With all the Elon and Trump drama, we already knew what that was as I’ve been writing about this clan for a minute. Though this week, let’s talk about a different kind of exhaustion. Not theirs—ours.
“Black fatigue” is real. It’s the emotional, mental, and generational toll of navigating a world built on racism. It was coined by Black folks, for Black folks, to name the weight of surviving racism—not reacting to it. But now, here come non-Black folks flipping the script like it was theirs to begin with.
Y’all invented racism, upheld it, benefited from it, yet they still have the nerve to deflect their behaviors when folks call it out. That’s not fatigue, that’s white privilege —and instead of dealing with it, they flip the narrative.
Should you wonder where all this is coming from, a few weeks ago a TikToker went viral after using the term “Black fatigue” to justify a white woman calling a Black child the n-word.
Her claim? “We” are tired of “ghetto behavior.” She called it “hoodrattery,” “animalistic,” and acted like she was speaking for all of society. And it was exactly what white supremacy does—steal, distort, and deflect.
What’s worse is some in our own community co-signed the nonsense. That’s the crabs-in-a-bucket effect—residue of slavery, where we were trained to fight each other instead of the system. But let’s be clear: whether you were a field or house slave, you were still a slave. And fueling this narrative as a black person is counterintuitive as you only negate your own existence as a human being.
If You’re Tired of the Conversation, Stop Being the Cause
So let’s flip it back: You’re tired of Black people? I’m tired of non-black people inventing racism, enforcing it, and then playing victim when there’s a response. That’s not fatigue. That’s white privilege. And instead of fixing the issue, you hijack our language and cry reverse discrimination like it’s a valid argument.
If you’re sick of hearing about racism, here’s a radical idea: stop being racist. Be fair and kind to everyone. It’s not that hard.
Trump Deploys Thousands of Troops to L.A. as Immigration Raids Spark Nationwide Unrest
National Guard troops in Los Angeles are now providing protection for ICE agents conducting immigration raids—marking a sharp escalation in President Donald Trump’s latest crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines have been ordered into the city, bypassing both Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, whose legal objections have so far been ignored.
AP PHOTO
This unprecedented move pushes federal troops closer to direct involvement in law enforcement actions. Photos posted Tuesday by ICE show National Guard troops standing in formation around officers arresting individuals. ICE officials claimed the troops are “providing perimeter and personnel protection,” but critics warn the line between support and participation is being dangerously blurred.
Federal Overreach? Newsom Fights Deployment in Court
Governor Newsom filed an emergency motion Tuesday in federal court to block Trump’s use of the military in immigration raids. The filing came a day after California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a separate lawsuit, arguing the president has overstepped his authority by invoking a rarely used federal power under Title 10 to override state control of the Guard.
AP PHOTO
“This is a deliberate attempt to create chaos in our city,” said Mayor Bass, calling the deployment both provocative and unnecessary. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell echoed the concern, noting that the added troops have made it harder—not easier—to manage the demonstrations safely.
Protests Spark Nationwide as Immigration Raids Turn Violent
Demonstrations erupted Friday following aggressive ICE raids across Latino neighborhoods in L.A., including Paramount, Compton, and Downtown. Over the weekend, protesters blocked highways, set cars ablaze, and clashed with federal agents. Police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash-bang grenades. More than 100 people were arrested on Monday alone, mostly for failing to disperse.
Graffiti, broken windows, and looting were reported across downtown and Santa Ana. At the Walt Disney Concert Hall, workers spent Tuesday scrubbing anti-Trump slogans off the walls. In Santa Ana, armored National Guard vehicles now block federal buildings.
Although Marines haven’t yet hit the streets, they remain on standby with orders to “protect federal officials and property.” Marine Corps General Eric Smith emphasized that the Marines are trained for crowd control but have no arrest authority.
Trump Signals He May Invoke Insurrection Act
While Trump has so far stopped short of invoking the Insurrection Act, he left the door open on Tuesday. “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it,” he said during an Oval Office appearance. Hours later, he described protesters as “animals” and “a foreign enemy” in a speech from Fort Bragg.
This isn’t the first time Trump has tested constitutional limits during his second term, but legal scholars warn this could be among the most serious. Title 10 of the U.S. Code allows the president to federalize National Guard troops in times of rebellion—but the law is vague, and historically it’s only been used with the consent of governors.
Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck noted the gray area: “This is not the Insurrection Act, but it’s walking right up to the edge.”
Demonstrations Spread to Austin, Dallas, and San Francisco
The fallout has stretched far beyond California. Protests have erupted in cities like Dallas, Austin, and San Francisco, drawing national attention and condemnation from Democratic leaders. California’s congressional delegation called the deployment a “manufactured crisis,” accusing the president of staging conflict to justify his aggressive immigration agenda.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the move, telling Congress on Tuesday: “We’re entering another phase under President Trump, where the National Guard becomes a critical component of homeland security.”
