We at Historianspeaks are starting a new feature where we highlight stories of interest that occuring in contemporary Black America. We will elaborate on some of these stories in the coming weeks. Click on the hyperlinks for more information about the story.
Haitian Airport Reopens; Kenyan President Ruto Visits the United States in Preparation for a Kenyan Led Police Force to Stabilize Haiti
The international airport has reopened in Port-au-Prince Haiti after being closed for the past three months due to gang violence in the capital. Kenya has agreed to send a peace-keeping force consisting of 1000 police personnel to stabiize the country after the country descended into chaos following the assassination of President Jovenal Moise in 2021. Kenya's President Ruto visited the United States (Atlanta and Washington, D.C.) this week . In Washington, he met with former President Barack Obama at Blair House and participated in a formal state dinner hosted by President Biden and the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Murder of Airman Roger Fortson
Airman Roger Forston's funeral was held at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia. Fortson is the latest victim of mistaken identity, which resulted in his death at the hands of police. Forston was shot six times by police who came to his apartment on the suspicion of domestic violence. Aparently, an apartment resident complained about noise coimng from an apartment. When police arrived, the resident led them to where she beleived the noise was coming from. Police knocked on the door and identified themselves. Appartently they heard Forston facetiming with his girlfriend. Forston, an Airman in the Airforce, grabbed his firearm and approached the door. He opened the door with his gun pointed toward the floor. The officer immediately opened fire on Forston discharging six bullets into his body.The case is currently being investigated.
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Malcolm X Birthday
Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 21, 1921. Widely regarding as the foremost nationalist thinker in the 20th century, Malcolm X cast a wide shadow over Civil Rights, Black Nationalist, transnationalist and internationalist movement. As a Minister in the Nation of Islam, he promoted commmunity development, economic self-sufficiency, moral rectitude and self-determination. He broke with the Nation of Islam in 1964 after being silenced following his remarks on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam in 1964 and founded the World Muslim Mission, a religious organization that embraced traditional Islam and the OAAU (The Organization of African American Unity), which promoted African American nationalism and self-determination. He worked on elevating the struggle for Black Civil Rights to the level of human rights. Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965.
April Vernett named SEIU President
April Vernett has been named as the President of the Service Employees Union (SEIU). Vernett is the organization's first Black female president. She is a Chicago native. Vernett previously served as exectuive vice president for SEIU Healthcare Illinois and Indiana, chair of the union's National HomeCare Council co-chair of the National Organizing Committee and a member of the Fianance committee. She credits her success to her grandmother who taught her "the values of perseverance, collective action and community."
Fani Willis Reelected as District Attorney, Fulton County, Georgia.
Fani Willis was reelected as District Attorney for Fulton County, Georgia this week. Willis recently avoided removal from the Trump Election tampering case in Florida. It was alleged she given preferential treatment to Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis and Wade ably defended themselves against these allegations. The case was appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court.