Hegseth Blocks Black Promotions. Iran War Impacts Farmers. Karmelo Anthony Trial. Love, Joy & Power

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is characterized as an 'anti-Black' figure, particularly for his dissent in *Whitten v. Florida*, a death row case. Thomas argued against the Supreme Court's intervention, stating the evidence against the inmate was 'overwhelming' and that the court should focus on issues like 'discrimination against whites in college admissions.' This position is seen as a deliberate prioritization of perceived white grievances over fundamental justice, even for a white death row inmate, demonstrating a consistent pattern of rulings against Black interests.

Thomas's dissent in *Whitten v. Florida*, where he called the 11th Circuit's consideration of new DNA evidence an 'inconsequential footfall' and suggested the court should focus on 'discrimination against whites in college admissions.' This was a 7-2 ruling, with only Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is accused of systematically blocking military promotions for women and Black individuals, as reported by The New York Times. This action is framed as a continuation of an 'anti-Black' and 'anti-women' agenda within the Trump administration, aiming for a military primarily run by white men. Pentagon rules state that officers should only be pulled from promotion lists for moral, mental, physical, or professional failings, not based on race or gender.

New York Times report detailing Hegseth blocking promotions of at least seven Navy officers, including two women and two Black men, from a list of 22 nominees for one-star admirals. No female officers were on the new list, despite women making up 21% of the active-duty Navy, and only two non-white officers, despite minorities making up 38%.

Roland Martin argues that Black civil rights organizations, media, and advocacy groups must achieve financial independence from corporate and external funding to effectively challenge systemic oppression. He contends that reliance on corporate sponsors, who may be 'scared to death of Trump' or 'in bed with Republicans,' compromises the groups' ability to speak truth to power and advocate without fear of retribution or loss of funding. Self-funding through community contributions is presented as the only way to ensure uncompromised advocacy.

Discussion around the CBC and African-American Mayor's Association calling on corporations for voting rights support, juxtaposed with Roland Martin's challenge to these groups to demand more from their own corporate sponsors. He explicitly states, 'Those that fund you control you? Those that pay your bills can tell you what to say and what not to say.'

The documentary 'Love, Joy, and Power: Tools for Liberation' by Black Voters Matter highlights the critical role of grassroots organizing in the South and the persistent challenges of voter suppression. It showcases how organizations like Black Voters Matter mobilize communities, provide resources, and combat tactics like reduced polling places, long lines, and misinformation campaigns, even in the face of threats and violence. The success in flipping Georgia is attributed to sustained, community-led efforts.

Examples from the documentary including long lines at polling places in Georgia and Kentucky during the pandemic (02:16:06), the 'Blackest Bus in America' tours (02:14:42), the 'Joe got to go' campaign in Selma (03:05:32), and the response to voter challenges by 'True the Vote' in Georgia (03:30:32).