The Democratic National Convention put Chicago in the center of the political spotlight last fall, but DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison announced he would not seek a new term, opening the door for new leadership.
Congressman Jonathan Jackson, son of famed civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, believes he would be a good replacement.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the President signed H.R. 8012 into law.
The “Jackie Robinson Ballpark National Commemorative Site Act,” which designates the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a Commemorative Site and makes the Site a part of the African American Civil Rights Network.
The bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to give the site the designation of a National Historic Landmark.
Representatives Mike Waltz and Darren Soto, and Senators Marco Rubio and Rapheal Warnock sponsored the bill.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (Mississippi) is being honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden. According to a White House press release, this award is given out to Americans who "have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."
He is receiving the award for chairing the House January 6th Committee and being at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.
Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement in wake of footage released this afternoon that shows correction officers fatally beating inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Utica, New York.
Brooks, 43, had been serving a 12-year sentence since 2017 at the facility when he was beaten by several officers on December 9th. He died a day later of what the local medical examiner called “asphyxia due to compression of the neck.” Governor Hochul subsequently ordered the firing of 14 officers at the facility, and Brooks’ death is now being investigated by four agencies including the New York Attorney General’s Office, which released the footage on Friday.
“The footage of Robert Brooks’ death is as horrifying as what we saw when George Floyd, Tyre Nichols, and countless other Black men and women have been killed by law enforcement. These officers clearly thought they were within their right to hit Brooks in the stomach with the heel of a boot, level punches at his face or torso, and throw him around like a ragdoll—all with his hands behind his back. They were wrong. It is disturbing that some of them had the sense to smile and smirk while a human being was forced against a wall by three officers just a few feet away. Their actions in this tape not only justify their firing but should merit appropriate criminal charges.
I and the National Action Network want to thank New York State’s leaders for their swift action to address this heinous murder. Governor Hochul’s decision to rightfully fire the 14 officials involved has been followed up with transparency by Attorney General James. This is a signal to the rest of the nation that leaders have a sworn duty to respond to unspeakable acts such as these for the sake of those murdered and their families. My hope is that the criminal justice system will see this case through and ensure justice for Robert Brooks and his loved ones.”
