As Black History Month has started, it is important to reflect on the great things achieved by America’s black community. It is important to understand the significance of these events, and what they represent so that it becomes easier to navigate the world today.

In this regard, not much is known about all the significant events that occurred in North Carolina. Therefore, Cardinal Pine, a Courier Newsroom publication, has recently published an article on their website outlining four significant occurrences in NC’s Black history.

Fusionist Years, 1894-1900

From 1894-1900, marked a period of alliance between the Republican Parties and the Populists. The two banded together to defeat the then-white supremacists, the Democrats. During that time, the Republican party was composed of Black and white men, and thousands of Black men were appointed as officials.

Interestingly, the only Black man serving in Congress back then was NC’s US Rep. George Henry White. White warned Congress of rising insurrection and white supremacy. In his farewell speech to Congress, White said, “The only apology that I have to make for the earnestness with which I have spoken, is that I am pleading for the life, the liberty, the future happiness, and manhood suffrage for one–eighth of the entire population of the United States.” White was removed from office due to Jim Crow laws.

In 1901, White started a law practice in Washington D.C.

Sarah Keys’ Stand Against Bus Segregation

Three years before Rosa Parks’ momentous stand, another Black woman in North Carolina, Sarah Keys, decided to take a stand against segregation and not vacate her seat. It was because of her courage that segregation laws were abolished in North Carolina and the surrounding southern states.

In 1952, Keys was serving in the Women’s Army Corps and was taking a bus to her eastern NC hometown, Washington, when the bus driver asked her to vacate her seat for a white Marine. She was arrested upon refusal, for disorderly conduct, reported Cardinal Pine, a Courier Newsroom publication.

She filed a suit against the Carolina Coach Company and was represented by NAACP. She was successful in getting a decision from the Interstate Commerce Commission that segregation was prohibited on the kind of bus she was riding. Thus, Keys v Carolina Coach Co became an important legal precedent that was later used by US Attorney General Robert Kennedy, in his call to protect Freedom Riders in 1961.

Her contributions have now come to the limelight due to the efforts of an 8th-grade social studies teacher, and a historical marker has been erected by the State at the Roanoke Rapids bus station to commemorate Keys.

Keys, 92, now lives in New York.

Leading Student Civil Rights Group

On April 15, 1960, 150 students, from over 10 states, gathered at Raleigh’s Shaw University, to form the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee or the SNCC, wrote the Courier Newsroom publication. These students came together with the singular aim of dismantling and overthrowing segregation.

This group later became a major force in the civil rights movement and played a key role in the proliferation of non-violent tactics to fight injustice. “Unlike mainstream groups, which merely sought integration of blacks into the existing order, SNCC sought structural changes in American society itself,” said the late Julian Bond, about the role played by the SNCC.

Boycott of Hyde County Schools

This boycott came in the wake of a decision by a white-dominated school board to shut down two Black schools and move all the students to one, previously white-dominated school. The Black community was not consulted in this decision-making process. This plan was part of a larger plan for the integration of public schools with the federal system.

The Black community was proud of the two schools that the school board planned to shut down. Closing them down would have meant that Black teachers would have lost their jobs, and students would face difficulty traveling to the one far-off school.

This led Black teenagers to start a yearslong boycott, which their parents later joined, and this eventually stopped the school board from shutting down the two schools.

 

There’s a constant battle on what to prioritize between the economy and the environment. Many people argue that to experience economic growth, we have to sacrifice the environment, while others believe that we must be willing to stagnate economically to preserve the environment. The truth is that both are important. However, we should focus on economic growth without sacrificing the environment if we want to thrive.

Invest in green energy

We don’t have to limit our energy resources by moving away from natural gas. The truth is we can harness natural resources and focus on renewable energy. These are unlimited resources that don’t harm the environment. Sure, technology is still young, but there’s so much we can do. Some people feel threatened because it could lead to more job losses. Renewable energy as an industry can create more jobs. Even people who used to work in the natural gas industry can receive retraining to be competent in doing other jobs. There’s no need to see new energy sources as a threat.

We can build structures without harming the environment

We need more buildings to support growth. We also need more houses for the growing population. We have to expand whatever we have right now to support these changes, and it doesn’t mean we should harm the environment. There are ways to pursue growth without necessarily destroying the environment. We can also support taller buildings to house more people to solve housing problems without destroying the forest.

We can pass laws that promote sustainability

Companies can start doing sustainable practices at work, such as digitizing all transactions and avoiding paper trails. They can also promote remote work setups to prevent having an entire office. Manufacturing industries should also be made responsible for their actions. Then, they can continue producing quality products without sacrificing the environment or causing pollution.

Many companies have also started recycling. For instance, Langley recycling is all for metal recycling, a popular strategy to stop wasting scrap metals. They might not be useful, but other companies can utilize these resources. In addition, making new metals require more energy, and recycled materials are less harmful.

