This story reminds me of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing that occurred in the 1960s. Carolyn Maull McKinstry can tell you about that. Sadly, history has repeated itself. Recently in the southern states of Tennessee and Louisianan, there has been a climax of church burnings going on. Historically, black folks are unfortunately way too familiar with this act of terrorism, especially in the south. Back then, nothing was done about it. There was no justice, nor any peace. Racism and its ugliness permeated their pursuit of happiness to praise God. Yes, in 2019 this is still happening! As noted in ABC, Holden Matthew is allegedly the person responsible for the arson of three prominent black churches in Louisiana. Holden was part of some devil worshiping cult (black metal music) which probably influenced his evil motives. He burned down the Greater Union Baptist Church, St Mary Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. He was charged with 3 counts of simple arson of a religious building at the age of 21. Church leaders and members are on high alert. This attention is paramount to the black community and other religious communities as well.
Brennon Jones have been doing free haircuts for the homeless for 3 years. Jones even had the stamp of approval from the mayor. The Root points out that the Philadelphia Police department tried to enervate his good deeds in his community by telling him he had to stop giving free haircuts to the homeless. Why would anyone try to prohibit that kind of unity in a community? Mr. Jones wanted answers. He has been a pillar barber of his community. It turns out, other people in the business community was allegedly complaining about all that beautiful black hair floating around in the air like it just didn’t care. Hey, the hair was bleeding in free. Thankfully, it all worked out in the end.
Congratulations to the American football quarterback Russell Wilson and his family (Ciara) and friends. This young man has made history at the age of 30. He has been highly favored, becoming the highest paid NFL player with a $140 million contract to stay with the Seattle Seahawks, as noted in the Root. Did I mention the $65 million signing bonus he got? Um, yeah! I think it’s time to start that celebrity non-profit organization that allows folks like Mr. Wilson and others to give to my student loan charity foundation (lbvs). God bless him and his iconic legacy.
We already know who Runs The World (God). Girls, right (prayer)? Okay, so everyone is talking about Beyoncé Homecoming film on Netflix. It’s supposed to be a film about her concert performance doing her 2018 Coachella. She made history performing as the first black woman at that place. I think Netflix sells just went up. I certainly didn’t have Netflix. I was warned to get it a long time ago. If you like Beyoncé I am sure you will love this Homecoming film. Get ready to try doing all of the dance steps and sing your heart out!
In a world were being informed with the right information about policies and laws that directly affect the black agenda and community, I have found The Appeal to be an invaluable source of survival. You find articles like the prison crisis in Alabama. I bet you were oblivious to that, right? Some folks tend to be less empathetic to care for black and brown people with mental illness and their medical needs. There are some inhumane things going down in the Alabama jails. You won't hear about it on your local news. You will hear about it if you get connected with The Appeal. The Trump Administration is not their focus. Their attention is on criminal justice and justice systems. If you are studying criminal law in college or in law enforcement of any field, please check out The Appeal.
Shaun King successfully re-launched The North Star to combat racial injustice, mass incarceration, and policies that are imperative to systematic change. King currently has a Podcast called the Breakdown which is an extension of The North Star. The Breakdown allows King and his team the advantage of giving news stories from a perspective unlike any other media journalist. It is one of those podcasts you don’t want to miss. Please tune into the Breakdown as often as you can (on apple or spotify) so you can stay abreast of all the activism King is doing to change the world. As King fights against those who desire to keep racism, injustice, and corruption thriving, you will be informed.
In Illinois and in the state of Oregon things are changing in the parole arena for our young people. It’s about time! In Illinois, Governor J. B Pritzker is serious about criminal justice reform. In the month of April, 2019 he signed a bill that would allow parole review for young people who are incarcerated with long sentences. So if you committed a crime at the age of 15 and received 30 years or more, your case would be under review for possible parole after serving 10 years as noted in the Chicago Tribune. According to the Statesman Journal Oregon is on board for reforming their juvenile criminal codes. Individuals do need a second chance if at all possible. It is time for folks to start looking at the judges and other legislatures who are allowing these bad laws to go forward. It is time for parole reform! I hope Judge Scott Galina isn't making these kind of judicial decisions on anyone. Also, their should be fair and just punishments with all American citizens, regardless of their skin color. I personally have always thought it was not a good idea to throw people back in jail in light of them missing their parole. That doesn't make sense. New York has an appetite for reform too. Will your state be next?