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Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Worker fired after reporting ‘offensive' Black history ‘fun facts', MN suit says
A worker fired from General Mills says the company retaliated against him after he reported 'offensive' Black History Month flyers distributed in a break room, according to a lawsuit recently filed in Minnesota. L. Lee Tyus Jr. had worked for General Mills since 2019, but his employment was terminated in March 2025 despite a January performance review stating 'he was 'on track' in all areas of his job,' the lawsuit brought against General Mills by Storms Dworak LLC said. His job performance was not the issue, Tyus' attorneys say. In a statement to McClatchy News, a General Mills spokesperson said 'while we do not comment on pending litigation, I can share that General Mills does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation.' In February, during Black History Month, Tyus' attorneys say General Mills put out educational flyers that were disrespectful. Some of the flyers covered atrocities faced by Black Americans — including the Tulsa Race Massacre, and Black Codes, which were a precursor to Jim Crow laws — but were titled 'Fun Facts About Black History,' photos shared in the lawsuit show. 'Tyus Jr. immediately reported his belief that the flyers were offensive and discriminatory as they described historic racial injustices as 'fun facts,'' the suit said, adding that he met with human resources to discuss the matter. At one point, Tyus emailed the plant manager, calling the flyers 'racially unjust, inconsiderate, hateful, and unprofessional documents,' his attorneys said. He met with the plant manager a few days later but was told 'no apology would be issued,' the suit read. Following that, Tyus 'submitted a formal complaint' through an internal platform used by General Mills — then was placed on involuntary leave, according to his attorneys. When he tried to return to work on March 8, he discovered he couldn't access the building with his card, and fellow employees seemed to believe he was being denied access, the suit said. He was contacted five days later by someone with the company's legal and corporate affairs department to talk about his 'allegations of harassment and retaliation,' and his belief that General Mills had not properly responded to his concerns over the 'fun facts' flyers, Tyus' lawyers said. The company official then 'encouraged' him 'to share her contact information with others who may have also been offended by the 'Fun Facts' flyers, so they could also reach out to her,' the suit read. Tyus followed her advice and shared her information — with permission — on the tables in the break room. However, on March 19, Tyus was escorted out of the building and fired, according to the lawsuit. The company said his firing resulted from 'multiple violations of General Mills' standards of conduct and policies.' The suit is seeking monetary damages of $150,000.
Daily Maverick
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
I grew up ‘coloured' in apartheid SA — now I cry for my beloved country, the US
I observe the barrage of media images. Two strike me as strangely familiar. One is of ICE agents rounding up those suspected of being in the US illegally, and the other of members of the California National Guard and US Marines on the streets of Los Angeles – apparently to quell the protests there. These images evoke a strong sense of déjà vu for me, a naturalised US citizen and someone who grew up classified as 'coloured' in apartheid South Africa. My upbringing in a racist authoritarian state propelled me into anti-apartheid activism and continues to shape my work on racial, gender and social justice advocacy elsewhere. When I arrived as a graduate student in New York in 1983, the city and the country were in the middle of a vibrant anti-apartheid campaign. I never dreamt that 40 years later I would feel this gnawing sense of familiarity with my past. Let me be clear: The US today is not apartheid South Africa. Instituted in 1948, after an election victory by the white minority National Party, apartheid was no doubt one of the 20th century's most brutal forms of social engineering. It was ultimately deemed a crime against humanity by the United Nations and its demise gave rise to one of the 20th century's most beloved political icons, Nelson Mandela, who captured the imagination of the world during his decades-long imprisonment. The system of apartheid, underpinned by a racial ideology of white supremacy, increasingly became one of the most reviled legal systems of the 20th century. Apartheid violated the most basic tenets of international human rights law and policy, embodying a harsh combination of state- sponsored authoritarianism, militarism, race and gender discrimination, and economic exploitation. Law was twisted into a tool of oppression. The very processes of law were co-opted to underpin the political project of apartheid for more than four decades. Under apartheid, the law dictated who could live where, who could go to what school, and who could marry whom. The law regulated every aspect of people's lives, even what clubs one could join and what books one could read. These call to mind the points of history in the US where black people's lives and movements were heavily restricted and surveilled, such as the slave patrols, the Black Codes during Reconstruction, and the Jim Crow era with the sundown town laws. These absurdly rigid laws of segregation were bolstered by a brutal police and security apparatus determined to maintain a racially divided and racially hierarchical status quo. The slightest dissent was met with state violence. In addition, a vast Kafkaesque body of censorship laws ensured that dissemination of ideas disfavoured by the government were sharply curtailed. These were reminiscent of the McCarthy era here in the US. The display of force in Los Angeles, the military parade in Washington and the continuous warning to protesters have such a familiar ring. In apartheid South Africa, the legal system existed to bolster white rights and white privileges under the guise of legality. The trappings of law and legality performed an important symbolic role for the white minority government. It allowed white South Africans the psychological reassurance of living in a society governed