A 66-Year-Old Comic Book About Dr. King Is Still Being Used To Teach Non-Violence
The text remains as relevant in 2025
A comic book about Martin Luther King, released in 1958, is still a resource for teaching non-violence.
Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story, written by Alfred Hassler, tells the story of the Civil Rights movement’s non-violent resistance and its charismatic leader. The text remains as relevant in 2025 as it did in 1958, the Associated Press reported.
Ariel Gold, executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation’s (FOR) US branch, of which Hassler is a member, spoke about the relevance of the comic in today’s society.
“We are a pacifist organization, and we believe deeply in the transformative power of non-violence,” Gold said
“And where this comic really fits into that is that we know that non-violence is more than a catchphrase, and it’s really something that comes out of a deep philosophy of love and an intensive strategy for political change.”
The comic gained immediate success upon its announcement. The 16-page offering was preordered by the NAACP and many other groups for 10 cents per copy.
Martin Luther King and the Montgomery story : how 50,000 Negroes found a new way to end racial discrimination … In comic book form, complete work digitized: https://t.co/DS3JJkWDUbpic.twitter.com/HM0cDib08a
Dr. King’s message of peace and non-violence reverberated throughout America through comic art in 1958. Eventually, Martin Luther King and the Story of Montgomery would see international acceptance. The text has been utilized in anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, Arab Spring uprisings, and Latin American ecclesial base communities.
Even Dr. King praised the comic, stating in a letter published in FOR’s Fellowship magazine, “You have done a marvelous job of grasping the underlying truth and philosophy of the movement.”
Today, the comic is available in six languages, including English and Arabic, and is a staple in peace and justice studies classes. Future versions in additional languages are planned, ensuring its message of King, the boycott, and non-violence continues to reach new generations.
Controversial Celebration Costs Cali Teen Her Track Championship
Adams had an outstanding season, setting school records in the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters within the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Cypress Division.
A highly anticipated state championship victory for North Salinas High School sophomore Clara Adams was dramatically revoked Saturday after officials deemed her celebratory use of a fire extinguisher an unsportsmanlike act. The decision, which stripped Adams of her 400-meter state title and barred her from the 200-meter event, has ignited a fierce debate, including accusations of racial motivation.
Adams had just finished first in the 400-meter state championship final, cementing her status as the fastest 400-meter runner in California this season. Her 53.24-second time was just a tick behind her own Central Coast Section (CCS) record of 53.23 seconds set on May 17, which remains the fastest in the state.
The controversy erupted when Adams’ father, David Adams, handed her a fire extinguisher from the stands. In a moment of celebration, she stepped off the track and sprayed her cleats. While her father insisted the celebratory act was done off the track and not disrespectful to opponents, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) officials disagreed.
“I don’t know what’s going through my mind right now,” Adams told the Monterey Herald after the decision. “I’m disappointed and I feel robbed. I am in shock. They (officials) yelled at me and told me, ‘We’re not letting you on the podium.’ They took my moment away from me.”
Her father, David Adams, who also coaches her, defended his daughter’s actions.
“I told Clara, ‘You’re on fire,’” he said. “She did not do it in front of her opponents. She wasn’t disrespecting anyone.”
He added, “She was on the other side of the wall. I told her to step off the track. She did not spray her shoes on the track.”
Adams, who is Black, stated his belief that the punishment was “racially motivated.”
The family’s protest of the disqualification was ultimately unsuccessful, as the decision was upheld, preventing her from securing a second straight podium finish in the event.
The gold medal for the 400 meters was subsequently awarded to Madison Mosby, a senior at Saint Mary’s Academy in Inglewood, who finished with a time of 53.52 seconds. The disqualification from the 400 meters also resulted in Adams being barred from competing in the 200-meter race, where she was considered a strong contender, having qualified second fastest in trials after shaving nearly half a second off her best time.
The incident quickly became a topic of discussion across the high school sports community and on social media, with many questioning the proportionality of the punishment for a spontaneous act of joy. Critics argue that while rules are necessary, the intent behind the action should be considered, especially when it didn’t impede other competitors or damage property. However, proponents of the CIF’s decision emphasize the importance of maintaining strict adherence to regulations to ensure fair play and prevent potential safety hazards. The lack of a clear, widely understood precedent for such a specific celebration, and the swiftness of the ruling, has left many athletes and coaches pondering the boundaries of permissible conduct after a victory.
Longtime track and field followers may recall a similar celebration by former world record holder and Olympian Maurice Greene in 2004. Greene’s act was more theatrical, involving him running to the middle of the track, removing his shoes, and having his coach spray them with an extinguisher after winning a 100-meter race.
