Sunday, March 20, 2022

Delta Bullets Fly: Mass Shooting In Dumas, Arkansas!

In Arkansas, 28 people were shot at a charity car show.

Of course, this was one of the latest incidents in the United States where a terrorist gets a hold of a firearm and automatically starts shooting at everyone without any care of those who are in the line of fire.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Karen Hutchinson, the four U.S. Representatives from Arkansas, Sen. Karen Cotton (R-AK) and Sen. Karen Boozman (R-AK) were informed of the latest mass shooting to happen in the state.

In the city of Dumas, there was a car show and a family event.

A man was killed an at least 27 people were inured in a "gunfight" at this car show on Saturday night.

@jadethejournalist He’s currently in surgery right now. Video sent in by his father. #fyp #dumasarkansas #hoodnic ♬ original sound - Jade DeMelody Jackson

@cvpid..xx dumas hood-nic shooting. 10 people hurt, 1 killed.. 🕊 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #dumas #dumasshooting ♬ I hate this town - Beetle

The victims were described as bystanders in a shootout between two suspects, Col. William J. Bryant of the Arkansas State Police said at a presser.

"The bottom line on this is just two individuals got into a gunfight," he said. "Unfortunately, we had multi [cq] victims of the shooting incident."

One person was arrested, but authorities were unclear on any possible connection to this violence.

"It's an unrelated arrest," Bryant said. "... We're still looking for two people."

At least five six children -- the youngest is 19 months old -- were among those wounded," he said. They were taken to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.

At least five were released after suffering either non-life threatening injuries.

Violence in the small town of Dumas.

The victim, Cameron Schaffer, 23 of Jacksonville, Arkansas. The victim was not the shooter.

This year promoters did not describe the two-day happening as a spring break celebration, though the listed attractions included club music, a parade, gospel performances, live bands, and a display of cars and bicycles. According to organizers' schedule, the car show portion of the weekend should have been over by the time shooting broke out.

Virtual fliers have advertised the wider event as the “NeighborHOOD PicNIC" and "Hoodnic Weekend."

This was the 16th year for the larger event in Dumas, McGehee said. The other years, he said, were problem-free.

“Send ya’ll prayers, send y’all condolences,” McGehee said.

Chris Jones, a Democrat running for Arkansas governor, tweeted that he had been at the event earlier Saturday, registering voters and enjoying “a positive family atmosphere.”

When do conservatives favor gun control?
When Blacks are killing.
When Muslims are killing.
When immigrants are killing.
When the suspect's alleged political leanings are progressive.
When the suspect isn't a white person.

Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of tragedy. Gun violence and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms. 

I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth. When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege. 

No place is safe.

I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you.

I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history.

The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES!

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I Was Shot By Plain Clothes Cops Because They Thought My Drink Was A Gun!

A Black man is lucky to be alive after he was shot by the Trenton Police.

A man is suing a New Jersey police department after he was shot by plain clothes officers. He was left paralyzed from this encounter. He was unarmed and was complying with them.

A Black man in New Jersey grabbing iced tea from a car was shot and paralyzed by plain-clothed officers last month, according to a lawsuit alleging excessive force, negligence and racial profiling.

Jajuan R. Henderson, 29, was getting the drink from a Saturn Ion parked outside of his home shortly after midnight on Feb. 12 in Trenton, per the civil suit filed Wednesday in Mercer County.

That’s when a group of men in dark clothing and masks driving an unidentified vehicle boxed in the Saturn, which was parallel parked, according to the lawsuit. Henderson did not know who the men were.

Once out of their vehicle, the men began yelling and Henderson then attempted to use his phone to call for help, the suit said.

One of the men smashed the driver’s side window and Henderson was shot four times, the lawsuit said.

“This group of men, appearing as any other group of dangerous criminals from a horror movie, turned out to be from the Trenton Police Department,” the lawsuit said.

“A Black man sitting in a car at midnight while on a cell phone was all the unidentified police needed to smash the driver’s side window. Despite being unarmed, nonthreatening, and minding his own business, the police proceeded to use lethal force and shoot Jajuan in the neck. It is a miracle Jajuan survived.”

