The Civil War raged and fortune-seekers hunted for gold. This era produced Arizona's abortion ban
The near-total abortion ban resurrected last week by the Arizona Supreme Court dates to 1864, a time when gold-seekers were moving in, dueling had to be regulated and settlers were increasingly encroaching on tribal lands.
Juneteenth Playlist: A curated list of tunes you need ahead of Freedom Day
In the spirit of Juneteenth, a holiday that is now celebrated throughout the entire United States, not just Texas, KPRC 2 has curated a playlist that will be perfect for any vibe. Rather youโre throwing something on the grill or sitting at home, this playlist will set the tone for the day. We hope you enjoy!
JFK's Harvard sweater sold at auction for more than $85,000
This undated photo released by RR Auction shows a Harvard University letter sweater that once belonged to former President John F. Kennedy, up for auction between Feb. 11-18, 2021, by the Boston-based auction firm. (Nikki Brickett/RR Auction via AP)BOSTON โ John F. Kennedy's Harvard University sweater, given away to a television cameraman who mentioned that he was chilly while interviewing Jacqueline Kennedy, has sold at auction for more than $85,000. The crimson wool cardigan, featuring a large black block-letter โHโ and eight white mother-of-pearl buttons, was one of several mementos from U.S. presidents sold during a President's Day auction that ended Thursday, according to Boston-based RR Auction. AdJFK's Harvard sweater, with his surname sewn into the collar, was acquired by Herman Lang, a CBS cameraman who filmed an interview with Jacqueline Kennedy in 1964, the year after the 35th president's assassination in Dallas. It is believed that because the interview was outdoors, Lang mentioned that he was cold and was offered the sweater, according to RR Auction.
Unity has long been a theme, and anxiety, for new presidents
(AP Photo, File)NEW YORK โ When Joe Biden addresses the country for the first time as president, his inaugural speech is likely to echo calls for unity that predecessors have invoked since the first time George Washington was sworn in. Unity has since been a theme, and an anxiety, for many incoming presidents, who have faced economic and social crises and moments when the very future of the U.S. was in doubt. โUnity has always been an aspiration," says presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. But when we have domestic turmoil we use the word unity.โThe United States was forged through compromise among factions that disagreed profoundly on slavery, regional influence and the relative powers of state and federal government. โA president often claims the country is โunitedโ behind a belief when itโs more wishful thinking than reality,โ Widmer says.
Statue of slave kneeling before Lincoln is removed in Boston
FILE - In this June 25, 2020, file photo, a statue that depicts a freed slave kneeling at President Abraham Lincoln's feet rests on a pedestal in Boston. On Tuesday, Dec. 29, the statue that drew objections amid a national reckoning with racial injustice was removed from its perch. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)A statue of Abraham Lincoln with a freed slave appearing to kneel at his feet โ optics that drew objections amid a national reckoning with racial injustice โ has been removed from its perch in downtown Boston. Workers removed the Emancipation Memorial, also known as the Emancipation Group and the Freedmanโs Memorial, early Tuesday from a park just off Boston Common where it had stood since 1879. Freed Black donors paid for the original in Washington; white politician and circus showman Moses Kimball financed the copy in Boston.
US lawmakers unveil anti-slavery constitutional amendment
FILE - This Nov. 29, 2011, file photo shows the signature of president Abraham Lincoln on a rare, restored copy of the 13th Amendment that ended slavery, in Chicago. As ratified, the original amendment has permitted exploitation of labor by convicted felons for over 155 years since the abolition of slavery. Constitutional amendments are rare and require approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate, as well as ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures. In Merkleyโs Oregon, voters in 2002 approved the elimination of constitutional language that prohibited Black Americans from living in the state unless they were enslaved. The prevalence of prison labor has been largely accepted as a means for promoting rehabilitation, teaching trade skills and reducing idleness among prisoners.
Lock of Lincoln's hair and bloodied telegram up for auction
This July 2020 photo released by RR Auction shows a lock of hair from former President Abraham Lincoln, to be auctioned Sept. 12, 2020, by the Boston-based auction firm. (Nikki Brickett/RR Auction via AP)This is one macabre auction: A lock of Abraham Lincoln's hair, wrapped in a bloodstained telegram about his 1865 assassination, is up for sale. The auction house set the minimum bid at $10,000 but expects the lock and telegram to fetch $75,000 or more, spokesman Mike Graff said. The hair is mounted on an official War Department telegram sent to Dr. Todd by George Kinnear, his assistant in the Lexington, Kentucky, post office. The telegram is evidence to disprove the misinformation and conspiracy theories in the Lincoln assassination, Graff said.
