Jamil Smith
@jamilsmith.bsky.social
Journalist and audio host.
Editor-in-chief, The Emancipator.
@theemancipator.org
Editor-in-chief, The Emancipator.
@theemancipator.org
My final article as @theemancipator.org’s Editor-in-Chief, with contributions from @renee.bsky.social, @victorerikray.bsky.social, and many more who have helped make this magazine what it has been. Please read and share.
Racism is in everything — politics, the economy, sports, food, entertainment — but are journalists doing a sufficient job of covering it? Editor-in-Chief @jamilsmith.bsky.social spoke with Emancipator contributors about why journalists & media outlets must cover racism more intently & effectively.
June 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM
My final article as @theemancipator.org’s Editor-in-Chief, with contributions from @renee.bsky.social, @victorerikray.bsky.social, and many more who have helped make this magazine what it has been. Please read and share.
Racism is an emergency. Why don’t enough journalists and media outlets treat it as such? For my final article as @theemancipator.org’s Editor-in-chief, I addressed the need for our industry to do better, and quickly. theemancipator.org/2025/06/12/t...
June 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Racism is an emergency. Why don’t enough journalists and media outlets treat it as such? For my final article as @theemancipator.org’s Editor-in-chief, I addressed the need for our industry to do better, and quickly. theemancipator.org/2025/06/12/t...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
If like any sane, moral person you think this administration's immigration policy is cruel, inhumane, and brutal, there are probably better ways to spend your time than lecturing the people harmed by that policy about patriotism and proper decorum when protesting what's being done to them.
June 9, 2025 at 5:04 PM
If like any sane, moral person you think this administration's immigration policy is cruel, inhumane, and brutal, there are probably better ways to spend your time than lecturing the people harmed by that policy about patriotism and proper decorum when protesting what's being done to them.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Homan recently said Newsom hasn't done anything yet to warrant arrest and Trump making it clear he wants his political opponents jailed.
"I would do it if I were Tom. I think it's great" -- Trump endorses the arrest of Gov. Gavin Newsom
June 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Homan recently said Newsom hasn't done anything yet to warrant arrest and Trump making it clear he wants his political opponents jailed.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Law enforcement is violently targeting press at protests around Los Angeles, from easily recognizable "mainstream" outlets to freelancers and independents. ALL press have explicit legal protections in California. #JournalismIsNotACrime.
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
June 8, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Law enforcement is violently targeting press at protests around Los Angeles, from easily recognizable "mainstream" outlets to freelancers and independents. ALL press have explicit legal protections in California. #JournalismIsNotACrime.
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Since the AG doesn't seem to be getting ethics guidance from her team these days, I wanted to make sure she has the rule in the Justice Manual in front of her, which expressly prohibits this.
June 7, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Since the AG doesn't seem to be getting ethics guidance from her team these days, I wanted to make sure she has the rule in the Justice Manual in front of her, which expressly prohibits this.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
DOJ as we have known it, as a place where prosecutors from the AG on down do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way, is over.
Pam Bondi wraps up her press conference by accusing Abrego Garcia of being a child-groomer human trafficker and gang member and the walks away
June 6, 2025 at 9:46 PM
DOJ as we have known it, as a place where prosecutors from the AG on down do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way, is over.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
not enough said about how, by turning the national government against states on the basis of ordinary political disagreement, trump is undermining the idea that the union is worthwhile. www.cnn.com/2025/06/06/p...
Trump preparing large-scale cancellation of federal funding for California, sources say | CNN Politics
The Trump administration is preparing to cancel a large swath of federal funding to California, an effort which could begin as soon as Friday, according to multiple sources.
www.cnn.com
June 6, 2025 at 9:40 PM
not enough said about how, by turning the national government against states on the basis of ordinary political disagreement, trump is undermining the idea that the union is worthwhile. www.cnn.com/2025/06/06/p...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
The tactics Trump used with Zelensky don’t shock Black USians because the gov has always used the same with us:
1) Be respectful/“professional” even if they aren’t.
2) To get help, expect to give up resources.
3) Be thankful/grovel for crumbs or be punished.
4) Say/do what they want or expect rage.
1) Be respectful/“professional” even if they aren’t.
2) To get help, expect to give up resources.
3) Be thankful/grovel for crumbs or be punished.
4) Say/do what they want or expect rage.
March 1, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The tactics Trump used with Zelensky don’t shock Black USians because the gov has always used the same with us:
1) Be respectful/“professional” even if they aren’t.
2) To get help, expect to give up resources.
3) Be thankful/grovel for crumbs or be punished.
4) Say/do what they want or expect rage.
