Tuesday Open Thread | 91 Times Black Churches Have Been Violently Attacked

Posted on June 30, 2015 by SouthernGirl2

Emanuel AME ChurchWhen Dylann Roof allegedly opened fire at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, last week, it was an act of terror of the kind that happens all too often in black houses of worship. Roof has been charged with shooting and killing nine people, including senior pastor of the church and South Carolina state Sen. Clementa Pinckney.

Black communities in America have long used the church as a place to come together, to worship and to discuss social issues without fear of being targeted. But the ugly truth is that black churches have always been targets. White supremacists have sought to terrorize and destroy these institutions for as long as they’ve existed.

Although many church burnings, bombings and other hate crimes went unreported before and during the civil rights era, we know of at least 91 cases since the 1950s when black churches in America were the targets of what can only be described as domestic terrorism. (Our list contains relatively few incidents from the 1970s and 1980s, in part because exhaustive records from those years are hard to find. However, one report has found that there were 1,420 church fires in 1980 alone. There was a spike in violence against churches in the 1990s, which led Congress to pass the Church Arson Prevention Act in 1996.)

Attacks on historically black churches, 1950s-present

 

About SouthernGirl2

A Native Texan who adores baby kittens, loves horses, rodeos, pomegranates, & collect Eagles. Enjoys politics, games shows, & dancing to all types of music. Loves discussing and learning about different cultures. A Phi Theta Kappa lifetime member with a passion for Social & Civil Justice.
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111 Responses to Tuesday Open Thread | 91 Times Black Churches Have Been Violently Attacked

  3. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    Meet the (White) Press: Racism in ‘Progressive’ Media Spaces
    In the wake of the Emanuel AME Church massacre, Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd decided to amplify the discussion about stricter gun control laws by airing a video that exclusively featured black men in prison for murder.

    BY: KIRSTEN WEST SAVALI
    Posted: June 24 2015 4:27 PM

    If more evidence were needed of how black bodies are pawns in political chess, look no further than Sunday’s episode of Meet the Press.

    Just days after nine African Americans were murdered inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., in what many agree was an act of anti-black terrorism, Chuck Todd and his producers decided that the expanding dialogue about gun violence and consideration of stricter gun control measures should become more “colorblind.” Read: less indicting of white supremacy, pathology and violence.

    So they aired a segment on gun violence that exclusively featured black men in New York’s Sing Sing prison who had been locked up on murder charges. All the men had used guns to commit their crimes.

    “The circumstances you are about to see are very different from the racist violence in Charleston,” said Todd. “In this case, the inmates are African American that you’re going to hear from. But their lessons remain important. We simply ask you to look at this as a color-blind issue, as about just simply gun violence.”

    Right, because what people need is a “very different” conversation, one that doesn’t reckon with the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow or the continued depraved and racist violence endured by generations of black Americans.

    http://www.theroot.com/articles/politics/2015/06/meet_the_white_press_on_nbc_and_racism_in_progressive_media_spaces.html

    Reply
  4. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    The 9 Things Black People Can’t Do
    From having pool parties to, literally, walking down the street, African Americans are often targeted as potential criminals.

    BY: DANIELLE C. BELTON
    Posted: June 9 2015 7:03 AM

    http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2015/06/the_9_things_the_mckinney_pool_party_reminds_us_black_people_can_t_do.html?wpisrc=obinsite

    Reply
  5. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Divorcing After 10 Years of Marriage

    BY MICHELLE TAUBER AND ELIZABETH LEONARD 06/30/2015 AT 04:30 PM EDT
    Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have split, PEOPLE confirms.

    The couple were married for 10 years, having marked their anniversary on Monday.

    “After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce,” the couple tells PEOPLE in a joint statement. “We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding.”

    Garner, 43, and Affleck, 42, intend to seek mediation, says a source close to the couple.

    The two are parents to three kids: Violet, 9, Seraphina, 6, and Samuel, 3.

    http://www.people.com/article/ben-affleck-jennifer-garner-split

    Reply
    • eliihass says:
      June 30, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      That’s very sad..
      I hate when marriages break up. Especially when kids are involved…

      I really wish they could have worked it out. There will always be rough patches in even the best relationship/marriage. It takes maturity and true dedication to weather those stormy times. Sometimes the grass looks greener on the other side and it makes people not try as hard as they can to work things out because they’re caught up in deceptively romantic/passion-filled thoughts of all the prospects they think are out there…

      And then several months/years later, it hits them. The seemingly ‘fun’ prospect who looked better from a distance, isn’t all they’re cracked up to be; And is even more annoying, more neurotic – and now they’re in a relationship with you, even more insecure and less productive/dedicated/caring than the spouse you left.

