Biden celebrates Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, at the White House
President Joe Biden hosted a massive concert on the South Lawn of the White House to commemorate Juneteenth, the country’s newest federal holiday which the president said will “breathe a new life in the very essence of America.”.
Where to celebrate Juneteenth in South Florida: Events, parades, and more
To celebrate the new federal holiday, we’ve rounded up Juneteenth events, parades, street parties, discussions, activities, and more that will be occurring across South Florida beginning Friday, June 18, up until Sunday, June 20.
As campaign heats up, Trump woos Latino, Black voters
He courted Hispanic voters near Miami and Black voters in Atlanta. “This is an unusual name for an organization whose ideology and tactics are right now destroying many Black lives,” Trump charged. On Friday morning, at his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump tried to blunt Biden’s support among Hispanic voters at a “Latinos for Trump” roundtable. But a Monmouth University poll also conducted this month found Biden well ahead of Trump among Latino voters in the state, 58% to 32%. Hispanic voters in Florida tend to be somewhat more Republican-leaning than Hispanic voters nationwide because of the state’s Cuban American population, which Trump acknowledged several times in his remarks.
Up next for police defunding advocates: Win local elections
A person holds up a sign advocating for defunding the police as people gather to mark Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2020, in St. Louis. An outgrowth of the Defund the Police movement, the WFP Justice Fund is led by the Working Families Party and the Movement for Black Lives Electoral Justice Project. The result, they said, would be a shift in local government budgets and public safety systems around the country. For example, in Chicago's 2019 elections, WFP helped increase the council's Progressive Caucus to 18 seats out of the 50 total. In Washington, D.C., city council candidate Janeese Lewis George, backed by the Working Families Party, toppled an incumbent Democrat on a defunding platform and is in line to claim the seat in November.
Facebook groups pivot to attacks on Black Lives Matter
FILE - In this June 19, 2020, file photo, protesters wear protective masks as they march after a Juneteenth rally outside the Brooklyn Museum, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. A loose network of Facebook groups that took root across the country in April to organize protests over coronavirus stay-at-home orders has become a hub of misinformation and conspiracies theories that have pivoted to a variety of new targets. Their latest: Black Lives Matter and the nationwide protests against racial injustice. (AP Photo/John Minchillo
'Lift Every Voice and Sing' hymn ignites hope across nation
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)LOS ANGELES The Black national anthem was born more than a century ago, but the popular hymn within the African American community called Lift Every Voice and Sing has resurrected a beacon of hope during nationwide protests. The NAACP dubbed Lift Every Voice and Sing as the Black national anthem in 1919. Sharpton said the ability of Lift Every Voice and Sing enduring several generations speaks volumes. The NFL will play Lift Every Voice and Sing" before each game during Week 1, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press. There's always been the controversy about race being involved in the national anthem.
Minnesota lawmakers fail to reach deal on revamping policing
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota legislative leaders traded barbs Saturday after a special session collapsed with no deal on revamping policing following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a session that one group called “a train wreck.”The two sides may be back at it in another special session next month. Walz said Saturday he was disappointed with the special session's failure and that his administration is planning its next steps. “The special session was a train wreck,” said Audrey Nelsen, president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and a Willmar City Council member. Instead we got arbitrary deadlines, broken deals and partisan battles.”Nelsen added: "“There is plenty of blame to go around for this disastrous special session. If Walz seeks to extend his emergency powers an additional 30 days, he's required to call another special session for July 12 to let lawmakers object.
DC protesters pull down, burn statue of Confederate general
President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling, calling out D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and writing: The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn. After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House. The Pike statue has been a source of controversy over the years. The former Confederate general was also a longtime influential leader of the Freemasons, who revere Pike and who paid for the statue. Ever since 1992, members of the DC Council have been calling on the federal govt to remove the statue of Confederate Albert Pike (a federal memorial on federal land).
Local high-school graduates battle second pandemic: Race in America
I think now, more than ever, its important that we are open to one another, Heavyn Lee, a recent high school graduate, said. Lee and another graduate, Kamryn Walker, are looking forward to college in the fall. "We may buckle, but we do not ever give up, because this is the beginning of the end," Walker said. "Generation Z is all about getting the change as fast as possible and we want to see systemic racism end and are very loud about it," Lee said. This week, school board member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, sponsored a policy to develop a curriculum addressing just that racism and cultural understanding.
