Glynn Simmons spent nearly 50 years of his life behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Now 71, he’s just won over $7-million in compensation.
His case is a stark reminder of how Black people in America are predominantly the victims of the prison-industrial complex. In her book, The New Jim Crow, civil-rights activist and lawyer Michelle Alexander notes that, “like Jim Crow (and slavery), mass incarceration operates as a tightly networked system of laws, policies, customs, and institutions that operate collectively to ensure the subordinate status of a group defined largely by race.”
A disproportionate number of Black men are sentenced to prison in America and we are hearing more stories each year where individuals like Simmons spend years in prison only to be found innocent of the charges.
His case is a stark reminder of how Black people in America are predominantly the victims of the prison-industrial complex. In her book, The New Jim Crow, civil-rights activist and lawyer Michelle Alexander notes that, “like Jim Crow (and slavery), mass incarceration operates as a tightly networked system of laws, policies, customs, and institutions that operate collectively to ensure the subordinate status of a group defined largely by race.”
A disproportionate number of Black men are sentenced to prison in America and we are hearing more stories each year where individuals like Simmons spend years in prison only to be found innocent of the charges.
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Continued…… While the $7.15 million settlement certainly represents an acknowledgement of his suffering, it will never bring back all the years of his youth he lost while unjustly serving time.
Stories like Simmons’ are a reminder of the need for systemic reform of the American justice system. As Alexander also wrote, “the fate of millions of people - indeed the future of the Black community itself - may depend on the willingness of those who care about racial justice to re-examine their basic assumptions about the role of the criminal justice system in our society."
Thus, the question arises: how can a system whose very foundation is built on and deeply entrenched in injustice be reformed without genuine willingness on the part of those who design and maintain it? Your answers in the comments are appreciated.
Stories like Simmons’ are a reminder of the need for systemic reform of the American justice system. As Alexander also wrote, “the fate of millions of people - indeed the future of the Black community itself - may depend on the willingness of those who care about racial justice to re-examine their basic assumptions about the role of the criminal justice system in our society."
Thus, the question arises: how can a system whose very foundation is built on and deeply entrenched in injustice be reformed without genuine willingness on the part of those who design and maintain it? Your answers in the comments are appreciated.
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Today marks the 35th death anniversary of Huey P Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party (BPP). He was shot and k*lled by a member of the Black Guerilla Family gang on 22 August 1989 in Oakland, California.
The youngest of seven children, Newton was born in 1942 in Monroe, Louisiana. The family later fled to Oakland, California, because of the South's history of violence against Black people.
Newton co-founded the party in 1966 with classmate Bobby Seale, becoming its leading theorist and political strategist, and introducing internationalism among the party's ranks.
The youngest of seven children, Newton was born in 1942 in Monroe, Louisiana. The family later fled to Oakland, California, because of the South's history of violence against Black people.
Newton co-founded the party in 1966 with classmate Bobby Seale, becoming its leading theorist and political strategist, and introducing internationalism among the party's ranks.
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Continued…Their efforts to challenge police brutality were significant, but equally impactful were the over 60 social programmes—renamed Survival Programmes—by 1971. The most famous was Free Breakfast for Children, which fed youths in US cities where BPP had chapters. J Edgar Hoover, the FBI's director at the time, worked against the party because of its considerable support among Black people in the US and liberal white people. Federal agents had arrested or killed some party members.
In 2021, a commemorative plaque that reads, 'Dr. Huey P. Newton Way,' was applied to a three-block section of the city's 9th Street at the corner he was murdered, serving as a reminder of Newton's enduring legacy.
In 2021, a commemorative plaque that reads, 'Dr. Huey P. Newton Way,' was applied to a three-block section of the city's 9th Street at the corner he was murdered, serving as a reminder of Newton's enduring legacy.