Henderson is now paralyzed from the chest down, the suit said.

Named as defendants are the city of Trenton, the director of Trenton police, Steve E. Wilson, and four officers only identified by their initials who were on scene.

A man is permanently paralyzed by cops.

Wilson did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. A city spokesperson declined comment on the lawsuit, citing the “pending litigation.”

Derek Demeri, an attorney representing Henderson, told NBC News on Friday there are many unknowns in the case, such as the plain-clothed officers’ objective that night.

According to the suit, there is body camera footage that has not been released to the public. The identities of the responding officers have also been withheld, the suit said.

A 2018 attorney general directive says video footage should be released publicly, when requested, once the initial use-of-force is substantially complete — usually within 20 days, NJ.com reported.

“It’s very frustrating. The family has a right to transparency in this process,” Demeri said.

A Trenton spokesperson, Tim Carroll — speaking on behalf of the city and police department — declined to comment beyond saying an investigation was ongoing.

Should police departments disband their undercover and vice units?
Yes
No

Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of tragedy. Gun violence and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms. 

I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth. When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege. 

I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you.

I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history.

The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES!

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Ye Got Banned At The Grammys!

Kanye West is the empty wagon making the noise.

His threat towards Trevor Noah has forced the American Recording Industry to put a notice on Ye. The media mogul is banned from appearing at the Grammys. Despite the five nominations he's earned this round, the folks at CBS and the American Recording Industry felt that he could pose a risk to the program.

Kanye West has an open feud with Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson, D.L. Hughley and Trevor Noah. The controversial mogul posted the addresses of the comedians. The entertainer was suspended from Instagram after he posted an offensive jab at Noah.

The comedians responded to the noise and warned that his legacy will be at risk of collapse because of his actions.

West had called Noah a coon after the comedian took a moment to reflect on a childhood moment in which his mother was shot by his stepfather.

The online behavior is extremely concerning.

When Kardashian divorced from West, it practically set him off. He's been sneak dissing Davidson and literally harassing the reality television agitator. She and the family dropped him from social media.

Game, who is another problematic entertainer decided to side with Ye despite his own issues with women, rape and mental illness. He goes after Noah as well.

Kanye West's feuds with DL Hughley and Trevor Noah will not end well for him.

Trevor responded to the controversy.

"You’re an indelible part of my life Ye. Which is why it breaks my heart to see you like this. I don’t care if you support Trump and I don’t care if you roast Pete. I do however care when I see you on a path that’s dangerously close to peril and pain … Don’t ever forget, the biggest trick racists ever played on black people was teaching us to strip each other of our blackness whenever we disagree. Tricking us into dividing ourselves up into splinters so that we would never unite into a powerful rod."

Trevor also addresses the racial epithet, telling Kanye, "Don't ever forget, the biggest trick racists ever played on black people was teaching us to strip each other of our blackness whenever we disagree."

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Saturday, March 19, 2022

Kodak Black And Ray J Slurp Down A Cold One With Washed Up 45!

Awkward.

Project Baby and Raycon meet Washed Up 45 at Mar-a-Lago. Ray J (W. Ray Norwood) and Kodak Black were guest at the Florida estate of the former president.

You know one thing that Ye and Ray J share in common.... Both have mental issues and had a ride on the Kardashian express.

Patriot Takes, a group that tracks right wing extremists caught Kodak Black and Ray J hob nobbing with a bunch of white nationalists. On top of that, a former corrupt NYPD commissioner ratted Lil Kodak out.

Kodak Black had endorsed Washed Up 45 for president and said that he down for the white nationalist.

“Getting rid of Trump is the worst thing America could’ve did, you hear me?” Kodak said at the 16:35 minute mark. 

The two even got to meet with the orange man himself. And it was all thanks to Ray J. 

The two attended dinner Thursday evening at Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, and approached him with Black by his side to introduce the two after Washed Up 45 had issued him a commutation in the final hours of his presidency last year.


“It was the right thing to do,” Ray told Page Six in a statement. “Trump pardoned him.”

Other attendees at the dinner included Vernon Jones, Kareny Giuliani, Pastor Darrell Scott and former NYPD Commissioner Karen Kerik.