1) Be respectful/“professional” even if they aren’t.
2) To get help, expect to give up resources.
3) Be thankful/grovel for crumbs or be punished.
4) Say/do what they want or expect rage.
Literal villainy. I suspected this may have been at least one motivation behind the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Standing alongside Netanyahu, Trump made it plain.
If you can read between the idiotic lines, Trump is talking about the complete ethnic cleansing of Gaza, occupation and takeover of the territory by the US (with full Netanyahu complicity) and development of the “Riviera of the Mediterranean” as luxury property.
February 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Literal villainy. I suspected this may have been at least one motivation behind the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Standing alongside Netanyahu, Trump made it plain.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Can we please remember that very recently South Korea showed us all what we should do when the president does illegal shit
February 1, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Can we please remember that very recently South Korea showed us all what we should do when the president does illegal shit
Note for fellow journalists reporting or commenting on this story.
If I may, the press: Do not write "Trump blamed DEI." Spell out what he's saying. "Trump blamed women, black people, and other minorities for the mid-air collision." Follow that up with: "He did not specify which black people or women."
January 30, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Note for fellow journalists reporting or commenting on this story.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Dr. Leah Barlow, an African American Studies professor, went viral on TikTok when she shared course syllabus intended for her undergraduate students. To her surprise, "HillmanTok University," a free virtual educational community, was created.
www.tiktok.com/@the_emancip...
www.tiktok.com/@the_emancip...
It’s time for class! Leah Barlow @Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am, an African American Studies professor at North Carolina A&T State University, went viral on TikTok when she shared course syllabus and r...
TikTok video by The Emancipator
www.tiktok.com
January 29, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Dr. Leah Barlow, an African American Studies professor, went viral on TikTok when she shared course syllabus intended for her undergraduate students. To her surprise, "HillmanTok University," a free virtual educational community, was created.
www.tiktok.com/@the_emancip...
www.tiktok.com/@the_emancip...
Follow the thread, read the op-ed. Grateful that @victorerikray.bsky.social published this with us in @theemancipator.org.
For The Emancipator, I expanded on an argument I’ve been making on Bluesky. The so-called anti-DEI movement is segregationist, and we should state that plainly.
theemancipator.org/2025/01/28/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/28/t...
Eliminating DEI isn't just racist — it's segregationist
New segregationists’ need to use euphemisms shows the weakness of their intellectual position and the Civil Rights Movement’s moral clarity.
theemancipator.org
January 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Follow the thread, read the op-ed. Grateful that @victorerikray.bsky.social published this with us in @theemancipator.org.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
One consequence of abortion no longer being a right is that it sets Trump and Project 2025 free to do everything they can to eliminate family planning and increase unwanted pregnancies and abortions along with pregnancy-related deaths.
ICYMI: Last night Trump reinstated an expanded version of the global gag rule, which bans foreign NGOs that receive U.S. aid funds from providing abortion referrals or counseling. Experts told me they’re worried Trump will extend such a policy to U.S.-based orgs: rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/01/24/t...
Trump Reinstated the Global Gag Rule. Here’s What’s at Stake.
In his first term, Trump oversaw an unprecedented expansion of the gag rule. Its reinstatement could decimate global reproductive and sexual health.
rewirenewsgroup.com
January 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
One consequence of abortion no longer being a right is that it sets Trump and Project 2025 free to do everything they can to eliminate family planning and increase unwanted pregnancies and abortions along with pregnancy-related deaths.
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Americans’ health has long been unequal, but a new study shows that the disparity between the life expectancies of different populations has nearly doubled since 2000. Via @kffhealthnews.bsky.social theemancipator.org/2025/01/24/t...
The growing inequality in life expectancy among Americans
To deliver on pledges from the new Trump administration, policymakers will need to close gaps in longevity among racial and ethnic groups.
theemancipator.org
January 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Americans’ health has long been unequal, but a new study shows that the disparity between the life expectancies of different populations has nearly doubled since 2000. Via @kffhealthnews.bsky.social theemancipator.org/2025/01/24/t...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts' message is, in the end, resolutely anti-American. "According to him there is but one way to structure your household, one way to pray (and one God to worship), only one way to live," culture critic Tope Folarin writes.
theemancipator.org/2025/01/24/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/24/t...
