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 countryโs newest federal holiday which the president said will โbreathe a new life in the very essence of America.โ.
Federal holiday pressures companies to give Juneteenth off
The declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is putting the pressure on more U.S. companies to give their employees the day off, accelerating a movement that took off last year in response to the racial justice protests that swept the country.
Florida city will recognize May 20 as slave emancipation day
LAKELAND, Fla. โ A Florida city is planning to formally recognize May 20 as the date slaves were emancipated in the state. The Lakeland City Commission plans to approve a resolution Monday declaring May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day, The Ledger in Lakeland reported. Itโs earlier than the Juneteenth date in which slaves in Texas were informed on June 19, 1865, that they were free. In Florida, the date was May 20, 1865, when Union Brigadier Gen. Edward McCook formally announced President Abraham Lincolnโs Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee. Lakeland commissioner Philip Walker says there are efforts around Florida to have cities and counties recognize May 20 as the date of slave emancipation in the state.
As campaign heats up, Trump woos Latino, Black voters
He courted Hispanic voters near Miami and Black voters in Atlanta. โThis is an unusual name for an organization whose ideology and tactics are right now destroying many Black lives,โ Trump charged. On Friday morning, at his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump tried to blunt Bidenโs support among Hispanic voters at a โLatinos for Trumpโ 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 stateโs 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.
We will vote, by God!' How the Ocoee Massacre sparked local legislation nearly 100 years later
In just a few months, Flordia will mark 100 years since 50 Black men were shot and killed in Ocoee as they sought to exercise their right to vote, a tragic piece of history known as the Ocoee Massacre. One-by-one would-be Black voters were turned away either by threats of violence or by poll workers who found their names mysteriously absent from the voter registration rolls, ZEP reported. Pollsters instructed them to get documentation from notary public R. C. Biegelow to verify that they were indeed registered to vote. A man named Mose Norman was determined not to return home without his vote being counted, so he sought counsel from a local judge after being turned away from his Ocoee precinct. Perry was captured by the KKK, and according to the History Center, and was lynched.
3 dead, 6 wounded in shooting at North Carolina block party
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Three people were killed and six others were wounded early Monday when multiple people fired into a crowd at an impromptu celebration in North Carolina, police said. The shooting happened at an impromptu block party in Charlotte that was a continuation of Juneteenth celebrations, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Deputy Chief Gerald Smith said at a media briefing Monday. About 400 people gathered on the north side of the city when someone in the crowd was struck during a hit-and-run accident, Smith said. Maliyah Cook, a witness and relative of one of the victims, said the mood of the crowd leading up to the shooting had been calm. Police have said Miller was pronounced dead at the scene while 28-year-old Christopher Antonio Gleaton was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
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).
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.
Minnesota ends special session without deal on policing
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS A special session of the Minnesota Legislature ended Saturday without agreement on remaking policing in the state where George Floyd was killed. I'm deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans ended the special session before our job was done," Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent tweeted. Were not walking away from Minnesota here, but I think we could all benefit from a breather, Gazelka said just before adjournment, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The special session was necessary for Democratic Gov. 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.
Juneteenth marked by peaceful protests demanding equality
While Juneteenth represents the end of slavery for African Americans, some people say, there's still a long way to go when it comes to equality. Along John Young Parkway in Orlando, protesters were quiet and let their signs do the talking. As an African American man that resides in Apopka, it's hard to feel free when you see what's going on," said Simmons. Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson also joined the march, saying heโs glad to see young people getting involved in a peaceful way on Juneteenth. The Museum of African American History & Culture in Parramore is hosting a celebration for 2020 high school graduates.
Orlando Juneteenth events focus on freedom, uplifting marginalized communities
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Miles Mulrain said the fight toward freedom for black people is far from over. โIโm excited to have more business for sure.โHis restaurant is one of many on a list as part of a scavenger hunt during Fridayโs event. Sheโs put together a scavenger hunt aimed at highlighting Central Florida black-owned businesses. โMaybe you live in Sanford, you can start there and come all the way to downtown where we will be ending the scavenger hunt,โ Samuels said. You can find more information about that scavenger hunt and how you can take part here.