Information dissemination drive is necessary

Many people think that it’s a binary choice. One needs to get sacrificed for the other to thrive. It’s a false choice, and everyone should be aware of it. We have to do our share in raising awareness. We can use digital platforms to let everyone know that economic growth and environmental preservation can coexist. Many countries have made it possible, so there’s no reason why we can’t replicate their successes. It’s a matter of determination and deep care for the environment. Start with the people you know. Explain to them the practices done to help protect the environment. You may also explain what more significant steps they can take to support this effort. You may even organize for people to run for office and change current laws. We need smart leaders who understand that we don’t need to choose one for the success of another.

There are plenty of US citizens who want to reunite with family members living outside of the country. Often, it can be intimidating to apply for a visa petition because of the perceived uncertainty of its success. But US Immigration laws put a premium on the unity of families of US citizens and lawful permanent US citizens. There is a process in applying where an immigrant lawyer can be plenty helpful in completing the requirements for an increased chance of succeeding in the petition.

In this article, you will have a basic understanding of the processes, requirements, and what you can do to make your application easier and faster.

What is Family Reunification?

The UNHCR defines this as a program that reunites eligible family members through a petition process. An immediate family is defined as the child, spouse, or parent of the eligible US citizen. Under the program’s current regulations, children must be under 21 years old and unmarried to be considered.

As a priority program of the UNHCR, refugees need to state that they have family members living in the US to help the agency refer the case where it can be properly addressed.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Petition for Family Reunification?

Anyone who entered the US as a refugee in the last two years or someone who has been granted the asylee status in the same time may petition family members to obtain a derivative refugee or asylee status.

The petitioner must be a principal asylee or refugee, which means that they must have obtained the status directly and not through another petition. They must also have the status or have a Green Card during the petition. If they have become a US citizen through naturalization, they cannot petition their relatives to gain refugee or asylee status. However, since they are naturalized citizens, they can help their family members immigrate to the United States. For such cases, an immigration lawyer will be of great help.

What are the Requirements for Petition?

Several documents are needed before you can file a petition for your family members. These include proof of your status as refugee or asylee and a passport-style photo of every family member you are filing for. A religious institution record, school record, or census record can be used when some primary evidence is unavailable from civil authorities or when you cannot acquire the secondary evidence and statement from civil authorities.

Ruby Powers Law

We specialize in immigration law and can guide you through the many avenues of the US Immigration System. We are easy to reach and are always available to provide you with expert and professional assistance in reuniting with your family in the country.

Conclusion

Reuniting with family members in countries outside the US is not impossible. Following the protocols and processes will enable you to bring your family members to live a good life in the country together.

Call us at (713) 589-2085 to schedule a consultation for your immigration law inquiries. You can also visit our website at www.rubypowerslaw.com for more information on our professional services.

Some people plan their lives down to the last detail before having a baby. Then there are other people that become surprise parents. Whether you’re currently pregnant or planning on having a baby, there are ways you can start preparing for the arrival of your little one.

We want to help first-time parents prepare their lives before the birth of their baby. Today’s article will help you with information on topics such as the birthing process, paperwork and how to adjust your finances when you become a parent. Keep reading to find out more.

Learn About Birth and the Options Available to You

If you’re still in the process of planning to become a parent either through a fertility clinic or naturally, it’s important to learn about the birth process. Nowadays there are many ways a lady can give birth namely the following:

• Natural birth
• Waterbirth
• C-section
• Scheduled induction

Various options are available to women who may have medical conditions that require a special birth. Learn about these types of births so you can pick your preferred option of the way you’d like to bring your baby into the world. Consult your doctor for more information.

Baby Paperwork

You’d be surprised at how much paperwork you’ll have to complete when you give birth to a baby. There are hospital forms you’ll have to fill out as well as registering your baby with identification numbers and sorting out his or her birth certificate.

If you’d like to save on time, contact your hospital to check whether you can pre-register your baby. See if there are other forms you can fill out and submit before you’re due to give birth. Filling out forms ahead of time will allow you to leave the hospital early so you can spend time with your baby.

 

Communication with Your Partner Is Essential

Communication is essential when you decide to have a baby. Discuss what you need from your partner such as sharing household duties or family responsibilities. Proper family management will reduce conflict and it can create a harmonious environment for both of you.

 

Talk to Veteran Moms

Becoming a first-time mom can be incredibly overwhelming. So, talk to veteran moms to help you with information on the following:

• Common experiences when pregnant and after birth
• How to take care of a newborn
• Ideal products to use for your baby
• Common changes your baby will go through as he or she grows
• Ways to comfort your baby

Final Thoughts: The Finances

Having a baby is going to cost you extra money. So ensure you have money set aside for baby essentials such as clothes, diapers and food. Consider opening up a trust fund for your baby so he or she can be provided for in the future.

How are you preparing for your first baby? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from our first-time parents.

 

Photo by Maud CORREA on Unsplash

Tanzania, a beautiful East African country, is facing serious climate change challenges. Climate change impacts not only the natural environment but the people living in the country. It has negative social and economic effects. Every country faces different challenges, courtesy of climate change. For third-world countries, these effects can be devastating.

