From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rosa Parks to Congressman John Lewis, many Black leaders have chosen peaceful ways to improve America. This is in stark contrast to the insurrectionists that overtook the Capitol at the behest of former President Donald Trump who intended to disrupt American democracy. As his second impeachment trial begins in the Senate today, Trump must be held accountable for his sedition.

Lips Café is indeed a family affair. Jamane and Donna Weekes are the mother and son owners of this modern and cozy café located in the heart of East Flatbush, Brooklyn.  Even in this difficult Covid-19 era, the café is bustling with customers for takeout and those enjoying the socially distancing seating.

Before 2020 ended, Magnolia Tree Earth Center broke ground for expansion.  The Center is the brainchild of environmental activist Hattie Carthan.

The story goes that in the 1960s, Carthan was on the bus in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn when she noticed a lovely, tall magnolia tree.  As an admirer of the tree, she led a group of community residents to save this rare evergreen when it was threatened to be destroyed by nearby construction. 

Happy New Year Grassroots Wire readers!

As we try to forget a terrible 2020, let’s remember an important, untaught history lesson and the landmark document that delivered one of the most important developments in world history.