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Naya Ellis, a 14-year-old with a deep passion for science and helping others, has designed a stroke-detecting watch, earning her a championship in the National STEM Challenge. Inspired by her own experiences of caring for her mother during a health battle and motivated by a desire to address real-world health issues, Naya crafted this innovative device as a freshman at John F. Kennedy High School in New Orleans. Her participation in STEM NOLA, a program aimed at providing K-12 students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and students of color, with hands-on STEM education and opportunities, catalyzed her invention. Initially intrigued by the idea of detecting seizures, Naya shifted her focus to stroke detection, influenced by her grandmother's experience with stroke. The watch, named WingItt, identifies potential strokes by monitoring nerve impulses and heartbeats, targeting adults over 55, a demographic more prone to strokes. Naya aims to make her lifesaving device affordable, distinguishing it from costly health-monitoring technology. "I want to do something I'm interested in that will also change the world," she says. As a recognized innovator among over 2,500 students nationwide, she now looks forward to presenting her invention at the inaugural National STEM Challenge festival in Washington, D.C., and exploring further opportunities in STEM, aspiring to a future in medicine as an obstetrician-gynecologist. "I love the fact that you're bringing new life into the world, that's the coolest thing ever to me. I'm a woman helping women. It can't get any better than that!" Link: The 74 Million

Christopher Burbank, acquitted in the Manuel Ellis case, resigned from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office shortly after being hired amidst community backlash and threats. Sheriff Derek Sanders acknowledged a failure to consider the community's reaction and the impact of Burbank's employment. Burbank's hiring initially aimed to address staffing shortages but sparked controversy due to ongoing legal matters and his controversial past. Ellis' family remains involved in legal actions against Burbank, highlighting the unresolved tensions surrounding Ellis' death in custody and the officer's acquittal. The incident continues to evoke strong responses from the community and authorities, reflecting broader concerns over accountability and public trust. "There is strong evidence in the Ellis case, including but not limited to the cell phone videos, that should be very concerning to any reasonable person," family attorney Matthew Ericksen said in an email Tuesday. "It is not in dispute that Mr. Burbank tased an unarmed person 3 times. Mr. Burbank even used his taser while Manny was being choked out by another officer." The involved officers resigned with settlements, and Pierce County settled a part of the wrongful death lawsuit for $4 million, with the case against the city still pending. Link: King 5

Viola Ford Fletcher, a 109-year-old survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, vividly recalls the terror of witnessing destruction and death in her community. She and Lessie Benningfield Randle, another centenarian survivor, alongside the estate of Fletcher's late brother Hughes Van Ellis, have been embroiled in a protracted legal battle for reparations. Fletcher laments the loss of educational and economic opportunities due to the massacre, emphasizing the lasting impact on her life. The Tulsa Race Massacre began on May 30, 1921, escalating from a confrontation at a jail where a young Black man, Dick Rowland, was detained, leading to an armed clash and the eventual destruction of the Greenwood district by a white mob. This led to significant loss of life, property damage, and enduring trauma among survivors. Despite the passage of time, the survivors' quest for justice continues. Their lawsuit argues for reparations based on the city's complicity and the ongoing effects of the massacre, seeking to address a "public nuisance" and "unjust enrichment" derived from the exploitation of the massacre. However, legal hurdles persist, with recent motions to dismiss their case being contested. Fletcher's resilience and commitment to justice highlight the enduring impact of the massacre on its survivors and their descendants. The case, now pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court, represents a crucial opportunity for acknowledgment and redress of the historical injustices suffered by the Greenwood community. "Being there for so many hours, it was really unpleasant but I'm willing to do that again you know," Fletcher added. Link: CNN