'Dawn’s Early Light': Kevin Roberts’ vision for America is a dark rejection of pluralism
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts’ vision in “Dawn’s Early Light,” argues for a homogenous America defined by conservative values.
theemancipator.org
January 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts' message is, in the end, resolutely anti-American. "According to him there is but one way to structure your household, one way to pray (and one God to worship), only one way to live," culture critic Tope Folarin writes.
theemancipator.org/2025/01/24/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/24/t...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Civil rights scholar Peniel Joseph reflects upon the unfortunate synchronicity the nation experienced on Jan. 20th. "In an Orwellian display of dissemblance, President Donald Trump’s inaugural address tried to claim parts of King’s legacy."
theemancipator.org/2025/01/21/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/21/t...
The jarring juxtaposition of Trump’s inauguration on MLK Day
A civil rights scholar reflects upon the unfortunate synchronicity the nation experienced on January 20th.
theemancipator.org
January 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Civil rights scholar Peniel Joseph reflects upon the unfortunate synchronicity the nation experienced on Jan. 20th. "In an Orwellian display of dissemblance, President Donald Trump’s inaugural address tried to claim parts of King’s legacy."
theemancipator.org/2025/01/21/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/21/t...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
It’s coronation day on the hill, brilliantly depicted by the inimitable @jeremywins.bsky.social for @theemancipator.org
January 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM
It’s coronation day on the hill, brilliantly depicted by the inimitable @jeremywins.bsky.social for @theemancipator.org
Reposted by Jamil Smith
Martin Luther King Jr. and a multiracial coalition of other leaders recognized shared struggles against racial and economic injustice. More than 30 activists, scholars, and leaders told us how Black and Brown communities can build a modern-era coalition. theemancipator.org/2025/01/20/t...
How can Black and Brown communities combine their collective might for the fight ahead?
As Donald Trump retakes office, activists, lawmakers, and academics build on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of community organizing.
theemancipator.org
January 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. and a multiracial coalition of other leaders recognized shared struggles against racial and economic injustice. More than 30 activists, scholars, and leaders told us how Black and Brown communities can build a modern-era coalition. theemancipator.org/2025/01/20/t...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
“January 6th was a continuation of White people rioting when they don’t get their way,” the Enfield mayor told The Emancipator, calling the seditionist siege an instance of “the unchecked benefit of Whiteness.”
theemancipator.org/2025/01/06/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/06/t...
The all-American violence of the Jan. 6 insurrection
Throughout our history, periods of transformative change are inextricably linked to violent uprisings.
theemancipator.org
January 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM
“January 6th was a continuation of White people rioting when they don’t get their way,” the Enfield mayor told The Emancipator, calling the seditionist siege an instance of “the unchecked benefit of Whiteness.”
theemancipator.org/2025/01/06/t...
theemancipator.org/2025/01/06/t...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
In our flagship newsletter, Critical Thinking, Editor-in-Chief @jamilsmith.bsky.social offers his perspectives on race and racism — both local and global — while highlighting the news and people you should know about.
Sign up now now: theemancipator.org/newsletter-s...
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Stay informed on vital discussions about race and racism with our newsletter. Get essential dispatches directly to your inbox from The Emancipator.
theemancipator.org
December 17, 2024 at 5:41 PM
In our flagship newsletter, Critical Thinking, Editor-in-Chief @jamilsmith.bsky.social offers his perspectives on race and racism — both local and global — while highlighting the news and people you should know about.
Sign up now now: theemancipator.org/newsletter-s...
Sign up now now: theemancipator.org/newsletter-s...
Reposted by Jamil Smith
It's even crazier than that. He blocked an editorial saying the U.S. Senate should follow its normal procedures during the confirmation process. The least inflammatory idea possible, in other words.
Scoop: Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong killed an editorial that was critical of Trump's Cabinet picks, weeks after he blocked a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris by the LAT editorial board www.nytimes.com/2024/12/12/b...
Los Angeles Times Owner Wades Deeper Into Opinion Section
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong’s public comments and actions, including recently blocking an editorial weighing in on President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks, have concerned many staff members.
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2024 at 8:15 PM
It's even crazier than that. He blocked an editorial saying the U.S. Senate should follow its normal procedures during the confirmation process. The least inflammatory idea possible, in other words.
Americans can back those resisting tyranny around the world without needing them to show us how to do it. We’ve had heroes who fought Jim Crow. It’s a different world, but this is a familiar challenge. My latest edition of the Critical Thinking newsletter for @theemancipator.bsky.social.
Don’t wait until the worst happens
South Koreans rejected a coup. Will the American people do the same?
theemancipator.org
December 10, 2024 at 6:45 PM
Americans can back those resisting tyranny around the world without needing them to show us how to do it. We’ve had heroes who fought Jim Crow. It’s a different world, but this is a familiar challenge. My latest edition of the Critical Thinking newsletter for @theemancipator.bsky.social.