The Most Powerful Words From Black Commencement Speakers to the Class of 2026
by Mahalia Otshudy
The Class of 2026 is preparing to take everything they learned during their time in college into the real world While graduation is an exciting time for all students, the transitional phase can also be incredibly daunting which is why a good word of encouragement can go a long way Who better to motivate young eager graduates than icons across the political, entertainment and sports industries?
See Black Commencement Speakers, p 6 They Can’t Win On Policy, So They’re Rigging The Rules by Ashley Marshall, Co-Founder and Brittany Cheatham, Director of Communications with Forward Justice
As America approaches its 250th birthday, we can look around us and see all the ways our democracy and society have been enriched by becoming more inclusive Yet recent regressions in law and policy are attempting to cement us to a reality where only wealthy white men have a voice, a vote, or access to political power Attacks are not happening in isolation; they are coordinated attempts to silence the people and destroy the bedrock of our democracy to keep its promises from being truly realized
See Rigging the Rules, p 6
Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys from BlackPressUSA by Oakland Starting Smart and Strong
Educators across the United States are increasingly recognizing that early childhood classrooms play a critical role in shaping how children see themselves, relate to others and experience opportunity Yet for many young Black boys those experiences are too often shaped by inequitable systems, unconscious bias, and policies that fail to support their growth and potential
See Early Learning, p. 6
James Talarico Unveils Plan To Tackle The Black Maternal Mortality Crisis by Shannon
Dawson
On Mother s Day, James Talarico unveiled a sweeping policy proposal aimed at addressing the maternal health crisis in the United States, with a particular focus on supporting pregnant and postpartum Black women and reducing the alarming racial disparities in maternal mortality rates According to theGrio, the plan includes nationwide paid maternity leave legislation, expanded maternal health research, improved data collection, and broader healthcare access for Black mothers nationwide
See Mortality Crisis, p 9
Inside th is Week - Greene Coun ty’s Alabama Primary 2026 Elect ion Result s!!!
Ur gency to vote incr eases, Black Belt Democr ats set the example
The Alabama 2026 Primary for Greene County resulted in a 59 6% turnout of registered voters, according to data procured from al com on May 20th at 8:36 AM This number is the highest recorded percentage in counties across Alabama with other democratic voters in Black Belt communities following suit Throughout Newswire
articles and political commentaries, The Democrat has been updating Greene County’s citizens on the systemic attacks against voting rights and quality of life for marginalized communities
See Alabama Primary 2026 p 8
Stor y Walk Weaves Liter acy into Famil y Time
This past Saturday, May 16th marked the induction of the Story Walk program into Eutaw's United Memorial Park, located directly behind St Stephen’s Episcopal Church 403 N Eutaw Ave, Eutaw, AL 35462 The Greene County Children's Policy Council, their mentored students United Way of West Ala-
bama, and Success by 6 participated in a ribboncutting to mark the occasion Judge Osbourne and the Children's Policy Council have been on a mission to increase the literacy rate in Greene County s youth According to recent data collected by the council only 29% of the county's
3rd and 4th-graders are meeting the state's targeted reading levels for their age groups The council has worked hard to receive grants and funding for initiatives such as Born Ready University, that provide support networks to change these numbers Over the past year the council has increased enrollment in the Imagination Library a program that provides free books to children ages 0-5, by 40% Even with this increase in enrollment, the council still notes that literacy and parent involvement are critical needs that must be addressed in the county
See Story Walk, p 2
r eminds citizens that billing sustains the city
Eutaw City Hall met for a regular session on Tuesday, May 12 With approval of the minutes from April 27th, there was no old business to address Councilwoman Valerie Watkins was absent from the session
The new business items are as follows: The Proclamation for DHR Foster Child month was tabled since City Hall did not receive the document Bids were opened for the
City Hall and R H Young Community Center roofs Only one bid was made by Duratec Roofing Solutions for $358,700 regarding the R H Young Community roof
Approval of the Contract between City of Eutaw Water Department and CNI Solutions for CNI Billing Management Services and Maintenance Support This will involve procuring card readers so that payments can be made directly without a third party
Approval of the Contract between City of Eutaw Water Department and Nextbillpay: Customer Portal Utility Bill System
Approval for advertisement for a City Clerk
Approval of Payment of Bills Mayor Cockrell began his report by updating citizens that a lot of leaks around the city were being fixed and encouraged attendees to take pride in their homes by not littering He also encouraged
Kar en Deann Hollis’s r emains discover ed, person of inter est identified
The search for a missing 23-year-old Alabama woman has ended in tragedy, with her family and friends finding her dead on Saturday as a man was charged with abuse of her corpse Karen Deann Hollis vanished from the Georgetown Apartments in Northport on May 8 Her sister, Brandy, contacted authorities after becoming concerned when she didn't hear from her The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued a missing persons alert saying Hollis was believed to be living with a condition
that could impair her judgment
Northport police later determined that foul play may have been involved and brought in the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation
The investigation led them to name 44-year-old Randall Lendell Dejourney as a person of interest in the case Then on Saturday Hollis's friends and family members decided to scour
an area in Greene County that authorities determined to be of interest based on information received from an electronic device Hollis's remains were sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death The investigation is now ongoing, with authorities saying Dejourney may face more charges pending the results of the autopsy
