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Caribbean Americans ‘Rally For Kamala’: Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tatyana Ali Lead Nationwide Call for Support for Harris 2024 Presidential Campaign – Essence

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 25: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on the 88th National Convention of the American Federation of Teachers on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers is the primary union to endorse Harris for president since her campaign was announced. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

In a robust show of unity, a whole bunch of Caribbean Americans, including Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Tatyana Ali, a Jamaican-American congresswoman Yvette Clarkeand congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett U.S. Virgin Islands, rallied to support Kamala Harris for president.

Harris for President Virtual Event: Caribbean Americans National call” held in August, united people across the United States and the Caribbean, demonstrating the Caribbean diaspora’s deep influence and growing political influence within the upcoming elections. It marked the start of a bigger effort called “Rally for Kamala”Caribbean-American campaign to elect Vice President Kamala Harris as the following President of the United States. The campaign also works to extend voter registration, education and protection.

“We are here tonight to recognize our collective strength and unwavering support for Kamala Harris,” said Marlon Hill, a Miami attorney who helped organize the community call together with other members of the Caribbean-American Collective, including Karen Andre, Kyra Stephenson-Valley and Shurland Oliver.

“This rally is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Caribbean-American community and our commitment to ensuring our voices are heard and our votes matter in this crucial election,” he added.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2019 American Community Survey The vibrant Caribbean community within the United States is made up of greater than 8.5 million individuals who were born within the Caribbean or have ancestors within the region. Despite their significant presence, the Caribbean diaspora often stays an neglected voting bloc. Yet their contributions each within the U.S. and of their homelands are undeniable, and their voices are increasingly being heard on the political stage, advocating for greater recognition and influence.

The event began with a passionate speech by Ralph, a proud Jamaican-American, who called on the Caribbean community to make their voices heard. “We, too, stand up and fight for social justice. Our unique heritage and vibrant spirits embody the diversity that strengthens our nation,” Ralph declared. She highlighted the joy and hope ignited by Kamala Harris, stating, “No one could have imagined the fire of hope that this Caribbean American, Kamala Harris, has ignited in all of us.”

Ralph urged everyone to register to vote and engage their communities within the electoral process. “Talk to everyone because right now we have a great opportunity to shape the future of this country,” she said. She emphasized the importance of supporting a frontrunner who understands the worth of diversity, equity and inclusion. “Together we can create a future where every voice is heard, every community is empowered and every dream is within reach.” Ralph concluded with a famous Jamaican proverb: “We are small, but we are tallawah. (That means we may be small, but we are strong, powerful and we can do anything.) Let’s make Kamala Harris our president. Yes, man, we need some rice and peas in the White House.”

In a candid and compelling speech, Ali proudly shared her heritage and expressed her unwavering support for Vice President Harris. Ali, who’s of Afro-Panamanian and Indo-Trinidadian descent, emphasized the importance of her heritage and the unity of Caribbean Americans in this important election.

“I’m a proud Black and Indian Caribbean American. My mother is Afro-Panamanian with roots in St. Vincent and Barbados, and my father is Indo-Trinidadian-American. She emphasized the importance of constructing coalitions and substance over division, aligning her values ​​with Harris.

She praised Harris’ commitment to reproductive rights and advocacy for black maternal health, noting her role as an original co-sponsor The Momnibus Act“This stack of legislation must be passed to save lives, especially those of Black women, Native American women and women living in rural areas. In the White House, she expanded Medicaid coverage to include the postpartum period and created new safety standards for hospital labor rooms.”

As a mother of two young black boys, Ali expressed her desire for a greater future for all children. She highlighted Harris’ work on gun reform, climate change laws and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. “Kamala Harris is taking action. She has been the tiebreaker 33 times, more than any vice president in the last 200 years,” she noted.

