See story on page 10
“We Will Not Be Denied”:
By Pulane Choane Contributing Writer
In the dynamic world of social media, the #BlackGirlFollowTrain has emerged as a significant movement on TikTok, aiming to amplify Black women’s voices and foster a supportive community. This initiative encourages Black women to follow and engage with each other’s content, thereby increasing visibility and challenging the platform’s algorithmic biases.
As of March 2025, the hashtag has accumulated over 531,000 posts, reflecting its widespread impact. The movement gained traction in late 2022, when TikTok user @momtotheking, who is widely acknowledged as the creator of the trend, posted a video calling on Black women to follow one
another to increase visibility in a digital space that often overlooks them. Her call to action resonated across the platform, quickly turning a simple idea into a global phenomenon. Her video was a rallying cry — not just about follows, but about presence. The message being that Black women deserve to be seen. The movement encourages participants to follow and engage with each other’s content, thereby amplifying Black women’s voices and increasing their visibility on the platform.
The trend has not however been without controversy as some non-Black users have labeled the trend as exclusionary, questioning the creation of a space exclusively for Black women on a platform as diverse as TikTok is. In response, supporters of the hashtag, instead argue that the initiative addresses the historical underrepresentation and marginalization of
Black women in media and online platforms.
Victoria Alexander, known on TikTok as @victoria_phd, a Ph.D. candidate and educator, has been a vocal advocate for the movement. In a notable video, she addresses the backlash against the #BlackGirlFollowTrain, particularly from some white feminists, by posing the question: “What do white feminism and the Black Girl Follow Train haters have in common?” In her TikTok video, Alexander asserts that “White women get to be the center of positive attention on [TikTok] all the time just by virtue of their whiteness, under white supremacy and the beauty standard.” This critique underscores the historical exclusion of Black women within feminist movements and highlights the necessity of creating spaces that center their experiences. She further goes on to emphasize
that creating spaces for Black women does not equate to the exclusion of others. This perspective reinforces the importance of dedicated spaces that celebrate and uplift Black voices. In addition to the backlash against the hashtag, content creators who are supporters of the have expressed frustration over the suppression of the hashtag, viewing it as an attempt to undermine the community-building efforts of Black women online. In a YouTube video titled “BLACK GIRL FOLLOW TRAIN has been SABOTAGED,” creator Dumebi Lea discussed the alleged sabotage of the movement, highlighting the disappointment and resilience within the community. She states, “It’s very disheartening to see our efforts being undermined, but we will continue to support each other and build our community.”
Despite facing criticism and alleged suppression from the platform’s creators use it on, the #BlackGirlFollowTrain continues to thrive, exemplifying the power of community and solidarity among Black women on social media. It serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of Black women in navigating and reshaping digital platforms to better reflect their voices and experiences. Since its inception, the hashtag has garnered over 360 million views, with more than 250,000 videos created using the associated sound. This surge in participation has led to significant growth in followers and engagement for many Black women content creators, including small business owners who have reported increased sales and visibility. The #BlackGirlFollowTrain has also inspired related hashtags such as
#BlackWomenFollowTrain and #BlackTikTok, which are all aimed at fostering community and support among Black users on TikTok, further promoting solidarity and visibility. These affiliated hashtags have contributed to the movement’s expansive reach, with thousands of posts and views collectively. Even with some users on TikTok alleging that while the hashtag hasn’t been banned but may have been #BlackGirlFollowTrain continues to roll, carrying with it not just new followers, but new conversations—about race, equity, and the right to take up digital space. Whether the trend evolves or fades, its impact is undeniable: Black women saw each other, amplified each other, and refused to be denied.
April 14, 2025 - April 20, 2025
How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia
land.
By April Ryan
On Feb. 24, 2025, members of the Puntland Defense Forces posed next to a sign in Arabic that proclaimed the mountain town of Sheebaab as a “province” of the Islamic State group. The town, located in Somalia’s autonomous northeastern region of Puntland, was one of numerous areas that soldiers from the regional government have taken back during Operation Hilaac, an ongoing campaign against fighters from the Islamic State in Somalia – the local branch of the terrorist network – which began in late November 2024. Puntland’s success in combating a growing Islamic State group presence in the
northeastern region is particularly notable given the relative lack of success of the central Somali government’s confrontation with the al-Qaida-affiliated group Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin – more commonly known as al-Shabab – which for about two decades has waged war against federal forces.
In contrast, security forces in the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland have, with some key support from international partners, united to repel the Islamic State group’s advance.
The Islamic State group’s rise in Somalia Islamist groups have been part of Somalia’s fractured political landscape since the country’s descent into civil war in the 1980s.
They tapped into profound local dissatisfaction with warlordism, tribalism and cor-
ruption, as well as a reaction to foreign intervention by Ethiopia, the United States and other international actors.
Al-Shabab and later the Islamic State in Somalia are the most extreme manifestations of this trend.
Islamic State in Somalia emerged in 2015 when a small group of al-Shabab members led by Abdulqadir Mumin – an extremist Somali preacher who previously lived in Sweden and the United Kingdom, where he acquired citizenship – pledged allegiance to then-Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Having formed as a local branch – or “province” in the group’s self conception as a global entity intent on expanding territory – Islamic State in Somalia launched its first major operation in October 2016, briefly seizing the port town of Qandala in Punt-
Thereafter, the group retreated to its strongholds in the mountain regions inside Puntland amid pressure from both the regional government and al-Shabab, which has cracked down on Islamic State supporters in its ranks.
Yet from the Puntland mountains, Islamic State in Somalia grew into a key node of the terrorist group’s global network. It is now a hub for transferring funds and drawing recruits from across Africa and elsewhere via the regional coordination office it operates known as al-Karrar.
One notable Sudan-born operative killed in a 2023 U.S. raid in Puntland, Bilal al-Sudani, was known as a key foreign fighter, facilitator and financier who developed
Black people are not going to stand for this,” says Nikole Hannah Jones, the author of the 1619 Project. She is responding to reports that President Trump is targeting the slavery section of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The museum’s slavery facts and substantiating artifacts of the 250 years of the enslavement of Africans in America, curated by historians, are the bull’s-eye for the Trump administration. “I think that this is a sign of a deep sickness to think that you could go to the National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture and feel the need to erase how Black people got here,” emphasized Jones, who added, “To erase or minimize the slavery and freedom part of that story is to create a fantasy of
New
how we got here. We literally would not be in the United States without slavery.”
According to sources, Smithsonian officials are secretly strategizing to stave off presidential actions for Republican support to preserve the history. Smithsonian officials hope once they have secured Republican support, they can present the attempt to save the artifacts and museum integrity to President Trump. In its lower portion, the museum takes tourists on a historic timeline journey from American slavery to Jim Crow, the Civil Rights movement with the casket of Emmett Till, and simulations of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, among other noted moments in American history. “We cannot be a free democratic society when you have the most powerful people
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com
Maryland lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 587, authorizing the creation of the Maryland Reparations Commission.
The body will study and make recommendations for reparations to descendants of enslaved people and others harmed by centuries of discriminatory policies. The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature and is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025. The commission will examine Maryland’s long history of slavery, the economic and social systems that benefited from it, and the lingering impacts of those institutions. Its work will
include recommendations on financial compensation, housing and business support, tuition waivers, and other forms of restitution. “This commission is not only about acknowledging our past – it’s about using that understanding
to pave the way for a more equitable and fair future,” said Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, which made reparations a top priority for the first time this legislative session.
