Justice for Tasia Fortune, Black men's Oct. 24 voter push, a smarter tax move and Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer legacy. Here's what we need to know.
Sybil Wilkes is back with What We Need To Know, covering the stories that matter most to Black communities across the country. In just two minutes, the segment touched on justice in Mississippi, a new push for voter turnout, practical advice for business owners and a proud moment in Black literary history.
Justice for Tasia Fortune
Police in Jackson, Mississippi, have arrested Eric Clark, the third suspect charged in connection with the murder of Tasia Fortune. A municipal judge set Clark’s bond at $5 million after court testimony detailed the circumstances of her death. Judicial officials strongly condemned the crime. They noted that the scene had been staged to look like a hanging, which caused widespread alarm in the community. In a state where the history of racial terror still carries deep weight, that detail struck a painful nerve. With three suspects now charged, the case continues to draw close attention from residents seeking accountability.
Civic groups are launching National Black Man’s Voter Day on October 24 to boost turnout ahead of the upcoming elections. The effort aims to energize Black men as a powerful voting bloc. Political leaders, including Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, are calling on the Democratic Party to build a deeper strategy and make real financial investments in Black communities. Advocates stress that strong grassroots funding across Southern states remains essential. Organizers say sustained local support, not last-minute outreach, is what drives lasting civic participation.
This week’s Tax Tuesday offered a reminder for entrepreneurs: the popular rule of setting aside a flat 30% for taxes may be holding your business back. That blanket reserve can tie up cash that growing companies need. Actual tax obligations depend on several factors, including your entity structure, available deductions and proactive financial projections. By calculating precise tax estimates throughout the year, business owners can free up capital for hiring, equipment and strategic expansion while still staying ready for tax season.
This week’s Tax Tuesday offered a reminder for entrepreneurs: the popular rule of setting aside a flat 30% for taxes may be holding your business back. That blanket reserve can tie up cash that growing companies need. Actual tax obligations depend on several factors, including your entity structure, available deductions and proactive financial projections. By calculating precise tax estimates throughout the year, business owners can free up capital for hiring, equipment and strategic expansion while still staying ready for tax season.
The segment closed its news block with a look back at a landmark achievement. In 1950, poet Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. She earned the honor for Annie Allen, a collection that chronicled Black life on Chicago’s South Side with depth and dignity. Her win broke down racial barriers in American literature and opened doors for generations of Black writers. Brooks went on to serve as Poet Laureate of Illinois and as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a role now known as U.S. Poet Laureate. Her legacy remains a cornerstone of American letters.
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