On the day Sanford police turned over the Trayvon Martin shooting investigation to prosecutors, they changed their final report at least four times over five hours and downgraded the charge they recommended from second-degree murder to manslaughter, newly released records show.
#OhOkay
A Human Being, Not A Threat
Melissa Harris-Perry offers some dialogue to the discourse on Jordan Davis, Michael Dunn, and other young black boys victims of violence. Unfortunately, they live in a world where they’re presumed guilty on site.
Rilgood feat B.Smith
“GUN”
One of the best uses of Panther propaganda I’ve ever heard. #GreatSample
Dream Defenders
In an act of civil disobedience, the Dream Defenders blocked the Sanford Police Dept. today in protest of the botched booking job (and non-arrest) of George “Killer man” Zimmerman. The group is a network organized by and of FAMU, FSU, and TCC students and alumni from all different backgrounds, races, etc.
Statement of Intent: The Dream Defenders will continue national direct action until institutions of law enforcement end profiling, brutality, and systematic racism against black and brown communities.
The following local and national demands are being presented with the intention of holding law enforcement accountable for the execution of or compliance with racially motivated violence.
Demands:
1. Arrest George Zimmerman, the murderer of Trayvon Martin.
2. Fire the Sanford Chief of Police Bill Lee for failure to act responsibly in response to the case.
3. Create a Sanford Police review board, with a member base that is racially diverse and representative of the community.
4. Calling of a nationally broadcasted Congressional forum on eliminating racial inequalities in the U.S.
“We who believe in justice cannot rest, until its won…”
The Battle of Integrity: Piers Morgan vs. Toure’
I’m not sure what’s more gangsta, Toure’ questioning Piers Morgan’s journalistic integrity on his own show, or Morgan inviting Toure’ to detail the harsh criticisms he has expressed about him via twitter.
Two very interesting perspectives nonetheless. I prefer Morgan’s entertainment pieces, rather than his hard news investigative interviews. Toure’ raises some valid points, but bias comes in every shade.
Moving editorial from blacksnob.com.
Excerpt:
“If you are ‘good’ the gangs and the violence and the racism won’t get you. You will be safe. You will live to see 25. You will have a great life. Opportunity will abound for you. We will be proud of you. The community will be proud of you. You will be Barack Obama and Michelle Obama and life will be beautiful if you just want it enough.
Just be ‘good.’ Be good, Trayvon Martin. Stay in school. Listen to your parents. And you’ll be safe.”
Skip to around 2:20 and listen to Trayvon Martin’s father recall his son saving him from a house fire when he was 9-years-old, and the simple vulnerability he feels for not being able to save his son in the same way.
Chilling.
Black Panthers Offer $1 Million reward for George Zimmerman’s Capture
Mikhail Muhammad: “So we’re saying to President Obama, you gotta do your job on this one buddy! We don’t need a beer, we don’t need to laugh, and have a good time. Our children are dying…”
Father & Son
He was loved. And we still love him enough to keep his killer from going unpunished. We love him enough to make sure his memory changes the course of history and race relations in America for the better. And we love him enough to make sure his 17 years will forever mean something.
Though its nothing new (small pox, slavery, Jim Crow, the crack epidemic, immigration laws, etc), the recent and unfortunate state of affairs gives me the impression that someone/thing is trying to take us out the game…people of color are truly under siege in America. Where do I begin?
Are Negroes Under Siege in America?
In the wake of Trayvon’s murder, (Zimmerman’s freedom), we now have another tragedy on our hands. Rekia Boyd, an innocent 22-year-old black young lady was shot in the head by an off-duty officer in Chicago. The gentleman she was with, Antonio Cross, survived, but nearly had his thumb blown off.
*Geraldo Rivera voice* So now wearing hoodies, buying Skittles and tea, and talking on the phone in the presence of off-duty cops…will get you killed (especially if you’re black or Latino)
I understand the power of symbolism, but I hate that we must submit to consumerism to combat injustice. Stock in Skittles and Arizona Ice Tea is skyrocketing, Zimmerman is free, and Trayvon is still gone.
