Volume 29 Issue 27 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

Vol. 29, Issue 27

WHY PROJECT 2025 POSES A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY

By Sharon C. Jenkins

AfricanAmericanNews&Issues:YourTrustedSource: 85,000WeeklyCirculations,212,500+Readers,and 150,000+FacebookCommunityandstillgrowing

The Negro who lives on the patronage of philanthropists is the most dangerous member of our socie , because he is willing to turn back the clock of progress when his benefactors ask him so to do.

- Marcus Garvey

In the intricate landscape of American politics, new initiatives frequently emerge, each promising to reshape the future. One such initiative, Project 2025, has recently sparked significant concern among political analysts, scholars, and the public alike. This project, ostensibly designed to reform the governmental structure, has been scrutinized for potentially undermining the very foundations of American democracy. President Joe Biden describes it as “the

biggest attack on our system of government and on our personal freedom that has ever been proposed in the history of this country.” Former President Donald Trump said, “I have no knowledge of Project 2025,” he stated in a Truth Social post on July 5, 2024, “I have no idea who is behind it.” But, some of his key allies are amongst its founders. Here, we explore why Project 2025 is considered a threat to

BOB BEAMON BEAT THE ODDS

By:Andrew Lawrence

Lot number 11 in Christie’s “Exceptional Sale” earlier this year lived up to its billing. This was the holy grail for the well-heeled sports fan or history buff –Olympic glory in the palm of your hand.

In an auction that included a Louis XIV tapestry and what was believed to be the only painting by all four of the Beatles, the long-jump gold medal from the 1968 Summer Olympics fetched £351,000. What made its owner give it up? “I had just gotten past the idea of storing it in a bank vault,” says Bob Beamon. “I also thought, with the flags all over the world about to go up for the Paris Games, it was time to cash in on my reputation and inspire the public again.” “Addressing Current &

By Zibora Gilder Tales and Tastes from the South

Voting in the upcoming elections is crucial. Many have been distracted by the current president’s appearance, forgetting that running this country involves more than just one person. In any leadership role, a team provides support, guidance, and ensures the leader is knowledgeable and strong in areas outside their typical comfort zone.

The Democrats’ challenge to the president to step down (despite most of them being just as old as he), is outrageous and makes blood boil.

Black women have played an impactful role in ensuring progress and securing democracy for generations. From Sojourner Truth, who advocated for women’s voting rights, to Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman in Congress and the first woman of any race to seek a major

party’s nomination for president. Ruby Bridges, the first child to desegregate a school in the South, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first African American woman elected to the Supreme Court, also come to mind.

Today, the uproar over the president’s age, capability, and capacity to lead serves as a deflection. This concern may stem from an unspoken truth that some feel this country does not want a “Black Woman” as president. The fear and bigotry linked to Kamala Harris potentially assuming the presidency if President Biden becomes unable to serve has led some to consider voting for former President Trump. His actions, including the January 6th insurrection and rolling back decades of progress, threaten to undermine the future of minority communities, the education system, social services, and more. Vice President Harris has faced unprecedented disregard and disrespect despite being highly qualified. With a background as a district attorney, attorney general, state senator, and now vice pres-

Donald J. Trump transformed the governance mentality of the GOP into a MOB mentality. Thus, the GOP’s Project 2025 Platform is proof positive, because it gives institutional political cover to malnutrition of the brain Trumpsters who desire White Privilege Autocracy, rather than Multicultural Democracy. Trump has declared that he wants to be a Kingly dictator for one day, but Project 2025 is forever, not one day. Least we forget a mob is a lawless group of individuals. America, the Bible warns us concerning association with the disorderly and the lawless, because association brings about assimilation. The eternal moral question is: Can most Americans on November 5th, 2024, choose to come from among the immoral-disorderly? Life is about choices, and The GOP offers no moral choice (s), because

nation-state self-annihilation (suicide) is not a choice. Suicide is insanity to the nth degree. Everyone dies. It’s the natural order of creation. Therefore, why commit suicide when death has already been appointed and predetermined by God, the creator? Thus: “What man can live and not see death?” (Psalm 89: 48). How do we live in Godly community with each other is the real issue, not how we die. Thus, there is no life that is not lived in human community, and no community not lived under the reality of God; whereby equal is equal, not equal is unequal. Christian Right Evangelicals need to fully understand this spiritual admonish: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing that he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation…..And the times of this ignorance God winked

