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On May 6, 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower put his signature on the Civil Rights Act of 1960. The significant legislation ushered in federal oversight of local voter registration sites and penalties for preventing individuals from registering to vote. The impetus for the bill stemmed from a wave of violent assaults on churches and Black educational institutions across the South. 

Beyond laying the groundwork for more robust legal safeguards against discrimination, akin to those in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this act extended the scope of the 1957 Civil Rights Act by outlawing bombings and local interference with federal court directives. 

While not as pivotal as other civil rights measures, the passage of this act wasn't easily secured. Southern lawmakers vehemently opposed it, leading to the longest filibuster in history, which endured for over 125 hours.

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(AURN News) - Immigration remains the number one concern among Americans, with more than a quarter citing it as the most important problem facing the nation, according to a new report released by Gallup. The latest survey results show that 27% of Americans say immigration is the most pressing issue in the U.S., marking the third consecutive month it has held the top spot. The polling data shows how more and more people are increasingly worried about the surge of illegal border crossings into the country.

The economy (17%) and inflation (13%) ranked as important problems as well. The performance of the federal government was also one of the top four concerns at 18%. This is the first time in Gallup's polling history that immigration has been labeled the most important problem for three straight months. The new survey results also show the president's approval rating on immigration remains "poor," according to Gallup.

The poll was conducted in April amid reports of a rising number of illegal border crossings into the United States.

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Today, Medgar Evers will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Evers, a distinguished World War II veteran and a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, tragically was assassinated on June 12, 1963, in the driveway of his residence in Jackson, Mississippi. 

The Presidential Medal of Freedom stands as the highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national security, global peace, cultural advancement, or significant public or private achievements.

Recipients are handpicked by the sitting president. President Harry S. Truman initiated the award in 1946 by selecting its inaugural recipient.

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WASHINGTON (AURN News) - The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, maintaining its aggressive stance in the battle against stubbornly high inflation despite the growing economic risks. In a widely expected move, the central bank's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept its benchmark federal funds at 5.25% to 5.5%, which is still the highest level since 2007. However, the Fed signaled it is not ready to pivot from its current inflation-fighting monetary policy, pushing back against market expectations for rate cuts any time soon.

The decision underscores the Fed's resolve to tame the highest inflation in decades, even as high borrowing costs increase the risk of an economic downturn. While overall inflation has gone down from last summer, it still remains well above the Fed's 2% target, driven by rapid price increases for housing, food, and other goods and services.

“The Committee does not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent,” the FOMC said in a statement.

Wednesday's pause is a continuation of pauses that began in December 2023 when the Fed first chose not to raise rates, following an aggressive tightening cycle of 11 consecutive hikes. The burden of rapidly rising prices has been particularly hard for many Americans and especially the Black community. As the 2024 election campaign heats up, soaring consumer costs are expected to remain a central issue, with both Trump and Biden offering their vastly different visions to provide much-needed economic relief.

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"We've all seen images and they put to the test two fundamental American principles. First is the right to free speech. Second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld."

That was President Biden earlier today, reaffirming the importance of peaceful protest amid the ongoing demonstration across college campuses regarding the conflict in Gaza. But he also warned that "violent protest is not protected, peaceful protest is." 

Speaking from the White House, the president emphasized that while America treasures free speech and dissent, it cannot descend into chaos. He also stated that protests must not disrupt order. Even as tensions rise nationwide, the administration has so far rejected calls to alter the U.S. stance towards Israeli military support.

In a notable incident at UCLA early this morning, police in riot gear intervened to dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment after a standoff with demonstrators. The scene turned tense with police deploying flashbangs against crowds forming human chains.

There are now over 120 pro-Palestinian encampments across the country.

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On May 2, 1843, Elijah McCoy, a Canadian-American inventor, was born in Ontario, Canada. 

Raised by former slaves who had fled to Canada via the Underground Railroad, McCoy's family resettled in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 15, McCoy journeyed to Scotland to complete a mechanical engineering apprenticeship. Returning to the U.S., he faced challenges securing employment in his field, leading him to work as a fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad.

It was in this role that McCoy's innovative mind shone through. His expertise led him to develop a revolutionary lubricator for steam engines, which automatically distributed oil to critical parts, eliminating the need for frequent stops for manual lubrication. This invention earned McCoy his first patent in 1872.

Throughout his life, McCoy patented nearly 60 inventions. He passed away in 1929 at 85 years old.

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According to a new report from the CDC, the United States has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality rates, with 2022 figures showing a decrease from 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, down sharply from 32.9 in 2021.

This improvement follows a severe spike in maternal deaths during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the positive trend masks a distressing reality; Black women continue to face disproportionately high risks with maternal mortality rates of 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, more than twice as high as their counterparts. 

This persistent disparity highlights the deep-seated inequalities in health care that still need urgent addressing. The decline in overall maternal mortality may partly stem from reduced COVID-19 cases, yet the specific challenges affecting Black mothers remain prevalent.

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Just hours after Florida enacted a six-week abortion ban, Vice President Kamala Harris made the comments in Jacksonville, Florida, during a reproductive freedom rights rally.

During her speech, she commented on a Time magazine article in which Trump said he would let red states monitor women's pregnancies and prosecute those who violate abortion bans.

"The contrast in this election could not be more clear. Basically, under Donald Trump, it would be fair game for women to be monitored and punished by the government, whereas Joe Biden and I have a different view. We believe the government should never come between a woman and her doctor," Harris said.

Trump has flip-flopped on his abortion position through the years, but has also bragged about ending Roe v. Wade. The former president now says it's up to the states to decide on a national ban. Vice President Harris says don't fall for that.

"We all know if Donald Trump gets the chance, he will sign a national abortion ban."

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On May 1, 1901, professor, poet, and literary critic Sterling A. Brown was born in Washington, D.C. Brown is best known for his work in educating and inspiring young poets during his tenure at Howard University. 

Before beginning his career as a professor, Brown earned his bachelor's degree from Williams College in 1922 and completed a master’s degree from Harvard University. He then taught at Lincoln University and Fisk University before settling at Howard University in 1929.

Brown taught at Howard for 40 years, during which he taught poets Amiri Baraka and Gwendolyn Brooks.

Sterling A. Brown died in 1989 at 87 years old.

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After over 50 years of strict regulation, marijuana is taking a new spot on America's drug schedule. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to change marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, recognizing its medical benefits and lower potential for abuse. The shift could change the game for the $30 billion cannabis industry by reducing taxes and easing research restrictions. 

The proposal awaits a nod from the White House's Office of Management and Budget. However, after approval, the public will then have their say before it's official. This could open the doors for new medical treatments, and potentially lift a heavy burden off thousands of lives.

Black and brown communities have long borne the brunt of harsh drug laws. Although the rescheduling is a step forward, real change requires more, like wiping clean old convictions and ensuring these communities get a fair share of new opportunities in the booming cannabis market. This is more than just a policy change, it's about correcting a historic wrong.

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