McClellan, Benjamin, @MissyElliot, #VaBeach Massacre Doc, Scott on #IllanOmar, Deshundra is 🏃🏾♂️, #BlackHistoryMonth
The first two days of Black History Month have been quite interesting. On the first day, Feb. 1, presidential hopeful and Trump clone Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won his battle to erase certain courses in the curriculum offered for African American history advanced placement courses — as the College Board folded. That prompted members of Congress to file legislation to protect African American history.
On day two of Black History Month, Feb. 2: Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives held a vote (H. Res. 76) to remove Minnesota Democrat Rep. IIlan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Omar was removed from the panel by a straight party-line vote of 218-to-211 (1 voting present). Right wing members of Congress and media have been targeting Rep. Omar since she started in Congress in 2019. She is the third member of the Muslim faith to serve in Congress behind former Rep. Keith Ellison, who is now the Attorney General in Minnesota, and Indiana Congressman Andre Carson.
Congressman Bobby Scott commented on H. Res. 76, to remove Rep. Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Part of his statement read entire:
“Representative Ilhan Omar is a valued member of the U.S. House of Representatives. As the only refugee and the only African-born member of Congress, and one of only a few Muslim members of Congress, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to this chamber… It is undisputed that Representative Omar made a mistake with some of her previous comments. But she apologized when she learned that her words were hurtful and sought out members of the Jewish community to better understand how she could be an ally in the fight against antisemitism.
Her actions stand in stark contrast to similar situations involving members of the Majority party and only underscores their incredible hypocrisy. Speaker McCarthy and Majority Whip Emmer have both accused prominent Jewish Democrats of trying to buy elections and control of Congress. Not only have they never apologized, as Representative Omar did, for engaging in the same antisemitic tropes, they were elevated to leadership positions within the Republican Conference.
SPANBERGER + WEXTON JOIN HOUSE REPUBLICANS. The second vote taken in the U.S. House yesterday (H.CON RES.9) featured another messaging bill from the right. It also revealed an obsession related to “socialism.” This time, many Democrats including Virginia Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Jennifer Wexton, voted along with Republicans to “denounce the horrors of socialism.” Thirteen members voted “present” to avoid taking a public position. Virginia Reps. Don Beyer, Bobby Scott and Gerry Connolly did not join with the Republicans. The vote on Rep. Omar and the socialism vote are further signs that Republicans in the U.S. House will be focused more on messaging and less on policy and cost of living issues such as gas prices.
MISSY ELLIOT IS WINNING. Portsmouth, Virginia’s own Missy Elliott has made Rock and Roll Hall of Fame history as the first female hip-hop artist to be nominated for the honor in her first year of eligibility.
On Oct. 17, 2022, Missy Elliott was honored in Portsmouth, VA with a street renaming and Governor Youngkin declaring 10/17/22 Missy Elliott Day.
GAG ORDER IN THE MORRISSEY CASE. A judge has hit both Myrna Morrissey and Joe Morrissey with a gag order. Hallelujah.
VIRGINIA BEACH 5/31 FAMILIES UNITED DOCUMENTARY. On May 31, 2019 a disgruntled and long-complained-about employee, DeWayne Craddock, murdered 12 of his co-workers at Building 2 of the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Since then the city spent $26 million to renovate the building the massacre occurred in and far far less on the families of the 12 victims. Questions around compensation for crime victims are being asked by family members. A commission set up to investigate the matter has been criticized by Attorney General Jason Miyares and family members.
🎥 The documentary, produced by Carlyle Chalmers, features the families of the 12 victims murdered on May 31, 2019. Parts of the interviews were aired on 13NewsNow and WAVY TV. Some of the stories have never before been told and many of the family members of victims had never spoken out before. The family members will be again visiting lawmakers in Richmond and Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks.
SELLERS ENDORSES LITTLE FOR HD90. Former South Carolina State Representative and CNN talking head Bakari Sellers has endorsed Virginia House candidate for HD19 Makya Little. The race for the HD19 House of Delegates seat in Virginia is competitive. Last week, State Senator Louise Lucas’ grand daughter Natalie Shorter entered the race for.
“A fellow HBCU grad, @Bakari_Sellers continues to speak truth to power, and that is the energy we will bring to Virginia’s state house. When the world breaks down, we will level up…” Makya Little wrote on the Sellers endorsement.
MAYOR JONES OF NEWPORT NEWS TOWN HALL. Newport News Mayor Philip Jones is planning to have regular town halls — either once a month or once every quarter.
Last night’s town hall was in the Hilton section of Newport News. Residents asked about high electric bills and school safety issues in the wake of a teacher being shot by a six year old student at an elementary school.
CHESAPEAKE CHUCK. Yesterday Newport News Mayor Phil Jones informed that a certain fury critter did not see his shadow so expect an early spring.
DESHUNDRA JEFFERSON IS 🏃🏾♂️ RUNNING FOR Chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Jefferson will face off against fellow Democrat Ann Wheeler, who’s held the position since 2020. Jefferson has been a senior communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience in politics, public affairs, and journalism.
MCCLELLAN VS. BENJAMIN. HERE COMES FEB 21. With 19 days until election day on Feb. 21 for the special election to fill the 4th congressional seat, State Senator Jennifer McClellan (D) and Richmond Pastor Leon Benjamin (R), McClellan are campaigning. Senator McClellan is having a Faith Leaders Breakfast:
Yesterday, Leon Benjamin was endorsed by Delegate A.C. Cordoza.
SPECIAL ELECTION VOTING. 🚩 The City of Richmond will have Sunday voting available for the Fourth Congressional District Special Election at their two early voting locations. Eligible voters can vote on Sunday, Feb 12th from 12pm-4pm at the Voter Registrar's office at 2134 West Laburnum Avenue in Richmond or at Hickory Hill Recreation Center at 3000 E Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA.
J.D. SPAIN IS RUNNING🏃🏾♂️FOR THE ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD. On February 1, 2023, the Baltimore Washington Laborers’ District Council (BWLDC), an affiliate of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA), endorsed JD for Arlington County Board in advance of the June 20, 2023, Virginia Democratic Primary. LiUNA didn’t leave a Black man off a flyer this time. J.D. Spain will formally kickoff his campaign to be on the Arlington County Board tomorrow at an event with former Delegates and statewide candidates Jennifer Carroll Foy and Jay Jones.
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