Author: Nino Owens

Nino Owens is a senior studying economics and political science. He writes mainly about Black issues, economics, philosophy and history. He is Editor-in-Chief of LPR.
US

Sometimes Rejection is God’s Protection: Black Economic Power in the Post-DEI Era 

An aggressive campaign by the federal government and states across the country is seeking to eradicate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from American society. These welfare policies were never guaranteed to be perpetual or intended to actually pull Black America out of economic decline in the first place. From the start, DEI initiatives have functioned as token reforms—symbolic gestures never designed to approach the Black … Continue reading Sometimes Rejection is God’s Protection: Black Economic Power in the Post-DEI Era 

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Louisville

The University and Free Speech: Lessons from the University of Louisville

We live in a divisive time: the whole world is shifting underneath our feet and we see that the political choices we make today will determine our tomorrow. This pressure may make us desire to silence the voices of those we disagree with, but there are no shortcuts to the political future any of us want to see. The only way we can get there without tearing our nation apart is by respecting each others’ right to think and to dream, and to share those thoughts and dreams with others. Continue reading The University and Free Speech: Lessons from the University of Louisville

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Black History Month, Louisville

The Black Man’s Role in the American Civil War

“The Negro soldier is the heaviest blow yet dealt to the rebellion.” – Abraham Lincoln  There are times in history when uncontrollable forces shift quickly and radically underneath one’s feet, and people are forced to make consequential decisions. The impact of these imperfect decisions radiate over generations, affecting not only that moment in history but shifting patterns in the tapestry of history for centuries to … Continue reading The Black Man’s Role in the American Civil War

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Black History Month, US

Confronting Miseducation: The History and Purpose of Black History Month

“A people without knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots.” –Marcus Garvey  Colonized people are not only stripped of their rightful economic and political power; independent thought and indigenous history are also stolen from them or erased. In fact, mental colonialism is a prerequisite to forced political and economic dependency. Unjust abuse of power must be justified before it can be sustained. … Continue reading Confronting Miseducation: The History and Purpose of Black History Month

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Louisville, World

In 2024, All Eyes Should Be on Sudan

The civil war in Sudan, led by two militarized factions, has led to the displacement of millions, with over 12,000 reported deaths and countless rapes. Regional powers exacerbate the conflict, while international attention remains inadequate. You can help by advocating for legislation, donating to aid organizations, and raising awareness. Continue reading In 2024, All Eyes Should Be on Sudan

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US, World

Strategic Neutrality: An Alternative to American Foreign Policy in Ukraine

When Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine on Friday February 24th, 2022, I was an intern at the Kentucky State Senate. I could not wait to get to work the week after to ask the senator I worked for his opinion about the historic situation unfolding in eastern Europe. Little did I know, his answer was one I would never forget. I asked him, “What … Continue reading Strategic Neutrality: An Alternative to American Foreign Policy in Ukraine

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Student Government

SGA Opinion: Support the Student Strike Amendment!

Students have power. Here at the University of Louisville and universities all across the country. In fact, without the contributions of students, universities could not exist. Without us, they would not have money to operate; they would not have students to fill their classes; they would not have budding researchers that hold critical positions on projects; they would not have a perpetual consumer for overpriced, … Continue reading SGA Opinion: Support the Student Strike Amendment!

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US

The 2022 Midterm Elections: A Two-Year Lease on Democracy

Introduction  There are times in history when it is crucial to take a step back and attempt to view what’s happening not in the vacuum of the present–with all its shifting considerations and interests–but in the vast expanse of the future, knowing that the actions we take today will have consequences that reverberate far past our short time here. In America, and all over the … Continue reading The 2022 Midterm Elections: A Two-Year Lease on Democracy

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Freedom Fall 2022, Kentucky, Louisville

Kentucky Stands Alone on Felon Disenfranchisement 

Policymakers in state governments often take inspiration from surrounding states to implement changes in policy at home. Doing this gives lawmakers the ability to survey the intentions and effects of a certain policy before taking the risk of passing those policies in their state. This idea was explained perfectly by Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, “It is one of the happy incidents of the federal … Continue reading Kentucky Stands Alone on Felon Disenfranchisement 

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Black History Month, Kentucky, US

Voting Rights Are a Major Issue in Kentucky

The right to vote is currently under attack from all angles. The Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, state legislatures across the country are passing laws that will remove voting rights from many Black Americans, and trust in election processes and democracy are historically low. There is a strong national effort to strip Black people of their citizenship rights, primarily voting, using a variety … Continue reading Voting Rights Are a Major Issue in Kentucky

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