Racial justice advocates are frustrated yet hopeful after meeting with White House officials earlier this week in an attempt to compel President Joe Biden, in his final months in office, to take executive actions on creating a pair of U.S. commissions on reparations and racial healing. 

The Monday meeting was hosted by the White House Domestic Policy Council after U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., requested that officials meet with leading racial justice activists who have worked closely with Congressional Black Caucus members to draft several pieces of reparative legislation for Black Americans. 

Leading activists who attended the meeting included professor and author Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter; Dr. David J. Johns, executive director of National Black Justice Coalition; Dreisen Heath, founder of Why We Can’t Wait National Reparations Coalition; and Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, CEO and president of Black Music Action Coalition. 

Though the Biden administration has not changed its long-held position that any reparative justice commission should happen legislatively through Congress, activists are looking for momentum in Biden’s final months in office.

“Joe Biden is leaving after 50 years of service. This can be his legacy,” Hunter told theGrio.

With less than five months left to Biden’s presidency, the African-American studies professor said the 81-year-old president could take advantage of the “legacy space” that is happening in Washington, particularly following the death of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, who died last month from pancreatic cancer.

Every session of Congress, Jackson Lee sponsored and introduced H.R. 40, a bill that would create a U.S. commission to study the impacts of U.S. slavery and reparative measures for African-Americans. To date, the bill has never made it to a floor vote. 

The late congresswoman carried on the tradition from Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich, who first introduced H.R. 40 in 1989.

“[Sheila Jackson Lee] has passed on. This was her legacy. John Conyers has passed on. This was his legacy,” said Hunter. He said of Biden, “Are we interested in legacy building, which is different from lame ducking?”

Hunter notably helped draft a House resolution introduced by Rep. Lee that would establish a separate U.S. Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. The author of “Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation” said he walked away from Monday’s White House meeting feeling hopeful, noting that it took multiple letters from members of Congress and activists to get meetings with Biden officials. 

“I can’t help but be optimistic that the meetings themselves represent a window of opportunity,” he told theGrio. 

Hunter said the meeting was longer than previous meetings, and he “got the sense” that Domestic Policy Council representatives would have “given us more time.”

Despite the White House’s support for creating a U.S. commission on reparations, officials have repeatedly argued that it should happen legislatively through Congress. But after 35 years of H.R. 40 failing to make it out of committee and onto the House floor for a vote, activists have called for Biden to take action through executive authority.

On Monday, the activists tried to convince the White House otherwise, arguing that the commission on reparations could be a useful tool.

“That’s not something you want Congress to do for you. You want to have it for yourself as arsenal where you can pull together experts and scholars and lawyers and all of those things,” Hunter maintained. “You can convene them and say, here’s what we’re up against. Help us think through this.”

“That seemed to be a different framing than they had received before,” he added. “We saw them writing down and taking notes that hadn’t necessarily happened before.”

Heath, who also attended the meeting, described the conversation as “good” but expressed frustration with the state of play. 

“There may be openings to continue to work together, but then there’s been no solidified action moving forward,” she told theGrio. 

Heath expressed being particularly disheartened considering that the group of the reparative justice movement’s biggest allies in Congress will no longer be in office next year. In addition to Jackson Lee’s death, Rep. Lee declined to run for reelection in order to run in a U.S. Senate race she lost in March. 

Their other two allies, Reps. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Cori Bush, D-Mo., were defeated in expensive primary races this election cycle in a clash with the pro-Israel group, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, also known as AIPAC. The movement’s only other champion, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., remains in office.

“With the congressional champions displaced from these leadership positions within Congress, what is the White House going to do to step in and make this a reality?” asked Heath.

Hunter said the loss of Lee (the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee), Bowman, and Bush was a “major blow” to the coalition. However, he hopes their legislative portfolios will be picked up by other progressive Black members like Reps. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, Summer Lee, D-Pa., and Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and potentially Lateefah Simon, who is running to replace Lee in California’s 12th Congressional District. 

“At least as we move forward, we do have a gang of like five young Black women in Congress who have the passion and the stamina to keep this going,” said Hunter.

Heath said Biden is “essentially untethered” as a sitting president and therefore empowered to use his executive powers to finally make good on his promise to seek reparative justice for Black Americans. 