      I hate divorce. I hate it. and it pisses me off when a couple who had 3 kids together, can’t even find the love and commitment they once shared to help them through the rough patch.

      Reply
  6. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    what a great pic.

    these girls will remember this night forever.

    https://twitter.com/Rosholm44/status/616051915500187649/photo/1

    Reply
    • eliihass says:
      June 30, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      I love how FLOTUS made sure to give Sec. Jewel props, and also asked the kids to thank Secret Service, White House and other staff they encounter during their stay for making this fun event possible.
      Thank You FLOTUS for teaching the kids about gratitude and respect for elders, and for all who make it possible for them to learn – including the janitors who keep the space clean..

      Reply
  11. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    Some of these are so beautiful. …but, I don’t have the patience to sit to get it done.

    75 Super Hot Black Braided Hairstyles To Wear

    http://thirstyroots.com/braided-hairstyles.html

    Reply
  12. Ametia says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    U.S. women beat Germany, 2-0, in World Cup semifinal

    With the win, the Americans advance to Sunday’s final in Vancouver, where they will play the winner of Wednesday’s match between Japan and England.

    Read more » http://link.washingtonpost.com/548289943b35d072688b4aaa2s1ab.7k32/VZM6ZkmOJI62BYHBA4854

    Reply
  13. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    The Greek crisis: 9 questions you were too embarrassed to ask
    Updated by Dylan Matthews on June 30, 2015, 9:22 a.m. ET

    http://www.vox.com/2015/6/30/8867939/greece-economic-crisis

    Reply
  14. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    Good for the Mayor. Call him out.

    ………………………..

    They’re not even frenemies anymore.

    Mayor de Blasio tore into Gov. Cuomo with a no-holds-barred attack Tuesday, accusing the governor of deliberately thwarting his agenda out of political pique and revenge.

    He described their political relationship as a series of letdowns. “I have been disappointed at every turn,” de Blasio said.

    Fresh off an Albany legislative session that dealt several blows to his policy agenda on housing and education, the frustrated mayor called reporters into his office to issue the unusually candid denunciation.

    He didn’t hold back what he really thinks of Cuomo — saying he plays dishonest “political games” and carries out “revenge” and “payback” for any “perceived slight.”

    “I’m not going to be surprised if these statements lead to some attempts at revenge,” de Blasio said. “And we’ll just call them right out, because we’re just not going to play that way. We’re not going to accept that as anything like acceptable government practice.”

    http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/de-blasio-accuses-cuomo-political-revenge-article-1.2276709

    Reply
    • eliihass says:
      June 30, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      “…He didn’t hold back what he really thinks of Cuomo — saying he plays dishonest “political games” and carries out “revenge” and “payback” for any “perceived slight.”

      Andrew Cuomo is such an awful person.

      Good for mayor de Blasio for calling him out.

      Reply
  15. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    I love these pics from the Girl Scouts at the White House.

    https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/616016686093832192/photo/1

    Reply
  16. Ametia says:
    June 30, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    What in the living HELL is Chris Matthews talking about. America is Libertarian according to the current SCOTUS rulings.
    …
    UMMM NAWL, HELL NO! Folks wanted to be treated fairly, fair housing, fair employment opportunities, non-biased, and non-racial profiling, the very act of breathing, walking, loving who we want.

    LIBERTARIAN =SELFISH, AYN RANDIAN BULLSHIT, RAND PAUL-TYPES- This shit does not reflect the MJORITY of American
    \
    DA FUCK OUTTA HERE with that libertaria BULLSHIT

    Reply
  19. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    How completely amazing this will be for these girls!

    https://twitter.com/letsmove/status/615958734267895808/photo/1

    Reply
  26. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    it pisses me off that they remotely would give this case any consideration.
    there were 42 WHITE students who got admitted over her mediocre ass, but the NON-WHITE students are why she didn’t get it?
    GET DA PHUQ OUTTA HERE.

    https://twitter.com/Slate/status/615891964957990912/photo/1

    Reply
  27. Ametia says:
    June 30, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    hoem for lunch channel surfing NOTHING ON THOSE BLACK CHURCH BURNINGS.

