March of 2023, lawmakers in Mississippi passed a passed a bill (HB1020) by 76-38 vote under majority White Republican-controlled Mississippi House of Representatives, expanding the Capital Complex Improvement District (a defined area within Jackson), creating a separate court system within the city – which is 83% Black, according to US Census data. The Mississippi State Legislatures, which are currently held by majority White officials, would appoint judges in the County, void of Jacksonians vote participation.
This bill can go into effect July 1. The controversial HB 1020 sparked statewide and even national criticism, especially among Black Jacksonians. Critics labeled the Bill as racist and bringing back Jim Crow Laws.
Jackson, MS, Mayor, Chokwe Antar Lumuba, publicly spoke out against this controversial bill and called the White Republican-controlled Mississippi House of Representatives bill (HB1020) a "trojan horse" effort rather than an effort to help Jackson deal with the real issues of crime, violence, and other issues.
He went on to acknowledge the fact that the help they needed and requested was never provided, and instead of helping Jackson resolve the issues at hand, Black leadership was undermined. In areas where Whites live, HB 1020 seems to have come as a request for more police in those areas.
Ramzu Yunus, a human rights advocate, went to Jackson, MS to help in their efforts to exercise the right to self-determination after the outcry for justice from Jacksonians.
On June 25, 2023 Ramzu and other Human Rights Officers, held a referendum to vote and declare their independence in Jackson. The press, observers, and the people of Jackson participated in this historic event.
For more on this story, please go to newfactsnc.net.
By NFNC Staff
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