Carol’s Notes
Tribute to Malcolm X, May 19, 1925 – February 21,1965
Born Malcolm Little, evolved to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz
Invoking Malcolm’s Legacy
Malcolm where are you
We’re losing you in our memory
Your words your perceptions your leadership your spirit are trailing
Slipping behind into a vagueness
You laid out your soul and sacrificed your life
Yet where is the soul searching in our lives on your behalf
We’ve dimmed the light before your image We’re losing our way
You’ve not left us Malcolm Your legacy stands in its brilliance
We’ve abandoned the guidance of your spirituality
We’ve neglected the teachings of your experiences
And we forget to call your name to keep you alive among us
Where are you, Malcolm
And where are we without you
Carol Prejean Zippert
May 24 - Ezekiel Missionary Baptist Church, Eutaw, AL will hold installation services for PastorElect, Jonathan Lewis, Sunday May 24 2026 at 2:00 pm at New Generation Church located at 119 Louis Barnett Jr Street Eutaw, AL Everyone is cordially invited to attend this joyous event
May 27, 28, 29th - The 23rd Annual Session of the Greene County Baptist District Women's Convention to be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday It will convene at the Greene County Missionary Baptist District Association Christian Center, Eutaw,Al beginning Wednesday at 6:00 p m Rev Cedric Royal, Moderator Rev David Roeman Vice Moderator, and Sis Pauline Jones, Women's President
Renaissance Theater Multiplex Center-Eutaw
(205) 496-0908
eutawrenaissance theatre@gmail com
Friday, May 22, 2026
Movie this weekend: Something the Lord Made
quality healthcare services to those we serve each day Your kindness,
ship, and dedication to our community are truly appreciated
Stor y Walk
Story Walk's presence is a continuation of the council's efforts to provide resources to families that would otherwise be unavailable to them "This is a busy park in Greene County We have a lot of families out here every day," Judge Osbourne explained "For them to be able to come and walk around and engage together is going to be very beneficial not only for quality of life, but for building stronger families " Alongside the monthly story walk, there is also a Little Library station where families can find a rotating variety of books for young readers Some titles included works by famous children's book authors such as Eric Carle, who is known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar
City Council
Council member comments also detailed progress being made in the city and surrounding areas Councilman Woodruff asked citizens to visit the town of Boligee for GED and CNA classes sponsored by Wallace Community College, citing Karen Lewis as the point of contact for the programs Councilwoman Tracey Hunter reported that “There will be no
more brown water in Branch Heights,” due to flushing stations being installed Councilwoman Carrie Logan reminded citizens about the new Story Walk in the United Memorial Park, reported a successful BBQ cook off, and announced that grants were received for a fireworks show After the conclusion of council member comments, newly inducted
Officer Raymond Lewis came to thank everyone for their support on his journey to and through the police academy "We taught him law, we taught him discipline, we taught him ethics " commented Chief Kendrick Powell The next regular session is scheduled to be held on Tuesday May 26th at 5:00pm
Su pport Ou r Advert isers
GIANT KILLERS: MORE THAN TWO (2) BILLION DOLLARS FOR CLIENTS
We, Chestnut, Sanders & Sanders, have won more than two (2) Billion – that’s billions not millions - of dollars for our clients We take on the giants – giant insurance companies, giant corporations, giant governments, etc We are the Giant Killers You need the Giant Killers to fight the giants when you have an injury from an auto accident or other harm
Specifically, if you have any of these injuries, call the Giant Killers
ROUNDUP – Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer - Call the Giant Killers
HERNIA MESH – Problems from hernia mesh implant - Call the Giant Killers
TALCUM POWDER, BABY POWDER & SHOWER TO SHOWER
BODY POWDER – These products may cause Ovarian Cancer –Call the Giant Killers
IVC FILTER – IVC Filters to treat embolism may cause breathing problems and death – Call the Giant Killers
LUNG CANCER – Lung Cancer may be caused by various chemical products in the work place – Call the Giant Killers
SEVERE LUNG DISEASE – Severe Lung disease may be caused by exposure to various chemical products in the work placeCall the Giant Killers
XARELTO – If you took the blood thinner Xarelto and suffered serious bleeding – Call the Giant Killers
PELVIC MESH/TRANSVAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS – If you had a pelvic mesh implant following a hysterectomy or to treat pelvic organ prolapsed and/or urinary stress incontinence – Call the Giant Killers
Don’t
“A heartfelt thank you to District #5 Commissioner Roshanda Summerville for her generous contribution and continued support of Greene County Health System Community support like yours helps us continue our mission of providing
leader-
” -GCHS Staff
Robert Brown Middle School 8th Graders
Ellis Jordin Kordell
Alsufiani Gehan Abdulmalek
Austin, DaPerrius Terrell Braggs, Sa'Maya Ja'Nae
Branch Alonna Kemoria
Brown Durund Edward Burton, Denacio Elijah Cheatem, Shannon Lamar
Snyder Kelante Montavious Steele, Alaysha Thomas, Jaquavious Wade Deondre Anton Washington Rya Georgetta Wells, Kayden Alexander White Amirka Skyviona Monae Wiggins, JaNai Denise Williams, Unique
Nyla Brooks
Running on Empty
Fax: 205-372-2243
Website:greenecodemocrat
By Marc Morial, Presi-
dent and CEO, National Urban League
(TriceEdneyWire com) -
“What Alito doesn’t mention is that since 2013, the racial turnout gap around the nation has exploded It beggars belief that Alito was unaware of this fact He reached back nearly 20 years to include the only two elections in American history in which Black and white turnout reached parity Surely he or one of his clerks checked to see whether they could update the Shelby County argument that racism in American elections was over by using more recent data But the data is unambiguous: Roberts s assurances in Shelby County were spectacularly wrong -- Kevin Morris Brennan Center for Justice
What happens when the highest court in the land issues a decision based on faulty reasoning or inaccurate data?
