On the 10th of January 1942, simmering racial tensions in Alexandria, Louisiana - where unsuspecting Black US servicemen found themselves in the ‘wrong’ part of town - boiled over into a violent confrontation known as the Lee Street Massacre. The spark, apparently, was a White woman’s accusation that one of the soldiers had stepped in front of her car. After a disagreement with a White military police officer, a chaotic - and deadly - bloodbath ensued, as he ordered his men to open fire on the unarmed crowd.
While official reports claimed no fatalities, eyewitness accounts painted a darker picture. Witnesses spoke of bodies scattered along the pavement - with an estimated 20 Black servicemen dead. The sanitised narrative was challenged, and the truth about the incident - fuelled, as it was, by the racist treatment of Black soldiers, both in Alexandria and within the military itself - eventually emerged.
While official reports claimed no fatalities, eyewitness accounts painted a darker picture. Witnesses spoke of bodies scattered along the pavement - with an estimated 20 Black servicemen dead. The sanitised narrative was challenged, and the truth about the incident - fuelled, as it was, by the racist treatment of Black soldiers, both in Alexandria and within the military itself - eventually emerged.
👍2🤬1
Continued…..The legacy of the Lee Street Massacre stands as a testament to the challenges faced by all African soldiers during World War II, even those serving in the U.S army. While they selflessly gave their blood and sweat to the struggle against Nazi fascism in Europe, they were still considered subhuman back home in the good ol’ U.S. of A., second-class citizens at best.
But it resonates further. Racism is still very much prevalent in America today - as evidenced, for example, by rampant extrajudicial killings of Blacks in the US and a disproportionate representation in America’s ‘prison-industrial complex.’
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
But it resonates further. Racism is still very much prevalent in America today - as evidenced, for example, by rampant extrajudicial killings of Blacks in the US and a disproportionate representation in America’s ‘prison-industrial complex.’
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
💯6👍1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
GLYNN SIMMONS: 48 YEARS FOR WRONGFUL CONVICTION
Can you imagine going to prison for 48 years for a crime you did not commit? The United States has ruined the life of an African man who was taken by the system for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and for having the wrong skin color. Systemic racism permeates through every institution within the United States. The story of Glynn Simmons is just one example of its impact on the lives of ordinary human beings who are descendants of enslaved Africans. Simmons is the longest-held prisoner to have been exonerated in the United States. Not only was he wrongfully convicted, but his compensation by the courts may be minimal, if anything at all. He is now supporting himself through GoFundMe donations, paying for his cancer treatment that was neglected until his release.
Can you imagine going to prison for 48 years for a crime you did not commit? The United States has ruined the life of an African man who was taken by the system for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and for having the wrong skin color. Systemic racism permeates through every institution within the United States. The story of Glynn Simmons is just one example of its impact on the lives of ordinary human beings who are descendants of enslaved Africans. Simmons is the longest-held prisoner to have been exonerated in the United States. Not only was he wrongfully convicted, but his compensation by the courts may be minimal, if anything at all. He is now supporting himself through GoFundMe donations, paying for his cancer treatment that was neglected until his release.
🤬10😢3
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
NAS: AFRICA IS NOT A ‘HORROR STORY’
Watch hip-hop great Nas talk about his experiences visiting Africa and how he was surprised to find that it was not the ‘horror story’ that he had been led to believe. He also talks about the lack of communication and understanding between Africans in the United States and Africans on the continent.
If you live outside Africa, what was your experience on the continent? Let us know in the comments.
Watch hip-hop great Nas talk about his experiences visiting Africa and how he was surprised to find that it was not the ‘horror story’ that he had been led to believe. He also talks about the lack of communication and understanding between Africans in the United States and Africans on the continent.
If you live outside Africa, what was your experience on the continent? Let us know in the comments.
👍5💯4❤1
OUR AFCON 2024 FAVOURITES - AND YOURS?
After a two-year break, the Africa Cup of Nations will kick off in Ivory Coast this weekend. Twenty-four teams are vying for glory, but there are four main contenders for the trophy. We’ve detailed who we fancy and why. Have a read and tell us if you agree. After all, there’s no certainty in football, and AFCON has a history of upsets.
SENEGAL:
The defending champions are gunning to retain their noscript. And attacker Sadio Mane, who missed out on the World Cup through injury, will be hungry for success. Critics argue he might have lost
his edge playing in the Saudi Pro League, but we don’t. And we reckon neither will their former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who’ll be vital between the sticks. Manager Aliou Cisse has a good side, make no mistake. And they are the bookies’ narrow favourite to go all the way.
After a two-year break, the Africa Cup of Nations will kick off in Ivory Coast this weekend. Twenty-four teams are vying for glory, but there are four main contenders for the trophy. We’ve detailed who we fancy and why. Have a read and tell us if you agree. After all, there’s no certainty in football, and AFCON has a history of upsets.
SENEGAL:
The defending champions are gunning to retain their noscript. And attacker Sadio Mane, who missed out on the World Cup through injury, will be hungry for success. Critics argue he might have lost
his edge playing in the Saudi Pro League, but we don’t. And we reckon neither will their former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who’ll be vital between the sticks. Manager Aliou Cisse has a good side, make no mistake. And they are the bookies’ narrow favourite to go all the way.
MOROCCO:
The World Cup semi-finalists are also hotly tipped. Former right-back Walid Regragui will manage a rich, deep squad boasting the likes of Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri. The Atlas Lions, 11th in FIFA’s global rankings, could easily roar past everyone.
EGYPT:
With seven noscripts under their belt, the Pharaohs narrowly missed out on an eighth last time, losing to Senegal on penalties in the final. But with Liverpool’s in-form Mohamed Salah in their ranks, they’ll be a major threat again. However, in the absence of other major stars, will there be too much weight on his shoulders?