From its founding in 1634 until the abolition of slavery in 1864, Maryland was a society built on slave labor. Tobacco, the colony’s staple
New York City and state officials refuse to comply with the Trump administration’s demands to dismantle public school diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. In a move that defies federal threats to withdraw critical education funding, state education leaders insist that the federal government has no legal authority to dictate how schools approach diversity. On Thursday, the Trump administration issued a sweeping directive requiring K-12 schools across the country to certify within ten days that they are ending what the administration calls discriminatory DEI practices. The administration said compliance would be necessary to continue receiving federal education dollars, including Title I funds that support schools in low-income communities. “Federal financial
assistance is a privilege, not a right,” said Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education. He accused public schools of violating federal law by allegedly favoring one group of students over another through DEI policies. New York State responded with a letter from Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy New York State Education Department commissioner. In the letter, dated Friday, Morton-Bentley wrote that federal officials are misinterpreting civil rights law and lack the authority to impose such conditions. “We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion,’” he wrote. “But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.” He noted that the state has already certified its compliance with Title VI of the
Photo by Michał Chodyra
Photo
Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces. Photo Courtesy PMPF - Puntland Maritime Police Force
By Ido Levy PhD Candidate, School of International Service, American University
“Not Like Us”: The voters who keep electing chaos
By Haley Taylor Schlitz, Esq.
Psst…I see a country pretending to be shocked.
The tariffs are here, the stock market is sliding, billionaires are bickering, and suddenly everyone is surprised, like this chaos wasn’t the natural result of their own choices.
“They not like us.” It turns out that Kendrick Lamar wasn’t just talking about rap feud. He was naming a generational truth, one that feels even more real now that Trump’s latest economic disaster is unfolding in real time. The stock market is sliding, billionaires are beefing on social media, and voters who put this man back in the White House are suddenly acting surprised.
But let’s be clear: this chaos? It’s not on us.
Black voters, especially Black women, stood firm. Ninety-two percent of us voted for stability, for leadership, for a future. We weren’t fooled by vibes or grievance. We saw what was
coming. And now, while the rest of the country tries to figure out what is going on, we’re once again left cleaning up someone else’s mess. You can’t keep electing clowns and acting shocked when the circus shows up.
Trump’s new tariffs aren’t smart policy, they’re economic spite. They’re designed to punish enemies, real or imagined, without a single thought for who’s going to get hurt in the process. And the first people to feel that pain won’t be the billionaires arguing on cable news or trading insults on X. It will be the folks trying to make ends meet, the people we grew up with, our friends and families.
Prices are already rising. Jobs are already being threatened, 900 auto workers in Michigan were laid off last week. And the same people who cheered Trump on as he promised to “make America great again” are now quietly asking what went wrong.
Here’s what went wrong: you voted for him. Again.
You voted for a man whose business failures are legendary. A man found liable for sexual assault and fraud. A man who mocks women, immigrants, people with disabilities,
and governs not with vision, but from personal grievance. What did you think was going to happen when he got power back? This is what happens when grievance becomes governance. When leadership is replaced by chaos. When power is handed to someone who sees the presidency not as a responsibility, but a revenge tour.
And while billionaires like Elon Musk and Bill Ackman squabble over trade wars they helped enable, families in North Minneapolis and St. Paul are about to feel the fallout in grocery store aisles,
gas stations, and job postings that suddenly disappear. Let’s be honest, this is economic violence. These tariffs are a tax on survival. Black families, already more likely to live in under-resourced neighborhoods and work in industries vulnerable to layoffs, will be the first to feel the sting. Rising food prices. Higher energy bills. More pressure and fewer options. We’ve seen this before. We felt it during COVID. Our community felt it during the 2008 housing crisis. And we’ll feel it again now, not be-
cause we didn’t vote, but because America didn’t listen. And that’s the deeper truth. Trump may be leading the chaos, but too many voters keep handing him the mic. Because the real danger isn’t just the man in the White House. It’s the millions of people who saw the wreckage he left behind in his first term and still decided to give him a second chance. You don’t get to set the house on fire and then act shocked when it burns. You don’t get to vote for chaos and then panic when the bill comes due.
So no, we’re not like you. We didn’t fall for the noise. We didn’t trade our future for a slogan. We knew
carry us. Tired of being asked to survive what others knowingly unleashed. If America wants to be saved from itself, it better start listening to the people who keep trying to save it. Because we may not have hedge funds or own social media platforms, but we have something deeper: we have truth. We have clarity. We have a moral compass this country ignores at its own peril.
As Kendrick said:
“The family matter, and the truth of the matter, it was God’s plan to show y’all the liar.”
That’s what this moment is. A revelation. A reckoning. Because God showed y’all the liar, and millions still chose him.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey made history on April 1, 2025, when he stood on the Senate floor and spoke for 25 hours and five minutes, delivering the longest floor speech in the history of the U.S. Senate. Booker’s speech detailed his concerns about President Donald Trump’s new exec-
utive orders, other policies and approach to government in his second term.
“I rise tonight because silence at this moment of national crisis would be a betrayal of some of the greatest heroes of our nation. Because at stake in this moment is nothing less than everything that we brag about, that we talk about, that makes us special,” Booker said.
Although Booker’s speech was not technically a filibuster, meaning a prolonged action at the Senate in order to delay or stop a vote on a legislative action, it was clearly a monumental physical achievement. Booker stood, wearing a black suit, for the entirety of his
speech and did not pause to take bathroom or meal breaks.
What does the subject matter of Booker’s speech, as well as his style of giving it, say about its potential effectiveness? Could it succeed where filibusters have failed?
Many other long Senate speeches in history offer a variety of useful historical hints about the political significance of Booker’s record-breaking speech.
Booker’s speech was a wide-ranging protest
One unusual element of Booker’s oration is that it was not focused on just one narrow issue.
Most of the lengthiest filibusters from across Senate history are focused on bills that cover important but specific issues. In 1953, Sen. Wayne Morse of Oregon, for example, set a record for the longest filibuster when he spoke for 22 hours and 26 minutes. Morse protested a bill involving the transfer of land and oil rights between coastal states and the federal government. The bill passed, despite Morse’s filibuster.
Sen. Strom Thurmond, the South Carolina politician who broke Morse’s record just four years later, infamously – and unsuccessfully – protested the Civil Rights Act of 1957 with a 24-hour, 18-minute speech.
Booker’s speech came in the midst of a vote to confirm Matthew Whitaker as the U.S. ambassador to NATO.
Whitaker was confirmed shortly after Booker’s speech concluded.
Booker and the procession of Senate colleagues who asked him questions referenced this and other appointments in their remarks. But Booker largely used the speech to build a much bigger case against the Trump administration, most notably that the administration had wrested from Congress much of its constitutionally mandated budgetary authority by extensively cutting federal staff, grants and spending without congressional approval.
“These are not normal times in America,” Booker said toward the beginning of his address, “and they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”
The rules and culture of the Senate have always been more lax when it comes to what congressional experts call “germaneness” – in other words, how relevant a Senator’s action is to whatever is being debated.
For example, the Senate often allows nongermane amendments, meaning those that have little or nothing to do with the bill being debated. Booker leveraged that Senate tradition to make a larger point about what he called an ongoing “crisis” in American democracy.
Booker stuck to the issues
Booker may have covered a wide variety of areas in his speech, ranging from proposed
Republican cuts to Medicaid to mass firings of federal workers, but there’s no question that he stayed focused on his critique of the Trump administration – a difficult task to stick to for 25 straight hours.
Booker’s predecessors in the pursuit of Thurmond’s record have demonstrated this difficulty in keeping a marathon speech focused.
For example, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas diverted from his argument when he gave a 21-hour, 19-minute speech protesting President Obama’s signature piece of legislation, the Affordable Care Act, in 2013.
Cruz, who still serves with Booker in the Senate, took the opportunity to tell his young daughters a bedtime story on the Senate floor, reading aloud from Dr. Seuss’ children’s book “Green Eggs and Ham.”
Louisiana Sen. Huey Long, meanwhile, shared recipes for southern fried oysters during his 1937 protest of the federal appointments process. Booker, on the other hand, almost uniformly kept his focus on his grievances against the Trump administration and used only notes designed to reinforce his central argument that Trump is not leading in the best interest of the country.
According to an April 1 press release from Booker’s office, the senator drew from over 1,000 pages of prepared material assembled by his Senate aides, including stories from more than 200 Americans who had written to Booker protesting
Trump’s actions. In many instances, Booker also spoke extemporaneously about the administration’s actions. At other times, his fellow senators broke in for a lengthy question, but even these kept the conversation, and Booker’s attention, focused on taking Trump — and occasionally Elon Musk – to task. In all instances, Booker used his speech to rally the public.