The shameful Plessy v Ferguson in 1896 decision obliterated 30 years of hard-fought progress toward racial equality under the law and thrust the nation into the dark and violent era of Jim Crow
Last month’s decision in Louisiana v Callais like 2013 s Shelby v Holder, is destined to live in infamy alongside Plessy We cannot and must not let a single moment – let alone 70 years, as we did with Plessy – to rectify the Court s mistake The Court and Congress must acknowledge the Callais decision was based on misleading data and restore the provisions of the Voting Rights Act that it overturned
The deluge of raciallymotivated voter suppress i o n laws that Shelby unleashed made a mockery of Chief Justice John Roberts’ claim that “current conditions did not justify federal protection against discriminatory state voting laws So, too, does the frenzy of states to enact racially gerrymanderied frenzy congressional maps disprove the majority s assumption that states would not exploit Callais to disguise discrimination as partisanship
Even more egregiously Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion relied on a false claim – copied almost verbatim” from a Trump administration filing – that Black voter turnout had exceeded white voter turnout in two of the five most recent presidential elections As The Guardian s investigation revealed, the administration’s false claim rested on a misleading voter turnout calculation: The administration calculated turnout using the entire adult population – including non citizens, disenfranchised individuals, and others ineligible to vote, which artificially inflates turnout figures particularly for Black voters The generally accepted standard for calculating voter turnout is the Voting Eligible Population (VEP) By the common standard Black voter turnout in Louisiana has consistently trailed white turnout in every election since at least 2012 In fact the racial turnout gap not only widened nationwide since Shelby it grew twice as fast in counties previously covered by the preclearance requirement that Shelby overturned Instead of acknowledging the truth of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg s observation that "throwing out preclearance when it has worked is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet " the majority blithely ignored the wreckage Shelby left in its wake and used its own willful delusion to justify even further destruction Constitutional law cannot rest on false facts Hard won civil rights protections cannot be snatched away on the basis of manipulative sleight-of-hand
The Supreme Court itself has explicitly recognized that precedents resting on demonstrably false or fundamentally outdated factual assumptions warrant reconsideration or overruling In his concurrence in Ramos v Louisiana Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s wrote, “A precedent that is egregiously wrong or based on a demonstrably false factual premise should not continue to bind the Court ”
The Supreme Court has the power to shape political power and voter representation for generations Plessy to the nation s everlasting shame, grotesquely distorted that power This generation has the opportunity and the responsibility to steer the nation back toward justice
By Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire com) -
The May 12 inflation report confirmed what many Americans already know in their bones: while economists debate indicators and politicians boast about growth ordinary people increasingly feel as though they are running on fumes
Prices rise, stabilize briefly, and then rise again while wages lag behind the escalating costs of housing, healthcare, childcare, insurance, groceries, and transportation
For millions of people especially those who once considered themselves securely middle class economic anxiety is no longer occasional; it is ambient, woven into everyday decisions about what to postpone what to sacrifice and what emergency might push already strained budgets beyond their limits
But the anxiety many are carrying is not simply economic It is emotional, psychological, and profoundly political Conversations with activists clergy teachers, nonprofit workers, caregivers, journalists, and parents often arrive at the same conclusion People are tired not merely physically tired, but weary
in a deeper sense exhausted by years of instability, outrage, uncertainty, and struggle without resolution Americans have lived through a pandemic political upheaval, racial backlash, economic volatility social isolation and a digital culture that demands constant vigilance and immediate reaction Before one crisis is fully processed another arrives demanding attention
The human spirit was never designed for perpetual emergency
At the same time exhaustion is not the only emotional current shaping American life Many people are energized alarmed and newly engaged precisely because they believe democratic norms themselves are under threat Across the country people are organizing protesting voting, fundraising, and showing up at demonstrations proclaiming “No Kings ” Millions are turning out in protest Yet even this activism often carries an undertone of strain, because much of today’s civic engagement is fueled less by optimism than by fear of what may happen if people disengage entirely
Polls showing widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the country reflect more than partisan division Many Americans feel they are working harder, worrying more, and falling further behind, even as they are repeatedly told the economy is fundamentally sound even as rising prices continue to outpace
T he Color of Tr ust
By Ben Jealous (TriceEdneyWire com)
In politics fear has a color
For most of American history, that color has been Black
No ad has taught that lesson more brutally than the Willie Horton ad of 1988 It showed the face of a Black man convicted of murder It blamed Michael Dukakis for a furlough program It told voters mercy was dangerous
After that, clemency withered Democrats especially learned to treat grace as a trap To this day too many Democratic politicians fear using their clemency powers Even when their cowardice means people receive punishment they do not deserve Republican governors and presidents have often been more sweeping Our nation’s current president has used the pardon power boldly and repeatedly He has never seemed afraid of the power itself Too many Democrats still are
This spring marks 10 years since the Bernie Sanders campaign made a very different kind of ad
Nearly three decades after Willie Horton I asked the campaign to do the opposite Put a Black man con-
-
victed of murder in a presidential ad Not to destroy the campaign To strengthen it
