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Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, passed away Tuesday after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurodegenerative disease diagnosed earlier this year. Beginning his activism as a young college student in the 1960s, Jackson worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and witnessed his assassination in Memphis in 1968, after which he became an ordained minister and prominent civil rights leader in his own right. He founded Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, ran two groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 that championed economic and racial justice, and served as an international diplomat securing the release of American prisoners from Syria, Iraq, and Yugoslavia. Despite health challenges including Parkinson's disease diagnosed in 2017 and his later PSP diagnosis, Jackson remained active in human rights advocacy until his final years, addressing issues from the Gaza humanitarian crisis to threats against American democracy.

The U.S. House press gallery has been renamed in honor of Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist, writer, and presidential adviser who reported on congressional proceedings during the Civil War. The bipartisan initiative, led by Republican Representative Byron Donalds of Florida and supported by Democratic Representative Steve Horsford of Nevada, was celebrated during Black History Month amid broader national debates about how race and history should be taught in America. Douglass, who escaped slavery and became an influential advocate for abolition and civil rights, used his writings and speeches to influence President Lincoln and congressional lawmakers. The dedication ceremony brought together lawmakers and Black conservatives, including Trump administration officials, who emphasized the importance of highlighting positive stories of individual triumph in American history.

Chicago-based artist Nick Cave has created "Mammoth," the largest single-artist commission in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's history, opening February 13. The exhibition features massive mammoth sculptures made from metal and hair, operated by performers, alongside intricate works assembled from thousands of family heirlooms and thrifted objects including phones, toys, and quilting blocks. Cave, known for his protective Soundsuits born from his response to the Rodney King beating, explores themes of erasure and revelation through the mammoth symbolism, examining how history disappears and resurfaces. The nine-year project incorporates his family's migration story from the South to the Midwest through beaded tapestries and transforms everyday American objects into monumental sculptures and installations that blur personal memory with collective history.

The California Legislature passed two resolutions condemning President Trump's social media post that depicted the Obamas as apes, with near-unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers. Assembly House Resolution 84 and Senate Resolution 77, authored by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, received 62-0 and 28-0 votes respectively on February 9th. Legislators emphasized that the racist imagery was particularly offensive since it occurred during Black History Month's centennial observance, and the resolutions call for an official apology to the Obamas. While some Republican lawmakers abstained, several voted in favor and spoke against the post, though Trump has refused to apologize and attributed the posting to an unnamed staffer. # Key Takeaways

Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died at age 84, orchestrated the 1999 release of three U.S. soldiers captured by Yugoslav forces during the Kosovo War, despite opposition from the Clinton White House. Jackson partnered with Illinois Representative Rod Blagojevich to travel to Belgrade and negotiate directly with Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic while NATO bombing campaigns continued. During tense negotiations, Jackson refused to accept a partial release and insisted on freeing all three soldiers or none at all. The mission succeeded on May 1, 1999, when Sergeants Andrew Ramirez and Christopher Stone, along with Specialist Steven Gonzales, were released after over a month in captivity and returned home with Jackson's delegation.

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died at 84, played a pivotal role in expanding Black women's political influence within the Democratic Party through his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns. By building a diverse Rainbow Coalition that centered historically marginalized groups, Jackson created opportunities for young Black women to serve as organizers, strategists, and decision-makers in national politics. He mentored a generation of influential political figures including Donna Brazile, Minyon Moore, and Leah Daughtry, giving them substantive responsibilities and ensuring they had equal footing with their white counterparts. Jackson's emphasis on coalition-building and proportional representation helped reshape Democratic Party rules and normalized Black women's leadership roles that continue to influence American politics today.

California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development has launched the Civic Media Program, a $20 million grant initiative split equally between state funding and Google contributions, aimed at reviving struggling local journalism throughout the state. The program responds to a dramatic collapse in American local news, with over 3,200 newspapers closing since 2005 and closures continuing at roughly two per week, creating widespread "news deserts" where communities lack credible information sources. A diverse advisory board has been appointed to guide the program's development, while the James B. McClatchy Foundation will serve as an independent third-party administrator to ensure editorial independence. The initiative is viewed by journalism leaders as an important first step toward rebuilding California's news ecosystem and ensuring underserved communities, including communities of color and immigrants, have access to trusted local reporting.