“My voice is inadequate. My efforts today are inadequate to stop what they are trying to do,” he said at one point. “But we the people are powerful, and we are strong.” Sen. Cory Booker speaks on the Senate floor on April 1, 2025. Senate Television/Associated Press Lasting effects Of course, with few tangible results to show for lengthy Senate speeches, people might be tempted to view these long orations as little more than trivia or political theater. On some occasions, filibusters have made a legislative impact. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato of New York, for example, filibustered a budget bill in 1986 for nearly 23½ hours to protest an amendment that would have killed funding for a jet trainer plane manufactured in his state. His filibuster didn’t stop the bill entirely, but he did secure a concession that
For
Columnist
At The Legislature
House committee approves human services policy bill addressing fraud, mental health care
By Todd Abeln
Several fraud-related measures are included in the omnibus human services policy bill.
HF2115 would create new penalties for kickbacks and establish criminal violations of human services programs. It would also create a separate Direct Care and Treatment agency, prohibit county governments from charging for emergency services provided to clients experiencing emotional crisis or mental illness, and codify the school district behavioral health grant program.
The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard a quick walkthrough of the delete-all amendment, which was subsequently amended, and approved the package on a voice vote Thursday, sending it to the House Floor.
“This bill is a combination of the work of this committee throughout the year,” said Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne), the bill sponsor. “We did it on a very bipartisan basis. The things that we were able to agree to we put into this bill so that we can continue to get a lot of good things done.”
There was no public testimony or other member discussion.
The bill would also: establish a review process upon notice of agency denial, reduction, suspension, or termination of long-term services and supports; • exempt assisted living providers from direct care staff compensation requirements under the Disability Waiver Rate System; provide residents of longterm care facilities with the right to a designated support person;
prohibit termination or non-renewal of assisted living contracts on certain grounds; replace a required special review board hearing with a
judicial appeal panel hearing and review when committed individuals in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program petition for a reduction in custody;
add post-traumatic stress disorder to serious and persistent mental illness for purposes of case management and community support services; • specify that co-payments,
coinsurance, and deductibles do not apply to mobile crisis intervention or crisis assessment services; • expand definition of “child” to include individuals up to age 21 receiving children’s mental health targeted case management services; exclude weekends and holidays from mental health diagnostic assessment 10-day timeline; expand
Lawmaker proposes $1 million for ‘Fresh Bucks’ program to expand access to fruits, vegetables
By Margaret Stevens
Building on the success of the well-regarded “Market Bucks” program, a bipartisan bill aims to expand access to fresh, nutritious food for Minnesotans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The proposed legislation would establish a “Fresh Bucks” pilot program within the Department of Health, helping eligible customers get fruits and vegetables at grocery stores.
Sponsored by Rep. Heather Keeler (DFL-Moorhead), HF1534, as amended, was laid over Monday by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.
Health committee considers HF1534 4/7/25
Growing up with a limited food budget, Keeler said she knows shopping in the middle aisles can be cost effective, but it’s not always the healthiest and the bill would help growers, grocers and customers.
Market Bucks, also known as the Healthy Eating
Here at Home program, provides $30 worth of food for $10 spent at farmers markets. While earning praise for improving access to healthier foods and supporting local farmers, the program doesn’t always ensure year-round access to fresh produce.
The Fresh Bucks pilot would broaden this approach, enabling SNAP recipients to enjoy similar benefits at grocery stores. Under the program, eligible customers would receive a 50% discount on fresh produce, capped at $80 per month. It’s expected that five to 10 retailers would participate at first, with stores receiving grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to support the initiative.
The bill would allocate $1 million in fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 to launch the pilot program, along with $500,000 annually for the Market Bucks program. It would also move the Market Bucks administration from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. Advocates see Fresh Bucks as a natural extension of
Bucks, leveraging federal funds to support cost-conscious SNAP shoppers and improve public health.
House health committee approves “lean, mean” policy bill
By Margaret Stevens
Lean, mean and bipartisan.
That is how Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) describes the health policy bill approved Wednesday night by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.
As amended, the bill would modify laws about scope of practice for optometrists, require maternal death studies, and necessitate informed consent when medical students perform sensitive exams.
“I want to thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this to the General Register. It is a team effort,” said Backer, the sponsor of HF2464.
The bill would expand optometrists’ ability to prescribe steroids and anti-viral medications. It would also allow licensed optometrists to perform injections into some parts of the eye – a provision that received the most debate Wednesday and when the underlying bill was heard in committee.
Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) unsuccessfully offered an amendment to delete language that expands the scope of practice for op-
tometrists to injections, saying she is not convinced that all licensed optometrists would have enough supervised injections to ensure patient safety.
Ophthalmologists are trained to do surgery on the eye and optometrists are not, said Rep. Ned Carroll (DFL-Plymouth). “One thing could go wrong and that would be the end of a patient’s eyesight.”
Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley), who sponsors the original bill, HF1011, said it would allow optometrists to practice as they have been trained, the scope of practice must be updated over time to reflect new training and treatments, and more than 20 states already allow eye injections by optometrists.
[WATCH: March 26 testimony and discussion on HF1011]
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township) is disappointed the final bill does not include provisions that would extend the time a temporary nurse’s license is valid. She said trained, board-certified nurses are being sidelined because of delays by the licensing board authorizing permanent licenses. What’s in the bill
bill would require informed consent before a health professional, medical student or resident performs a pelvic, breast, urogenital or rec
Market
“Farmers’ markets that participated in Market Bucks reported significant increases in spending on produce
as a result of the program, again showing that SNAP recipients are eager to make healthy purchases when it is feasible for
them to do so,” wrote Liam McQuade, a volunteer with MN350.
Tamara Wolter testifies in support of HF1534 before the House Health Finance and Policy Committee April 7. Sponsored by Rep. Heather Keeler, left, the bill would, in part, establish a Fresh Bucks pilot program at the Department of Health. (Photo by Michele Jokinen)
Islamic State funding networks in South Africa and helped fund the group’s branch in Afghanistan.
An NBC News report from mid-2024 cited U.S. officials who believed Mumin, head of Islamic State in Somalia, was acting as the network’s overall leader, or caliph, though other analysts have suggested he holds a top role close to caliph. In any case, Islamic State in Somalia’s ranks have increased steadily, from an estimated 200300 fighters in 2016 to about 1,000 as of February 2025, according to reports.
Puntland pushes back
Puntland declared itself an autonomous region of Somalia in 1998 amid the ongoing Somali civil war and has since achieved relative stability
compared with the other parts of the country, which have generally been marked by decades of sectarian division and weak central governance.
Puntland is no stranger to divisions in a country that often hinges on clan loyalties, but it has achieved a greater degree of unity and has regularly raised security forces to defeat external threats, often with considerable foreign support.
The dominance of a single clan, the Majeerteen, has in part likely helped facilitate this unity. In the current operations against Islamic State in Somalia, the autonomous Puntland government under President Said Abdullahi Deni has gathered several disparate regional forces under the “Puntland Defense Forces” banner, including clan militias, the Puntland Darawish – a regional paramilitary unit – and the Puntland Maritime Police Force.
The Puntland Maritime Police Force in particular has evolved into a well-trained
and experienced counterterrorism unit. Founded with United Arab Emirates money and mentored by private South African military contractors to address growing piracy, it has turned to fighting al-Shabab and Islamic State in Somalia in the mountain regions. Indeed, it played a leading role in taking Qandala from Islamic State control in 2016. It also cooperated effectively with other forces to defeat a 2016 al-Shabab attempt to attack Puntland from the sea.
The U.S. and UAE have supported the Puntland government’s campaign. In February 2025, the U.S. launched two airstrikes on Islamic State fighters, with one on Feb. 1, 2025, killing Omani-born Ahmed Maeleninine, a key recruiter, financier and facilitator.
The United States claimed another airstrike on March 25.
