Tuesday, October 4

NIGHTLY NEWS resurrected a disturbing story that has raised a lot of attention among followers of theGrio.com.

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A Terrible Stain on American History

A Look Back at Murder, Race and Justice in the Old South

(Transcript) BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor: From South Carolina tonight, there are troubling questions about justice.  There's a new effort to right what many believe was a terrible wrong that dates back 67 years when a 14-year-old African-American boy was executed after a hasty trial and no defense.  The story, reported on our partner website thegrio.com, generated so much interest we sent our own Mark Potter to talk with some people who are trying to clear the child's name.

The broadcast also featured a history-making event.

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A New Chief Usher Makes History

(Transcript) BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor: Speaking of the White House, they're getting their first ever female chief usher.  That's the job of running that house.  Angella Reid comes from the high-end hotel business.  She replaces Coast Guard Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon, first ever African-American chief usher.

 Wednesday, October 5

Hats off to MSNBC NIGHTLY NEWS with Brian Williams for bringing us two stories that we all need to see. 

Click logo for full broadcast.

Click here to read more about Rev. Suttlesworth from the Cincinnati.com A Gannett Company.

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Remembering a Civil Rights Warrior

Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth

Alabama's Black Moses

The folks at Nightly News like to remind us of the enormous courage and sacrifices made by many Americans who are part of what the network respectfully calls "The Greatest Generation."  Included among the salutes in the October 5th broadcast was a tribute to Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, who died earlier that morning at age 89 in Birmingham.  Alabama's governor order flags on state government buildings lowered to half-staff in memory of Rev. Shuttlesworth, who was once described as "the man most feared by Southern racists."

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A Reunion with the Tuskegee Airmen:

Celebrating Bonds only War and Weather Could Make

For much of the second World War, African Americans were forced to serve in racially segregated units. They were given limited opportunities for advancement and more often were subjected to humiliation and servile roles by their white countrymen. Only a few hundred African Americans were able to contribute to the war effort through aviation.  They came to be known as the Tuskegee Airmen. 

One day, a severe snow storm forced a group of white bomber pilots to seek shelter at the an airbase in Italy where the Tuskegee Airmen operated.  For five days, black and white Americans shared quarters -- something not allowed by the U.S. military -- and they formed friendships that have endured ever since.  Nightly News shared this rare and noteworthy story, and we invite you to discover how this amazing and uplifting story came to be.

 Thursday, October 6

The upcoming 20th Anniversary of Anita Hill's testimony against Supreme Court Nominee Clarence Thomas was noted in this broadcast.

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Anita Hill

A Symbol of Courage in the Fight for Work Place Equality

Transcript) BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor: And Anita Hill was back in Washington today, coming up on 20 years since those explosive hearings to confirm Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court.  The hearings sparked a huge public debate in this country and changed the rules of the American workplace forever.  Looking back on it today, she said her role in the hearings was worthwhile.

Ms. ANITA HILL: I could not be happier than I am right now because I know that that testimony, no matter whatever anyone says and no matter who sits on the bench today, I know that that testimony was not in vain.

WILLIAMS: Professor Anita Hill today at Georgetown in Washington.

 Friday, October 7

MSNBC NIGHTLY NEWS with Brian Williams reminded us of another civil rights warrior who passed this week.

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Derrick Bell

First Tenured Black Professor at Harvard Law School

(Transcript) BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor: We wanted to note two departures this week, including Derrick Bell, the civil rights scholar who was the first tenured black professor at Harvard law school.  He was a constant fighter for progress in race relations in this country.  Professor Derrick Bell was 80 years (old).