Ice Cube calls for “second reproduction” to address systemic racism
The N.W.A. co-founder wrote a powerful opinion piece article, joined by his “Contract with Black America.” Ice Cube called for orderly change in his new
Meek Mill wants New York to pass the Less is More Act, which would reform parole
More people are imprisoned in New York for technical parole violations than anywhere else.
In addition to the criminal justice system, Meek Mill emphasizes other social issues. The embattled rapper is passionate about making changes to outdated legal policies and discriminatory practices.
It was Saturday (June 5) when Meek published a tweet advocating the passage of a bill that would eliminate incarceration for most technical parole violations.
Legislators in New York State must pass the Less is More Act before they can leave town next week. In NYS, we need meaningful reforms now! The tweet was sent by Meek.
LessisMoreNY.org, a website dedicated to the bill, says there are about 35,000 people under active parole supervision in New York who could be incarcerated again at any time if they reoffend on a technical violation. “Not only does this result in harm to individuals and families without corresponding improvements to public safety, but it also drives up the population in state and local prisons, wasting taxpayer money.”
As a state, New York is home to the most inmates imprisoned for technical parole violations. The site lists a number of offenses, from failing to appear for a parole officer’s appointment to arriving late for curfew or testing positive for alcohol or another drug.
According to the current bill, incarceration would be limited for technical offenses if it is adopted into law. Additionally, it would enhance due process, provide speedy hearings, and provide credit for earned time under community supervision.
There are over 275 community and advocacy groups across New York as well as democratic members of congress that support the Less is More bill, which technically is titled Senate Bill S1144. Senator Brian A. Benjamin is the sponsor of the bill.
Meek is co-chair of Reform Alliance, a nonprofit that works toward creating safe communities by drastically reducing the number of people trapped in the criminal justice system. The group has had legislative success in California, Louisiana, and Michigan, so hopefully they will be able to add New York to the list soon.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
Family of Man Eaten Alive by Bed Bugs in Fulton County Jail Reaches $4 Million Settlement
A tragic tale of negligence and suffering has culminated in a landmark resolution as the family of Lashawn Thompson, a 35-year-old man who endured a horrifying fate while in custody, reaches a settlement of $4 million with the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lashawn Thompson’s distressing demise within the confines of a jail cell, where he was left to be consumed by bed bugs, sent shockwaves through the nation. The recent settlement is a poignant reminder of the magnitude of the tragedy and the urgent need for accountability within the criminal justice system.
The circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death are chillingly disturbing. According to an autopsy report, the causes listed include “dehydration, malnutrition, severe body insect infestation,” and the haunting presence of “untreated decompensated schizophrenia.” These conditions collectively paint a grim picture of a man who was not only physically abandoned but also denied essential medical and psychological care.
The journey to this settlement has been fraught with pain and heartache for Thompson’s family. His death occurred within a mental health ward at Fulton County Jail on September 13, 2022, a mere three months following his arrest on misdemeanor simple battery charges. The tragedy speaks to the critical need for comprehensive reform in how individuals with mental health challenges are treated within the criminal justice system.
The settlement sends a resounding message about the responsibilities borne by institutions to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of those under their care. Michael Harper, an attorney representing Thompson’s family, affirmed that no statement regarding the settlement will be released. This outcome serves as a powerful testament to the quest for justice in the face of profound adversity.
Nonetheless, this heart-wrenching event has not occurred in isolation. Just recently, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an inquiry into the living conditions at Fulton County Jail, underlining a broader concern. This investigation was triggered by a series of troubling reports detailing inmate abuse and neglect. The announcement underscores the dire need for comprehensive oversight and reforms to prevent future instances of such flagrant neglect and abuse.
“Fulton County and the Sheriff’s Office have been made aware of a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice to examine conditions at the Fulton County Jail and will be cooperating fully with the investigation,” read a joint statement from Fulton County officials and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
As the legal system grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, the settlement underscores the imperative for accountability, transparency, and the unwavering protection of human rights. The legacy of Lashawn Thompson remains a touching testament, underscoring the vital principle that every person, irrespective of their situation, merits to be treated with honor and consideration. Moving ahead, our course must be one of transformation, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to preventing the recurrence of such a heartrending tragedy.