Politicians also took to the virtual stage to rally support for Vice President Harris. Rep. Clarke, who’s of Jamaican descent, spoke passionately in regards to the have to unite Caribbean Americans, emphasizing the importance of a decisive victory, calling on the community to get deeply involved and providing Harris with the financial resources to succeed in every eligible voter.

Congresswoman Clarke highlighted the numerous contributions of Caribbean Americans to U.S. democracy and their commitment to nurturing relationships that profit each the United States and Caribbean nations. She also highlighted Vice President Harris’ work on women’s health and her leadership in addressing critical issues resembling immigration reform and climate change.

LaNiesha Dawson, deputy political director for Harris for President, shared the campaign’s successes, including raising greater than $200 million and signing up 170,000 volunteers in 11 days. “Our coalition is made up of women, Latinos, students, progressives, seniors, Native Americans, black voters and others. This is a campaign for everyone.”

Dawson emphasized the necessity for authentic and honest outreach across the country, calling on everyone to affix the hassle. “As Vice President Harris said, now is the time. We are the underdogs in this race, but we can make sure every voice is heard with your support.”

Congresswoman Plaskett, D-U.S. Virgin Islands, called for a coordinated voter registration effort, especially during September, which is Voter Registration Month.

“We need to make sure that we are involved in ongoing voter registration and national registration. Voter registration month is in September. We need to plan all kinds of activities in our local community to find every person who is not registered and register them to vote,” she said.

Highlighting the critical role of Caribbean Americans, Plaskett highlighted the profound contributions of each American democracy and their local communities. “Caribbean Americans have been key contributors to this democracy for years, for generations, to make sure that our voices are heard and that we are doing what is in the best interest of not only the communities that we live in here in the United States, but that we are building relationships that will improve the lives of those who live in our hemisphere, and that means all of our Caribbean nations,” the congresswoman added.

Dr. Stacy Grant, The twenty sixth International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., can also be a proud Jamaican American. She has passionately urged young people to exercise their right to vote. As a frontrunner of the nonpartisan organization, she has emphasized that while they don’t tell members how or who to vote for, they strongly encourage all to take part in the democratic process and make their voices heard.

“We are very clear about what needs to be done with young voices… those who are 17 and soon to be 18, those who are 18 and older, are discouraged by the noise in the world. We need to let them know that this is not the time to sit and say, ‘No, I don’t want to be disturbed; this is already set up.’ That is a lie. We need every voice, every one to register, every one to go to the polls and every one to be educated on the issues that matter to us,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of this election, framing it as a fight for democracy, equality and access for all. “This is what this fight is about,” she declared. “It’s about our democracy; it’s about protecting the rights of all people, equality and access for all. This is not a time to sit back and watch from the sidelines. Everyone needs to be involved in moving forward, educating and mobilizing what it means to vote in this election.”

Other notable speakers included Paula Madison, a key member of Vice President Harris’ campaign finance committee since 2010; Congressman Maxwell FrostAfro-Cuban Representative from Florida’s tenth District and Member of Congress Adriano Espaillatafirst Dominican-American to serve within the U.S. House of Representatives; representing New York’s thirteenth congressional district.

The national call also served as a fundraising platform, with attendees encouraged to donate to Harris’ campaign. Organizers stressed that financial support was crucial to amplifying Harris’ message and securing victory within the upcoming election.

Ralph emphasized Vice President Harris’ profound importance to the Caribbean community all over the world, stating, “We support a leader who embodies the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions that Caribbean Americans bring to our nation. Our voices, dreams, and resilience help make the United States a land of opportunity and promise for all.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Politics and Current

Kamala Harris Recognized for Her Spotlight on Race and Reparations During NABJ-WHYY Interview

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Kamala Harris, theGriio.com

In a wide-ranging interview with the National Association of Black Journalists and public radio station WHYY, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke more broadly about race than at some other time since becoming a presidential candidate and then the Democratic Party nominee.