    ALLTRUMP, and that’s the way the media wants it, folks.

    Reply
  32. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Amarlie @marabout40

    The media characterizes Trump’s racism and lies as amusing and Christie’s bullying as straight talk.

    Reply
  38. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Tell me something I didn’t already know.

    …………….

    https://twitter.com/TheAtlantic/status/615710238252113920

    Reply
  41. SouthernGirl2 says:
    June 30, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Check this out, Chicas. Instant karma. 35 pickup trucks flying #Confederate flags.

    Reply
  42. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Rand Paul meets with Cliven Bundy on Nevada campaign stop
    Jun. 29, 2015 11:55 PM EDT58

    CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Sen. Rand Paul met with southern Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy on Monday during a question-and-answer session in the town of Mesquite with about 50 supporters and activists interested in land rights.

    The meeting northeast of Las Vegas was part of a statewide tour with stops from Las Vegas to rural Elko.
    http://bigstory.ap.org/article/809ff29a150b44c390cf8309bb6b0fd0/rand-paul-meets-cliven-bundy-nevada-campaign-stop

    Reply
  44. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:14 am

    Krispy Kreme is to join the GOP Clown Car today.

    uh huh
    uh huh

    Reply
  45. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:13 am

    Feds Investigate String of Fires at Black Churches in South

    A string of fires at churches with predominantly black congregations is being examined by federal investigators in the wake of the recent massacre at Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina.

    Six churches have burned in the past week, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, and three of the fires are being investigated as arson. Given the history of anti-black violence centering around churches, particularly in the south, the SPLC says the incidents may not be a coincidence.

    According to the Washington Post, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are involved in the investigation into the incidents — though the FBI says it’s too soon to tell if they’re at all connected…

    http://time.com/3939669/fires-black-church-arson-string/?xid=tcoshare

    Reply
  46. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:12 am

    1. which is why folks need to update their voter registration from time to time.
    2. this is also why you get double the number of signatures needed.
    3. and, do they have election law attorneys working on this?

    https://twitter.com/Doge4ferguson/status/615528334194184193

    Reply
  50. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:05 am

    I can’t believe that Kareem Harrison is now on a Disney show. I love him on it, but it’s still funny when I watch KC Undercover with Peanut.

    Reply
  51. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:04 am

    Kat 4 Obama ‏@Kat4Obama 2h2 hours ago
    POTUS: #TAA reauthorizes African Growth/Opportunity Act. We’re extending similar program to Haiti, renew support for other developing econs.

    Reply
  52. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:04 am

    Kasai™ ‏@Kahsai 7h7 hours ago
    Downloads for Marc Maron’s Obama podcast top 1.6 million http://cnnmon.ie/1drjBDy via @CNNMoney

    Reply
  53. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:03 am

    The New York Times ‏@nytimes 7h7 hours ago
    Breaking News: Supreme Court Allows Texas Abortion Clinics to Remain Open
    http://nyti.ms/1IH4rD4

    Reply
  55. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:02 am

    Issa Rae’s HBO-Bound ‘Awkward Black Girl’-esque Comedy Gets a Director

    Photo of Tambay A. Obenson
    By Tambay A. Obenson | Shadow and Act

    June 29, 2015 at 3:45PM

    It was in August 2013 when it was first revealed that Issa Rae was developing a series for HBO, created by she and funnyman (and now late night host) Larry Wilmore, which was to focus on “the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern day African-American woman,” as was officially described at the time.

    Skip ahead to earlier this year, when it was announced that HBO had given a pilot order for the project, which will be titled “Insecure,” and which Issa Rae will star in, as well as write, along with Wilmore.

    To be produced by 3 Arts, the firm managing both Wilmore and Rae, the project has now attracted the talents of music video director, Melina Matsoukas, who will helm the pilot, making her TV directing debut. A fall shoot date for the pilot is eyed, meaning I wouldn’t look for a finished product until some time in 2016 (I was actually hoping for sooner, but I won’t be greedy).

    http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/issa-raes-hbo-bound-awkward-black-girl-esque-comedy-gets-a-director-20150629

    Reply
  56. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 8:01 am

    Watch Trailer for Fascinating New Documentary About Black Men and Chess – ‘Sideline’

    Shadow and Act
    By Sergio | Shadow and Act

    June 29, 2015 at 3:23PM

    There’s a long, firmly established tradition of black men (and women too) playing chess. Just go to any park on a summer day in any city in this country, and you’ll find black people of all ages and classes deeply engrossed in playing chess games.

