by Derrick T Lewis | Aug 18, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
Keandre Green: A Fight for Justice Amidst Tragedy
21-year-old Texan, Keandre Green, finds himself in a battle for justice following an unfortunate incident that has left him hospitalized and with severe injuries. This distressing event has sent shockwaves throughout the community and beyond, sparking outrage and demands for truth and transparency from the Duncanville authorities.
A Day That Changed a Life
The fateful day unfolded just before noon on a seemingly ordinary Friday. Green, an avid jogger, was out for his routine run when a woman’s report drastically altered the course of his day. She accused him of indecent exposure in an alleyway, a claim that Green vehemently denies.
The Allegations
Upon receiving the report, Duncanville police swiftly responded to the scene, the alley of the 900 block of Wayne Avenue to be exact. As per the woman’s account, she spotted a young Black man, presumably in his early 20s, engaging in what she believed was inappropriate behavior.
“a Black male wearing red shorts and a white shirt, possibly in his early 20s, exposing his penis.”
Green, however, had a different version of the events. He explained to the officers that he had simply taken a brief pause from his jog to relieve himself in the alley.
The Escalation
A routine police check led to a discovery of an active warrant for family violence linked to Green. This revelation escalated the situation, and the attempted arrest resulted in a debacle that left Green with three back fractures. CBS News reported on this shocking outcome, causing public outrage and calls for the release of any body or dash camera footage from the incident.
The Aftermath
The police have, however, stated that the decision to release the footage will only be taken after thorough review. Meanwhile, the severity of Green’s injuries and the circumstances leading to them have stirred public sentiment and demands for justice.
Justin Moore, Green’s attorney, has challenged the validity of the so-called active warrant. According to him, the warrant was requested but never signed by a judge in Dallas County.
“We don’t see a warrant that was signed by any judge in Dallas County on any online database request for a warrant,” Moore said, according to CBS News.
He continues to express his disappointment and concern over the incident, criticizing the Duncanville PD for their handling of the situation.
“For Duncanville PD to put that out there as an excuse for breaking a young man’s back is really sad and disturbing.”
The Call for Justice
Moore maintains that Green was victimized over a trivial act that many people do, taking a brief relief in a secluded alleyway. He paints a terrifying picture of Green’s encounter with the police, stating that an unarmed Green, scared for his life, chose to run from the cops.
“Scared for his life and unarmed, he ran when confronted by police. The subsequent brutal arrest, including a knee on his neck, has resulted in severe spinal injuries that may change his life forever.”
The Long Road Ahead
As Keandre Green continues to fight for his life and justice, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices. The incident has sparked heated debates and discussions on police brutality, and the fight for justice is far from over.
A casual act turned into a nightmare, Keandre Green’s story is a potent symbol of the systemic issues plaguing our society today. His fight for justice is not just his own; it’s a fight for every individual who has ever been unjustly targeted or victimized.
As we continue to follow the developments in this case, we stand in solidarity with Keandre Green and his family in their quest for justice. We remain hopeful that truth and justice will prevail, bringing about much-needed change and healing.
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.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 27, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Carles Rabada on Unsplash
The Justice Department has taken a decisive step forward, embarking on a civil rights investigation aimed at delving into the disquieting conditions and alleged instances of violence perpetrated against inmates at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia. The move signals the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and ensuring transparency in matters concerning the treatment of individuals in detention. By initiating this investigation, the Justice Department aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents, seeking accountability for any potential violations and facilitating improvements to prevent future occurrences of mistreatment and abuse.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the significance of this probe, stating that the Justice Department aims to determine whether systemic violations of federal laws have occurred within the facility.
During a news conference on July 13, Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, provided insight into the investigation’s scope and objectives. The inquiry was prompted by the tragic death of Lashawn Thompson, an inmate at Fulton County Jail. Thompson, who was in custody for a misdemeanor assault charge, was placed in the jail’s psychiatric wing due to his mental health condition, according to Michael Harper, the attorney representing Thompson’s family.
The allegations surrounding the conditions and treatment of inmates at Fulton County Jail have raised concerns about the facility’s compliance with civil rights standards. The investigation will delve into the reported unsanitary conditions and examine the alleged acts of violence perpetrated against inmates. It represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and addressing any potential violations of inmates’ civil rights.
By launching this civil rights investigation, the Justice Department aims to uncover the truth and determine whether there have been systemic infringements on the rights of incarcerated individuals. The findings of this inquiry will serve as a crucial foundation for improving the conditions within the jail and holding responsible parties accountable for any wrongdoing.
The death of Lashawn Thompson serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for reform within the criminal justice system. It underscores the importance of upholding the rights and well-being of individuals in custody, particularly those grappling with mental health challenges. The Justice Department’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death reflects a broader dedication to safeguarding the civil rights of all individuals, regardless of their incarcerated status.
The outcome of this civil rights investigation at Fulton County Jail holds profound implications for the pursuit of justice and the protection of inmates’ rights. As the inquiry unfolds, the Justice Department will scrutinize the practices, policies, and treatment of individuals within the facility to ensure that their constitutional rights are upheld.