Despite the controversy, North Salinas head track coach Alan Green acknowledged Adams’s exceptional performance.
“It’s a very unfortunate event,” Green said. “We are all heartbroken. Clara ran an incredible 400 race and is the fastest 400-meter girl in the state.” Green added that Adams was simply “trying to have some fun at the finish line.”
Adams had an outstanding season, setting school records in the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters within the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Cypress Division. She also holds the Monterey County record in the 400 and is now No. 2 all-time in the county in the 200, behind Monterey’s Sani Roseby’s mark of 23.52, set in 1999.
Though the state title was officially stripped, her performance leaves little doubt about her talent and potential in the sport.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey on June 3, revealing nearly 7.4 million available positions in April, NBC News reported. The spike increased by 191,000 from March and surpassed the 7.1 million projected by economists surveyed by FactSet.
Year over year, job openings decreased by 228,000, or approximately 3%. The ratio of job openings to unemployed workers declined slightly to 1.03 to 1, nearly matching March’s level. Both hiring and layoffs saw an increase, with hires rising by 169,000 to 5.6 million and layoffs increasing by 196,000 to 1.79 million.
Despite the increase in job openings, the number of quits — a key measure of worker confidence in finding new employment — dipped by 150,000 to 3.2 million.
“The labor market is returning to more normal levels despite the uncertainty within the macro outlook,” said Jeffrey Roach, chief economist at LPL Research. “Underlying patterns in hirings and firings suggest the labor market is holding steady.”
The report follows other indicators showing a slowdown in hiring. Economists project job growth of 125,000, down from April’s 177,000, yet still reflective of a resilient labor market. The unemployment rate is expected to remain steady at 4.2%.
Federal Reserve officials are closely monitoring key economic data to assess how various factors are influencing the broader economy. While there are concerns that tariffs could fuel inflation and curb hiring, there are no concrete economic indicators. However, sentiment surveys reflect growing anxiety about both issues.
“For many sectors, I’m not hearing that the labor markets are changing in material ways,” Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said in a scrum with reporters Tuesday. “At the macro level, I haven’t gotten sort of a strong overarching picture or impression that things are moving in a significant way, and we’ll just have to see if that stays or whether something changes.”
Financing Groceries: More Shoppers Are Buying Now And Paying Later For Food
Some consumers view the increased demand for "buy now, pay later" loans as a signal that financial stress is rising among Americans.
The current state of the economy is in question as shoppers have resorted to financing their groceries through “buy now, pay later” loans.
An option typically used for major purchases, such as electronics and vacations, is on the rise as more consumers utilize it to purchase everyday essentials. With food prices reportedly 28% higher than they were in 2020, more consumers are using “buy now, pay later” loans as a helpful way to manage their cash flow. However, according to The New York Times, other consumers say the increased use of companies like Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay for everyday essentials may signal a rise in financial stress among Americans.
“I don’t think there’s any question that it is at least a sign of how much people are struggling,” said Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and you’re on a tight budget and you have several of these loans out at one time, it can be very easy to get over your skis here.”
A recent LendingTree survey revealed that the rate of consumers using buy-now, pay-later loans to finance groceries has increased from 14% to nearly a quarter since last year. A 2023 report from Bankrate found Black consumers were 63% more likely to use buy now, pay later loans compared to white consumers. Last month, the Federal Reserve reported in its annual survey of U.S. households that lower-income households earning less than $50,000 a year accounted for the largest group of buy now, pay later users.
For 29-year-old Tia Hodge, the buy now, pay later plans are convenient for spreading out payments for groceries, a bill that totaled $400 for the Austell, Georgia, resident in April. With the use of her Klarna app, she was able to split her payment into four installments with zero interest.Randis Dennies, 42, also finds convenience in using a loan option. “I’ve used the loans for groceries and even to pay my phone bill,” said Dennies. “When everything has gotten so expensive — groceries, gas — it makes my life easier to use these loans to buy my groceries or whatever else I need at that moment.”
Glenbrook Partners payments expert Christopher Uriarte doesn’t see the rise in using buy now, pay later loans as “a sign of the financial apocalypse per se.”
Several consumers view buy now, pay later options as part of the industry’s growth. For some, the ability to finance expenses such as gas, rent, electricity, internet, heat, and even streaming services has presented a more affordable alternative to traditional credit cards.
