Republican Congressman Claims Budget Cuts To Medicaid Will Keep Young Men From ’ Playing Video Games All Day’
Some members of Congress aim to cut $880 billion from federal Medicaid spending.
House Speaker Mike Johnson justified proposed budget cuts to Medicaid, arguing that the taxpayer-funded healthcare system causes young men to play video games instead of working.
In a press conference last week, the Republican leader discussed the proposed budget cuts, asserting that young men are taking resources from the more vulnerable citizens.
“No one has talked about cutting one benefit in Medicaid to anyone who’s due—what we’ve talked about is returning work requirements, so, for example, you don’t have able-bodied young men on a program that’s designed for single mothers and the elderly and disabled. They’re draining resources from people,” the congressman said.
“So if you clean that up and shore it up, you save a lot of money, and you return the dignity of work to young men who need to be out working instead of playing videogames all day.”
Mike Johnson Says Men Need to Stop ‘Playing Video Games All Day’ and Get to Work: ‘They’re Draining Resources’ https://t.co/Vg0iAcNPv1
Medicaid is a healthcare system that provides access to healthcare for low-income Americans. According to the healthcare research firm KFF, 64% of Medicaid recipients work full-time or part-time jobs. The firm also noted that most unemployed Medicaid recipients have an illness, disability, or are students. If implemented, Johnson’s proposedreturn-to-work requirement wouldeliminate healthcareaccess forAmericans who are temporarily unemployed after beinglaid off.
Some Republican leaders proposed cuts to the Medicaid budget to support the Trump administration’s plan for reducing federal spending. The GOP aims to cut the Medicaid budget by $880 billion, which could eliminate healthcare coverage for millions of low-income Americans.
The plan received criticism from both sides of the aisle. A letter signed by 12 Republican leaders warns that these budget cuts could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“Cuts to Medicaid also threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers nationwide. Many hospitals—particularly in rural and underserved areas—rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone.”
On average, healthcare insurance for an individual costs $539 a month or $6,468 annually. The United States is still the only developed country without a universal healthcare system.
Pre-Easter Blackout Affects Millions, Restoration Underway In Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón called the transmission issue "unacceptable."
Crews are working to restore power to Puerto Rico after an island-wide blackout left 1.4 million customers in the dark. As of Thursday morning, approximately 41% of customers, or about 609,700, had their power restored, according to Luma Energy.
The blackout began around 12:40 p.m. on April 16, when a transmission system failure caused all of Puerto Rico’s power plants to shut down. This is the second island-wide blackout in less than four months, following a similar event on New Year’s Eve. The repeated nature of these outages has amplified concerns about the stability of the island’s power grid and the effectiveness of ongoing recovery efforts.
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón called the transmission issue “unacceptable.”
She cut short her vacation and returned to Puerto Rico on Wednesday evening, underscoring the severity of the situation.
“This is a shame for the people of Puerto Rico that we have a problem of this magnitude,” she said, as reported by CBS News. Her swift return and strong words reflect the growing frustration and urgency surrounding the persistent power problems.
Luma Energy, the private company responsible for power transmission and distribution, estimated that it could take 48 to 72 hours to restore power to about 90% of customers. This timeline highlights the extensive damage and the complexities involved in restoring a power grid that has been plagued by years of neglect and natural disasters. The company’s efforts are being closely watched by residents and officials alike, as the speed and efficiency of the restoration process are crucial for the well-being of the island.
Genera PR, the company that generates power on the island, said the outage was caused by the sudden shutdown of all generating plants, including their own and private generators. Daniel Hernández, vice president of operations for Genera PR, stated at a news conference on Wednesday that plants may come back online more quickly than in previous years because the company has invested in quicker restart systems. This suggests that while the initial outage was catastrophic, there have been some improvements in the system’s ability to recover. However, the fact that all plants shut down simultaneously raises questions about the grid’s resilience and its susceptibility to cascading failures.
The blackout occurred as Puerto Rico residents were preparing to celebrate the Easter holiday weekend. The predominantly Catholic island observes the holiday throughout the week. The outage disrupted daily life, forcing some in San Juan to dine by candlelight and others to rush to stores for ice to preserve food. The timing of the blackout, coinciding with a major religious holiday, added to the hardship and frustration experienced by residents. Many had planned to spend the week with family and friends, but the lack of power cast a shadow over these celebrations.