His name was Chris Wilson Chris grew up in Baltimore He saw violence young At 17 he took a man’s life He went to prison There is no hiding from that truth There should not be
But Chris did what we say we want people to do He took responsibility He educated himself He built a master plan for his life He came home determined to work, mentor, and help others escape the traps that nearly swallowed him
At the time, Chris was painting my house When the campaign came to film the ad Chris helped find the location To me his story was not a liability It was the point Real public safety requires redemption Prevention Education Jobs Second chances The idea carried risk Given the legacy of Willie Horton some had concerns That was understandable This was not a safe testimonial It was a direct challenge to a powerful racial taboo
But in a nation with the highest incarceration rate on Earth, Willie Horton politics had trained campaigns to distrust voters My experience told me voters were better than that
Years earlier, I had been part of polling for a bigbox retailer that wanted to know what would happen if customers learned it provided second-chance employment for formerly incarcerated people Cus-
wages for many workers
Reading The Fire Next Time today, one is struck not only by James Baldwin’s prophetic brilliance but also by the exhaustion beneath his prose Baldwin wrote as a man who deeply loved his country while watching it revisit the same moral failures over and over again More than sixty years later, many Americans are asking some version of the same question: how many times must we fight the same battles?
That exhaustion is especially familiar within Black political life More than 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced in Congress between the late nineteenth century and the early twenty-first century Again and again, activists marched, testified, fundraised wrote editorials gathered petitions and demanded federal protection, only to watch legislation delayed or blocked Federal anti-lynching legislation did not finally become law until 2022
The NAACP once hung a banner outside its headquarters reading A MAN WAS LYNCHED YESTERDAY ” The repetition itself became part of the tragedy as generation after generation was forced to sound the same alarm while institutions moved slowly if at all to respond
It took more than a century for anti-lynching legislation to become federal law How long will Americans wait for meaningful affordability relief? The struggles are obviously not
tomers said they would be more likely to shop there
The company stood to gain market share, not lose it People were ready to believe in second chances
Politics just had to catch up
Everyone signed off on taking the risk The campaign made the ad The name said it all: Be Bold, Change the System
There was Chris, looking into the camera telling the truth No hiding No sugarcoating No mug shot No monster Just a man A Black man A Baltimore man A man who had caused harm, paid a terrible price, and fought to become a force for good
It was the anti-Willie Horton ad
The Willie Horton ad said Black men are the reason to fear mercy The Chris Wilson ad said Black men are among the reasons to believe in redemption
And it worked The ad drew roughly a million clicks in the first 24 hours
It sent Bernie’s support up fast in Illinois It was used powerfully in Michigan and Missouri It moved people because it trusted them
Chris later received a book contract The Master Plan told how he refused to let prison be the end of his life That work became the basis for an education program that has trained more than 100,000 incarcerated people
Today, Chris is a celebrated artist whose paintings sell for tens of thousands of dollars
That is what Willie Horton politics never wants America to see It wants to
the same but they are connected by a familiar frustration: ordinary people sound the alarm while institutions remain paralyzed indifferent or consumed by political calculation
Exhaustion is not new in American life but today it threatens to erode civic participation itself People are withdrawing from public engagement not necessarily because they do not care, but because they are depleted Democracy requires participation but participation requires emotional, physical, and economic reserves that many Americans no longer possess An exhausted public becomes vulnerable to cynicism, resentment, manipulation, and authoritarian appeals that promise easy answers to complex problems Exhausted people stop imagining alternatives and retreat into survival mode
America is running on empty The danger is not simply economic instability but civic depletion a public so exhausted that it loses the capacity to imagine, organize, or resist Exhaustion may explain the national mood but it cannot be allowed to become the nation s destiny
Dr Julianne Malveaux is a DC base economist and author Juliann e m a l v e a u x c o m malvceauxnewsletter@gomail com
freeze a Black man forever at the worst moment of his life Chris Wilson proves something else Redemption does not erase accountability It fulfills it Ten years later the lesson is urgent Willie Horton politics is still with us It has changed targets Today, the scary Black man in the old ad has too often become the scary brown immigrant in the new one Campaigns still take one terrible crime attach it to a whole people and tell voters mercy due process and fairness will get them killed The faces change The formula does not The Chris Wilson ad, and the life he has led since prove the best way to combat racist authoritarian propaganda is with the bold and transformative truth
Bold enough to believe accountability and redemption can live in the same sentence Bold enough to trust voters with the full humanity of a Black man who changed his life Bold enough to bury the politics Willie Horton made famous and build a politics worthy of the people of every color we too often leave behind In America, the color of trust is the color of the blood in all our hearts red and blue flowing together as one
Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former president and CEO of the NAACP
Deconstr ucting Christian Nationalism
By David W Marshall (TriceEdneyWire com)
W hen the Supr eme Cour t gets the facts wr ong, Democr acy pays the price
EarthTalk® From the Editors of EThe Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk: What is a “net-zero” home? Does it have to be new construction or can I retrofit an older home to be “netzero”? -- Peter B , Boulder, CO
