Malcolm X, Training for Would-Be Allies, and the Racism of COVID-19
TNQrew Round-Up May 11-18: Summary of Key Insights and Moments in the Work of Racial Justice
Welcome to our Weekly Round-Up! We’ll be summarizing and signal-boosting key news headlines, value-added resources, and discussion starters, all in the effort of helping you imagine how expansive racial justice can be.
Our weeks in quarantine continue to dominate the headlines and our thoughts. But even quarantines are subject to the racialized injustices of American culture. Here are some signs of struggle and signs of joy:
#BreonnaTaylor
Awareness for the killing of Breonna Taylor by Louisville police spreads as the family files a wrongful death claim. “Breonna’s name should be known by everybody in America who said those other names, because she was in her own home, doing absolutely nothing wrong,” said Ben Crump, her attorney. He is also representing the family of Ahmaud Arbery.
After the Shooting, Again
The public, murder of another Black person often stirs up a fresh wave of activated potential allies for the work of racial justice. But with that comes some folks first good look at their own embedded racism. Ally Henny generously offers up a smart and actionable Twitter thread about how new folk can avoid the pearl-clutching and begin the work: 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
#ObamaCommencement
To help mediate the loss of millions of high school seniors graduation ceremonies, President Obama offered a stunning message of hope and motivation for the Class of 2020.
Exacerbating Segregation
Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, this week directed public schools to share their federal emergency funds with private schools already eligible for funds for small businesses. This act of “reverse Robin Hood” is already pulling funds from cash-strapped public schools known for their segregated populations.
The Economics of COVID-19 and the Black Community
The Center for Responsible Lending hosted a discussion on Monday night about how COVID-19 disproportionately impacts Black Americans. Moderated by April Ryan with Guest Speaker Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the content is still available for viewing on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/CenterforResponsibleLending/videos/1404296429777550/
What Malcolm X Means
Today is Malcolm X’s 95th birthday. A man whose legacy was obscured by the media and the government is best understood in his own voice. We’re just a few months away from his autobiography releasing in audio format for the first time. In honor of that release and Malcolm X Day, Brittany Packnett Cunningham talks about what Malcolm X means to her. Follow the hashtags #WhatMalcolmXmeans and #MalcolmXDay for more incredible content.
Black People are Tired.
While TNQ is not affiliated with any particular faith system, we loved the video tribute created by Red Letter Christians, narrated by Lisa Sharon Harper and featuring the music of Common Hymnal: In memory of all those who have been stolen from us. May they rest in power. May we fight for justice.
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