Josué Colón, the island’s energy czar, said in a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, “This process is not going to end today.” He added that a preliminary review suggested the cause was a problem near a transmission line in southern Puerto Rico that began at 12:38 p.m. The early findings of the investigation point to a specific technical issue, but the full extent of the damage and the underlying causes are still being investigated. The focus remains on restoring power as quickly as possible, but understanding the root cause is essential for preventing future outages.
The blackout caused widespread disruptions. Traffic was gridlocked as transit officers directed cars at intersections with non-functioning traffic lights. Residents flocked to gas stations for fuel to power generators. Passengers on an urban train in San Juan were forced to evacuate and walk along an overpass. Plaza Las Américas, the island’s largest mall, largely shut down. These disruptions illustrate the far-reaching impact of the power outage on daily life, affecting transportation, commerce, and public services. The lack of electricity not only caused inconvenience but also raised safety concerns, particularly regarding traffic management and the operation of essential services.
Puerto Rico has struggled with power grid problems since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. The island has experienced frequent blackouts, frustrating residents and businesses and causing damage to appliances and electronics due to power surges. Recovery from major power disruptions has often been slow, with past island-wide outages taking several days to resolve. This includes an island-wide outage on New Year’s Eve. The legacy of Hurricane Maria continues to haunt Puerto Rico, as the power grid has never fully recovered from the damage inflicted by the storm. The subsequent blackouts have become a recurring problem, eroding public trust and hindering economic development.
Gary Soto, director of the energy management and transmission operation center for Luma Energy, said at the news conference that full restoration could take up to 72 hours. Luma Energy stated, “Our crews will continue working throughout the day today with the goal of restoring service to 90% of our customers within 48 hours, conditions permitting.” The company’s acknowledgment of the potential challenges in restoring power underscores the complexity of the situation. While they are committed to working tirelessly, unforeseen circumstances could prolong the process.
The ongoing outages have sparked outrage among Puerto Ricans, with many calling for the government to cancel contracts with Luma Energy and Genera PR. Governor González acknowledged these concerns. “That is not under doubt or question,” she said, but added that it’s not a quick process. González also stated that a major outage like the one on Wednesday leads to an estimated $230 million revenue loss daily. The economic impact of the blackouts is substantial, affecting businesses of all sizes and disrupting the island’s fragile economy. The calls for contract cancellations reflect a deep-seated frustration with the current energy providers and a demand for accountability.
Ramón C. Barquín III, president of the United Retail Center, warned that the repeated outages could deter potential investors. “We cannot continue to repeat this cycle of blackouts without taking concrete measures to strengthen our energy infrastructure,” he said. The business community is particularly concerned about the long-term consequences of the power outages. The lack of reliable electricity not only disrupts daily operations but also creates uncertainty, making it difficult to attract investment and foster economic growth.
Concerns also exist for Puerto Rico’s elderly population. The mayor of Canóvanas deployed brigades to visit bedridden individuals and those reliant on electronic medical equipment. The vulnerability of the elderly and other dependent populations during power outages is a significant concern. The lack of electricity can have serious health consequences for those who rely on life-support systems or require refrigerated medications. Local governments and community organizations are stepping up to provide assistance, but the need for a more resilient power grid is evident.
Luma Energy had previously announced near-complete power restoration after the New Year’s Eve blackout, stating that 98% of customers had power, including hospitals, sewage facilities, and water plants. Juan Saca, President of Luma Energy, had stated, “Given the fragile nature of the grid, we will need to manage available generation to customer demand, which will likely require rotating temporary outages.” This statement highlights the underlying problem: even when power is restored, the grid remains fragile and susceptible to further disruptions. The need for a comprehensive overhaul of the energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly apparent.
The situation in Puerto Rico is more than just a series of unfortunate events; it’s a symptom of a deeper crisis involving an aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, a complex web of public and private interests, and the ongoing challenges of recovering from natural disasters. The island’s power grid, much of which dates back decades, has suffered from years of neglect and underinvestment. This neglect, combined with the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, has created a system that is highly vulnerable to failures.