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TOUR OF HAITI HEROES
Today marks 233 years since the start of the Haitian Revolution, which saw Africans free themselves from slavery, and birth the first Black republic. It was a boon not just for the Caribbean island, but the region as well. As part of its foreign policy, Haiti gave assistance to Simon Bolivar, who would go on to fight for the liberation of countries like Bolivia, Venezuela and Ecuador, with one condition, he had to free slaves wherever he found them.
In memory of what happened on 22 August 1791, we thought we’d treat you to a quiet corner of Ecuador and slice of Haitian history. This video shows Republic of Haiti Square, in Quito’s San Juan neighbourhood. You’ll spot two busts: the first is of Jean Jacques Dessalines, the founder of the Republic of Haiti.
Today marks 233 years since the start of the Haitian Revolution, which saw Africans free themselves from slavery, and birth the first Black republic. It was a boon not just for the Caribbean island, but the region as well. As part of its foreign policy, Haiti gave assistance to Simon Bolivar, who would go on to fight for the liberation of countries like Bolivia, Venezuela and Ecuador, with one condition, he had to free slaves wherever he found them.
In memory of what happened on 22 August 1791, we thought we’d treat you to a quiet corner of Ecuador and slice of Haitian history. This video shows Republic of Haiti Square, in Quito’s San Juan neighbourhood. You’ll spot two busts: the first is of Jean Jacques Dessalines, the founder of the Republic of Haiti.
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Continued….. The second is of Alexandre Sabès Pétion, the ‘father of Pan-Americanism’. Both were crafted by sculptor Vicente Bolaños.
The West continues to portray Haiti as the poster-child for failed states, overrun by gangs and rampant instability. But that can never hide how the small Caribbean island has hit well above its weight in terms of revolutionary solidarity throughout the bad days of colonialism.
That’s why beautiful squares like this exit. They may not be big or get much publicity, but they remember what should never be forgotten. Hope you enjoy our little tour.
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The West continues to portray Haiti as the poster-child for failed states, overrun by gangs and rampant instability. But that can never hide how the small Caribbean island has hit well above its weight in terms of revolutionary solidarity throughout the bad days of colonialism.
That’s why beautiful squares like this exit. They may not be big or get much publicity, but they remember what should never be forgotten. Hope you enjoy our little tour.
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FARRAKHAN: HAITI REVOLUTIONARIES FRIGTHEN WEST
Today, August 22, marks the date the Haitian Revolution began in 1791. It culminated in 1804 when the Caribbean island nation made history as the world’s first independent Black state. In this clip, Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, succinctly lays out how Haiti’s revolutionary past still influences foreign interventions. Napoleon’s ‘greatest army on earth’ got whopped thanks to the Black brothers of François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe. And that’s a lesson that still frightens the USA today.
What’s your perspective on the Haitian Revolution and its enduring influence? Share your views in the comments below.
PS. In case you’re interested, here’s some extra info on those three Black brothers that shaped history.
Today, August 22, marks the date the Haitian Revolution began in 1791. It culminated in 1804 when the Caribbean island nation made history as the world’s first independent Black state. In this clip, Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, succinctly lays out how Haiti’s revolutionary past still influences foreign interventions. Napoleon’s ‘greatest army on earth’ got whopped thanks to the Black brothers of François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe. And that’s a lesson that still frightens the USA today.
What’s your perspective on the Haitian Revolution and its enduring influence? Share your views in the comments below.
PS. In case you’re interested, here’s some extra info on those three Black brothers that shaped history.
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Continued……Toussaint Louverture was a Haitian general and the most prominent leader of the Haitian Revolution. Known as the ‘Father of Haiti,’ he turned a slave rebellion into a revolutionary movement fighting against Napoleon’s Empire. In 1802, Toussaint Louverture was betrayed, captured, and sent to prison in France, where he died.
Dessalines then became the main leader of the resistance, the first Haitian Emperor, and the first ruler of an independent Haiti. He spearheaded Haiti’s defeat of French forces committing massacres and won independence from France in 1804. Under him, Haiti became the first country to abolish slavery in the Americas. Dessalines also freed Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic) from French colonial rule. He was assassinated in 1806.
