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IBW21

IBW21 (The Institute of the Black World 21st Century) is committed to enhancing the capacity of Black communities in the U.S. and globally to achieve cultural, social, economic and political equality and an enhanced quality of life for all marginalized people.

Former vice president Joe Biden speaking with supporters at a community event in Iowa, 2019.

Joe Biden’s Campaign Is Making It Very Clear: They Will Push Austerity in the White House

By Commentaries/Opinions

By David Sirota, Jacobin — Almost no one noticed it, but earlier this month, a top Joe Biden advisor indicated that the entire agenda Biden is campaigning on won’t be pursued once he’s in the White House. Instead, Biden’s inner circle appears wedded to the ideology of austerity. he Democratic convention has sucked up all the political oxygen in America — so much so, that most people missed Team Biden…

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Staff Surveys Reveal Widespread Racism at the United Nations

By News & Current Affairs

United Nations (IPS) — As it continues to vociferously preach the virtues of equality—advocating equal rights for all, irrespective of race, sex, language or religion– the United Nations has been quick to condemn racism and racial discrimination worldwide. But how hypocritical is it when racism raises its ugly head in its own backyard— particularly in Geneva which, ironically, is home to the UN Human…

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Jarena Lee, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman were pioneering Black women leaders who championed equality in the church, politics, civic rights, and other areas of public life.

Black women are founders of American democracy. How will we live up to their ideals?

By Commentaries/Opinions

While too many Black were disenfranchised even after the 19th Amendment’s ratification a century ago, they never waited for permission before promoting their vision of fundamental rights. By Martha Jones, The Inquirer — When it comes to 21st-century politics, Black women are our founders. The double scourge of racism and sexism no longer defines American politics. The nomination of Sen. Kamala Harris to the Democrat’s VP slot, the more than…

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A healthcare worker sits on a bench near Central Park in New York City, on Mar. 30, 2020.

Why the U.S. Is Losing the War on COVID-19

By Commentaries/Opinions, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Failed leadership, a distrust of scientists, and cultural attitudes have all combined to result in an inadequate response to COVID-19. By Alex Fitzpatrick, TIME — It is a frightening time to live in the United States. COVID-19, a novel disease as ruthless as it is seemingly random, is picking us off by the thousands; even many of those who “recover” may never truly be the same again. The pandemic has…

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The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners has voted in favor of a resolution that will create a new commission in addressing disparities in black communities.

Kalamazoo County Commissioners approve resolution to create Economic Reparations Committee

By Reparations

Kalamazoo County, MI, (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners has voted in favor of a resolution that will create a new commission in addressing disparities in black communities. The measure is listed on county documents as a “Resolution on Creating the Kalamazoo County Commission on Economic Reparations and Opportunity for Descendants of enslaved Africans and Indigenous Blacks,” and was approved on first read at the last County…

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Clockwise from top left: Police officers in Minneapolis; two Camden County, N.J., police vehicles; an officer at a Minneapolis gas station; and Sister Chabree Muhammad, with kids in Camden in July.

Police Reform: Here’s How America Should Rethink Safety

By Editors' Choice

America’s Policing System Is Broken. It’s Time to Radically Rethink Public Safety. By Josiah Bates and Karl Vick, TIME — In Minneapolis, the first days after George Floyd’s killing exist in memory as kind of a blur. Even so, the burning of the Third Precinct police station on May 28 was a signal event, and not only for residents of the south side, where Floyd was killed and so many buildings went…

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