A Dangerous Echo of 1992
Comparisons are already being drawn to the 1992 L.A. uprising after the Rodney King verdict. Back then, National Guard troops were deployed only after Governor Pete Wilson and Mayor Tom Bradley requested federal help. This time, the deployment happened over the explicit objections of both.
While the current unrest has not yet reached the scale of the 1992 riots, the use of military force to suppress immigration-related protests has alarmed historians, civil rights leaders, and legal experts alike.
Trump’s claim that the city would’ve been “completely obliterated” without military intervention is being fiercely disputed by local officials who argue the show of force is only pouring gasoline on a fire.
A judge is set to hear Governor Newsom’s emergency request to block the military deployments on Thursday. In the meantime, Los Angeles remains on edge—under military watch, and caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s immigration war.
St. Philip’s College has named Dr. Onimi Wilcox as its new Dean of Academic Success for the Arts & Sciences Division. With over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Wilcox brings a strong background in academic strategy, curriculum development, and project management.
Before joining SPC, she worked as a Project Manager at Analytic & Business Intelligenz, leading data systems and strategic reporting efforts across Texas and Maryland. Her resume also includes serving as dean at several institutions, including Joliet Junior College, Lee College, and Prairie View A&M University. In those roles, she managed academic programs in general education, STEM, and the liberal arts, while also driving accreditation efforts and student-focused initiatives.
In her new position at St. Philip’s, Dr. Wilcox will oversee the Arts and Sciences Division, working closely with faculty and staff to strengthen academic offerings and improve student outcomes.
“As a servant leader, I understand the landscape and culture of SPC,” she said. “My mission is to make a positive change in the lives of our students and support the incredible work of the employees here.”
Dr. Wilcox is a proud alumna of Howard University, where she earned all three of her degrees, including a Ph.D. in Communication Studies. She credits her time at the historically Black university for shaping her deep commitment to academic excellence and equity.
“I’m proud to be part of a college that holds a core value of students-first,” she said. “Together, we can continue to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
With her experience and student-centered philosophy, Dr. Wilcox is poised to make a lasting impact on the academic mission of St. Philip’s College.
(South Texas Blood and Tissue News Release) – Local hotspot Big Lou’s Pizza is celebrating World Blood Donor Day, June 14, in honor of its founder, “Pops” Lujan. Samantha Lujan, granddaughter of Pops, is hosting a blood drive to give back to the community.
On June 14, anybody who donates blood at Big Lou’s Pizza, 2048 S. W.W. White Road, will receive a 20-inch one topping pizza, a special Big Lou’s Pizza commemorative T-shirt and a Valero gas card after a successful donation. The drive will run from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Pops was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare but serious blood disorder that prevents the body from making blood cells and especially platelets, which are necessary to prevent infections and uncontrolled bleeding. He was diagnosed when Samantha was 4 years old and passed away when she was 9.
He needed multiple transfusions, inspiring the family to host blood drives.
“I’d give anything for a few moments with my grandpa,” Samantha said. “I hope each donation helps someone else have more time with their loved ones – every moment and donation counts.”
The drive comes at the perfect time, as June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, when countries across the globe raise awareness of the need for blood and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.
Slots for the Big Lou’s Blood Drive are still open. Call 210-731-5590 or schedule an appointment here.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits weren’t just food. They were family.
Step into the wood-paneled charm of a 1970s Red Lobster—where a booth by the window meant more than a meal. It was a celebration. Nautical décor, sailor uniforms, and the scent of Cheddar Bay Biscuits set the scene for birthdays, good report cards, and family dinners that lingered.
Menus felt like a seafood adventure: rock lobster tails for $6.99, crab-stuffed shrimp, or fried oysters for the curious kid. A Reddit user once recalled their first shrimp cocktail—tails and all. That wasn’t just dinner; it was a coming-of-age bite.
By the ’80s and ’90s, Red Lobster was a tradition. You didn’t just go to eat—you went to mark something: an accomplishment, a moment, a memory.
And the brand knows it. Today, Red Lobster’s leadership is leaning into that nostalgia. CEO Horace Dawson, who took the helm in 2023, has focused on reconnecting with longtime fans. The restaurant is bringing back classic menu items like hush puppies and popcorn shrimp—not just to fill plates, but to fill emotional gaps.
They’re not just serving seafood—they’re serving the feeling we all remember: warm booths, big laughs, and the salt-air escape just off the highway.
Because Red Lobster wasn’t just a restaurant. It was where we made memories.
MVP Mode: Shai Leads Thunder Past Pacers to Tie Series
The Oklahoma City Thunder responded to their NBA Finals Game 1 loss in proper fashion, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-107 Sunday in OKC to even the series at one game apiece.