“We Africans in America have been socially engineered to reject our past, and far too many of us live in a state of suspended animation. We deny the historical realities confronting us daily. Too many of us mistakenly believe that the past has no bearing on the present and is unrelated to the future. Thus, we have been conditioned to live our lives disconnected from cultural values, principles, and ideals - essential for peaceful living.”

- Anthony T. Browder

Bobby Mills, Ph.D.

Voting on pg. 4

Mentality on pg. 4

Democracy Cont. democracy as we know it.

Understanding Project 2025

Project 2025 is an ambitious political plan proposed by a coalition of conservative think tanks and advocacy groups. It aims to overhaul various aspects of the federal government, emphasizing efficiency, reduced bureaucracy, and a more pronounced adherence to conservative principles. At its core, Project 2025 seeks to concentrate power within the executive branch, streamline federal agencies, and implement a series of legislative reforms.

Centralization of Power

One of the most alarming aspects of Project 2025 is its push for the centralization of power. Democracy thrives on a system of checks and balances, where power is distributed among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent any single entity from becoming too dominant. However, Project 2025 proposes to significantly increase the power of the executive branch. This includes giving the president more control over federal agencies, reducing the independence of these agencies, and potentially overriding decisions made by Congress and the judiciary.

Critics argue that this concentration of power undermines the fundamental principles of democracy. By weakening the legislative and judicial branches, the executive branch could operate with less oversight, leading to potential abuses of power. This erosion of checks and balances could result in a government that is less accountable to the people and more susceptible to authoritarian tendencies.

Erosion of Institutional Independence

Another critical concern is the erosion of institutional independence. Federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and others, have traditionally operated with a degree of independence to ensure unbiased and effective governance. Project 2025 aims to bring these agencies under stricter executive control, arguing that it will make them more efficient and responsive to the president’s agenda.

However, this shift could undermine the objectivity and integrity of these institutions. Independent agencies are designed to serve the public interest without undue political influence. By placing them under the direct control of the executive branch, there is a risk that their decisions will be driven more by political considerations than by sound policy and expertise. This politicization of federal agencies could lead to policies that favor specific political agendas over the broader public good.

Threat to Civil Liberties

Project 2025 also raises significant concerns regarding civil liberties. The proposed reforms include measures that could curtail individual freedoms and rights under the guise of national security and public order. For example, the project advocates for increased surveillance powers, stricter immigration controls, and more robust law enforcement tactics.

While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect national security and maintain public order, critics warn that they could infringe upon civil liberties and lead to discriminatory practices. Enhanced surveillance powers could undermine privacy rights, and stricter immigration controls could result in the marginalization of vulnerable communities. These measures could erode the fundamental freedoms that are central to a democratic society.

Undermining Democratic Norms

Democracy relies not only on formal institutions and processes but also on unwritten norms and values. Project 2025 threatens to undermine these democratic norms by promoting a more adversarial and polarized political environment. The project’s emphasis on conservative principles and its efforts to marginalize opposing viewpoints could deepen political divisions and erode the spirit of compromise and cooperation that is essential for a functioning democracy. Furthermore, Project 2025’s approach to governance could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. If the executive branch gains unchecked power and the independence of federal agencies is compromised,

it could pave the way for subsequent leaders to exploit these changes for their own political gain. This erosion of democratic norms could have longlasting consequences, weakening the resilience of American democracy.

Impact on Minority Rights

A core tenet of democracy is the protection of minority rights. However, Project 2025’s proposed reforms could disproportionately affect minority communities. The project’s emphasis on law and order, stricter immigration controls, and reduced regulatory oversight could exacerbate existing inequalities and discrimination. For instance, stricter immigration policies could lead to increased deportations and family separations, disproportionately impacting immigrant communities. Reduced regulatory oversight could weaken protections for marginalized groups, allowing discriminatory practices to go unchecked. By undermining minority rights, Project 2025 threatens to create a more unequal and divided society, contrary to the democratic ideal of equal protection under the law.

