Happy Birthday Emmett Till

On this day, July 25, 1941, Emmett Till was born. Till was the child murdered in Money, Mississippi on August 28, 1955 at the tender age of fourteen-year-old. The black boy from Chicago supposedly whistled at a white woman in a grocery store. Till didn't understand that he had broken an unwritten law of the Jim Crow South until three days later, when two white men dragged him from his bed in the dead of night, beat him brutally and then shot him in the head.

Although his killers were arrested and charged with murder, they were both acquitted quickly by an all-white, all-male jury. Shortly afterwards, the defendants sold their story, including a detailed account of how they murdered Till, to a journalist. The murder and the trial horrified the nation and the world. Till's death was a spark that helped mobilize the civil rights movement. Three months after his body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River the Montgomery bus boycott began.

It’s been fifty-eight years since the events of that fateful night and I simply cannot find the words to describe this heinous crime that has yet to receive justice; much like Trayvon Martin's death in our time. We will never know the significance of their contribution to the world.

Lil Emmett would have been seventy-two years old today! I’ll end by sharing these words by Maya Angelou: “history, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” Then came George Zimmerman!!! And that's my Thought Provoking Perspective...

The links below can better inform you of the facts:

The lynching of Emmett Till: a documentary narrative

By Christopher Metress
(free online book)

http://johntwills.com

Our Human Cry For Justice

The shocking comments made by the defense attorney for Zimmerman is exactly the problem I have with this case - white privilege. The attorney made a statement that was as ridicules as, in my view, the verdict: “If George Zimmerman Were Black He Never Would've Been Charged With A Crime.” With this insane theory I have to say the criminal justice system is indeed criminal!!!

Not too long ago, a black person’s “place” was in the field or in the back of the bus. If a black man was found “out of his place,” he could be jailed or lynched. In Martin’s day — in our day — a black person’s “place” is in the ghetto. If he is found “out of his place,” he will be treated with suspicion, frisked, arrested — or in this case DEATH and the murder is found NOT GUILTY.

The notion of a Post Racial society is a fallacy that is much bigger than the elephant in the room. African Americans have endured suffering beyond biblical proportions and in many cases sanctioned by the American jurisprudence that leads us to today where the continued struggle of the engrained concept of privilege and supremacy is the cornerstone of the nation’s justice system. Make no mistake the Zimmerman case was more about institutional racism than justice.

We know there have been many injustices in American history. So much so that a war was fought over race. We witnessed martyrs and black people killed for nothing from Emmitt Till to Medgar Evers to James Byrd to Dr. King – all murdered. This is a moment in time where people of color must take a position to say “the struggle must continue” and we must speak at full volume in numbers to force change.

Regardless of how much we are held down, it is our responsibility to find a way to get up, even if the system is designed to protect the system. The great Bob Marley reminded us to “Stand-up – Stand-up for your rights”. You use social media for all sorts of reasons. Now is the time to use it for a cause to change the world.

Trayvon we know justice was denied. I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am so sorry that America did not protect you. I am so sorry that you lived in a country that did not value your life. The racist justice system has failed you and us once again. Your legacy is not dead and as you look down upon us, and know we got your back!!! And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

Listen to Judge Mathis: http://www.v103.com/pages/sh.html?article=11483441

The Citizens Counsel Of Sanford

This will be a short perspective concerning the disgrace rendered by the all white jury - minus one - in Sanford, Florida in support of Zimmerman. I'm stunned and disappointed. NOT GUILTY. Just like those who got off for the Bombing of the 16th Street Church in Birmingham back in '63. It’s been fifty years since the murder of Medgar Evers and nearly sixty years after Lil Emmitt Till and we can see that nothing has changed down in Dixie. It's a sad day in the history of American.

This system of justice continues to fall short of the truth, especially when a child can be going about his daily business and be killed because of a false assumption. Beatrice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King said this in a statement "We've got some difficult days ahead. Let us seek God for his guidance during this time. God is a God of Justice, mercy and grace.” I make this statement with all due respect but those were her father’s words and if I can recall his nonviolent posture got him killed.

Frankly, I just have a simple question: Why are we surprised by the verdict? The system has never worked for us. We see the dirty cops in this police state in which we live; the crooked lawyers; prosecutor’s whose job it is to fill prisons and the judges who work in concert with them. Didn’t Richard Pryor tell us that in court it is not justice – “it’s just us”. There is a statute that tells us that justice is blind.

