The Rev. Thomas Bowen, senior adviser in the White House Office of Public Engagement, offered a call to action and led a prayer during the John Lewis National Day of Action at the John A. Wilson Building in D.C. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
The Rev. Thomas Bowen, senior adviser in the White House Office of Public Engagement, offered a call to action and led a prayer during the John Lewis National Day of Action at the John A. Wilson Building in D.C. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Today’s Headlines – July 18, 2024

Promoting Voting Rights, Honoring History, Pursuing Justice, Tackling Student Debt

Good afternoon. It’s Thursday, July 18. Today’s newsletter highlights the ongoing fight for civil rights and racial justice, as local and national organizations gather to advocate for voting rights and honor the legacy of John Lewis. We also celebrate the historic milestone of Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, the first Black female police chief in D.C., and the exoneration of 256 Black sailors wrongfully convicted after the Port Chicago explosion. Additionally, we delve into the Biden administration’s efforts to address student loan debt relief, with $1.2 billion forgiven for public service workers.

John Lewis’ legacy of voting rights continues with national day of action

In a powerful tribute to the late civil rights icon John Lewis, local and national organizations gathered at the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C., to advocate for voting rights and honor his legacy. With D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other prominent leaders leading the charge, the event underscored the urgent need to protect and expand access to the ballot box.

MPD chief Smith reflects on one year of crime reduction and community engagement

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith marks a historic milestone as the first Black female police chief in D.C., leading a strategic plan that has significantly reduced crime rates and fostered community engagement. Smith’s innovative strategies, including the Real Time Crime Center and a fleet of drones, have transformed the District’s approach to public safety.

U.S. Navy exonerates Black sailors wrongfully convicted in 1944 Port Chicago explosion

In a significant move marking the 80th anniversary of the devastating 1944 Port Chicago explosion, the U.S. Navy has exonerated 256 Black sailors wrongfully convicted for their refusal to handle ammunition after the tragic incident. This decision, championed by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and President Joe Biden, underscores the ongoing fight against racial injustice within the military.

Biden administration forgives $1.2 billion in student debt for public service workers

The Biden administration has announced the forgiveness of $1.2 billion in student debt for 35,000 public service workers, marking a significant step in addressing student loan debt relief. This latest move brings the total debt relief under the Biden administration to $168.5 billion, impacting nearly 4.8 million Americans.

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Desmond Barnes was born in Washington, DC. He is the son of Washington Informer Publisher Denise Barnes. He has been a part of the Washington Informer family all of his life. He helps produce Sounds Of...