The Latest: Beyonc single benefits Black-owned businesses
The singer's website says the song released late Friday, June 19, 2020, will benefit black-owned small businesses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)TOP OF THE HOUR: Beyonc releases new single to benefit Black-owned small businesses. Nevada officials renew proposal to remove statue of McCarran. ___LOS ANGELES Beyonc did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises in the form a new single called Black Parade.The singers website says the song released late Friday will benefit Black-owned small businesses. Make America great again give me the date that America was great for everybody, Sharpton said.
The Latest: Nevada officials seek removal of McCarran statue
A pedestrian passes a colorful painted tribute to George Floyd on a boarded-up business, Thursday, June 18, 2020 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)TOP OF THE HOUR:— Nevada officials renew proposal to remove statue of McCarran. The organization said the letter was inspired by the recent protests against police brutality and systemic racism. St. Louis and its surrounding suburbs have been the site of dozens of marches in the nearly four weeks since the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. A small African American boy, marching with his mom, held a sign that read, “Am I next?”___More news about the death of George Floyd at https://apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd
Heat hosting virtual town hall about racial injustice
Miami – The Miami Heat are hosting a virtual town hall on Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. On Thursday night, the Heat released a 4:43 second video on their social media platforms. In it, players share their experiences and reactions to the racial injustice in the United States. Space is limited for the town hall and will be given on a first come, first served basis. The town hall will be at 4 p.m. Friday.
5 Things to Know for Today
Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, originated 155 years ago. (Stuart Villanueva/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, File)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. YOUNG IMMIGRANTS STILL FACE UNCERTAINTY The Supreme Court rejected Trumps effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, but activists say legislation giving them a path to U.S. citizenship remains elusive. SINGAPORE OPENS GYMS, DINING OUT The latest relaxation in the city-state comes as reopenings in many places around the world are touching off fresh spikes in coronavirus infections. BIDEN SEIZES ON BOLTON BOOK The Democrats top aides say Trump kowtowed to Xi Jinping and ignored human rights abuses while trying to get the Chinese presidents assistance with domestic politics.
New solo version of Aretha song about race, faith released
NEW YORK A never-before-heard solo version of the late Aretha Franklins riveting and powerful collaboration with Mary J. Blige about faith and race, 2006s Never Gonna Break My Faith, has arrived on Juneteenth. Never Gonna Break My Faith resonates today, featuring lyrics like: You can lie to a child with a smiling face/Tell me that color aint about a race.The world is very different now. It deserves to be an anthem.Never Gonna Break My Faith won best gospel performance at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, marking Franklins 18th and final Grammy win. This solo version has been sitting on my computer for years, and when I heard Clive was making a film on Arethas life, I sent this version to him. Im so glad its being released, the world needs this right now.
More U.S. workers getting Juneteenth off as awareness grows
The date - June 19th - is not a federal holiday, and many non-black Americans have only recently become of aware of the day. Several of her employees are spending the day volunteering for the Juneteenth Freedom Phonebank, an initiative encouraging Census participation. Declaring the date a federal holiday would add considerable momentum, and there is growing support for the idea. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, introduced legislation Thursday to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. In contrast, 93% of employers close on Independence day, with similar rates for Labor Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
Juneteenth Drive to Justice heads to Fort Lauderdale
LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. A Drive to Justice is taking place from Lauderdale Lakes to Fort Lauderdale on Friday in celebration of Juneteenth. This one began at noon and heads to Huizenga Park, where there will be a rally. Were not going to stand around and watch this anymore, Pastor Dennis Grant, one of the local organizers said. Too many black lives are being taken, and each time we demonstrate and each time we protest it calms down. This time were here to stay until the authorities understand that black lives matter.Stay tuned to Local 10 for coverage of Juneteenth celebrations and rallies across South Florida and the nation.
Around sports world, Juneteenth celebrated like never before
Weve never posted about Juneteenth, but it is always the right time to do better than before," read a tweet posted by the New England Patriots. The Miami Heat celebrated the day with a pledge to make financial contributions and other commitments to organizations trying to eliminate racial inequality. Hockey's San Jose Sharks told fans that it was fine to not know where to start when it comes to understanding the significance of Juneteenth. In recognition of Juneteenth, our front office is starting a new tradition," read a statement on the Sharks' site. As an organization, we will be dedicating time on this day each year to actively participate in Juneteenth.
