SCOTUS Backs Alabama GOP Map. Black Farmers Sue USDA. Karmelo Anthony Trial. Obama Center Preview

The Supreme Court allowed Alabama Republicans to proceed with a congressional map that eliminates a Black district, overturning a lower court's finding of blatant discrimination. This decision is seen as inconsistent with previous rulings, such as the Louisiana case where an election was canceled to change maps, and effectively signals the demise of the Voting Rights Act by making discrimination nearly impossible to prove.

Host Roland Martin and plaintiffs Dr. Marcus Caster and Evan Milligan discuss the Supreme Court's shadow docket ruling, the lower court's finding of discrimination by a three-judge panel (two Trump-appointed, one Clinton-appointed), and the Supreme Court's reversal, claiming the lower court 'erred.' They highlight the contradiction with the Louisiana case and the court's expectation for federal judges to 'trust the legislative intent' of demonstrably racist legislatures.

Farming organizations, led by the 2020 Farmers Co-operative, have filed a lawsuit against the USDA for canceling $127 million in grants, alleging due process violations and systemic discrimination against Black farmers. The grants were intended to help small-scale farmers, particularly Black farmers, access land and capital markets, and penetrate larger markets from which they have historically been excluded.

Sharon Mallerie, Executive Director of the 2020 Farmers Co-operative, states that 23 organizations are involved in the lawsuit, out of 49 whose funding was slashed. She explains that the Trump administration canceled many grants simply for having 'black' in the title, while simultaneously supporting white farmers. Mallerie emphasizes the macro impact of these cuts on food security and the economic viability of small-scale farmers across the country.

The trial of Carmelo Anthony in Colin County, Texas, is moving forward with jury selection, drawing from a pool of 600 registered voters. A strict gag order is in effect, preventing public comment from families and lawyers, though one father was observed violating it with racial slurs on TikTok. The case is highly divisive, with African-American communities sensitive to potential injustices within the criminal justice system, while white supremacists are actively causing tension.

Attorney Thelma Anderson reports on the jury selection process, confirming the 600-person pool and the gag order. She notes the racial tones from the 'other side' and the arrest of Jack Lang for disrupting judicial ordinances. Anderson anticipates eyewitness testimony, law enforcement accounts, and medical examiner reports will be key, with jurors often trusting science more than witness credibility.

Congressman Al Green confronted a DHS Secretary on Capitol Hill, accusing him of racist behavior, including depicting people of color as apes and taking offense at peaceful protests. Green highlighted the Secretary's past aggressive conduct during Senate hearings and expressed concern about his temperament and leadership over a department with many people of color.

The segment includes a video clip of Congressman Green's passionate address, where he details characteristics of a racist, displays images (Ruby Bridges, blurred ape depictions), and shows videos of the Secretary's past aggressive exchanges. Green explicitly states, 'You, sir, have engaged in despicable behavior' and questions the Secretary's qualification due to a lack of respectful temperament.

Following his passing, Pebo Bryson is remembered by fellow musicians as a singer with unparalleled range, tonality, and the ability to 'pierce the soul.' He was celebrated for his powerful yet tender vocal delivery, his impeccable stage presence, and his status as one of the last great male R&B crooners of his generation.

Chris Walker calls Bryson the 'Pavarotti of R&B' and praises his ability to hold notes. Gerald Albright recounts a story of Bryson's confidence and perfectionism in the studio. Regina Belle, his duet partner, describes him as 'everything,' an 'iron that sharpeneth iron,' and a trusted friend who helped her develop professionally. Howard Hewett shares anecdotes about Bryson's high vocal range and his influence on his own career, emphasizing Bryson's distinct, identifiable voice and total package as a musician.