Nearly 1 in 4 VA employees report sex harassment, audit says
The VA is not the same VA as four years ago, insisted acting VA deputy secretary Pam Powers, pointing to increased outreach to women and improved trust ratings in the VA from employees and patients alike according to internal polling. His effort seeks to reinforce a call by top Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee last week for a faster timeline. About 1 in 3 VA employees said they witnessed an act of sexual harassment. Overall, an estimated 26% of female and 14% of male VA employees experienced harassment during the two-year period. A study released by the VA last year found 1 in 4 women veterans using VA health care reported inappropriate comments by male veterans on VA grounds, raising concerns they may delay or miss their treatments.
A brief history of the black anthem โLift Every Voice and Singโ to be played at NFL games
Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. He took his words to his younger brother, a classically trained composer named J. Rosamond Johnson, and "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" (as it is accurately titled) was born. Thatโs where the hymn debuted the following year, sung by 500 children at an event celebrating Black history. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught usSing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Beyonc Drops Empowering 'Black Parade' Song in Celebration of Juneteenth -- Listen
The empowering track, titled "Black Parade," touches on the world's current events, as well as celebrates Black excellence. "'Black Parade' celebrates you, your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses." Black joy is your right." Additionally, "Black Parade" benefits BeyGOOD's Black Business Impact Fund, administered by the National Urban League, to support Black-owned small businesses in need. On the "Love on Top" singer's website, fans are also redirected to a page with more information on the companies.
Houston Museum of African American Culture reopens on Juneteenth
HOUSTON โ The Houston Museum of African American Culture is scheduled to reopen on Juneteenth after the COVID-19 closure. โJuneteenth really represents when all Americans were free,โ said John Guess, Jr., CEO of HMAAC. Thereโs the prospect of a quote on quote, โfreedom,โโ said Guess. The conversation of race is at the forefront in our country, considering the death of George Floyd and protests calling for equality for the African American community. The museum is located 4807 Caroline in Houstonโs Museum District.
Taylor Swift got educated on Juneteenth and wants you to be, too
(CNN) -- From now on, anyone working for Taylor Swift will have the day off for Juneteenth. What's more, Swift wanted to educate her followers about the celebration so the superstar singer posted information on her official social media accounts about the holiday also known as Freedom Day. On Friday, Swift posted a video of The Root writer Danielle Young explaining the origins of Juneteenth and why it should be a national holiday. She thanked the site and Young before also sharing her thoughts about the day. Edward Carmack and Nathan Bedford Forrest were DESPICABLE figures in our state history and should be treated as such.โ
3 historical markers detailing Juneteenth in Galveston
GALVESTON, Texas โ Friday will be the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. Two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all people from slavery, the news finally reached Texas. Juneteenth commemorates the significant day. All around Galveston you can find historical markers that detail that important date in history. Jones said that historians know of three significant locations where the proclamation was read by Union General Gordon Granger.
Watch Galvestons virtual Juneteenth celebration
GALVESTON, Texas The Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston Island and UTMB Health will host a Facebook Live of the 41st annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon. The celebration includes a reading of General Orders No. 3., which was originally read by Union General Gordon Granger at Ashton Villa on June 19, 1865. The orders informed Galveston of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after the proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The celebration is named after Edwards, a member of the Texas House who was the author of the 1979 bill that made Juneteenth a paid holiday in the state.
Juneteenth: 10 virtual, in-person events happening across the Houston area
Throughout Houston, there will be both virtual and in-person events, from Black-owned business markets to solidarity bike rides. Hosted by: R&R StudiosWhen: Friday, June 19; 9 p.m.Where: VirtualMore Info: The free event will take place via Facebook Live. Hosted by: Emancipation Park ConservancyWhen: Ongoing until June 19Where: VirtualMore info: The free event will take place via Facebook Live. Click here for more detailsHosted by: Houston Community CollegeWhen: Tuesday, June 16; 1 p.m.Where: VirtualMore Info: Registration required. Hosted by: Six LanesWhen: Friday, June 19; 1 p.m.Where: VirtualMore info: Event will livestream at this website.