by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 13, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
In a concerning turn of events, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has taken immediate action by removing two deputies from field duty following the release of violent bodycam footage involving a Black couple. The disturbing footage, evoking widespread public anger, underscores the pressing necessity for holding law enforcement accountable and implementing necessary reforms.
The incident transpired when law enforcement officers were summoned to a grocery store in Lancaster, California, following a report from WinCo security. Upon their arrival, the deputies endeavored to apprehend a Black couple fitting the given description. In the recorded footage, the man can be heard asserting his innocence, stating, “I did nothing wrong. They approached us first.” He further explains that he asked them to call the police and patiently waited for their arrival. During the arrest, he informs the officers about his injured arm, emphasizing that he has no intention of resisting arrest and mentioning his wife’s battle with cancer.
However, the situation quickly escalates as one of the deputies forcefully brings the man to the ground, employing unnecessary and excessive force. The distressing video sheds light on a disturbing encounter that raises serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers and their treatment of individuals in the community.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a news release stating, “The video is disturbing.” Taking immediate action, the department has removed the two deputies involved from field duty pending a thorough investigation into the incident. This swift response demonstrates a commitment to address the issue head-on and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The release of the bodycam footage has ignited a wave of public outcry, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency, oversight, and meaningful reforms within the criminal justice system. Communities are demanding answers, justice, and systemic changes to prevent such incidents from recurring.
This latest incident involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive measures to ensure law enforcement agencies are equipped with the necessary training and resources to handle encounters in a manner that prioritizes de-escalation and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background.
It is crucial to prioritize initiatives aimed at restoring trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Key elements such as openness, responsibility, and meaningful conversations play a vital role in cultivating an atmosphere characterized by mutual respect and comprehension.
As the investigation into this troubling incident unfolds, it is imperative that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department demonstrates a commitment to justice, fairness, and a genuine willingness to address the concerns and demands of the community. The focus must be on fostering trust, improving relations, and implementing meaningful reforms that promote equality and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Aug 31, 2020 | Worldwide News |
The “Power Store” concept is being expanded by Foot Locker, which opened its first Coast community-based Power Store in Compton, CA last Wednesday, Aug. 26
by Jonathan P-Wright | Nov 13, 2023 | Music News |
Image credit: Franklin Sheard Jr / Shutterstock.com
In a recent intriguing development, Boosie Badazz, the renowned rapper, once again seems to be in need of assistance to find a misplaced item. This time, however, it’s not a piece of jewelry or a misplaced lyric notebook, but the charger for his ankle monitor.
A Plea for Assistance
On Tuesday, November 7, Boosie took to X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to announce his predicament. He appealed for help in locating his ankle monitor charger, offering a generous $5,000 reward to anyone who could assist him in his quest. According to Boosie, the charger mysteriously “slipped off” during his flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles International Airport.
Boosie also provided his contact email for anyone who found the charger, emphasizing his eagerness to avoid any unnecessary consequences that could arise from this situation.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
This incident appears to be a continuation of a string of unfortunate events for Boosie. Back in June, the rapper found himself in hot water with federal agents when he was spotted with a firearm during an Instagram Live stream. This resulted in his arrest outside a San Diego courthouse, facing a charge of possession of a weapon by a felon. After spending a week behind bars, he was released on bond, under the condition that he would wear an ankle monitor.
Despite his best efforts, Boosie’s plea to dismiss the gun charge was denied by a judge in August. Now, the missing ankle monitor charger adds to the list of challenges facing Boosie.
Not the First Lost Item
Boosie’s misplaced charger incident is reminiscent of his recent losses. In October, he offered a $10,000 reward for the return of his all-white diamond chain, which had mysteriously vanished. Despite retracing his steps, the Baton Rouge rapper was unable to locate his precious accessory.
Following this, he lost another diamond chain while enjoying a Missy Elliott track at an Atlanta Hawks game. This chain, too, seemed to have slipped off during his dance routine.
A Modern Day Boosie
In an interview with TMZ, Boosie responded to Sexyy Red’s self-proclamation as the “modern day Boosie.” The rapper expressed his appreciation for the compliment. Boosie also hinted at a potential collaboration with Sexyy Red, revealing that he had already contributed to one of her upcoming tracks.
With this latest incident, it’s clear that Boosie Badazz continues to navigate his way through a series of challenging situations. From legal woes to lost items, the rapper’s journey is as tumultuous as it is intriguing. As he continues his search for the lost charger, fans and followers wait with bated breath, hoping that Boosie’s luck will turn for the better soon.
by Kareshia Prioleau | Oct 18, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Taylor Swift, the iconic pop star, expressed her gratitude towards Beyoncé for her unwavering support at the Los Angeles premiere of her Eras Tour concert film. The highly anticipated film, directed by Sam Wrench, offers fans a theatrical experience showcasing Swift’s blockbuster tour. With pre-sale tickets worldwide surpassing $100 million, the film has already made a significant impact. Beyoncé’s presence at the premiere added a touch of magic to the event, and Swift took to Instagram to express her admiration for the fellow artist and the profound influence she has had on the music industry.