The privatization of Puerto Rico’s power transmission and distribution system, with Luma Energy taking over operations, was intended to improve efficiency and reliability. However, the recent blackouts have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of this transition. Critics argue that Luma Energy has not made sufficient investments in upgrading the infrastructure and that the focus on short-term profits has come at the expense of long-term stability.
Genera PR, responsible for power generation, faces its own set of challenges. The company is tasked with maintaining aging power plants and ensuring a stable supply of electricity. However, the frequent outages suggest that these efforts have been insufficient. The company’s reliance on fossil fuels also raises concerns about environmental impact and the need for a transition to renewable energy sources.
The role of the Puerto Rican government in this crisis is also under scrutiny. While Governor González-Colón has expressed outrage at the repeated outages, many are demanding more concrete action. The calls to cancel contracts with Luma Energy and Genera PR reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the government’s oversight of the energy sector. Residents are demanding accountability and a clear plan for addressing the systemic problems that plague the power grid.
The economic consequences of the power outages are significant. Businesses, both large and small, suffer losses due to disruptions in operations, spoiled inventory, and the inability to serve customers. The tourism sector, a vital part of the island’s economy, is also affected, as blackouts can deter visitors and damage the island’s reputation. The long-term impact on investment and economic growth is a major concern.
The social impact of the blackouts is equally profound. The lack of reliable electricity affects people’s daily lives in numerous ways, from the inability to cook and refrigerate food to the disruption of work and school. The emotional toll of living with constant uncertainty and the fear of the next blackout is also significant. The situation is particularly challenging for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, the sick, and low-income families.
In the aftermath of each blackout, there are renewed calls for change. Some advocate for a complete overhaul of the power grid, with a focus on renewable energy and decentralized generation. Others argue for greater government intervention and stricter regulation of private energy companies. There is a growing consensus that the current system is unsustainable and that a fundamental shift is needed to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of electricity for all Puerto Ricans.
Don’t Keep It on the Down Low: ‘CrazySexyCool—The TLC Musical’ Coming Summer 2026
The story of Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins, Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas is being made into a musical!
The story of TLC, the best-selling American girl group of all time, will be the subject of a new musical, CrazySexyCool–The TLC Musical.
The show will debut at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Production will run from June 12 to August 9, 2026, as part of the theater’s 75th anniversary season.
The musical, named after TLC’s 1994 Diamond album, chronicles the trio’s rise, personal struggles, and influence on music and culture. It features hits like “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” and “No Scrubs” and will explore the group behind salacious headlines: Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.
Kwame Kwei-Armah will write and direct the CrazySexyCool, with choreography by Chloe O. Davis. The musical is produced by Diggit Theatrical Group, with Stephen Gabriel serving as executive producer.
“Bringing this story to the stage is a dream come true. We have performed in a lot of different venues all over the world throughout our career, but bringing our story and music to the theater is a totally new and exciting challenge,” said T-Boz in a statement.
Chilli added, “Audiences will get to hear our story—mostly fact with a sprinkle of fiction—told in our own way, and of course… !”
TLC’s journey was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Despite selling over 65 million records worldwide, the group faced financial hardships. In 1995, the group filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Additionally, internal conflicts and the untimely death of Left Eye in 2002 slowed the group’s momentum.
Yet, T-Boz and Chilli continue to honor the group’s legacy through tours, new music, and, now, this theatrical production.
Tickets for CrazySexyCool–The TLC Musical will be available as part of Arena Stage’s season packages, with individual tickets expected to go on sale closer to the show’s premiere.
Federal Judge Finds Probable Cause To Hold Trump Administration in Contempt Over Deportation
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg says he can hold officials in attempt for “willful disregard” of his order to stop transferring deportees to El Salvador to the notorious maximum security prison.
In the latest battle between the Trump administration and the judicial system, a federal judge said he has found probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg says he can hold officials in contempt for “willful disregard” of his order to stop transferring deportees to El Salvador to the notorious maximum security prison.
