians pay for a historical wrong they weren’t involved in. Democratic Assemblyman Ash Kalra, visibly emotional, defended the bill, emphasizing the necessity of reparations and highlighting the historical injustices suffered by Black families.
Allegations of racial discrimination against Chinese nationals working in Africa have resurfaced after a disturbing video surfaced on social media. The video, posted by journalist Dom Lucre, shows a Chinese man whipping African workers with a stick. This incident has sparked outrage and reignited discussions about racism and slavery in Africa.
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 Barbados government has paused plans to acquire a former plantation from British MP Richard Drax, whose family profited from slavery. The decision came after widespread backlash from Barbadians who felt the move was disrespectful and inadequate as reparations for the wrongs committed during slavery. Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated that the government will engage in public consultations and explore legal options to pursue reparations from Drax and others responsible for Barbados’ history of racism.
108 Death Masks by Nikesha Breeze stands as a poignant centerpiece in Montgomery, Alabama’s new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. Conceived by the Equal Justice Initiative, this 17-acre park confronts the horrors of slavery and its lasting impact through immersive art installations. Visitors journey through a landscape that physically represents the lives of enslaved people, from cramped rail cars to the stark living spaces they endured.
