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IN MEMORIAM: Funeral of A. Donald McEachin Includes Tributes by Secretary Marcia Fudge, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Clyburn

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Honorable A. Donald McEachin’s life and legacy were relayed today in striking fashion by his friends and family. We won’t forget.
The post IN MEMORIAM: Funeral of A. Donald McEachin Includes Tributes by Secretary Marcia Fudge, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Clyburn first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2022

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

HENRICO, VA — Honoring McEachin: A Virginian From the Old School. Today in Henrico, Va., at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, led by Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, a large number of federal and state leaders from past and present administrations, along with community activists, constituents and countless present and former staff employed in federal and local government connected to Virginia attended the funeral of the Honorable A. Donald McEachin.

Though he had been dealing with health challenges related to colorectal cancer in recent years, his death on Nov. 28 at only 61 years old was met with a surprise and sadness that traveled through Richmond and the political quarters in Virginia as well as north to Capitol Hill in Washington.

With 46 members of Congress sitting at stage right a row behind Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James and Attorney General Jason Miyares, a large crowd of McEachin’s friends, staff and admirers took part in a tribute to McEachin’s life of public service.

McEachin is only the third African American to be elected to Congress in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia behind attorney and abolitionist John Mercer Langston and Congressman Bobby Scott.

The historic and social connections of McEachin’s legacy were heard in the words of many who spoke today. Their personal stories about McEachin provided a roadmap on how one individual can impact so many lives directly and indirectly through public service.

Rev. Tyrone Nelson, McEachin’s former law partner Donald Gee, Rev. Stephen Tillett, Del. Lamont Bagby, former Congressman Cedric Richmond, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and Rev. Dr. John Kinney paid rousing tribute to McEachin today from the stage. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Tim Kaine and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn also spoke.

In one of the most indelible moments of the afternoon, McEachin Constituent Services Director, Rev. Sylvia Copeland spoke on behalf of Team McEachin about all the special details that made working with the Congressman unique and memorable — from his love of popcorn, Subway’s steak and cheese and Mountain Dew to his devotion to community and family.

“We won’t forget how ADM persistently challenged the team to connect, build and maintain relationships with key community leaders ensuring our district’s performance aligned with his overall goals, we won’t forget,” Copeland said.

McEachin’s office was known for superior constituent service.

“It’s just a blessing to praise the Lord, hallelujah I’m free,” Sen. Tim Kaine sang at the end of his remarks. McEachin and Kaine’s relationship dated back to when the two were lawyers in their twenties.

“When I call Donald my good friend it’s not like the way we do sometimes on the floor of the House when you really don’t mean it,” said U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.

“When I call Donald McEachin my good friend I really do mean it,” Clyburn added before relating several personal moments he enjoyed with McEachin.

Del. Bagby, a protege of McEachin’s, who is also Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, told the audience that many of the judges and lawyers present in the room were likely here “because of Donald McEachin.” Bagby also relayed that the passage of a predatory lending bill he passed through the General Assembly was a particular point of pride because McEachin’s law firm assisted many clients on the issue.

“These stories are personal for me. Donald made it personal for each and every one of you here. I know he did something to encourage you and to help you. To give you a leg up. He was a good man, he was a good Delegate… but he was most in tune with his family,” Bagby said.

There were many notable attendees among the many members of Congress and others in attendance today in the endless rows of pews at St. Paul’s. We’ll name a few: House Minority Leader Don Scott, State Senator L. Louise Lucas, fmr. Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, State Senator Jennifer McClellan, State Senator Creigh Deeds, State Senator Lionell Spruill, fmr. Del. Jay Jones and his father fmr. Del. Jerrauld Jones, January 6th Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, soon-to-be U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, incoming Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford, State Senator Dick Saslaw, Clerk of the Senate Susan Clarke Schaar and Republican Missouri Congressman Billy Long.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi received a standing ovation from the audience before she spoke after Pastor Watson complimented her leadership. The Virginia Union University Choir sang several songs that were unforgettable.

McEachin is survived by his wife Colette McEachin, who serves as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, and their children Joseph “Mac” McEachin, Elizabeth McEachin and Alexandra McEachin.

A. Donald McEachin’s life and legacy were relayed today in striking fashion by his friends and family. We won’t forget.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

The post IN MEMORIAM: Funeral of A. Donald McEachin Includes Tributes by Secretary Marcia Fudge, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Clyburn first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

12 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: