Trump ‘harming' US IQ with attacks on education
Acclaimed American writer Percival Everett is best known for his sharp satirical takes on race and American culture.
His latest novel, James, is a reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of the enslaved character Jim. It earned him this year's Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and Author of the Year award at the British Book Awards.
Just last year, his novel Erasure was adapted into the Oscar-winning film American Fiction, a biting satire about a frustrated Black author who pens a wildly stereotypical novel about inner-city life as a joke, only to see it become a runaway success. The film calls out the publishing industry's racial biases and questions the tendency to limit Black storytelling to trauma and poverty narratives.
He is also a literature professor at the University of Southern California – one of many academic institutions facing major budget cuts from the Trump administration.
We asked him if the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should still be taught and whether 'James' should be taught alongside it.
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Western Telegraph
20 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Windrush campaigners urge the Government to save Notting Hill Carnival
The west London carnival is in jeopardy, its chairman Ian Comfort said in a letter on Wednesday, when he asked Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to provide urgent funding to save the event. Jacqueline McKenzie, a campaigner and human rights lawyer who helped victims of the Windrush scandal, said the carnival holds 'huge national and international significance'. 'The Government needs to recognise this and act urgently to protect it,' Ms McKenzie said. In the late 1950s, Notting Hill became home to many people from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain on Windrush and accompanying ships, and the carnival was founded by pioneers of that generation. Ms McKenzie said the carnival being at risk 'adds insult to injury' for victims of the Windrush scandal. 'It should not be lost on us that these funding concerns coincide with Windrush Day on Sunday,' she said. 'To see this celebration in jeopardy whilst so many of the Windrush generation continue to fight for justice following the Home Office scandal only adds insult to injury. 'Carnival embodies the fundamental role of Black and Caribbean communities in Britain, and the Government should be upholding the Windrush legacy instead of undermining it.' The carnival attracts around two million people over the August bank holiday, and Susan Hall, leader of the Conservatives on the London Assembly, previously said the event was a 'victim of its own success' and a 'disaster waiting to happen' because of the large number of attendees. City Hall said it has been working with partners to ensure the safety of carnival-goers, which it described as 'paramount'. Professor Patrick Vernon, a cultural historian and Windrush campaigner, said: 'Notting Hill Carnival is far more than a street event — it is a vital cultural institution with both national and international significance. 'As the second-largest carnival in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro, it underscores London's position as a leading global capital of diversity, creativity and cultural exchange.' Professor Vernon campaigned for a national Windrush Day following the 2018 scandal when it was revealed thousands of British people, mainly of Caribbean origin, were wrongly classed as illegal immigrants – with many deported while others faced difficulty securing work, accessing healthcare or housing. Jacqueline McKenzie said the carnival 'embodies the fundamental role of Black and Caribbean communities in Britain' (PA) 'The injustice faced by the Windrush Generation in recent years makes the threat to Notting Hill Carnival all the more painful,' Professor Vernon said. 'It is a celebration born of resistance, resilience, and unity – a legacy that should be upheld, not undermined. To allow this cornerstone of Black British identity to fall into jeopardy is to further betray the communities who have already given so much. 'As we approach the 70th anniversary of this extraordinary event, we are reminded that Notting Hill Carnival represents the very best of Britain: unity in diversity, creativity in adversity, and joy in community. Now more than ever, these are values worth defending.' Glenda Caesar, director of the Windrush National Organisation, also urged the Government to step in to save the event, adding: 'In the face of historical and ongoing injustices experienced by people of colour, the carnival stands not only as a celebration of resilience, heritage and identity but also as a powerful symbol of unity and inclusion. 'Supporting this event affirms the UK's commitment to embracing diversity, acknowledging its multicultural roots, and fostering a society where all communities feel seen, valued and empowered.' The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been contacted for comment.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
James Argent parties with Towie pals at Tommy and Georgia's Majorca wedding after ex Nicoline broke silence on attack
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAMES Argent partied with his Towie pals at Tommy Mallet and Georgia Kousoulou's Majorca wedding. Just weeks after after beauty queen Nicoline Artusson, 32, released a bombshell statement revealing shocking details about James' attack on her. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 James Argent parties with his Towie pals at Tommy and Georgia's Majorca wedding Credit: Instagram / real_arg 6 James posing with his pal Dan Edgar Credit: Instagram / real_arg 6 Ncoline Artursson recently broke her silence on James' attack on her Credit: Splash But Towie alum James, 37, seemed unbothered as he posted happy snaps from his pals lavish ceremony, showing him loving life. James turned on model Nicoline while they were at their home in Spain last month. He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. James was handed a six month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting Nicoline. But despite Nicoline's powerful statement about the incident, James appeared to be dancing the night away at the wedding. Dressed in white trousers and shirt with a baby blue blazer, the reality star looked happy as he posed alongside Georgia and groom Tommy. He also posted snaps with pro boxer Conor Benn, and his former Towie co-stars Chloe Lewis and Dan Edgar. James captioned the snaps: "My Best Friend's Wedding Congratulations to @georgiakousoulou and @iamtommyfordham." "I'll never forget us all being in Ibiza over 10 years ago, when you first got together. I knew back then you were destined for each other. "You've stuck by each other's side through thick & thin. Tommy always said I would sing at their wedding one day & it happened. Shameless Arg dances with pal Megan McKenna at her wedding after assault arrest "I had so much fun being your Master Of Ceremonies too, You've both always supported me. "I can't wait to make many more memories together as we get older, I love you both so much." Georgia and Tommy Mallett put on a lavish event on the Spanish island of Mallorca which also marked Georgia's 34th birthday. They first tied the knot in 2023 in an understated ceremony, but finally got to have their "dream wedding." Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night 0808 2000 247 Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. "Our Dream wedding finally happened," they posted to Instagram alongside two photos from their outdoor ceremony. "Best day of our lives. Surrounded by so much love. Can not wait to get all of our pictures & videos back to show you how incredible it was & you'll be able to watch it all." Georgia looked stunning in an embellished white gown complete with a thigh-high split and which she paired with a strappy pair of silver stilletos. Tommy opted for a sand coloured suit and open white shirt for his big days. They married at an opulent Spanish villa and said 'I do' under a canopy of red flowers. The couple's two children, Brody, four, and Gigi, seven months were in attendance as were plenty of their Towie friends. Some of the other reality stars to be at their nuptials included, Chloe Ross, Sam Mucklow and Danielle Armstrong. 6 James posing with Tommy and Georgia at their Majorca wedding Credit: Instagram / real_arg 6 James shared a post of him with his pal Chloe Lewis Credit: Instagram / real_arg
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Actress Sophie Turner fuels rumours she's back with aristocrat ex dubbed ‘Britain's most eligible bachelor'
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