    And that’s not to mention the countless black chess clubs all over the country, as well as the growing ranks of black chess players and grandmasters who are seemingly getting younger every year.

    But when was the last time you screened a film about black chess players? If the media had their way, you would think they don’t exist, and that they’re an anomaly; that chess is only a game for white people. (And come to think of it, has there been any black chess player profiled on a black TV network like BET?)

    The truth, of course, is quite different from what the media present (or doesn’t present), and the new upcoming documentary “Sideline,” which will make its premiere at the Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago this August, aims to correct those misconceptions, as well as explore the original African origins of chess created by the Moors who brought it to Europe.

    http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/watch-trailer-for-fascinating-new-documentary-about-black-men-and-chess-sideline-20150629

    Reply
  57. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:58 am

    Trailer: Lorraine Toussaint, Aisha Hinds & Thomas Q. Jones, Others in TV One Original Movie, ‘Runaway Island’

    Photo of Tambay A. Obenson
    By Tambay A. Obenson | Shadow and Act

    June 29, 2015 at 4:51PM

    Another TV One original movie to add to your calendar – all part of the network’s plans revealed earlier this year, for a fresh original programming lineup that includes 8 new series and specials, 16 original movies, as well as new production relationships with new partners.

    Lorraine Toussaint, Thomas Q. Jones and Aisha Hinds headline TV One’s original movie, “Runaway Island,” written by Christopher Brandt – the 2014 American Black Film Festival screenplay competition winner. “Runaway Island” tells a story about a group of troubled strangers looking to escape their woes, who end up sharing a transformational experience on an island – Isle du Soleil, a secluded 1700s Gullah Sea Island resort – steeped in African American heritage and culture.

    The film, directed by Dianne Houston, is slated to premiere on Saturday, July 25 at 8 PM.

    http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/trailer-lorraine-toussaint-aisha-hinds-thomas-q-jones-headline-tv-one-original-movie-runaway-island-20150629

    Reply
  58. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:55 am

    Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman & Julia Roberts Seek Justice in First Trailer for ‘Secret in Their Eyes’ Remake

    Photo of Tambay A. Obenson
    By Tambay A. Obenson | Shadow and Act

    June 30, 2015 at 8:36AM

    It’s a film that’s on my Oscar 2016 predictions list, as Chiwetel Ejiofor could see another Best Actor nomination for his performance in the American remake of the Argentine crime thriller, “The Secret in Their Eyes.”

    It was a role that Denzel Washington was reportedly offered initially, but it eventually went to Ejiofor, who is surrounded by actresses also lauded for their past work – Nicole Kidman (nominated for Oscar thrice, won once) and Julia Roberts (nominated 4 times, also won once).

    Billy Ray, known more for his writing of scripts for critically-acclaimed movies like “Captain Phillips,” “The Hunger Games,” “State of Play,” “Shattered Glass” and others, is directing the American remake of “The Secret in Their Eyes.” The original, a Best Screenplay winner and Best Picture nominee at the Argentine equivalent of the Oscars, as well as the American Oscars winner for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010, was directed by Juan José Campanella.

    The original story (which was actually based on a novel by Argentine author Eduardo Sacheri, titled “The Question in Their Eyes”) unearths the buried romance between a retired judiciary employee and a judge who worked together a quarter century ago. They recount their efforts on an unsolved 1974 rape and murder that is an obsession not only for them, but for the victim’s husband and the killer.

    http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/chiwetel-ejiofor-nicole-kidman-julia-roberts-seek-justice-in-first-trailer-for-secret-in-their-eyes-remake-20150630

    Reply
  59. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:51 am

    The Irresponsibility of ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’

    Shadow and Act
    By Tanya Steele | Shadow and Act

    June 29, 2015 at 1:53PM

    Imagine this: A documentary about Rihanna where Chris Brown gets to talk about Rihanna’s temperament. Where Brown admits to hitting Rihanna as if it was par for the course because she was a difficult personality. Nina Simone’s husband was described in this way: “He would step out of his car and people ran”. Nina, in her own words said: ”He put a gun to my head, then he tied me up and raped me.” Would we let Chris Brown complicate the narrative of the abuse? Why do we allow Nina Simone’s abuser to be part of the telling of her story?

