Every day there has been an onslaught of troubling news. From the latest Trump Cabinet appointees to a gun-toting vigilante in our own backyard fueled by fake news. We are 41 days from President Obama’s last day in office and then -- regardless of where you fall on the political divide -- we will truly all be in unchartered territory. Before you take your weekend breather…here’s your Friday read.
Read MoreHang in there. The week is almost over, you’ve got holiday parties to attend, and we've got two words for you: Denzel Washington! But first, the important stuff. Here's your Wednesday read...
Read MoreThe Dakota Access pipeline was rerouted, proving that when the many stand against the powerful few, the people can achieve a win. Let us draw inspiration from the Sioux tribe and the unity they inspired across the country. One major victory down; many, many more battles remain. Here’s your Monday read.
Read MoreThe president-elect is on a victory lap and announced a new cabinet pick- Gen. James Mattis for Secretary of Defense. And that's not even the half of it. There's a lot more happening. Let’s get right to it. Here’s your Friday morning read…
Read MoreYesterday, a well-known political operative reminded The Beat that tomorrow, December 1st, is Rosa Parks Day. Then she said, “Rosa Parks did not stand up for us so we could fall down on her. We have to stand up. Fighting these fights is about legacy.” We have a new legacy to protect and a new one to create. Here’s your Wednesday read…
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The President-elect is tweeting erroneously about voter fraud (again) and very few are holding their breath waiting on results from the recount. We're anxiously waiting to see the next cabinet pick from President-elect Trump, and what policies this administration will attempt to advance or deconstruct. It’s officially the season for holiday parties in the Nation’s Capital. Regardless of where you fall on the political divide, it’s a safe assumption that just about all of us could use a free cocktail. Cheers! In the meantime, welcome back! There’s a lot you may have missed. So here’s your Monday read…
Read MoreDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” In this polarizing political climate, the calls for justice and equality will continue to ring loud in vociferous tones. Now, more than ever, “they” must become “we.” We are all Muslims. We are all undocumented. We are all LGBTQ. We are all persons of color. When hatred and bigotry runs afoul of one, they run afoul of us all. It’s not “they,” it’s “we.” It’s not “them,” it’s “us.”
With that, we want to wish everyone a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving. The Beat returns on Monday, November 28th. Until then…here’s your read for the week!
Read MoreAlmost daily, there are appointments and comments coming from the President-elect’s camp that give communities of color angst about what’s to come from this administration. We, the many, will always stand against the bigoted few. There is no rest for the weary. So we start this read with a meeting of the Trump transition team and the communities…
Read More"It’s a little surprising to me that I should reach this great moment in my career and look around from my left and to my right and see so few people who look like me. I’d like to fix that." -- Gwen Ifill
With her iconic wisdom and historic career, Gwen Ifill sums up the meaning for our collective journey--ensuring people who look like us have a seat at the table. This past election cycle highlighted so well the power of the media. When the need for bearing witness and reporting truth are traded for ratings and profit, society suffers. Gwen Ifill stood strong in the integrity of gathering information and sharing it with the American people. She was a fact seeker, a truth teller, and a pioneer who made sure the table continued to expand so that many others could assume a seat. With that…The Beat bears witness to our struggles, our victories, and our collective journey, as we honor the legendary Gwen Ifill…
Read MoreNow that the President-Elect has given us an idea of the tribe he plans to march down Pennsylvania Avenue come January, laid out his plans in a 60 Minutes interview, and continued his twitter attacks on the press, we have an idea of what working “with” this new administration may look like. (Sigh…) The dawn of the Trump Era is no laughing matter, but we are so grateful to Saturday Night Live for providing some levity this weekend. Dave Chappelle and A Tribe Called Quest both delivered passionate messages to the American people in these trying times. (We miss you Phife!) With that, here’s your Monday morning read.
Read MoreOn this day, we honor those who have served in the military, standing on the frontlines to protect our freedoms. It is in that same spirit that we as a people lock arms and stand for the greater good. We note that in this time of hurt and disappointment, with the country so deeply divided, communities of color have never felt more united. We are seeking paths forward, together. As we prepare to work with the next administration on shared interests, we also will stand vigilant against the forces of bigotry, misogyny and scientific ignorance to continue protecting freedom and civil rights, fighting climate change, advancing social justice and creating opportunities for all people in America to achieve their dreams. The Beat is our collective platform to share information and organize! In solidarity…here’s your Veteran’s Day read.
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