The UAE has conducted airstrikes too, likely from the large UAE-funded Puntland Maritime Police Force headquarters base in the major port city of Bosaso.
crop, fueled economic growth and political dominance for the state’s elite. By the mid18th century, nearly one-third of Maryland’s population was enslaved. Skilled and unskilled laborers like Frederick Douglass, who caulked ships in Baltimore, contributed to the state’s prosperity under brutal conditions. The legacy of that bondage continued to echo across generations. Del. Aletheia McCaskill, the lead sponsor of the House version of the bill, said the
measure lays the groundwork for redress. “I am overjoyed at the passage of this monumental legislation,” McCaskill said. “This commission will gather historical evidence, examine present-day disparities, and provide a data-driven framework to acknowledge past harms. By recommending policies and developing solutions to repair the damage done, we can take meaningful steps toward true equity in our state.”
Sen. C. Anthony Muse, sponsor of the Senate version, called the passage historic. “We took a historic step towards justice and healing for our communities,” Muse remarked. “The passage of
Maryland Senate Bill 587 marks a significant commitment to addressing the long-lasting effects of slavery and systemic inequities.” The commission’s membership will include lawmakers, historians, HBCU scholars, civil rights experts, representatives from the NAACP and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, and members of the public. It will examine reparations programs in other states and recommend procedures for verifying eligibility and the feasibility of funding and distributing reparations. Maryland’s history makes it a powerful setting for this initiative. The state witnessed the forced transport of nearly 100,000 Africans
The Puntland government has claimed that through its latest operation it has advanced through 315 kilometers, clearing numerous villages and outposts in the mountains.
On Feb. 11, 2025, The Washington Post reported that regional security forces had killed more than 150 Islamic State members, mostly foreign fighters from countries including Morocco, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, illustrating the group’s significance as a global hub for the network. In fact, one analyst counted 118 dead fighters from a single encounter in early February, indicating a possibly higher death toll. In any case, it represents heavy losses for Islamic State in Somalia, though it is not defeated yet and still numbers fighters in the hundreds.
The risk of outside interference
during the 18th century. The rise of tobacco plantations led to a devastating regime marked by family separation, disease, forced labor, and systemic brutality. Enslaved individuals in Maryland built canals, smelted iron, and helped fuel the economic engine of the state while living under constant threat of sale or violence.
The stories of individuals like Hillery Kane at Sotterley Plantation and Lucy Jackson at Hampton Mansion reveal not only the cruelty of slavery but also the resilience and resistance of the enslaved.
By the 19th century, Maryland became a central player in the domestic slave trade, with an estimated
All in all, Puntland has leveraged past success fighting jihadist groups in making remarkable progress in its fight against Islamic State in Somalia. It shows how local and substate forces can be more effective at fighting armed nonstate groups than the federal authorities, despite limited resources.
No doubt, support from the United States and UAE has aided Puntland’s anti-Islamic State push. But reliance on outside sources risks creating dependence on them when local forces must ultimately take ownership of the fight themselves.
And less patient foreign supporters have been known to spoil the elite units they build. This occurred with the Puntland Security Force, a U.S.-created special forces unit that splintered during a brief withdrawal of U.S. forces from Somalia in
20,000 people sold to cotton plantations in the Deep South between 1830 and 1860. Even after emancipation in 1864, freed Black Marylanders faced decades of disenfranchisement, segregation, and economic exclusion. “This is about more than history,” Wilkins said.
“It’s about how that history has shaped the realities of today.” The commission will submit a preliminary report by January 1, 2027, and a final report by November 1, 2027. It will explore possible sources of funding, such as businesses and institutions that benefited from slavery and discriminatory government practices. Opposition to the bill has centered mainly on its cost,
2021 and 2022. There are also risks that partner forces will behave badly. While the Emirati mission in Puntland – as well as in Afghanistan and Yemen – has proven effective in fighting jihadists, in Sudan it has been arguably disastrous. There, the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces paramilitary unit helped to ignite an ongoing civil war in 2023 during which its members perpetrated alleged atrocities. Ultimately, it will be up to Puntlanders themselves to keep fighting. Indeed, foreign support would have little impact without effective local forces on the ground with the political will to sustain the campaign. Just as Puntland has done before, so too is it now demonstrating that it is determined to fight the threat posed by jihadist groups like Islamic State in Somalia.
but the fiscal note details only a modest increase of $54,500 in 2026 to fund contractual staff. No reparations payments are authorized under the current bill. Maryland is joining California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York in forming a reparations commission. The move comes as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives face increasing national scrutiny and political attacks. Still, supporters of the commission insist the time for reckoning is now. “We’re not just commemorating the past,” McCaskill said. “We are charting a course toward justice, informed by our truth and grounded in our responsibility to future generations.”
in the world who will take control of a history museum and force them to tell a lie,” said a distraught Jones, who has been tracking the museum’s movements more closely since its director Kevin Young left his post last week after four years on the job. Over a million people visited the museum in 2022, making it the secondmost toured Smithsonian
Museum.President George W. Bush signed H.R. 3491, the National Museum of AfricanAmerican Act, in December 2023, authorizing the creation of a Smithsonian Institution Museum African-Americans legacy of Africa. The first Black president, Democrat Barack Obama, opened the museum in September 2016. Meanwhile, The Republican “Golden Age” President Donald Trump is focused on whitewashing historical and proven facts about African-Americans, calling it “ideologically unacceptable.” Recently, presidential
directives for the National Park Service have removed references to Underground Tubman from the Unse phrase “Black/White Cooperation.”
Harriet Tubman’s picture was prominent as she was the most famous Underground Railroad conductor. The website’s face now features commemorative stamps of various civil rights leaders and text including “Black/White Cooperation.”
Jones was emphatic that “this is the sign of people who are deeply insecure and untruthful and want to erase the very foundations of this country.”
Civil Rights Act of 1964 and sees no need to submit a new demand based on a faulty legal premise. “Given the fact that you are already in possession of guarantees by NYSED that it has and will comply with Title VI, no further certification will be forthcoming,” he stated.
The Trump administration has not responded to requests for comment. The New York City Department of Education, which operates the largest school system in the country, said it remains committed to creating and supporting learning environments that reflect the city’s diversity. Officials made clear that all students— regardless of race, religion, gender identity, immigration status, home language, or ability—deserve schools that are inclusive, supportive, and reflective of their experiences. In a city where Black and Hispanic children make up 70 percent of the student population, the DOE’s Equity and Excellence for All initiative has worked to increase access to high-quality education while addressing
however, lengthy filibusters throughout history have been largely fruitless efforts legislatively. Even so, the symbolism of these speeches, including Booker’s, can have effects on politics and representation that last beyond the legislation the senator is protesting. It’s difficult to know yet just how effective Booker’s efforts will be in motivating an anti-Trump coalition to stand up to the administration, either in Congress or among voters.
4
But politically speaking, Booker’s timing was fortu-
deep-rooted disparities. The plan includes strategies to reduce economic stratification, increase racial representation in schools, and ensure that students with disabilities and English language learners are fully included in academic life. The administration’s certification demand includes several pages of legal analysis and threatens to withhold funding from schools that fail to comply, even though federal funds make up just 6 percent of the overall budget for New York’s K-12 schools. Still, the threat has caused concern because of its potential to disrupt services in the city’s most vulnerable communities.
itous – on April 2, the same evening Booker wrapped up his address, liberals secured a crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court seat in a high-turnout election, when Judge Susan Crawford beat Judge Brad Schimel. Schimel is a Trump supporter and received nearly US$20 million in donations from organizations supported by Musk. Democratic politi-
Critics say the administration’s effort contradicts its campaign promise to return control of education to states and local communities. Instead, they argue, the move represents a politically motivated attempt to erase programs designed to close opportunity gaps for historically marginalized students. Morton-Bentley also pointed out that the current administration’s position contrasts with earlier statements from former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who in 2020 said diversity and inclusion were essential to highperforming organizations. The administration has not explained
cians also outperformed expectations in two special elections to the U.S. House in Florida, though they lost the races. Taken together with Booker’s herculean effort, these events could serve as a catalyst for Trump’s opponents to strike back in the coming months.