The activists point to President Biden’s recent unveiling of reforms for the U.S. Supreme Court as evidence of having the political will to take executive action. Biden’s “bold plan,” as described by the White House, contained proposals outlined in reports conducted by a similar commission on court reforms. 

The activists believe there is more momentum on the state and local level to support policies based on racial healing and reparations than Supreme Court reforms.

“It’s more of a New Yorker intelligentsia line. That isn’t what the people have been talking about. That’s not what 43 cities are doing. That’s not what three states are doing,” said Hunter, referencing reparation commissions that have been established in California, New York and Illinois.

When asked about Monday’s meeting, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told theGrio she would not “read out any private meetings” but reiterated the administration’s stance that “Congress has the power to study reparations” and the “continuing impact” of slavery.”

“President Biden is actively delivering for the … Black community,” added Jean-Pierre, who noted the administration’s equity policies. 

“Some communities have been left out, we don’t want to see that,” she told theGrio. “And we have seen some historic wealth gains … for the Black community. That’s because of the actions that this administration has taken.” 

However, Heath pushed back against the administration’s habit of pointing to its equity work. While she applauds them, she argues they are “not the process of reparation that ultimately needs not only to compensate and provide resources for Black people … but also that needs to transform the actual fabric of this country.”

She added, “If those policies were enough, we wouldn’t even be having these conversations right now.”

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Three individuals have been arrested after a video went viral showing a racist incident during the Hot August Nights Car Show in Virginia City, Nevada. The disturbing footage, which has sparked outrage on social media, captured multiple suspects harassing a Black man and making references to a “hanging tree.”

‼️RAClSTS THREATENED TO HANG A BLACK MAN 🤬

The RAClST told him “There’s a “HANGING TREE” down the street for “N*GGERS” like him”

📍Firehouse Saloon
📍Virginia City | Nevada

IS VIRGINIA CITY ONE OF THE MOST RAClST TOWNS IN AMERICA 🇺🇸 ? pic.twitter.com/DLwlbZHOeA

— i Expose Racists (@SeeRacists) August 4, 2024

The Storey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspects as Gary Miller, Janis Miller, and Tiffany Miller. Gary Miller has been charged with a violation of breach of peace, Janis Miller faces a charge of battery, and Tiffany Miller has been charged with obstructing and delaying a peace officer.

Nevada Attorney General issued a statement condemning the actions of the individuals involved. “I condemn their actions. Such hate does not represent the values we hold here in Nevada, and it should not be countenanced. Accordingly, I have reached out to Sheriff Cullen to offer my support in his office’s investigation into this matter.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Those with information are asked to contact the Storey County Sheriff’s Office.

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June may have been Black Music Month, but our reverence for the Black musicians who have defined and shifted American culture knows no bounds.

To extend our celebration, we’ve rounded up some of the best Black singers — past and present — across R&B, jazz, soul, funk, gospel and beyond. This list highlights a select few — in no particular order — whose musical legacy embodies raw talent and star power.

25 famous Black singers and their most popular songs

1. Beyoncé

“Queen Bey” is one of the most prominent artists of our generation. From Destiny’s Child to her solo career, Beyoncé continues to stun audiences with her versatile vocal range, intoxicating dance moves and outside-the-box artistry. She has more than 32 Grammys to her name (the most wins by any artist) and has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists ever. Her lengthy hit list includes songs such as “Irreplaceable,” “Baby Boy” and “Crazy In Love.”

And she’s still breaking boundaries, like with her latest chart-topping album, “Cowboy Carter,” which celebrates Black rodeo culture and a long legacy of Black musicians.

2. Tina Turner

Coined the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the late Tina Turner electrified stages with her iconic voice, spirited footwork and show-stopping legs for over five decades. With iconic songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Proud Mary,” the legendary singer sold more than 100 million records, won eight Grammy awards and was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She is truly one of the best Black singers of all time.

3. Ray Charles

Ray Charles was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Recognized as the “Father of Soul,” Brother Ray made his mark in several genres of music, including country, blues, jazz and pop. He won numerous awards during his music career, including 13 Grammys and the National Medal of Arts, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Some of his most famous songs include “What’d I Say,” “Hit the Road Jack” and “Georgia on My Mind.”