As the impact of climate change becomes more severe, homeowners are adopting sustainable practices in order to reduce their carbon footprint One method getting much attention is the net-zero home A net-zero home is designed or upgraded to generate as much energy as it consumes over the year With time, net-zero homes are becoming more readily available in the US Canada and Europe “The zero-energy trend is irreversible,
fective
Retrofitting has many advantages besides being ecofriendly There are economic benefits, including increased home value
However, retrofitting can pose its own drawbacks: Older homes may be subject to design limitations that hinder full energy optimization, and most important it can be quite costly
Ear l y Lear ning
slate Builders have complete control over design, materials and technology
New net-zero homes are also built in compliance with current regulations As a result of these benefits, they often meet true netzero goals However the high upfront costs and a smaller pool of new homeowners make this option less feasible In comparison to new construction retrofitting is a more sustainable, time and cost-friendly approach Ultimately the goal is not perfection but rather progress towards a clean and healthy environment Hence, even if achieving full net-zero is not possible making considerable strides towards greater energy efficiency is a step in the right direction New
say the Zero Energy Project accounting for 28 000 net-zero homes in North America Key benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions lowered energy bills and much more Primary features of a netzero home include insulation to prevent heat loss energy-efficient models of domestic appliances, air-
A new toolkit 10 Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys offers a roadmap for educators and early learning programs seeking to create more equitable, affirming and culturally responsive environments for Black children
At the center of the framework is the importance of building trusting relationships The toolkit emphasizes that educators must actively listen to families learn about their cultural values, and communicate genuine care for children’s well-being Families should feel that teachers respect their experiences, understand their goals for their children, and see their strengths rather than deficits Educators are encouraged to communicate clear messages to Black boys and their families: that children are safe, valued, heard, and capable contributors to the classroom community
One major recommendation involves individuating, or dedicating intentional one-onone time with Black boys Rather than focusing on what children cannot do educators are encouraged to observe their interests, strengths, creativity, and curiosity Positive affirmations both verbal and nonverbal are emphasized as essential tools for reinforcing confidence and belonging Teachers are urged to celebrate children’s progress and hold high expectations while consistently affirming their brilliance and potential
The toolkit also highlights the need for culturally and linguistically responsive classrooms Traditional curricula often fail to reflect the experiences and identities of Black children, leaving many students disconnected from classroom content Educators are encouraged to adapt curriculum materials so Black boys can see themselves represented in books activities discussions and lessons The guide describes this as creating both “windows and mirrors opportunities for children to see themselves reflected while also learning about the experiences of others
Family engagement is another major theme throughout the report The toolkit calls for schools and early learning programs to build meaningful partnerships with families and actively involve fathers and father figures It notes that many Black fathers have historically felt excluded or undervalued in educational settings Educators are encouraged to ask fathers how they would like to participate and then create opportunities for involve-
Rig ging the Rules
Last week the Supreme Court issued its decision in Lousiaina v Callais a 6-3 ruling along ideological lines that struck down Louisiana’s congressional map that added a second majority-Black district, and in doing so, gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act
Then on May 6 the Supreme Court shot down a request to delay the order We cannot be more clear: this was not a ruling about one state s map It marks a fundamental shift in the constitutional understanding of equality voting rights and officials’ power to wage lawfare against their constituents We see this ongoing erosion of voting rights by all branches of government and instead of upholding the constitution and ensuring checks and balances, this court continues to eviscerate precedent and progress, demonstrating their allegiance to party over people
For over four decades, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act operated on a clear principle: when electoral systems produce racially discriminatory results they violate federal law even when proof of discriminatory intent is absent Congress amended the VRA in 1982 to make this clear because they knew that lawmakers who want to suppress Black votes rarely announce it Thirteen years ago, in Shelby County v Holder, the Supreme Court stripped the federal government of the ability to block discriminatory voting changes before they could take effect, and promised that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act would remain a safeguard That safeguard is now effectively gone Since the Shelby decision for over a decade the North Carolina General Assembly has waged a death by a thousand cuts campaign against voting rights in the state- always under the cover of administrative process election integrity, or partisan fairness A federal court found that North Carolina’s redistricting plan was one of the largest racial gerrymanders ever encountered and their voter suppression legislation was found to target Black Americans “with almost surgical precision,” in our lawsuit NAACP v McCroy
In NC NAACP v Hirsch, our photo voter ID lawsuit in North Carolina, voters were told that the Voter ID Exception Form would be a safeguard for those without IDs Now that a court has issued a ruling in the case, officials are working to eliminate that exception form We continue to see this same ploy: Remove protections under the guise of raceneutrality ” point to insufficient remedies as solutions and then strip away those remedies What remains in the wake of this scheme are entire communities- taxpayers, parents, essential workers- who are shut out of their democracy and silenced although they continue to be the core of their communities