The Voice & Viewpoint newspaper staff has compiled a curated list of entertainment recommendations specifically for Black History Month celebration. The recommendations span multiple media formats including films, television shows, books, and music selections. The publication is encouraging its readership to engage with these cultural works and share their thoughts through various communication channels including social media platforms, the publication's website, or traditional letters to the editor. This initiative appears to be part of the newspaper's broader effort to keep its community informed and engaged during Black History Month observances. # Key Takeaways

Elana Meyers Taylor secured her first Olympic gold medal in bobsled at age 41, becoming tied with Bonnie Blair as the most decorated female American Winter Olympian with six medals across five Games. Her teammate Kaillie Humphries earned bronze, marking her fifth consecutive Olympic medal, while both athletes navigated the challenges of being Olympic competitors and mothers to young children. Meyers Taylor's two sons are deaf and her younger son has Down syndrome, requiring intensive care and therapy that she handles personally alongside her athletic career. The victory came just weeks after a serious crash in January, with Meyers Taylor winning by a mere 0.04 seconds over Germany's Laura Nolte in an incredibly tight finish.

Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist and Baptist minister who died on February 17, 2026, dedicated his life to fighting racial injustice and advocating for economic equality in Black communities. Beginning his activism in 1960 when he challenged segregation at a South Carolina library, Jackson worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before founding organizations like Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advance social justice causes. He ran unsuccessful campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 1984 and 1988, though he never held elected office, and successfully negotiated the release of American prisoners in multiple international incidents throughout his career. Despite facing personal controversies and health challenges including Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy in his later years, Jackson remained an influential voice in American civil rights movements for over six decades. # Key Takeaways

The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, a transformative civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, has died at age 84 after battling progressive supranuclear palsy. Rising from poverty in Jim Crow-era South Carolina as the son of an unwed teenage mother, Jackson became a close aide to Martin Luther King Jr. before emerging as a national figure who fundamentally reshaped American politics through his Rainbow Coalition and pioneering presidential campaigns in the 1980s. His runs for the White House proved a Black candidate could win crossover support and led to crucial Democratic Party reforms that later enabled Barack Obama's historic 2008 victory. Throughout six decades of activism, Jackson's powerful oratory and unwavering commitment to social justice—embodied in his signature phrase "Keep hope alive"—helped bridge the civil rights era with contemporary movements while championing causes from voting rights to LGBTQ equality. # Key Takeaways

Billy Steinberg, the acclaimed American songwriter who co-wrote iconic pop hits spanning four decades, has passed away at age 75 after battling cancer. Working primarily with collaborator Tom Kelly beginning in the 1980s, Steinberg penned memorable songs for major artists ranging from Madonna and Whitney Houston to Celine Dion and Demi Lovato. His most famous composition, Madonna's "Like a Virgin," topped the Billboard charts in 1984 and became a cultural phenomenon. Throughout his career, he earned numerous honors including a Grammy Award and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, with his family emphasizing that he valued the personal connection his lyrics created with listeners above all recognition. # Key Takeaways

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly announced he is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028 amid an escalating conflict with the Trump administration over a video encouraging military personnel to disobey illegal orders. Kelly and five other lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds have faced government retaliation, including attempted military demotion and legal threats, after releasing the clip questioning the legality of American strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels. The senator and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, now require round-the-clock security due to weekly death threats following Trump's accusations of seditious behavior against Kelly. While a grand jury declined to charge him with seditious conspiracy, Kelly expects continued legal action and has vowed to fight back, potentially all the way to the Supreme Court. # Key Takeaways

Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in northwest Milwaukee has opened a new museum exhibit dedicated to Black history in America. Michelle Pitts-Luckett, an overseer at the church, created the display to educate congregation members and prevent the erasure of African American history, showcasing the progress made from segregation era to present day. The exhibit features educational materials about civil rights struggles, including references to segregated water fountains, buses, and building entrances. Local schools, including Assata High School, plan to bring students to view the museum as part of their curriculum, with educators comparing it to the African American history museum in Washington D.C.