The historic presidential figure (Harris is the primary Black woman and Indian-American to be nominated by a significant party) made her first appearance as vice chairman on the difficulty of reparations and outlined the systemic harms inflicted on Black communities by U.S. history, including African-American slavery and racial oppression.

“We need to tell the truth in a way that leads to solutions,” said Harris, who co-sponsored HR40 when she was a U.S. senator.

While members of the Congressional Black Caucus and advocates have called on President Joe Biden to take executive motion within the absence of three many years of inaction on Capitol Hill, the presidential candidate has signaled she believes it should come through Congress. She cited Congress’s ability to carry hearings and “raise awareness” in regards to the history of slavery and racial discrimination.

However, the vice chairman added: “I am not downplaying the significance of any executive action.”

Referring to her economic plan if she wins the White House in November, Harris said her ideas for creating an “opportunity economy” would aim to “explicitly address the obstacles that exist historically and currently” in areas similar to student loan debt, health care debt, biased home valuations and black maternal mortality.

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris (left) is interviewed by National Association of Black Journalists members Gerren Keith Gaynor (far right), Eugene Daniels (second from right) and Tonya Mosley (third from right) on the WHYY studios in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

“I am pleased that Vice President Harris has recognized the important role truth plays in our pursuit of racial healing and transformation,” said Lee. “My legislation to establish a Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation would usher in a moment of truth-telling by educating and informing the public about the historical context of the racial inequities we witness every day.”

But Hunter said that despite Harris’ clear preference for congressional motion on the commission’s creation, such a commission through executive motion “could be a source of legislative policy.” He continued,

Political pundit and radio host Reeta Colbert admitted that Harris “hung around” during her CNN interview and presidential debate with Trump to discuss her racial identity.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Politics and Current

Airlines forces 14-year-old girl off plane due to weight and balance issues, leaving her to fend for herself

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The mother of a teen who was banned from a plane in Canada due to a weight imbalance is outraged at how the incident has put her daughter’s safety in danger.

According to the CBC, 14-year-old Camryn Larkan boarded a Porter Airlines flight home from Toronto to Victoria, British Columbia, on August 30 after visiting family and friends. Once she was seated on the plane, a flight attendant approached her and told her she had to get off the plane.

14-year-old stuck at the airport
14-year-old forced to leave plane due to “weight and balance” issues. (Source: Pexels)

“I was a little disoriented… I thought I was going to go back to my seat. I thought they were just going to take my bags.” – Camryn he said CBC. “As soon as I got off the plane and saw the doors close, that’s when I started, you know, getting really concerned.”

Porter Airlines pulled Camryn from the flight due to a “weight and balance issue.” The airline said agents asked for volunteers, but when nobody got here forward, “passengers were selected based on ticket type.”

After Camryn and several other passengers were asked to leave the plane, a Porter Airlines agent arranged for Camryn to fly to Victoria the subsequent day. Camryn immediately called her father, who got here to pick her up on the airport.

Camryn’s mother expressed her frustration, saying the airline completely mishandled her daughter’s exit from the plane.

“They put my child in immediate danger,” Catherine Larkan said. “It was complete neglect and it shouldn’t happen to any other minor.”

The airline’s policy is that unaccompanied minors are exempt from involuntary disembarkation. The company offers a $100 service plan for children traveling alone. The plan is required for children ages 8 to 11 and optional for children ages 12 to 17.

Camryn’s family didn’t know the service existed, so the airline treated the 14-year-old as an adult.

“At the time, our team was unaware that Camryn was a minor,” a Porter Airlines spokesperson said. “Camryn left the airport quickly and our team had limited ability to discuss options with her.”

Children travelling without an unaccompanied minor plan are considered “independent adults” and are subject to “adult passenger considerations such as weight, balance and unloading situations.”

“They provide a service, saying we know these people are at risk, and they say if you don’t pay for the service, you’re going to be treated like any other adult passenger traveling,” Camryn’s mother said. “It’s just absolutely absurd.”

