by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 6, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock
In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage, comedian Rickey Smiley has accused ride-hailing company Uber of racial discrimination. The incident, which unfolded on Friday (June 30), has gained significant attention among Smiley’s fans after he shared a video documenting the encounter online.
Rickey Smiley‘s encounter with an Uber driver has sparked outrage as he recounts the incident where he was denied a ride based on his race. Taking to social media, Smiley shared a video capturing the moment, questioning his followers about facing discrimination while using Uber. In the footage, Smiley, who remains off-camera, describes how the driver, who is not Black, refused to transport him solely because of his racial background. This incident has once again highlighted the persistent issue of racial profiling in ride-hailing services. The question resonated with many who have faced similar discriminatory experiences while using ride-sharing services. The incident serves as a stark reminder that racial profiling continues to be a distressing reality for individuals of color.
The short video captures Smiley’s frustration as he recounts the incident In the video, Smiley, who is off-camera, shares that the Uber driver refused to provide him a ride simply because of his race. Without any interaction between Smiley and the driver, the footage shows the driver, who is not Black, leaving the scene. Despite standing in the rain, Smiley underscores the situation by expressing that he was denied an Uber ride solely because of his race. The driver departs in a minivan as Smiley captures the incident.
Smiley’s encounter sheds light on the deeply rooted issue of racial discrimination that persists in various sectors of society, including the transportation industry. Ride-hailing services such as Uber have revolutionized transportation accessibility, but incidents like these reveal the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
The comedian’s decision to share his experience publicly has sparked a vital conversation about the urgent need to address systemic racism and discrimination. Smiley’s viral video serves as a call to action, urging companies like Uber to reassess their policies and ensure that instances of racial discrimination are swiftly and effectively addressed.
The incident involving Rickey Smiley is not an isolated case. It underscores the importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable society, free from prejudice and bias. The power of social media has amplified the voices of those who have experienced discrimination, providing a platform for sharing stories and demanding accountability.
As this story continues to gain traction, it serves as a stark reminder that the fight against discrimination is far from over. Smiley’s courage in speaking out against this unjust treatment will undoubtedly inspire others to share their own experiences and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of social justice.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 3, 2023 | Latest, POLITICS, Social Justice |
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
In a significant legal decision, a judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled that the Proud Boys, a white supremacist group, must pay a substantial amount in restitution for their destructive actions towards a historic Black church. The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, situated just a short distance from the White House, was granted a default judgment exceeding $1 million in their lawsuit against the Proud Boys. The lawsuit was initiated three years ago and sought justice for the wanton destruction of a prominent Black Lives Matter sign.
The incident, which occurred in December 2020, shook the community and brought attention to the ongoing struggles against racial injustice. The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, renowned for its rich history and significance in the African American community, stood as a symbol of resilience and hope. The vandalism committed by the Proud Boys tarnished not only the physical property but also the values of equality and social progress.
The judge’s ruling serves as a crucial step towards accountability and reparations. It sends a resounding message that acts of hate and bigotry will not go unpunished. By holding the Proud Boys responsible for their actions, the court reinforces the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of marginalized communities.
While the financial compensation awarded to the church cannot fully repair the harm caused, it represents a tangible measure of justice. The funds will contribute to the restoration and revitalization of the affected community, reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity and unity.
This ruling stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and the broader movement for social justice. It reinforces the idea that institutions and individuals who propagate hate and division will face the consequences of their actions. By seeking legal recourse, the church has asserted its unwavering commitment to preserving the principles of equality and dismantling systemic racism.
As the community reflects on this landmark decision, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the imperative to protect the rights of marginalized communities. The fight against racism and discrimination requires continued solidarity and vigilance. The case of the Proud Boys and the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a pivotal moment in this ongoing battle, amplifying the voices of those seeking a more equitable society.
Through the determination of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and the unwavering support of allies, this triumph sends a powerful message. It emphasizes that acts of hate and intolerance will not deter the pursuit of justice and equality. The ruling sets a precedent for holding accountable those who seek to undermine the progress of social justice movements.
