Black Issues

1 month ago | thelandcle.org | Grant Segall |Black Issues

On a recent Friday, 127 people took oaths on the first floor of the Stokes Federal Court House to become citizens of what’s known as the land of the free. They got certificates, small American flags and congratulations from officials, families and friends. Meanwhile, on the 13th floor, initial proceedings took place for a few of the millions of deportations promised by President Trump.

2 months ago | thelandcle.org | Grant Segall |Black Issues

Jessica Bloom spent a couple of decades working at restaurants. Mahmoud Salti spent years tending stores. Now, in their 40s, the two are doing pushups, cracking law books and learning to subdue suspects in Cleveland’s police academy. “It’s a challenge,” Salti, 49, says about the academy, which he and Bloom entered in December and hope to graduate in August, becoming Cleveland cops. “For the young ones, it’s a lot easier. But I’m still here.

Nov 15, 2024 | thelandcle.org | Grant Segall |Black Issues

Since 2014, the Panza Foundation has been giving local bands $2,000 grants to keep the music rocking and rolling. This month, the foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary with a benefit concert. John Panza once asked a bandmate, Lauren Voss, “What do bands need?”She gave an answer that few would dispute: “Money.”So Panza and his wife, Jane Takac Panza, started a small foundation in 2014 to help pay a few bills for local musicians.

Nov 5, 2024 | thelandcle.org | Grant Segall |Black Issues

This story is being updated throughout Election Day. In warm, windy weather more like May than November, about a dozen voters lined up at dawn outside Dickens Elementary School, in Cleveland’s Corlett neighborhood, waiting for the polls to open at 6:30 a.m.“I’ve never missed a vote,” said Katia McArthur. “We complain about what should be and shouldn’t,” said Rosie Williamson.

Oct 29, 2024 | thelandcle.org | Grant Segall |Black Issues

Get an on-the-scenes perspective from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections and learn more about get-out-the-vote efforts. Plus, details on how to vote on Election Day. Thousands of Clevelanders spent Sunday afternoon watching the Browns pull off a rare win. Meanwhile, 1,911 other locals got early ballots for a say in our embattled democracy.