OP-ED

The Knicks' NBA Finals win reminded New Yorkers of the unifying power of sports and the collective experience of rooting for an underdog, providing a much-needed distraction from the turmoil of the past few months.

On Juneteenth, a large gathering of Black and White people celebrated Black music at the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's plantation, and called each other cousin to recognize the interconnectedness of all people.

Former President Barack Obama's legacy continues to cast a long shadow over President Donald Trump, as Trump struggles to defend his Iran agreement and is reminded of the admiration, popularity, and historic stature Obama achieved during his presidency.

Vice President JD Vance denied that Black history is being erased from public spaces, despite evidence to the contrary, which is part of the Trump Administration's anti-Black agenda and moral decline of the nation.

Dr. E. Faye Williams criticizes Trump for his lack of trustworthiness, his obsession with power, and his disrespect for others, while praising the Obamas for their hope and sacrifice.

Michelle Obama has been the target of far-right attacks that question her womanhood, appearance, and humanity, highlighting the intersection of racism, gender, and political grievance in Trump's MAGAverse.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, it is important to remember the centuries-long struggle for justice and equality that has been fought by those who have been denied the full benefits of citizenship, and to strive for a patriotism rooted in honesty and memory, rather than denial and mythmaking.

Teddy Pendergrass' song "Wake Up Everybody" debuted in 1975 and still resonates today as a call to action to change America for the better and to address issues such as hatred, war, and poverty.

The Obama Presidential Center is a transformative investment in community, economy, and civic life, offering a hopeful blueprint for inclusive and sustainable progress.

Rep. James Clyburn has warned that America risks sliding backward toward the post-Reconstruction era, a period of brutal racial tyranny and voter suppression, as evidenced by the recent Supreme Court decision to gut Black voting rights and President Trump's dismantling of civil rights protections.