The history and message behind Juneteenth is as important as ever, hereโs why
Itโs been 155 years since the last group of slaves in the nation got word that they were free men and women. June 19, 1865, marked the official end to slavery in the U.S., and that date, each year, has since been known as Juneteenth. โGalveston specifically is where the word was dropped and everybody found out,โ Patricia Broussard, a law professor at Florida A&M University said. I remember with my education I was taught that once the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect that everyone who was enslaved was free. But it wasnโt until May 30, 1991, Florida became the second state after Texas to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
REWATCH: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on racial inequality in America
[Use the video player at the top of this story to rewatch the Real Talk town hall]Nationwide, as well as in our own backyard, weโve seen protests and calls for change, including cries for more transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Activists say that list proves that Floydโs death wasnโt a tragic one-off example; it was part of a larger, disturbing trend of police brutality directed toward black people in America. Thatโs why ClickOrlando.com hosted Real Talk: A Candid Conversation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. It fell on Juneteenth, an unofficial holiday known as Black Independence Day that commemorates the events of June 19, 1865. To rewatch Real Talk: A Candid Conversation, click the video player at the top of this story.
Orlando, Sanford police chiefs to serve on new subcommittee on law enforcement accountability
In response to the recent protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, The Florida Police Chiefs Association has announced a new subcommittee dedicated to the topic of law enforcement accountability and two Central Florida police chiefs will be among the members. In a news release Wednesday, the FPCA said the 8 Canโt-Wait principles, crafted by Campaign Zero, a group focused on ending police violence, will be a starting point for the Subcommittee on Accountability and Societal Changeโs initial discussion. Those eight tenants are:Ban chokeholds and strangleholdsRequire de-escalationRequire warning before shootingExhaust all alternatives before shootingDuty to interveneBan shooting at moving vehiclesRequire use of force continuumRequire comprehensive reportingOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon and Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith will be among the law enforcement leaders discussing those ideas and coming up with solutions to the problems our country is facing today. FPCA president and Temple Terrace Police Department Chief Kenneth Albano said the ultimate goals of the new subcommittee are to lead the way for positive change, rebuild trust and accountability and create standardized procedures that can be used statewide. Below are the subcommittee members, who have each been asked to pick a member of the community to serve alongside them to ensure a variety of input:
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.
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.
Wayne Brady reaches out to applaud Central Florida author after book release
ORLANDO, Fla. On June 19, 2019, Central Florida author Agnes Gomillion was relaxing in her hotel room after her book release party for The Record Keeper. And my husband said, Wait, Wayne Brady Wayne Brady?' We have yet to fully mine the gems of black history and incorporate them into our society. So that they could be there the next day for their children.The sequel to The Record Keeper comes out on June 19, 2021. To learn more about The Record Keeper, you can visit Gomillions website here or connect with her on Facebook.
Florida senator pushing to make Juneteenth state holiday
OCOEE, Fla. State Sen. Randolph Bracy has drafted a bill to make Juneteenth a holiday in Florida. There seems to be an awareness from people in the state people and across the country, Bracy said. This year, Juneteenth has taken an even greater meaning because of the death of George Floyd and the calls for reform nationwide. On Friday, dozens showed up for a Rally for Justice at Bill Breeze Park in Ocoee. Bracy said he expects the bill to make Juneteenth to a holiday will likely be proposed in the 2021 Florida Legislative session.
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.
WATCH LIVE: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race Relations
ORLANDO, Fla. In honor of Juneteenth and as a result of recent protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, News 6 is hosting Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race Relations. The town hall discussion will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and will be streamed on Facebook and at ClickOrlando.com/Juneteenth. The event, which will be moderated by News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsden, will feature talks about racial inequality in America, police accountability and developing solutions that will lead to a more fair and just future. Were also inviting the public to take part in the dialogue. You can submit questions by going to ClickOrlando.com/Juneteenth.
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.
Meet the Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race panelists
Before our event takes place, you can read about each of our panelists and their roles in the communities they serve. University of Central Florida assistant sociology professor Dr. Jonathan CoxDr. Jonathan Cox (Courtesy)Dr. Jonathan Cox is a race scholar and assistant sociology professor at the University of Central Florida who specializes in racial and ethnic identities and racial ideologies. Before that, he was the first black Orlando Police Department chief in 1998 and the first black Orange County sheriff in 2008. He served in the last position for 10 years before making his way out of law enforcement and into politics. Orlando Police Chief Orlando RolonOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon (Courtesy)Orlando Rolon moved to Orlandoโs Engelwood neighborhood in 1977 and has called Central Florida home ever since.