Minister Malcolm X so eloquently talked about the crimes America inflects upon Black people and the system that covets them. He once said, “Anywhere south of Canada is in the south”. If that is true then the deep south would be the confederacy that held such strong feeling about a black man’s place. Therefore, based on that analogy Sanford, Florida is in the bawls of hell after reaching that verdict in the George Zimmerman murder case.

I will never go to Disney again!

Let me leave you with this: How is it that Michael Vick can do jail-time in prison for killing dogs when he was not there when the dogs were killed. A black woman in Florida fires 'warning shots' at abusive husband gets 20 years. Plexico Burruss shots himself and goes to jail – prison mind you. I don’t even like OJ but he got 33 years for stealing his own stuff. Lil Kim goes to prison for not cooperating (snitching) and this f***ing a**hole Zimmerman kills a child who his defense says had a weapon, which was the sidewalk gets found “Not Guilty”.

I am deeply ashamed that in our country a young boy cannot walk to the neighborhood store to buy skittles without it being a death penalty. All of black America voted and praises our president who has done virtually nothing for people who looks like him. Mr. President where are you now and did our vote count? With what the Supreme Court has done it seem more like 1963 than 2013. So for all you uppity Negro who though America has accepted you. Hmmm!!!

I will end here with a heavy heart with the message from Trayvon’s father: “Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY. God blessed me & Sybrina with Tray and even in his death I know my baby proud of the FIGHT we along with all of you put up for him GOD BLESS!!!”

Only in America can a dead black boy go on trial for his own murder. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

 The Verdict would have surely been different "IF"!!!

We Want Justice For Trayvon Martin

We have seen justice denied many times since African Americans were dragged onto the shores of this country. It has happened in many ways from lynchings to many other forms of terror and as we see continues today.

I will pray for justice to be served in the Zimmerman Murder Case. Therefore, Thought Provoking Perspectives will show support for the Martin family who only asks for justice to not be denied as it has throughout our sorted history.

The Black image is my way of showing my support until justice is correctly served.

Not too long ago, a black person’s “place” was in the field or in the back of the bus. If a black man was found “out of his place,” he could be jailed or lynched. In Martin’s day — in our day — a black person’s “place” is in the ghetto. If he is found “out of his place,” he may be treated with suspicion, frisked, arrested — or in this case DEATH.

Rest In Peace Trayvon! And that's my Thought Provoking Perspective...

A Necessary Voice For Justice

We all know, and I for one appreciate, the flamboyant activist of the National Action Network; the Reverend, Brother, Pastor Al Sharpton who has been on the front lines fighting for equality and justice within our communities for a long time. I want to say thank you to the Good Reverend for his dedication and socially conscience efforts to seek justice for the voices that would otherwise go unheard. His show on MSNBC has made sense out of the senseless.

I read a column today written by one Dana Milbank where he said, “The Rev. Al Sharpton is lord of all he surveys.” I found that comment very interesting because that does not appear, to me, to be the Rev’s persona! Now, some may call him a leader or our leader – I beg to differ. I call him an advocate for right who is very necessary in this climate where racism still exist and bigotry has raised its ugly head in ways not seen in generations.

With regard to the article; I continued to read it while I enjoyed my first cup of coffee wondering if this writer or many people, particularly African American, understood the context used in the piece – “power player”. I could have appreciated what may have been intended as a compliment, if he had said it in a different way or from a different perspective – like “speaks to power”. This would imply that the Rev challenges the wrongs of society.

For example, the Trayvon Martin trial coverage for instance was far more appropriate than any of the other networks. The main stream media paid no attention to this hideous crime for weeks. It was black media, and Reverend Al in particular, that caused the story to be brought to light for the nation, then the world to see. Other than the NRA, any person with children should have felt compassion and want justice because next time it could be your child or you.

The article went on to say, “Sharpton has pulled off one of the rarest second acts in American public life: from pariah to power player.” I suppose he was referring to the Rev’s effective use of the media in the Martin case to rally so many people for justice that was needed and I say thank you Rev!

I will agree with the Good Reverend as he put it regarding justice for Trayvon:

“It was a huge moment, because it was the coming together of everything,” Sharpton said, with his trademark vainglory. “We had the attorney general here and one of the biggest civil rights cases of the 21st century, and having to do TV and radio shows at the same time, it was all combined for everybody to see.” Frankly, if not for Reverend Al the Martin case would be hidden and justice denied.

I will close by saying; “the the Good Reverend puts his life on the line for the voiceless and stands up for the powerless.” Let us pray that justice is served or even the Good Reverend may be powerless to control the emotions of a people who will see that we are still a nation of people living in a nation without a nationality.