Kodak Black (Billy Kapri), 24 was recently shot in the leg after a confrontation outside a Los Angeles nightclub. He a headliner for the Justin Bieber Super Bowl party. 

Looney Coons keep the show going.

He also had released his album, Back for Everything. We will cover all of this.

“Ray has always been someone who enjoys connecting talented minds together,” Ray’s longtime manager and owner of DWE Talent said, “and this is just another example of his goodwill.”

The Raycon founder first met with Washed Up 45 in January to discuss initiatives he wanted to execute for entrepreneurs and young business professionals, as well as to help raise awareness for various political issues he is passionate about.

“I’ve always admired and respected his business acumen,” he told us at the time. “Our conversation was about job creation, encouraging small business development and how Information Technology plays an important role in the future of our economy.

“We also agree how important an educated workforce is, as well as the critical need of developing of young people. I’m ready to get started now!”

The former president, 75, and the “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” star, 41, also had a follow-up session scheduled to put into action many of the ideas that were discussed in their meeting.
Ray J decided to lick the orange.

Okay, Back for Everything is the fourth studio album from Kodak Black. It has one feature appearance from Lil Durk. 

The production on the album includes, Dyryk, Perry, RBP, Mxller, Buddah Bless, Mondo, Sweet, London on da Track, Cubeatz, Pvlace, Snapz, Murda Beatz, Sspiketrap, Tymaz, KasimGotJuice, Scott Storch, Avedon, Starrah, June Nawakii, BandPlay, Byrd, Zaytoven, DzyOnDaBeat, Berler, Ayo B, Dr. Zeuz, SkipOnDaBeat, Boi-1da, Vinylz, Lee Major, Momberger, ATL Jacob, Jambo, Save By da Bell, J Gramm and Pompano Puff.

It was released on Feb. 25, 2022. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart selling over 60,000 album equitant units. 

We have covered MAGA Rap and dealt with folks like this. This new style of music is catering to a new generation of far-right bigots. Kodak Black, Ray J, Kanye West, Jaheim, Tank, Joy Villa, Lil Pump, Styles P, Takeshi 6ix9ine, Lil Wayne, Asian Doll, Polow da Don, Chingo Bling, Fivio Foreign and Forgiato Blow isn't my type of music. I won't listen to their shit. They suck the cock of white supremacy. 

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Goonew Passed Away!

Washington, DC rapper Goonew was shot and killed in a night of multiple shootings.

Another young talent lost to senseless gun violence. A rapper from the Washington, DC area was allegedly gunned down on Friday. Goonew known also as Big Wizzle became the latest victim of gun violence.

The rapper survived a near fatal shooting last year. 

He is a rapper representing the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia).

The rapper's friends and fans are posting their emotional tributes to the rapper. He was famous for two mixtapes he released. His albums Goonwick and Big 64, as well as Hey Auntie were the motivations for Goonew's once promising career.

The Prince George's County Police Department tweeted that the shooting happened on Friday evening.

"At approx. 5:40pm, officers responded to the area for a report of a shooting. Once on scene, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital for life threatening injuries." 

At approx. 7:30pm, the victim was pronounced dead."

Goonew escaped death the first time after he was shot four times in Washington, DC. 

The incident happened around July 5.

The police are calling this a homicide and they are now seeking information on witnesses involved in the shooting.

Goonew was described as "one of the most innovative & raw rappers of the last five years, who mastered a whisper flow so slippery that it seemed like he could steal your wallet & watch w/out breaking eye contact," said Jeff Weiss.

Did Goonew's life mattered?
Yes
No

Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of tragedy. Gun violence and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms. 

I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth. When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege. 

I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you.

I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history.

The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES!

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Young Thug Mourns The Death Of His Child's Mother!

Atlanta woman shot and killed. The victim is the mother of Young Thug's son.

A woman who is the mother of an Atlanta rapper's children was shot and killed.

Rapper Young Thug has six children. Three sons and three daughters from four different women.

One of his sons is now without a mother. Now, Thugger needs to be there for his son. 

Atlanta police are looking for the man who shot and killed a 31-year-old woman after what they say was a dispute over a bowling ball.