As racism protests roil US, Florida revisits dark past
After Perry was lynched, the mob laid siege to the black section of Ocoee, Fla., killing dozens. That dark episode, until recently largely forgotten, came to be known as the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots. Others remember it as a massacre, one of the many acts of racial violence perpetrated against black citizens over the decades. The Ocoee massacre was just one of many that engulfed communities across the country during the Jim Crow era. Bracy and state Rep. Kamia Brown, both Democrats, wanted similar compensation for descendants of the Ocoee riots but failed to muster support from the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Juneteenth: The history behind June 19 and why its important to recognize this day
June 19, 1865, also known as Juneteenth, signifies the end of slavery in America. As more conversations about race and community continue Juneteenth recognizing continues to come up as a way to acknowledge the U.S. history of enslaving people and possibly a way forward. Celebrating and recognizing Juneteenth acknowledges the history of slavery in the U.S. as well as the injustices inflicted upon Americans for hundreds of years. On Jan. 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday. Texas State Rep. Al Edwards put forward the bill making Texas the first state to grant this emancipation celebration.
Heres how you can take part in Juneteenth celebrations across Central Florida
This Friday is June 19 also known as Juneteenth, the date that signifies the end of slavery in America. Most states observe Juneteenth in some way, except three: Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Here are some events in Central Florida honoring the history of Juneteenth, many allow for social distancing and health precautions due to the coronavirus. Simmons said theyre holding the protest on Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States. Organized by Pastor Mike Watkins the event will be just one element in an event highlighting the Juneteenth commemoration.
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.
16-year-old Apopka teen organizes peaceful protest on Juneteenth
APOPKA, Fla. โ An Apopka teen is organizing a peaceful protest on Juneteenth, saying itโs an important day in U.S. history, especially during this time in the nation. The protest starts at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at St. Paul AME Church located at 1012 S. Park Avenue. The 16-year-old said he hopes the protest will bring the community together. Simmons said the goal of his peaceful protest is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community by creating relationships and building trust. Simmons said they're holding the protest on Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States.
Officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta to be charged
ATLANTA โ The Atlanta officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in the back after the fleeing man pointed a stun gun in his direction is going to be charged. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard made the announcement about Garrett Rolfe during a news conference Wednesday. Rolfe had already been fired after he fatally shot the 27-year-old Brooks on Friday night. The shooting had sparked new demonstrations in Georgiaโs capital against police brutality. Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields resigned less than 24 hours after Brooks died.
Most Confederate statues in Central Florida have been relocated
While many states and counties are calling for Confederate statues to be removed, News 6 found that most Confederate statues and monuments have already either been relocated or reside in cemeteries or museums. In 2017 the โJohnny Rebโ Confederate statue was taken down from Lake Eola and relocated to the Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando. While some counties across America are taking down or relocating its Confederate statues, Lake County won a bid to acquire one from the National Statuary Hall in D.C. Osceola CountyKissimmee - 2002; Rose Hill Cemetery; Granite obelisk; Dedicated to Confederate veterans buried in Osceola County with their names listed on the monument; Erected by Sons of Confederate Veterans. Sumter CountyOxford โ 2007; Pine Level Cemetery; Upright granite slab monument listing the names of Confederate veterans buried in the cemetery; Erected by Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Black-owned restaurants you can support in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Central Florida is full of wonderful and delicious restaurants that offer food and experiences from many different cultures. To help you out, we compiled this list, based off a recent Facebook post, of Black-owned restaurants in Orlando. Located at ร La Cart, this food truck offers meals that are made from scratch without any antibiotics or hormones. AdNikkiโs Place: From breakfast to dinner, Nikkiโs Place has you covered all day with its soul food offerings. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday.
Florida prosecutor wont file charges against protesters
TAMPA, Fla. More than five dozen peaceful protesters in Florida who were arrested earlier this month for unlawful assembly while demonstrating against police abuse following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota won't be prosecuted, a state attorney said Monday. State Attorney Andrew Warren in Tampa said his office won't be filing charges against 67 protesters who were arrested two weeks ago in downtown Tampa. The prosecutor's office will also work to expunge the arrest records of the protesters who were taken into custody, he said. In these unlawful assembly cases, there is no value in filing charges," Warren said at a news conference. Prosecuting people for exercising their First Amendment rights creates problems rather than solving them.
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.