In Tanzania higher temperatures are being experienced. Both flooding and droughts plagued the country, threatening agricultural production. Rising sea levels are destroying the livelihoods of communities living along the coast.

Climate change vulnerabilities are being constantly researched and investigated throughout the country. An area currently under scrutiny is the management of the Rufiji River Basin. Situated approximately 200 kms south of Dar es Salaam, it contains the largest mangrove forest in eastern Africa.

What should the world take note of in order to start helping this gorgeous piece of land?

Climate Change and Water Scarcity

With increasing climate variability, water access is a problem for many people living in the Rufiji basins. Farmers who have lived in the area for years report a decrease in water flow. Irrigation of crops and water supply for cattle is drying up and the steady increase in population numbers is putting more strain on the available water.

The Rufiji Basin is synonymous with the production of rice and maize. While the potential is high for agricultural production, climate change is having dire consequences on this production. Luckily, projects are being set up to try negate these consequences and find solutions.

Social Vulnerabilities

The Rufiji basin together with the Wami-Ruvu basin is the major source of water for over 7 million people. These include the communities living in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma. Safe and clean water supply is a challenge for these communities and it continues to exacerbate the vulnerability of these people.

Vulnerability mapping is an enhanced form of mapping using spatial data in a GIS system. Climate vulnerability can be better understood using this method. By targeting vulnerable communities, resilience building interventions can be introduced to these areas.

Source of Energy Through Hydropower

Tanzania relies heavily on hydropower for electricity supply. Discussions are being held around developing the Rufiji hydropower project. This would entail building a 130-meter high dam on the river with a 914 square km reservoir. Such a project will add to the existing problems of the Rufiji basin already severely impacted by climate change.

Food Security Threats

Increasing temperatures, more flooding and longer periods of droughts threaten the country’s food security. With over 75% of the country’s population employed in the agricultural sector, its imperative food security is protected. Otherwise the country will face increasing poverty and hunger among its population.

As climate change in Tanzania takes a grip on the production of food, solutions need to be found. Private sector engagement is being encouraged to ensure long-term sustainability. Projects are in play and the government is working together with local stakeholders to find ways of introducing sustainable agriculture practices.

Final Thoughts

If the effects of climate change in Tanzania are not dealt with, the country will face an assortment of negative long-term consequences.

Also, while a global challenge, climate change is the responsibility of every country, whether first-world or third-world. By engaging with both local and global organizations, climate change can be tackled, one step at a time.

Birthday milestones use to be an extravagant event. Halls would be hired out along with catering and everyone would dress up for the occasion. Nowadays people prefer to spend money on other experiences that don’t cost so much money. And we’ve got you covered.

If you’re reading this, your 30th birthday is slowly approaching and you’re looking for unique ways to celebrate your special day. Luckily you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at our top four places to go for your 30^th birthday celebration.

1. Cheese and Wine Tasting Farms

Pub crawling may have been fun when you turned 21 but now you want something more sophisticated and mature. The best way to celebrate the next phase of adulthood is to do cheese and wine tasting. There are myriads of farms that make all types of wines and cheeses to suit everyone’s palates.

Franschhoek wine farms are the popular choice for Capetonians or if you want to travel abroad why not visit a vineyard in France? Or simply take your pick of local cheese and wine restaurants in your area?

2. Go Camping in the Mountains

Camping is a fun and exciting experience especially when you have all your friends with you. Book a weekend in the mountains and make sure there are lots of activities to take part in. Hiking or skiing is a popular choice. Some camping sites also offer horseback rides and swimming pools.

Remember to take the proper gear with you when you go camping such as the following:

• Tents
• Sleeping bag
• Toiletries
• Food
• Cooking and eating utensils
• Firewood
• Water
• Hunting knife
• Portable SmartPhone charger
• Backpack

Additionally, if you’re going to be hiking without a guide, take a map and compass with you.

3. Visit Historical Monuments

Have you ever visited any of the historical landmarks in your town? Now is your opportunity to see what you’ve been missing out on. It can be a fun and educational way to get to know the area you’re living in. Examples of historical monuments are:

• Statues
• Historical buildings
• Archaeological sites
• Cultural sites

Learning something new could be the best memory for your 30^th, especially if you’re a history lover.

4. Go on a Safari

See how animals hunt, play and eat by going on an African safari ride. There are many nature reserves where you can see animals in their natural habitat such as the Kruger National Park, but you’ll find them all across the world. Typically, nature reserves offer affordable accommodation so you and your loved ones can stay in the wild for a weekend.

Final Thoughts

Visiting historical monuments is probably the cheapest option on our list. On the other hand, if you want to take part in something more adventurous then you’ll love going to wine or cheese farms, camping and safaris.

So are you ready to celebrate your 30th birthday in an exciting way? Pick one of the four options on our list, get your friends together and prepare to enter the next chapter of your life with a bang.