Crystal Dozier is suing the Horry County School District and three employees of Green C. Floyds High School in South Carolina for allegedly ignoring her daughter's complaints of racial discrimination. Dozier's 17-year-old daughter, who is Black, faced discrimination starting with her ignored request to join the school's tennis team, which was composed entirely of white females. When allowed to join, she was subjected to being used as "target practice" by teammates. After reporting racial discrimination to English teacher and coach Krysten Webster, the complaint alleges that Webster, along with Assistant Principal Mary Price and Principal Nick Harris, attempted to suppress her complaints, accusing her of aggression and violence. Despite recording evidence of deception by Price, the school continued to allow bullying and dismissed complaints of racial discrimination. A district official's investigation acknowledged bias but took no significant action. Dozier withdrew her daughter from the school in January 2024 and seeks a jury trial for damages and remedial action for the emotional distress her daughter endured. Link: Atlanta Black Star

During the 2021 arrest in Aurora, Colorado, former officer John Haubert's trial began with allegations of using excessive force against Kyle Vinson, a Black man. The prosecution described Haubert pointing his gun at Vinson, striking him with the weapon, and choking him for 39 seconds. "You can see the fear on his face," Jade Hoisington told jurors. Body camera footage and photos showing Vinson's injuries were presented to the jurors. Vinson testified, expressing his fear during the arrest and clarifying he didn't attempt to seize Haubert's gun, contrary to the defense's claim. The defense argued Haubert acted within his rights, suggesting Vinson resisted arrest. The incident has reignited concerns over police conduct in Aurora, especially following the scrutiny after Elijah McClain's death in 2019. Haubert resigned amid the investigation, and his trial follows the convictions of other Aurora public safety personnel involved in McClain's case. Vinson, who is currently serving time for a different case, was hospitalized for injuries sustained during the arrest. "I don't like reliving it a lot. Usually I feel like people who are in this situation, with police brutality, are dead," Vinson said. As the trial of former officer John Haubert unfolds, the harrowing testimony of Kyle Vinson sheds light on the ongoing epidemic of police violence against Black individuals. This case is not an isolated incident but rather another instance of the systemic racism and unchecked power within policing that disproportionately targets Black lives. Link: Denver 7

The controversy surrounding LSU's Elite Eight loss to Iowa escalated when Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized the team's absence during the national anthem, leading to a call for mandatory attendance or scholarship risks. Landry's reaction came after conservative commentators faulted LSU players and coaches for missing the anthem in Albany, New York. He emphasized respect for the national flag and service members over the game. LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey clarified the absence wasn't a protest but part of their regular pregame routine, noting unawareness of the anthem's timing. The practice of teams being off-field during the anthem isn't uncommon in college sports, predating Colin Kaepernick's racial injustice protests. Responses to the governor's proposal were skeptical, with officials highlighting enforcement challenges and the regents' lack of authority over scholarships. An LSU spokesperson stated that avoiding the anthem has been a longstanding practice for both men's and women's teams. The issue revisits past political tensions at LSU regarding anthem protests, with previous threats to funding over players kneeling like Kaepernick, countered by the team's standard practice of staying in the locker room during the anthem. Link: Yahoo Sports

Since releasing late last year, thousands of users across the nation have downloaded the Know Your Rights Camp mobile app on Android and iOS devices. The app serves as a significant resource for community engagement. It is designed for both Android and iOS and features an easy registration process. It includes an introductory video by Pixar, a state-by-state civil rights guide useful during protests and traffic stops, and comparisons of rights across different regions. Developed with support from White & Case LLP, which contributed 90 lawyers and 2,250 hours of pro bono work, the app plans future updates for AI assistant integration and updated immigration laws. The app also offers access to a podcast, information on legal initiatives, content from nationwide camps, and donation links. If we weren’t already proud enough to provide this much-needed tool, the KYRC App has also been nominated for a Webby Award. Out of over 13,000 entries, we’ve been placed amongst the top five in our category of Learning & Education (software and apps). We’re competing for two prestigious honors: The Webby Award and The Webby People’s Voice Award. The former is determined by the Academy’s experts, while the latter is decided by public vote. This nomination is a testament to our team’s hard work, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Please share and vote by clicking the link below!