As previously noted by BLACK ENTERPRISE, President Donald Trump’s recent tariff demands have already prompted major retailers, manufacturing companies and brands like Walmart, Mattel, Adidas, Temu, Procter & Gamble, and Black & Decker to raise prices in their plans moving forward. Financial experts advise shoppers to be responsible when using the loan options to avoid additional financial strain. According to the Federal Reserve’s survey, nearly a quarter of all buy now, pay later users reportedly made a late payment last year, a sharp rise compared to 2023.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Sues For Arrest At Immigration Detention Center
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit over his arrest at a federal immigration detention center.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump ally, interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, following his arrest at a federal immigration detention center last month.
On June 3, the New Jersey mayor fileda lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Newark, accusing Habba of defamation and violating his constitutional rights, according to NBC News. Baraka claims Habba, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, and Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel infringed on his Fourth Amendment protections against false arrest and malicious prosecution.
The Newark mayor, one of six Democrats running for governor of New Jersey, was arrested for trespassing on May 9 after he and several members of Congress tried to enter a Newark Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility to assess detainee conditions. The charges were later dismissed.
Attorneys for Baraka say Habba “directed and ratified the unlawful arrest” of Baraka and acted as a “political operative” by defaming him in inflammatory statements on social media and in TV interviews.
“Habba was not serving in a prosecutorial function when she acted with DHS agents in the scheme to arrest Mayor Baraka,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages for “pain, suffering, stress, and humiliation,” along with punitive damages related to the incident. Baraka’s lawsuit draws significantly from remarks made by U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa, who criticized Habba’s office and federal prosecutors for what he called a “worrisome misstep” in their handling of Baraka’s arrest. Espinosa noted that the “apparent rush” to file charges, followed by an “embarrassing retraction,” pointed to a failure to uphold the office’s traditionally high standards.
“It’s easy for people to believe that a mayor being arrested, especially a mayor that looks like me, has been arrested for something other than what just happened,” Baraka said during a press conference. “When people see me in cuffs, they automatically believe I did something wrong.”
In addition to Baraka’s arrest, the Justice Department later filed charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) for allegedly assaulting, resisting, and obstructing law enforcement during the incident at the facility. The DOJ sued Newark and several other New Jersey cities—Paterson, Hoboken, and Jersey City—over their sanctuary policies, a lawsuit Baraka calls “absurd.”
The sports personality will start in September and the show will be aired on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82)
Stephen A. Smith has signed a deal with satellite radio network SiriusXM.
Smith shared the news while appearing on The Howard Stern Show at his new home on SiriusXM. The company announced it has inked the ESPN anchor to a multi-year agreement. He is bringing his trademark style to a new audience that will not be limited to sports.
“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said in a written statement. “I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of Pop Culture, Politics and Social Commentary…let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio…especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!”
The sportscaster, who recently signed a contract extension with ESPN, which will now pay him $25 million annually, has added the Sirius XM gig to his already busy schedule.
Smith will host and executive two shows, as both are slated to start in September and will air on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82). His sports talk show will air weekdays to join a daily Mad Dog Sports Radio lineup that features Mad Dog Unleashed, hosted by Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo.
Smith will also start another show that will air weekly, incorporating current events, pop culture, and social commentary-focused content. This show will air each week on a non-sports SiriusXM channel, to be announced later.
“Stephen A. is a singular talent and one of the most influential voices in media today,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “While so many people know him for his unparalleled sports commentary, his interests extend far beyond the borders of sports and into the worlds of politics, news, entertainment and so much more. SiriusXM gives him the unfiltered creative freedom to delve into any topic and allows him to showcase his unique talents and perspectives.”
Listeners should anticipate Smith’s Mad Dog Sports Radio show starting Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Jasmine Crockett Sets Eye On House Oversight Committee Leadership Position
The House Oversight Committee is known for holding the executive branch of the federal government - and President Donald Trump - accountable.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) wants to take her position on the U.S. House Oversight Committee to the next level as a ranking member.
In a letter posted to X, Crockett announced her plans to seek the position, stating it was time to return to serving the American people.
“In this moment, Americans are demanding a more strategic, aggressive, and energetic fight,” Crockett wrote.
“Understanding that fierce urgency, I formally announce my candidacy for Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform—with a focus on standing up for American families, defending the Constitution and the rule of law, and ensuring the government serves the people, not the privileged few.”
As the current Vice Ranking Member of the committee, Crockett is seeking the position last held by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who died May 21 after a battle with cancer. He served in the position after being elected in 2023. Crockett is seeking to restore normalcy to the committee, arguing that these are unprecedented times. “These are not normal times—and this cannot be a business-as-usual moment,” she continued on X.
I’m officially running to be the Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee.
These are not normal times—and this cannot be a business-as-usual moment.