Halliburton’s Game 1 Heroics
The Pacers were able to overcome 25 turnovers and a 15-point fourth quarter deficit to stun the heavily favored Thunder in Game One 111-110.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Thunder led the entire game until Mr. Big Shot 2.0 Tyrese Halliburton hit a 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds left, giving Indiana its first and only lead of the game.
Halliburton; who was voted the League’s most overrated player this season in an anonymous players poll, has been huge for the Pacers in clutch time this postseason.
Historic Postseason Moments
According to NBA.com, Thursday night’s game-winner was Haliburton’s fourth game-winning or game-tying shot in the final five seconds of games this postseason. Amazingly, he’s done it in every round of the postseason.
But wait there’s more…
Since the 1997 postseason, Haliburton’s five go-ahead or game-tying shots in the final five seconds of games are tied with Pacers legend Reggie Miller and trailing only Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, according to NBA TV.
Thunder Dominate Game 2
Heroics weren’t enough to keep the Thunder from redemption in Game 2 however. Including the NBA Cup title game, which doesn’t count in any standings, the Thunder are now 18-2 this season when coming off a loss. Of those 18 wins, 12 have been by double digits.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, Alex Caruso added 20 off the bench and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night to tie the Finals series at one game apiece.
Scoring Breakdown
Jalen Williams scored 19, Aaron Wiggins had 18 and Chet Holmgren finished with 15 for the Thunder. It was the franchise’s first finals game win since the opener of the 2012 series against Miami.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 to lead Indiana. Myles Turner scored 16 and Pascal Siakam added 15 for the Pacers, the first team since Miami in 2013 to not have a 20-point scorer in the first two games of the finals.
Looking Ahead: Game 3
It will be on the Indiana Pacers to return serve and hold onto home court advantage Wednesday night in Indiana for Game 3.
Series tied 1-1 Next: Wednesday June 11 @ Indiana ABC 7:30 PM
If you’re an educator living in San Antonio—or ready to become one—SAISD wants to meet you. The district is hosting its Summer Educator Career Fair on Tuesday, June 17 from 2–4 p.m. at Brackenridge High School to fill key teaching and instructional assistant roles across all grade levels.
On-site interviews and hiring will be available, with immediate openings for certified educators. SAISD is especially focused on hiring for special education and bilingual/dual language positions.
Why Apply at SAISD?
Starting teacher salary: $60,000
Up to $5,000 in stipends for bilingual and special education
Additional $3,000 to $26,000 in bonuses through the Teacher Incentive Allotment
Low-cost health insurance options and multiple retirement plans (TRS, Social Security, and more)
Educator pathways for those with degrees in math, science, foreign languages, fine arts, and CTE
Paid holidays plus fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks
If you’re already in education—or ready to join the field—this event is tailored for you. SAISD is building its workforce with passionate, qualified professionals from the community.
A Growing Political Divide Between Young Men and Women
The gender gap in American politics is nothing new—but among Gen Z, it’s widening into a full-on chasm. A new NBC News/SurveyMonkey “Stay Tuned” poll reveals that Gen Z women and men are not only divided on President Trump, but on Elon Musk, immigration, abortion, and the very direction of the country.
The numbers speak for themselves. Just 24% of Gen Z women approve of Trump’s job performance, compared to 45% of Gen Z men—a 21-point split. That’s the widest gender difference in any age group surveyed. And when it comes to immigration and Trump’s handling of key policy issues, Gen Z women consistently lean more progressive than their male counterparts.
Gen Z Women Are Driving the Democratic Base
Gen Z women are leading the charge toward the left. Over half (52%) identify as Democrats—the largest share of any gender and age group across the poll. In contrast, only a third of Gen Z men say the same, while 38% of them identify as Republicans—nearly double the number of Republican-leaning women in the same age range.
This political imbalance is already redefining partisan engagement. Gen Z women are not just more liberal, they’re also more critical of the current state of the country—only 20% think the U.S. is on the right track, compared to 37% of Gen Z men.
Culture Wars Cut Deeper With Gen Z
The gap goes beyond political parties. Gen Z men and women are clashing on cultural identity, national pride, and values. For instance, only 18% of Gen Z women say they’re “extremely proud” to be American, half the rate of young men. A significant 22% of Gen Z women say they’re “not at all proud,” compared to just 13% of Gen Z men.
This divide extends to how they consume information. Twice as many Gen Z women say TikTok is their favorite news source, while Gen Z men prefer YouTube by the same margin.
Different Priorities, Different Americas
Their issue priorities don’t match either. Gen Z men are most concerned about the economy (31%), while Gen Z women are more worried about threats to democracy (22%) and abortion access (16%)—an issue only 4% of young men flagged as their top concern.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs are also a dividing line. A solid 85% of Gen Z women support DEI efforts, compared to 63% of young men. While majorities of both disapprove of Trump’s handling of DEI, women (78%) are much more opposed than men (54%).
