(finally) President Biden “officially” signs Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law
Which now makes “lynching” a Federal Hate Crime. Can we say “about goddamn time” Congress enacted legislation because it’s nuts it took until 2022 to make lynching a federal hate crime
When the arch of justice truly bends just a little bit more towards the aspirational goal of “equal protection under the law” —its moments like Tuesday, March 28, 2022 that truly makes me proud to be an American.
Recent contextual background…
Truly I don’t know why but at this moment I can not be any prouder of President Biden… this was long and I mean long overdue and I meant to update my readers yesterday but I was unfortunately otherwise preoccupied. That said - it’s official — lynching in the United States of America is now a “federal hate crime” —see official statement from the Biden White House
And the bonus fact that America’s first Asian & African American Vice President was a co-sponsor of this legislation —it means a lot —at least for me.
In remarks delivered by President Biden -he stated the folllowinb
Lynching was pure terror to enforce the lie that not everyone, not everyone belongs in America. Not everyone is created equal. Terror to systematically undermine hard fought civil rights. Terror not just in the dark of the night but in broad daylight. Innocent men women and children hung by nooses from trees, bodies burned and drowned and castrated. Their crimes? Trying to vote. Trying to go to school. Trying to own a business or preach the gospel. False accusations of murder, arson and robbery. Simply being black.
Should you be inclined I recommend that you read the data from
http://www.americanlynchingdata.com
To be clear while the recent data suggest a steep decline in lynching — the fact it took until 2022 for Congress to enact legislation —is something I just can’t wrap my head around.
To understand just how pervasive lynching was —the data breaks down per state.
For example:
Mississippi lynched 539 African Americans v 42 Whites
Georgia lynched 492 African Americans v 39 Whites
Louisiana lynched 335 African Americans v 56 Whites
Texas lynched 352 African American v 141 Whites
Alabama lynched 299 African Americans v 48 Whites
And because today was probably one of the worst days I’ve experienced in a long time - here’s your extra dose of saltwater therapy —In <3 days I’ll return to where I am the most at peace and I can’t wait to indulge in some over due self care…
Also I’m taking tomorrow off because I need to focus on the various fires before they burn out of control. Nothing says “hey I screwed up but I need you to fix it before [redacted] notices” —because apparently I also work with a few pyromaniacs who don’t always think things through and then expect that I can put out the fires they set. Given I likely saved a few coworkers their jobs —imma gonna need them to buy me a really expensive gift to show their gratitude or I can just let the fires consume them and pull out my marshmallows for s’mores… I’m kidding, kind of.
I’ll see y’all on April 1, 2022 because I’m eyeballs deep in trying to fix at least 2 foreseeable crisis dropped on my lap.
Be well -Filey
Again, truly two different justice systems in this country, it is disgusting. I hope the descendants of those who were lynched, taken before their time, can find closure and peace.
Filey, I will send you a portable cylinder fire extinguisher and a bottle of Tito's vodka for you to go. Make sure you wear your 'protective ' gear in the meantime. And self care and salt water therapy for you. Be well back y'all on here, stay healthy and safe.
It is crazy it's taken this long to pass, and we still have a ton of social work left to do.