The World Cup semi-finalists are also hotly tipped. Former right-back Walid Regragui will manage a rich, deep squad boasting the likes of Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri. The Atlas Lions, 11th in FIFA’s global rankings, could easily roar past everyone.
EGYPT:
With seven noscripts under their belt, the Pharaohs narrowly missed out on an eighth last time, losing to Senegal on penalties in the final. But with Liverpool’s in-form Mohamed Salah in their ranks, they’ll be a major threat again. However, in the absence of other major stars, will there be too much weight on his shoulders?
NIGERIA:
The Super Eagles have been on a bit of a lull, but as the saying goes, ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’. With Africa’s Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, upfront, who’d bet against them? His goals carried Napoli to the summit of Italy’s Serie A last season. On top of that, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze will be causing opponents plenty of headaches down the flanks. It could be Nigeria’s time.
Okay, so we haven’t mentioned the likes of hosts Ivory Coast or Cameroon. And to be fair, they could easily prove us wrong.
Tell us your favourite to lift the trophy.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
The Super Eagles have been on a bit of a lull, but as the saying goes, ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’. With Africa’s Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, upfront, who’d bet against them? His goals carried Napoli to the summit of Italy’s Serie A last season. On top of that, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze will be causing opponents plenty of headaches down the flanks. It could be Nigeria’s time.
Okay, so we haven’t mentioned the likes of hosts Ivory Coast or Cameroon. And to be fair, they could easily prove us wrong.
Tell us your favourite to lift the trophy.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
👍1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
KATT WILLIAMS ON WHY FARRAKHAN IS FEARED
US-based comedian and actor Katt Williams recently told former Geto Boys rapper Willie D that African unity scares the establishment. He said that may be the reason why Facebook, YouTube and Instagram have banned Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in recent years for allegedly making anti-semitic and homophobic statements.
Farrakhan is most famous for helping organise the 'Million Man March' in 1995, the largest gathering of African men in Washington, DC. The march was convened to depict a positive image of African men, and help unite our people in the struggle for a self-sufficient, fortified African community in the United States.
Could Farrakhan's ability to mobilise Africans be behind the social media bans? What do you think about silencing such an influential figure from social media platforms? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
US-based comedian and actor Katt Williams recently told former Geto Boys rapper Willie D that African unity scares the establishment. He said that may be the reason why Facebook, YouTube and Instagram have banned Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in recent years for allegedly making anti-semitic and homophobic statements.
Farrakhan is most famous for helping organise the 'Million Man March' in 1995, the largest gathering of African men in Washington, DC. The march was convened to depict a positive image of African men, and help unite our people in the struggle for a self-sufficient, fortified African community in the United States.
Could Farrakhan's ability to mobilise Africans be behind the social media bans? What do you think about silencing such an influential figure from social media platforms? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
👍13💯2
BUSH MADE LAW TO INVADE THE HAGUE
Pressure’s mounting on Israel as international courts examine accusations of war crimes in Gaza. However, don’t hold your breath if you expect to see world leaders behind bars as a result.
Firstly, the International Court of Justice currently hearing South Africa’s claim Israel’s committing genocide, does not have the power to prosecute and looks at crimes committed by countries. Secondly, even if the International Criminal Court, which can prosecute individuals, does decide to hold Israeli and their American accomplice to account, the US military has their back.
Pressure’s mounting on Israel as international courts examine accusations of war crimes in Gaza. However, don’t hold your breath if you expect to see world leaders behind bars as a result.
Firstly, the International Court of Justice currently hearing South Africa’s claim Israel’s committing genocide, does not have the power to prosecute and looks at crimes committed by countries. Secondly, even if the International Criminal Court, which can prosecute individuals, does decide to hold Israeli and their American accomplice to account, the US military has their back.
👍2🤮2
Continued….That’s because in 2002 US President George W. Bush signed into law the Service Members Protection Act. It allows the US to use ‘all means necessary’ to bring about the release of any US or 'allied persons' being held by the ICC. And that includes Israeli officials. So, in effect, it threatens military action against The Hague-based organisation.
It’s a frightening law and they still might need it, despite pulling out of the ICC. That’s because member states, like South Africa, would be obliged to arrest anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant, which in turn could make them a US military target. A shocking scenario.
Fittingly, Bush’s law has been dubbed 'The Hague Invasion Act’ and was introduced to protect America and the UK ahead of their illegal invasion of Iraq. Will it be a factor in determining whether justice is served this time?
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
It’s a frightening law and they still might need it, despite pulling out of the ICC. That’s because member states, like South Africa, would be obliged to arrest anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant, which in turn could make them a US military target. A shocking scenario.
Fittingly, Bush’s law has been dubbed 'The Hague Invasion Act’ and was introduced to protect America and the UK ahead of their illegal invasion of Iraq. Will it be a factor in determining whether justice is served this time?
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
👍3
HOW ISRAEL BACKED SOUTH AFRICA’S APARTHEID
South Africa has initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice against Israel, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. Apart from it being the morally right thing to do, South Africa indeed has a bone to pick with the Israeli occupation. While Africans were fighting to rid themselves of apartheid in South Africa, Israel backed the racist settler colonial regime. Friend of the channel and rapper Lowkey has an excellent short read explaining how. Share your thoughts below.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
South Africa has initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice against Israel, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. Apart from it being the morally right thing to do, South Africa indeed has a bone to pick with the Israeli occupation. While Africans were fighting to rid themselves of apartheid in South Africa, Israel backed the racist settler colonial regime. Friend of the channel and rapper Lowkey has an excellent short read explaining how. Share your thoughts below.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
❤12👍2