Watching the Only All-Black Swim Team in the US is Popular

Since taking over this once-moribund program eight years ago, head coach Nic Askew, a former Howard swimmer, has created arguably the most electric collegiate swimming environment in the U.S at Howard. 

He’s pulled recruits from across the country, from Canada and the Caribbean, and developed a team now on the cusp of winning the Northeast Conference title, which would be its first banner in more than 30 years—the nation’s only historically Black school with a swim program now showing out in this predominantly white, country club sport.

1,200 people were watching last February—most likely the most-attended dual meet anywhere in the nation last season. 

https://www.si.com/college/2023/02/01/howard-swimming-daily-cover?fbclid=IwAR0ibml7Ff7HW2IU6mnYCHn6tp1bmhOI7V82ZaYcC7TcaVF_QLSHzYkhOxo

It's Fine if Only Whites Control a Small Alabama Town, But Not Majority Blacks

Patrick Braxton become mayor in 2020 of tiny Newbern, Alabama, winning since he was the only one running. In its 166 year history, no Black man had become mayor of the town.

But the white folks eventually decided that wouldn't do, held a secret election, and locked Mr. Braxton out of the town hall, and blocked him from official town business.

Now Mr. Braxton is suing. The whites aren't talking.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/06/us/newbern-alabama-mayor-dispute/index.html

Will Trump Really Be Held Accountable?

Being on top of the hierarchy in so many ways, and garnering support because of his top actions and views, Donald Trump and his supporters expect that he will not be held accountable for trying to overthrow our democracy. In hierarchies, the top is not held accountable because the hierarchy would fall if they were. 

People of the United States are so accustomed to Trump and his Republican retinue being allowed to mostly do whatever they want, that many of us are skeptical that any accountability is a very long shot.

We have reason to believe that the indictments will not hold, that some way Trump and his co-conspirators will weasel out at the top is expected to do. Only time will tell. 

Florida Feeling Heat of Convention Cancellations

The policies of Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that have been approved by Republican-dominated legislatures has draped the Sunshine State in controversy, spurring protests, lawsuits and travel advisories warning the state is “openly hostile” toward people of color, immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ community members.

The fallout is starting to spread to a key economic artery for an income-tax-free state heavily reliant upon tourism taxes: Florida’s convention business, with dozens of organizations cancelling in recent weeks. The fallout may be seen for years to come as organizations book their conventions years ahead. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/06/economy/florida-convention-business-cancellations/index.html