After Dessaline’s death, Henri Christophe retreated to the Plaine-du-Nord and created a separate government. In 1807, he was elected president of the state of Haiti. Later, in 1811, he created a kingdom in the north and became Haiti’s only monarch.
Video credit: SISTER NINETEEN
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Dessalines then became the main leader of the resistance, the first Haitian Emperor, and the first ruler of an independent Haiti. He spearheaded Haiti’s defeat of French forces committing massacres and won independence from France in 1804. Under him, Haiti became the first country to abolish slavery in the Americas. Dessalines also freed Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic) from French colonial rule. He was assassinated in 1806.
After Dessaline’s death, Henri Christophe retreated to the Plaine-du-Nord and created a separate government. In 1807, he was elected president of the state of Haiti. Later, in 1811, he created a kingdom in the north and became Haiti’s only monarch.
Video credit: SISTER NINETEEN
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WHEN AFRICANS GAVE COLONIALISTS HELL
For more than 200 years, Africa was a target of European imperialist aggression. This saw the continent’s people, natural resources and territory stolen. The period was marked by the inhumane European slave trade, during which over 12-million Africans were forcibly shipped across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and the Americas, where they were sold as slaves. Those who remained on the continent became victims of colonial subjugation.
Despite the odds being stacked against them due to the invaders’ superior military might, Africans - both on the continent and in the diaspora - did not take Europe’s imperialist aggression lying down. On several occasions, Africans rose up and gave colonial forces a good whipping.
For more than 200 years, Africa was a target of European imperialist aggression. This saw the continent’s people, natural resources and territory stolen. The period was marked by the inhumane European slave trade, during which over 12-million Africans were forcibly shipped across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and the Americas, where they were sold as slaves. Those who remained on the continent became victims of colonial subjugation.
Despite the odds being stacked against them due to the invaders’ superior military might, Africans - both on the continent and in the diaspora - did not take Europe’s imperialist aggression lying down. On several occasions, Africans rose up and gave colonial forces a good whipping.
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Continued……One of those occasions was on this day (22nd August) in 1791, on the island of Haiti, when enslaved Africans revolted against their oppressors in a revolution that lasted until 1804, when the country became the world’s first Black republic.
Settle in as African Stream’s Clinton Nzala relates this event and three other stunning occasions on which African defenders outsmarted, defeated and humiliated militarily ‘superior’ invading imperialists.
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Settle in as African Stream’s Clinton Nzala relates this event and three other stunning occasions on which African defenders outsmarted, defeated and humiliated militarily ‘superior’ invading imperialists.
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KWAME TURE ON HAITI’S ROLE IN AFRICAN LIBERATION
Today marks the 233rd anniversary of the Haitian revolution kicking off against French enslavers. Haiti’s path to freedom is a testament to Africans’ courage and resilience. From the revolt led by Haitian general Toussaint Louverture to the historic 1804 declaration of independence, Haitians fought tirelessly to end the brutal system of slavery.The world’s only successful slave revolt helped spark the end of slavery in all French colonies and inspired neighbouring countries to struggle for independence.
Today marks the 233rd anniversary of the Haitian revolution kicking off against French enslavers. Haiti’s path to freedom is a testament to Africans’ courage and resilience. From the revolt led by Haitian general Toussaint Louverture to the historic 1804 declaration of independence, Haitians fought tirelessly to end the brutal system of slavery.The world’s only successful slave revolt helped spark the end of slavery in all French colonies and inspired neighbouring countries to struggle for independence.