Public Response and Mobilization

The public response to Project 2025 has been mixed, with supporters lauding its goals of efficiency and reform, while opponents raise alarms about its potential dangers to democracy. Grassroots organizations, civil rights groups, and concerned citizens have mobilized to protest the initiative, organizing rallies, campaigns, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about its implications.

This public mobilization underscores the importance of civic engagement in defending democratic principles. By voicing their concerns and participating in the democratic process, citizens can hold their leaders accountable and ensure that their rights and freedoms are protected. The response to Project 2025 highlights the resilience of American democracy and the enduring commitment of its people to preserving their democratic values.

Conclusion

Project 2025 represents a significant and contentious proposal that has sparked widespread debate about the

future of American democracy. While its proponents argue that it will lead to a more efficient and responsive government, its critics warn that it poses a serious threat to democratic principles. By centralizing power, eroding institutional independence, infringing on civil liberties, undermining democratic norms, and disproportionately affecting minority rights, Project 2025 could fundamentally alter the landscape of American governance.

As the debate over Project 2025 continues, it is crucial for citizens to remain informed and engaged. Democracy thrives on active participation and vigilance, and it is up to the people to ensure that their government remains accountable, transparent, and true to the principles upon which it was founded.

The Facts About Project 2025

Project 2025 is a blueprint for a conservative transition of power in the United States, created by the Heritage Foundation. It focuses on the period following a potential Republican win in the 2024 presidential election. Here are some key points about Project 2025:

Goals: Reshape the federal government by proposing policy changes, creating a database of potential conservative appointees, and outlining actions for the first 180 days of a new administration.

Components:

• Mandate for Leadership: A policy guide for various government agencies.

• Conservative human capital pool: A database of potential administration staff.

•Presidential Administration Academy: Training for potential appointees.

• 180-Day Playbook: Recommended actions for the new administration’s first months.

Perspectives:

• Supporters view it as a way to enact conservative policies efficiently.

• Critics see it as a power grab that could weaken checks and balances. Resource: https://www.project2025.org/

ident, she is educated, culturally aware, and committed to fighting against potential fascist threats. Her loyalty, commitment, and clear messaging on the president’s strengths, even as others turn against him, highlight her character and dedication to marginalized communities.

Unrealistic expectations are often placed on the Vice President. It’s essential to understand the responsibilities of a VP and whether other VPs have been held to the same standards. Can democracy afford to gamble by placing President Trump back in office? After witnessing the actions of the Supreme Court over the past year, the BidenHarris ticket represents a vote for DEMOCRACY. This election is about life or death, women’s rights, disabled rights, religious freedoms, the legacy of those who fought for at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained: (Acts 17: 24-27 and Acts 17: 30-31).

American Democracy requires an inclusive Godly mentality because of the spiritual-moral principles embedded in the Preamble as well as the U. S. Constitution. The GOP Mob Mentality cannot live by these inclu-

current rights, and the future rights of generations to come.

Recipe of the Week: Southern Election Day Cornbread

During election season, it’s traditional in many Southern homes to prepare a dish that symbolizes unity and community. Cornbread, a staple in Southern cuisine, is often made as families and friends gather to discuss and celebrate their civic duties.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the

sive spiritual and moral democratic principles, because they desire something for nothing based upon White Autocratic Privilege. America is at a spiritual moral crossroads: which way Multi-cultural Democracy or White Privileged Autocracy? The choice is spiritually and morally clear. Former President Trump is not a choice. Trump represents the death of multi-cultural democracy in American society. The 2024 Presidential election is not about Trump and Biden. It’s about the kind

cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or baking dish.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let the cornbread cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this Southern Election Day Cornbread as a reminder of the importance of community and participation in the democratic process.

As rare collectibles go, Beamon’s gold still dazzles. The clear favourite in 1968, Beamon’s 8.9-metre jump obliterated the world record. Welshman Lynn Davies, the defending Olympic champion, who finished eight spots behind Beamon on that extraordinary day at Estadio Olímpico Universitario told Beamon afterwards: “You have destroyed this event.”

