Latest news with #reparations
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black leaders want Maryland Gov. Wes Moore held accountable, say racial wealth gap can't end without reparations
BALTIMORE — Though Gov. Wes Moore announced actions toward ending the racial wealth gap Thursday, members of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus say that cannot truly happen without discussing reparations. 'I don't think there is a bold Black agenda that does not include reparations,' Chrissy Thornton, the president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, said at a virtual town hall meeting of the Legislative Black Caucus Tuesday. 'There is no settling of the racial wealth gap without it.' In recognition of Juneteenth, Moore, a Democrat and Maryland's first Black governor, announced that he would be issuing nearly 7,000 more pardons for cases of simple cannabis possession, and is directing $400 million to communities that have historically been disinvested in by discriminatory policies. But members of Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus remain frustrated with Moore, who in May vetoed legislation that would have established the Maryland Reparations Commission. 'We should not be confused that an actual reparations agenda is disruptive to the political status quo,' said Dayvon Love, the director of public policy at Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, said at Tuesday's Town Hall. Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, a Montgomery County Democrat and chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said that the caucus made its 'first ever historic call' to take action on reparations policy during the 2025 legislative session. The bill would have launched a two-year study into whether the state should provide reparations to Marylanders impacted by the state's history of slavery and racial inequity. The legislation, which was a priority of Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus, received broad Democratic support in both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly, and would not have provided any immediate benefit — financial or otherwise — to impacted Marylanders. The Maryland General Assembly will have the opportunity to override Moore's veto when it next convenes. Thornton warned the caucus not to pull back on holding Moore accountable just because he is Black. 'I think we need to push as forcefully as possible against what's happened with this veto, to have it overturned as we would if it was anyone else in elected office,' she said. 'I think we're in a moment where we have to be courageous and speak to accountability — no matter who's in the seat.' Moore said Thursday that he 'doesn't need any lectures' on the history of racism in the state of Maryland, and that the state has done four studies and commissions on these types of issues 'over the past 25 years, alone' — one of which First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore worked on. 'I have a fundamental disagreement with the General Assembly on what's required inside this moment,' he said. 'I believe this is a moment for action. I believe that this is a moment for action. I believe that this is a moment where we want to put together policies that are actually helping to address the harm that was … historically done.' Wilkins said that, though slavery ended 160 years ago, Maryland has never explicitly examined the issue of reparations, the harms of Jim Crow laws, enslavement and redlining. 'Our community called on us to take action on the issue of reparations,' she said. 'Repair is about progress, and it's long overdue.' ---------------
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Indian tribes visit UK museum to bring home ancestors' remains, taken in colonial era
Tribes from the Indian state of Nagaland have held talks at a museum in Britain to secure the return of ancestral remains taken during the colonial era and put on display for decades. Skulls and other body parts were often brought from Asia, Africa and elsewhere to Britain and to other former colonial powers as 'trophies', to be traded, displayed or studied. There are growing calls worldwide for such remains, as well as stolen art, to be returned to their communities as part of a centuries-old movement demanding reparations for colonialism and slavery. Just last month, skulls of 19 African Americans were returned to New Orleans from Germany, where they were sent for examination by phrenology, the now discredited belief that the shape and size of a head shows mental ability and character, especially when applied to different ethnic groups. Historians say some of the remains were taken by colonial officers from burial sites and battlefields in Nagaland, where for centuries headhunting was common practice. Others were looted in acts of violence. Naga artefacts on display on Friday at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, Britain. Photo: Reuters. The Pitt Rivers Museum, which displays collections from Oxford University, holds the world's largest Naga collection, including thousands of artefacts, 41 human remains, primarily skulls, and 178 objects that contain or may contain human hair.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘Our history, our culture, our belongings': India's Nagaland tribes seek return of ancestors' skulls from Oxford museum