Gender Identity and Roles Are Flashpoints
When it comes to gender identity and traditional roles, Gen Z is split sharply down the middle. Nearly 70% of Gen Z men agree there are only two genders, compared to just over half of Gen Z women. And 72% of Gen Z men believe transgender women should not compete in female sports, while only 56% of women feel the same.
Even on traditional gender roles like homemaking, there’s a values gap: three-quarters of Gen Z women reject the idea that the country would be stronger if women stayed in traditional roles, while only 58% of Gen Z men strongly disagree.
A Political Generation at a Crossroads
The takeaway? Gen Z is not just politically engaged—it’s politically fractured by gender in ways not seen in previous generations. As younger voters continue to grow into the electorate, these deep divisions could shape not just election cycles, but the very culture of American democracy for years to come.
Weathering: Research on Scientific Research of Racism on The Human Body
A Groundbreaking Theory Is Born
1992, then 32 year old public health researcher at the University of Michigan Arline Geronimus, originated a theory that the peril of trying to co-exist in a racist society leads to fatal health repercussions in marginalized groups. Thirty one years later, data and research from that theory is published in the book – “Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life In An Unjust Society”.
The Power Behind the Word ‘Weathering’
In this unconventional marriage of science and social justice, Geronimus uses the term “weathering”, a word defined as “the process of wearing or being worn by long exposure to the atmosphere”, to metaphorically represent the effects racism and classism has on the human body.
Recognition from the Press
Writer Alisha Haridasani Gupta, in her 2023 article for The New York Times, “How ‘Weathering’ Contributes to Racial Health Disparities”, writes, “Three decades ago, she put forward an idea that was unconventional for the time: that the constant stress of living within a racist society could lead to poor health for marginalized groups…she called this particular form of chronic stress “weathering,” evoking a rock being eroded by constant exposure to the elements. She first presented her findings and the outlines of her hypothesis at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1990.”
A Scholar Turned Inward
At the time of the findings, Dr. Geronimus was something of a novice to the world of trailblazing academic research and the scrutiny that came with it. Today at 60, the scholar has all but retreated further into research and become somewhat of a recluse, having attended little to no academic conferences over the past few years. In an interview with The New York Times, Dr. Geronimus says, “I was pretty traumatized… so I kind of retreated into my work.”
Well-Earned Recognition
Just last year, Dr. Geronimus was awarded the James S. Jackson Distinguished Career Award for Diversity Scholarship by the University of Michigan Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has continued to study health disparities amongst minority groups and has published over 100 papers.
A Legacy Reignited by a Pandemic Era
Not since the controversial release of The Moynihan Report in the 1960’s has there been such a controversial research document. Reluctant, dismissed, or neglected, Geronimus’s research is important now more than ever. In an era where health disparities have taken on a whole new meaning since the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus, revisiting research such as this will bring paramount revelations that will produce conversations surrounding not only the sociocultural impact of racism on minority groups but scientific impacts as well.
The Book That Brings It All Together
Dr. Geronimus’s 2023 research book, “Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life In An Unjust Society” is available for purchase on Amazon and bookstores around the country.
Celebrating Black culture through music, memories, and marching bands—again on TV in June.
To celebrate Black Music Month, the PEPSI National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is re-airing its documentary Celebrating Champions of Culture. The film will run all through June on select TV stations nationwide.
This documentary takes viewers back to the 10th anniversary celebration of the Battle of the Bands, held in August 2024 in Houston. It features powerful performances and personal stories from HBCU marching bands—schools known for shaping not just halftime shows, but Black music history itself.
Southern University’s Human Jukebox / Credit: NBOTB
“HBCU marching bands are more than halftime shows — they’re living archives of a legacy of pride, power, and perseverance, carrying the soul of our history with every step, every note,” said Derek Webber, Executive Producer of the NBOTB and CEO of Webber Marketing.
“With this film, we celebrate not just their music, but their meaning—and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their legacy lives on through the next generation of student leaders.”
The documentary shines a spotlight on the discipline, culture, and joy these bands bring. Bands featured in the film include:
• Jackson State – Sonic Boom of the South • Texas Southern – Ocean of Soul • Southern University – Human Jukebox • Prairie View A&M – Marching Storm • Tennessee State – Aristocrat of Bands • Tuskegee – Marching Crimson Pipers • Miles College – Purple Marching Machine • Bethune-Cookman – Marching Wildcats
These bands have played at major national events including the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now, their voices and sounds are helping tell the bigger story of Black culture in America.
NBOTB’s mission goes beyond performances. It’s about preparing student musicians with the tools and support they need—from the classroom to the national spotlight.
The 2025 National Battle of the Bands will return to Houston’s NRG Stadium on Saturday, August 23. Details and tickets are available now at nationalbattleofthebands.com.