Let us remember Trayvon, not just for the moment, nor forget the many others in situations where justice has been deferred –keep up the fight for right Rev. Yes and that is a good thing and necessary! And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

The End Is Near

The George Zimmerman murder trial has put race front and center in the American conversation. The opinions of guilt or innocence are split right down the middle alone racial lines. Those of the other hue feel the assassin, in my view, is innocent and had every right to shot the young black man – dare I say, just because he was black; even though the young man was doing nothing wrong. On the other hand African Americans and parents or should I say sane people see it as crime as an outrageous act of a monster.

The question, if you believe in the justice system to be fair and just, will be answered in a few days as the case nears a close. This case reminds me of the attitudes of many during the OJ Simpson trial, the Rodney King atrocity, or I could compare this to the immoral actions of the monsters that killed Emmitt Till.

In Till’s day, a black person’s “place” was in the field or in the back of the bus. If a black man was found “out of his place,” he could be jailed or lynched. In Martin’s day — in our day — a black person’s “place” is in the ghetto. If he is found “out of his place,” he may be treated with suspicion, frisked, arrested — or worse.

When you look at the killing Trayvon Martin and all the lies that has been exposed I am fearful of what may happen next. After the Emmitt Till murder the Civil Rights Movement was launched. The OJ case showed us in many ways how justice can be served with enough money. Then we saw Rodney King on video beaten nearly to death by the so-called authorities and the thugs were found innocent, which by the way often happens to blacks at the hands of the law.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the scales of justice is unbalanced. African American’s know when it comes to justice – “it’s just us”. Because we are most often not the recipients of anything fair or just. In fact, it has been that way since people of African descent were called colored and Negros, whereas this is no secret as it is recorded even in His-story.

I remember the results of each of the mentioned situations. I can particularly remember Simi Valley’s outcome and the horror that followed. I hope, if the murderer, who bragged that killing an innocent black child was God’s will, gets the verdict he deserves. If not, we could well see a devastating outcome that America may not be prepared for, in that the violence would be unprecedented.

I, for one, pray for peace and ask that the outcome also be God’s will. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

The Meaning Of The Cross

Words that ring true - "injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere".

http://johntwills.com

Unfairly Treated Rachel Jeantel

This post serves one purpose, which is to say SHAME on those who have been so cruel to the nineteen year-old young woman who was thrust into a world-wide media circus.

She is not a Hollywood actress, obviously has language, cultural and educational barriers. The disrespect many have demonstrated on social media reached an unbelievable low. I have about sixty thousand social media connects and most have discussed me. We expect this behavior from those of the other hue and racists but I am shocked that it has come from the African American community.

This woman did not ask to be the last person to hear the voice of her young friend who was brutally murder by, in my view, a monster. She is not well versed in the arena of a courtroom. I am sure many of you know the emotional impact of a death; have had a family member or friend to die, which should allow you to understand the emotional trauma of such an event. You should be ashamed of your comments about how this young lady looked; as if she not one of God’s children.

I think she held her own and stood her ground under very difficult circumstances. Understand that she was there as a witness to her friends murder. I, for one, found her testimony creditable. I will not go on and on about this but to say I am proud of this young woman for having the courage to come forth with the truth as she understood it to be.

I am particularly ashamed of the African American community who wore those hoodies professing their support for the murdered of Trayvon Martin, particularly black women, who claims to be strong black women. Your disrespect of this sister is reprehensible. Those who are guilty know who you are and should be ashamed!

I say to you, all of you, put yourself in her place and for those who say God or Jesus in every sentence. He or she who is without sin cast the first stone. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

THE NERVE OF THIS MAN

Let me say from the first sentence that I in no way condone nor endorse the newly released book by Robert Zimmerman Sr., called “Florida v. Zimmerman: Uncovering the Malicious Prosecution of my Son, George”. Rather to say it is, in my view, disgrace. I am not a reviewer although I do have the right to an opinion, which is the reason for this post or maybe a rebuke of this shocking and shameful essay.

As the murder trial for George Zimmerman begins and prior to its start the defense has released prejudicial information that in no way would be admitted in court disparaging to the deceased child. Let say it more clearly – THE VICTEM WHO IS DEAD! If this guy was so innocent these tactic would not be necessary.

