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Welcome to our blog page! We have a variety of topics for you to explore, each rich with knowledge and resources for advancing black children and our community.
Once upon a time, in a place called Jasper in Texas, there was a man named James Byrd Jr. He was like you and me, living peacefully each day as it came. However, one day, something terribly sad happened that shocked everyone in the town and beyond. This is his story, a story we must remember, so we can learn, grow, and ensure such things never happen again.
In the summer of June 1998, James was walking home from a gathering when he ran into three men – Shawn Berry, Lawrence Russell Brewer, and John King. These men were not kind to James because he had different skin color from theirs. This way of thinking was wrong and hurtful, and it led to a very cruel act that night.
But what is a Klansman, you might wonder? Many years ago, after the Civil War, a group called the Ku Klux Klan, also known as the KKK, was formed. This group did not like people who were different from them, especially people with different skin colors. Sadly, King was a part of this group and had even marked his body with a picture that showed his hurtful beliefs. Brewer, too, was part of a similar group that believed in the same wrong ideas.
The three men were found guilty after the terrible thing that happened to James. Shawn Berry was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. Brewer and King were sentenced to death. This was a historic moment because it was the first time in Texas that anyone was punished with jail time for helping in the lynching of a Black person.
Sources:
1. Biography of James Byrd Jr
2. History of the Ku Klux Klan
3. History of the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act
4. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Each question is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the issue and promote critical thinking while being age-appropriate.
We hope this story has made you think deeply about the importance of kindness and understanding. If you’d like to learn more about such amazing people who’ve changed the world or about different times in our history, we have just the place for you.
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The enactment of the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act stands testament to how a society can transform a tragedy into a powerful force for change, albeit over time. The law doesn’t eradicate hate but offers a crucial instrument to track, prosecute, and, hopefully, prevent hate crimes.
As we strive for an inclusive society, let’s not forget the victims, like James Byrd Jr., whose stories shape our collective pursuit for justice. It’s our shared responsibility to ensure their legacy inspires continuous efforts against hatred and bigotry [2].
Sources:
[1]: The New York Times: “Man Executed in Brutal Jasper Murder” (2009)](Article Link)
[2] The Guardian: “The dragging death of James Byrd Jr. was not a footnote in American history” (2018)(Article Link)
[3] The United States Department of Justice: “Fact Sheet: The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009″(Article Link)
Join us for our Free Breakfast & Books Summer Program – a unique fusion of nourishment for the body and mind. This initiative serves hearty, healthy breakfasts to our children during the crucial summer months and nurtures their love for reading. Our carefully curated selection of books centers Black people, our experiences, and history, fostering identity, confidence, and empowerment. Encourage your child’s growth with us this summer – together, we’ll fuel their bodies, feed their minds, and inspire their hearts.
Our ‘Barbers & Books’ program is a unique initiative that takes the experience of getting a haircut to a whole new level. We partner with local barbershops and provide free books that Black boys can dive into while getting their haircuts. The program aims to foster a love for reading, boost confidence, and present a wide array of stories that center and celebrate Black experiences. It’s more than a fresh cut – it’s a fresh perspective on learning!
This Giving Tuesday, we’re celebrating the power of small acts with our $2.00 Tuesdays!
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$2 bucks can make a big wave of change, there’s no such thing as ‘too little’ for our liberation!