9 Search results for "councilwoman"

City’s first openly lesbian councilwoman called ‘filth’ and ‘dirt’ during meetings
An openly gay city council member was called “filth” and “dirt” due to her sexual orientation by a heckler at a public meeting last month. The comments were directed at Vice Mayor Jovanka Beckles, Richmond California’s first openly lesbian councilwoman.
Continuing the tradition of Black youth organizations’ solidarity with Palestine
by Ajamu Amiri Dillahunt On April 16th 2018, the City Council of Durham, North Carolina became the first city in the country to unanimously pass a policy statement ending police exchanges between the Durham Police Department and the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). This auspicious decision was made possible because of the Demiltarize! Durham2Palestine Campaign, a […]
New Orleans adopts historic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions resolution protesting Israeli occupation
The New Orleans City Council recently secured a victory for supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The city council adopted a pro-BDS resolution, which promises to investigate contracts and investments with entities that infringe on people’s human rights. New Orleans became the first city in the American South to pass such a […]
Should a street be named after Notorious B.I.G.?
LeRoy McCarthy’s quest to have a corner in Brooklyn named after legendary emcee Notorious B.I.G. has hit a bit of a stumbling block. The council members who have the power to grant or deny McCarthy’s request have several issues with naming a street after the slain rapper.
NYC’s Leticia James makes history as first black woman to hold citywide office
Letitia James has just made history. James, a councilwoman who represents Brooklyn, has essentially won the position of Public Advocate in New York City. James beat State Senator Daniel Squadron in a runoff. Since there is no Republican candidate, James has won the position.
NYC Public Library System Drops $300M on Midtown Branch, While Harlem Library is Outrageously Underfunded
While the New York Public Library system intends to invest $300 million in renovations for its flagship 5th Avenue facility, Harlem’s Macomb’s Bridge library is housed in a converted studio apartment, and boasts 14 chairs, 10 laptops, and 61 shelves of books. Only 25 people can occupy the space at one time. Couldn’t some of that $300 million go to NYC’s underfunded libraries, like the one in Harlem?
Principal Fires Three Black Teachers; Uses Racist, Abusive Language Towards Them
A petition has been launched demanding the ousting of NYC Principal Minerva Zanca, who is accused of firing a group of black teachers, and calling them “big lipped,” “nappy haired,” and “gorillas.”
Bronx “Ghetto” Bus Tour Shut Down After Outrage
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.
Intimidating Voter Fraud Billboards To Be Taken Down
Activists and community members were outraged when more than 140 billboards warning of criminal consequences for voter fraud were put up in low-income neighborhoods in Ohio and Wisconsin. After much pressure, Clear Channel has agreed to take them down.