“The Court ultimately determines that the Government’s actions on that day demonstrate a willful disregard for its Order, sufficient for the Court to conclude that probable cause exists to find the Government in criminal contempt,” Boasberg wrote in a 46-page decision.
Boasberg said the Trump administration stonedwalled and refused to provide the court information during hearings after his initial order. However, officials from the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to carry out the rushed deportations and argued that divulging into details would jeopardize state secrets.
“The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it,” he added.
The Trump Administration Tests Court’s Limits
The latest ruling from Boasberg comes as the Trump administration continues to test how far it can push the limit with court orders.
Boasberg did not identify specific officials he might refer for criminal prosecution. Criminal contempt can be punished by fines or imprisonment.
All of this comes amid what has become one of the highest profile immigration case involving a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to El Salvador. The Trump administration says it has no plans of returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite a federal judge’s order to bring him back.
Nigerians Applying For U.S. Visas To Face New Interview Requirements Before Approval
The new interview requirements will take effect starting April 22.
Nigerians applying for visas to the United States should expect new interview requirements ahead of their arrival.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria announced that the new applicant criteria will take effect on April 22. Business Insider Africa says the changes will help increase efficiency and streamline the visa application process.
Applicants must now bring an additional form to their visa interviews to confirm their appointment. Nigerians in Abuja and Lagos seeking a U.S. visa must bring the DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number to proceed.
“Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with ‘AA’ and followed by ’00’ – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You must also schedule your appointment at the location you selected when filling out your DS-160.”
The statement also detailed that the location selected when filling out the form is where one must complete the on-site interview. Moreover, any former DS-160 form barcodes from previous applications will become invalid.
The embassy emphasized that the new measure will be strictly enforced. Applicants whose barcode/confirmation numbers do not match their appointment details cannot enter the consular section, thus canceling the interview.
However, support for those whose DS-160 numbers do not align with the interview confirmation can still receive help. Applicants with this issue can log into their AVITS account on the Online Visa/Preclearance Application Facility account website. There, they can submit a ticket for correction.
The changes come as U.S. foreign policy shifts under the Trump administration. Trump has not directly targeted Nigeria with his new orders, although he did so during his first term. However, the heavier focus on immigration control still impacts all current and potential visa holders across many nations.
Trump has already drafted a proposed travel ban impacting several African countries. The list includes those in the continent’s Western region, such as Chad, The Gambia, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. Although Nigeria remains off this list, its new visa interview requirements could result in fewer approvals for the foreseeable future.
Nigerians are encouraged to remain up-to-date with all new rulings on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Says She ‘Put The Work In’ To Receive A Star On The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sheryl Lee Ralph looks back on what led her to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sheryl Lee Ralph is celebrating nearly 50 years in Hollywood and the dedication that led to her earning a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Emmy-winning actress opened up ahead of her April 16 induction ceremony, reflecting on the triumphs, setbacks, mentorship, and bold moves it took to sustain a career as a Black actress in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry.
“If I have the honor of a star, anybody can — if it’s something you’re really willing to put the work in for, or if you have a sugar daddy or a sugar mama who just wants to give it to you. But —it probably won’t be that. More than likely, you’re going to have to do some work,” Ralph told Variety.
Ralph beamed with joy — and shed a few happy tears — as she accepted her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a stunning black sleeveless gown.
“Look at what the universe has done,” she told the crowd before thanking God, Goddess, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for the honor.
Prior to the ceremony, Ralph expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans who’ve followed her journey from the start. From her breakout role in Sidney Poitier’s 1977 comedy A Piece of the Action to her Emmy-winning performance as Barbara Howard on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Ralph is proudly soaking in the rewards of decades of dedication.
“I am very fortunate, because I have something that I don’t think a lot of performers get and that is the appreciation and the respect of your audience,” Ralph said.
“I just came back from a 20-hour trip, and the pilots came out and said, ‘We love you. Would you take a picture with us?’ I was like, ‘These are guys, and the Black guy didn’t even have to tell the white guy who I was!’ Walking through the airport, people are like, ‘Hello, queen. Hope you have a good flight.’ They pass me notes. Like, what in the whole wide world? Does it get much better than this?”
“OK, yeah, I could win an Oscar,” she jokingly added. “But I don’t know if it would be any better. I feel good. I feel happy. I’m loving it.”