Former President Barack Obama issued a clarification after his comments about aliens during a podcast interview went viral over the weekend. During a rapid-fire question round with host Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama stated that aliens are real but that he hadn't seen them, which sparked widespread media attention and social media discussion. He later posted on Instagram to explain that while the universe's vastness makes extraterrestrial life statistically probable, the enormous distances between solar systems make alien visitation unlikely. Obama emphasized that during his presidency, he saw no evidence of extraterrestrial contact with Earth, though he has previously acknowledged unexplained aerial phenomena that warrant investigation. # Key Takeaways

Tommy Duncan, a millionaire entrepreneur from Detroit who made his fortune primarily in healthcare, launched his luxury Black-owned fashion brand High Risk with a runway show on Beverly Hills' prestigious Rodeo Drive during Black History Month. The brand specializes in high-end comfort wear and accessories, targeting what Duncan calls "high achievers" willing to take risks for excellence. Despite debuting in one of the world's most expensive locations, the leisurewear line will be sold exclusively online to reach a global customer base. The event featured African drummers, Black models including viral sensation Jeremy Meeks, and attracted numerous Black artists, musicians, and celebrities to celebrate Black culture through fashion.

California faces three major policy developments affecting public health, education, and taxation. A new ballot initiative seeks to eliminate property taxes for homeowners over 60 who meet residency requirements, which could cost local governments and schools between $12-20 billion annually. Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched a civil rights investigation into whether West Altadena's historically Black community received delayed fire evacuation warnings during the deadly Eaton Fire that killed 19 people, most of them elderly residents. Additionally, California joined three other Democratic states in suing the Trump administration over the termination of more than $600 million in CDC public health grants, while Senator Akilah Weber Pierson introduced legislation requiring CPR and AED training for high school students statewide. # Key Takeaways

The Department of Justice claims it has fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act by releasing all documents in its possession related to Jeffrey Epstein, while withholding only materials like medical records, child abuse imagery, and files that could harm ongoing investigations. However, lawmakers who authored the legislation dispute this assertion, arguing that the DoJ is improperly invoking privileges to withhold internal deliberations about prosecution decisions. The controversy intensified when the DoJ's list of names from the files included deceased figures like Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley alongside actual convicted predators, without context about how each person was mentioned. Critics contend the department is muddying distinctions between predators and those merely referenced incidentally, demanding release of complete files with only victim names redacted. # Key Takeaways

At the Munich Security Summit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered remarks that partially reassured European allies concerned about fraying relations under the Trump administration, though anxieties remained about America's shifting foreign policy direction. Numerous American Democrats, including governors and senators who may seek the 2028 presidential nomination, attended the conference to emphasize continuity in US-European partnerships and counter the administration's confrontational approach. These officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, stressed that Trump's presidency is temporary and urged allies not to overreact to current political rhetoric. The Democrats also raised domestic concerns about election integrity and what they characterized as authoritarian tendencies, while figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew connections between economic inequality and the global rise of authoritarianism. # Key Takeaways

A fierce online controversy has erupted over two American-born athletes of Chinese descent competing in the Milan Winter Olympics, with Eileen Gu representing China and Alysa Liu competing for the United States. The debate intensified when Gu defended fellow Olympian Hunter Hess after he expressed mixed feelings about representing America, drawing criticism that she speaks out against US politics while remaining silent on China's human rights record. The conflict reflects deeper US-China geopolitical tensions, with vocal minorities on both American and Chinese social media questioning the athletes' loyalty and identity based solely on their flag choice. Critics frame Gu as privileged and opportunistic while portraying Liu—whose father fled China after Tiananmen Square—as a patriot, though experts note both athletes are being unfairly cast as opposing symbols in a narrative beyond their control. The controversy highlights how Asian Americans face intense scrutiny over their political choices and national allegiances amid rising tensions between the world's two largest economies.

The Congressional Black Caucus and major civil rights organizations launched a coordinated national mobilization effort during Black History Month to counter Trump administration policies they view as threatening civil rights protections for minority communities. The groups held strategy sessions on Capitol Hill to coordinate responses across issues including voting access, education, healthcare, immigration, and anti-discrimination policy, with particular concern about potential federal interference in midterm elections and anticipated Supreme Court decisions on the Voting Rights Act. While civil rights leaders and Democratic lawmakers have already filed numerous lawsuits challenging the administration's anti-DEI executive orders and policies, they acknowledge being largely on the defensive given Republican control of both congressional chambers. A coalition of Democratic attorneys general from fourteen states and Washington D.C. separately announced plans to pursue aggressive legal action promoting DEI policies, though they face an unfavorable and uncertain legal landscape given recent conservative Supreme Court rulings.