Ignoring the impact of race is a continuation of decades of racist disenfranchisement and centuries of white supremacy and policy violence, aimed at the very people whose forced labor built and continues to build this country We cannot be race neutral in a country that was founded on racist ideology and expect true progress, equity, and repair There must first be acknowledgment but what we continue to experience is erasure disregard, and persistent devastating harm
Without federal oversight and protections, instead of changing their deeply unpopular policies officials are methodically changing their electorate They are attempting to handpick their voters so they can remain in power while silencing those who disagree with them and our courts continue to uphold this assault at every level Instead of dogs water hoses, poll taxes, and batons, the tools of suppression today are gerrymandering, voter ID requirements and legislation like the SAVE Act The targets have always been the same: Black and brown voters, poor people, women, students- the very people whose organizing has driven the most transformative change this country has ever known
We know the South drives policy and change throughout this nation, and we have been here before Some of the most transformative policies in this country have come from the organizing done right here in the South An Analysis by Fair Fight Action and Black Voters Matter found that the Callais ruling could eventually lead to a redistricting wave that could help Republicans flip as many as 19 majority-minority seats currently held by Democrats This ruling has cleared a path for this dangerous practice to spread across the South and beyond but we will continue the legacy of Southern organizing that has always moved this nation forward
We launched the POV NC tour to connect with educate and empower voters across this state in the face of exactly this kind of assault We heard from people in counties across North Carolina who all want the same thing: to be heard and to have officials who enact policies that are just, equitable, and for the people These are not unreasonable expectations; they are the foundational promise of democracy We are still fighting unfair maps right here in North Carolina We are still fighting photo voter ID We filed an appeal the same day this ruling came down and we are not stopping Fear of the people and fear of being accountable to the people are driving this wave of lawfare and policy violence Many elected officials know they cannot win based solely on their policies and results, so they are changing the rules They are more focused on power and gamesmanship than the needs of the people, and they know we can see through the facade Their fear is its own acknowledgment of our power and progress
Our democracy is on life support because of relentless attacks from the very people who are supposed to uphold and steward it But we know that it has always been the power and work of the people to heal, rebuild, and reimagine when those in power fail us This fight is not over Full equitable access to our democracy is our right We will continue building power and resources in our communities We will continue to mobilize and demand accountability We will rise from the ashes of the democracy they are trying so desperately to burn down, and we will build anew- and that new democracy will be rooted in humanity equity and most of all love
tight construction and renewable energy systems such as solar panels A common misconception is that net-zero energy can only be achieved by new construction, but many homes can be retrofitted to reach or approach net-zero Transforming existing homes to net-zero can be achieved through a framework of steps typically beginning with assessing current energy efficiency From there, homeowners can incrementally invest in improving insulation upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, optimizing ventilation systems, and lastly, switching to renewable energy sources This approach ensures that the energy demand is lowered before using clean energy, making the process efficient and ef-
ment and leadership
However government support through tax credits, rebates and low-interest loans can help cover the upfront costs of net-zero upgrades
According to the U S Department of Energy, You can benefit from energy-efficient financing whether you're buying selling refinancing or remodeling a home ” On the other hand, new construction offers a blank
Importantly, the report urges educators to reject “deficit-based” thinking about families Instead of focusing on stereotypes or assumptions teachers should discuss children’s strengths, talents, and dreams with caregivers Families should be treated as partners in developing educational goals and supporting student success
The toolkit also addresses the role of structural racism and implicit bias in education It calls for educators to deepen their understanding of white supremacy culture, privilege, colorism, and the ways bias affects Black boys disproportionately Teachers are encouraged to participate in anti-racism training, engage in ongoing self-reflection, and examine how media personal experiences and social messaging influence their perceptions of Black children
Another significant focus is trauma-responsive care The report emphasizes that behavior should be understood as communication rather than defiance Educators are urged to move away from labeling children as “challenging” and instead consider whether behaviors may stem from trauma, stress, disability, or unmet emotional needs Teachers are encouraged to practice self-regulation techniques and respond calmly and compassionately to difficult situations
Finally the toolkit calls for broader institutional and policy changes Schools and early learning programs are encouraged to examine disciplinary practices, eliminate harsh punishments such as suspensions and expulsions, and invest in mental health supports and culturally responsive professional development Administrators are urged to collect meaningful equity data and include Black boys voices in evaluating school progress and goals
Ultimately 10 Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys presents a vision of education rooted in equity, dignity, and belonging It argues that when educators intentionally affirm Black boys’ identities challenge systemic inequities and partner authentically with families, early learning environments can become places where every child has the opportunity to thrive
Learn more at www oaklandsmartandstrong org/promisingpracticesportfolio html
Black Commencement Speaker s
From Queen Latifah to Magic Johnson Black commencement speakers have been taking the stage at university graduations across the country and giving the alumni incredible words of advice that will inspire you too