In the face of adversity, the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and its community have shown immense strength and resilience. Their victory in this legal battle marks a milestone in the fight against systemic racism and discrimination. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those engaged in the pursuit of a fairer and more inclusive society.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 27, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
Atlanta, GA – A grand jury in Atlanta is set to review a high-profile investigation involving six former officers who were fired following the tragic death of Terry Lee Thurmond. The case has stirred public outrage, with allegations that the officers suffocated Thurmond during the incident. Thomas Reynolds, the legal representative for Thurmond’s family, expressed their deep concern, stating, “They suffocated him to death.”
The Georgia grand jury, scheduled to convene in the coming weeks, will delve into the details of the investigation. CNN reported that a reliable source informed them about the prosecutors’ plan to present the case to a panel of their peers. The initiation of this probe stems from the fatal incident in 2022, where several former officers were allegedly involved.
The death of Terry Lee Thurmond, a 38-year-old individual, has raised significant questions about police conduct and accountability. The community has been anxiously awaiting the grand jury’s review to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The review aims to determine the actions of the former officers and whether they bear responsibility for Thurmond’s untimely demise.
Public outcry and demands for justice have been intensifying since the news broke about the investigation. Social justice advocates and concerned citizens have rallied behind the Thurmond family, calling for transparency and accountability throughout the legal process. The fate of the officers who took his life is in the hands of the grand jury. They will determine if the officers broke the law or not. The victim’s family and friends are hoping for justice. The community is watching closely and wants to trust the law again.
The public eagerly anticipates the outcome of the investigation and hopes that it will provide the answers and accountability they seek.
As the Atlanta, grand jury prepares to embark on this significant undertaking, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice prevails. We’re not going to let this go. We’re going to find out what really happened to Terry Lee Thurmond, who died in a horrible way. We’re going to look into everything that the ex-cops did, what led up to that awful night, and how they tried to cover it up.
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.
by Tanyette McCoy Davis | Apr 28, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
It’s been three long years since Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in her own home by police officers. And now, as if reopening old wounds, one of the officers involved in that tragic incident has just been rehired by the sheriff’s office. Myles Cosgrove is back on duty and stirring up controversy once again. In this blog post, we explore what happened, why it matters, and what it says about our justice system today.
It all started on March 13th, 2020 when Louisville Metro police officers forced their way into Breonna Taylor’s home without warning. They were executing a “no-knock” warrant issued in connection to a drug investigation – even though the man they were looking for had already been arrested. During the raid, three officers fired multiple rounds at Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker. Taylor was fatally shot multiple times and Walker was injured.
Myles Cosgrove was one of the officers who fired his weapon that night. After an internal investigation, he was placed on administrative reassignment in June 2020 pending termination – however, he ultimately kept his job. Now, three years after the deadly shooting of Breonna Taylor, Myles Cosgrove has been rehired by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a civilian employee.
The hiring of Cosgrove has been met with criticism from Taylor’s family and activists, who say that he should not be employed by the sheriff’s office given the circumstances of her death. However, Sheriff John Aubrey defended the decision, saying that Cosgrove is a “qualified applicant” and that he had no role in planning or executing the raid.
Since the announcement of Myles Cosgrove’s hiring by the sheriff’s office, the community has been divided on whether or not it is an appropriate move. Some believe that Cosgrove should be held accountable for his role in Breonna Taylor’s death and believe that this hire is a step in the right direction. Others feel that Cosgrove should not be given a position of authority given the circumstances of Taylor’s death. There is also concern that this hire could set a precedent for other officers who have been involved in fatal shootings.
This lack of accountability contributes to a culture of violence and impunity within law enforcement. It also erodes trust between police and the communities they are sworn to protect. When officers are not held accountable for their actions, it sends a message that their lives are more valuable than those of the people they are supposed to serve and protect. This is unacceptable.
There needs to be significant reform in how law enforcement is held accountable for its actions. We need to create a system where officers who use excessive force are immediately removed from their positions and face criminal charges. Only then will we start to see real change in how police treat the communities they are supposed to serve.
There are many ways to hold police accountable for their actions. One way is to have an independent review board that investigates complaints against officers. Another way is to require officers to wear body cameras and have the footage released to the public. Additionally, police departments can be more transparent with their data and release information on officer-involved shootings. Communities can come together and demand accountability from their local police department.
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