#WESEEIT DAILY: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2018 – THE COURTS, ICA AT VCU, & INDIE MUSIC PICKS

It’s all about the courts today but maybe not exactly the stories you think. Of course, I’m disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the President’s travel ban baring people from 8 countries, 6 are majority-Muslim populated countries, from traveling to the U.S. but the stories that are the most interesting to me are the ones that highlight the Senate Republicans gamble to ban President Obama’s nomination for over a year in order to give the new President the court pick. That gamble paid off huge for conservatives and we’re seeing it now with these 5-4 votes and Neil Gorsuch falling in line with the conservative majority. I don’t wonder what would have happened if President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland would have been voted on and approved, I know these outcomes would be different.  In hindsight, losing that Supreme Court pick maybe bigger than losing the Presidential election.

Moving on: Federal Court ruled that 11 General Assembly House Districts are in violation of the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause (racial gerrymandering) and must be redrawn by October 30, 2018. The House GOP has already released a statement saying they are appealing to the Supreme Court (the conservative-leaning Supreme Court) and nothing will be changed until then. The challenged districts are in Richmond and Hampton Roads, Democratic seats, for the most part. Graham Moomaw of the RTD has great coverage on Twitter.

Moving On: Yesterday, I was at the ICA at VCU for an Advisory Board Meeting and most of the meeting focused on figuring out if the ICA is doing a good job executing the mission of being a conversation starter and welcoming destination in Richmond. It’s very early, the ICA has only been open for 2 months but I’m interested in your feedback about the ICA. What’s working, what’s not working, what can be done to encourage you to be apart of that wonderful space? Let me know, your feedback is always welcome.

ICA at VCU – Photo courtesy of the NY Times

Finally, some independent music picks for you. I’ll try to make Wednesdays my indie music pick day and hope it helps you get your through the week with some new music, not on your radar. Let’s start with a new album from Reppa Ton. A very talented, hard-working, MC out of Richmond, Reppa Ton has proven to be one of the hardest workers coming out of the city. His new project “Here4U” and is available on all platforms and worth a listen. Also, check out Mutant Academy’s Big Kahuna OG‘s new album “Sky Chryme” on all platforms. Kahuna continues the Mutant Academy pattern of delivering straight bars over dope beats, this record has lyrics to go. Staying in the Mutant Academy camp, Henny L.O. and Tuamie‘s project “Emergency Raps Vol. 2” is also a must listen, amazing music. Finally, I’ve been a fan of Faith Boogie since the “Now” video, I still play that joint. Her new project, a 5-track EP titled “Reach for the Sky” is a dope listen. When it comes to music and creative talent, make sure you check out the talent we have right here in town.

Until next time. #WESEEIT