On May 8, Queen Latifah graced the stage at North Carolina A&T State University and gave a very powerful speech about building her entertainment career in her 20s and continuously believing in herself even when the odds didn’t seem in her favor
“You have to believe in yourself more than anyone else does and sometimes you may have to go it alone You can’t always bring along people unless they believe with you,” she said Sometimes there s just no way to make it to where you want to be unless you have the courage to stand alone You have to have the bravery to step forward by yourself and go into a lane that no one else has driven
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo received an honorary degree and delivered a commencement speech at Temple University on May 6 His address emphasized the importance of persevering in life because while the world might be tough it is important to make your mark on it Graduates, the world you re stepping into is complicated I will not lie to you It is loud It is sometimes unkind But it is also waiting waiting for your particular voice your particular vision, your particular brand of courage,” he said “Because courage is not the absence of fear Courage is showing up any f*****g way ”
Sterling K Brown
On 16, actor Sterling K Brown spoke to graduates at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and shared some much-needed tips to make life a little bit more manageable, including getting all eight hours of sleep and exercising consistently throughout the week Brown also told the graduates that failure is an important part of life
“Failure is a necessary part of the process If you’re not falling from time to time then baby, you re not jumping high enough, he said Fall and then pick yourself back up and do that one more time again Nothing in life is certain Anything of enduring personal value requires a leap of faith
Magic Johnson
Addressing graduates at Tuskegee University on May 9 NBA legend and businessman Magic Johnson stepped down from the stage to stand on the same level as the graduates and provided them with advice to help them stand out in a competitive world
You gone have to be strong You have to be the best that they ve ever seen walk through their doors That means first to work last to leave That means you gone work harder than anybody else at your job, he said You may have to pivot And if you have to pivot to something outside your major make sure you do that just to get in See sometimes we have to be uncomfortable to get comfortable
Chris Paul
On Sunday May 17 NBA star Chris Paul was the commencement speaker at Morehouse College, where he gave a speech on the importance of perseverance and working with what has been handed to you
“You might not be the best on day one, day 10, day 50, even, but I guarantee you this: you ll get better and better if you just keep stacking days Keep stacking days he said “One of the most important things you can do in life is just to always show up Through heartbreak, rejection, failure, grief, whatever it is, just always find a way to show up Remember you don’t always get credit for the battles you fight privately but your presence as Morehouse men proves that you have more than enough to keep moving forward
Ray Lewis
NFL star Ray Lewis graced the stage at North Carolina Central University on May 9 and gave an impassioned address about the importance of building your identity so that the life you want to live begins to act in accordance with the person you’ve decided you want to be Learn to sit in discomfort Protect your focus Show up anyway because identity is not built in comfort; it’s built in repetition over and over and over again until you figure out,” he said But let me give you something real The wrong will break you The right people will pray with you and build you So be careful who you walk with because your environment will shape your identity You show me your crowd, I ll show you your future
Symone Sanders-Townsend
At Spelman College political commentator Symone Sanders-Townsend received an honorary doctorate and told her Spelman sisters that although the world is a scary place right now it is important they continue to pave the way to a better future for the next generation
“I’m not gonna stand on this stage and tell you that the country is fine; the country is not fine We are not okay We are in a hard moment in America right now, and pretending otherwise would frankly be an insult to your intelligence and to your future she said “The question stands: what do you do when the conditions are not in your favor? You build anyway
Carolyn’s Tid Bits...by Carolyn Young
EPS Bar nyar d Field Trip
Jorien Reeves, Leanna Young Fannie Mae Eason JaNaysia Wesley Kelia Wesley Tasha D Robinson Setha James Chester Perry, Daniel Sanders, Donita Davis, Heiress Braggs, Otis Robinson, Sr , Jamarion Robinson, Mareka Little Happy anniversary to Mr and Mrs Rondreca & Dereck McMillian Mr and Mrs Clifford and Fannie Morrow, Rev and Mrs Samuel Ezell
Pre-K scholars at Eutaw Primary School having an excellent time at Tuscaloosa Barnyard Petting & Fun farm
Ms Dana Ravizee
March 1, 1980 - May 15, 2026
Ms Dana Ravizee of Forkland, Alabama entered into eternal rest May 15 2026 at Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital Birmingham, Alabama
Funeral services for Ms Dana Ravizee will be held Wednesday May 27 2026 at 11A M from Larkin and
Mor
Scott Funeral Home Chapel ( 510 E Jefferson St) Demopolis, Alabama Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens (Hwy 43 S) Demopolis Alabama Larkin and Scott Mortuary LLC are en trusted with arrangements
Mr Willie J George November 15, 1956April 30, 2026
I m proud to announce our comprehensive plan to tackle the maternal mortality crisis an issue that has disproportionately impacted Black women in Texas and across the country for far too long ” said Talarico who is seeking to flip Texas’ U S Senate seat for Democrats for the first time in more than three decades on Sunday
To confront the disproportionate impact of maternal mortality on Black women Talarico s proposal would guarantee paid leave for new mothers through federal maternity leave legislation while strengthening maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) in every state
The plan also calls for increased provider training and better research investments to help healthcare professionals identify and treat the communities most at risk Talarico says policymakers must have accurate data and culturally informed healthcare practices to address disparities impacting Black women effectively