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Continued……Today, Haiti’s revolutionary beginnings remain a beacon for all oppressed peoples, making it all the more important to oppose foreign interventions, including the current UN mission led by Kenya’s police and mostly funded by the United States.In this video estimated to have been recorded in the 1990s during Bill Clinton’s US presidency, All-African People’s Revolutionary Party co-founder Kwame Ture (1941-98) discussed Haiti’s exploitation at the hands of the US and the potential role of the African masses in its liberation. Do you share his views? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Video credit: @Joe__Bassey (X)
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Video credit: @Joe__Bassey (X)
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In a major move towards greater technological sovereignty, Senegal has just launched its first space satellite. Known as GAINDESAT-1A, it was developed by Senegalese scientists who’d trained at the University of Montpellier‘s Space Centre - something that serves as an important reminder that Africans who go and get degrees abroad in Europe, North America and other parts of the world can choose to come back to Africa and facilitate technology transfers and share know-how that will help to develop the continent.
Ever more African countries are working to develop satellites and launch them into space. There are currently plans for 125 new satellites from 23 African countries. These orbital friends will boost Africa's Internet connectivity, telecommunications, agriculture, weather prediction and resource management.
Ever more African countries are working to develop satellites and launch them into space. There are currently plans for 125 new satellites from 23 African countries. These orbital friends will boost Africa's Internet connectivity, telecommunications, agriculture, weather prediction and resource management.
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Continued….. Countries that are likely to launch satellites soon include Zambia, which has just completed a satellite station, and Burkina Faso, whose orbiter will be called 'Burkina-Sat1.' Namibia has just launched its Namibia Space Port programme to turn the country into a satellite hub. Botswana is planning its own satellite launch and Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda are collaborating on a project known as the African Development Satellite.
Looks like our continent is taking ‘one giant leap for Africa-kind’ in the space race!
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Looks like our continent is taking ‘one giant leap for Africa-kind’ in the space race!
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HOW CLINTON’S POLICIES CRIPPLED HAITI’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
US President Bill Clinton admitted to destroying Haiti’s agricultural sector, particularly its rice industry, in the early 2000s due to policies championed by the administration.
According to Bertrhude Albert, CEO of a Haitian NGO called @P4Hglobal, small farmers’ rice harvests sat unsold in warehouses for months because they could not compete with US rice imports due to a lowered tariff. This policy forced more than 90,000 Haitian farming families out of business.
Even today, Haiti, once known as the ‘Pearl of the Antilles’ for its rich, fertile soil, has not recovered.
Listen to @bertrhude break down the Clinton administration’s economic bullying.
Video credit: @bertrhude (TikTok)
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US President Bill Clinton admitted to destroying Haiti’s agricultural sector, particularly its rice industry, in the early 2000s due to policies championed by the administration.
According to Bertrhude Albert, CEO of a Haitian NGO called @P4Hglobal, small farmers’ rice harvests sat unsold in warehouses for months because they could not compete with US rice imports due to a lowered tariff. This policy forced more than 90,000 Haitian farming families out of business.
Even today, Haiti, once known as the ‘Pearl of the Antilles’ for its rich, fertile soil, has not recovered.
Listen to @bertrhude break down the Clinton administration’s economic bullying.
Video credit: @bertrhude (TikTok)
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HUEY P. NEWTON SPEAKS
It’s been 35 years since a gang assassinated Black revolutionary Huey P. Newton after living a life dedicated to socialism, the liberation of the Black working class, and fighting the US empire.
Newton (17 February 1942 - 22 August 1989) co-founded the Black Panther Party (BPP), which transformed the Black freedom struggle within the United States, cultivating new dimensions, garnering global attention and forming relationships on the world stage.
While misinformation about the party and Newton abound, the best source of information comes directly from Newton himself. In this clip from the PBS documentary, ‘Eyes on the Prize II’ (1987), he explained the party’s ten-point programme, which defined its objectives. Those included building a socialist economy, fighting for Black community control over neighbourhood institutions, and the right to self-defence for Black and other oppressed people.
It’s been 35 years since a gang assassinated Black revolutionary Huey P. Newton after living a life dedicated to socialism, the liberation of the Black working class, and fighting the US empire.
Newton (17 February 1942 - 22 August 1989) co-founded the Black Panther Party (BPP), which transformed the Black freedom struggle within the United States, cultivating new dimensions, garnering global attention and forming relationships on the world stage.
