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Investigation on the beating death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officer

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Memphis police discriminate against Black people and use excessive force, Justice Department report finds

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Memphis police discriminate against Black people and use excessive force, Justice Department report finds

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On Wednesday Dec 4, the investigation of the beating of Tyre Nichols by a Memphis city police officer was concluded. The investigation took place 6 months after Tyre was killed and his death put into question the state of the police force in Memphis at the time. All of the police officers involved lost their jobs and were federally charged with murder. The investigation determined that the Memphis state police force has failed to protect and respect the rights of it's citizens and have demonstrated that action needs to be taken to have better policies and enforcement standards. A video of the murder was released and it showed the officers beating and laughing at Tyre which sparked public outrage and protests. The incident was believed to be racially motivated since this wasn't the first time there has been police brutality in the black community in Memphis. This relates to our studies in African American History because of it's controversy behind race related issues and government related brutality against African Americans. We have viewed many examples of poetry and art depicting forms of law enforcement abuse against african americans and because of events like this we will likely continue to see even more examples of protest through forms of art and poetry.

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Memphis police discriminate against Black people and use excessive force, Justice Department report finds

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The Justice Department report marked the conclusion of an investigation that began six months after Tyre Nichols was kicked, punched and hit with a police baton as five officers​ tried to arrest him after he fled a traffic stop.

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Come home, Ghana told African diaspora. Now some Black Americans take its citizenship

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Come home, Ghana told African diaspora. Now some Black Americans take its citizenship

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This article talks about this women named Keachia Bowers and she paused on a photo of her as a baby on her father’s lap as he held the 1978 album “Africa Stand Alone” by the Jamaican reggae band Culture. Her father died when she was just 10 years old. Keachia and her husband, Damon Smith, are among the 524 diaspora members, mostly Black Americans, who were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a ceremony in November. A day earlier, Bowers had marked 10 years since her father's death. Though he was a Pan-Africanist who dreamed of visiting Ghana, he never made it here. Bowers and Smith moved to Ghana from Florida in 2023 after visiting the region several times between them since the ’90s. They now run a tour business that caters to Black people who want to visit Ghana or elsewhere in West Africa, or like them have come to consider a permanent move.The November group was the largest one granted citizenship since Ghana launched the “Year of the Return” program, aimed at attracting the Black diaspora, in 2019. It marked 400 years since the first African slaves arrived in Virginia in 1619. “When we see Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, all these stories of people being murdered just in their home, living in their home and being murdered at the hands of police brutality, hearing about it creates trauma,” she said.

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Come home, Ghana told African diaspora. Now some Black Americans take its citizenship

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Ghana recently granted citizenship to 524 people from the Black diaspora, and most were Black Americans

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the strength of a diverse military

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the strength of a diverse military

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In this article, Lloyd Austin goes in depth about his experiences while being the nation's first African American secretary of defense and his status as a public figure. He mentions how his personality and his desire to keep a private lifestyle has caused many to question his ethics and put him in uncomfortable situations; February 1st, 2024 is when a press conference was held, where Austin was forced to speak about his prostate cancer. Austin talks about himself being "Exhibit A" for many people like him, by constantly putting himself under pressure and having the mindset of never failing. This is a significant milestone and is relevant to our topics in African American Studies because it represents breakthroughs and recognition of African American individuals in high-ranking government positions, which have historically been dominated by many white people. This also could be seen as highlighting leadership roles and the ongoing efforts to address and overcome systemic barriers and inequalities faced by the African American community to this day.

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Earlier this month, Lloyd Austin, the nation's first African American secretary of defense, returned to West Point, the institution that forever changed his life. "When I first came to West Point," he told the corps of cadets, "I had never been north of Georgia."

He spoke to the nation's next generation of Army officers about what it means to lead in combat: "Artillery was exploding all around us. The troops in the TOC [Tactical Operations Center] were watching me intently, waiting to hear what I had to say. And at that moment, I realized that they would follow me through fire if they trusted that I knew the way forward."

When the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, Austin was giving the orders for the lead Army division. "I was calling the shots in terms of where brigades were moving, and so I needed to be right up at the front of the formation," he said.

He ordered what became known as the "Thunder Run" into the heart of Baghdad. He would return to Iraq for two more tours. That's how he met then-Vice President Joe Biden, who was the Obama administration's point man for Iraq. "I would be with him as he visited our troops, but he'd also ask for my thoughts, my opinion," Austin said.

I asked, "When Joe Biden was elected president, did you expect to become secretary of defense?"

"I did not," Austin replied. "And matter of fact, that was the furthest thing from my mind."

But he admits he loves his job.

That job consists of non-stop closed-door meetings with senior officials, both in the Pentagon and around the world by teleconference. At one such meeting focused on Ukraine, Austin said, "It's been very helpful in terms of making sure that everyone is kind of rowing in the same direction."