Mother of Trayvon Martin joins Miami protesters seeking racial justice, police support
MIAMI โ The mother of Trayvon Martin joined hundreds of demonstrators at a rally in downtown Miami on Sunday, demanding racial equality following the death of George Floyd last month at the hands of a white police officer in Minnesota. At one point, demonstrators lined up U.S. flags that spelled out โRESISTโ on a blocked-off downtown street. Nearby at a separate protest, dozens of police supporters waved flags and chanted โWe support the police!โ at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. At one point, about three dozen officers on bikes rode by the protesters and gave high-fives to supporters who applauded and took photos. The Miami Beach protest was led by Egyptia Green, a rising eighth grader who also led another protest last week.
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.
Dear white people: Being an ally isn't always what you think
In another, a black woman yells at two white women spray-painting a Starbucks shop with BLM, Black Lives Matter telling them to stop, that vandalism isnt helping. They raise the issue: For white people wanting to be part of an anti-racist movement, what does it mean to be an ally? I feel like theyre a step away from saying, Im sorry Im white."She added: Stop apologizing for being white. In this moment, white silence is the greatest impediment to those in power making the changes that are needed, Wallace said. I dont feel racist, so I thought I was excused, said Alappat, who is white and married to an Indian man.
Experts: Police 'woefully undertrained' in use of force
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)BURIEN, Wash. Seattle officers hold down a protester, and one repeatedly punches him in the face. Better training cant fix all the issues facing the nations police departments, but experts believe it would have a big impact. A recent Associated Press investigation found that a lack of firearms training has resulted in unintentional shootings by law enforcement. Police officers across the country are woefully undertrained, said Sean Hendrickson, an instructor at Washington states police academy in suburban Seattle. In Washington state, cadets must complete 720 hours of training, but those skills start to degrade immediately, Hendrickson said.
Floyd's death spurs question: What is a black life worth?
In this June 1, 2020, photo, people gather near the Cup Foods grocery store where George Floyd died in Minneapolis. And for George Floyd, it was an accusation he used a fake $20 bill at a grocery store. The Movement for Black Lives is behind a push for local communities to defund police departments nationwide, and reinvest in struggling black communities to address economic inequality and disparities in education and health care. That is a big piece that I think we need to focus on.Last week, Floyds family forwarded their pleas for racial justice to the United Nations. Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and former president of the Minneapolis NAACP, said the demand that black lives are valued like white lives must begin at the community level.
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.
Protester hit in face by rubber bullet shot by Florida police wants answers
Moments later, without warning, she said Fort Lauderdale police officers released tear gas and she ran to a corner, disoriented and overcome by smoke. She remembers the pressure of the rubber bullet hitting her face and strangers rushing to help. As she walks away from police, they fire a rubber bullet and a protester grabs her hand and tries to hurry her. A Fort Lauderdale police officer was suspended for an incident during that same protest after video showed he pushed a kneeling woman to the ground. The department has not released the name of the officer who shot Ratlieff.
Breonna Taylor police report gives few details, some wrong
LOUISVILLE, Ky. An incident report released by Louisville Police on the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor is mostly blank, with few details of the incident that spurred days of protests in the city. The report dated March 13, the day of the shooting, cites a police-involved death investigation and identifies Taylor, 26, as the victim. Taylor was shot eight times by narcotics detectives who had a warrant to enter her apartment. The report, released this week, also has a box to check for forced entry, which was checked No, and it also said none in a space for the victim's injuries. They released details about the officer who was shot, Jon Mattingly.
Historical figures under attack after George Floyd's death
The statues on the Confederate monument are covered in graffiti and beheaded after a protest in Portsmouth, Va., Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Protesters beheaded and then pulled down four statues that were part of a Confederate monument. The spokesman for the Virginia division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, B. Frank Earnest, condemned the toppling of public works of art and likened losing the Confederate statues to losing a family member. For protesters mobilized by Floyds death, the targets have ranged far beyond the Confederacy. Andrew Cuomo, who is Italian American, said he opposes removal of a statue of Columbus in Manhattans Columbus Circle.
George Floyd's death is 'changing the world,' a brother says
Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, arrives to testify before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on proposed changes to police practices and accountability on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, in Washington. (Michael Reynolds/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, says he's testifying to Congress because he wants his brother's death to be "more than another name on a growing list of those killed during interactions with police. If his death ends up changing the world for the better. Then he died as he lived, Philonise Floyd says, according to an advance copy of his remarks. Im tired of the pain Im feeling now and Im tired of the pain I feel every time another black person is killed for no reason," Floyd said.