While misinformation about the party and Newton abound, the best source of information comes directly from Newton himself. In this clip from the PBS documentary, ‘Eyes on the Prize II’ (1987), he explained the party’s ten-point programme, which defined its objectives. Those included building a socialist economy, fighting for Black community control over neighbourhood institutions, and the right to self-defence for Black and other oppressed people.
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Continued….. In 1967, police arrested Newton for allegedly shooting a police officer, to which he pleaded not guilty. This led activists to launch the ‘Free Huey’ movement to force authorities to drop the charges and release Newton from political imprisonment.
The party also sparked the establishment of other revolutionary groups, such as the Young Lords for Puerto Ricans, the Brown Berets for Chicanos (Mexicans in the US), and Yellow Peril for revolutionaries of Chinese heritage.
Newton, a staunch anti-imperialist, connected the party to revolutionary organisations in China, Palestine and Cuba. He authored numerous books, including his autobiography, ‘Revolutionary Su*cide’ (1973) and ‘Revolutionary Intercommunalism and the Right of Nations to Self-Determination’ (2004). He also has a speech collection noscriptd, ‘To Die for the People’ (1972).
What do you know about this great freedom fighter? Let us know in the comments below.
Video credit: ‘Eyes on the Prize II’ (1987)
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The party also sparked the establishment of other revolutionary groups, such as the Young Lords for Puerto Ricans, the Brown Berets for Chicanos (Mexicans in the US), and Yellow Peril for revolutionaries of Chinese heritage.
Newton, a staunch anti-imperialist, connected the party to revolutionary organisations in China, Palestine and Cuba. He authored numerous books, including his autobiography, ‘Revolutionary Su*cide’ (1973) and ‘Revolutionary Intercommunalism and the Right of Nations to Self-Determination’ (2004). He also has a speech collection noscriptd, ‘To Die for the People’ (1972).
What do you know about this great freedom fighter? Let us know in the comments below.
Video credit: ‘Eyes on the Prize II’ (1987)
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PAN-AFRICANISM ENDED APARTHEID
Throughout the 20th century, courageous African men and women put their lives at stake to struggle against brutal white minority rule in South Africa.
However, the battle extended well beyond South Africa’s borders, with nearly every country in Africa playing a role in shaping the struggle. Africans from Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe and beyond fought and died alongside South African freedom fighters. Plus, states as far away as Algeria sent material support to the African National Congress. Even French-speaking countries like Guinea became home to exiled South African activists, such as anti-apartheid singer Miriam Makeba, who spent several years there.
Today, a section of South African society believes Nigerians, Somalis, Zimbabweans and other Africans have no place in their country.
Throughout the 20th century, courageous African men and women put their lives at stake to struggle against brutal white minority rule in South Africa.
However, the battle extended well beyond South Africa’s borders, with nearly every country in Africa playing a role in shaping the struggle. Africans from Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe and beyond fought and died alongside South African freedom fighters. Plus, states as far away as Algeria sent material support to the African National Congress. Even French-speaking countries like Guinea became home to exiled South African activists, such as anti-apartheid singer Miriam Makeba, who spent several years there.
Today, a section of South African society believes Nigerians, Somalis, Zimbabweans and other Africans have no place in their country.
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Continued….. Perhaps they have forgotten how these peoples’ ancestors supported South African freedom fighters’ victory against one of the greatest battles of the 20th century.
While Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and rise to the South African presidency was a milestone accomplishment against white minority rule, the struggle for the total liberation of South Africa continues as unequal land and wealth distribution remains stark.
If history teaches us anything, it will take Pan-African unity to bring complete freedom to South Africa.
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While Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and rise to the South African presidency was a milestone accomplishment against white minority rule, the struggle for the total liberation of South Africa continues as unequal land and wealth distribution remains stark.
If history teaches us anything, it will take Pan-African unity to bring complete freedom to South Africa.
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