The symbolic significance of Booker’s achievement has also not gone unnoticed.
the reversal. Meanwhile, city education leaders continue implementing a detailed plan that includes expanded admissions opportunities for students in temporary housing, specialized outreach for underrepresented students in Advanced Placement and STEM courses, and new school models that prioritize bilingual education and inclusive environments. The conflict over DEI in schools is the latest in a series of high-profile disputes between New York and the federal government. State officials have also refused a separate Trump administration order to halt a
Booker, who is Black and reflected on ancestors who were both enslaved or enslavers in his speech, was himself mindful of the historical relevance.
“To be candid, Strom Thurmond’s record always just really irked me,” Booker said after his speech in an interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow.
congestion pricing plan that would fund improvements to New York City’s mass transit system. Despite threats of financial penalties, the city’s education officials say they will not back down from their commitment to providing all students with a quality education in an environment that welcomes and respects their identity and background. “This work is essential to our vision of Equity and Excellence for all NYC students,” the Department of Education said in a statement. “We cannot build high-quality schools for all without ensuring they are welcoming and supportive of
“The longest speech on our great Senate floor was someone who was trying to stop people like me from being in the Senate.” If nothing else, Booker took that record from Thurmond and made it his own.
Courtesy of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (website image)
10 Ways to Celebrate Spring in Minneapolis Parks
By Minneapolis Parks Foundation
through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Spring is the perfect time to dust off your paddle or racket and enjoy a match at one of Minneapolis’ many outdoor courts! Head over to the courts at Kenwood Park or Lyndale Farmstead for open tennis courts. With pickleball growing in popularity, you can find dedicated courts at places like Nokomis, Loring, Powderhorn Park, and Folwell Park, which helped provide free equipment and instruction to new players through the Folwell Neighborhood Association, thanks to a People for Parks Fund grant.
4. Catch the Nicollet Island Spring Market on April 27! Head to Nicollet Island on Sunday, April 27 for a day of local goods, vibrant artisan
As the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S., Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Theodore Wirth Park bursts into color each spring with native wildflowers and migrating birds. Take a peaceful walk along the trails and soak in the sights and sounds of the season.
2. Bike the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Pump up those bike tires and
crafts, and delicious bites from 50 unique vendors in the Twin Cities. Set against the scenic backdrop of Nicollet Island, it’s the perfect way to embrace the arrival of spring while supporting small businesses in the heart of Minneapolis. Whether you’re shopping for someone special, looking for artisan crafts, or just taking in the views of the Mississippi River, there’s something for everyone.
cruise along the Grand Rounds, a breathtaking 50-mile loop connecting Minneapolis’ most scenic parks, lakes, and riverfronts. Spring is the perfect time to pedal through the Chain of Lakes, along the Mississippi River, and beyond. Don’t miss the newest link in the Grand Rounds, connecting Ole Olson Park and the Overlook at 26th Ave N.
3. Hit the courts for pickleball or tennis
5. Kayak along our many water ways
Chain of Lakes, from Bde Maka Ska to Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, or check out one of the Mississippi Paddle Share locations and rent a kayak along the mighty Mississippi River. It’s a relaxing way to take in the beauty of the season. Both will be opening later this month or early May!
6. Explore Minnehaha Falls in full flow
Spring rains bring Minnehaha Falls to life! Take a walk along the trails and get ready to admire the rushing waterfall. Located right across the street from the Parks Foundation offices in the historic Longfellow House, be sure to stop by our favorite lunch spot, Sea Salt Eatery & the Sandwich Room — opening later this month — for some fresh seafood, unique sandwiches, and beautiful outdoor dining.
7. Join a birdwatch-
Spring is prime time for tulips, lilacs, and other blooms in the Lyndale Park Gardens, located near Lake Harriet. Wander through the Peace Garden, Rose Garden, and Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden for a colorful floral escape.
9. Go on a Little Free Library Treasure Hunt! Reading is power and spring is the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll through Minneapo lis neighborhoods and discover the hidden gems of the city’s
erts Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem for birdwatchers. Join a guided walk or bring your binoculars to spot warblers, woodpeckers, and other migrating species. Friends of Roberts Bird Sanctuary offers guided spring migration bird walks every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. now through May 24. Visit friendsofroberts.
Once the ice melts, it’s time to hit the water! Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the
org for more info. Check out Friends of Roberts with the Urban Bird Collective later this spring, a local group dedicated to making birdwatching more accessible for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, it’s a great way to explore nature and appreciate the return of spring!
Brooklyn Park Community Activities
Little Free Libraries! These charming book-sharing boxes
10. Get Involved in a Park Clean-Up Day
Spring is here, and what better way to welcome the season than by celebrating Earth Day with a community clean-up? On Saturday, April 19, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is hosting volunteer clean-up events across the city, giving you the chance to help keep our
can be found near more than 40 park locations, offering a chance to pick up a new read or leave a favorite book for someone else to enjoy. Whether you’re swapping novels, finding a new adventure, or just admiring the creativity of each uniquely designed library, it’s a fun and free way to explore the city while celebrating community and literacy.
tion is hosting a clean-up site at North Commons Park—a hub of activity and community in North Minneapolis. No need to pre-register—just drop by from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., check in with our site coordinator, grab some supplies, and lend a hand! Bring your enthusiasm and enjoy a morning of giving back to the parks we all love.
Arts & Culture
The Comeback Trail: Jonathan Majors lands leading role in action film
By Lauren Burke
Actor Jonathan Majors, whose career was slowed by a misdemeanor conviction in late 2024, is on the comeback trail. Last month, the film “Magazine Dreams” appeared in 800 theaters. Despite controversy in his personal life, positive reviews by movie critics and online movie buffs have hailed his performance.
The independent film directed by Elijah Bynum was released on March 21. The film focuses on a fictional bodybuilder named Killian Maddox who is struggling with mental illness. During an unpredictable two-hour ride, Majors commands the screen in an intense role that deals with broad themes of the meaning of human existence to failure and personal adversity.
Though “Magazine Dreams” originally debuted on January 20, 2023, at Sundance, it faded to black for two years after Majors was arrested on March 25, 2023, after an argument with his thengirlfriend. The two were seen in a surveillance video during the dispute which featured the girlfriend chasing the actor through the Chelsea section of Manhattan. After the actor called the police after spending the night alone in an uptown hotel shortly after breaking up with his ex via text, Majors called police the next morning to his Manhattan residence — which his ex had locked him out of. When police arrived, they found her dazed and confused on the floor of Majors’ bathroom. Police arrested Majors.
Majors was charged with assault and would later be found guilty of a misdemeanor. The moment temporarily delayed his career. But a comeback is underway professionally and personally.
As Majors enjoyed a press event that included a Q&A panel with “Selma” (2014) star David Oyelowo it was revealed he and actress Meghan Good were married by Major’s mother, who is a pastor. His mother and Good were seen by Majors’ side during his brief trial in New York in late 2023. During an interview with Sherri Shepherd on March 21, Majors revealed that he was a survivor of sexual molestation when he was eight. When Shepherd asked Majors what got him to a place where he could share that painful private information publicly. The actor answered: “Growth.” It was announced on March 26 that Majors has been cast in the action film “True Threat” which will be directed by Gerard McMurray. He will portray Vernon Threat, a Special Forces officer who seeks revenge and justice after the murder of his son. Majors has also been cast in the revenge thriller “Merciless,” to be directed by Martin Villeneuve. Both McMurray and Bynum are Black directors in Hollywood that still feature few of them. Majors, 35, graduated from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University in 2016. He has starred in “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” in 2019, the Marvel film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in 2023 and in “Creed III” in 2023. Majors has enjoyed critical acclaim for his intense and
memorable performances. extra quarter of a year. Since each year of schooling raises earnings by about 9%, then a quarter-year gain means that Mississippi students benefiting from the program will increase future earnings by 2.25% a year.
