NAACP Sues Over TN Map. Trump 'Loves' Inflation. DOJ Targets Black Programs.

The Johnson Amendment prohibits 501(c)(3) non-profits, including churches, from endorsing political candidates. While the IRS has stated it will not enforce this, there is a strong concern that a Trump administration would selectively target Black churches for endorsing candidates, while allowing white conservative pastors to do so without repercussion. This creates a dilemma for Black pastors who want to explicitly address political issues impacting their communities without risking their tax-exempt status.

Congressman Glenn Ivy and former Congressman GK Butterfield discuss the Johnson Amendment and the fear of selective enforcement. Robert Patillo advocates for Black churches to 'full-throatedly endorse and denounce' and 'dare them to come after every black church in America at the same time.'

Carmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old Black male, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in Texas. The defense's strategy, particularly calling only one witness (his mother) during the sentencing phase, was heavily criticized by the host and panelists. This case is framed as an example of systemic racism within the justice system, where Black individuals are often denied a jury of their peers and face harsher outcomes, even in self-defense cases.

Robert Patillo discusses potential appeals for ineffective assistance of counsel. Nicole Robinson highlights the lack of a strong defense and the absence of Black jurors. Rebecca Cokley emphasizes that 'black boys don't get to be black boys' and cannot defend themselves without severe repercussions in the U.S. justice system.

Three Georgia midwives filed a lawsuit against the state, challenging restrictive laws that prevent midwives from practicing, despite the legislature failing to pass a licensing bill. This legal action aims to decriminalize midwifery and increase access to care, particularly for Black women who face significantly higher maternal mortality rates. The historical context reveals a long history of discrimination against Black midwives, dating back to the American Medical Association's efforts to discredit them.

Jamari Amani, lead plaintiff, explains the lawsuit's goal to force accountability for denying care. Hillary Schneller, attorney, notes how Georgia has treated midwives like criminals. Jamari details the historical 'dirty fingernails campaign' and how restrictions decimated the profession, disproportionately affecting Black communities.

The Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including the City College of New York's 'Black Male Initiative.' The DOJ argues that considering 'disparate impact' in hiring and promotions violates federal civil rights laws, broadly applying Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action in college admissions to all sectors. This is seen as an attempt to dismantle the entire civil and economic rights infrastructure for Black Americans.

Robert Patillo explains how the Supreme Court's ruling on 'compelling government interest in diversity' can be broadly applied to employment and other fields. Nicole Robinson states the DOJ 'made it legal to discriminate in the workplace' by allowing racism to hide behind neutral tests. Rebecca Cokley notes the initiative's mission is 'to increase, encourage, and support the inclusion and education success of students from groups that are severely underrepresented.'

The NAACP filed a preliminary injunction to block Tennessee's new congressional map, which was drawn by a Republican supermajority. The map split Shelby County (Memphis), the largest Black city, into three parts, connecting each to rural areas, effectively diluting Black voting power and preventing the election of preferred candidates. This is part of a broader fight against gerrymandering and the erosion of voting rights across Southern states.

Anthony Ashton, NAACP Associate General Counsel, explains the map splits Memphis into three parts to dilute Black votes. He notes the lawsuit is based on violations of the 14th and 15th Amendments and that the NAACP is fighting similar battles in Alabama, Louisiana, and Georgia.

Former President Trump, who previously criticized Joe Biden for inflation, stated he 'loves' inflation because 'as soon as this war is over,' oil prices will drop. He also claimed the U.S. has been 'taking out millions of barrels of oil' from Iran without their knowledge. His energy secretary struggled to defend these statements during a congressional hearing, highlighting a disconnect between Trump's public rhetoric and actual policy or reality.

Audio of Trump saying, 'I love the inflation. You know why? Because as soon as this war is over… Do you know we've been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it. You know who doesn't know about it? Iran until right now.' Congresswoman Emilia Sykes questions the energy secretary on these points, who denies awareness of 'taking' oil and defends Trump's casual tone about war.

Two young Black boys in Kansas City, Kansas, selling lemonade were reported to 911 by an anonymous caller. While police and firefighters responded positively, buying all their lemonade, the incident highlights the pervasive issue of racial bias where Black individuals, even children engaged in innocent activities, are disproportionately targeted by calls to law enforcement. This underscores the 'otherization' of African Americans and the potential for dangerous escalation due to racial prejudice.

KCTV news report details the incident. Roland Martin expresses outrage, stating, 'White kids all across America have lemonade stands... And so this idiot... called 911.' Robert Patillo questions what would have happened if 'bad cops' had responded. Rebecca Cokley notes the heartbreaking aspect of children selling lemonade to buy diapers and criticizes the 'always about race' dynamic in the U.S.