Danielle Dale-Hancock, a 54-year-old former Rockette who made history as one of the first African American dancers in the prestigious troupe, now divides her time between teaching dance at Lynn University and running a Pilates studio in Boca Raton, Florida. She turned down an opportunity with the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company to join Radio City Music Hall, where she eventually became the first African American dance captain. During her performing days in her twenties, she worked alongside other pioneering dancers of Asian and Latin American backgrounds, though she often felt tokenized in casting decisions. Today, she channels her extensive experience and work ethic into training the next generation of diverse dancers. # Key Takeaways

Nearly two years after 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson was fatally shot by a Florida sheriff's deputy, his mother is working to keep public attention on the case and seeking accountability to prevent similar incidents. The shooting occurred in May 2024 when Deputy Eddie Duran responded to a domestic violence call at Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment and was captured on body camera footage. Duran was subsequently fired by the Okaloosa County Sheriff and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, representing one of the rare criminal cases against a Florida law enforcement officer. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family in a federal lawsuit, held a news conference at the mother's request because she fears her son's death is fading from public memory while the family continues waiting for answers about what happened.

A new generation of predominantly Black and African artists is reshaping Christian music by blending faith-based messages with contemporary genres like rap, Afrobeats, and R&B, attracting younger global audiences through streaming platforms and social media. These artists, who often started independently before gaining attention from major labels and streaming services, are creating music that is less traditional and "preachy" while maintaining spiritual themes that resonate with non-churchgoers and younger listeners. The movement has gained significant momentum since 2022, though these artists still face challenges breaking into mainstream spaces due to limited industry support, radio exposure, and financial resources compared to traditional Christian and secular artists. Despite streaming numbers remaining smaller than mainstream counterparts, the dedicated fanbase demonstrates strong engagement with this sonic diversity that reflects a more global and varied expression of faith. The genre's growth represents both a cultural shift in how Christian music is defined and an effort to make faith-based content accessible in formats that feel natural to contemporary audiences.

Dr. Jade Norris, a Las Vegas-based physician and founder of Nspire Primary Care, is working to address significant health disparities affecting the African-American community. Growing up in Las Vegas, she witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for families like hers to access quality primary healthcare. Statistics reveal that African Americans face disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer mortality, and diabetes compared to white populations. Norris and community advocate Njeri Gitao from the African Diaspora of Las Vegas are emphasizing that many chronic diseases are preventable and reversible through lifestyle changes, and they're encouraging people to prioritize proactive healthcare rather than reactive treatment year-round.

The Quad County Urban League in Aurora, Illinois, hosted its Annual Black History Month Pancake Breakfast on Saturday at the Prisco Center as a fundraising and community-building event. Attendees enjoyed a traditional breakfast while participating in a Black History Jeopardy competition where students defeated adults. The highlight was middle and high school students from the Tomorrow's Scientists, Students, Technicians, and Managers program unveiling "Legacy Lane: Paths of Progress," an educational board game they created to teach about African American experiences and challenges. The event drew diverse participants including local elected officials, community activists, and the Waubonsee Community College basketball team. # Key Takeaways

History Colorado has redesigned its exhibit about Lincoln Hills, a historic African American resort established in 1922 in Colorado's foothills that served as the largest such destination west of the Mississippi River. The updated display removes a prominent KKK exhibit that previously greeted visitors at the entrance and instead focuses on celebrating Black joy and community experiences at the resort. The new presentation incorporates personal stories, photographs, and oral histories gathered from community listening sessions held at Shorter AME Church with people who visited Lincoln Hills. The resort, which included 600 lots and attractions like Winks Lodge that hosted celebrities such as Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes, provided a sanctuary from racial discrimination for Black Americans during segregation. # Key Takeaways

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The US Senate failed to pass a procedural vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security before a Saturday midnight deadline due to disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. Democrats are demanding new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, including body camera requirements and bans on mask-wearing by agents, following the deaths of two US citizens. While ICE will continue operations due to separate funding from previous legislation supporting deportation efforts, other DHS agencies like FEMA and TSA face potential disruptions, with airport security screeners and disaster response workers at risk of going unpaid. Republicans are seeking provisions that would compel state and local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, creating an impasse between the parties. The Senate has entered recess but could reconvene if negotiators reach a compromise agreement.