We’re lower than a month away from hurricane season, and the vibes will not be nice. A newly launched inner evaluation obtained by CNN revealed that the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) is “not prepared” to reply to a serious catastrophe. Let me repeat that: the nationwide company that’s supposed to save lots of us in an emergency says it’s not prepared. This assessment was put collectively below FEMA’s new appearing Administrator David Richardson and highlights some severe points, like paused coaching, poor coordination with states and low employees morale. Don’t assume it’s a problem? Twister warnings have been lately delayed in Kentucky due to cuts that gutted the Nationwide Climate Service, so they’d no in a single day forecaster. Twenty-seven folks died. Lack of preparedness is just not what you need to hear once you reside in a metropolis like Houston, the place hurricanes are a lifestyle.
However right here’s the factor: Houston isn’t prepared both. A research from Rice College’s Kinder Institute discovered that solely 8% of Houstonians really feel absolutely ready for a hurricane or extreme climate occasion. Simply 32% have created an emergency plan, and solely 16% have practiced emergency drills with their households.
That is deeply troubling, particularly contemplating Houston has skilled 52 federally declared disasters prior to now 40 years—greater than a 3rd of these in simply the final decade. Let’s do higher, y’all. Take the time now to place collectively a plan, collect provides and speak to your family members about what to do if (or when) the following large storm hits. We can not afford to attend till it’s too late.
Kindred Tales Finds a Ceaselessly Residence
Let’s shift to one thing joyful. Kindred Tales, the beloved Black-owned bookstore that has been a haven for literature, tradition and connection, has discovered a brand new, extra everlasting residence contained in the historic Eldorado Ballroom. It is a large deal, not only for the bookstore, however for the neighborhood.
I’ve watched Kindred blossom from a small storefront right into a cultural anchor. And now, with this transfer, it appears like a fantastic full-circle second—putting Black literature and community-building inside one of many metropolis’s most traditionally vital areas. Whether or not you’re searching for your subsequent nice learn, a Blackity Black greeting card, one thing for the kiddos or only a quiet second in an area that sees you, Kindred is the place to be. Go present up. Help this native gem. And let’s maintain constructing areas that mirror us, for us.
What’s Going On at FAMU?
Have you ever heard in regards to the drama at Florida A&M College? The Board of Trustees lately voted 8-4 to call Marva Johnson the college’s thirteenth president. However right here’s the kicker: Johnson has no greater schooling management expertise. None. She’s a telecommunications government and has been linked to conservative political figures, together with Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis.
The backlash from college students, alumni and college has been swift and justified. Of us are anxious, and rightfully so. Johnson could have mentioned, “I used to be not despatched right here to dismantle FAMU,” however let’s not neglect: actions communicate louder than phrases. Selecting somebody with no educational expertise, regardless of a number of extremely certified finalists, appears like a calculated transfer. It’s a harmful precedent. Search for this to occur at extra HBCUs throughout the nation. We should shield the legacy and management of our HBCUs, or threat watching them be chipped away by politics.
A Win for Black Lady Magic
And at last—as a result of we all the time make house for the wins—let’s have fun Mara Brock Akil and the exceptional workforce behind Ceaselessly, which has been renewed for a second season on Netflix! Based mostly on the Judy Blume novel of the identical identify, this present reimagines a basic coming-of-age love story by way of the lens of Black teenagers, households and lived experiences. Starring Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., it’s actual, it’s tender, and it’s mandatory.
As somebody who grew up devouring Judy Blume books, seeing this adaptation made my coronary heart smile. The present doesn’t simply inform a love story—it tells our story, displaying the sweetness and complexity of younger Black love with out trauma because the centerpiece. It’s proof that our tales matter, and when given the platform, they soar.
