Al Green Ejected for “Black People Aren’t Apes” Sign. Idaho Bans Juneteenth. Trump Crime Claims

Congressman Al Green held a 'Black people aren't apes' sign in front of Donald Trump during the State of the Union, aiming to confront him directly about his past racist remarks. Green stated his intention was to be 'in the president's personal space' to challenge his condoning of such rhetoric. He was later escorted out after refusing to take down the sign.

Green stated his intention was to be 'in the president's personal space' and that he 'would not do that' when asked to take down the sign.

Donald Trump falsely claimed sole credit for a 'largest decline in recorded history' of violent crime. Panelists, including Diana Hoskins of Just Leadership USA, fact-checked this, showing crime rates began declining in 2022 due to community-led violence reduction programs and economic mobility initiatives, not Trump's 'tough on crime' policies.

Diana Hoskins explains that crime reduction resulted from 'restoration of some of that funding to fund programs that were community-led by people with lived experience, violence reduction programs, prevention, intervention, economic mobility and workforce' put in place 'once he left office.'

Trump celebrated ending DEI, prompting applause from a predominantly white Republican audience. Panelist Brian Shapiro and host Roland Martin explicitly stated that 'DEI hire' is often used as a code word for the n-word, dismissing the qualifications of Black and brown individuals. They highlighted the hypocrisy of Republicans touting achievements for Black people (like HBCU funding) while simultaneously attacking DEI and diversity efforts.

Brian Shapiro states, 'When MAGA Republicans use the term DEI hire, in my personal opinion, that's code word for calling people the n-word.' Roland Martin agrees, 'Ain't just you, Ryan, ain't just you. We we believe the same thing.'

The Post Falls, Idaho City Council voted 4-2 to remove Juneteenth as a city holiday and reinstate Columbus Day. Mayor Randy Wesland claimed Columbus Day better celebrates 'American heritage,' and one councilman dismissed Juneteenth as a holiday 'nobody had heard of until 5 years ago' pushed for 'political purposes,' revealing a profound ignorance of Black history.

Mayor Randy Wesland states, 'This is removing Juneteenth from the list of city holidays and restoring Columbus Day, which I believe is a more appropriate holiday honoring our American heritage.' Another councilman adds, 'Juneteenth is something that nobody had heard of until 5 years ago and was pushed for political purposes.'

Associate Biology Professor Allison Friedman of Hunter College was caught on a hot mic making racist comments about Black eighth-grade students, suggesting 'they're too dumb to know they're in a bad school' and misquoting Carter G. Woodson. Despite her apology claiming she was explaining systemic racism, students and officials condemned her remarks, calling for her termination.

Friedman is heard saying, 'they're just they're too dumb to know they're in a bad school.' She later claimed she was 'attempting to explain systemic racism by referencing a historical example discussed earlier in the meeting.'

A study showing white births falling below 50% for the first time ever is presented as a key driver behind the current political climate. Roland Martin argues that 'white fear' of losing demographic power fuels anti-immigrant policies, attacks on DEI, book bans, and voter suppression efforts, often ignored by mainstream media. He points out the economic necessity of immigration for states facing population decline, citing Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's concerns about revoking TPS for Haitians.

A news report states, 'White births have fallen below 50% for the first time ever.' Roland Martin connects this to 'the reaction that we're seeing from MAGA' and 'the attacks on DEI is all because of this.' Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is shown discussing how Haitians 'were filling jobs that were not being able to be filled in any other way.'

Barbara Reynolds, who authored two books on Reverend Jesse Jackson, reflects on his life and impact. She highlights his role in empowering Black communities through Operation PUSH in Chicago, his charismatic leadership, and his ability to command media attention. Jackson's unselfish pursuit of political power for all marginalized groups, culminating in the 'Rainbow Coalition,' laid the groundwork for future political successes like Barack Obama's presidency.

Barbara Reynolds describes Jackson's work with Operation PUSH, his ability to 'communicate with folks that, you know, maybe Dr. King, other folks couldn't,' and how he 'laid the groundwork for others to run.'