Black Legislative & Community Knowledge

Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee for a contentious four-hour hearing that repeatedly erupted into heated confrontations between lawmakers and the nation's top law enforcement official. The primary focus was the Justice Department's troubled release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, with legislators from both parties criticizing how victim names were inadequately redacted in some cases while other individuals' identities were improperly concealed. Epstein survivors attending the hearing accused Bondi of ignoring their attempts to communicate and expressed frustration that victim protections had failed after decades of anonymity. The hearing also addressed fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and broader immigration enforcement policies, with Democrats condemning the incidents as unjustified while Republicans defended the administration's actions. # Key Takeaways

Rising food prices and cuts to federal assistance programs are disproportionately impacting Black communities in San Diego, where approximately 27% of Black children live in food-insecure households compared to 10% of white families. Research shows that when low-income families run out of food assistance benefits at month's end, children perform worse academically, creating long-term educational and health consequences including increased risk of diabetes and other diet-related diseases. In response to these challenges, Project New Village in Southeastern San Diego is promoting food sovereignty through urban farming, community gardens, and subsidized food distribution programs that provide culturally appropriate fresh produce to residents. The organization's Managing Director Diane Moss emphasizes that neighborhoods of color have been historically underserved by quality grocery stores, creating what she calls "food apartheid," and argues that growing local food gives communities economic savings, nutritional control, and power over their own food systems. # Key Takeaways

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a Baltimore native born in 1825, was a groundbreaking African American poet, abolitionist, and suffragist who became the first published Black woman writer in the United States. Despite being orphaned at age three and facing personal tragedies, she traveled extensively lecturing against slavery and advocating for women's rights and equality. Her controversial 1867 speech about race and gender in the suffrage movement led to her being marginalized from mainstream women's rights history, though she continued founding organizations like the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. After decades of searching by scholars, her original 1845 poetry book was discovered by a doctoral student hidden inside another book at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Her literary works and contributions to social justice are now being recognized and displayed publicly.

The Legacy Tour is bringing a two-day cultural celebration to Los Angeles during NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2026, designed specifically for Black professionals and HBCU alumni to network and celebrate their heritage. The weekend includes two distinct events at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood: an upscale "Suits & Stilettos" evening on February 13th and a spirited "Rep Your Legacy" day party on February 14th where attendees can showcase their school or organizational pride. Co-founded by Ted Riley and Kevin Lloyd, the multi-city tour aims to strengthen community bonds while honoring Black excellence and cultural impact through entertainment and meaningful connections. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the United Negro College Fund to support educational opportunities for future generations. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled a proposal to address a Medicaid funding crisis caused by President Trump's recent tax and spending legislation, which threatens the state's ability to tax insurance providers. Her plan includes approximately $800 million in new taxes targeting vaping products, e-cigarettes, digital advertising, and sports betting promotions, alongside $150 million in departmental efficiency savings. The proposal has encountered immediate rejection from Republican House leadership, who control the chamber and refuse to support any tax increases, insisting the state must operate within existing budgets. With over 2.6 million Michigan residents—roughly one in four—relying on Medicaid for health coverage, the state faces difficult choices between raising revenue, cutting services, reducing provider payments, or restricting eligibility if the funding gap cannot be closed.

Community Leadership Revolution Academy and Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper are hosting a free community event on February 28 that celebrates Black history through interactive programming spanning morning to afternoon. The centerpiece is an open house featuring Dr. Khalid el-Hakim's Black History 101 Mobile Museum, a nationally recognized traveling exhibition that transforms spaces into living historical archives with artifacts and narratives. The event includes a live reading from the youth literacy book "ABC's of Black History," a documentary screening, and hands-on activities designed to help young people personally connect with historical figures. The full day of programming begins with a mentorship breakfast, continues with youth-focused leadership activities, and concludes with the family open house experience at South Pointe Scholars Charter Academy.