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Ice Cube’s CWBA (Contract With Black America): Everything To Know

Southern Californian rapper/actor, Ice Cube, recently came under fire for his collaboration with the Trump re-election campaign in seeking to cater to African-American voters.

His ongoing advocacy now occurs with fewer than two weeks remaining until a highly contentious Election Day in the United States.

President Trump has faced a troubling record with race during his short time in politics, with critics taking note of his role in promulgating the conspiracy theory that then-president Obama was secretly a Muslim Kenyan-born agent who illegitimately assumed the presidency, his frequent disinclination to denounce white supremacy, and his open opposition to the legislative advancement of civil rights.

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Ice Cube has long been associated with the more anti-institutionalist flanks of the political sphere, as he is perhaps best known for decrying racial bias and police violence by penning the 1988 N.W.A song, “Fuck tha Police.”

His reinsertion into the political scene comes just as racial tensions reach a potentially once-in-a-generation high, wedged between the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, and a pivotal presidential election.

Ice Cube’s most recent response has been the issuance of what he calls a “Contract With Black America” (CWBA), a set of guidelines aimed at fundamentally altering governmental leadership as it relates to the black community in America.

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What’s in the CWBA? 

The CWBA contains an introduction and thirteen ideological tent poles to the major structural reform designed to grant equality to the black community on the basis that an “immoral devaluation of Black lives has been ingrained in America’s political economy and is long overdue for a reckoning.” The thirteen points include everything from “Representation” to “Prison Reform” and “Judicial Reform” and more (listed in full below).

This was specifically according to the contract’s author, Darrick Hamilton, Professor and Executive Director of the Kirwan Institute at Ohio State University. 

 

On August 22nd, Ice Cube tweeted a video with the caption, “But what’s in it for us.”

In the video, he asserted that politicians did not deserve the electoral support of black people without first signing the CWBA. 

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He stated, “Democrats don’t seem like they got a plan. Republicans don’t seem like they got a plan for us. So how the hell you gonna vote for them?”

CWBA Contract Points:

1. Representation

2. Lending Reform

3. Federal Funding

4. Federal Reserve

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5. Finance Oversight

6. Data & Credit

7. Prison Reform

8. Judicial Reform

9. Police Reform Act

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10. FCC Licensing

11. Confederate Institutions

12. AJP Program

13. Black Responsibility

Breaking Down the CWBA

ice cube CWBA contract with black america

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The CWBA addresses generations-long tacts of racial discrimination against people of color, most notably including those seen in the Justice System and economic hardships.

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Possibly its most consequential requisites are those calling for “Massive Bank Lending and Finance Reform” and “Neo-Reconstruction,” which would seek to continue upon the 1867-1877 Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, in which blacks slowly began being incorporated into society as fellow Americans, and not property. Beyond that, as it’s detailed under “Representation” the website for CWBA: 

“Additionally Black opportunity and representation will include: Affirmative Action in schools public and private; per student funding in states on an equal basis instead of paid by local property taxes; Black representation on all government civil rights bodies; civil rights classes mandatory in elementary schools; Gerrymandering reform; additional polling places in Black and minority neighborhoods; Juneteenth to become a Federal holiday.”

As far as the “Federal Funding” is concerned, the proposal reads:

“Pass federal program providing every child with a government funded trust account at birth starting with a $1,000 contribution. As proposed by Senator Booker and Representative Pressley, accounts to be managed by the Treasury and only those born into lower-wealth families would receive more contributions each year up to $46,500 total. At age 18 access to the funds allowed but use restricted to asset enhancing actions such as buying homes, starting businesses and funding education.”

This goes hand-in-hand with proposals for “Lending Reform” and “Federal Reserve,” the latter of which would allow for a one-time interest-free loan for those seeking to buy a home, and the former would require the banks to lend “a percentage of all loan and credit categories on an equal basis to the Black population each Bank serves.”

Under “Prison Reform,” the demand includes that all privately-run prisons are to be abolished, prison labour must be consensual, and all those locked up for a crime involving marijuana to be freed.

“Judicial Reform” would include the abolishment of mandatory minimums and the three-strike rule, and would also include the the declaration of the Klu Klux Klan as a terrorist group, and lynching categorized a federal hate crime.

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Finally, the “Police Reform” would first and foremost include the elimination of qualified immunity, but beyond just that, the demands include:

“Requirement of mandatory malpractice insurance for police officers; make municipalities liable for unconstitutional actions by police; mandatory use of dashboard and body cams; elimination of chokeholds and “no-knock” warrants; establishment of residency requirements, de-escalation training, and requirement to update training; severe penalties for evidence tampering including withholding DNA. A federal database of police and disciplinary records established and made public and once fired for cause cannot be rehired. Creation of Office of Independent Prosecutors to solely focus on prosecuting police accused of wrongdoing.”