Brian Steel Added To Diddy’s Defense Team For Upcoming Federal Trial
Steel was the lead attorney in the Young Thug RICO trial
Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, is joining the defense team for Sean “Diddy” Combs’s upcoming federal trial.
Famed court reporter Meghann Cuniff posted the news on her social media account and included the paperwork that the attorney filed April 15 in the U.S. Southern District Court of New York.
Here’s something I didn’t expect to write:
Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel has joined Sean “Diddy’ Combs’ criminal defense team. pic.twitter.com/1PD3g3ksr4
Steel became a household name during the Young Thug RICO trial, the longest criminal trial in Georgia history.
In Steel’s motion to be included on Diddy’s defense team, he admitted to being held in contempt during Thug’s trial. Steel was held in contempt by Judge Ural Glanville after he refused to divulge a source who told him about an ex parte conversation that took place before court that day, Fox 5 reported. The judge was removed from the case shortly after the incident.
The misdemeanor contempt conviction was reversed when, through an appeal by Steel, the Supreme Court of Georgia issued a unanimous decision in the attorney’s favor.
“On June 10, 2024, I was held in contempt by a Superior Court Judge in Fulton County, Georgia, in State of Georgia v. Jeffery Williams et al., Case Number 22SC 183 572, when the judge wrongfully ordered that I reveal privileged information.”
– Diddy’s new lawyer Brian Steel pic.twitter.com/4q0EOSxra9
According to NPR, Young Thug (real name Jeffrey Williams) pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2024, after prosecutors requested that he be sentenced to 25 in prison and 20 on probation.
Fulton County Judge Paige Reese Whitaker sentenced the rapper to a total sentence of 40 years, with him serving the first five in prison. However, Whitaker allowed him to go free when she commuted the five years due to being in custody for more than 900 days after he was initially booked in May 2022.
A new report from the nonprofit tech watchdog Tech Transparency Project identified at least 80 Facebook groups where users frequently discuss buying, selling, and renting driver accounts for Uber, DoorDash, and UK-based Deliveroo, CNN reported. Researchers are looking into these “black market groups” as they may allow individuals to bypass background checks and license requirements, putting users at risk.
“It’s incredibly concerning because part of the reason Uber has been such an attractive tool for women, in particular, is because there’s some sort of semblance of safety when there’s tracking of who this person is … if something were to happen,” said Tech Transparency Project Director Katie Paul. “If that’s not the case, then what’s the point of using this platform?”
One group, “UBER ACCOUNT FOR RENT WORLDWIDE,” has over 22,000 members and includes exchanges where members can be seen soliciting Uber accounts in cities nationwide.
“Need an Uber Eats account in Jacksonville, FL ASAP.” “I have one,” one exchange reads.
“Looking for an Uber Eats account to rent in Virginia.”
“Available,” says another.
Researchers warn that these black market groups allow unlicensed rideshare or delivery drivers to pose as legitimate drivers, putting users at risk who rely on platforms like Uber and DoorDash to properly vet their workers. Spokespeople for popular rideshare and food delivery platforms are speaking out.
“Our tough approach is delivering clear results: we’re deactivating more fraudulent accounts, conducting more real-time identity checks, and preventing more offenders from returning,” DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley said.
“When we determine that an account holder is engaging in account sharing or other forms of fraud, we ban their account from the platform,” an Uber spokesperson said.
After learning about the report, a Meta spokesperson said the company would review the findings and remove any content that violated its policies. So far, five Facebook groups — including “UBER ACCOUNT FOR RENT WORLDWIDE” — have been removed for breaking Meta’s rules on fraud, scams, and deceptive practices.
Is Pastor Marvin Sapp Trolling With New Single ‘Close the Door?’
Pastor Marvin Sapp is taking the lemons handed to him and is "building a lemonade company."
Pastor Marvin Sapp is turning viral backlash into inspiration with his latest single, “Close the Door.”
Sapp announced the release on Instagram following criticism over a now-viral clip in which he urged church ushers to “close the door” while requesting donations. The “Best in Me” singer said he’s ready to move past what he described as being “misunderstood, misrepresented, misinterpreted and even maligned.”
