ESSENCE Presents: COVID-19, Environmental Injustice & Medical Apartheid
FOR PART III OF OUR ESSENCE REPORTS SERIES, "COVID-19’S IMPACT ON BLACK COMMUNITIES," we turn our lens on the racist structures that serve as underlying comorbidities of the coronavirus.
Stories That Captured Our Attention In 2020
2020 was a year with as many questions as answers, as much heartache as transformation. ESSENCE takes a look back at some of the biggest stories of the year
#MAGA Violence: Multiple People Stabbed As Proud Boys Tear Down Black Lives Matter Signs From Historic Black Churches In D.C., Set Them On Fire
"Demonstrators who were part of the MAGA gatherings tore down our Black Lives Matter sign and literally burned it in the street." — Dr. Ianther M. Mills, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church
The People's Justice Guarantee: One Year Later, Rep. Ayanna Pressley's Resolution Remains The Blueprint For This Nation's Third Reconstruction
We have the power, in this critical, pivotal and hopeful moment, to radically reimagine and build a nation committed to justice for all.
Barack Obama Criticizes ‘Snappy‘ Defund The Police Slogan
“Do you want to actually get something done, or do you want to feel good among the people you already agree with?"
White Man Hired To Narrate Southern Black Woman Scholar’s Essay Turns Brilliant Black Art Into Minstrel Show
The publisher of Fireside Fiction, where Dr. Regina Bradley's essay was published, claims to not have been aware of the racist narration.
Black Detroit Voters Sue Trump Campaign, Claim Attempted Mass Voter Suppression
"No more," the lawsuit states. "The Voting Rights Act of 1965 flatly prohibits Defendants' efforts to disenfranchise Black people and assault our Republic."
Honestie Hodges, Young Girl Held At Gunpoint By Grand Rapids Police In 2017, Dies Of COVID-19
"My beautiful, sassy, smart loving granddaughter has gone home to be with Jesus."
NAACP Legal Defense Fund Calls For Investigation Into Quawan Charles' Death
The Iberia Parish coroner listed the teen's cause of death as "likely drowning," but questions and suspicion remain.
Republicans Confuse Congresswoman-Elect Cori Bush For Breonna Taylor
“I’m glad they’ll come to know her name and story because of my presence here. Breonna must be central to our work in Congress.” — Congresswoman-elect Bush
Jackson, Mississippi, Out Of ICU Beds; Only 12% Remain Across State
Additionally, only five ICU beds remain in Gulfport, and none in Biloxi.
Texas, California Both Pass 1 Million COVID-19 Cases As Surge Continues
California, the nation's most-populous state, has recorded 18,115 COVID-19 deaths to date. Texas, the nation's second most-populous state, has recorded 19,555 COVID-19 deaths to date.
Lauren Underwood Wins Reelection To U.S. House In Illinois' 14th Congressional District
"This was a tough race under some very difficult circumstances, and I want to say thank you to my supporters, the voters, and our elections officials for their diligent work." - Rep. Lauren Underwood
What Happened To Quawan Charles?
Calls of justice for Quawan, the Louisiana teen found dead on Nov. 3, are intensifying, with many people pointing out the similarities between his visible injuries and those of Emmett Till.
Election 2020 Is Not Over Yet; Focus Turns To Georgia
Read more about Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, the two Democratic challengers in Georgia run-offs fighting to give Democrats control of the Senate.
Miami-Dade Street Renamed In Honor Of Trayvon Martin
“Just to have my son’s name on the street, it’s heartfelt,” Tracy Martin, Trayvon's father, said at the street renaming ceremony.
Holden Matthews Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Torching 3 Historically Black Churches In Louisiana
Matthews, son of a St. Landry Parish sheriff's deputy, was charged with three counts of intentional damage to religious property and three counts of using fire to commit a felony.
'Good Trouble': Nikema Williams Wins The Late Rep. John Lewis’ Congressional Seat
“Nobody could replace John Lewis,” Williams said. "He paved the way and showed me the way.”