It happened at Metro Fun Center along Metropolitan Parkway in southwest Atlanta. Investigators tell the local junk food media that the victim, later identified as LaKevia Jackson, appeared to be attending a celebration at the bowling ally and that at some point in the evening she got into a fight that escalated into gunfire.

The local junk food media spoke with Jackson’s mother who said LaKevia was attending her best friend’s birthday party and was apparently shot as she was leaving the bowling alley.

“I didn’t know that was going to be the last time I talked to my baby,” her mother, Sherina Jackson, said. “I could hear her over the phone crying and screaming then her best friend said she’s not breathing!”

“I lost my baby all over a bowling ball,” Jackson added describing her daughter as light, positive and so sweet.

Young Thug was alerted to the tragic news.

“This is truly an atrocity. A young lady has lost her life over a bowling ball. We talk about conflict-resolution time and time again and this is an escalated dispute so we will work this case through the night and we will find the person responsible,” APD Homicide Commander Lt. Ralph Woolfolk said. “We know who are so go ahead and turn yourself in.”

It has been confirmed that Jackson had a child with local Atlanta rapper, Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Lamar Williams. Their son is 14 years old. Young Thug and Jackson met before he was famous at an apartment complex while she was attending South Atlanta High School and living with her mom.

Atlanta Police said during a press conference on Friday afternoon that they are talking to a woman about the shooting, but did not identify her as a suspect.

APD said they would not be releasing the identity or details about the suspected shooter, but believe they are close to an arrest based on ballistic and surveillance evidence, along with witness testimony, gathered from the scene.

Who suffers when gun violence happens?
The children.
The parents of the victim.
The community.
All of these above.

Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of tragedy. Gun violence and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms. 

I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth. When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege. 

I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you.

I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history.

The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES!

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Friday, March 18, 2022

Don Young Passed Away!

Don Young, one of the oldest members of the House of Representatives passed away.

It was just announced that longtime Republican Don Young of Alaska passed away.

The 88-year old lawmaker had a medical emergency on his way back to Alaska. His last vote cast was for the CROWN Act. I will give him credit for at least acknowledging that the hairstyles of Black men and women shouldn't be discriminated against.

His staff confirmed that he passed away while on flight.

"It's with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce that Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska to be be with the state and people that he loved," the statement said. "His beloved wife was by his side."

At 88, Young was the longest-serving member of the House, having entered Congress in 1973. He served as the House Representative-At-Large for most of the time Alaska has been a state.

He said he was going to run for another term as the Representative for Alaska.

He survived a bout with COVID-19 that hospitalized him in 2020.

Among other things, Young was famous for his "Alaskans of the week" presentation, which took place at the end of every week and featured an Alaskan who was doing something noteworthy or good for the community.

Young was known for his senses of humor and bluntness, and was appreciated by members on both sides of the aisle.

He lived in Fort Yukon, Alaska, a town with roughly 700 citizens.

He was a corrupt figure though. He and the late Senator Ted Stevens were responsible for the "Bridge to Nowhere" nonsense. It was pork barrel project to connect Ketchikan to Gravina Island. That idea was controversial because of a quid pro quo deal between the Republicans and oil lobbyists.

Karen Dunleavy honored the lawmaker by saying he was a "great friend" and said "Alaska was a better place because of Don Young."

With Young passing away, Dunleavy may pick a person to serve out the remainder of his term. Also he could leave the spot vacant until a candidate won the race for a full term.

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CROWN Act Passed The House!

Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH)

Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) is proud that the House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act. If passed by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden. It will outlaw hiring or workplace discrimination based on hairstyle.

H.R. 2116, passed in a vote of 235-189 along party lines. As usual, the Republicans, the party of white nationalism and culture wars believe this bill is a "complete waste of time."

It was sponsored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) with notable co-sponsors, Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Rep. Johanna Hayes (D-CT), Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Rep. Elanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). 

Only these 15 Karen lawmakers decided to join the Democrats in passing this bill. 