In an article written by Judd Legum in ThinkProgess reports the following:  

The most striking chapter in this publication is called “Who Are The True Racists,” an apparent effort to rebut claims that his son’s actions were racially motivated. Previously, Zimmerman Sr. “believed generally racism was a thing of the past.” He says that, personally, he hadn’t encountered much racism, even though his wife is Hispanic. But after his son shot and killed Trayvon Martin, however, Zimmerman learned that racism is “flourishing at the insistence of some in the African American Community.” He then goes on to list various black leaders and organizations that he believes are racist:

Congressional Black Caucus. “[A] pathetic, self-serving group of racists… advancing their purely racist agenda.” He later adds that “all members of Congress should be ashamed of the Congressional Black Caucus, as should be their constituents.” And finally: “They are truly a disgrace to all Americans.”

The NAACP. “[S]imply promotes racism and hatred for their own, primarily finical, interests” and “without prejudice and racial divide, the NAACP would simply cease to exist.”

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous. “[W]hat I would expect of a racist.”

Trayvon Martin’s funeral director. A “racial activist and former head of the local NAACP.”

Benjamin Crump, Natialie Jackson and Darrly Parks, attorneys for Travyon Martin’s family. “The scheme team.”

The National Basketball Players Association.

Black Chamber of Commerce.

National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers.

National Black United Fund.

United Negro College Fund.

While stopping short of explicitly calling President Obama a racist, Zimmerman Sr. does say that Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have “shamelessly” sought to exploit his son’s case “to obtain great advantage in the African-American community.”

Zimmerman Sr. says that because of Holder’s decision to investigate whether Trayvon Martin’s death violated federal civil rights laws, the FBI did not have “adequate resources to investigate clearly identified potential terrorist [sic] in the Boston area.” Now, “tragically, we have suffered the consequences of Mr. Holder’s politically motivated decisions.”

It is my understanding that the elder Zimmerman was a Judge. Therefore, he should know what happens when a death occurs from the use of a handgun. If the Pop’s is so confident that his son is innocence the former judge might want to see what has been reported from the autopsy report and the DNA findings. If I can recall the EMS and his son's PA admitted in their findings that he (the son) may have injured himself to make it appear that the child he murdered give him cause.

Racism is rooted in white privilege which seems to be the arrogance of what he speaks and could be the Zimmerman family trademark ingrained, unfortunately, in the old man’s heart. It really takes a lower element to profess this kind of disrespectful thinking! Therefore, from this rant I ask who might the real racist be? And that’s my THOUGHT PROVOKING PERSPECTIVE…

WHAT IF?

We have heard for nearly a year and a half every pundit and pontificator give their opinions on the Trayvon Martin’s death and the Gorge Zimmerman second degree murder trial.

Let me be clear; everyone has a right to their point of view and by all accounts the reactions are usually split along racial lines. A Fox News anchor commented that Zimmerman has suffered enough. I suppose implying that Trayvon’s death means he suffers no more or his family. SHOCKING!

I’ve seen a half century of history and witnessed what many African Americans see as the scales of justice being unbalanced – just look at the scales held by Lady Justice. We know the system is designed to protect the system and since slavery that system has existed in one form or another. As a result, often times people of color receives what might be called justice deferred!

This place Sanford Florida has a long history of recorded racial intolerance going back to the days of Jackie Robinson and beyond. I am reasonably confident that if that police department had come to the scene of that crime there is no doubt that there would have been an immediate arrest for murder. In fact, there may well have been and additional death or a beating of the suspect, which occurs often times for lesser crimes all the time.

Let’s go back to the Rodney King situation not long ago – need I say more. We watched him beaten nearly to death and he did not kill anyone. Yet, the system found the culprits not guilty! I am very afraid, if history is any indication, the charged man in this case will be found not guilty and the consequences of that verdict will be disastrous.

Let’s look at this from a completely different perspective.

WHAT IF ZIMMERMAN HAD BEEN BLACK AND SHOT AN UNARMED WHITE CHILD? WHAT SAY YOU?

A wise-man once said, “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.” (Carter G. Woodson)

And that's my Thought Provoking Perspective...

It Could Be A Long Hot Summer

I wrote a post last week reminding my readers that the murder trial of George Zimmerman is finally upon us and to support the Martin family in their quest for justice. I was surprised by some of the comments and emails I received and yes, the pros and cons were split right along color lines. One guy commented that “we should pray for Zimmerman” the accused murder of this child. Another sent a message saying I was playing the race card.

I know there is freedom of speech and everyone has a right to their opinion. But most reasonable people would take umbrage to such remarks particularly in light of the defenses unethical behavior, in my view, to fabricate information about the dead child. As widely reported the defense produced what they called evidence in a brash attempt to alter the image of Martin by linking him to guns, drug use, and a propensity for violence.

