AURN News

On this day in 1970, Clifton R. Wharton Jr. made history by becoming the president of Michigan State University, marking the first time an African-American led a predominantly white higher education institution in the 20th century. Additionally, the Harvard graduate made history as the first African-American to helm a Fortune 500 company.

His achievements extended into the political arena, serving as the deputy secretary of state during President Bill Clinton's tenure. He became the first African-American to hold the second-highest position within the agency.

In 2015, he released his autobiography Privilege and Prejudice: The Life of a Black Pioneer. Clifton R. Wharton Jr. is now 97 years old.

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Over 60 national movement and organizational leaders were arrested protesting at the U.S. Capitol against a proposed military funding package, sending billions of dollars to Israel.

They say it's fueling genocide in Gaza and occupation of the Palestinian people. They also said they are fighting against increased border militarization and immigration enforcement in the US at the southern border.

The protest was led by the Action Center on Race and the Economy, the Adalah Justice Project, the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, and the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights. It was also supported by dozens of other organizations.

Protesters carried children's shoes to pay tribute to the more than 8,000 children killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, and those that they say are being victimized by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They also held banners that said 'ceasefire now.'​

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President Joe Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts delivered eulogies at the funeral of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, a legal pioneer and the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. The ceremony took place at Washington National Cathedral.

O'Connor, known as a dealmaker and fearless champion for women's rights, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. She passed away on December 1 at the age of 93.

O'Connor is renowned for her role as a decisive swing vote on the court. She crafted key decisions and upheld significant rights during her tenure, before retiring in 2006.

The ceremony also included speeches from O'Connor's son, Jay, and her biographer, Evan W. Thomas III.

As the nation pays tribute, reflections on her influential career and the current shifts in the Supreme Court's dynamics come to the forefront. O'Connor's legacy, especially her impact on issues like abortion, remains the topic of considerable discussion as the court's current conservative majority revisits and often reverses previous rulings.​

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Senators reconvened in Washington this week to negotiate a crucial deal that intertwines U.S. border security issues with foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel. While lawmakers have expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, there remains a significant divide over policy changes at the U.S.-Mexico border.

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin emphasized the focus is on border security rather than comprehensive immigration reform. Echoing this sentiment, Delaware Sen. Chris Coons said there is a "border security crisis."

On the other hand, Republicans led by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, are pushing for what they are calling substantial new border policies. He expressed concern for national security, stating he will not support aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel without first addressing the border.

The challenge for the Senate is to devise a plan that not only garners bipartisan support but can also be passed by the House, which is already adjourned for the year.​

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Former President Donald Trump is back in the headlines with escalating rhetoric. At a New Hampshire rally, he made contentious remarks about migrants reminiscent of Nazi Germany, claiming that migrants are "poisoning the blood of the country," echoing a phrase historically associated with racist and anti-Semitic ideology.

The intensification of language comes as Trump leads in some polls for the GOP primary and a month before the Iowa caucuses. His comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, including President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, which compared his language to that of Adolf Hitler.

Trump's rhetoric seems to be part of a broader strategy to energize his base by employing divisive and controversial language. This approach has led to a complex situation with the Republican Party. The question is, how will his increasingly extreme rhetoric impact the Republican primary and the broader political climate?

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The U.S. Senate is postponing its holiday break to vote next week on a critical package combining military aid for Ukraine and Israel with contentious border security reforms. The decision reflects deep divisions among Senate Democrats, particularly over proposed border policy changes linked to the funding.

Emerging from the House's Secure the Border Act, these reforms, which some Democrats fear could harshly impact asylum policies, have sparked significant concern. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to schedule this vote signifies the urgency and complexity of balancing national security with humane immigration practices.

As Senators remain in Washington to resolve this, the question arises: will they reach an agreement that satisfies both foreign aid commitments and the contentious aspects of U.S. border policy?

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(AURN News) – In a rapidly evolving digital landscape where social media platforms come and go, new research from Pew Research provides a comprehensive look at how Black American teens navigate the vast expanse of the internet. The survey, conducted with participants between the ages of 13 and 17, unveils intriguing insights into their online behaviors.

YouTube emerged as the undisputed leader, with Pew's findings underscoring its popularity among teens who turn to it for a diverse array of content, ranging from educational videos to entertainment. When it comes to social media, TikTok emerges as the reigning king, primarily captivating the attention of Black teens. The study reveals that eight in ten Black teens actively engage with TikTok, while Snapchat and Instagram follow closely behind in the social media hierarchy.

The survey also notes a significant shift from a decade ago, indicating that fewer young people now use Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). However, Pew did find that Black teens exhibit distinct patterns in their social media use. Notably, they surpass their counterparts in the use of X (formerly known as Twitter), revealing a unique affinity for the platform. 

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The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) has made the decision to move its annual conference from Hollywood, Florida, to San Francisco due to what it describes as a deeply troubling and racially charged atmosphere in Florida. 

In a statement, the NBNA cited the enactment of anti-Black policies and laws that undermine Black history, as well as restrictions placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.

The organization also referenced the NAACP's travel ban and highlighted the tragic and racially motivated murders of three innocent Black Americans in Jacksonville, Florida, as contributing factors to the hostile and unsafe environment in the state. 

According to reports from Bay Area station KTVU, the NBNA conducted a survey among its members before finalizing the decision to relocate the conference.

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(AURN News) – In a nuanced evaluation of the nation's economic landscape, the Federal Reserve acknowledges slow but steady progress in curbing inflation. However, the impact of lower inflation on everyday Americans is still waiting to be felt. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized this delicate balance during the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting, where the decision was made to maintain interest rates at 5.25 to 5.5 percent.

“Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity has slowed substantially from the outsized pace seen in the third quarter,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently stated.

“Inflation has eased over the past year but remains above our longer-run goal of 2 percent,” he commented.

Despite the ongoing battle against inflation, several economic pillars stand firm. The job market, for instance, continues to display resilience, with a notable decrease in the unemployment rate reported a few weeks ago.

And as the nation anticipates 2024, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Wall Street and the rocky economic road ahead. The Fed’s ambitious target of a 2 percent inflation rate remains a central concern.

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More states are targeting DEI funding, the latest being Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order eliminating funding for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the state.

The order specifically prohibits state agencies from supporting DEI roles or programs that offer preferential treatment based on race. The governor argued the focus should be on education rather than politics or indoctrination, especially in colleges and universities. He emphasized redirecting resources and questioned the allocation of substantial salaries to DEI staff.

The decision, of course, has sparked debate. While Gov. Stitt believes it's a shift towards more objective education, critics like Sen. George Young view it as a step away from embracing diversity in learning environments.

Sen. Young, recalling the civil rights struggle of the 60s, highlighted the ongoing relevance of DEI and fostering inclusive opportunities.

State agencies and universities are now required to report their DEI funding by May 2024, raising questions about the long-term impact on the education system.

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