November 14, 2024
Echoed News & Updates
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Controversial Alterations at the National Archives. Colleen Shogun Why?
Colleen Shogan, the Biden-appointed Archivist of the United States, instructed the National Archives to modify photographic exhibits to obscure certain aspects of American history. The Wall Street Journal reports that since taking office in May 2023, Shogan has mandated alterations to the displays of photographs to make the exhibitions more appealing to the D.C. institution's audiences. Among the exhibits that were reportedly modified are those featuring images related to Civil Rights Activists, the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples, and World War II-era Japanese American internment camps.
Staff members at the National Archives claimed that Shogan's instructions were a form of censorship. Additionally, they asserted that Shogan's advisors, who are affiliated with NARA, the independent agency responsible for overseeing government records, expressed concerns that conservative legislators might object to content and visuals centered on political reform in the United States.
One of the most contentious changes reportedly mandated by Shogan was the elimination of photographs of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists from a museum photo exhibit. These images were substituted with pictures of Richard Nixon, Elvis Presley, and other prominent personalities.
Additionally, employees at the National Archives were instructed to swap out a birth control patent featured in an exhibit on American inventions for a television patent. Dorothea Lange's photographs of Japanese American internment camps were excluded due to being deemed "overly negative and contentious," as per records and present and past employees. (Lange's documentary images of the camps remained unpublished for many years after being confiscated by the military and discreetly stored in the National Archives.)
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, a spokesperson for Shogan's department defended the changes, stating that they aim to enhance the exhibit's appeal to a broader audience while maintaining inclusivity.
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The Legacy of Ella Jenkins, the 1st Lady of Children's Music
1st Lady of Children's Music
Ella Jenkins, a children's musician who not only inspired countless kids to sing along but also formed a personal connection with each one during her more than 60-year career, has passed away at 100. Her publicist and close friend of 35 years, Lynn Orman, confirmed to the Sun-Times that she peacefully passed away on Saturday at a senior living facility in Chicago, surrounded by family and old friends who played her favorite music, including Perry Como's songs and folk tunes.
"She made it to her 100th birthday surrounded by loved ones, filled with excitement," Orman shared. "Music was her source of energy and inspiration."
For many years, Ms. Jenkins would leave her Lincoln Park townhouse with instruments in hand, traveling far and wide to entertain children with her call-and-response-style folk music, recording over 40 albums. Known as the pioneer of children's music, she was not only honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, but also had her legacy preserved in the Library of Congress, a testament to her enduring influence.
Community Support Against Racist Graffiti in Lawnside, Camden County
Racist Graffetti In Jersey
Per an article shared in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Attorney Ben Crump, racist graffiti was discovered on a home in the historically Black community of Lawnside in Camden County shortly after the election, leading to condemnations and displays of community support for the resident. Dawn Hines, 53, learned from a neighbor on Thursday that a racist message had been spray-painted on her back fence, visible from Evesham Road.
Hines, who has lived in the house for 20 years, described the incident as a hate crime, noting that such an occurrence was unprecedented.
She confirmed that the graffiti appeared overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, linking it to the recent election and suggesting a connection to Donald Trump's victory.
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, a Democrat representing South Jersey, publicly denounced the incident as an act of racism and praised the investigation by law enforcement.
The Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia also condemned the racist graffiti, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of such intimidation.
Camden County Commissioners Young and Dyer issued a joint statement denouncing the hateful display and promising consequences for the perpetrators. Hines confirmed that local authorities are investigating the incident, and efforts were made to remove the offensive words from the fence. Despite the unsettling event, Hines expressed gratitude for the support received from the community. She mentioned plans to enhance her security measures by installing additional surveillance cameras to monitor her property more effectively.
Governor Wes Moore Honors Veterans and Announces Historic Appointment on the Eastern Shore
On Veteran's Day, Governor Wes Moore visited the Eastern Shore to honor Veterans Day and take part in ceremonies recognizing veterans for their service, including the historic posthumous appointment of Harriet Tubman as Brigadier General of the Maryland National Guard. This visit by the governor underscores the commitment of the Moore-Miller Administration to supporting veterans, military families, and fostering community for those who have served our nation.
“During my time in the military, I embraced the principle that all of us who have served our country uphold: to never leave anyone behind. In times of conflict, one's origin, identity, or political affiliation become irrelevant. Success and survival hinge on the individuals beside you—and the only way forward is together,” said Governor Moore. “Through your service and sacrifices, you demonstrate that progress is not merely a coincidence but a deliberate effort. Thank you for embodying the best in us. Maryland stands in solidarity with you, today and always.”
On Veterans Day, Governor Moore attended the Veterans Day breakfast hosted by American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge, alongside Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods, Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Andrew Collins, Congressman Andy Harris, American Legion Department of Maryland Commander David Heredia, American Legion Post 91 Commander Richard Colburn, and local dignitaries. During the event, the governor awarded three $10,000 grants from the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund to support initiatives that promote social connections and community bonds for veterans and military families on the Eastern Shore.
“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have served and their families,” stated Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods. “By utilizing the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund to invest in organizations like the American Legion, we affirm our gratitude and shared commitment to this community.”
The Gilbert Family Foundation Invests $1.2 Million in Black Tech Saturdays to Empower Detroit's Tech Community
The Gilbert Family Foundation, based in Detroit, has revealed a $1.2 million investment in Black Tech Saturdays (BTS), a network catering to Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. This funding aims to enhance BTS’s operational capabilities, broaden its impact, and provide Detroit's tech innovators with crucial resources for advancement. Moreover, the grant will establish a more robust connection between other programs supported by the Gilbert Family Foundation, such as the Apple Developer Academy and Venture 313, and opportunities within Detroit’s tech community. The grant will introduce new initiatives including specialized workshops focusing on brand storytelling and relationship building, a digital resource library for tech startups, and personalized coaching for entrepreneurs. Laura Grannemann, the executive director of the Gilbert Family Foundation, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all Detroit residents have equal access to and benefit from the city's growing tech industry. She commended BTS founders, Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, for creating a remarkable community through Black Tech Saturdays and expressed pride in collaborating with them to break down longstanding systemic barriers that have hindered opportunities for Black individuals.
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