Three Things for March 1
1. Brittney Johnson makes history on Broadway
On Feb. 14, Brittney Johnson made history as the first Black woman cast full time as Glenda in the Broadway production of "Wicked."
"Johnson is part of a sisterhood of women who have recently broken boundaries on American stages, including Emilie Kouatchou, who became the first Black woman to play Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway, and Morgan Bullock who has become Riverdance's first Black female dancer," said AP News.
Wicked has run on Broadway for 19 years, solely casting white women in the principal role. Johnson's first night performing was met with encouragement as the show continued its tradition of covering the opening curtain with photos commending the new star.
"That's why it's important because theatre belongs to everyone. It's not something that only belongs to someone who looks a certain way, sounds a certain way," Johnson said, according to AP News. "Theatre's supposed to be the mirror of what the world looks like, and that's what the world looks like.”
2. The U.S. adds financial pressure in Russia
To add financial pressure on Russia during their takeover in Ukraine, several states are putting a pause on the distribution of Russian companies.
According to AP News, state officials want to show solidarity with Ukraine by putting these sanctions in place.
"Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican, got a bipartisan standing ovation Monday when he told representatives he would seek to have the state's retirement funds quickly divested from any Russian assets," said AP News..
States across the nation including Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and more have shown solidarity to Ukraine by flying their flag. Legislators have issued a joint statement condemning Russia's actions.
"On Monday, the Indiana House passed legislation that would block Russian-controlled businesses and nonprofits from acquiring property in Indiana for one year. It now goes to the Senate,” said AP News. "Other governors are seeking to sever good-will relationships between their home states and those in Russia."
States have expressed a willingness and desire to house Ukrainian Refugees. Washington has set aside money through budget proposals budgeting $19 million for aid in refugee care. This money would provide service and care to those fleeing the country.
3. Senate updates residency requirements in Tennessee
On Monday, Feb. 28, GOP lawmakers passed advanced legislation which will change residency requirements for Republican and Democratic house candidates.
According to AP News, house candidates will be required to be residents in Tennessee for at least three years and residents of the county they wish to represent for a minimum of one year.
The bill was passed, but awaits GOP-controlled house approval.
"The bill was passed as state lawmakers watched to see who lined up to win a freshly carved up congressional seat in Middle Tennessee," said AP News. "The district opened up after Gov. Bill Lee approved splitting fast-growing left-leaning Nashville into multiple congressional seats."
Candidates who don't meet the requirements can still run for office as Independents. The bill would only prevent candidates from running under a Democratic or Republican stamped party.
"It is unclear if the proposal is legal under the US Constitution, which only dictates that a congressional candidate be a citizen for at least seven years, at least 25 years old and an "inhabitant" of the state in which they want to be elected," said AP News.
