Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
Alabama
Recy Taylor, a 91-year old woman from Alabama, has received an official apology from the state for a sexual assault that occurred nearly 70 years ago. Taylor was raped on her way home from church by seven White men who were never prosecuted. Gov. Robert Bentley said that he plans to sign the resolution, which was passed by the state legislature. Rep. Dexter Grimsley introduced the legislation and says that not prosecuting the men for this crime was “morally abhorrent and repugnant.” He also said that the police harassed Ms. Taylor during their investigation and the all-White, all-male grand jury refused to indict the men for their crimes. In fact, the police attempted to blame Taylor for the attack; her family was threatened and family’s house was fire bombed. The official apology is Alabama’s way of admitting their wrongdoing. Although it isn’t official, it is rumored that Taylor may even receive a financial settlement as well.
California
The city of San Bernardino is partnering with the Urban Youth Conservation Corps (U.Y.C.C), local Catholic charities, California State University, San Bernardino, and the San Bernardino National Forest to involve youth in meaningful forestry conservation projects, including wildlife management, firefighting and community involvement. The objective of this effort is to reduce violence and gang-related crime among youth by providing them with the life skills needed for successful employment, pro-social involvement and higher education opportunities. The California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention Fund, also known as Cal G.R.I.P., recently donated $400,000 to help fund each project. The U.Y.C.C. and various Catholic charities have also shared in the expenses, and will be working closely with more than 100 probation and at-risk youths and their families.
Georgia
Sofn’free, the African-American hair-care brand of 30 years that revitalized its product lineup in 2010 with the launch Sofn’free GroHealthy, will award a year’s supply of hair treatments to 10 women who visit its booth during the World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show in Atlanta, April 30 and May 1, 2011. Attendees who visit the Sofn’free booth at the show will meet Sofn’free’s director of education and master cosmetologist Will Williams and receive product samples and information on caring for natural hair. “With summer around the corner, women are interested in learning how to deal with the season’s fluctuations in humidity,” said Williams. “We’ll describe how our products help hair absorb moisture and suggest to women some hairstyles that best suit their hair type, their lifestyle and the shape of their face. We’ll recommend treatment regimes to improve or maintain the condition of their hair and, of course, we’ll let them try some Sofn’free for themselves.”
Illinois