The Premiere and Beyoncé’s Support
At the Grove in Los Angeles, the premiere of the Eras Tour concert film took place, attracting fans from all over. The film, distributed by AMC Theatres and Cinemark, has already achieved remarkable success, with over $100 million in pre-sale tickets sold globally. Beyoncé, a respected figure in the music industry, not only posed with Swift on the red carpet but also joined her inside the theater for a popcorn-assisted photo opportunity. This display of support from Beyoncé left Swift feeling grateful and reflective. She took to Instagram to acknowledge the impact Beyoncé has had on her career and the industry at large.
The Eras Tour Film
The Eras Tour film, directed by Sam Wrench, offers fans an immersive experience, showcasing Swift’s blockbuster tour. With a runtime of nearly three hours, this theatrical production is a testament to the success of Swift’s music career. The film’s success is evident in the tremendous pre-sale ticket numbers, surpassing $100 million worldwide. It is being screened not only in major chain theaters but also in select arthouse theaters and independent venues. One such venue is the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, a city that holds immense significance in Swift’s journey as an artist.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Film
In addition to supporting Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour premiere, Beyoncé is gearing up to release her own concert film, celebrating her massively successful Renaissance Tour. This tour aimed to create an inclusive space where everyone is free and judgment is absent. Beyoncé’s trailer for the film, titled “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” emphasizes the themes of starting over, fresh beginnings, and creating something new. The Renaissance Tour film is set to open on December 1, and tickets are already available for purchase.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s heartfelt gratitude towards Beyoncé for her support at the Eras Tour premiere highlights the immense impact the latter has had on the music industry. The success of the concert film, with its impressive pre-sale ticket numbers, showcases the undeniable influence and popularity of Swift’s music. Beyoncé’s upcoming Renaissance Tour film promises to be another remarkable production, giving fans an opportunity to witness the magic of her live performances. As these two icons continue to dominate the music world, their collaborations and support for one another serve as a reminder of the power of unity and mutual admiration within the industry.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 31, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Sirisvisual on Unsplash
In a bold move against the Los Angeles Police Department, a prominent Black filmmaker is breaking his silence and taking legal action following a disturbing incident involving law enforcement officers. Damien Smith, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, is shedding light on an encounter with the police in 2021 that left him deeply affected and compelled to pursue justice.
Speaking exclusively with the LA Times, Damien Smith shared his harrowing experience, which he believes was tainted by racial bias. The incident occurred on a fateful day in October 2021 when Smith returned to his apartment only to find an intruder unlawfully holding his belongings. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Smith chose to call 911, believing that justice and safety would be upheld.
However, what followed was an unexpected and distressing turn of events. When the police arrived at the scene, instead of apprehending the intruder, they subjected Smith to multiple taser shocks, leaving him in shock and disbelief. As a filmmaker actively working on a project addressing police brutality, Smith couldn’t help but wonder if there was a racial component to the way he was treated by law enforcement.
Once the officers confirmed Smith’s residency, they promptly released him, but no apologies were offered for the unjust use of force. Meanwhile, the intruder, Demani Coats, was later arrested and convicted of burglary in July 2022, raising further questions about the disproportionate actions taken against Smith.
In response to this traumatic incident and the subsequent lack of accountability, Damien Smith made the difficult decision to file a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department. The lawsuit reflects the physical and emotional toll the encounter had on him, citing injuries to his chest, back, and nervous system, as well as the immense embarrassment and public ridicule he endured.
The allegations against the department are serious, encompassing charges of false arrest, assault, battery, intentional infliction of mental distress, and violation of civil rights. Smith is determined to hold the police accountable for their actions and highlight the urgent need for proper training to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
For Damien Smith, this lawsuit is not just about seeking compensation or retribution; it is a plea for justice and an urgent call for change. As a filmmaker who has devoted his career to shedding light on social injustices, he now finds himself at the center of the very narrative he has been capturing on film. His courage to speak out against the injustice he experienced is inspiring a broader conversation about the need for comprehensive reform within law enforcement agencies.
The story of Damien Smith resonates deeply with the broader social justice movement, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for racial equity and accountability in policing. His unwavering commitment to seeking justice serves as a rallying point for those advocating for change and a reminder that there is still much work to be done to achieve a more just and equitable society.
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