4. Aretha Franklin

The undisputed “Queen of Soul” had a rich, soulful voice and unique ability to seamlessly shift from soft melodies to powerhouse belts. Rolling Stone twice crowned her the “greatest singer of all time” thanks to an extensive resume that includes classics like “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Amazing Grace.” She was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and won 18 Grammys. She is arguably the best Black singer of all time.

5. Ella Fitzgerald

The “First Lady of Song” boasted a unique, melodic tone and glass-shattering pitch. The jazz legend was famous for her remarkable improvisation and scat singing. Among her accolades are 13 Grammys, a Kennedy Center for Performing Arts’ Medal of Honor Award and a Recording Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. With a career spanning six decades, Ella stood out with iconic songs such as “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”

6. Louis Armstrong

Legendary jazz vocalist, trumpeter and master of scatting, Louis Armstrong is often credited as the inventor of scatting with his 1926 recording “Heebie Jeebies.” Over 40 years later, Armstrong released his best-selling record with 1967’s “What a Wonderful World,” an enduring classic that highlights his signature raspy baritone.

7. Michael Jackson

From his distinctive “hee-hee” notes to his iconic moonwalk, the “King of Pop” is arguably the biggest pop culture icon of all time. “The Gloved One” released eight studio albums and a slew of massive hits, such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Rock With You” and “Thriller.” His accolades are never-ending, but here are some of his most impressive stats: MJ holds 39 Guinness World Records, which includes the “top-selling album ever made by a solo artist” for the album “Thriller,” and the “most successful entertainer of all time.”

8. Usher

Another multi-talented force, Usher has mesmerized audiences with his silky tone, masterful footwork and million-dollar smile since 1995. He’s released eight studio albums, including the Diamond-certified “Confessions,” and has stocked up his trophy case with numerous Grammys, Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards. Nearly three decades after emerging, he’s still a powerhouse, performing some of his most popular songs at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show — including “Yeah!,” “OMG” and “U Got It Bad” — and taking on Las Vegas with his top-selling 100-show residency.

9. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s spellbinding vocals and undeniable talent took the music industry by storm when she released her 1985 self-titled debut album. The album was certified 14x platinum and produced three No. 1 singles: “Greatest Love of All,” “Saving All My Love for You” and “How Will I Know.”

“The Voice,” as she would be called, released seven studio albums and three soundtracks, including “The Bodyguard,” in which she starred. The album — which remains the highest-selling soundtrack of all time — features her award-winning hit, “I Will Always Love You.” With more than 400 awards, she remains the most-awarded female artist ever.

10. Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is one of the most revered artists in modern music. Blind since shortly after birth, the gifted singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has defied the odds and shattered records with 28 Top 10 Billboard hits, 25 Grammys and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Some of his most recognizable records include “I Just Called to Say I Love You, “Isn’t She Lovely” and his powerful version of “Happy Birthday.”

11. Luther Vandross

With a voice as smooth as silk and love songs that stand the test of time, Luther Vandross is one of the greatest soul crooners in history. The “Velvet Voice” belted out a plethora of timeless and chart-topping hits throughout his career, including “Power of Love,” “Here and Now” and “Never Too Much.” He released eight No. 1 R&B albums, sold over 40 million records and collected numerous awards, including 21 Grammys.

12. CeCe Winans

Let’s hear it for the most-awarded and best-selling gospel singer of all time. Known for her rich and majestic voice, CeCe Winans spent most of her career in a duo with her brother BeBe. Together, the siblings won several awards, including three Grammys. Her solo debut album, “Alone in His Presence,”was certified Double Platinum and she reached No. 1 on the US Top Gospel Albums chart seven times. “Count On Me” — recorded with best friend Whitney Houston — earned her a top 10 Billboard spot in 1996

13. Anita Baker

With her sultry alto and poignant collection of soulful ballads, Anita Baker has staked her claim as one of the best Black female singers of all time. Since the 1980s, Baker has serenaded listeners with hits like “Caught Up in the Rapture,” “Giving You the Best That I Got” and the Grammy award-winning “Sweet Love.” Celebrated for her wide vocal range, the legendary singer has released four platinum-certified music albums and earned eight Grammys.

14. Patti LaBelle

Yes, Patti’s pies are good, but her singing? Incomparable. The “Godmother of Soul” is one of the most famous Black American female singers ever. From the sweet and soulful “If Only You Knew” to the upbeat “New Attitude,” Ms. LaBelle has sold 50 million records worldwide and collected several accolades, including two Grammys and seven NAACP Image Awards. Her unique vocal power and classic elegance forged the path for many of R&B’s top divas today.