Based on typical high school graduate earnings, the average student can expect to earn an extra $1,000 per year for the rest of their life.
That is, for every dollar Mississippi spends, the state gains about $32 in additional lifetime earnings, offering substantial longterm economic benefits compared with the initial cost. The Mississippi literacy project focuses on teaching at the right level, which focuses on assessing children’s actual learning levels and then tailoring instruction to meet them,
rather than strictly following age- or grade-level curriculum. Teaching at the right level and a scripted lessons plan are among the most effective strategies to address the global learning crisis. After the World Bank reviewed over 150 education programs in 2020, nearly half showed no learning benefit.
I believe Mississippi’s progress, despite being the second-poorest state, can
serve as a wake-up call. Harry Anthony Patrinos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
War and Treaty brings innovative sound, cultural roots to Howard Theater
Washington Informer Special to BlackPressUSA.com
in history. “I want people to come to our concert to learn something, to learn the return, to learn what we started,”
Michael Trotter explained. “To learn that all the styles that you
Washington, DC, USA - January 10, 2016: The Howard Theatre is a historic theater, located at 620 T Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Opened in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Photo taken 01/10/2016
Soulful harmonies, bold cross genres, and a masterclass in African American virtuosity arrives in the nation’s capital on April 11, as Tanya and Michael Trotter of The War and Treaty anticipate an electric tour performance of their fourth studio album “Plus One” at Howard Theater. Amid a sixmonth international tour, the husband-and-wife duo joined WIN-TV’s “Let’s Talk” live from Amagansett, New York on April 4, fueled by elated spirits and candid reflections to discuss the significance of the upcoming show and namesake record. “We bring who we are, we don’t change who we are,” Tanya Trotter, formerly Blount, told The Informer on “Let’s Talk.” “This is an invitation to our fans, as well as to Nashville, to join in on what we’re doing with our gospel-country stuff… to allow people to come into who we are.” As The War and Treaty marks its triumphant return to Washington, D.C., where each vocalist has roots — the evening promises a captivating experience of undeniable chemistry, musical exploration, and recognition for the roots of Black culture
hear, every genre that is birthed, was birthed out of the gut, and the heart, and the soul and the mind of our people.” For the spiritually infectious Trotter duo, performing at Howard Theater on April 11 is what the wife boosted as a “fullcircle moment.” Tanya Trotter revealed she used to perform on Georgia Avenue during former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry’s Street Theater event, which promoted youth in the arts. The husband then reminisced on winning his first singing competition at the annual Future Fest in 1996, which he considers a “life-changing experience.”
Moreover, Tanya Trotter was among a lineup of reputable musicians chosen to perform at Howard Theater’s Grand Opening Gala Fundraiser on April 12, 2012, after the historic landmark site underwent a 32-year hiatus and $29 million renovation.
“It’s just fitting that right off of Georgia Avenue is the incredible Howard Theater, and we’ll be coming back to that,” she said.
Besides the initial exposure to live crowds, the wife and actress said Washington, D.C., is instrumental to the style and musicality of The War
and Treaty, which debuted in 2014. She spoke of her faith upbringing in a “little church” on 50th and B Street in Southeast, where she also delved into the musical interests that later fruitified the passion and sound of the Grammynominated duo, who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Whenever we approach music–whether it’s gospel, country, folk, Americana, rock and roll–the foundation is gospel music. That’s where we’re rooted, and that’s where we come from,” she told The Informer. “Everything I learned, it’s inspired and comes from D.C.” Michael Trotter emphasized his appreciation for his “strong roots” in the nation’s capital, noting the significance of returning home as not only a celebration of upbringing, but of growth and transformation, specifically where it all started. “I’m so very
excited to be able to come home with D.C. songbird Miss Tanya, and be able to offer something different that we have,” he said, “and we do have something different.” Officially released on Feb. 14, War and Treaty’s “Plus One” album encompasses a love letter to country music that unapologetically works to redefine stereotypes and limitations often imposed on the genre. The 18-track project – revered as “a testament to the power of love, hope, and human connection” in Americana Highways –leverages raw vocals with the creative elements of country, gospel, rock and blues to “bring something different” to mainstream music, according to Michael. “In country music radio, specifically, we want a different perspective,” the husband said, noting the deep roots of western swing in the history of African American agriculture and enslavement.
“We’re going to bring some… of those things that’ve been whitewashed out of country music.” Credited co-writers on the album include country icons like Miranda Lambert and Jesse Frasure. Further, producers like Frasure, Jonathan Singleton, John Shanks and Trotter himself laid the tracks to bring an elevated sound to the mix. Meanwhile, synergized melodies, live instrumentation, and inclusive lyricism invokes a deeper look into the strength of diverse influences and how it can transform the boundaries of music seen today.
“What if D’Angelo did a song with George Jones, or Dolly Parton did a song with Aretha Franklin? What would that sound like…How would that feel?” Tanya Trotter told The Informer. “We’re giving people thoughts. They’ve never seen it before, it’s never been done before.” With this in mind, the She Loves Vintage
CEO said “Plus One” is a testament to the foundation of The War and Treaty itself.
“When people say, ‘What are you bringing to country music,’ we’re [bridge-builders]. We don’t just blend genres–we bring people together, we blend hearts, people’s choices,” said the singer and entrepreneur, “and we have been able to do that with the last 10 years of our music.” As the duo proceeds to tour now through September, Michael Trotter said he hopes that audiences will embrace the elevated sounds of The War and Treaty as a unit and particularly find inspiration in the breadth and beauty of Black culture in all artistry. “When Black people create, we innovate. That’s the truth,” he told The Informer.
“We just want to remind America and abroad that there is a beautiful perspective waiting to take place again.”
Jonathan Majors by cumilous on DeviantArt / Used under Creative Commons Attribution License
Tanya and Michael Trotter of The War and Treaty
By Jada Ingleton,
Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried?
By Matthew Blake MinnPost
As politicians around the world scramble to respond to US “liberation day” tariffs, consumers have also begun flexing their muscles. “Boycott USA” messages and searches have been trending on social media and search engines, with users sharing advice on brands and products to avoid.
Even before Donald Trump announced acrossthe-board tariffs, there had been protests and attacks on the president’s golf courses in Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Scotland in response to other policies. And in Canada, shoppers avoided US goods after Trump announced he could take over his northern neighbour.
His close ally Elon Musk has seen protests at Tesla showrooms across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. New cars have been set on fire as part of the “Tesla take-down”, while Tesla sales have been on a deep downward trend. This has been especially noticeable in European countries where electric vehicles sales have been high, and in Australia. This targeting of Trump and Musk’s brands are part of wider boycotts of US goods as consumers look for ways to express their anger at the US administration.
Denmark’s biggest retailer, Salling Group, has given the price label of all European products a black star, making it easy for customers to avoid US goods.
Pro-Europe or antiAmerica? Danish consumers now know at a glance if a product is European thanks to the black star beside the price.
EPA-EFE/Bo Amstrup Canadian shoppers are turning US products upside down in retail outlets so it’s easier for fellow shoppers to spot and avoid them. Canadian
consumers can also download the Maple Scan app that checks barcodes to see if their grocery purchases are actually Canadian or have parent companies from the USA.
Who owns what?
The issue of ostensibly Canadian brands being owned by US capital illustrates the complexity of consumer boycotts – it can be difficult to identify which brands are American and which are not. In the UK, for example, many consumers would be surprised to learn how many famous British brands are actually American-owned – for example, Cadbury, Waterstones and Boots. So entwined are global economies that attempts by consumers to boycott US brands may also damage their local economies. This complexity is also present in Danish and Canadian Facebook groups that are dedicated to boycotting US goods. Consumers exchange tips on how to swap alternatives for American products.
The fact that Facebook
is a US-based company only demonstrates how deeply embedded consumer culture is in US technologies. European businesses often depend on American operating systems and cloud storage while consumers rely on US-owned social media platforms for communication.
Even when consumers succeed in weeding out American products, if they pay using Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, a percentage of the price will nonetheless be rerouted to the US. If a touch payment is made with Worldpay, the percentage could be even greater.
