In a blow to free speech and the right to assemble, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case involving the rights of protest organizers in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

McKesson v. Doe stemmed from protests over the 2016 police killing of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A protest organizer faced charges after a police officer was injured by the actions of an unknown protester.

Cicley Gay, board chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, said an opinion by the Fifth Circuit now stands, allowing an organizer to be held liable for the individual actions of others at a protest based on negligence.

"This case without question infringes upon all of our First Amendment rights," Gay contended. "It's incumbent upon us to reject its premise and its intention, which is, frankly, to scare champions of justice and organizers away from mass protest."

The Fifth Circuit covers Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, and Gay noted the First Amendment still protects the right to assembly. Black Lives Matter protests have attracted diverse groups of people and a Harvard study shows 26 million participated in protests in 2020.

Protesting at college campuses across the country has been on the rise, with students complaining law enforcement involvement has made matters worse. Gay argued it is important for Mississippians to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and understand protest is at the core of every successful social movement in this country.

"We want our young people to be able to continue to raise their voices," Gay emphasized. "Oftentimes, protest is not pretty. It is intended to disrupt. And as long as people are doing it peacefully, they should be entitled to do so."

Gay stressed the Fifth Circuit decision essentially eliminates the right to organize a mass protest because organizers could be held financially liable if even one protester commits an illegal act.

State data show that hate-crime reports almost doubled between 2019 and 2023 - so the Civil Rights Division is promoting its new CA vs Hate hotline. Since its launch in May 2023 - the hotline has received more than 1,000 reports of hate incidents - but almost none from rural counties such as Del Norte, Sutter and Mariposa.

Kevin Kish, director of the California Civil Rights Department, said the state is partnering with community groups to increase trust.

"We know that when people are afraid, when they feel isolated, it is unlikely for them to turn to government, at least not without a trusted intermediary who helps them do that," he explained.

Kish added that people who fail to report hate incidents may worry they won't be taken seriously, they may have a language barrier, or fear contacting the authorities. The hotline number is 8-3-3-8-no hate. It is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. or you can report on the website, CA vs hate.org.

Gaonou Vang, communications and narrative manager with the grassroots organization Hmong Innovating Politics, said the Trump administration's focus on mass deportation worries many in the Hmong community.

"This continues to really deeply affect our communities, further perpetrating stigmatization, stereotypes and extreme xenophobia that we have faced since the beginning of the pandemic and beyond," Vang said.

The hotline connects people to legal services, counseling and mental health resources, financial assistance and community-based organizations. It will only refer people to law enforcement upon request, and callers are not asked for immigration status.


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Today, Ohioans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events across the state celebrating his contributions to justice and equality.

In Athens, the festivities highlight a strong partnership with Ohio University, underscoring the city's dedication to remembrance and unity.

Steve Patterson, mayor of Athens, said despite adjustments made because of extreme weather, the celebration remains a testament to the community's unwavering commitment to King's vision.

"There is a lot that honors the late Rev. Martin Luther King in the city of Athens through Ohio University with our student organizations that have a silent march and then a brunch," Patterson noted.

This year, because of extreme cold anticipated across Ohio, the Silent March has been moved indoors to Baker University Center's fourth floor. The change aims to ensure the safety of participants while maintaining the spirit of reflection and unity the event embodies.

Adding to the significance of the day, Ohio also observes the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, a native of Ohio. Patterson shared his reflections on the dual importance of the occasion.

"As I look around and I see flags flying at half-mast for President Carter, who passed away recently, at a point in time in which we're recognizing Rev. Martin Luther King and the work that he had done, and then also the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States and a vice president who is from the state of Ohio," Patterson outlined. "It's quite the reflective moment, and it'll be interesting looking forward in time as we move forward."

For Ohioans, the convergence of the events on a single day underscores the state's historical and cultural importance. From honoring King's enduring dream to welcoming a native Ohioan into national office, the day also marks John Husted stepping into a prominent role representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate.


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New York and nationwide groups are cautiously optimistic about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

Phase one involves a 42-day ceasefire and gradual withdrawal of troops. Israel will release thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas releasing the remaining hostages taken in October 2023.

Sonya Meyerson-Knox, communications director for the group Jewish Voice for Peace, said ending the onslaught of attacks against Palestine is highly beneficial.

"Palestinians will be able to reunite with the loved ones some of them have been separated from for 15 months," Meyerson-Knox pointed out. "They'll be able to work on locating and burying their dead. They'll be able to access medical care without risking getting shot at."

Phase two of the ceasefire calls for allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, ending the Israeli military's blockade. She thinks certain measures must be in later stages of the ceasefire for it to be effective, including stopping any plans for future Israeli settlements in parts of Gaza, ensuring Israeli troops are fully withdrawn, and ending the 17-year siege on Gaza so Palestinians can live their daily lives.

While many people are eager to see peace, many challenges could dissolve the ceasefire deal. Meyerson-Knox noted Israel has a shaky history of abiding with ceasefires it has brokered. She added a major challenge is how the incoming Trump administration shapes the rest of the ceasefire deal.

"Trump and Netanyahu are well committed to entrenching Israeli apartheid, expanding the dispossession of Palestinians from their home and their land, reinforcing the military occupation," Meyerson-Knox outlined. "Trump has never been anything more than an active supporter of these autocratic governments across the Middle East."

The ceasefire could have other international implications. In November, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrest for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Meyerson-Knox stressed it could lead to a much-needed reckoning for countries flouting international law.

"I think and I hope this is a moment of reconsideration for the international community," Meyerson-Knox added. "That some of the changes we've seen in government worldwide might actually lead to a recommitment and a doubling down to international protocols or understandings of international law."