The American weekly magazine Sports Illustrated pronounced Beamon’s jump one of the five greatest sports moments of the 20th century, above Bannister’s four-minute mile. “They never really showed videos of his jump until years later,” says John Carlos, the 200m bronze medalist in 1968. “What they showed was a still picture of him up in the air.”

of country we desire to live in. It’s about the American people and their spiritual values: Democracy or Autocracy? Socio-economic equality and justice for all, regardless of race, religion or creed. Justice must be grounded in the moral principle that no one is above the law. Law is about moral order. Or do we desire a society; whereby the Presidency has become a get-out of jail free card? America, give me Biden rather than Trump any day in the week, and twice on Sunday.

It was dubbed “the leap of the century” and inspired a new superlative: Beamonesque. “I got a call from Webster’s saying, ‘We put your name in the dictionary, and it means outstanding, unbelievable,’” Beamon recalls.

“I never even had a library card. To be an athlete and have your name in the dictionary describing the things you’ve done: it’s just as great as winning a gold medal.”

His golden leap endured in the record books for nearly 23 years, until the American Mike Powell beat it by 5cm at the 1991 world championships.

Beamon’s long jump is still the longest ever at the Olympics. Just as improbably, Beamon captured the American imagination as popular attention was divided between the civil rights movement and the Vietnam war –battles that Carlos and 200m champion Tommie Smith called further attention to on the podium. At his own medal ceremony, Beamon wore black socks in solidarity with their gloved-fist protest. After getting kicked out of college for protesting about racism, Beamon had intended to play it safe. But that turned out to be harder than he had realised. Being so far in front made Beamon’s a lonely trail. He didn’t have family or friends to cheer him on at the Olympics. He had to accept that he had reached his athletic peak at the age of 22. What’s more, like many Black American luminaries of the day, Beamon was forced to reconcile racism at home with respect abroad – which also had its limits. “They’d whistle and yell and even boo,” Carlos recalled of the meets when Beamon didn’t jump over the sand pit. “It was difficult for Bob. Here’s a guy that was just thrust into fame. Everybody coming at him – you’d be a little guarded, too.”

On a video call from his home in the South Carolina resort town of Myrtle Beach, Beamon, 77, looks fit and focused. At first he seems reserved – before Beamon was a byword for athletic

excellence, Carlos called him by a different name: the Aristocrat. “He’s a fun-loving guy, just kinda withdrawn. Not one to jump out there if he doesn’t know you. That type of energy.” After about an hour or so, he lets his guard down just enough to lob out the odd wry barb. “I don’t feel like I missed anything,” he says when I ask him if there’s such a thing as being too reserved. “I mean, I missed a couple parties. I’m not a party guy, so it wasn’t a big deal for me.”

This comes from a guy who carved out a successful post-jump career as a jazz drummer, playing alongside a slew of Grammy award-winning artists. Earlier this year, he released an album with Brooklyn-based producer Stix Bones called Olimpik Soul. “The first time I met Max was at a downtown studio in Manhattan,” he says, casually referencing his chance meeting with renowned drummer Max Roach back in the day. “He was playing with some other greats: Roy Brooks, Joe Chambers, Freddie Waits. Together, they were called the M’Boom ensemble group. It had an incredible effect on me.”

Beamon started out in South Jamaica, in the New York borough of Queens, as a beatnik, filling his school notebooks with freehand sketches and playing the drums for a local dance school. (“I had to give it up because of sports,” he

HISTORY

THE BLACK VOTE CLAUDE CUMMINGS, JR.

By: Travis McGee

The Black vote is the most important vote, but yet and still it’s the most manipulated and disrespected vote because it can be sold for pennies on the dollar. For decades now the message has been VOTE, JUST VOTE, or VOTE like your life depended on it. A vote as important as the Black vote has to be an educated-well researched Vote versus a “JUST VOTE.”