Former Shreveport Officer Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Alonzo Bagley, Igniting Calls for Accountability
A solemn chapter in the quest for justice unfolds as former Shreveport Police Department officer Alexander Tyler appears in court, entangled in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Alonzo Bagley, a Black man whose life was tragically cut short. The proceedings, which took place on July 24, marked a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn nationwide attention and heightened calls for accountability within law enforcement.
In a courtroom charged with emotion, Alexander Tyler, a white former officer, entered a plea of not guilty to charges stemming from the shooting incident that claimed the life of Alonzo Bagley in February. Tyler faces charges of first-degree negligent homicide and felony malfeasance, with prosecutors recently adding a second felony charge to the list. If found guilty, both counts carry potential sentences of up to five years in prison, a reflection of the gravity of the accusations.
The events leading up to the fatal encounter were captured on bodycam footage, a chilling testament to the realities of this tragic incident. The events transpired on February 3 when law enforcement were called to an apartment complex in the Shreveport, Louisiana region following reports of a domestic disturbance. What followed in the wake of their arrival would reverberate deeply within the community. Alonzo Bagley, a 43-year-old Black man, chose to escape the clutches of the authorities by vaulting from a balcony, setting in motion an intense pursuit on foot that would hold the attention of all those involved.
The bodycam footage revealed the pivotal moments that culminated in tragedy. As officers closed in on Bagley, Alexander Tyler discharged his weapon, striking Bagley in the chest. The visual documentation of the encounter has ignited a wave of outrage and intensified demands for transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.
Proponents of accountability argue that while law enforcement officers indeed face perilous situations, the public expects that they will exercise sound judgment and adhere to strict guidelines, particularly when it comes to the use of lethal force. Tyler’s legal history, including two suspensions from the force and an ongoing investigation into previous violations, casts a shadow over his actions and raises questions about his fitness to serve as a protector of the community.
In response to these deeply troubling developments, community leaders, activists, and concerned citizens are rallying for a thorough and impartial investigation. The case of Alonzo Bagley’s death echoes a larger nationwide conversation about systemic issues within law enforcement and the urgent need for reform.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader movement for justice and accountability. The plea of not guilty signifies the beginning of a complex journey towards truth and justice, one that will require a steadfast commitment from all corners of society to ensure that the memory of Alonzo Bagley is honored and that incidents like this never happen again.
Derek Chauvin Seeks US Supreme Court Appeal After 2021 Conviction in George Floyd’s Death
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer found guilty in George Floyd’s death, is now seeking an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court after facing setbacks in Minnesota’s highest court. His choice to pursue this avenue for appeal came to light following the denial of his request by the state’s top justice system.
In a historic verdict on April 20, 2021, a Minneapolis court found Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree manslaughter and more in the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man whose death sparked global protests and calls for justice.
After the conviction, Chauvin’s legal team sought to challenge the outcome through the state’s legal channels. However, their efforts were unsuccessful in Minnesota’s highest court. Determined to continue the fight, Chauvin’s attorney, Gregory M. Erickson, announced that they plan to petition the United States Supreme Court for a Writ of Certiorari.
In this case, Chauvin’s legal team aims to present arguments to the nation’s highest court in the hope of overturning the 2021 conviction.
Derek Chauvin’s conviction was a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for police accountability and racial justice. The tragic death of George Floyd sparked a worldwide movement demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism. Chauvin’s trial and subsequent conviction were viewed as a crucial step towards ensuring that law enforcement officers are held responsible for their actions.
The former officers who were present at the scene alongside Chauvin during Floyd’s death also faced legal consequences for their involvement. The trial shed light on systemic issues within the Minneapolis Police Department, leading to an investigation by the Justice Department. The investigation found evidence of unlawful discrimination against people of color within the police department, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
As Derek Chauvin seeks an appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court, the nation remains vigilant in the pursuit of justice. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing national conversation about policing and racial equity. The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications not only for Chauvin’s individual case but also for the broader quest for justice and accountability in law enforcement.
His memory continues to inspire movements and initiatives aimed at addressing systemic inequities and demanding transformative change in the criminal justice system.
As Chauvin’s legal team prepares to present their case to the highest court in the land, the eyes of the nation are once again on the U.S. Supreme Court. The outcome of this appeal will reverberate through the annals of history, shaping the trajectory of justice and the pursuit of equality for all Americans.
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