These American financial services show just how embedded US businesses are in retail in ways that consumers may not appreciate. In practice, an absolute boycott of US business is almost unimaginable. All-American brands
But American branding is not always subtle. In addition to brands directly connected to the US
Trump profits, Black America pays the price
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA. com Senior National Correspondent
As financial pain spreads across the nation, Black families are facing some of the harshest blows — while Donald Trump and his family throw parties, rake in cash, and dismantle protections built to ensure essential equity. Over the weekend, while 401(k) s crumbled and mass layoffs loomed, Trump was the main attraction at two lavish, money-making events: a Saudi-backed LIV Golf tournament at his Trump Doral resort and a seven-figure fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. This all unfolded just days after Trump signed off on sweeping global tariffs — with a Sharpie now sold at his resort gift shop for $3 — sparking one of the largest market crashes in U.S. history. In just 48 hours, the S&P 500 lost $5 trillion in value. By Monday, stocks were in free fall. Analysts warned of inflation spikes that would hit everything from gas to groceries — and disproportionately impact low- and middle-income households. But for Trump, it was business booming. Every room, including the $13,000-a-night suite, was sold out at Doral. Guests shelled out up to $1,400 for exclusive access, snapped up $550 Trump purses and $18 imported souvenirs, and dined on $130 steaks while posing for photos with Trump family members. “This is the perfect venue,” Eric Trump
declared as his father bounced between luxury properties. That same day, the former president posted from his golf club: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE.” For Black Americans — who already face the steepest hurdles in the economy — the timing is more than just offensive. It’s dangerous. As the markets tank and federal agencies brace for disruption, Trump is also waging war on racial equity.
He’s issued orders wiping out diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across the federal government. That includes dismantling Executive Order 11246 — a cornerstone civil rights protection that, since 1965, has barred discriminatory practices by federal contractors. Roughly 18% of the federal workforce is Black. Many of those workers are now in limbo, with DEI staffers placed on forced leave and entire programs frozen. Experts warn
these rollbacks could erase decades of progress in hiring, retention, and advancement — not just in government, but in every sector that follows federal precedent. Trump has also threatened clean air and water protections for historically neglected Black neighborhoods and proposed privatizing the U.S. Postal Service — one of the largest employers of African Americans. As working families watch their savings disappear, their job security vanishes, and their communities come under attack, Trump and his donors raise glasses over filet mignon and $1 million checks. The disparity isn’t just stark — it’s systemic. And it’s being monetized in real-time. From his Palm Beach resort, as the country buckles under the weight of his policies, Trump made his position clear: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH.”
administration – such as the Trump golf courses and Tesla – many other companies have always been flamboyantly American. Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Budweiser are just some examples where their American identities and proudly on show.
As such, it’s possible that consumers will increasingly avoid blatantly American brands. They may be less concerned about the complexities and contradictions of a more comprehensive boycott.
Consumer actions where the goal is political change are known as “proxy boycotts” because no particular company is the ultimate target. Rather, the brands and firms
are targeted by consumers as a means to an end.
Do boycotts work?
A classic example of a proxy boycott took aim at French goods, particularly wine, in the mid-1990s. This was in response to president Jacques Chirac’s decision to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. The large-scale consumer boycotts contributed to France’s decision to abandon its nuclear tests in 1996.
In Britain, for example, French wines in all categories lost market share as demand fell during the boycott.
At the time, it cost the French wine sector £23 million (about £46 million today).
These boycotts are a reminder that the interplay
between corporations, brands and consumer culture are inevitably embedded in politics. The current political impasse demonstrates that consumers can participate in politics, not just with their votes, but also with their buying power. Trump clearly wants to demonstrate American strength. The “liberation day” tariffs, which were higher than most observers expected, bear this out. But many US corporations will now be worrying about how consumers in the US and around the world might respond. Trump could see a mass mobilisation of consumer power in ways that will give the president something to think about.
Pro-Europe or anti-America?
Danish consumers now know at a glance if a product is European thanks to the black star beside the price. EPA-EFE/Bo Amstrup
Business woman, hands or counting with cash for finance, profit or salary increase at office desk. Female person, accountant or employee with paper bills, financial savings or investment at workplace (Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen)
Hlumelo Nyaluza Luxury Bags: Where Luxury Meets Legacy
True Ethical Luxury: Made-to-order. Fair wages. No mass production. Hlumelo is luxury for a conscious generation
Hlumelo is luxury for a conscious generation.
The Conversation with Al McFarlane last Wednesday featured Hlumelo Nyaluza, a rising South African designer blending heritage, art, and ethics to redefine global luxury. His debut handbag collection is a powerful expression of African identity—each piece is wearable art, slow-made by African artisans, and deeply rooted in cultural storytelling.
Born into the Xhosa
community—the same tribe as Nelson Mandela—Hlumelo grew up surrounded by the beauty, history, and strength of his heritage. After losing his mother at age 13, he began repurposing her clothes, planting the creative seeds that would blossom into his design philosophy today: honoring legacy, creating with purpose, and making space for Africanexcellence on the world stage.
Now, through his
and unforgettable. We believe this photo modeling his hand bag designs is perfect complement to our Cover Story celebrating Black women, globally.
Shea Butter Meet the Seven Principles
By J. Darnell Johnson
By W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor
As parents, grandparents, and educators, we have a great responsibility for not only the courses we teach to navigate in the world such as reading, writing, math, and other subjects, but also the life lessons. More and more, the children’s books written by
African American and Africanborn authors are contributing to that responsibility; there can never be enough. That being said, it is my good pleasure to bring to you J. Darnell Johnson’s Shea Butter Meet the Seven Principles.
Though Shea Butter had a sweet name, this little girl was a bully. She terrorized, teased, and insulted her classmates. She talked back to her teacher. When the teacher wasn’t around, she forced her classmates to say the “Shea Pledge.” (Crow Commandments from “The Wiz,” anyone?) With her behavior
Dates: Through Jun 13th
Ages: 6th-12th grade
Zanewood Fusion
Perfect Your Swing at the Dome
Step up to the plate!
Our three batting/pitching cages are available for rent at the Brooklyn Park Sports Dome! Whether you’re looking for extra reps or bringing in your whole team, you can rent one, two, or all three cages—depending on availability. These cages are open for baseball and softball, youth to adult. Must be 18 to reserve.
Rates: $25 per half hour | $40 per hour
Reserve your time: Call 763-493-8333 (payment due at booking)
Equipment: Pitching mounds & L-screens provided; bring your own bats and balls. Volunteer Looking to give back to the community while celebrating Brooklyn Park?
Sign up to volunteer at the annual Tater Daze Parade and Community Gathering!
When: Saturday, May 31 Tater Daze Parade
Shift: 8-11:30 a.m.
Community Gather-
ing Shifts: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Debate Club
Do you love a good challenge? Want to master the art of persuasion and critical thinking? Join Convince Us! — the ultimate debate club! Open to youth in 6th through 12th grade. Every week, you’ll receive a new prompt and be assigned a side to defend. With one week to prepare, you’ll sharpen your skills in critical thinking, confidence, and persuasion. No matter your skill level, Convince Us! is the perfect space to grow and excel in debate. When: Tuesdays & Fridays, 6-8 p.m.
Zanewood is rolling out the red carpet for an epic afterschool experience for kids in K-5th grade! Our Fusion Programs blend cool activities like sports, painting, jewelry making, gardening, and dance with awesome life skills like leadership and healthy living. It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning! Plus, we’ll make sure your child’s tummy is happy with meals provided during the program.
When: Monday - Thursday, now through June 5th
Where: Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zane Ave N Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cost: Fee assistance & scholarships available!
Zanewood Recording Studio
Are you or do you know a musician aged 13-17?
The Zanewood Recording Studio is open every Thursday & Friday, starting September 12, from 4-6 p.m. You can record your song, make a beat, or remix some tunes.
Adults on the Move
Brooklyn Park offers dozens of programs, classes, and clubs for all adults.
