Evening Tea With K Britt: Exploring America's Past and Present Trends, Boots On The Ground Line Dancing Tutorial, Interim US Atty Alina Habba Putting Pressure On Murphy, And More!
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
April 13, 2025
Social Commentary & News
The Unseen Persistence Of Injustice:
Reflections On America's Racial History
New York - NY - In an article titled "Black Americans Are Not Surprised," published by The New York Times on April 7, 2025, Dr. Christian Greer offers a candid perspective on the current state of America, particularly regarding the actions of Trump and his associates. These actions are perceived as undermining the significant achievements made by Black Americans. Achievements that have contributed to improving the quality of life for all citizens since the abolition of chattel slavery. Dr. Greer shares poignant examples, including personal stories from her Grandmother, Lillian McCray who experienced the unjust and unethical Jim Crow laws designed to oppress Black citizens solely based on their race. This article was highlighted in the "What I'm Reading" section by reporter Phil Lewis shared with the relaunched Echo. We recommend that you read the full article using the link provided below.
Greer reflects on the lessons learned from her grandmother Lillian McCray, who lived through the segregated South and understood the harsh realities of America. This understanding is echoed today as many are shocked by the erosion of rights and democracy, with incidents like a graduate student being abducted by masked agents and the dismantling of diversity programs. While white liberals express disbelief, Black people, familiar with America's history of injustice, are not surprised. The past, marked by slavery, Jim Crow, and other injustices, is repeating itself. Black women, who's advice is frequently overlooked despite their warnings, such as those provided by "Win with Black Women," plus Vice President Kamala Harris for example are now prioritizing time for themselves and re-stratigizing. This moment highlights the fragility of democracy and the need for vigilance. As some awaken to these dangers, it’s clear that oppression will affect more than just marginalized groups per Dr. Greer's article. The struggle for justice continues, drawing strength from historical endurance, and demands honest acknowledgment of America's past to protect its future. To learn more please click the link:
About Dr. Greer
Dr. Christina Greer serves as an associate professor at Fordham University and has authored the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream.” Additionally, she co-hosts the podcast “FAQ-NYC.”
Federal Investigation Launched Into New
Jersey's Immigration Directive
Trenton NJ - New Jersey's federal prosecutor has launched an investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin concerning their directive for police to avoid cooperating with federal immigration agents. Alina Habba, appointed by President Trump as interim U.S. attorney, announced the investigation on Fox News, emphasizing her commitment to pursuing the matter aggressively. The Murphy administration has long supported immigration initiatives, with the former AG issuing the "Immigrant Trust Directive" to limit police cooperation with immigration officials. A legislative bill to formalize this directive is stalled. Platkin responded to the investigation announcement, highlighting the directive's legal standing and his unsuccessful attempts to engage with Habba. A memo from the New Jersey State Police clarifies the directive's distinction between administrative and judicial warrants, reinforcing that arrests based solely on administrative warrants would violate the directive. To learn more please check out Michelle Rotuno-Johnson's article titled U.S. Attorney Launches Investigation Into Tonp NJ Officials, April 11, 2025. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j9b37/u-s-attorney-investigating-murphy-nj-ag-over-refusal-to-help-ice?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
Line Dancing As A Tool Of Resistance
And Joy In Black Communities
In the face of political and economic challenges, Black communities in the United States are turning to line dancing as a powerful tool of survival, resistance, and joy. Donovan X. Ramsey, in his HadHappened eNewspaper article, titled 'Boots on the Ground': On the quiet radicalism of Black line dancing highlights how these choreographed movements are reminiscent of African American ancestors who used line dancing to foster unity and resilience. Beyond mere entertainment, these dances become rituals that connect individuals to their history and culture, embodying a sense of unity and cultural continuity. Ramsey writes, "The synchronized steps and practiced joy of line dancing serve as a form of communal grey-rocking, allowing Black communities to sidestep chaos while preserving their energy, unity, and right to joy."
Boots On The Ground Line Dance Tutorial ( Step - By - Step )
"What is grey rocking?"
The grey rock method is a strategy some individuals employ to handle abusive or manipulative behavior acted out by others. This approach involves making oneself disengaged as possible, causing the other person or group seeking to get the attention of those using the grey rocking technique to lose interest.
Per Ramsey, in times of national turmoil, line dancing emerges instinctively as a choreography of survival, much like how bees swarm or fish school to protect themselves. This collective intelligence, rooted in the body, becomes a tactical movement to shield against external threats, ensuring the community remains resilient and united. This is a must-read article shared with the Echo through our friend Phil Lewis. Please click the link to read the full article here:
Tragic Double Homicide: Mother and Daughter Found Shot in Trenton Home
Trenton - NJ In Trenton, NJ, a tragic incident unfolded as a mother and her 13-year-old daughter were discovered shot dead in their home on Saturday morning, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey. The victims were identified by The Trentonian as Malika Whiting and her daughter Jairah Biggs. The Mercer County homicide task force, alongside the Trenton Police Department, is investigating the case. Authorities responded to a 911 call at around 10:30 A.M. on the 300 block of West State Street, where they found Jairah in a third-floor bedroom and Malika on the stairs leading to that floor, both having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
To learn more about this tragic event please check out Lisa Finn's of The Middletown Patch link here. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j9c66/mother-daughter-13-found-fatally-shot-in-nj-home-prosecutor?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
New Jersey Charges 39 In Lucchese Crime Family Gambling Ring Bust
North Jersey — Following a two-year probe into an illegal gambling ring tied to the Lucchese crime family, state officials have charged 39 individuals, including Anand Shah, the president of the Prospect Park Borough Council. The operation, based in North Jersey, included participants from Lincroft, Red Bank, Passaic County, Wayne, and various other suburbs in the region. The Red Bank NJ location involved online sports betting and illegal poker clubs, netting $3 million in alleged criminal gains. Attorney General Matthew Platkin, with the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, announced the charges, noting 37 arrests. Defendants face racketeering, gambling offenses, and money laundering charges, with Shah accused of managing illegal poker games and an online sportsbook with the crime family. To learn more please check out Michelle Rotuno-Johnson's report the click the Middletown Patch. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j9b3g/nj-councilman-among-39-charged-in-probe-tied-to-lucchese-crime-family?utm_term=article-slot-3&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
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