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MLK’s Voice Rings Loud as Trump Tries to Erase Black History

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The MAGA movement’s calls to suppress protests, deny systemic racism, and erase uncomfortable truths from school curricula reflect that same white power structure—this time on a national scale.

Published

7 months ago

April 1, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

Fifty-seven years ago, an assassin’s bullet struck Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a Memphis balcony, and in that single, devastating moment, the world lost a moral giant, and Black America lost one of its most powerful and courageous champions. April 4, 1968, didn’t just mark the end of a life, it ripped open the hearts of millions who had found hope in King’s dream, his faith, and his unrelenting pursuit of justice, equality, and peace. That loss remains fresh in the memory of those who understand that King’s legacy is not just historical, it is urgent, present, and needed now more than ever.

Today, as the MAGA movement pushes a whitewashed version of American history, and as the Trump administration and its far-right allies at the Heritage Foundation threaten to release so-called “unflattering” information about King, many see the attempt for what it is: a desperate, racist agenda that seeks to destroy truth and suppress the voices of those who dared to imagine a better America. No matter how loudly the architects of Project 2025 plot their dismantling of civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion—no matter how brazenly they peddle disinformation and try to erase the accomplishments of Black Americans and other people of color—King’s words still thunder across generations. His sermons and speeches remain sacred texts for the American conscience, impossible to silence, inconvenient to white supremacy, and unyielding in their moral clarity.

In 1956, from the pulpit, King warned in “Paul’s Letter to American Christians”:

“Oh America, how often have you taken necessities from the masses to give luxuries to the classes… You can use your powerful economic resources to wipe poverty from the face of the earth. God never intended for one group of people to live in superfluous inordinate wealth, while others live in abject deadening poverty.” For many, that sermon rings louder today as the current administration slashes programs for the poor while enriching the ultra-wealthy. It rings in the ears of every voter, activist, and dreamer who sees Project 2025 as an assault on progress and humanity.

In his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, King didn’t mince words:

“We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality… until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Police brutality still plagues Black communities. Voter suppression remains alive and well. Black children continue to be stripped of their selfhood. And some who sit in power seem all too eager to strip the word justice from every federal agency’s mission. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” reminds the comfortable that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

“It is even more unfortunate that the city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative,” King wrote. The MAGA movement’s calls to suppress protests, deny systemic racism, and erase uncomfortable truths from school curricula reflect that same white power structure—this time on a national scale. In 1964, during his “Nobel Peace Prize lecture,” King cautioned that technological advancement without moral advancement was dangerous. “There is a sort of poverty of the spirit which stands in glaring contrast to our scientific and technological abundance… We have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers,” he asserted. That spiritual poverty is evident in a political climate that prioritizes military aggression over human needs, censorship over dialogue, and authoritarianism over democracy.

By 1966, in his “Proud to be Maladjusted” speech, King declared:

“I never intend to adjust myself to racial segregation and discrimination… to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few.” Many say if he were alive today, King would no doubt still be maladjusted. He would speak out against economic cruelty masked as policy and against those who demonize the poor while protecting billionaires. In “The Other America,” delivered in 1967, King said, “A riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear?” He might ask the same question now, as protests are criminalized and the root causes—poverty, inequality, state violence—are deliberately ignored.

In his “Three Evils of Society” sermon, King condemned militarism, racism, and economic exploitation. “Unemployment rages at a major depression level in the Black ghettos, but the bi-partisan response is an anti-riot bill rather than a serious poverty program,” he declared. That quote could be lifted straight into today’s headlines as military budgets swell and social safety nets shrink. Then came his “Beyond Vietnam” speech—his most controversial, but perhaps his most prophetic.

“If America’s soul becomes totally poisoned, part of the autopsy must read ‘Vietnam,’” King insisted. He warned then that militarism abroad infects democracy at home. The Trump administration’s embrace of global authoritarian regimes, its anti-immigrant agenda, and its disdain for diplomacy shows King’s warning was not heeded. And finally, just one day before his death, in “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” King declared, “All we say to America is to be true to what you said on paper… Somewhere, I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for rights.”

Those words are a rallying cry in today’s political darkness. A reminder that freedom of speech, assembly, and the fight for justice are not fringe ideas. They are fundamental to what America claims to be. So, while Trump, with the guidance of Project 2025, attempts to rewrite reality, King’s words have already been written in the hearts of generations. And as long as injustice exists, his voice will echo—not just in Black America but throughout the world. “We are going on. We need all of you.”

Stacy M. Brown

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Michael: The King of Pop’s Story Returns to the Big Screen

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making.

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film will arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the spotlight to portray his legendary uncle.

The trailer wastes no time rekindling the aura of Jackson’s genius. Opening with a studio scene between Jackson and his longtime producer Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, the clip builds from a quiet, familiar rhythm to the electrifying pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Viewers catch glimpses of the singer’s childhood, flashes of “Thriller,” and the silhouette that redefined pop culture. Each frame reminds fans of why Jackson remains unmatched in artistry and influence. The cast surrounding the late pop king’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, reads like a who’s who of Black entertainment and music history. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier portrays music executive Suzanne de Passe, while Kat Graham embodies Diana Ross. Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca, a towering entertainment lawyer and longtime Jackson confidant who later became co-executor of his estate. The film’s journey to release has been as complicated as the icon it portrays. Production wrapped in 2024, but legal hurdles over depictions of past controversies forced extensive reshoots and editing delays. Even so, Fuqua’s film now appears ready to reclaim the narrative, focusing on Jackson’s creative ambition and humanity beyond tabloid noise. IndieWire reported that the film had faced “a massive legal snafu” over a disputed storyline but was retooled to center the music and legacy that defined generations.

