On this day in 1948

Published

12 months ago

July 26, 2024

Staff Editor

mississippitoday.org – Jerry Mitchell – 2024-07-26 07:00:00

JULY 26, 1948

President Harry Truman shakes hands with Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward Williams, right, of St. Louis, Missouri, just two years after Truman issued Executive Order 9981. Credit: President Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which abolished racial discrimination in the United States Armed Forces, eventually leading to segregation’s end in the services. The order came after he saw many returning Black soldiers become victims of violence.

“My stomach turned over when I learned that Negro soldiers, just back from overseas, were being dumped out of army trucks in Mississippi and beaten,” he said. “I shall fight to end evils like this.”

He formed the President’s Committee on Civil Rights, which asked for an end to discrimination in the armed forces, and later said in a speech at the Lincoln Memorial, “We have reached a turning point in the long history of our country’s efforts to guarantee freedom and equality to all of our citizens.”

Throughout the early history of the U.S. military, minorities had been segregated into separate units. Often given menial tasks, they rarely saw combat. But when they had been allowed to fight on the battlefield, they had proven their patriotism and their mettle. Many of the military brass resisted the change, and the last segregated units didn’t disband until 1954. Exactly 15 years later, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara instructed military commanders to boycott private facilities used by soldiers or their families that discriminated against Black Americans.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

News from the South - Florida News Feed

State Representative Joe Casello (D) passes away from heart attack at 73

Published

1 hour ago

July 20, 2025

Staff Editor

www.abcactionnews.com – Frances Lin – 2025-07-20 15:40:00

SUMMARY: Florida State Representative Joe Casello, a 73-year-old former firefighter and Air Force veteran, died of a heart attack on Friday. Remembered for his decades of public service, Casello served 33 years in fire rescue and held roles as city commissioner and state legislator, most recently representing parts of Palm Beach County after winning a fourth term. Tributes highlighted his humility, courage, and dedication to serving his community. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried praised his commitment to public service and leadership. Casello passed away surrounded by loved ones, and he is being mourned as a devoted and compassionate leader.

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Restoration efforts on the Elizabeth River are making an impact, experts say

Published

6 hours ago

July 20, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-07-19 17:35:34

SUMMARY: Once declared dead nearly a century ago, the Elizabeth River is showing signs of revival thanks to ongoing restoration efforts. Long known as one of the most polluted waterways on the East Coast, it’s now a vital part of Norfolk’s waterfront and economy. Efforts led by the Elizabeth River Project, including rain gardens, tree plantings, oysters, and infiltration trenches, have improved water quality. The river now holds an overall C grade, with tributaries like the Lafayette Branch showing marked improvement. In areas like Muddy Point, fish species have increased from 4 to 26. Experts say continued work is still needed.

For decades, the Elizabeth River was seen as one of the most polluted waterways on the East Coast. But it’s seen as the heart of Norfolk’s waterfront. Work to restore, maintain, and improve the river includes partnerships across city, state, and federal lines — all contributing to a healthier, more resilient river system. The latest State of the River Report gives the river an overall C grade, but key areas like the Lafayette branch are now scoring higher.

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News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Tech company CEO resigns after controversy over video captured at Coldplay concert

Published

7 hours ago

July 20, 2025

Staff Editor

fox2now.com – ALEX VEIGA, Associated Press – 2025-07-20 15:28:00

SUMMARY: Andy Byron, CEO of Cincinnati-based Astronomer Inc., resigned after a viral video showed him embracing Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert. Captured on the jumbotron at Gillette Stadium, the moment sparked online speculation and scrutiny. Chris Martin joked about the pair during the concert, which led to internet sleuths identifying them. Astronomer placed Byron on leave before his resignation, citing unmet leadership standards. The incident raised concerns about privacy, viral exposure, and leadership accountability. Pete DeJoy has been named interim CEO. Experts noted how social media and AI make it increasingly easy to identify individuals from public footage.

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