Day Trips:
Historic Northfield Wednesday, May 14 |
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | $89 |
Spend a relaxing spring day in historic Northfield MN. Tour the museum, home to the famous Jesse James gang bank raid of 1876. Learn about the history of the city, region, and state. Shop in downtown Northfield. Enjoy a Swedish Meatball luncheon at the Ole Store Restaurant. On a driving tour of the area, a local guide will share the history of the village, and the beautiful college campuses of Carleton and St Olaf. On the way home stop at Donahue’s Greenhouse in Faribault. Purchase spring plants or just take in the beauty and fra-
growing worse, her mother looked at sending her to an alternative school. Shea’s response, after throwing a tantrum, was to run away. While in the forest, Shea met animals who represented the Seven Principles: Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Courtesy, and Reciprocity. One by one, as each animal shares a principle, Shea realizes the importance of the way one treats people and positive behavior, which she shares with her parents when she comes home.
The wisdom of these African principles cannot be overstated, and Johnson delivers them in loving yet teachable moments. In the words of Shea, “It’s not the size of the words. It’s the size of your heart.” We
grance in the Greenhouse.
Register by April 14
Protecting Your Personal Information Online
Wednesday, April 16 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Virtual Free Online Event
This presentation from Senior Planet will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. Covering tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams, and when it’s Ok –or not – to share your personal information online.
Register with AARP 1-866-554-5381 | Questions: mnaarp@aarp.org
Get Organized: Easy Ways to Go from Cluttered to Cleared Out
Thursday, April 17 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | | FREE | Community Activity Center
Discover why decluttering matters and learn practical tips to help you downsize easily. Start your spring cleaning with a simpler, more organized home! Having too much stuff can be a real headache when people want to relocate or get health care in their homes. This interactive class explores why holding on to stuff is so important to some people and teaches practical tips on home organization.
Lunch & Learn presented by AARP MN. Register with AARP 1-866-5545381 | Questions: mnaarp@ aarp.org
Community Event:
Free Paper Shredding Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Operations & Maintenance Building Shred your old medical or financial records for free at the Special Materials DropOff Day. A mobile shredding truck will be on site to process your items. No limit.
Location: Brooklyn Park Operations & Maintenance, 8300 Noble Ave Questions? Call 763493-8006 or email BPOM@
brooklynpark.org
Winner’s Circle Unveiling
Join us as we congratulate the winners of the citywide photo contest! Their outstanding photos were chosen through open voting by the city, staff, and community. We are unveiling the champions at Winner’s Row at Village Creek, where these stunning photos are displayed for all to enjoy. Celebrate with us, enjoy ice cream, and honor the incredible talent on display in Brooklyn Park!
Event Details When: Wednesday, April 23 | 4-6 p.m. Where: Village Creek Park - 5601 Village Creek Parkway
Spring on the Farm
Spring on the Farm is fun for the whole family! Help us kick of the spring by joining us at the farm on Saturday, May 17. Plant vegetables and flowers in the gardens, greet the new baby animals, explore the grounds, taste the cooking demo on the woodfire stove, and enjoy music from the Jolly Pops from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.! Play games in the yard, make a spring craft, and celebrate spring!
Event Details:
When: Saturday, May 17 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Historic Eidem Farm - 4345 101st Ave N AfroBeats Dance Workout
Afrocontigbo presents an exhilarating Afro dance class, featuring traditional and contemporary West African moves like Igbo dances, Afrobeats, Sabar, Amapiano, Ndombolo, and more. The classes are Wednesdays through May 28. at the Community Activity Center.
Learn invigorating routines that combine cardio and strength training exercises. This is a fun and energetic way
to get fit while also learning about and celebrating different African cultures through dance.
The Afrocontigbo team is highly skilled in a variety of African dance styles and we are eager to share our passion with you.
Group Golf Lessons at Edinburgh
Registration for is open for group golf lessons, youth, and adult players.
2025 Small Group Lessons:
These 60-minute small group classes provide an intimate setting with our instructors and the flexibility to work around your schedule. There’s no monthlong commitment, and you can sign up individually or with a group of friends.
Classes are limited to 6 students per instructor. The cost is $29 per person. If weather causes a rescheduling, you will receive a full refund. However, if you no-show or cancel within 48 hours, we do not offer a refund. We offer Junior Golf Lessons in three levels based on age and skill.
Junior Lessons
Level 1: Ages 4-6
In Level 1, kids will learn the basics of golf, including putting, chipping, and hitting the driver.
Level 2: Ages 7-11
In Level 2, we focus on developing a golf routine and introducing the rules of the game.
Level 3: Ages 12-15
In Level 3, we prepare golfers to take their skills onto the course.
Level 1 lessons will meet once a week, while Level 2 and Level 3 lessons will meet twice a week. We offer three sessions: June, July, and August. Players can sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.
Adult Lessons
see the way Shea’s behavior pushes people away rather than letting them in, and ultimately her willingness to change. I also give a hat tip to Fiza Ali for the vivid illustrations that bring this story to life.
Shea Butter Meet the Seven Principles is available through Mr. Johnson’s website, jdarnelljohnson.com.
Thank you for telling a story that teaches life lessons and values not only to children, but also as a reminder to adults.
Session 1: Mondays, 5:306:30 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Every session follows the same calendar of events: • Week 1: Introduction to full swing (Location: Driving range) Week 2: Introduction to short game (Location: Chipping green)
Week 3: Full swing continued (Location: Driving range)
Week 4: Putting (Location: Instruction-only putting green) This program runs from May through August. For any additional questions, please email Andy. Wiese@brooklynpark.org
Edinburgh USA offers a flexible monthly program for only $129 per month. We hold group classes once a week, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome. You can sign up for one month or four. We offer two sessions each month:
luxury label Hlumelo, he is leading a quiet revolution in fashion—one that is ethical, intentional,
NBA suspends 5 following Pistons-Timberwolves scuffle
Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart was suspended for two games and four other players from the Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves drew one-game suspensions for their roles in an on-court altercation between the teams earlier this week, the NBA said Tuesday. Stewart got two games “based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts,” the league said.
The NBA handed the one-game bans to Detroit’s Ron Holland II and Marcus Sasser along with Minnesota’s Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo. All five of those players were ejected from Sunday’s game, as were Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Minnesota assistant Pablo Prigioni.
“Obviously things went too far,” Bickerstaff said after that game. “But what you see is guys looking out for one another, guys trying to protect one another, guys trying to have each other’s backs. ... Those are nonnegotiables in our locker room.”
The incident began when Holland fouled Reid with 8:36 left in the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ 123104 victory over the Pistons in Minneapolis. Reid confronted Holland, who then pushed DiVincenzo, who then shoved Holland — and they wound up
falling into spectators seated along the baseline.
Stewart and Sasser then entered the altercation, “which resulted in a continued escalation of the situation,” the league said.
Reid and DiVincenzo will serve their one-game suspensions Tuesday when the Timberwolves visit Denver.
“I thought they did what they needed to do to protect themselves and their teammates. We’re not disappointed,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said before the game against the Nuggets.
“We’re disappointed, obviously, they’re not going to be with us tonight, but, it’s part of the landscape of the game.
“The game’s gotten a little bit more physical, I think, which we all embrace. But a lot of teams are playing for a lot of things right now so there could always be a tipping point. It kind of happens, and just got to be mindful of it moving forward. But I’m not mad at them.”
Stewart will begin serving his suspension Wednesday when the Pistons visit Oklahoma City, and Holland and Sasser also will serve their suspensions in that game.
AP NBA: https:// apnews.com/hub/nba
Miranda gets big hit as the Twins beat the White Sox
Jose Miranda hit a tiebreaking two-run single in Minnesota’s five-run sixth inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 8-3 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.
Ryan Jeffers and Ty France each had two hits for Minnesota, and Harrison Bader added a three-run homer in the ninth.
when
The Twins trailed 3-0 before rallying with two outs in the sixth. Jeffers and France greeted Penn Murfee (0-1) with RBI singles. Willi Castro was
AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) left, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, middle, fight during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Minneapolis.
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
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