Protests highlight deaths at hands of police around the US
Erma Johnson, the mother of Dion Johnson, speaks at a news conference in Phoenix on Friday, June 5, 2020. Alongside his story, demonstrators are speaking out about deaths in their own hometowns. At one point, a trooper used his foot to kick or nudge Johnson, according to traffic-camera video recorded by AZFamily.com. Authorities say Johnson tried to grab the officer's weapon, starting a struggle that ended with the fatal shooting. CaliforniaAn outcry is growing over the fatal shooting of Erik Salgado at the hands of California Highway Patrol officers on Saturday.
These Central Florida sheriffs offices have duty to intervene policies if deputies suspect excessive force
Orange County Sheriffs OfficeThe Orange County Sheriffs Office added a duty to intervene policy on June 2 that immediately went into effect. Marion County Sheriffs OfficeThe Marion County Sheriffs Office use-of-force guidelines does not explicitly state if deputies are required step in when witnessing excessive use of force from another law enforcement officer. Seminole County Sheriffs OfficeA spokesperson with the Seminole County Sheriffs Office said the agency has not made any recent changes to its use-of-force protocol. Brevard County Sheriffs OfficeA spokesperson with the Brevard County Sheriffs Office said the agency has not made any recent changes to its use-of-force protocol. Lake County Sheriffs OfficeA spokesperson with the Lake County Sheriffs Office said the agency is reviewing its use of force policy and did not make it immediately available.
When protesters cry 'defund the police,' what does it mean?
(AP Photo/Ragan Clark)WASHINGTON Protesters are pushing to defund the police" over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans killed by law enforcement. But what does defund the police mean? Trump ramped up his rhetoric on the issue on Monday, tweeting: LAW & ORDER, NOT DEFUND AND ABOLISH THE POLICE. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday that the city would move funding from the NYPD to youth initiatives and social services, while keeping the city safe, but he didn't give details. A majority of the members of the Minneapolis City Council said Sunday they support disbanding the citys police department.
Whats changed since George Floyds death sparked calls for reform
ORLANDO, Fla. As the U.S. enters its third week of protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the national unrest has sparked change at the state and national level. Floyds brutal death was caught on video, footage showing Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck until Floyd goes limp. Charges upgraded against Officer Derek ChauvinThe officer seen in the video kneeling on Floyds neck Derek Chauvin was fired from the department after the footage surfaced but not immediately charged. The decision comes as their jurisdictions have seen demonstrations demanding change after the death of Floyd. Though the city has seen protests for more than a week, they have been mostly peaceful according to the Orlando Police Department.
We are done dying: Black Orlando leaders reflect on changes needed after George Floyds death
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The conversation surrounding the death of George Floyd hasnt stopped and on Friday, local leaders channeled that discussion as part of a town hall focused on police and community relations. Like I said were here, were not afraid to fight and... we are done dying, Neal said. The former Orlando police chief spoke on the panel alongside her husband, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who prior to taking office served as sheriff. Most were directed toward Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon and Orange County Sheriff John Mina. Another point brought up during the Q&A was the use of a citizens review board, which the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriffs Office both have.
โWe are listening:โ Central Florida law enforcement officers heartbroken by George Floydโs death
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. โ George Floydโs death has impacted the country and the world. [UPDATES: Protests over death of George Floyd continue across the US | Orange County town hall to focus on George Floyd, police and community relations]โI was that 17-year-old who was stopped by the police. โIt bothers me to death,โ Canty said. [RELATED COVERAGE: Orange County leaders explain how they can mend law enforcement-community relationships | Black-owned restaurants you can support in Orlando]He was raised in Pine Hills and is now second in command at the Orange County sheriffs office. Weโre trying to hold our people accountable and know that we are listening, weโve heard the concerns of the community,โ Canty said.
US Legislatures slow to pass laws limiting use of force
FILE - In this March 5, 2019 file photo Ohio House minority leader Emilia Sykes delivers the Democrat's response to the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's Ohio State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. As of August 2018, at least 16 states had passed use-of-force laws, according to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures. Other laws created task forces to set new standards, boosted training or improved tracking of officers' use of guns and deadly force. Police unions have often resisted attempts to restrict officers' use of deadly force and are politically potent in most states. In 2015, the board adopted statewide standards limiting use of deadly force by police officers to defending themselves or others from serious injury or death.