According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, youth homelessness is on the rise. Though an official count has not been made since 2005, shelters and hotline data suggests that more and more youth are on the streets.
A week after closing 50 Chicago public schools, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is touting an increased high school graduation rate as a sign that “we are pointed in the right direction, making the right decisions for our children.”
After widespread outrage and a petition campaign, the Real Bronx Tour – which claimed to take customers on a tour of the Bronx to learn what a “real ghetto” looks like – has been shut down.
Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) just dropped a hard-hitting public service announcement to draw attention to the NYPD’s Stop and Frisk policy. The video – “Don’t Tread on Me” – highlights the harmful impact of this racist, unconstitutional policy, and the fight to have it struck down.
The massive tornado that hit Oklahoma has left dozens dead and hundreds injured and without homes. President Obama has since declared Oklahoma a major disaster area, calling the tornado “one of the most destructive storms” in American history.
NYC bus tour Real Bronx Tours reportedly takes foreigners on a tour of the Bronx to learn what a “real ghetto” looks like. Past patrons say the tour guide, Lynn Battaglia, pokes fun at the borough and its residents throughout the tour; lambasting the Bronx as a crime and poverty-infested nightmare.
The Open Society Foundations has announced an award of $1.2 million to the 2013 cohort of Soros Justice Fellows. The fellows, a mix of emerging and established leaders, include investigative journalists, lawyers, grassroots organizers, policy advocates, and scholars.
Unfortunately, as the temperature rises in the Windy City, so does instances of violence. Thirteen people were wounded, two of them fatally, in the past 24 hours. Terrible, tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this recent spate of violence.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X.
17 year-old student athletes Jordan and Robin met at a track meet, and noticed that they looked exactly alike. They began to talk. And when Jordan learned Robin’s last name, Jeter, she came to a realization and began to cry. Robin was her long-lost sister.
We are sad to report that Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X was killed in Tijuana, Mexico. He was 29.
Lauryn Hill has posted a letter on her Tumblr, thanking “family, friends, business associates, and fans who have called, emailed, sent texts, and posted messages of concern, encouragement, and support.”