15. Al Green

“The Soul Doctor” dominated R&B and soul music in the 1970s and later released a series of gospel recordings. With his velvety, often ethereal vocals, the American singer shows the power of vulnerability, simplicity and tenderness with unforgettable records like “Love and Happiness” and “Let’s Stay Together.” Green has earned 11 Grammys and is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

16. Marvin Gaye

With an impressive range of socially conscious anthems and baby-making ballads, the “Prince of Soul” (aka the “Prince of Motown”) left a lasting legacy. Marvin Gaye helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s and is still a major influence in R&B, pop and soul. In his short career, the singer released several iconic hits, including “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “Sexual Healing” and “What’s Going On?”

17. Diana Ross

Diana Ross, the original “It Girl,” has wooed fans with her enchanting vocals and elaborate style since the 1960s. As lead singer of The Supremes and later a celebrated solo artist, Ross snatched up 13 Grammy nominations, a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and six No. 1 hits, including “Love Hangover,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Upside Down.” The renowned songstress has made a lasting impact on multiple eras of music, art and fashion.

18. Chaka Khan

The “Queen of Funk” first captivated audiences in the early 1970s with her powerful and distinctive vibrato and dynamic stage presence. The legendary vocalist has released a whopping 22 albums and unforgettable hits like “Ain’t Nobody,” “I’m Every Woman” and “Sweet Thing.” She’s racked up 10 Grammys, 10 No. 1 songs and countless other accolades. 

Khan is still showing her prowess, too. She recently performed her biggest hits alongside a live band for NPR’s Tiny Desk.

19. James Brown

The “Godfather of Soul” burst onto the scene in the mid-1950s with his electrifying voice, provocative dance moves and edgy grooves. He wasn’t called the “hardest working man in show business” for nothing. Brown released 58 studio albums, earning him four Grammys (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2003.

The late artist’s most famous songs include “Super Bad,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got the Feelin.’” The funk, soul and hip-hop pioneer’s legacy continues to influence artists today. And let’s not forget about his 1970 single “Funky Drummer,” one of the most widely sampled recordings ever.

20. Prince

Prince’s inimitable falsetto, creativity and flair — combined with his remarkable songwriting and musical talents — made an indelible mark on the music industry. Rising to pop stardom in the early 1980s, “The Purple One” released 39 studio albums during his 40-year career, including hits like “Purple Rain,” “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and “When Doves Cry.” 

He sold over 100 million albums and earned countless awards, including seven Grammys. With unforgettable performances — like his Super Bowl XLI halftime show that pulled in 140 million viewers and his duet with Elton John at London’s O2 Arena in 2007 — Prince is a once-in-a-lifetime act. He’s set to be awarded a posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame star next year.

21. Lenny Kravitz

Behind his sculpted six-pack, trademark locs and effortlessly cool demeanor, Lenny Kravitz continues to challenge industry norms to create a sound uniquely his own. Debuting in 1989, Kravitz fuses rock, funk and R&B to deliver chart-topping hits like “Fly Away,” “American Woman” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” Today, he remains a symbol of individuality and authenticity. 

22. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey‘s stunning vocal range, which can go from breathy whispers to high-pitched whistles, continues to set her apart. Her decade-spanning discography includes chart-toppers like “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together” and the record-breaking “All I Want For Christmas.” She’s earned 19 No. 1 singles and numerous awards and honors, including six Grammys. She was Billboard’s Artist of the Decade in the 1990s, but Mimi’s impact on R&B, pop and hip-hop music continues to grow. Just see her recent collaborations with artists like the rapper Latto.

23. Brandy

With her sweet and airy tone, dynamic harmonies and enviable riffs and runs, Brandy has earned her nickname “The Vocal Bible.” The accomplished singer and actress began her career at 15 with her self-titled debut album. Since then, she has released eight studio albums — including the quintuple platinum-certified “Never Say Never” — and notable hits like “The Boy Is Mine” and “I Wanna Be Down.” She’s sold more than 40 million records, underlining her lasting impact on modern R&B and pop.

