Lynching was used as a way to terrorize Black Americans — particularly in the South — from the late 1800s to the 1960s. It often happened after someone would make a questionable claim against another person. And a mob would often take matters into their own hands, ignoring the justice system and the right to due process. One analysis found that 6,500 people, mostly Black people, were lynched between 1865 and 1950. In almost all of the cases, perpetrators went free.
What’s happening now?
Yesterday, President Biden signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act. It’s named after the 14-year-old Black boy who was tortured and murdered in Mississippi in 1955 in a racist attack that was a catalyst for the civil rights movement. Now, the law makes lynching a federal hate crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
What took so long?
That’s a question for lawmakers. Advocates have been pushing for anti-lynching legislation for more than a century. The holdup was in Congress — which has failed to pass anti-lynching legislation since first intro'd in 1900. In 2020, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) blocked the bill from passing, saying he wanted the bill to be “stronger.” And a few weeks ago, the Senate unanimously said ‘yea.’
Does lynching still happen?
The last recorded lynching in the US reportedly happened in 1981. But there have been at least eight suspected cases of lynchings of Black men and teens in Mississippi since 2000, according to police reports and court records. Civil rights advocate Rev. Al Sharpton described the 2020 murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia as a “lynching in the 21st century."
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It took lawmakers more than 200 tries to pass anti-lynching legislation. Now, it comes as dozens of states across the country have taken steps to limit critical race theory and other race-related discussions in the classroom.
And Also...This
Where there’s talk of headway…
Ukraine. Yesterday, Russia announced it’ll significantly scale back its military operations near two Ukrainian cities — Kyiv and Chernihiv. Russia’s been struggling with its offensive in Ukraine. NATO says up to 15,000 Russian troops have been killed as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive. Now, Russia’s saying it wants to “increase mutual trust.” But don’t take that as a ceasefire quite yet. The US is saying ‘we’ll believe it when we see it.’ Meanwhile, Ukraine would consider declaring itself neutral as part of a peace deal.
Thing to Know: Neutral status. Read: the country’s military won’t form an alliance with others. And in Ukraine’s case, give up its goal of joining NATO. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainians would have to vote on any agreement as a referendum.
What’s raising concerns…
BA.2. Yesterday, the CDC estimated the highly transmissible Omicron variant is now dominant in the US, making up nearly 55% of new cases. The announcement came as the FDA authorized an optional second booster shot for people 50 years and up. The CDC is taking a backseat from officially recommending it but is telling anyone who qualifies to consider it.
Who’s getting playing time…
Women and minorities. Earlier this week, the NFL announced that all 32 teams must hire a “female or a member of an ethnic or racial minority” as an offensive assistant for the 2022 season. The league says head coaches typically start out in offense roles and hopes the requirement will provide women and minorities with more opportunities in higher positions. There are currently only five minority head coaches in the league.
Why chronic menstrual pain may deserve another look...
Anyone else completely forget what it’s like to get ready to go…out…to…places? Because same. But Hero Cosmetics can help you put your best face forward. And they’re giving Skimm’rs 20% off some of their top sellers. We’re talking…
Now that it’s ~officially~ spring, artichokes, fennel, leeks, peas, radishes, rhubarb, and more delicious veggies are in their prime. And we’ve gathered a few tips for working them into your weekly menu:
Herb it up. Seasoning your seasonal veggies? What a concept. Spring herbs like dill, mint, and parsley can bring out the best in them.
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The Daily Skimm: Weekend
The cherry on top. Icing on the cake. A little something extra. That’s what we’re adding to your weekend morning routine. Say hello to the Daily Skimm: Weekend. Starting this Saturday, you’ll get an additional Daily Skimm newsletter with a news roundup of stories you might’ve missed, recs for how to spend your money (and time), reminders about big events coming up, and more. So you can spend your weekend smarter.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Comfy kicks that can’t help that they’re so popular. Like over-15,000-five-star-reviews popular. Cariuma’s cult-fave canvas sneaks come in over 10 IG-worthy colors. And there are some new limited-edition collabs for spring. They’re also never on sale. But Skimm’rs get a special offer.*
2. An iron-on tool that requires zero experience. Just an urge to be crafty. This easy-to-use machine lets you transfer art, prints, and photos to practically any fabric. Think: totes, t-shirts, and pillows. It’s lightweight, portable, and just so happens to be on sale right now.*
3. An all-biz class airline that can help you travel in style. For less. Book with these guys to get free WiFi, gourmet meals, a fully reclinable seat, and 20%–30% off your next flight to Paris, Nice, or Milan. Learn more.*
4. A podcast ep that’ll help you make sense of it all. And by ‘it’ we mean this week’s Oscar-worthy drama ofc. Our latest episode of “Pop Cultured,” sponsored by “Bridgerton” (streaming now on Netflix), breaks it down. Juuuust in time for this weekend’s Grammy awards. Listen in.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Catching codes…Robin S (WA). She's the co-founder of Bellingham Coding and Robotics Club — a program that offers summer camp options for kids interested in STEM, coding, robotics, and more. Check it out.
(Some) Birthdays…Amy Shwartz (IL), John Lombardi III (NY), Nikki Fuchs (NY), Leo Villavicencio (NY), Stephanie Koko (VA), Ashlynn Waddill (GA), Lauren Cerny (GA), Kirsten Eblin (SC), Julianna Grucz (MI), Mary Anderson (DC), Mike Rice (NY), Heidi Warner (MD), Amanda Pokorny (OH), Anna Armstrong (MD), Gregory Little (OH)
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