The initiation of this investigation should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and a renewed focus on the fair and humane treatment of incarcerated individuals. The Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to upholding civil rights, even within correctional institutions, sends a powerful message about the importance of accountability and the pursuit of justice. Through this investigation, the department seeks to shed light on any potential violations and work towards rectifying systemic issues to ensure that the rights and dignity of all inmates are respected.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 17, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
A noteworthy development has taken place as a Louisiana judge has rendered a decision to dismiss the obstruction of justice charges against the officers accused in the fatal assault of Ronald Greene. The incident, which occurred in May 2019, involved several former Louisiana state troopers who were accused of violently beating and tasing Ronald Greene during a fatal confrontation.
Judge Rogers issued the ruling and set a three-day deadline for prosecutors to rectify the deficiencies identified by the court regarding the three other defendants: Kory York, John Clary, and Chris Harpin. Failure to address these shortcomings could lead to the judge dismissing additional charges. The case has garnered significant public interest and raised grave apprehensions regarding police misconduct and the issue of accountability. The brutal assault suffered by Ronald Greene has deeply disturbed the nation, underscoring the immediate necessity for justice and reform within law enforcement agencies. The dismissal of the obstruction of justice counts adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.
The decision by Judge Rogers is not the final word in this ongoing legal saga The survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre retain the option to file an appeal against the ruling, ensuring that their quest for justice regarding Ronald Greene’s tragic death persists. The dismissal of the obstruction of justice charges raises significant inquiries about the accountability of law enforcement officers and the justice system’s responsibility in ensuring they are held liable for their conduct. The public’s demand for transparency and justice in cases of police violence is stronger than ever, and this latest development will undoubtedly fuel the conversation around police reform and the need for comprehensive changes in the way officers are trained, supervised, and held accountable.
The fate of the remaining charges against the officers involved in Ronald Greene’s assault remains uncertain. The court’s decision to dismiss the obstruction of justice counts underscores the challenges faced by prosecutors in these cases, as they strive to bring justice to victims and their families while grappling with the complexities of the legal system.
As the legal battle continues, it is crucial to remember Ronald Greene and the countless other victims of police violence. Their stories serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address systemic issues within law enforcement agencies and work towards a more just and equitable society.
The dismissal of the obstruction of justice counts is a setback in the pursuit of justice for Ronald Greene, but it is by no means the end. The fight for accountability and meaningful reform in the face of police brutality will persist, fueled by the voices of activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens who refuse to accept the status quo.
The focus remains on seeking justice for Ronald Greene and ensuring that incidents of police assault are thoroughly investigated, officers are held accountable, and meaningful changes are implemented to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 26, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
A weekend meant to celebrate freedom and equality turned into a harrowing experience for an Ohio couple, Lamar Richards and his boyfriend. Their visit to a Bed, Bath & Beyond store during a closing sale took a distressing turn when they were unjustly accused of shoplifting. In a display of resilience, they shared a video on Twitter capturing the incident, shedding light on the enduring struggle against racial bias and the urgent need for change.
The Juneteenth weekend took an unexpected and distressing turn for an Ohio couple, whose encounter at a Toledo Bed, Bath & Beyond store has ignited a firestorm of outrage. Lamar Richards and his boyfriend found themselves at the center of an unjust accusation of shoplifting, leading to the dispatch of law enforcement. A video documenting the incident, shared on Twitter, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against racial bias and the fight for justice.
What should have been a joyous celebration of Juneteenth turned into an ordeal of humiliation and potential legal action for Lamar Richards and his boyfriend. Summarizing their experience, we capture the profound impact of the incident on their lives and highlight the stark contrast between the expectations of a celebratory weekend and the reality they faced at the Bed, Bath & Beyond store.
Through the viral video shared on Twitter, Richards and his boyfriend shed light on the systemic racial bias that continues to persist in society. Their courageous act of exposing the unjust accusation serves as a rallying cry for accountability and an end to racial profiling. The incident at Bed, Bath & Beyond stands as a potent reminder of the urgent need for change in our collective mindset and the systems that perpetuate discrimination.
By amplifying the Ohio couple story, we amplify their voices and the voices of countless individuals who have faced similar experiences. Social media gives us the opportunity to unite, fight bias, and seek justice. We want to create empathy and understanding by rewording their experiences. This way, we can build a sense of solidarity and encourage others to speak out against racial injustice. The incident at Bed, Bath & Beyond serves as a turning point, highlighting the need for tangible actions to combat racial bias. We want to highlight the importance of creating policies and training that deal with **implicit bias**, which is a negative attitude or prejudice that we are not aware of but that affects how we treat people of different races or ethnicities. We believe that only by working together can we build a society that respects and values everyone, no matter their background or identity.
Lamar Richards and his boyfriend’s experience at Bed, Bath & Beyond sheds light on the persistence of racial bias and the urgent need for change. Their courageous act of sharing the incident on social media sparks outrage and calls for accountability. As we confront this distressing reality, let us unite in demanding justice and equality for all, creating a society where incidents like these become relics of the past, and where every individual can shop, live, and thrive without fear of discrimination.
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