The proposals are potentially pragmatic ideals with a historical context of success that could aid legislative passage. 

Some, such as the hosts of Fox Soul’s The Queens, have noted that the CWBA does not make ample effort to address the specific needs of intersectional African-Americans.

For instance, there is no specific mention of black members of the LGBT+ community or black women. The show’s panel of all-black women took note of the latter.

Ice Cube responded to the apparent concern of black women being excluded by saying, “You are mentioned. When you mention Black people you mentioning Black women, so don’t count yourself out.”

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Who Does Ice Cube Support?

joe biden vs trump ice cube support

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While his best-known political statements involve criticism of police brutality and recognizing mass incarceration rates of African-Americans in the ’90s, Ice Cube has most recently come under fire for meeting with the re-election campaign of Donald Trump, who he famously referred to in his 2018 album, Everythang’s Corrupt, by saying, “Arrest the President, that n***a is Russian intelligence”.

The decision to work with the Trump campaign on a “Platinum Plan” for Black Americans was broadly panned online, with CNN even reportedly canceling his appearance on Cuomo Prime Time. He defended himself by asserting, “Black progress is a bipartisan issue”.

Even among those with moderate feelings of agreement toward the decision had some harsh words, as echoed by Malaika Jabali of The Guardian, who stated,  “Conservatives gleefully use Cube’s message to prop up Trump. Liberals largely dismiss Ice Cube as a race traitor without sitting with his concerns.

“And Ice Cube defenders reflect little on Cube’s botched political strategy or the market-based, libertarian-esque philosophy he’s proposing for problems that require radical solutions and wholesale government intervention.”

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Ice Cube responded at slightly more length on Twitter when he stated in a viral tweet, “Facts: I put out the CWBA. Both parties contacted me. Dems said we’ll address the CWBA after the election. Trump campaign made some adjustments to their plan after talking to us about the CWBA.” 

Nonetheless, he’s followed up all of this by asserting firmly that he does not support Trump, stating outright during an interview with HOT 97: “I’m not supporting Donald Trump.” 

[via] 

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BTS Members Reunite As Jungkook Shares Emotional Message

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The youngest member of BTS, Jungkook, shared a loving and sentimental message that warmed the hearts of millions worldwide. Jungkook, who is currently serving his mandatory military service in South Korea, took time to communicate with his fans, known as ARMY, not only expressing his love and appreciation for them but also outlining how he is feeling during this time of service. His message came amid a monumental moment, the reunion of BTS members, a rare but precious thing since most of the group is currently in the military.

The meeting of BTS members in the middle of their military service, however briefly, is very meaningful and symbolic for the group and their fanbase. Mandatory military service in South Korea obliges all able-bodied men to serve their country, and BTS has continued to fulfill its duties as a global icon. Even as they take a break together as a group, the connection between the seven members is stronger than ever. This reunion proved that sentiment, and it was a beautiful reminder of their togetherness for fans.

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The emotional letter from Jungkook also provided a rare insight into what went through the mind of a “BTS” member while he was away from the stage. His signature for his business ways is still somehow calm, as we all know. Yet Jungkook, making this an opportunity, speaks directly to the ARMY. He mentioned how he always thinks about his fans and that their unchanging support has helped him during the hard times of his military service.

His message was a bridge linking the stage lights, roaring crowds, and musical performances of the past to the quiet discipline and structure of military life. In a heartwarming letter, Jungkook assured fans that he takes them along with him, even during periods of silence and absence. For fans of BTS, Jungkook’s letter was a testament of connection and loyalty. Being one of the most loved members, Jungkook has had a special bond with the fandom.

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His journey has always been entangled with the love and encouragement of ARMY. His message reinforced that this connection is reciprocal and genuine. The context of the BTS reunion only helped amplify the emotional impact of his letter. Seeing the members back together, even in military uniform, was a powerful image. It was a visual affirmation of their brotherhood and dedication to their fans and their country. For a group that has broken records, crossed cultural barriers, and become ambassadors of global youth, this moment was a return to their roots.

Jungkook’s message was also very much about gratitude. He was humble and thankful, recognizing the sacrifices that fans make during their wait for the return, fans who are understandably anxious. He vowed to return stronger and better, a motif that followed BTS’s road. The fans supported them as they found their way in the music industry, took tours, and performed on big stages. It was about developing, improving, and trying to be the best they could be for the message they spread.