24. Bob Marley

With his distinct accent, unique melodies and keen songwriting ability, Bob Marley is Jamaican reggae’s most celebrated pioneer. In a short amount of time, he positioned himself as a cultural icon, spreading messages of peace and empowerment in classics like “Three Little Birds,” “Could You Be Loved” and “One Love.” The latter inspired the recent biopic depicting Marley’s life beyond his revolutionary music.

25. Sam Cooke

With his perfect pitch, the “King of Soul” became one of the most influential soul artists of all time. Though Sam Cooke’s career was cut short by his untimely death at age 33, he released hit after hit in a span of eight years, most notably “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” His music continues to inspire countless Black American male singers, including many on this list.

Unlock the most popular music from top Black artists

These iconic Black singers have undoubtedly helped change the face of music — and continue to do so. Get more acquainted with the 25 artists above with our specially curated Spotify playlist that highlights some of their most timeless hits.

8

Hulu has dropped the highly anticipated trailer for the second season of its gripping drama series, “Tell Me Lies.” The new season is set to premiere with two episodes on Wednesday, September 4 exclusively on the streaming platform.

Picking up where the first season left off, the tumultuous relationship between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White) takes center stage as they navigate their complex dynamic amidst the backdrop of college life. While trying to distance themselves, the pair find themselves inexplicably drawn back to each other, creating a toxic yet undeniable connection.

Expanding beyond the central duo, Season 2 delves deeper into the lives of Lucy and Stephen’s friends, exploring the far-reaching consequences of the events that unfolded in the previous season.

The series boasts a talented cast including Cat Missal, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Branden Cook, Alicia Crowder, and Tom Ellis, with Thomas Doherty making recurring guest appearances.

Executive produced and showrunner by Meaghan Oppenheimer, “Tell Me Lies” is based on the novel by Carola Lovering, who also serves as a consulting producer. The series is a collaboration between Hulu, 20th Television, and Belletrist, the production company founded by Emma Roberts.

Are you ready to dive back into the world of Lucy and Stephen? Let us know your thoughts on the trailer in the comments below!

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Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

Ten years after Ferguson, and the police are still here. Little has changed, and policing still isn’t working out very well for us.

It is hard to believe that a full decade has passed since the police killed Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the uprisings and protests that grew out of that. On Aug. 9, 2014, police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed the unarmed 18-year-old Brown. Wilson claimed he acted in self-defense and did not face prosecution.

Ferguson, a mostly Black city in St. Louis County, had a nearly all-white police force and a long history of institutional racism and the targeting and exploitation of Black residents. The U.S. Justice Department found the Ferguson Police Department and Municipal Court had a pattern of civil rights violations against Black people.

Ferguson was an inflection point for America. It was one of those “teachable moments” and an opportunity for the country to look itself in the mirror and see if we would blink. For Black Lives Matter, Ferguson was a catalyst that sparked the movement that blew up on social media and in the street. Young people got their education that summer and some were radicalized and mobilized to change the system that is snuffing, snatching, stacking and warehousing Black bodies.  

The recent police killing of Sonya Massey — a Black Springfield, Illinois, woman who called 911 for help, only to be shot to death in the face by a problematic deputy named Sean Grayson after she rebuked him in the name of Jesus over a pot of hot water — demonstrates that the police have not changed a decade after Ferguson. Grayson, who like other abusive officers, was recycled throughout various police departments, is a feature of the system rather than a bug.

Law enforcement is not an example of a few bad apples, but rather a rotten institution that is performing as it was designed. Policing in America grew out of the enslavement and monitoring of African people on the plantation, the genocide and dislocation of Native Americans and the brutalization of workers in the name of protecting capital.

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Violent and unstable officers, violations of civil rights and civil liberties, and the heavy-handed treatment of Black people, communities of color and those with low income are fundamental characteristics of policing. This is why protesters during the George Floyd summer of 2020 called for a defunding of the police and diversion of funding to social services, education, and programs of social uplift. 

Instead of more police reform, we’re getting Cop Cities — urban warfare training centers popping up everywhere to teach cops to further brutalize Black communities, students and activists. Ten years after Ferguson, and four years after the death of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, nothing has changed about policing, including the need to defund it. 

Sadly, members of the Black elite have promoted the continued militarized occupation of police in Black communities and have stood in the way of change. Consider Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., who helped derail the George Floyd police reform bill in Congress. Atlanta Black politicos decided to take the bag and support the $90 million Cop City facility.