The defense team, in prior press conferences and interviews, revealed images on Trayvon’s phone of him smoking marijuana and allegedly holding a gun. Being that they lied about these things should make everyone question their ethics and trustworthiness on any issue or evidence in this case. Particularly, when the court agreed that none of this is admissible.

The there were also statements made recently by Zimmerman’s brother about “voodoo forensics” is more evidence of their desperation. They want to discredit as much evidence in the public eye prior to trial regardless of foundation or truthfulness. Should we discount his statement as the man’s feeble attempt to help save his brother from prosecution of killing an unarmed teenage boy? YES!

Despite the posturing from the Zimmerman defense team and a defiant and nationally supported stance from the Martin family, the trial could play out in a variety of ways once jurors are presented with the mounds of evidence in the weeks ahead.

We have not come as far as we think and if history is any indication we might be in for a long hot summer as the Trayvon Martin murder trial proceeds to conclusion. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

 

Justice For Our Child Trayvon

In two weeks, June 10, 2013, the second degree murder trial in Florida for George Zimmerman will begin. Today, the defense was in court where the Zimmerman camp asked a judge to delay the trial, which the judge denied. Other issues relating to admissible evidence was also heard relating to the murder of seventeen year old Martin’s past with much of it will not be admissible.

The ruling was among several important decisions by Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson during a two-hour hearing this morning at the Seminole County Courthouse. The judge ruled for the state on several key issues: The defense may not bring up Trayvon’s past marijuana use at trial, his school suspensions or alleged participation in fights, without clearing several legal hurdles and another ruling granting permission.

It is shameful, yet expected that the defense would put the child on trial. When it was Martin who received the ultimate injustice – DEATH - but then we have seen this before! Just remember the Emmitt Till case and the murders of Bunchie Carter, Fred Hampton, James Bird and countless others where justice was denied.

Let’s support the Martin family as we pray for justice. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Have Hoodie Will Commit Crime

“I feel that we as Americans are all equal and held together by a common thread. Like a treasured beaded necklace of different colors held together on a string, Held together by our necessities, our circumstances, and our humanity. Every color helps to make the necklace beautiful. We can never be a separate entity! Americans of all colors are so integrated that if we hurt one, we hurt all. Just like that necklace of treasured beads, leave one out and the gap is seen, break the chain and many of us are lost.”

The hardest thing in man’s mind is to be tolerant of another or to keep an open mind. In order to tolerate someone or something we have to step out of our comfort zone. We judge without thought when something or someone is different. As long as we (Black) people have been a part of American society, you would assume we would be a value to America. Though we strive to be like our White counterparts, accepted unconditionally we are still fighting. We fight for the label of Colored, Black, Negro, and African-American.

I sometimes wonder if we engage in a losing battle because the battle is not against ‘us’ per say, but against the inner sense of shame, the shame of Slavery. Shame for an action is hard to wipe away. You can apologize but as long as the object which causes the shame is persistently in sight, the shame remains and becomes an irritant. Something you want to get rid of and eventually the irritant turns to anger and the anger causes you to lash out. We, if only seen as a ‘casing’ or a vessel cannot change, as a thinking individual we can cause enormous changes. Just look at the profiling of the unfortunate hoodie in the media lately. In place of the word, ‘Black man’ read hoodie.

The hoodie, its sleeves worn by every age, sex, religion and racial ethnicity, singled out as a troublemaker, a deviant. Even though it comes in every color, fashioned from various material, is designed, made, bought, and sold in malls as well as major outlet stores all across the world, is still profiled as the accessory to theft and considered an outfit for the degenerate. Who cares that the hoodie, seen on the backs of individuals in every profession, worn in the highest halls of education, laying across the seats of chairs in the White House, it is now a symbol for all that is bad in the world, much like the Black man.

Recently, I impatiently watched the news to view a certain pumped-up segment. The announcer, constantly harping about a thief caught on tape and our impending surprise on what the thief was wearing, had gotten my attention. It would be shocking, right? Wrong. I had hoped to see some man in a tutu dragging out a flat screen while fighting off a pit bull, but of course, it was the obvious. Wait for the shocker....it was a guy in a hoodie! What really made me think WTH, the interviewed owner in the piece says, 'I didn't want to call in and be accused of racial profiling by saying the guy wore a hoodie’. What?

So, only Black people wear this item of clothing? Anyone with one eye could see the person was Black, just say a Black guy is robbing my car and don't bring up the hoodie. What a shame. Poor hoodies cannot get a break lately. No one is trying to learn the real essence of the hoodie or the Black man. The profile, both a cancerous malignancy formed in error is set and there it stays. As with any race there are deviants and threats to society. Why pick on the Black race as a whole and label us as worthless.