by laws, even though the law was entirely stacked against the black majority population. Is some of this at play here in the US? The ideology and system of apartheid relied on a vicious combination of race, class and gender subordination and discrimination. Take the system of migrant labour, or influx control, as an example. Nothing had a more devastating impact on the lives of black South Africans, rendering a stable family life, freedom of movement and economic security an impossibility. Under this system, all black South Africans – and only black South Africans – over the age of 16 had to carry a reference book, a 'pass', at all times. The pass contained a photograph, fingerprints and other information that identified the holder. Failure to produce a pass on demand was a crime. Scores of black South Africans were arrested, accused of failing to have a pass, and sent to prison. Without these passes, finding employment and housing was impossible. This system, in effect for decades, has left a legacy of destruction and deprivation that will haunt South Africa for generations. Some historians have argued that the pass system was the most hated aspect of the apartheid legal system, rendering the majority of black South Africans aliens in their own country. Activities of daily life that involved travelling became grounds to label black South Africans criminal. All under the veneer of law. In the US, rounding up men seeking work outside the Home Depot or at their places of employment might not be the pass system, but the analogy is vivid. It is this familiarity that I experience. I see this administration using law and force to label people as 'others' who do not belong here, and as criminals for seeking employment, or for wanting to live with their families. I see the use of the security apparatus of the state to silence dissent. I am reminded of how apartheid conscripted narratives of law and order, security, and 'us versus them' to justify stripping rights from those deemed 'other'. The US is not yet apartheid South Africa, but it feels that bit by bit we are heading in that direction. And I cry for this beloved country. DM
Boston Globe
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
A guide to what the Juneteenth holiday is and how to celebrate it
Still, many people anticipate getting Juneteenth off work. There are a plethora of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events planned throughout the week leading into the holiday. But with the current political climate, some may wonder if their company will honor it. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'I don't think anyone should be intimidated or obligated into not celebrating the day,' said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. 'I've not heard of anyone being denied. I think it would be absolutely reprehensible.' Advertisement People who never gave the occasion more than a passing thought may be asking themselves, is there a 'right' way to celebrate Juneteenth? For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers: Is Juneteenth more of a solemn day of remembrance or a party? It depends on what you want. Juneteenth festivities are rooted in cookouts and picnics. Originally celebrated as Black Americans' true Independence Day, outdoor events allowed for large, raucous reunions among formerly enslaved family, many of whom had been separated. The gatherings were especially revolutionary because they were free of restrictive measures, known as 'Black Codes,' enforced in Confederate states. Codes controlled whether liberated slaves could vote, buy property, gather for worship and other aspects of daily life. Advertisement Last year, the White House kicked things off early with a concert on the South Lawn for Juneteenth and Black Music Month. The atmosphere was primarily festive with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin. Plans for a Juneteenth event or proclamation this year have not been decided, according to the White House press office. Others may choose to treat Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance. That can mean doing community service, attending an education panel or taking time off. 'The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question 'What is Juneteenth?'' Morial said. What if you've never celebrated Juneteenth? Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting firm helping leaders navigate conversations bridging divides across race and culture, never did anything on Juneteenth in his youth. He didn't learn about it until his 30s. 'I think many folks haven't known about it — who are even my color as an African American male. Even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn't celebrate it,' Anderson said. 'It was like just a part of history. It wasn't a celebration of history.' For many African Americans, the farther away from Texas that they grew up increased the likelihood they didn't have big Juneteenth celebrations regularly. In the South, the day can vary based on when word of Emancipation reached each state. Advertisement What kind of public Juneteenth events are taking place? Search online and you will find gatherings nationwide varying in scope and tone. Some are more carnivalesque festivals with food trucks, arts and crafts and parades. Within those festivals, you'll likely find information on health care, finance and community resources. There also are concerts and fashion shows to highlight Black creativity. There will also be panels to educate about Juneteenth's history. The National Park Service is again making entry into all sites free on the holiday, according to its website. Are there special Juneteenth decorations or foods? The red, black and green African Liberation Flag, also known as the Pan-African flag, has historically been displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations. Red represents bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. Black symbolizes Black people. Green represents richness of the land in Africa. More people, however, have leaned into the Juneteenth flag created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, who founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Like the American flag, it is red, white and blue to indicate those freed are also Americans. The five-point white star in the middle is a tribute to Juneteenth's birthplace of Texas. It is encircled by another white starry line that represents the spreading of freedom. Aside from barbecue, the color red has been a through line for Juneteenth food for generations. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. A Juneteenth menu might incorporate items like barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon and red velvet cake. Drinks like fruit punch and red Kool-Aid may make an appearance at the table. In recent years, Juneteenth has become more commercialized with national chains selling Juneteenth party supplies, T-shirts and other merchandise. However, this year, Juneteenth items appear to be fewer or only online. Morial says he would be disappointed if companies decided selling Juneteenth items out in the open was too risky because of politics. At the same time, it might be a good opportunity for consumers. Advertisement 'I would also encourage people to go online and look for an African American vendor,' Morial said. 'If you got to participate in that (commercialism), that's what I would do.' Does how you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you aren't Black? Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University whose research focuses on race, said there's no reason to feel awkward about wanting to recognize Juneteenth just because you have no personal ties or you're not Black. In fact, embrace it. 'I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to lean into Juneteenth and celebrate,' Brown said. 'It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn't this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law.' What are other names used to refer to Juneteenth? Over the decades, Juneteenth has also been called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July and second Independence Day among others. 'Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we're celebrating freedom and liberty and all of that, that did not include my descendants,' Brown said. 'Black people in America were still enslaved. So that that holiday always comes with a bittersweet tinge to it.' Is there a proper Juneteenth greeting? It's typical to wish people a 'Happy Juneteenth' or 'Happy Teenth,' according to Alan Freeman, a comedian who has organized a June 19 comedy show at Club 68, which local media has described as the last Black bar and club on Galveston Island. The day after he will host a stand-up comedy and jazz show at his Houston restaurant and lounge, the Frisky Whisky. Advertisement 'You know how at Christmas people will say 'Merry Christmas' to each other and not even know each other?' Freeman said. 'You can get a 'Merry Christmas' from everybody. This is the same way.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Seven Virginia governors to take on racism and reconciliation
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The chains were invisible, but they effectively disenfranchised the descendants of enslaved African Americans or Negros — in the best of times — as they were called during the Jim Crow era. Attorney Thurgood Marshall and other Black lawyers challenged local school boards that enforced segregation in public schools. The case, known as Brown v. Board of Education, would change the course of history for a country that was built on the backs of slaves. On May 17, 1954, a unanimous Supreme Court ruled that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. A month later, the child who would become Virginia's 71st governor was born. In an exclusive interview with WAVY-TV 10's Regina Mobley, former Gov. Bob McDonnell talked about his early memories of the Jim Crow era. Regina Mobley: Tell me your memories of segregation in America. Do you remember seeing signs that said white only or colored only? Bob McDonnell: I do. As a young kid, I grew up in, Northern Virginia, right by Mount Vernon. and, I remember seeing those facilities. I couldn't understand that, colored only because even though Brown v Board was handed down some of the Black Codes, the Jim Crow laws, you're right. Did not end until 1964. I do remember those signs. I couldn't really understand it. Regina Mobley: I was born in 1961, I would say around 1971, when we lived we lived near the Norfolk Naval Base, we would be outside jumping rope or whatever, and a car would speed by and someone would yell what is now called the N-word and speed away with a loud squeal. Bob McDonnell: Well first, I'm sorry that you lived in a country that was like that. That's completely contrary to the founding ideals, completely contrary to the words of [Thomas] Jefferson of the Declaration, although he wrote it and then went home and had 500 or 600 enslaved people at Monticello. That includes Sally Hemmings, who was the mother of some of Jefferson's children. The governor then viewed a portion of a now-viral video of a young mother who recently hurled the racial slur at a 5-year old boy who purportedly had his hands in her diaper bag. She then said the world repeatedly as a bystander, with a video camera, confronted the young mother. 'We got a long way to go there,' McDonnell said. 'Thank God, though if you if you look at where we were in 1954 compared to today, I think any honest person would say we've come a long way, but videos like that show that the laws cannot necessarily change the hearts and minds of people.' On the 71st anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, seven Virginia governors will discuss racial progress and the future of education quality and equality. 'So, you know, we're a nation of contrasts,' McDonnell said. 'But the thing that I like about what we're trying to do is to talk honestly about the painful past, admit that it was Virginia governors that started this. My predecessor, George Yardley, in 1619, is the guy right over here at Fort Monroe, the colonial British governor that accepted the 19 Negroes in exchange for rations off the White Lion slave ship, and that is what started the enslavement.' The event is hosted by Virginians for Reconciliation and Virginia Commonwealth University. 'Education is the great equalizer,' McDonnell said, 'that if kids have equally good educations, they're going to be able to compete equally in the marketplace of ideas and the marketplace for jobs, and that's how this ultimate goal of equal opportunity in society comes to pass.' The event is free and open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