And consider Wesley Bell, the former public defender who became a Ferguson city councilmember in the wake of the Ferguson protests and later St. Louis County prosecuting attorney with progressive and activist support. Bell reportedly sold out his community, broke promises and failed to push reforms around racial justice and decarceration while in office. Further, Bell also dropped out of his U.S. Senate race and took a bag with $9 million in it from AIPAC and Republican anti-abortion and crypto billionaire donors to unseat Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. this week during Missouri’s primary. Bush is the Ferguson activist-turned-Congresswoman and Squad member who stands for the people.

As Malcolm X once said, “They will pay one of us to kill one of us, just to say it was one of us.” 

Bell had said in 2014 that the real “tragedy” of the Michael Brown killing was that the prosecutors failed to share “the officer’s side of the story,” as Akela Lacy reported in The Intercept.

“I feel like he lied to us. He never brought charges against the killer,” said Mike Brown Sr., father of Michael Brown, about Bell in his role as prosecutor. “He never walked the streets of Ferguson with me. He failed to reform the office.”

“Black faces in high places are not going to save us,” as Ruha Benjamin of Princeton University told us.

But international solidarity will save us, particularly when we consider that police violence is a worldwide phenomenon. Ten years ago, Palestinians were connecting with Ferguson activists on Twitter and schooling them on how to protect themselves from the police tear gas — the same tear gas canisters manufactured in Pennsylvania that cops were deploying against Palestinians in the West Bank and Black folk in Ferguson.

Ten years later, college student protesters — including Black students — set up encampments and occupied university buildings to protest the genocide in Gaza and demand their schools divest from the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinians. These peaceful protesters — who moved in the spirit of the 1960s student antiwar activists and Martin Luther King, the movement against South African apartheid and the Movement for Black Lives — were regarded as criminals and terrorist sympathizers. The students were greeted with heavy-handed Gestapo police tactics, police snipers on the roof, arrests and suspensions.

Yet, when neo-Nazis and white supremacists march, police are seldom available to make arrests because … free speech, and in any case, police can’t arrest themselves.

When it comes to law enforcement, history repeats itself and we fail to learn its lessons. The urban rebellions in Watts, Detroit, Newark and elsewhere in the 1960s were the result of police brutality, as were the 1992 Rodney King uprising, the 2014 Ferguson uprising and the 2020 George Floyd protests. Ten years after Ferguson, nothing has changed because the fundamentals of institutional racism and policing in America have stayed the same. 

David A. Love is a journalist and commentator who writes investigative stories and op-eds on a variety of issues, including politics, social justice, human rights, race, criminal justice and inequality. Love is also an instructor at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, where he trains students in a social justice journalism lab. In addition to his journalism career, Love has worked as an advocate and leader in the nonprofit sector, served as a legislative aide, and as a law clerk to two federal judges. He holds a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also completed the Joint Programme in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford. His portfolio website is davidalove.com.

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An Uber driver was violently attacked by a backseat passenger in an unprovoked assault on Friday, according to ABC7 News. Shohel Mahmud was the victim of the attack, which was captured on video.

The footage shows 23-year-old Jen Guilbeault lunging forward from the backseat and spraying Mahmud with pepper spray. She then grabbed his arm and continued to assault him as he attempted to exit the vehicle. A passenger in the backseat witnessed the attack.

Video provided by an Uber driver in New York shows a woman lunging forward from the backseat, reaching around, and spraying the unsuspecting man in the face. https://t.co/N7fwoRXb9x pic.twitter.com/dD93si26AY

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) August 6, 2024

Mahmud stated that he had not interacted with the passengers prior to the assault. The effects of the pepper spray lasted for approximately two hours.

Guilbeault has been arrested and charged with assault. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of ride-sharing drivers.

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Fans and critics were concerned after gold medalist Noah Lyles fell short during the 200-meter final, a race he’s known to dominate. Lyles, who has been claiming to be the fastest man in the world, collected bronze in the final, and some are questioning if it has do to with COVID-19.

Lyles is fresh off a gold medal win for his 100-meter performance on Aug. 4. Just four days later, Lyles placed third after unexpectedly losing to Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo. But what was even more shocking than Lyles’ loss was when the athlete was carted off by medical staff in a wheelchair following the race.