There is also constant travel, circling the globe visiting allies and troops.

Despite his high-profile job, he is a reluctant public figure. "It's my personality," he said. "I don't make excuses for that. But I don't think being a private person is necessarily a bad thing."

I asked, "Do you think it had anything to do with being a Black officer in a white-dominated institution?"

"It does," he said.

It got him in trouble when he tried to keep his prostate cancer secret even from the president. At a February 1, 2024 press conference, Austin said, "I should have informed my boss; I did not. That was a mistake."

This private person nonetheless had to stand up in the Pentagon's briefing room and talk for an hour about his prostate. He says he is now cancer-free. "I thank God for that," he said.

His knees have seen a few too many parachute jumps. But back at West Point nearly 50 years after he graduated, he seemed to be basking in the limelight, although he was sharing it with the Army football team having one of its best seasons ever.

At West Point, football is not just a sport; it's preparation for battle. "They're just tough and rugged and play together, and that's what we gotta be," said coach Jeff Monken, who has turned Army football around. "It's gotta be teamwork. That's the lesson they take from this place into the Army."

"That's how you're going to fight," said Austin. "You're not going to win a war by yourself."

Army was undefeated until they ran into Notre Dame, and lost by five touchdowns. Ironically, Notre Dame had been Austin's first choice to attend: "I'd applied there first, got accepted, got a scholarship, and then I got accepted at West Point," he recalled. "My father brought me in and said, 'Hey, you go to Notre Dame, it's still gonna cost me money. If you go to this school, it's a great education, and they pay you to go there!'"

"His logic persuaded you," said Monken.

In high school, Austin's nickname was "Blade," courtesy of his school's football coach. "I was a very thin, kind of wiry young man," Austin recalled. "I said, 'Coach, put me in,' and he said, 'Son, they're going to mow you down like a blade of grass.'"

Austin ended up as captain of his high school basketball team in Georgia. He was also one of the people that helped to integrate his school. "I was one of the first students there," he said, describing the experience as tough.

Over and over, Austin has broken through as the first African American, and has said that he was in situations where he "can't" fail. "I've been in that 'can't fail' position a lot," he said. "The first African American to be the vice chief of the Army; the first African American to command a division in combat; the first African American to command an entire theater of war."

He is Exhibit A for anyone who believes the military is a true meritocracy, where you are judged by what you do, not what you look like. But he has been depicted by right-wing firebrands as the leader of a "woke" military which promotes minorities at the expense of war fighting.

In an April 5, 2022 exchange on Capitol Hill, then-Rep. Matt Gaetz, Republican from Florida, made accusations to Austin about leaders being "woke":
Gaetz: "So while everyone else in the world seems to be developing capabilities and being more strategic, we got time to embrace 'critical race theory' at West Point."
Austin: "The fact that you're embarrassed by your country, by your military? I'm sorry for that."
Gaetz: "No, no, no. I'm embarrassed by your leadership. I am not embarrassed for my country. The Biden administration is trying to destroy our military by force-feeding it 'woke-ism.'"
I asked Austin, "Why is it that that presses your button and all the other criticism just rolls off?"

"I've fought alongside these troops," he replied. "This is a lethal, professional war-fighting machine."

A machine Austin drove to Baghdad with battlefield daring that critics say has been lost as America became mired in never-ending wars, culminating in the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Appearing on Fox News in June, Pete Gegseth, Donald Trump's pick to be the next secretary of defense, said, "Ramming stuff into the Pentagon that has nothing you do with winning wars - what is your gender? What is your race? ... The Pentagon likes to say our diversity is our strength. What a bunch of garbage!"

But Austin said he absolutely disagrees with criticism that the drive to include women in all the combat arms has led to a weaker military. "You know, I've seen women in combat. I don't have to guess at this," he said.

Women were part of his command team during the Iraqi invasion. "I said, 'If any of you feel that you don't want to be there at the front of the fight, say so now and I won't think any less of you.' One of the women piped up and said, 'Sir, what are you talking about?' And what they were telling me was, 'Quit talking. Let's get to the fight.'"

One woman eager to get to the fight is First Captain Caroline Robinson, the top cadet in West Point's Class of 2025. Fifty years ago, when Austin graduated, there were no women here. "And I think because of that, we probably missed a pretty significant part of the population," he said.

As the top cadet, Robinson can have her pick of any branch in the Army. "So right now, field artillery is my number one branch choice," she said.

On December 4, "Branch Night," the cadets of 2025 - one-quarter of them women, and 10 percent African American - found out where they will serve, when they opened envelopes containing their branch assignments.