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) June 3, 2025
By definition, according to Fox 4 News, the House Oversight Committee is known for holding the executive branch of the federal government, including President Donald Trump, accountable. Since joining the committee, Crockett has made her presence known by speaking up for the American people on issues that some of her colleagues don’t speak up on enough.
The outspoken congresswoman has gone viral on social media several times for tense exchanges with Republican lawmakers over key issues concerning voters. In May 2024, the catchphrase “bleach blonde bad built butch body” was born after Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene attacked her during a committee hearing for wearing fake eyelashes. She also spoke up for members of the LGBTQ+ community after Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) spoke out against transgender Americans.
It is followers of Trump, such as Greene and Mace, who pushed Crockett to make the move to hierarchy within the committee ranks, labeling the country as being “in an existential crisis.”
“The Administration has refused to respect congressional authority, abide by lawful judicial orders, or respond to public outrage,” Crockett continues in her announcement. “The magnitude of these unprecedented times warrants a resistance and tactics never before seen. We must pull back the curtain on the unmitigated chaos under Trump 2.0 and translate our findings to the American people in a way they can digest.”
Crockett isn’t the only Democratic leader seeking the gavel, but she is the youngest at 44 years old. California Rep. Robert Garcia, 47, Reps. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), 70, and Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, 76, also threw in their bid for the seat.
FAMU President-Elect Marva Johnson Reportedly Offered $650K Salary
Johnson's proposed base salary is nearly $200,000 more than previous FAMU president Larry Robinson.
Marva Johnson is set to serve as the next president at Florida A&M and the HBCU is reportedly offering her a higher salary compared to previous leaders there—though it’s shy of what she originally requested.
The five-year contract, which is set to begin Aug. 1, proposes a $650,000 salary for Johnson who awaits final confirmation to become FAMU’s 13th president.
That amount is $100,000 less than what the president-elect initially asked for in her application, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. University stakeholders said her asking base salary of $750,000 is beyond what the HBCU can afford. But she is eligible for annual performance bonuses of $86,000.
According to the contract, eligibility for the annual bonus will be determined by the president’s “overall evaluation of ‘Exceptional’ or ‘Outstanding’ from the Board in her annual evaluation.”
Additionally, Johnson’s contract proposes that she would be entitled to annual base salary increases each year of the agreement “in an amount of three percent (3%) over the previous year’s base salary.” Trustees approved to pay Johnson anywhere from $450,000 to $750,000 for the position. The agreement also proposed that a maximum of $200,000 can be contributed by the state toward the total base salary.
The lawyer’s proposed base salary of $650,000 is nearly $200,000 higher than that of former President Larry Robinson who made just over $450,000 at the completion of his seven-year tenure. Interim President Timothy Beard currently receives a $400,000 base salary.
The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees announces Marva Johnson, J.D., as President-elect! The appointment will move to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors. pic.twitter.com/Aicfwbizk0
— Florida A&M University (@FAMU_1887) May 16, 2025
FAMU’s Board of Trustees will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, June 6, to vote on the contract for Johnson. The virtual meeting is open to the public.
If confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors, she will be granted access to live in the FAMU president’s on-campus house, a $1,200 monthly allowance for reimbursement of car expenses, club memberships, and business and travel expenses. The contract also guarantees faculty employment at the HBCU’s College of Law following the completion of her tenure as president.
Pinky Cole Names Tech Tycoon Lauren Maillian President Of Slutty Vegan
A game-changing move for Black women in business
Slutty Vegan Founder and CEO Pinky Cole is starting a new chapter—and she’s not turning the page alone. In a move that signals bold intentions and even bolder execution, Cole has appointed Lauren Maillian as president of the wildly popular plant-based brand. Maillian officially began her role June 4.
“This is the first time that I have an all-woman staff in my corporate, which is super, super exciting,” Cole shared. “Especially when I think about who I am to Black women entrepreneurs in America… I know it’s gonna be great.”
Her optimism hits harder when you understand what she’s had to rebuild. Earlier this year, Pinky was involved in a serious car accident that left her physically injured and emotionally shaken. That same season, she quietly lost control of her company—an experience she has since described as one of the most humbling chapters of her entrepreneurial journey.
“I lost the company February 13th. I bought the company back March 28th. And now today, I’ve appointed my President of Slutty Vegan—who is the second president ever, and the first Black woman.”
The leadership shift comes as the brand moves forward into its next phase, which Cole calls Slutty Vegan 2.0. For Pinky and Maillian, it’s also a full-circle moment nearly a decade in the making.