OXFORD, June 16 — Tribes from the Indian state of Nagaland have held talks at a museum in Britain to secure the return of ancestral remains taken during the colonial era and put on display for decades. Skulls and other body parts were often brought from Asia, Africa and elsewhere to Britain and to other former colonial powers, as 'trophies', to be traded, displayed or studied. There are growing calls worldwide for such remains, as well as stolen art, to be returned to their communities as part of a centuries-old movement demanding reparations for colonialism and slavery. Just last month, skulls of 19 African Americans were returned to New Orleans from Germany to where they were sent for examination by phrenology - the now discredited belief that the shape and size of a head shows mental ability and character, especially when applied to different ethnic groups. Historians say some of the remains were taken by colonial officers from burial sites and battlefields in Nagaland, where for centuries headhunting was common practice. Others were looted in acts of violence. The Pitt Rivers Museum, which displays collections from Oxford University, holds the world's largest Naga collection, including thousands of artefacts, 41 human remains, primarily skulls, and 178 objects that contain or may contain human hair. It removed all remains from public display in 2020, including ancestors of Dolly Kikon, an anthropologist from Nagaland's Lotha-Naga tribe, who teaches at the University of California and who travelled to Oxford last week. 'For the first time, there is a Naga delegation (at the museum) to connect and to reclaim our history, our culture and our belongings,' Kikon, 49, told Reuters. Museum director Laura Van Broekhoven said the timing of the return of the remains was still uncertain due to the bureaucracy involved. The museum is also in talks with other groups to facilitate more items being returned. The 23 Naga representatives, including elders of several tribes, repeated calls by British lawmakers and campaigners for the government to legislate to protect ancestral remains. Some European countries, such as the Netherlands, have national policies for the repatriation of human remains. Opponents of reparations argue that contemporary states and institutions should not be held responsible for their past. Advocates say action is needed to address the legacies, such as systemic and structural racism. 'One way to confront the colonial legacy is for indigenous people to be able to tell our own stories,' Kikon said. — Reuters
Mail & Guardian
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
2025: The year of justice for all Africans
Attendees: The ambassadors of Angola, Dominican Republic, Egypt, The Gambia and the EU, as well as Cameroon's high commissioner, the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the dean of African heads of mission and South Africa's acting chief director of the international relations department. This year's Africa Day event was held at Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School sports grounds in Kempton Park and was hosted by the group of African heads of diplomatic missions accredited with the Republic of South Africa. Embracing the African Union's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations, this theme is further connected to the G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, which South Africa, as the G20 host, is promoting. In essence, the theme emphasises the need for justice and reparations for the African diaspora, including addressing the legacy of slavery and colonialism. The Africa Day event brought together diplomatic missions, cultural performers and citizens in a celebration of unity. The annual commemoration of Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, now the African Union) in 1963. This year marks the 62nd anniversary. Guest speakers included the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, HE Salih Omar Abdu; the dean of African heads of missions, HE A Nzapayeke; and the ambassador of Angola, who read a message from the president of Angola. Ben Joubert delivered a speech on behalf of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola in which he stated: 'Africa is the cradle of humankind, as much as it is the continent of the future.' He also reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to pan-Africanism and emphasised the country's G20 presidency as a critical platform to champion Africa's development agenda on the world stage. This year's Africa Day event saw embassies from Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and the European Union participating and displaying their connection to Africa. The event is Africa's biggest cultural celebration, showcasing the diverse heritage and traditions of the continent. Guests indulged in a variety of dishes prepared by the embassies and their staff while watching performances.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on supporting reparations, Cuomo's leadership and the Gaza blockade
Manhattan: Re 'Tulsa's first-ever Black mayor proposes $100M trust to 'repair' impact of 1921 Race Massacre' (June 2): As the movement for reparations continues to rise nationally, it is heartening to see cities like Tulsa, Okla. and Mayor Monroe Nichols turn promises into policy. Gov. Hochul allocated resources for a statewide reparations study, while four NYC mayoral candidates publicly supported reparations at a forum organized last month by our coalition of more than 100 grassroots organizations and activists. Our recent survey done in collaboration with Liberation Ventures shows that 48% of New Yorkers support reparations, and 70% would be open to or supportive of a pro-reparations candidate. This political momentum reflects the reality that reparations are more popular than what many opponents would have you think. The median total wealth of white New Yorkers is $320,000, compared to $2,800 for Black New Yorkers. This is the result of generations of economic theft. With 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of Seneca Village — once home to the largest community of Black property owners in New York that was destroyed to build Central Park — the connection between historical harm and present inequity is undeniable. While the Trump administration whitewashes our history and tries to take away our civil rights, New York lawmakers must follow Tulsa's example and take concrete action by establishing reparations and funding what our communities need to heal and thrive. The time for repair is now. Trevor Smith Bronx: For Voicer June Lowe: Maybe I can help you straighten things out, however, facts are often lost on those in the throes of full-blown Trump Derangement Syndrome. President Trump (TACO man, as you call him) did authorize the deployment of the National Guard leading up to Jan. 6. He did not sit on his hands. Presently in L.A., he also authorized