by Derrick T Lewis | Aug 9, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
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.
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 7, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
In a recent court appearance, Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old former United States Marine, entered a plea of not guilty for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. In a video that documented the event, Penny was seen restraining Neely, an unhoused street performer of Black ethnicity, in a chokehold that tragically resulted in his demise within the confines of a subway car in New York.
The hearing, a concise proceeding of under five minutes, witnessed Penny offering a resolute declaration of “not guilty” as his sole response. The recent indictment for second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide was brought forth by a grand jury in Manhattan. Despite the charges, Penny remains free on a $100,000 bond, with no adjustments to his conditions during the hearing. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and intensified calls for justice.
Neely’s family, along with advocates against police brutality, are closely following the case. The assertion of innocence through the plea of not guilty has sparked additional discourse in the public sphere concerning the disproportionate employment of force and the responsibility of those in law enforcement. Penny’s next court appearance is slated for October 25th, signifying the ongoing progression of the legal proceedings.The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to address the issues of racial injustice and excessive force within the criminal justice system.
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 Derrick T Lewis | Jul 3, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
There was a new video released by Stormzy on Thursday (June 22). The visual is for his banging track “Toxic Trait,” a popular song featuring Fredo and with production by Dave. As the South London talent moves through the drill-inspired cut, he takes a moment to admit that he has flaws while reminding listeners how great he is.
Femi Ladi, the director of the video, takes a creative route by showing different variations of Stormzy performing his lyrics in several different ways in order to convey his message. He is eventually able to join his peers after a hilarious therapy session interlude in which he joins his peers. As well as Ivorian Doll and Alison Hammond making appearances throughout the movie, other notable guests can be seen as well.
“Toxic Trait” is Stormzy’s first official release since his third studio album, This Is What I Mean, which dropped in November 2022, a year after his third studio album had made its debut. As a result of this body of work, the album contained 12 tracks and a number of additional features, including Ayra Starr, Sampha, Black Sherif, Ms Banks, Amaarae, and more. There is no doubt that Stormzy’s album is well known for its more experimental content, as most of the tracks included gospel, R&B, along with a variety of other genres, to create the most enjoyable music for listeners. A successful departure with All I Want for My Birthday proved to be one of his most successful albums, as It Is What I Mean both landed him a No. 1 position on the UK Albums Chart for his third consecutive week, as well as earning him a silver certification.
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