Their earliest encounter was fairly random and easy to overlook. “Our very, very, very first encounter was very informal,” Maillian recalled. “We were both speaking that same year, which I believe was 2017, for John Hope Bryant at the Operation Hope conference, at the bottom of the escalator. That was the very first time. And that same day I had my very first Slutty Vegan burger too.”
Cole confirmed the memory: “I actually remember that now. And it was you and your husband at the bottom of the escalator… and then after that was Indianapolis, right, Lauren?”
The two reconnected recently at Kim Blackwell’s ExcelerateHER event. That’s when the conversation turned from admiration to action.
“It literally felt like business love at first sight,” Cole said. “I need somebody that can come in and just be my right hand and really take the business to the next level… And today actually is Lauren’s first day.”
For Maillian, joining Slutty Vegan wasn’t just a professional decision—it was personal.
“I remember even saying, like, ‘Can I invest? Is there room for me?’ I wanted to be a part of Pinky’s vision. I wanted to be a part of the way that she was lighting the industry on fire,” she said.
With 20+ years of business leadership, including time in VC, media, tech, and food and beverage, Maillian sees this moment as one of alignment: “This is also very personal for me… very synergistic with the life that I lead and allowing me to show up as Lauren Maillian wholly and fully in every part of my personal and professional life.”
“There’s someone very important on Pinky’s team that I’ve worked with… on some really big deals,” Maillian said. “Everything just clicked for us… And what risk-taking and generating the right rewards looks like. So yeah, full circle in so many ways.”
Cole emphasized the significance of their leadership dynamic: “In Slutty Vegan 1.0, it was very man-heavy… This is a new energy. It’s a new opportunity to show that women are dynamic—especially Black women.”
And it’s not just about identity—it’s about execution. “I am rah rah, this raw energy that is in your face, loud and vibrant,” Cole said. “I think that Lauren will bring a sense of sophistication and calmness to everything… She can take those ideas and execute them in a way where they can be scalable. And that’s literally what has been missing.”
Slutty Vegan’s growth plan is expansive—and VOAGIES, Cole’s new plant-based sub concept, is just the beginning. “We are reworking systems,” Cole shared. “Stabilization is important right now… and then we get back into growth mode: CPG, hyper growth, scale, verticals. Now we’re putting it on steroids.”
Maillian’s focus? Innovation through tech, consumer experience, and operational precision. “We’re certainly going to be recreating a playbook of how to be able to build and scale excellence… Every store, every social media interaction, every piece of merch. That is something that is going to be a large part of my focus in the next quarter.”
When asked what advice she would share with other Black women looking to build their business, Maillian shared a powerful reflection: “You don’t get everything you deserve, but you definitely deserve everything you get. And that is how I feel in this season.”
Pinky Cole echoed that sentiment with her own testimony: “There are going to be people, places, and things that tell you that you can’t do it… Six months ago was the roughest season of my life. And now I’m entering the best season of my life.”
T.I., Tiny Harris’ $71M Judgment Against MGA Entertainment Is Being Challenged
MGA is requesting that the court overturn the $71 million verdict or reduce the damages, as they believe that the verdict was legally flawed.
In January, T.I.’s $71 million judgment against MGA Entertainment was restored after $53 million in punitive damages were stripped away. However, MGA has requested another trial in an attempt to reverse the judgment awarded to the Atlanta rapper and his wife, Tiny Harris.
According to AllHipHop, the entertainment company is trying to get a fourth trial regarding the couple suing the company for stealing the likeness of their former girl group, OMG Girlz. MGA requests that the court overturn the $71 million verdict or reduce the damages, as they believe it was legally flawed.
They are asking if the court doesn’t agree with their request, they receive a new trial.
The company argues that the doll’s look was not associated with T.I. and Tiny’s group, and even if so, the group had already abandoned it years earlier. They claim that there’s no evidence of consumers being confused between the dolls and the OMG Girlz. Adding to their argument, MGA states that the couple has not proven that there was actual harm or a misappropriation of their trade secrets. They cite the First Amendment, saying it protects their creative expression in designing the dolls.
In the original lawsuit, T.I. and Tiny sued MGA Entertainment for copying the likeness of the OMG Girlz group, which featured their daughter, Zonnique Pullins, and two other girls. MGA made seven dolls that allegedly copied the girl group.
The jury ruled in favor of T.I. and Tiny, but U.S. District Judge James Selna later stated that there was not enough evidence to show that MGA acted in a manner that would legally warrant the punitive damages in the infringement case. After the court temporarily negated the $53.6 million, it set a hearing for both sides to plead their case.
The hearing centered on whether the jury’s verdicts were advisory or if the award amount would be left up to Selna. The judge upheld the ruling after stating that both sides had agreed to a jury verdict.