Maven. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

“Michael” promises more than a chronological retelling. It aims to explore how a child star from Gary, Indiana, became the world’s most influential entertainer. The script, written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, traces Jackson’s early years with the Jackson 5 through the triumphs and isolation of global superstardom. With Fuqua’s cinematic eye and producer Graham King—who brought “Bohemian Rhapsody” to life—joining forces with estate executors Branca and John McClain, the film is positioned as both a tribute and a restoration of Jackson’s cultural truth. Branca’s work behind the scenes has long shaped Jackson’s posthumous success. After the singer died in 2009, Branca and McClain took control of the estate burdened by debt and turned it into a global powerhouse worth billions. Under their stewardship, Jackson’s projects have generated more than $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales and landmark deals, including a $600 million joint venture with Sony earlier this year. At its heart, though, “Michael” is a story about artistry that transcends scandal. It offers a reminder that, despite the noise surrounding his life, Jackson’s music still bridges continents and generations. The trailer’s closing moments capture that spirit. As the beat of “Billie Jean” swells and Jaafar Jackson moonwalks into a spotlight, audiences are left with a familiar feeling—the awe of witnessing something timeless return home.

“Michael” opens worldwide in theaters April 24, 2026. See the official trailer here.

Stacy M. Brown

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Donald Trump Is the Biggest Loser

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By April Ryan

The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (AR-02), says, “Last night was electric, and it was unquestionably a wave.” Democrats won big in what is widely considered a repudiation of Trump’s 9 months at the White House in his second term.

In the state of Virginia, which produced the first big election night win and saw the election of the first woman governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, 56% of Virginia’s residents disapprove of President Trump. In New Jersey, 55% of state residents disapprove of the president; in New York, 69% disapprove; and in California, 63% disapprove of the president. The Trump brand or his support for any candidates did nothing to benefit those he endorsed in this election. They actually lost in each race he publicly put his name behind. Trump endorsed former New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost the New York mayor’s race in his run as an independent. And New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who ran for governor with the presidential endorsement, also lost his prospective race.

The next question is, will the democratic momentum be sustainable? Jones further explained, “This can become a 2026 tsunami, but turning a wave into a tsunami takes energy. A lot of energy. It doesn’t just happen. The conditions are there. Now we have to work!”

Some Democrats would argue that the work is already underway. The pushback against Trump’s national redistricting efforts received a thumb in the eye from California voters. Prop 50, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s counterbalance to President Trump’s redistricting efforts, passed in California last night. Although Trump’s name was not on the ballot last night, his Republican policies were. The United States has now entered the longest government shutdown in its history. Forty-two million Americans are not getting SNAP benefits. Economists are acknowledging that the government shutdown is contributing to the rise in delinquent debt in the student loan, automotive, and credit card industries. These items are among the negatives Americans are protesting against.

Compounding Trump’s political problems is a tariff battle that’s directly impacting pocketbooks. The day after the elections, the Trump administration was arguing before the US Supreme Court in favor of the president’s tariff powers. Meanwhile, President Trump‘s poll numbers are underwater, standing at a 37% national disapproval rate

Oakland Post

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Historic Beatdown: Democrats Sweep Virginia as Speaker Don Scott and Jay Jones Make History

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia.

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By Lauren Burke

In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia. Democrats once again swept all three statewide offices as they did in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Abigail Spanberger easily won the office of Governor, and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi won her race over John Reid to be the next Lieutenant Governor. The victories occurred against the backdrop of a historic win in Virginia by Spanberger that will give Virginia its first woman Governor.

Spanberger’s widely predicted win over Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears was called 17 minutes after the polls closed in Virginia at 7 pm. Former Delegate Jay Jones won his race against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares. His victory means Jones will be the first Black Attorney General in Virginia’s history. Jones’ win was particularly noteworthy since the last month of his campaign was consumed by the issue of private text messages from 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. Republicans ran a non-stop barrage of negative ads against Jones for a month.

Del. Coyner lost her bid for re-election to Delegate-elect Lindsey Dougherty. The Dougherty race was the number one target for House Speaker Don Scott and his campaign lieutenant, Delegate Dan Helmer. Coyner’s defeat was one of at least 13 victories for Democrats who have now added to their ranks in the Virginia House to historic margins. When the Virginia General Assembly returns to session in January, there will be at least 64 Democrats in the chamber. The widespread Republican defeat is a testament to a combination of historic fundraising, Democrats running in all 100 seats, dislike of President Trump’s policies, and an ineffective top of the ticket featuring Lt. Gov. Earle Sears.

+13: Speaker Scott and Del. Helmer Hit Historic Numbers in Fundraising and Power

As the evening ended, a glaring historic fact became clearer: The Virginia House of Delegates will expand to a historic number. The change means the largest Democratic House chamber in the modern era. There were several notable wins by Democrats running for the Virginia House. They include Virgil Thornton, Lilly Franklin, and Kim Pope Adams. Speaker Don Scott and his campaign chair, Dan Helmer, undertook a record fundraising effort never before seen in Virginia’s history. The moment of success for Virginia Democrats will be viewed as a positive signal for Democrats moving into the 2026 elections.