In a groundbreaking move to address racial bias in organ testing, more than 14,000 Black kidney transplant candidates, including Jazmin Evans, have had their waiting times adjusted, prioritizing their transplants. A once widely used test, which inaccurately assessed Black patients' kidney function, has been replaced with race-neutral equations. This corrective action stems from efforts by the National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology, urging the adoption of race-free evaluations. The policy shift, initiated by the U.S. organ transplant network, aims to rectify past injustices and mitigate disparities in healthcare. Over 2,800 Black patients have already received transplants as a result. This initiative highlights broader issues of racial bias in medical algorithms and the importance of reforming healthcare practices to promote equity. "Health equity scholars have been raising alarm bells about the way race has been misused in clinical algorithms for decades," said Dr. Michelle Morse, New York City's chief medical officer. Evans, who received a kidney transplant after enduring years of dialysis, emphasizes the significance of rectifying past wrongs and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all. While progress is evident, challenges persist in dismantling systemic biases and fostering a more inclusive medical system. "You don't know if people would be alive today" if it had been enacted earlier, Evans said. "Still, that extra step of "making amends to fix the situation for those that we can — I feel like it's very important and it's very necessary if you're truly wanting to bring more equity and equality into the medical field." Link: AP News

On September 27, 2022, in Hesperia, California, police officers fatally shot Savannah Graziano, a 15-year-old girl believed to have been kidnapped by her father, Anthony Graziano, following the murder of her mother. The incident occurred during a freeway confrontation after a reported Amber alert for Savannah's abduction. Initially, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department was ambiguous about who shot Savannah, suggesting it could have been her father. However, recently released footage to journalist Joey Scott reveals deputies shot her as she followed their commands, contradicting earlier statements and indicating a lack of clarity during the operation. The footage, including helicopter videos, shows Savannah exiting the vehicle and approaching deputies before being shot. This release, after a persistent refusal for nearly two years, has intensified scrutiny over the department's conduct, already criticized for other controversial use of force incidents. Critics argue the department's tactics are overly aggressive, lacking proper coordination and training for high-stress situations, resulting in unnecessary deaths. The California Department of Justice is investigating as the case adds to a growing concern over police actions in San Bernardino County, marked by recent incidents of excessive force and questions over police accountability and training in crisis situations. Link: The Guardian

A study from the University of Georgia reveals that one in three rural Black men reported experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death in the past two weeks, with childhood adversity and racism identified as significant factors. Michael Curtis, a co-author of the study and a graduate of UGA, emphasized the lack of focus on the disparities and individuals most at risk for suicide ideation, especially among young Black men. The research underscores the impact of growing up in low-resource environments and facing racial discrimination on the ability to form healthy, trusting relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and suicidal thoughts. The study tracked over 500 African American men from rural Georgia from their late teens through their early 20s, asking them to reflect on their childhood experiences, including economic hardships and trauma, and their feelings about close relationships and racial discrimination. Findings indicate that childhood adversity, combined with racial discrimination, severely affects mental health, leading to mistrust and isolation. Steven Kogan, the lead author, highlighted the importance of quality relationships in sustaining human beings and preventing suicidal thoughts. This research, published in Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, also involved Ava Reck, a doctoral candidate, and Assaf Oshri, an associate professor at UGA. It suggests that fostering self-love and pride in being Black from a young age can counteract internalized negative perceptions, emphasizing the need for further research into how racism affects mental health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide ranks as the second most common cause of death among African Americans aged 15 to 24. Notably, the incidence of suicide is significantly higher among Black men, who have a suicide rate exceeding four times that of Black women. Give us your thoughts in the comments. Link: UGA

In response to Los Angeles' deteriorating financial situation, city officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council, are considering eliminating up to 2,000 vacant positions, equating to approximately 5% of the city's workforce, as part of efforts to balance the budget. This move, detailed in a report by City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo, accompanies proposals for increased city fees, delays in public works projects, and reductions in consulting services. The unfilled roles under consideration span multiple departments, including the police and fire departments, Bureau of Sanitation, and agencies overseeing parks, recreation, and transportation. Last year, a $13 billion LAPD budget was approved for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The city also faces the prospect of tapping into reserve funds to bridge short-term financial shortfalls, which could leave it vulnerable to crises. Amidst these budgetary challenges, discussions continue over the allocation of $250 million for Mayor Bass's Inside Safe program and the potential expansion of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) despite its recent shrinkage. Council members express concerns over the implications of such cuts, highlighting the need for reassessment in areas of perceived overinvestment, such as police overtime and staffing, suggesting that reductions in police spending could expedite municipal services like sidewalk repair and tree trimming. Hernandez stated that reducing police budgets could allow city officials to decrease the time needed for sidewalk repairs, tree trimming, and fixing malfunctioning lights. "When my community's thinking about public safety, it's like — are the lights working so we can walk on the sidewalk? Is the sidewalk not broken so our elders aren't tripping and falling? Is there no light because the trees haven't been trimmed in 17 years?" she said. The financial strain is exacerbated by a $288 million overspend in the current budget year, with significant contributions from police and fire department expenses, including police salary raises and bonuses. Furthermore, the city is grappling with lower-than-anticipated revenues across various sectors, risking a $475 million budget deficit by the fiscal year's end. These developments occur as Los Angeles prepares for the upcoming Olympics, raising questions about the city's ability to maintain frontline services amid these cuts, which notably exclude departments operating independently from the general city budget. By reallocating funds towards programs that support housing, mental health services, education, and employment opportunities, we can foster genuine safety and well-being for all Angelenos. This pivotal moment calls for a transformative shift towards prioritizing community empowerment and resilience over reliance on punitive measures, ultimately steering us towards a more just and equitable future. We'll continue to follow this story as more comes out. Give us your thoughts in the comments Link: LA Times

An investigation by The Associated Press, in collaboration with the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism and FRONTLINE, revealed over a decade, more than 1,000 deaths occurred under similar circumstances. These incidents span across the U.S., affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, Black Americans disproportionately bore the impact, with a third of the fatalities involving Black individuals, despite them comprising only 12% of the population. The report discusses the systemic issues within policing practices, including the lack of adherence to safety protocols and a significant gap in accountability and transparency within the justice system, ultimately leading to numerous deaths attributed to police actions not classified as lethal force. Some of the examples throughout the report include: Carl Grant, a Vietnam veteran with dementia, was slammed to the ground by a police officer in a hospital while attempting to charge an imaginary cell phone, resulting in his head hitting the floor. Taylor Ware, a former Marine battling mental health issues, was aggressively subdued by police at a rest stop, including being bitten by a police dog, stunned, pinned down, and sedated. Donald Ivy Jr., an athlete, encountered police suspicion near an ATM, fled, and was subsequently tackled, stunned, and beaten, leading to his death. These unarmed individuals, posing no threat to public safety, died following non-lethal force application by police, echoing the broader issue of such tactics' potential for deadly outcomes, as highlighted by George Floyd's 2020 death. The disproportionate impact on Black Americans, who make up a third of the fatalities despite being only 12% of the population, further highlights the systemic racism embedded within policing practices. The tragic stories outlined in the report, from Carl Grant to Taylor Ware and Donald Ivy Jr., vividly illustrate the dire consequences of unchecked police violence against unarmed individuals, particularly those battling mental health issues or simply going about their daily lives. In addition to further narratives documenting fatalities resulting from police encounters, the feature also includes an interactive database providing detailed information on these cases. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Link: APNews