    Certainly, there are aspects to the documentary that we have not seen. Getting to hear parts of Nina Simone’s diary is priceless. However, we have to remember that those excerpts were chosen to support the narrative that the filmmaker wanted to bring forward.

    Is it possible to tell the story of a Black woman, who is a genius, who experienced abuse and fully embrace the impact of the abuse on her life? Do we have to make her complicit in her abuse? Is it possible to experience a Black woman as a genius and show her process, highlight what informed that genius, versus shaping a narrative that is weighted toward her “damage”?

    The title alone makes me cringe. That’s the premise for a story about Nina Simone? What happened to her? It reminded me of the title: “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?.” How about…”The genius of Nina Simone.” “The power of Nina Simone.” Is that how our culture experiences the power that was this woman? What was wrong with her?

    When I look at Nina Simone, I see what is right with her, and what was wrong with the culture that surrounded her.

    http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/the-irresponsibility-of-what-happened-miss-simone-20150629

    Reply
  60. Ametia says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:51 am

    Justices rule 5-4 that independent panels can draw election district lines

    A divided Supreme Court on Monday said voters concerned that partisan gerrymandering is creating unfair elections are entitled to take reapportionment away from state legislatures.The court ruled 5 to 4 that the Constitution does not give legislatures exclusive control over congressional redistricting and said voters may vest the power in independent commissions by ballot initiative, where this option exists.

    Read full article » http://link.washingtonpost.com/548289943b35d072688b4aaa2rijc.4nji/VZGHw8Poja0M_8nOAc9b8

    Reply
  61. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:47 am

    Empire’s’ Lee Daniels Signs Multi-Year Overall with 20th Century Fox TV

    Lee Daniels’ reign at 20th Century Fox Television will continue.

    The “Empire” co-creator has signed a multiyear overall deal with the studio that will allow him to develop, write, direct and supervise new television projects under his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner. He will also remain an executive producer of the popular Fox drama.

    http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/empire-lee-daniels-20th-century-fox-overall-1201530562/

    Reply
  62. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:39 am

    h/t POU

    This should be replicated across the country

    ……………………..

    IDignity was created to assist the disadvantaged in Central Florida to navigate the complexities of obtaining their personal identification, such as birth certificates, Florida ID cards and Social Security cards. These documents are essential to fully participate in our current day society. The need for such a program was recognized by members of five downtown churches who were unable to find a resource that provided such a service. This group developed a viable solution after meeting for a six month period of exhaustive research and interviews. A significant part of this solution was to expand the process that was developed at Project Homeless Connect (PHC), an annual service fair which utilizes various agencies working together symbiotically. The agencies that IDignity events host are: the Florida Division of Drivers License, Orange County Health Department (birth certificates), Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, legal counsel and others. IDignity provides these services more often and also incorporates the particularly difficult task of obtaining out-of-state birth certificates.

    The overwhelming demand for these services at the PHC events had shown that more needed to be done. IDignity’s monthly events provided a viable solution. The acquiring of identification continues to become more difficult as stricter regulations are regularly being implemented for Homeland Security. Since May of 2008 IDignity has hosted monthly events at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission in downtown Orlando. Each event provides service to about 225 clients and often has to turn others away due to capacity and funding limitations. Clients are individually welcomed to the event and treated with respect and compassion throughout the process. In order to implement this program, it requires the assistance of nearly 100 dedicated volunteers and the professional staff of the various agencies. Volunteers will serve in a wide variety of roles including: introducing the process to clients, filling out forms for clients, assisting agencies or shepherding clients through the process. Interestingly, most of the volunteers leave these events feeling that they have been served themselves and regularly return with a desire to do more. Although each client’s case is unique, on average it takes about four hours of volunteer time and $125 to assist an individual in obtaining their essential identification documents. IDignity depends on the generous investment of time and resources by the local community in order to fulfill its crucial mission of restoring dignity and hope by providing identification

    http://www.idignity.org/about

    Reply
  64. rikyrah says:
    June 30, 2015 at 7:34 am

    Good Morning, Everyone :)

    Reply

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