44 percent: Little Haiti homeownership, Breonna Taylor and the State of Black America

Miami Herald

6 days ago

CNN reported the Justice Department is asking that a former police officer found guilty of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights when she was shot an killed in her home during a police raid be sentenced to a day in jail.
Yes, you read that correctly. I don't have too many words, but I do wonder is that truly the price of a life?
Taylor's death, along with that of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery in 2020 sparked racial and social justice protests. Yet, she seems to have had little justice in the aftermath.
The officer, Brett Hankison, is the sole conviction in connection to her death. They say, 'Justice delayed is not justice denied.' But will Breonna Taylor ever see any semblance of justice five years after her death?
INSIDE THE 305:
Homeowners in Little Haiti are aging. Here's what the next generation is facing
In Little Haiti, the owner-occupancy rate is 10%. I spoke to the homeowners who are holding onto their legacy properties and why it's important to keep them at a a time when Little Haiti is dealing with gentrification like so many neighborhoods. One of those people was Ashley Toussaint who said it's imperative that residents be a part of the community's evolution.
'Let's be part of the action. Some people want to be enemies of change and then not benefit at all,' Toussaint said. 'I do feel like we still have the power to represent our culture.'
A former NFL star has found a new mission: chicken sandwiches in Miami
Our minority business reporter Michael Butler wrote about NFL star Randy Moss's new venture: Crisppi's Chicken. Moss is a partner at the chicken spot on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami. The eatery will also operate inside the Hard Rock Stadium this coming fall.
As Butler reported: At Crisppi's Chicken, customers can order huge fried chicken sandwiches dripping with mango habanero sauce or sweet Thai chili sauce, a Moss favorite. Chicken and waffles are also popular, and one waffle menu item comes coated in Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal.
Miami Gardens police chief pushes back on allegations of discrimination
Following a lawsuit claiming Miami Gardens' Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt discriminated against five Hispanic officers, she called the claims' baseless at a press conference Thursday. As Herald breaking news reporter Milena Malaver writes: Noel-Pratt, the city's first Black female police chief and appointed in 2017, strongly denied that race played any role in personnel decisions. She said all transfers were made based on 'feasibility, staffing needs and the goal of maintaining effective and efficient departmental operations.'
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Reparations bill, amid headwinds, could skirt California's affirmative action ban
With diversity programs under full assault by the Trump administration, California lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow state colleges to consider whether applicants are descendants of African Americans who were enslaved in the United States, The Los Angeles Times reported. The bill, which would probably face a legal challenge if passed, is part of a package of 15 reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus being considered in the current legislative session.
'This is a warning:' National Urban League report details state of Black America
The National Urban League released its annual State of Black America report detailing the challenges Black people face with civil rights protections and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives being dismantled. NUL president, Marc Morial called the report a 'warning.'
'What began as what we thought were fringe attacks on racial equity has now become national policy,' he continued. 'We are in a state of emergency, and the National Urban League has a fundamental obligation to stand up for democracy, to stand up for diversity, and stand up for economic policies that defeat poverty.'
HIGH CULTURE:
Sweat Records & Black Miami-Dade: Overtown's PANAMA FRANCIS
Sweat Records and Black Miami Dade are partnering to showcase the sounds of David Albert 'Panama' Francis, a jazz musician born in 1918 in Overtown. The event, held at Sweat Records from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, is the second in a series showcasing work from the Harlem Renaissance. Tickets are $20.
Where does 'The 44 Percent' name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter's title.