Sources confirmed to AP News that Lyles tested positive for COVID two days before the Thursday final. The virus, known to affect the respiratory system, was especially scary for Lyles, who has a history of asthma.

Immediately following news of Lyles’ diagnosis, X users began debating if COVID caused the athlete’s underperformance.

X user @marL0wE called Lyles a “Buffalo soldier” for continuing the race despite his condition.

Another user expressed their sympathies for Lyles as he continues to recover.

Coming into the Paris Olympics, Lyles held the top 200-meter time in the world this year at 19.53 seconds. At the semifinals, he ran a 20.08, and during the finals, Lyles stopped at 19.70 seconds. Even with COVID, Lyles managed to earn a medal, and X user @_Zeets said that makes Lyles’ performance especially impressive.

Used to making history, Lyles became the first American to win gold in 100-meters finals since 2004. The 27-year-old was set on becoming the first American to win the sprint double since Carl Lewis in 1984, but for the second time in Lyles’ career, COVID prevailed.

Lyles went to Tokyo for the summer Olympics in 2020, during the height of the global pandemic. Although he won a bronze medal during the games, Lyles spoke about how the empty stands affected his mental health:

“I just remember being so [like] ‘this is not it,” Lyles said recalling his mindset before the 200-meter race. “‘This is not what I wanted. This is not what I thought it was gonna be like,’” he continued.

Despite his COVID diagnosis this time around, Lyles was determined to still hit the track. “I knew if I wanted to come out here and win, I had to give everything I had from the get-go. I didn’t have any time to save energy, so that was kind of the strategy for today,” he told reporters after the race. “This is by far the best day I felt out of the last three days. I still wouldn’t say I’m 100% but I would definitely say I’m closer to like, 90 to 95%.”

The athletes competing in Paris this summer have had mixed experiences in the Olympic Village. Some couldn’t get past the cardboard beds, while others couldn’t stop eating a certain chocolate muffin. Air conditioning didn’t come standard in everyone’s room (Team USA has portable units!), and for many, the dorm-like atmosphere is a little too reminiscent of freshman lodgings in college. Similarly, Black female Olympians have frequently faced outsized criticism for their hairstyles during the intense competition. However, at the very least, a Black woman can reportedly get a decent blowout or braid refresh on-site; the Paris Olympic Village has almost everything an Olympian needs, including stylists capable of styling afro-textured hair — with products from a Black-founded brand.

Before track star Gabby Thomas took home gold during the women’s 200-meter final on Tuesday, she gave her TikTok followers a crucial update about her time in the Olympic Village: she got a surprisingly good blowout at the village salon.

“So I just left the hair salon in the Olympic Village because I wanted to try it out,” Thomas began, grinning from ear to ear as she flipped shiny, freshly styled long ombré waves.

“A couple of girls said that they liked it, and I was a little bit nervous because I know a lot of people don’t know how to do afro-textured hair. So I was expecting to come out of there crying,” she continued. “But she actually did a pretty good job.”

Explaining that she has keratin-tip (or K-tip) extensions, Thomas added, “I feel… I don’t know. I feel cute.”

The successful hair adventure had Thomas beaming as she said, “This really just made my day — like, I don’t know, I’m really happy. It’s just the little things that a lot of people take for granted. I can’t just walk into any hair salon. I’m ready to race tomorrow!”

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According to a release, the salon, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, offers free products and styling services from major P&G brands, including Mielle, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Gillette, and Braun, to those living in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Village. There’s also at least one Black haircare professional on staff. A “carefully curated” lookbook released ahead of the games offers 20 styles with punny Olympic names for curly or textured hair, long hair, medium-length hair, short hair, facial grooming, and nails.

Among the styles for curly or textured hair is a blowout dubbed “smooth start,” a braid refresh named “gold-standard length,” a “champion curl” wash-and-go, a “cream of the crop” haircut, and a “competitive edge” shape up. Styling products used include Mielle’s viral rosemary oil.

Beyond the salon, P&G has also opened the first-ever Olympic Village nursery, a dental clinic, and laundry rooms, as well as outfitting bathrooms throughout the village with menstrual products. 

While those now-infamous beds may not be contributing to teams securing the gold, at the very least, the salon experience seems to have come correct.