Fifty years ago, there was no such thing as a female artillery officer, or a Black secretary of defense. In response to critics who rail against diversity in the armed forces, Austin told the cadets, "Any military that turns away tough, talented patriots, women or men, is just making itself weaker and smaller. So, enough already!"

For more info:
Story produced by Mary Walsh. Editor: George Pozderec.
More from CBS News

David Martin

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the strength of a diverse military

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The nation's first African American Secretary of Defense talks about the responsibilities of the job, and the importance of a diverse fighting force.

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Shallie Bey Jr.: Leading the U.S. Mint with President Carter's trust

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Shallie Bey Jr.: Leading the U.S. Mint with President Carter's trust

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At just 29 years old, Shallie Bey Jr. was nominated by President Carter to be 16th superintendent of the United States Mint in Philadelphia and a couple years later was renominated for the same position. A black 29 year old man in charge of over 53,000 employees who all relied on his advice. The emphasis on having diversity within the government was heavily advocated by President Carter which led to Bey being appointed. He wanted everyone to have a fair chance at life within the government no matter what the color of your skin was.

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Shallie Bey Jr.: Leading the U.S. Mint with President Carter’s trust

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The Fort Worth resident made strides as the head of the United States Mint in Philadelphia from 1978 to 1981.

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African American Heritage in Champaign County 

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African American Heritage in Champaign County 

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In 2010 a significant mural that depicted Black faces and scenes from the African American journey was lost when the building was torn down. A Council member proposed the idea of the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail during a conversation with Jayne DeLuce in 2020, amid social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. The new goal was to create a project that would educate the community about local African American history and achievements. The initiative sought to provide representation and a sense of identity for students and residents alike.

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2 years in the making, Champaign County African American Heritage Trail taking shape

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Leaders hope the trail detailing important locations in African American history in Champaign County allows students to “know that this is their community.”

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(Ekahri) Why do we eat black-eyed peas on New Year's?

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(Ekahri) Why do we eat black-eyed peas on New Year's?

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Black-eyed pees is really traditional for Black people, it’s suppose to bring good luck into the new year, so lots of Black people eat this dish on new years. And not only good luck but also due to bringing prosperity in the coming year. This traces back from the Civil War, where they became a symbol of resilience during hardship. Often served with collard greens and cornbread, etc…they represent a hopeful start to the new year.

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Why do we eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s? Here’s how the tradition is said to bring good luck.

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Some eat black-eyed peas for good luck while some consider the New Year’s tradition about abundance, prosperity and a shared history.

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Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington bring untold WWII story to life with "Six Triple Eight"

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Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington bring untold WWII story to life with "Six Triple Eight"

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This film is telling the story of the African American women's battalion. They served in Europe during WW2. This was a big part of the women's rights movement and a significant accomplishment to the civil rights movement. The African American women were able to show they could do the same job as a white man. This was the foundation for the future civil rights movements in how they were the first to do this kind of job. This had that double effect with gender and race discrimination and how this story broke many stereotypes associated with African American Women.

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Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington bring untold WWII story to life with “Six Triple Eight”

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Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington team up on the film “Six Triple Eight,” spotlighting the only all-Black women’s battalion in Europe during WWII. Washington stars as Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer.

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What it means to be a Black Olympian representing the U.S. on the global stage

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What it means to be a Black Olympian representing the U.S. and black people on the global stage

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What it means to be a Black Olympian representing the U.S. and black people on the global stage

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It is said that, At times, being the only Black athlete on the national team feels isolating but it means a lot to be there and represent on a big stage like that for more than just themselves.

Two-time Olympian Ashleigh Johnson said the longer she plays water polo, the less it becomes about her. “You end up realizing you have the power to change that and to make it a welcoming space for other Black people or brown people who may come after you,” she said.

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What it means to be a Black Olympian representing the U.S. on the global stage

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From Crystal Dunn to Frederick Richard, Black American Olympians from a variety of sports talk about what it means to represent their country and serve as a role model for Black kids.

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This article addresses the wounded survivor that was included in the New Orleans massacre. Her name is Alexis Scott-Windham and her mother saved her life due to the truck clipping the back of her right foot, causing severe bleeding. Alexis mother, Tryphena Scott-Windham, was called during the situation.

According to the article , "Scott-Windham said, her friends called her mother back home in Mobile, tied on the tourniquet, and then the stranger and his girlfriend drove her to the University Medical Center". This shows how her mother saved her life and she was spared. This massacre affected the African American community because the people involved were just like us and they lost their lives over nothing. There were different aged people and they lost their lives hurting so many hearts.

This also connects to the mass killing that used to happen in past years by white man, killing African Americans.

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Wounded survivor of New Orleans massacre says her mom saved her — from afar

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Alexis Scott-Windham said her friends called her mom and she told them to make a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from her right foot.