The fight for racial and social equalization continues and will continue as long as man breathes. We are a selfish entity believing we are better than another is because of our perceived ‘place’ in life. Our unification should grow because of our differences and if we were honest with ourselves, we would see our differences are only skin-deep. In religion, anyone can choose which path to follow. In education, we can all go as far as we choose. In sexual orientation, again it is a preference.

In our choice of occupation, whether or not to be a parent, or who to marry, these all are options. Much of the tension in the world boils down to the color of a person’s skin. Of all the races, I believe the dark skinned are the least tolerated, especially the American Blacks. How many times have we been the scapegoat as kidnapper, murder, or thief without reason? How many times have we been judged as sell-outs or ignorant because of skin color?

In the American multi-racial history book Beads on a String-America’s Racially Intertwined Biographical History chapter three is titled Voices of Change and has a section dedicated to activism and the people who stepped out to confront the injustices directed at people of specific ethnicities. The author begins the chapter with a small bit of history pertaining to members of her family.

These members (father and cousin) fought and succeeded in the desegregation of what is now Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. How many of us cannot find a single member of our family who has participated in the formation of history? It should not matter the color of your skin or your belief system we have all voiced and accomplished a change.

Being part of a cause means more than marching and shouting to have personal wishes met. It is a chance to make a change in behavior and thought patterns in areas from equal rights in housing, education, socialization, sexual orientation and the donning of an item of clothing.

By Ey Wade

About the Author: Ey Wade considers herself to be a caged in frustrated author of thought provoking, mind bending eBooks, an occasional step-in parent, a fountain of knowledge, and ready to share. She is the author of Beads on a String-America’s Racially Intertwined Biographical History a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of all races to America’s illustrious growth and history.

http://amzn.to/BeadsUs
http://wade-inpublishing.com
http://johntwills.com 

SUPPORT – SIGN THE PETITION

As we continue to move further into the preposterous I am shocked and saddened at the judicial system in Florida. Now, I know these unfair situations do not only occur in Florida but it does hold the distinction of two of the most outrageous legal events - that we know of - in modern times. African Americans all to well, and have always decried the justice system, that has been blatantly unfair to us.

If ever the “Stand Your Ground” law in Florida had a chance of being applied fairly, this case shows that it has gone out the window as of last Friday. A court sentenced a black woman; Marissa Alexander a 31-year-old mother of three to 20 years for firing a warning shot at her abusive husband. I thought the law was supposed to have been passed for a persons to protect themselves, if they feared that their life was in danger. That’s what was represented on behalf of George Zimmerman.

In light of the aftermath of the long-delayed arrest of Trayvon Martin’s assassin, it is incomprehensible that Alexander, who neither killed nor injured anyone, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Let me just remind you that just about a month ago the system did not want to arrest the murder of a child who only had candy and a drink. Moreover, he posed no threat. Unbelievable!!!

Marissa’s husband, Rico Gray, a man with a documented history of abuse including an assault on her while she was pregnant, threatened to kill her nine days after the birth of their daughter. This time, Marissa wasn’t going to put up with another beating. When threatened, she fired a warning shot into the ceiling to let Gray know that the abuse was over and he’d better think twice before coming after her again. He then ran into the street and claimed that she had threatened to kill him and his boys. On his word alone, she was arrested.

State Attorney Angela Corey, the same prosecutor who is prosecuting the Trayvon Martin case, offered a three-year sentence plea bargain but Alexander refused on the grounds that she had done nothing wrong. Alexander tried to invoke Florida’s Stand Your Ground law but the judge refused.

Even though Gray recanted and even though Alexander’s 11-year-old daughter took the stand and made a plea on her mother’s behalf, the judge said that he had no choice but to sentence Alexander for at least 20 years.

This verdict poses serious questions about an already questionable law that is applied unevenly. Jacksonville Congresswoman Corrine Brown has stated that Alexander’s case is a product of “institutionalized racism” and that she had been unable to locate a Stand Your Ground case where a black person is the beneficiary of the law. In the meantime, Marissa Alexander faces a long time in prison with little hope of getting out.

There is an online petition to Florida Governor Rick Scott to grant a pardon to Marissa Alexander. You can sign it here: Pardon Marissa Alexander – show your support and sign the petition!

I want to thank author Ann Werner where much of this article was gleaned. I hope you don’t mind Ann but I was compelled to share and show my support. Thank you and that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

The Beating And The Aftermath

It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since the beating of Rodney King and the verdict that resulted in the most violent episode of social unrest in U.S. history, which unfolded before our eyes. Maybe I should qualify that to say in modern times, because there are many instances of unrest and riots that, in my opinion, were worst.