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His letter was so emotional and personal that it reminded everyone that BTS is beyond a music group. In times of stillness, their impact resounds through society, shaping lives in the most significant sense. While members still serve in the military, fans worldwide stick to these moments that assure them the connection is alive, thriving, and still biding its time until the day they all meet again in front of an audience. Jungkook’s message was a lovely confirmation of that promise.

Saying something so warm and sincere reminded ARMY what they already knew, that BTS is never far away from our hearts even if physically apart. In times like this, when the world feels somewhat chaotic and uncertain, messages like Jungkook’s remind us of the eternal strength of love and loyalty. As the countdown to their eventual full reunion begins, fans can take solace in the fact that BTS is thinking about them as much as they are missed. And when that day comes, when the seven members stand together again in public, it’s going to be a homecoming.

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Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper’s Relationship Milestones: Engagement on the Horizon? ​

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Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, two of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars, just enjoy the quiet of spending time together. Rumors and speculations about their romantic relationship have surfaced over the past months, and many wonder if an engagement is ahead. They have not made any major pronouncements yet, but the couple’s relationship is rooted in a profound sense of commitment to their families, especially their children from previous partnerships.

Foundations of the Relationship

Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid are two of the most beautiful people on the planet. With their own histories of romantic entanglements, they appear to have found in each other a kind of fusion of their careers, personalities, and family lives. Still, perhaps their biggest coup is how they’ve managed to keep a good deal of their romance and household matters behind closed doors despite the pressure of the public eye. Their appearances together have been few but replete with warmth and affection.

Their relationship has flourished over time, and they are frequently seen having casual hangouts. Be it a cozy dinner or some quality time outside, their rapport is characterized by a silent yet powerful chemistry. However, they are not rushing to take the next big step, such as an engagement. Gigi and Bradley have said they are in no rush, figuring it takes time to see where something goes.

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Importance of Family Mean In Their Relationship

Something that bonds them is their shared focus on family. Gigi to her daughter, Khai, whom she shares with the singer Zayn Malik, and Bradley to his daughter, Lea, whom he shares with the model Irina Shayk. Even though they have been married before, they have dedicated themselves to being active participants in their kids’ lives.

With Gigi, being a mother is front and center in her life, and she is known for putting her daughter first. Bradley, too, is a fierce protector of his daughter, Lea, and we know he loves her dearly from interviews and social posts. They clearly respect each other’s parental roles, which is undoubtedly a huge contributor to their strong relationship, and we can tell that they are committed to co-parenting in a supportive and collaborative way.

Indeed, family gatherings play an integral role in their relationship. They both have taken to spending time with each other’s kids, and their families appear to have forged a bond of their own. Gigi and Bradley have been seen together in public throughout, often with their families in tow, seemingly supporting one other’s parenting duties. This commitment to stay close to their children is just one of the many benchmarks in their relationship, which embodies their strong dedication not only to one another but also to the happiness and health of their kids.

Engagement

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Though they have made their few months together look like one long date and have an emotional connection, with lives united with children, people close to the couple are adamant they are not racing toward engagement. Engagement is a big deal for anyone, but for Gigi and Bradley, it’s huge. They’ve both been through former relationships, and it’s clear that they approach marriage and engagement with consideration and thoughtfulness.

Gigi especially has expressed how crucial it is to build a steady and sound setting for her baby beloved, Khai. She has repeatedly stated that her personal relationships must be consistent with her position as a mother, as she would like her daughter to learn in a healthy and loving environment. Bradley’s history with Irina Shayk has also shown him a thing or two. In interviews, he has discussed how becoming a father has changed his priorities, and he currently values stability, trust, and mutual respect above all else in a romantic partnership.

Both of them are not rushing into the decision to get engaged. Given how complex it is to meld two families and figure out parts of their careers, they know it’s important to take their time hammering out a good foundation. Both appear to be happy with where their relationship stands, prioritizing what’s really important, which is having a happy, healthy family and supporting each other.

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Future Together

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Although neither Gigi nor Bradley have publicly addressed an engagement, fans are holding out hope that the relationship will continue to blossom and grow. Given the incredible success that both have achieved in their respective careers, it would be easy to presume that it would be only a matter of time before engagement was on the cards. However, the couple places their joy and the interests of their kids above the pressures of public expectation.

As they explore their romance, they’ll probably be careful not to pace themselves with too many milestones. They are constructing a solid foundation, one built on love, trust, and family. Though an engagement isn’t exactly around the corner, Gigi and Bradley’s romance is among the most hotly discussed in all of Hollywood, and their loyal supporters are placing bets on what’s next for this power couple. Whether they get engaged or not, their bond seems to be one that will only get stronger with time.

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