the deployment — not 'unleashed' (your words) — of the National Guard to ensure the safety of ICE agents as they lawfully perform their duty, and to protect the LAPD as they are not allowed to defend themselves. The 'madness' has been caused by 'a constitutional crisis' that America suffered for the last four years under Joe Biden, or whoever was playing president. Joe Schulok Hicksville, L.I.: Create unrest in the streets and then send in the military to quell the so-called insurrection. This rule of thumb is on page one of the dictator's playbook. And to prove the point, ask yourself why the National Guard and the Marines weren't sent to South Central L.A. That's where most of the MS-13 criminals are. The answer is because Trump doesn't give a damn about illegals in America. He's just creating the narrative he wants. Also, with Marines in Los Angeles, what is it that we are now not paying attention to? Answer: his extremely destructive 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Steven Malinofsky North Branford, Conn.: This Saturday, June 14, is known as Flag Day. My suggestions for the day are to boycott the parade and hang your flags upside down. We must stop that madman's rampant romp over our Constitution. Stephen Syrotiak Forest Hills: With Trump's continued march into authoritarianism, we need a mayor who will be able to stand up to him. He is threatening our universities and our minority communities, and before long, he will have the National Guard patrolling our streets. Zohran Mamdani is too inexperienced to deal with Trump. We need Andrew Cuomo as mayor. He has proven that he knows how to deal with that tyrant. Libby Gurgis Brooklyn: I was puzzled by Voicer Bob Cavaliere's letter, so I went back in the chain of exchanges to figure it out. First, MAGA or not, dismissing Mamdani as 'low-intelligence' is the sort of insult I'd expect to hear from Trump. Mamdani must be pretty smart to close the gap from message candidate to practically touching Cuomo's numbers. As far as taxpayers being on the hook for the 'free stuff' most of us need badly, it's the very wealthy who barely contribute their fair share who need to make up the slack. As far as energy prices, it's Trump who's crushing us with his stand against cheap, clean energy. Con Ed should be ashamed to propose such a painful rate hike. The Public Service Commission must reject it. But as for gas bills, the NY HEAT Act would stop gas companies from their out-of-control pipeline building that does cost taxpayers money. Ella Ryan Mineola, L.I.: At the Italian consulate in 2011, I asked Mario Cuomo if Andrew was contemplating a run for the Rose Garden in 2016. 'We'll have to see what Hillary does,' he responded. The rest is history. Today, the end of Mayor Adams' shambolic reign is nigh. Cuomo is well-positioned to become New York City's 111th mayor. Governing Gotham isn't a stroll in Central Park, however, and Sheriff Andy may not be everybody's cup of cappuccino. Still, this hard-charging politico wielded power effectively, if pugnaciously, as governor. Though he lacked his father's Ciceronian oratory, Andrew presided over the state with a sinewy sense of purpose. He employed a vigorous New York brand of realpolitik in Albany. Ultimately, he should heed Marcus Aurelius: 'Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.' Rosario A. Iaconis Manhattan: Has anyone else noticed how much faster their commute is since using OMNY? Yeah, neither did I. Thomas Bower Brooklyn: About 10 years ago, our block had hardened daylighting enforced. We lost more parking spots, but if it was for safety, I was all about it. There were signs posted, unknown to people who don't live here, so they had a ticket blitz. If I had a chance, I would tell people there's a new sign. That's how I roll. Now Citi Bike wants to install bikes in that spot. The corner proposed is not near any other means of transportation. We are a random block with no traffic lights, so it's even hard at times to pull out of our driveways. That corner is hard to navigate by sight. We also have a bus going down the block, which is the last stop. Why would a last bus stop need Citi Bikes? Mariann Tepedino Flushing: Re 'Gaza a no-go for Greta' (June 10): Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound ship carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. The dozen passengers included the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The ship operated under the auspices of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international campaign that opposes Israel's blockade of Gaza that Israel says is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling. The group said the activists had been 'kidnapped' by the Israeli military. The activists should be advised that before they will be allowed to distribute aid to Gaza, they must first convince Hamas to release the real kidnap victims — namely, the Israeli hostages hidden by Hamas from the outside world for more than 600 days. Theodore Sheskin Brooklyn: To Voicer Tal Barzilai: I would consider making amends to the Abenaki people whose land my ancestor lived on nearly 300 years ago, but I do not own land, nor are there Abenaki left in southern Maine to give it to. All I can do is speak out about colonialism in the present, of which Israel is a prime example. My ancestor was a flawed man, but unlike Zionists, he knew enough to behave himself on land that did not belong to him. His neighbors did not, and they wound up dead. Zionists, take note: Behave yourselves when you are a guest. You must play by their rules. No exceptions. Given the latest news about depraved Zionists murdering hungry Gazans, I believe that Israelis do not deserve to live there. So, I beg you not to go back to Israel, but I know you will insist, so I pray for your safety. Nick Smith Bronx: To Voicer Marc H. Lavietes: I would just like to say that the 'digital noise' and 'silly games' at Citi Field are there for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike. As for putting a competitive team on the field, I think the Mets have already done that, and quite well, actually! LGM! Mary Ann Guarneri