The proposal further expands on healthcare access by extending Medicare eligibility to Americans of all ages and restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits It would also require states to extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant and postpartum women for up to 12 months after childbirth In addition, the plan seeks to expand federal grant programs that educate women about healthcare options and connect them with critical prenatal and postpartum resources
In the United States, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, often because their pain, concerns, and symptoms are dismissed or minimized within the healthcare system According to Johns Hopkins Medicine systemic racism and medical bias continue to play a major role in these preventable deaths TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented with proper medical care, culturally competent support, and informed birth planning
Advocates say the crisis is worsened by limited access to maternity care According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, more than 2 2 million women of childbearing age live in counties without maternity care services Restrictions on doulas, midwives, and birth centers in some states have further reduced care options for expectant mothers Insurance coverage also remains a barrier, as both Medicaid and private insurance plans often fail to cover essential maternal health services Reports of mistreatment during maternity care are also widespread, with 1 in 6 women reporting poor treatment during pregnancy and childbirth For women of color, that number rises to nearly 1 in 4
The dismantling of Roe v Wade has intensified this issue.
The maternal health crisis has intensified in the wake of the 2022 overturning of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which dismantled federal
Mr Willie J George of Boligee, Alabama entered into eternal rest April 30, 2026 at Woodhaven Manor Nursing Facility in Demopolis, Alabama
No services will be held for Mr Willie J George Larkin and Scott Mortuary LLC are entrusted with arrangements
Mr James Black October 12, 1957April 28, 2026
Mr James Black of Boligee, Alabama entered into eternal rest April 28, 2026 at his residence
As per the family's request, no funeral services will be held for Mr James Black
He leaves to cherish his memories a wife Cynthia Black; a daughter, Rachel Black of Texas; a stepson, Matthew Curtis of Texas; and a granddaughter Caelyx Additionally James leaves behind two brothers, Mitch Black and Ken Black of Birmingham Alabama and a host of other relatives and friends He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him
abortion protections established under Roe v Wade Studies have shown that Black women in states with abortion bans face significantly higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth Since the ruling many states have enacted strict abortion bans or severe restrictions, limiting access not only to abortion care but also to miscarriage management, emergency pregnancy treatment, and broader reproductive healthcare services
Healthcare experts warn that these restrictions are contributing to physician shortages as doctors leave states with abortion bans over concerns about legal consequences and limitations on providing lifesaving care In severe pregnancy complications abortion procedures are sometimes medically necessary, but many physicians now fear losing their licenses or facing criminal charges for performing them
Thankfully Talarico’s maternal health proposal aims to eliminate maternal care deserts by requiring insurance coverage for doula and midwife services expanding access to telemedicine, and investing in workforce development programs to recruit and retain maternal healthcare providers in underserved communities
The plan would additionally expand eligibility for the WIC program and strengthen the Healthy Start Program by providing families with home visits, parenting education, care coordination and support services before during and after pregnancy
A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home Our trusted professionals dry out the wet area and do repairs to protect your family and your home's value! If you have water in your home that needs to be dried, Call 24/7: 1-833879-1371 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!
APPLIANCE REPAIR: Prompt local service available for appliance repair
Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Stove/Oven and all major appliances Certified Insured techs Satisfaction guaranteed Call to schedule your appointment now!
1-877-441-0132
BEAUTIFUL BATH
UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs Call Now! 1-833-770-0326
SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week!
Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!
We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss Any condition Easy three step process: Call get cash offer and get paid Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-877-385-7131
Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers No long-term contract no hidden fees and activation is free All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month For more information call 1-844-3585270
HEALTH/BEAUTY
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators FREE information kit Call 1-833650-7885
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6606
FOR SALE
SunSetter America’s
Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis Up to 10-year limited warranty Call now and SAVE $350 today! 1877-930-3506
DENTAL INSURANCE
from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company Coverage for 400 plus procedures Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-8778 1 7 - 4 6 9 7 www dental50plus com/alabama #6258
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET If you are overpaying for your service call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-6416672
NEED NEW FLOORING? Call today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring Call Today! 1833-641-6567
No more cleaning out gutters Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty Call today 1-833-683-2005 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10% Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote It’s not just a generator It’s a power move
AUTOMOTIVE
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877724-3049 today!
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS Fast free pick up Patriotic Hearts programs help veterans find work or start their own business Call 24/7: 1-833-426-0193
“I like Big Bucks and I cannot lie” 24 HOUR SERVICE –FREE CONSULTATION OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE FRANK S BUCK P C ATTORNEY 2160 14TH Ave South BIRMINGHAM AL 35255