Nonetheless, the crime in this case occurred when four white policemen were accused of delivering a vicious beating unto Mr. King, a year before, during a traffic stop. The criminals were acquitted and the city of LA exploded. Lest be mindful that the beating was captured on videotaped and the whole world saw what African Americans have alleged for years.

Since America has been America it has faced challenges as it relates to racial tension that has divided blacks, whites, Latinos, Asians, and nearly all non-whites. Is it getting better? I would say no and I would use the current case of Trayvon Martin as an example of the disparity of justice as an example. It has been so bad so long, with respect to racial profiling, it's hard to see the difference, particularly in many African American communities. Let me add this is not unlike what happens in many African American communities.

I’m sure if we could put ourselves in the shoes of King, now 47, who must continue to live in the shadow of the beating he took from the four cops in 1991. This event fueled an already heated racial tension that existed in Southern California, particularly between the African American community and the Los Angeles Police Department.

To be sure, King is still pained by the incident and his life since has not been easy. He has had several run ins with the law, battled depression, alcohol and drug abuse, as seen on VH1's Celebrity Rehab in 2008. He made a statement during an interview where he said, "I wouldn't want to be in black skin, 30, 40, 50 years ago. I wouldn't want to undergo what they went through." King went on to say the incident “exposed the LAPD for what it was, and it exposed some of the courts and brought attention to people's minds to what was so unfair.”

The uprising killed 55 people, destroyed 1,573 businesses and cost $1 billion in the initial three days, eclipsing the damage done in the Watts Riot of 1965. Like Watts, the hardest hit area was South Central, home to much of the city's African American population. I suppose the only positive to come out of this was that in 1992, 60% of the LAPD was white - now it is 60% minority.

On the other hand there are still the institutional issues as they were in 1992. For instance, the graduation rate, according to most recent Los Angeles Unified School District statistics is 56%, well below the national average of 75%, meaning jobs in California's increasingly technological and skilled trades-based economy are less accessible to those without at least a high school diploma.

I wanted to mention this huge event because with what may happen in the Trayvon Martin case we may see history repeat itself, as history has been known to do. God forbid Trayvon’s assassin should get off, found not guilty, like the murderers of Emmett Till and as we saw with these cop who beat King nearly to death.

Just saying, and that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

RELIVE HISTORY AND SEE THE INSANITY 

BUT FOR: A Legal Term

I was having dinner with a lawyer friend of mine today as the prosecutor was giving her press conference concerning the charges (finally) being brought against the Trayvon Martin assassin. I found it interesting how much we don’t know about things and often rely or accept what we hear from others.

Let me say that the press conference announcing the charges and arrest was long overdue. I thought it was a good PR in the sense that it was, in my opinion, a way to let us and the world know that no one wants a long “Hot Summer” if they did nothing.

My friend, the attorney, said something that I found very interesting. She said, “there is a test in tort law linking the tort and the damages (aka causation), which is stated as: "but for" the defendant's negligence, the plaintiff would not have been injured.”

I was too mesmerized at the time with her that it did not strike me at the time the power of that statement. Later as I thought about what she said I realized that “if the murderer had not stalked this young child – no crime would have been committed.”

I have written on the assassination of Trayvon and like most of the world had an opinion. But yesterday, where I live, a police officer shot a twenty-one year old man and he was immediately place on administrative duty for his actions, which as is almost always the case – justifiable – a good kill as cop’s say.

Now, let’s compare that to the Martin case and what we know. If these Bull Connor type down in Florida has followed something close to reason in light of the murderer’s obvious connections – wouldn’t the guise of injustice have remained hidden from view.

I am not a lawyer but my friend is a good one. Listening to her representation of this case, as she sees it, reminding me that justice is blind, we’ve been “had” and we are being hoodwinked. Trust and Believe when it comes to justice for African Americans what we get is “Just Us”.

And that is my Thought Provoking Perspective…

My Heart – Prayers – and Support are with the Martin family, and may their son Rest in Peace.

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I’ll open this post with a Hmmmm! If you are among the 8,000 followers or one of the hundred thousand plus readers my words – I thank you - and if this is your first-time welcome.

I am looking forward to the comments and your thoughts with regard to the question. Since the Trayvon Martin assassination and the recent incident in Tulsa Oklahoma last week it begs the question or at least consideration of thought – “Does race matter?”

