If Texas Republicans had their way, they would nullify the seminal Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Texas Republican Party released its official 2012 platform and the elections law is one of its major targets. “We urge that the Voter Rights Act of 1965 codified and updated in 1973 be repealed and not reauthorized,” read […]
Author Archives: Zenitha Prince
Special to the AFRO
Posted inAfro Briefs
Supreme Court’s Health Care Act Decision Sprouts a Rainbow of Diverse Responses
(June 30, 2012) Reactions to the Supreme Court’s vindication of the Affordable Care Act have run the gamut, a testament to the divisive nature of President Obama’s landmark health law. “It’s pretty exciting, it was no surprise to us,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who led the Democratic charge to pass the measure, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Congressional Battle Looms over Food Stamp Program
Battle lines have been drawn in the House for a showdown over the 2012 Farm Bill, a lumbering omnibus of food and agriculture related legislation which has drawn criticism from many corners. With the Senate’s passage of the 1,010-page bill June 21, House lawmakers are set to begin debate on the legislation July 11. Key […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Supreme Court Upholds Arizona’s ‘Papers Please’ Law
Opponents of Arizona’s unprecedented immigration law are claiming a partial victory today after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all but one of four controversial provisions. The court reaffirmed the federal government’s sole governance in enforcing laws against illegal immigration. In doing so, it negated parts of Arizona’s law that allowed police officers to arrest, […]
Posted inNational News
Obama Wins Big in Supreme Court Decision Upholding Affordable Care Act
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major victory for President Obama June 28 after the justices ruled 5-4 to uphold a major provision of his landmark health care law. The individual health insurance mandate—arguably the most contentious element of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—was ruled constitutional because it falls under Congress’ ability to […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
New Florida Law Would Scuttle Black Voter Gains, Advocates Tell Court
While Florida’s voter registration purge has drawn national attention in the past few weeks, there are other equally harmful policies being undertaken by the state, according to voting rights advocates. “Florida’s recent discriminatory purge is but one aspect of its broader attempt to discourage political participation through the very channels that produced historic turnout in […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C Law Makers Forge Tough Anti-Bullying Law
Local lawmakers in Washington, D.C. on June 22 enacted what activists are calling the nation’s “most robust” anti-bulling law. Surrounded by students, teachers and anti-bullying advocates, Mayor Vincent C. Gray signed The Youth Bullying Prevention Act of 2012 into law at the Wilson Building. The measure would protect children from hostile behavior in D.C. schools, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Federal Election Voter ID Sought by House Republican
Tea party-backed Congressman Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) on June 19 introduced a bill he says will prevent voter fraud, but voting rights advocates are calling it another misleading and unnecessary piece of legislation. Walsh’s proposed Federal Elections Integrity Act would require voters to present government-issued ID to cast a ballot in federal elections. “Current federal law […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Youth Invited to Join Global AIDS Conference
Local health advocates are calling on Washington, D.C. youth to participate in the 2012 International Conference on AIDS—or AIDS 2012—which will be held at the Washington Convention Center from July 23-27, 2012. President Barack Obama in 2010 lifted the HIV travel ban, allowing the global conference to be held in the United States for the […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Blacks Key in 1812 War
For the United States the War of 1812 was a second War of Independence against the British that birthed emblems of American nationalism such as the national flag, the “Star-Spangled Banner” and Uncle Sam, the national icon. But for many enslaved Blacks it was the first major pathway to self-determination and freedom. Thousands of Blacks, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Holder Likely to be Held in Contempt of Republican Congress
(June 27, 2012) Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. will likely be held in contempt of Congress when the Republican-led House votes on the motion today. But at least one political analyst believes the fallout will be minimal. “It’s an insult and a slap but it’s not going to have an impact,” said Jason Johnson, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Fla., Justice Dept. Set for Legal Battle over Voter Purge
(June 15, 2012) Florida’s wrangling with the Department of Justice over its systematic purge of suspected non-citizens from the voter rolls is heading to court. The Justice Department filed a lawsuit June 12 against the state and its chief elections official in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking a court […]