“‘Close the Door’ isn’t just a song, it’s a soundtrack for survival,” Sapp wrote. “I’m releasing it this Good Friday, the day we honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Just like He closed the door on death, Hell, and the grave, I’m closing the door on the noise, the pain, and everything that tried to break me.”
The controversy stirred strong reactions across the religious community, with some questioning Sapp’s intentions and calling. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the online backlash, including comments accusing the Best In Me singer of being a hustler and a false prophet. Critics also raised concerns about the $40,000 donation request, asking where the funds would be directed.
In response, Sapp appeared on The Breakfast Club, where he revealed that he and his staff at Chosen Vessel Cathedral had received death threats. He stood by his decision to solicit donations and to instruct ushers to shut the sanctuary doors during the offering, calling it a vulnerable time in the service.
Mega churches like Chosen Vessel often receive substantial offerings. With thousands of congregants each Sunday, the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt institutions can become targets for theft and criticism. The rise of internet culture has only amplified scrutiny of wealth within religious institutions and their leaders. Pastor Keion Henderson of Lighthouse Church faced backlash for requesting $2,100 from each member, while televangelist Creflo Dollar has long drawn criticism for his private jet and estimated $20 million net worth.
While some continue questioning Sapp’s actions, others see his response as redemptive. He’s no stranger to transforming controversy and pain into praise. In his Instagram post, he said he believes his trials and new song will ultimately benefit the church community.
“This song will bless you,” he wrote. “I believe that with everything in me. My assignment in this season through this song is to help you close the door, too.”
Black YouTuber Learns Hard Lesson About Texas ‘Sundown Town’ In Real-Time, City Leader Claims Times Have Changed
Vidor, Texas, is known for its racist ideologies which led the gas station attendant to warn Mooch about about going there
YouTuber Yung Mooch learned how unwelcome he would be if he visited Vidor, Texas, a known sundown town.
In a clip posted on Instagram, Mooch and a friend stopped at a gas station approximately 30 minutes outside of Vidor and asked an attendant if they would be welcomed there. With a look of shock, the attendant barely hesitated before responding.
“It’s a very racist town. Better stay away from there,” the unidentified woman warned.
After other gas station customers warned the duo the same, the woman doubled down and detailed what could happen if the Black men went.
“They’ll hang people, drag people,” she said.
When Mooch’s friend attempted to reconfirm what she said, the woman reiterated, saying, “There’s a big possibility.”
The full 30-minute video on YouTube shows a Black man asking Mooch why he would consider going to a sundown town. Mooch’s response is that he is “testing the waters.”
The man then asked if the men had protection.
Other towns like Vidor, which is just east of Houston, were known as a racist hub in the Deep South. There are dozens of such towns across the U.S., but in Texas, there are more than 10, but Vidor has a particular reputation. In the early 1990s, according to Fox 26, the federal government attempted to integrate the town, but ultimately, the Black families living there were driven out.
However, things have seemingly changed since then. City leaders claim to welcome everybody to come and see for themselves.
“We’re not the same Vidor that people think we are,” City Manager Robbie Hood said. “This Vidor…We’re caring people, we love everybody. And I would say to the people that don’t think that to be necessarily true, come visit our city. You’ll see exactly who we are.”
There may be some truth there. In 2023, Vidor residents got rid of a small group of white supremacists sporting camouflage pants, black shirts, and the Aryan Freedom Network flag that set up shop with its logo on the Battle Flag of the Confederacy, as well as signs mentioning “white pride” and showing a swastika.
After police were sent due to calls of a disturbance between the group and residents, Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll said the racist group confessed that the town was the first where they didn’t feel welcome.
As the group took over a public corner, Vidor residents joined in with their own signs reading, “We stand against racism.”
“We love everyone,” and “This community is not racist.”
“The reality is, you know, Vidor is not the Vidor of 40 years ago, and I’m actually proud of the citizenry for standing up against bigotry,” the police chief said.
Green Book Global defines a sundown town as one with unwritten rules to keep minorities out. Some towns will close at sundown to make it hard for Black people to gain employment or have hotels that refuse to serve non-white guests.
