Key Issues at Stake in the Upcoming Election

As I watched the debate last night, it was clear that President Biden is showing signs of aging. His cognitive responses were slightly slower, but his memory remains sharp. In contrast, former President Trump reiterated his focus on border patrol, a hallmark of his presidency, while Biden emphasized the significance of the January 6 insurrection.

For me, the key issues in this election extend beyond these points. Women's medical rights, including the future of Roe v. Wade, police reform, and international trade are critical topics that will determine how we move forward as a nation and shape the global perception of the United States. 

While education, wage increases, and job security are perennial concerns for every American, we must convey to the nations of the world that we are redefining our role on the global stage. We are no longer merely our brothers' keepers; we are partners striving for mutual progress and understanding.

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The Red Summer of the 1920s and the Systematic Attack on Prosperous Black Communities Across America

he Red Summer of 1919, a term coined by civil rights activist and author James Weldon Johnson, marked a period of intense racial violence and bloodshed across the United States. This era was characterized by a series of race riots and lynchings, which targeted African American communities, particularly those that had achieved economic success and social cohesion. The violence of the Red Summer, along with subsequent attacks in the 1920s, highlighted the pervasive racism and systemic efforts to undermine black prosperity in America.

Background

Following World War I, African American veterans returned home with heightened expectations for civil rights and social equality. Their service abroad had exposed them to societies where racial discrimination was less pronounced, and they anticipated similar respect and opportunities in their own country. Additionally, the Great Migration, where millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North and Midwest, had created vibrant black communities with burgeoning businesses and cultural institutions. However, this upward mobility and assertiveness among African Americans provoked resentment and fear among many white Americans, leading to a backlash that manifested in widespread racial violence.

The Outbreak of Violence

The Red Summer saw more than 25 major riots and numerous lynchings. In cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., and Elaine, Arkansas, black neighborhoods were attacked, resulting in significant loss of life and property. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Chicago, where a young black boy was stoned and drowned by white youths after drifting into a whites-only section of a public beach. This event ignited days of rioting, which left 38 people dead and over 500 injured.The violence was not limited to the North. In the South, the rural black population faced similar brutality. The Elaine Massacre in Arkansas, for example, resulted from a meeting of black sharecroppers who were organizing for better working conditions. Whites, fearing a black insurrection, attacked the gathering, leading to the deaths of an estimated 100 to 200 African Americans.

Systematic Attacks on Prosperous Black Communities

The violence of the Red Summer set a precedent for further attacks in the 1920s, most notably the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Tulsa, Oklahoma, was home to the Greenwood District, often referred to as "Black Wall Street" due to its prosperous black-owned businesses and affluent residents. On May 31, 1921, a false allegation of assault by a black man against a white woman triggered a devastating assault by white mobs. Over the course of two days, Greenwood was burned to the ground, hundreds of black residents were killed, and thousands were left homeless.Similarly, in Rosewood, Florida, in 1923, another prosperous black community was destroyed following an unfounded accusation of assault. White mobs, fueled by racial animosity and rumors, razed the town, resulting in numerous deaths and the displacement of the black population.

The Impact and Legacy

These systematic attacks on black communities were driven by a combination of economic envy, racial prejudice, and a desire to maintain white supremacy. Prosperous black neighborhoods represented a threat to the racial hierarchy that many white Americans sought to uphold. The destruction of these communities not only caused immediate loss of life and property but also had long-lasting effects on African American economic and social progress.The legacy of the Red Summer and subsequent violence in the 1920s is a stark reminder of the challenges that African Americans faced in their struggle for equality. Despite the resilience and rebuilding efforts of these communities, the trauma and economic setbacks endured have had lasting repercussions.The Red Summer of 1919 and the attacks on prosperous black communities throughout the 1920s underscore the persistent racial violence and systemic efforts to thwart black advancement in America. These events are critical chapters in the history of racial injustice in the United States, reflecting the broader societal conflicts over race, equality, and justice. Acknowledging and understanding this history is essential for addressing the ongoing racial disparities and building a more equitable society.

The Hidden History of Watermelons and Banjos: Racism's Economic Chains

In the years following the Civil War, newly freed African Americans turned to selling watermelons and playing banjos as means of economic survival and cultural expression. These simple acts of entrepreneurship and artistry, however, were met with fierce resistance from a society determined to suppress Black economic independence.

Economic Independence through Watermelons and Music

For many formerly enslaved people, growing and selling watermelons offered a path to self-sufficiency. The crop was easy to cultivate and provided a direct route to the marketplace. Alongside this, music—particularly banjo playing, with deep roots in African traditions—offered a source of income and a way to preserve cultural identity. Public performances became a vital lifeline, bringing joy and earnings to African American communities.

Racism and the Legal System

The rise of Black economic independence posed a perceived threat to the established social order of the post-Reconstruction South. In response, a wave of restrictive laws, including vagrancy laws, was enacted to hinder these efforts. These laws criminalized unemployment and homelessness, targeting African Americans and making it illegal to sell goods or perform music without a permit. Permits were often unattainable for Black individuals, effectively barring them from participating in the economy legally.

Media and Societal Shaming

The media of the time played a significant role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes about African Americans engaged in these entrepreneurial activities. Newspapers and minstrel shows popularized derogatory caricatures, depicting Black people as lazy and untrustworthy. The image of the watermelon-eating, banjo-playing African American became a tool of societal shaming, reinforcing racial prejudices and justifying discriminatory practices.

Impact on Black Economic Progress

These combined forces of legal restrictions and media-driven stereotypes severely impacted Black economic progress. The legal barriers made it nearly impossible for African Americans to engage in legitimate business, trapping many in poverty. This suppression of Black entrepreneurship stifled not only individual success but also broader community development and prosperity.

Legacy of Injustice

The history of watermelons and banjos is a testament to the resilience of African Americans in the face of systemic racism. It also underscores the lengths to which oppressive systems will go to maintain economic and social hierarchies. Understanding this history is crucial for recognizing the enduring impact of these stereotypes and legal practices on Black economic opportunities today.