National Online Platform appeals for the extension of unemployment benefits and pardon of Julius Jones
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WASHINGTON, DC – PushBlack, the premier mobile source of information for Black Americans, is putting power in the hands of the people by using online petitions to enact social change and solutions to significant problems directly affecting the community. The nonprofit aims to strengthen the Black community by sharing information that has had an adverse impact on Black Americans including the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 and an unfair justice system.
With unemployment at levels unseen since the Great Depression, Congress passed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act in March, granting an extra $600 a week in unemployment insurance benefits. Although cases of COVID-19 are increasing, and America continues to battle a recession, the expiration date for benefits is July 31st. Black Americans have been adversely affected by the pandemic, as seen with 15.4% of Black Americans being unemployed. Due to racial health disparities, the Black community is also at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Many Black Americans rely on this bonus for their livelihood during a health crisis that makes going to work unsafe. PushBlack is partnering with The Center for Popular Democracy to create a petition to extend the CARES Act unemployment bonuses until the economy recovers, and Americans can safely return to their jobs. The petition has garnered more than 80,000 signatures, as many believe this is the right measure to take for the betterment of the nation.
“We are living in unprecedented times as Black Americans deal with the complications of both a health and economic crisis,” said Eskedar Getahun, Interim Co-CEO of PushBlack. “To take away a resource that so many rely on to stay afloat is cruel and inhumane. Aligning with PushBlack’s mission, we must ignite actionable change in our community. This petition is fighting to ensure this safety net stays in place for necessary economic assistance.”
While Black Americans experience the trials of an unprecedented health crisis, they continue to face the perils of an unfair justice system. Over 20 years ago, Julius Jones was wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder and awaits the death penalty. Jones maintains his innocence, and in October 2019, he filed a clemency report to commute his sentence to time served. As his execution date draws near, many celebrities, including Blake Griffin and Russell Westbrook, are garnering publicity to spread awareness of the racial bias and inconsistencies of the case. In partnership with Represent Justice, PushBlack penned an online appeal demanding Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma’s Parole Board to pardon Jones.
“Julius Jones has spent 20 years on Death Row for a crime he did not commit,” said Julian Walker, Interim Co-CEO of PushBlack. “The case is riddled with evidential inconsistencies and even proof of a juror harboring racial prejudice against Jones. In history, we have seen countless instances of Black men being falsely accused of crimes. We cannot sit by as another innocent Black man’s life ends with the injustice of a wrongful conviction. We demand the exoneration of Julius Jones.”
PushBlack is committed to being a source of information for Black Americans around the country and leading the community to actionable, tangible change through education and discussion. To stay up to date and receive content from PushBlack, visit www.pushblack.us/ for more information.
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About PushBlack
PushBlack is the nation’s largest media advocacy organization for Black Americans, currently serving 9 million people across all platforms, including 5 million subscribers on Facebook Messenger. PushBlack uses the power of narrative, especially Black History, to educate and activate subscribers to build personal power and create lasting economic and political change.
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