An airline representative told People magazine that its customer support department is in touch with Camryn’s family and that Porter Airlines is working on solutions to minimize the chance of an incident like this happening again.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Politics and Current

Here’s What You Need to Know About Threats in Springfield, Ohio, After False Accusations About Haitian Immigrants

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Haitian immigrants in Springfield Ohio, theGrio.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — A small Ohio town has been flooded with false bomb threats since last week’s presidential debate, when former President Donald Trump falsely accused Members of Springfield’s Haitian community kidnap and eat cats and dogs.

Trump’s vice presidential candidate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, has amplified debunked web rumors about Haitian migrants because the Republican ticket criticizes President Joe Biden’s administration’s immigration policies, which Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, supports. City officials acknowledge that the influx of about 15,000 Haitian migrants is causing problems, but say there is no such thing as a evidence to support the claim that they’re eating people’s pets.

More than 30 bomb threats since last week have targeted schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials, forcing evacuations and closures. Springfield also canceled its annual diversity, arts and culture celebration in response to the threats, and state police on Tuesday distributed in city schools.

Here are some things to know concerning the situation in Springfield:

Who is behind these false threats?

Foreign actors, in particular. That’s according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican who said many of the threats got here from abroad. The governor’s office said a criminal investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies found the “vast majority” of the threats were international in origin. Officials didn’t provide further details on how investigators determined they got here from a foreign country, and DeWine didn’t name the country.

What’s happening?

DeWine has sent dozens of Ohio State Highway Patrol members to all 18 city schools, where checks might be conducted twice every day to prevent further disruptions and help parents and students ensure that the buildings are secure. But even with the increased police presence, many parents still didn’t let their children go to school Tuesday.

Meanwhile, security cameras have been placed at strategic locations around the town, and an explosives-sniffing dog has been deployed to Springfield and might be on duty 24 hours a day.

DeWine $2.5 million declared greater than two years to increase support for primary health care. State highway patrol also helps local law enforcement implement traffic laws. DeWine said many Haitians are inexperienced drivers who’re unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws.

How is the town reacting?

Springfield never wanted to be the focus — not like this.

City officials said Tuesday that misinformation and lies about Haitian immigrants have sown fear and division, disrupted science and price taxpayers money. In an announcement, they implored public figures, community members and media to “move beyond divisive rhetoric and instead work to promote unity, understanding and respect.” The statement didn’t mention Trump or Vance by name.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said the influx of migrants is straining police, hospitals and schools. He also criticized the federal government, saying the town asked for help months ago. But on Tuesday he urged national leaders to “soften their words and speak the truth.”

Why did so many Haitians move to Springfield?

Work and word of mouth.

Springfield in consequence, industrial jobs were lost and the population dropped significantly late last century. But the town made a concerted effort to attract employers and Haitian immigrants who helped meet the growing demand for employees in its factories and warehouses. Word spread, and Haitians began arriving in larger numbers in the past few years.

Haitians from Springfield and elsewhere have come to the U.S. to escape violence in their home country. Many Haitians are here under a federal program called Temporary Protected Statusallowing them to live and work temporarily in the U.S. because conditions in Haiti are deemed too dangerous for them to return to the island.

What do Haitian immigrants say?

Members of the Haitian community say they were uneasy even before Trump and Vance picked up on the pet-eating lies, as former residents were angered by the brand new arrivals’ impact on jobs, housing and traffic.

“Some of them are talking about living in fear. Some of them are afraid for their lives,” Rose-Thamar Joseph said last week on the Springfield Haitian Community Outreach and Support Center.

On church service on Sunday, Mia Perez said her daughter was evacuated from school twice last week.

“Children at school are asked by other children, ‘What does dog taste like? What does cat taste like?'” Perez said. “She asks, ‘Are we Haitians who eat this stuff? Is it true? What’s going on?'”

“It’s a conversation I wasn’t ready to have with my daughter,” Perez said. “I felt disrespected by our culture.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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