News Roundup 09/01/20
Rage sparks in South Los Angeles
On Aug. 31st, Los Angeles County sheriff deputies attempted to stop a Black man on his bicycle; the encounter turned violent and was he shot and killed. Protesters were chanting "no justice, no peace" and although officials have yet to publicly release his name, according to Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter and family members, his name is Dijon Kizzee. According to Los Angeles County Sheriffs, Kizzee was in violation of the vehicle's code and when approached he fled and as deputies caught up to him they noticed a semiautomatic handgun on hand. Soon after his death, Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter called for a protest.
Source: LA County Sheriffs Department
Source: NPR
Trump visits Kenosha, Wisconsin
Donald Trump will be visiting Kenosha, Wisconsin where 29 year-old Jacob Blake was shot multiple times and killed on August 23rd. Trump will meet with police and an emergency management center and visit the section of the city that was damaged by riots followed by Blake's death. Trump was asked whether or not he had planned on visiting Blake's family,
Trump said, "I don't know yet. We'll see."
Wisconsin's governor and Kenosha's mayor felt that the state needed time to heal and urged Trump's visitation to be cancelled. However, the state is seen as vital to Trump's reelection this November.
Source: NPR
Young Black and Latino students stand together
In the Freedom Schools 6-week program at Pueblo de Rio, are students who come from low-income households and learn about people who look like them and learn that they too, can make a difference in the world. Freedom Schools focuses on teaching students to engage in their culture while also strengthening their reading, writing and math skills. With the death of George Floyd, the program served as a form of protest to the students, as it allows them to be in touch with their backgrounds and learn the barriers that can be overcome.
Source: LA Times
Source: Children's Defense
Trump's criticism towards 'political' NBA
On Aug. 31st, Trump defended Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17 year-old who killed two protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin. However, Trump could not and refused to defend the NBA, who have boycotted games as a result of police brutality. Trump claims that the ratings have significantly declined due to acting political and the NFL and MLB should keep in mind the same will occur to them. Followed by the death of Jacob Blake, The Milwaukee Bucks were the first team to boycott a game. Other teams in the NBA also boycotted in response to Blake's death as well as WNBA, MLS, MLB and NHL.
Source: The Guardian
Source: @realDonaldTrump
Food and Rent assistance hotline calls are spiking due to COVID-19
Since the uproot of COVID-19, 211 hotlines have spiked in the amount of calls from people who have lost their jobs due to the virus. Trained specialists who handle these calls direct each caller to the appropriate organizations that can provide them with the help that they need. The demand of calls have increased up to 1,200% many of them needing help to pay for food, rent or just need someone to talk to in the midst of the crisis. United Way has lobbied $150 million to the 211 centers so they can continue to provide resources to callers. They've gathered financial assistance programs, protection against evictions and utility shutoffs for families who are struggling to make ends meet.
Source: VICE
Source: United Way