Lawmakers propose task force to probe long-term inequities facing Black women

The persistence of economic, educational and legal disparities in the lives of Black women and girls would be the target of a federal task force recently proposed by a group of House members.

Greenbelt passes a referendum to study possible reparations for Black and Native American residents

Greenbelt, MD – Greenbelt Council passes a historic referendum that will study possible reparations for its African American and Native American residents. Voted on by the residents, the city council will create a 21-person commission to review the reparation tactic.

Senate approves bill aimed at combating hate crimes against Asian Americans

On a nearly unanimous vote, the Senate Thursday passed legislation aimed at speeding federal investigations of hate crimes against Asian Americans related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Passing the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act sends a clear and unmistakable message of solidarity…

Voter restrictions are being proposed in 47 states, report says

State legislators in 47 states have introduced 361 bills so far this year to restrict voting, according to a Brennan Center for Justice Report released Thursday. “In the states, legislatures are rushing to enact restrictive voting laws, the most significant…

Biased landlords ignore disability rights, uphold segregation, activists say

WASHINGTON — Disability, race, gender, mental illness, and criminal history are used by landlords against low-income renters to deny access to public housing. That’s according to Lydia Brown, a fellow with Washington’s Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health…

Ex-offenders seek second chance in the workforce

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Those who have committed crimes often have a tough transition back into the workforce. On the national Day of Empathy, a group hit the halls in Annapolis to lobby lawmakers for the removal of questions regarding criminal…

In Washington, indigenous peoples march against injustices

WASHINGTON – Amid clouds of ceremonial smudging smoke, hundreds gathered Friday for the first Indigenous Peoples March to raise awareness of injustices affecting native people worldwide and focused on missing or murdered Native American women. Organized by the Indigenous Peoples…

Surprise! The Equal Rights Amendment is back

The Equal Rights Amendment is making a surprising come-back, with a new campaign to promote its ratification in Virginia.

Gallery: Women’s March on Washington 2018

WASHINGTON – Thousands of women and men marched on the nation’s capital on Jan. 20 to mark the first anniversary of the massive march staged on Jan. 21, 2017, the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration as president. The photographer, Julia…

Colorado baker goes to Supreme Court over same-sex discrimination suit

In 2012, Denver area baker Jack Phillips turned down a request to make a custom wedding cake for a same-sex couple in Colorado. The case finally reached the Supreme Court and protesters and supporters were out in full force.