This is a conversation that most Caucasians struggle with, at least in an open or honest way, and most are scared to talk about race, and we aren’t any different. Now, African Americans see matters of race from a completely different perspective. It’s like; if you’ve felt the brunt of this wretched ideal you know it and see it.

The stories of oppression, racism, segregation and even slavery are very real and most African Americans have experienced it in one form or another and know it is real. Of course slavery was not physically visited upon us today by law. However, it exists mentally and institutionally.

You cannot view the history of America and not see that race has and still does matter. Naturally, the obvious differences in neighborhoods, employment, schools, and the legal system – causes one to ask why. I read a poll recently that said the Trayvon Martin story differed tremendously along political and racial lines. Many said, the murderer had a right to kill this child (white-conservatives) and others say absolutely not (Black-liberal). Personally, I side with the sane and not insane.

More to the point, there was a time in my life where I saw police trample peaceful protesters, marchers beaten in the streets, and fire hoses turned on people, American citizens called negro’s at the time, for asking and in most cases begging for the basic human right to live – it came to be known as Civil Rights. Then a few years prior to that, in the first half of the last half century, black men where lynched by the hundreds for entertainment. Yet, most of white America believed and by law supported these actions as moral.

Was this colorblindness that dictated these policies that allowed justice which is blind to permit the wretchedness of racism to exist in the hearts and minds of people? You may realize that whenever the conversation of race comes up; there is the usual quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “we want to judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” If the issue of race was that simple – the world would be a better place, but it’s not. So let’s talk about it – honestly.

Look at it this way, there was an old man who was bent over. Someone told him to stand up. The old man had been bent over so long – he said, “I thought I was!” And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

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A Recreation of the Murder

This video is intended to extend the conversation about the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and what it says about societal stereotypes. We do not claim to have the answers. We are starting with the questions hoping to find new ways to keep the dialog going until we, as a nation can find the answers together.

Please share with your email and social media contacts, then follow up with a dialog. Talk to your friends and family, co-workers and acquaintances, search for answers then share those answers with others. We must begin to educate each other and challenge our own deep seeded beliefs, in an effort to end bigotry, racial profiling and stereotyping.

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What Would Jesus Say?

I woke up this morning feeling blessed; obviously delighted to see another day. As I poured a coffee, I turned on the news and heard a conservative commentator say “the nation is divided”. This guy made it seem as if feeding the homeless, the lack of healthcare, poverty, the murder of Trayvon and other acts of violence were the reasons for the American civilization’s despair.

He then said that none of this is the governments concern! Yet, he went on to support the war in Afghanistan and spoke of starting more wars by adding that scripture says “there will be wars upon wars”. My sense was that he was saying this was the natural order of things or maybe God’s plan for life. I cannot and will not speak for God, but I do not believe this is what God planned when he created mankind.

As I continued to listen, he went on this diatribe about hate, race baiting, and religion. As you know all of these issues are commonly used by the right-wing nuts to vilify the least of thee. Admittedly, and shamefully, race is and has always be a stain on the soul of America. At that point, I began to ponder his thoughts wondering just what kind of country we would have without a government that mandates laws for civilization to exist.

More disturbing were his thoughts on religion, God, and Jesus; I began to wonder if this guy and those who think like him realize that on any given Sundays between the hours of 9 AM – 1 PM are the most segregated hours in the country. He went on talking about his savior – Jesus – and at that point I asked myself; if he or any of those right-wing zealots ever took the time to wonder what Jesus might think about America’s current state.

I can’t speak to what is in the mind of others except for what they say, and some of the vitriol, gives a good indication as to what’s in their hearts. I, in good conscience, rail against the assassination of Trayvon Martin, the racially charged politically environment, and for sure the tea baggers designed declaration of “taking back there country”.

Maybe understanding that Jesus came from that region of the world where his hue had to be of color could more likely be one of the reasons why he had to be crucified! Just as was the case with the murder of Jesus; there are people who are killing the messenger of truth now.

What I think Jesus would say, as his mission was for the salvation of the least of thee, I think he would say - “Thou shalt not Kill”. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective.

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The Shot Heard Around The World

The death of Trayvon Martin has turned out to be the shot heard around the world. It is very possible that the birth of this child was intended to change the world. Let me remind you that the Arab Spring of last summer began in a similar manner. Think about it!!!

Raise your voices and join celebrities who are privileged beyond belief to have a public following. The have exploited media to gain success. Now its time to exploit the media for the benefit of humanity as a whole. As purveyors of content and media, all of us need to use our voices to stop injustice at the site of its origin.

Please follow the campaign on Twitter by using the hashtag #fearkillsloveheals



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