The most oppressed people in U.S. history need to expect more from their vote than simply choosing just any political candidate, regardless of race. Not everyone who looks like

from the things going on in and around your house. As a matter of fact, it’s over 1400 miles away from Houston, Texas. Just like we often hear, “Everything starts at home.” That includes also being politically aware of what’s happeneing locally versus focusing on just the Presidential election. We have to get away from being seduced by the popularity contests, ‘Imma Do’ speeches, and ‘the name recognition only’ way of voting. Without understanding a candidates’ voting history or the work that they have previously done for their constituents, you

By: Judy Foston

Claude Cummings who is the International President of Communications Workers of America (CWA) traveled on Air Force One going to a Detroit Michigan Rally with President Joe Biden. Claude is a 1970 graduate of Kashmere High School, where he was Senior Class President, graduating with honors. Following graduation, he attended Tuskegee Institute.

us supports our interests, and just because someone is White don’t make them right.

Research now versus regret later. The White House can’t be a distraction

their constituents, you can’t really know if they are for you or against you. We should research the candidates

for ourselves to see who they really are and if what they’ve done has been a benefit to us before asking for our VOTE. The race card can’t be the only card considering we have an opportunity to evaluate the whole deck of cards before voting. In the past and present the Black Vote has been easily obtained by romancing us with free music, free food, and lies. They even acknowledge our leaders and tell us who we should listen to, however, they never tell you the TRUTH or who is getting paid behind the scenes while we’re not paying attention.

paying attention.

POLITICAL

AGEISM AND SEXISM AND RACISM…OH MY!

By: Shelley McKinley

forest and are calling

step down out of fear of his memory loss, fear

office making Kamala

In response to fear while walking through a dark forest Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow, said ‘Lions and tigers and bears… oh my!’ in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Today, many Americans feel like they are in a dark political forest and are calling for President Biden to step down out of fear of his memory loss, fear of his death while in office making Kamala Harris president, and /or the possibility of Donald Trump winning the presidential election. Some democrats and independents alike, are asking President

Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. In essence, the public outcry is ‘Ageism and sexism and racism…oh my!’

As baby boomers are getting older in this increasingly technological society, ageism is still

an accepted prejudice in the USA. Age bias, rooted in stereotypes, has called into question President Biden’s cognitive abilities with the assumption that they will inevitably worsen with age throughout his second term if elected. His recent public performances have only provided sound bites that will be used against him. The fact still re-

mains that Biden has a proven successful political track record, and has a team of advisors, spokespeople, and experts for domestic and foreign issues, so President Biden’s age should be a non-factor.

be a non-factor.

In a 2024 American Psychological Association (APA) interview, Joann Montepare, PhD, director of the Rose Mary B. Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts, stated, “Ageism is this odd ‘-ism’ in that it’s still socially acceptable in many ways. Aging is a very diverse process, and there are great differences between individuals.”

are fueling the call for President Biden to withdraw are sexism and racism. If the President cannot serve his full term, Vice President Kamala Harris would assume the role of president. “In case of the

president. “In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President,” Section 1 of the 25th Amendment reads. This last happened in 1974, when Vice President Gerald Ford replaced President Richard Nixon.

those experiences to link herself to the African American community. If she were to ascend to the presidency, Harris would become the first woman and first IndianAmerican to hold the office. Therefore, VP

ing the highest office in the USA.

As we approach the 2024 Democratic National Convention where delegates of the United States Democratic Party will select the party’s nominees for president

Other fears that nominees for president and vice president, democrats and independents are asking for another candidate so that they can avoid admitting their personal prejudices related to gender and race. With a presumably younger white man running against Trump, they can pretend that their personal prejudices toward women and minority populations do not exist.

Vice President Harris, who identifies as IndianAmerican, attended Howard University and is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha So- rority, Inc. She uses

office. Therefore, VP Harris stands at the intersection of sexism and racism. Niki Haley, another Indian-American woman, recently lost the republican presidential primary to Trump, and is being ostracized by her party for taking him on. This is another example of sexism and racism, showing that party affiliation does not matter when it comes to minority women hold-

LEGAL NOTICE

The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd. ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Thursday, August 8, 2024, for the following solicitation: RFP 25-07-02 Communications Support and Services Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with these RFP’s. Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting is located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to the solicitation.