A city audit led by Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia has revealed that the Los Angeles Police Department's helicopters spend less than half of their flight time responding to high-priority crimes. Instead, much of the time is allocated to patrolling, addressing lower-level 911 calls, ceremonial flybys, and transporting VIPs. The audit, a first of its kind and based on a months-long evaluation covering fiscal years 2018-22, highlighted the challenge of justifying the program's current scale due to limited data. Despite this, LAPD Chief Michel Moore defended the helicopters as crucial for crime prevention and response. The audit also uncovered disproportionate flying over lower-income neighborhoods and raised concerns over the nearly $50 million annual expenditure on the helicopter program, which exceeds the budgets of at least 14 city agencies. The LAPD helicopter fleet consists of 17 units and flies for 20 hours daily at a cost of approximately $2,916 per hour. The report calls for better oversight, data collection, and the establishment of clear policies for helicopter usage. The environmental impact is also significant, with 761,600 gallons of fuel used annually, emitting 7,427 metric tons of CO2. The audit's recommendations and the LAPD's subsequent scrutiny reflect ongoing debates over the necessity and efficacy of aerial surveillance in police department practices. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Link: LA Times

In Arkansas, a high school teacher and two students from Little Rock Central High School have filed a lawsuit against the state's ban on critical race theory and "indoctrination" in public schools, arguing it's unconstitutional. The legal action challenges the state's decision to exclude an Advanced Placement course on African American Studies from state credit, citing violations of the First Amendment's free speech protections and the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause. "It absolutely chills free speech" and "discriminates on the basis of race," the lawsuit said. "Indeed, defendants' brazen attack on full classroom participation for all students in 2024 is reminiscent of the state's brazen attack on full classroom participation for all students in 1957." The plaintiffs liken the current educational restrictions to the state's historical resistance to classroom inclusion during the 1957 racial desegregation crisis at the same school. These restrictions are part of a series of educational laws signed by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders last year, which also includes the controversial LEARNS Act, introducing a new school voucher program. This lawsuit contends that the definition of prohibited indoctrination in the ban is overly broad and vague, mirroring concerns raised in similar legal challenges in other states. Governor Sanders has defended the legislation, stating it aims to prevent indoctrination and the teaching of hatred towards America. The lawsuit represents the second challenge to the LEARNS Act, with the Arkansas Supreme Court previously rejecting a procedural challenge to the law. This legal action is not just about the present; it's a continuation of the fight for inclusive education that dates back to the historic desegregation crisis of 1957 at the same school. This lawsuit is not just about legalities; it's about ensuring that all students have access to a comprehensive and honest education that reflects the diverse realities of our society. Link: AP News

A federal complaint accuses North Central University in Minneapolis of violating the Civil Rights Act with its George Floyd Memorial Scholarship. Filed by the Legal Insurrection Foundation, the complaint alleges the scholarship discriminates based on race, breaching Title VI, which forbids racial discrimination in federally assisted programs. "Discrimination against white applicants is just as unlawful as discrimination against black or other non-white applicants," complaint writers, civil rights attorney Ameer Benno and Cornell University law professor William Jacobson said. Eligibility for the scholarship requires applicants to be Black or African American, excluding students of other races. The foundation argues this constitutes unlawful discrimination. Civil rights attorney Ameer Benno and law professor William Jacobson, who filed the complaint, emphasize that discrimination against any racial group is illegal. North Central University has yet to respond to the allegations. The scholarship, established in 2020, aims to support the educational aspirations of young Black American leaders and is open for the 2024-25 academic year with a selection due in June. These scholarships represent more than just financial assistance; they symbolize a commitment to breaking the cycles of oppression and providing a pathway for young Black leaders to pursue their educational aspirations despite the obstacles they may face. For many Black families who have endured generations of systemic discrimination and economic hardship, these scholarships offer a glimmer of hope and a tangible opportunity for their children to access higher education and build brighter futures. Link: NBCNews