Rep. Karen Carey (R-OH), Rep. Karen Bacon (R-ME), Rep. Karne Cole (R-OK), Rep. Karen Fitzpatrick (R-OH), Rep. Karen Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Rep. Karen Katko (R-NY), Rep. Karen Kinzinger (R-IL), Rep. Karen Mace (R-SC), Rep. Karen Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Karen Meijer (R-MI), Rep. Karen Newhouse (R-WA), Rep. Karen Obernolte (R-CA), Rep. Karen Reed (R-NY) and Rep. Karen Young (R-AK) were the only Republicans signed on the legislation.

Of the 15, there are four retiring and six facing primary challengers from the far-right. Notably absent is the Wyoming lawmaker, Rep. Karen Cheney. So don't consider her a hero of civil rights or Black America.

Many of the Black women who represent the House of Representatives have natural Black hairstyles.

Often companies discriminate against women who have hairstyles and this bill if signed into law will stop it.

Crown stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, and the act prohibits "discrimination based on an individual's texture or style of hair." The bill now goes to the Senate.

The legislation states that "routinely, people of African descent are deprived of educational and employment opportunities" for wearing their hair in natural or protective hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, or Afros.

"Here we are today, standing on behalf of those individuals — whether my colleagues on the other side recognize it or not — who are discriminated against as children in school, as adults who are trying to get jobs, individuals who are trying to get housing, individuals who simply want access to public accommodations and to be beneficiaries of federally funded programs," Watson Coleman said in remarks on the House floor Friday morning.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) got the House to pass the CROWN Act.

This demonstrates the bill's necessity, she said, because there are people in positions of authority "who think because your hair is kinky, it is braided, it is in knots or it is not straight and blonde and light brown, that you somehow are not worthy of access to those issues."

"Well," she added, "that's discrimination."

"There's no logical reason that anyone should be discriminated against on any level because of the texture of their hair or the style of their hair," Watson Coleman said.

Without naming him, she referred to Andrew Johnson, a Black varsity high school wrestler in New Jersey with dreadlocks who was forced in 2018 to make a choice: cut his hair or forfeit his match.

"This bill is vitally important," she said. "It's important to the young girls and the young boys who have to cut their hair in the middle of a wrestling match in front of everyone because some white referee says that your hair is inappropriate to engage in your match."

The Biden administration this week said it "strongly supports" the Crown Act and "looks forward to working with the Congress to enact this legislation and ensure that it is effectively implemented." More than a dozen states, including New Jersey and New York, have passed versions of the Crown Act. California was the first state to do so.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland, told his colleagues Friday that the bill should have unanimous support. Fourteen Republicans voted for the bill.

"Our military took steps to end hair discrimination last year," said Hoyer, who is white. "If anybody thinks this isn't a real issue, obviously the military thought it was an issue. And it was an important enough issue they took action."
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) is a co-sponsor of the CROWN Act.

He said it was disappointing that 188 Republicans opposed the legislation when it was recently brought to the floor under an expedited process. Like Watson Coleman, other proponents of the bill mentioned a number of children — directly and indirectly — who drew national attention after they were reprimanded for wearing their hair in braids, dreadlocks or other protective styles.

Before a vote was taken, a number of Black and African American legislators spoke of having been discriminated against because of their hair.

"As a Black woman who loves my braids, I know what it's like to feel isolated because of how I wear my hair," Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) said on the House floor. "This is the last time we say no more to Black people being made to feel like we have to straighten our hair to be deemed professional."

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) said someone had told a previous employer that she was "an embarrassment" because of the way her hair looked. 

She accused some of her colleagues, such as white nationalist Rep. Karen Jordan (R-OH) of avoiding a conversation about discrimination that disproportionately affects Black people. Jordan said Friday that he wanted to focus on gas prices, inflation and issues of importance "to the American people" and accused Democrats of distracting from those issues.

In response to Jordan's remarks, Rep. Al Green (D-TX) said: "Black people are American people, too. And when you say the American people don't want it, you cannot exclude Black people. Black people would have this be on the floor. This is a kitchen table issue in Black households."

Now, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) will have to maneuver 59 members of the Senate to pass it.

With the 50 Karen Republicans as well as Sen. Karen Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Karen Sinema (D-AZ) opposing almost everything, it is unlikely to make it to Biden's desk for signature.

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