Juneteenth: A day of joy and pain - and now national action
In just about any other year, Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage, would be marked with a cookout, a parade, or a community festival. But Juneteenth 2020 will be a day of protest in may places Friday, June 19. The day is recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees. So Juneteenth is a celebratory event but were not celebrating the country.
Churches organize Juneteenth events in South Florida
Rhonda Thomas, of the New Generation Baptist Church in Opa-locka, said Fridays Juneteenth will be marked with public memorial services and marches in South Florida. Juneteenth, a nationwide event, is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Cel-Liberation Day and the Black Fourth of July. Yates (L) and his sister Daijha Yates, members of Child of God, sing during the Juneteenth, Black Independence Day celebrations at Nichol Park on June 19, 2004 in Richmond, California. Here is the list of events in South Florida:Broward County: 6:15 p.m. at Ingalls Park, 735 SW First St., in Hallandale Beach. South Miami-Dade: 12 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 11111 Pinkston St., in Richmond Heights.
New York declares Juneteenth a holiday for state employees
ALBANY, N.Y. New Yorks governor signed an executive order Wednesday recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in the U.S.Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will propose legislation next year making June 19 a permanent state holiday. Texas was the first to make it a state holiday, in 1980. Virginia's governor proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday there earlier this week. President Abraham Lincoln first issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring all slaves free in Confederate territory on Sept. 22, 1862, but the news took time to travel.
New this week: Neil Young, 'Miss Juneteenth,' Padma Lakshmi
This combination of cover images show, from left, Rough and Rowdy Ways," by Bob Dylan, "Homegrown," a release by Neil Young and "Bigger Love" by John Legend. Peoples film will debut Friday on-demand on Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Miss Juneteenth isnt about that history but the contemporary African American struggle to remain in the middle class. AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSICBob Dylan: Its been eight years since the legend Bob Dylan released an album of original material. Neil Young: Neil Young also has a new album out on Friday, though he finished it 45 years ago.
Trump moved Tulsa rally date after learning about Juneteenth
Trump had scheduled the rally for June 19, known as Juneteenth because it marks the end of slavery in the United States. He didn't see it as disrespectful to be able to do it on Juneteenth, Lankford said. Other people interpreted it differently and so he moved the rally date.Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said he was thankful that Trump rescheduled the rally. But Trump's campaign was aware, according to two campaign officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose internal discussions. Although selecting June 19 was not meant to be incendiary, some pushback was expected, the Trump campaign officials said.
Trump reschedules campaign rally after Juneteenth uproar
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that he is rescheduling his first campaign rally in months to a day later so it won't conflict with the Juneteenth observance of the end of slavery in the United States. Trump had scheduled the rally his first since early March for June 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Black leaders said it was offensive for Trump to pick that day and that place, a city that in 1921 was the site of a fiery and orchestrated white-on-black attack. Trump tweeted late Friday, Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday." He said he is moving the rally to June 20 to honor their requests.Trump's signature rallies often draw tens of thousands of people but have been on hiatus since March 2 because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed more than 110,000 people in the U.S.
NFL plans to observe Juneteenth as league holiday
The NFL plans to recognize Juneteenth as a league holiday. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement to league employees on Friday in an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Juneteenth is considered the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Colin Kaepernick began raising awareness for these problems by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. Juneteenth not only marks the end of slavery in the United States, but it also symbolizes freedom a freedom that was delayed, and brutally resisted; and though decades of progress followed, a freedom for which we must continue to fight.___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Nike, NFL and others to start giving workers Juneteenth off
Although slavery was already abolished more than two years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation, it continued in some areas. Some businesses have professed support for the Black Lives Matter movement or pledged to donate money to organizations. Others have promised to hire more black workers or make other policy changes. This week, Nike CEO John Donahoe told workers they would get Juneteenth off starting this year as a way to celebrate black culture and history. The power of this historical feat in our countrys blemished history is felt each year," Goodell wrote in a memo.