The Tennessee State University (TSU), the state's only publicly funded historically Black university, faced a significant change as its trustees were removed under a new law signed by Governor Bill Lee. This move, approved by a 66-25 vote in the GOP-controlled House, was criticized by Black lawmakers and community leaders who accused the majority-white state leadership of unfairly targeting TSU. Governor Lee, who did not comment directly on the decision, praised TSU and announced 10 new board appointees from the business community, awaiting legislative confirmation. The change comes as TSU seeks a new president, with the current President, Glenda Glover, retiring soon. State audits have highlighted issues at TSU, including student housing shortages and financial discrepancies, without finding evidence of fraud or malfeasance. Critics argue that the problems stem from chronic underfunding, estimating a $2.1 billion shortfall over three decades, and accuse the legislature of distrust towards the Black-managed university. "Instead of us rectifying the problems that we created through racist policies by underfunding Tennessee State University, we're now advocating to vacate their board," said Rep. Justin Pearson, a Democrat from Memphis, raising his voice as he criticized his Republican colleagues. Efforts by Democrats to delay the vote or reduce the number of vacated board seats were overridden by the GOP majority. The state had previously allocated $250 million to TSU for infrastructure, which critics say was insufficient to address the university's needs. The decision has sparked protests from TSU supporters, highlighting a contentious debate over the university's management and funding. Link: ABCNews

Kadarius Smith, a 17-year-old Black teen, tragically lost his life on March 21 after a police chase in Leland, Mississippi, ended with an officer allegedly running him over with a police cruiser. Attorney Ben Crump, representing Smith's family, highlighted the heartbreaking circumstances of Kadarius' death, emphasizing the need for accountability for the officers involved. "The circumstances surrounding Kadarius' death are truly heartbreaking for his mother and loved ones. This tragedy should have never happened, and the officers involved must be held accountable. It is unconscionable that an officer would fatally run over a teenager who was running away from them," the lawyer said. According to a witness, Smith was walking home early that morning when the police pursuit began. Photos shared by Crump show tire tracks in the mud, purportedly from the cruiser that hit Smith, with allegations that tire marks were found on the teen's back. Despite these claims, the Leland Police Department has not commented on the incident, and the officer allegedly involved remains on duty. "We demand that the officer who was driving the cruiser be immediately terminated and that the unedited video footage is released to the family," Crump said in Wednesday's statement. "Kadarius' family deserves accountability and answers as to how and why he was killed by an officer in such an inhumane way." Link: Mississippi Free Press

In 2016, Terrence Coleman, a 31-year-old Black man diagnosed with schizophrenia, was fatally shot by Boston police at his South End home during a mental health crisis. The incident unfolded after his mother, Hope Coleman, called 911 seeking an ambulance to take her son to the hospital, explicitly requesting no police involvement. However, police accompanied the EMTs as per policy, and Terrence, reportedly wielding a 5-inch kitchen knife, was deemed a threat by the responding officers, leading to his death. "No mother should have to witness her child killed at the hands of police and fight, the way that I have had to fight now for so many years, to gain accountability," Hope Coleman said in a statement released by her lawyers. "Nothing can bring Terrence back, but today at least some measure of justice has been done." The local prosecutors, led by then-Suffolk County DA Daniel Conley, concluded the shooting was justified, prompting Hope Coleman to file a federal lawsuit in 2018. After years of legal battles, the City of Boston agreed to a $4.7 million settlement with Hope in 2023, acknowledging the tragic event and the prolonged fight for accountability. A 2023 review by the Boston Globe pointed to an increasing number of fatalities involving individuals in mental health crises when police are the first responders. Following Terrence Coleman's death and similar incidents, there have been calls for change in Boston, advocating for public health officials rather than police to respond to nonviolent or mental health calls. However, as of 2023, these proposed changes had not been implemented. The settlement and the circumstances surrounding Terrence Coleman's death underline the urgent need for systemic changes in how emergency services respond to mental health crises, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future. Link: Boston