Home Blog Page 197

The Double-Edged Sword Society

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones
-
0
The Double-Edged Sword Society

From the torn heart of a man. I was asked to read a piece titled “The Double-Edged Sword Society” by a friend of mine. I met this educator maybe three years ago. His passion to lift our youth is what drew us close. Conversations of how to fix this mess or just tell me what can I do–has been always a part of our journey. He writes about the black community, law enforcement, and finish talking about the enemy. Luis Miguel Lopez is 29 years old. He was born in Staten Island, but raised in Brooklyn in the Williamsburg Section. He became infused into the education field 10 years ago and entered into the haven of classroom teaching three years ago.

Black Westchester Magazine present to you a piece by Luis M. Lopez “Double-Edged Sword Society”

Luis M. Lopez and the Black Community
“The world we live in has become cold. We live in the new middle ages. Barbaric acts of violence being met by more barbaric acts of violence. My brothers and sisters of color find no rest in the free world. Throughout the years, you began to grant them privileges as though they were some sort of child. Granting my brothers and sisters the right the vote, the right to equal education, and a list that surpasses the borders of this country, and yet, they aren’t granted anything at all. A person of color becomes the natural prey. Black people’s existence has been predetermined in this country because of the embedded perception that if they’re black they are guilty, if they’re black they are hostile, if they’re black they are wrong. Our country has hidden its agenda to make it appear that my black brothers and sisters are of equal standing. This is contradicted by the actions of a very select few of law enforcement officers and many of our law makers. Unite, not only as a black community, but as humans. We all want fair and equal treatment. Our children deserve the privilege of walking the streets without being harassed by virtue of their appearance. Families of my Black brothers and sisters should never have to worry about the safety of their loved ones because they are considered “targets”. Defeat this oppression by unifying as a people. Lin Manuel Miranda says it best, “…and love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.” Fill your communities with love. Preach education and be the guardian of each other’s children. The saying “united we stand, divided we fall” doesn’t hold more weight than it does now. We need to stop the mindset of “divided we stand, united we fall”. Bring everyone around you together and stand as people. True love and peace is all I hope for my black brothers and sisters.”

Luis M. Lopez and Law Enforcement Community
“Imagine your task is to protect the world that wants vengeance upon you. Allow that thought to marinate. My brothers and sisters in blue, your integrity is challenged and your lives are even more at risk. The careless, thoughtless, and irresponsible actions of the so few “officers” have stained the honor of the badge. Let us not be fooled, real people with real live, with real debts, with real families are out on these streets serving and protecting us each and every day. Yet a war is raged against them all, and I feel for you my brothers and sisters in blue. The carelessness of the officers that take the lives of the innocent should never go unnoticed and never go unpunished, but do we punish the whole for the folly of a few? My brother and sisters in blue, the country has taken up arms against you and even with those odds, you persevere to defend what is right. My family and friends are among those I consider my brothers and sisters in blue. The fear of not knowing who is targeting you and having to protect regardless is the true reality of the brothers and sisters in blue. I honor and respect the badge and the things the majority of law enforcement officers do. Placing blame on the whole seems like a foolish thing to do. In turn, I continue to hope and pray that my cousins come home safe from their daily law enforcement duties, I pray my friends get to come home to their families after their tour of duty, and I pray that this dark cloud that looms over their heads moves away, because it isn’t every law enforcement officer’s fault. This is a call for all my brothers and sisters in blue to stand together with my black brothers and sisters to display unity amongst this terrible divide. Let us all see the common enemy. The system rigs things to play in its favor and, now more than ever, I have seen it come to pass. A clear line has been made in the sand. Brush that line aside, my brothers and sisters in blue. You are just as much a human as my black brothers and sisters. Let us not forget that we are a people and as a people, unity is the only course to take. In the words of Dr. Maya Angelou, “Courage, the most important of all virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” It will take courage to stand together and show the enemy you will not be made a pawn and you stand for what is right.”

Luis M. Lopez and The Enemy
“When the sun shines bright, we wear sunglasses to block the rays because it is hard to deal with the light. That is how our justice system works. People are blinded by what lawmakers want to do and because they are, they don’t see the hidden agendas these lawmakers want to push. Exposing these lawmakers is the key to repairing these injustices. When there is an “officer” using excessive force to apprehend anyone they should be held responsible and be dealt with like anyone else who would be charged for such actions. My black brothers and sister along with my brothers and sisters in blue need to unite to filter out lawmakers that help these “officers” who are blatantly careless with their actions get off clean while my black brothers and sisters are abused to no end. We need to revert back to a time where we demanded our lawmakers to take swift action or step aside. When a wound is bleeding, you apply pressure to stop it. We need to apply pressure on our lawmakers to make sure everyone is being treated equally and to ensure justice is served. I am not talking about justice being served to please the masses. I want equal prosecution of law breaking individuals, such as the officers that took away innocent lives, and the individuals who took the lives of innocent officers. It is a double-edged society we live in. Our brothers and sisters in blue must serve and protect neighborhoods and communities that rebel against them and my black brothers and sisters must be weary of where they are and what they’re doing for fear of being targeted. Lawmakers need to be held accountable because this country has a hostile pot brewing and unless action is taken and change is implemented, we are preparing to see a second civil war.”

Written by Luis M. Lopez

A Father Perspective on Police Terrorism Against Children of Colour: Aberrations or Everyday Occurrences?

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones
-
0
A Father Perspective on Police Terrorism Against Children of Colour: Aberrations or Everyday Occurrences?

The left forum conference 2016! The conference has steadily grown over the years. There is a full room waiting to hear “A Father Perspective on Police Terrorism Against Children of Colour: Aberrations or Everyday Occurrences?”

I am sitting with Andrew Joseph Jr., father of Andrew Joseph III. The year was 2014 as Andrew stood to get on a ride. His team mates were being arrested and he went to inquire. The Gang task force was on the scene. Andrew was known as “Pee-Wee”. Pee-Wee picked up his friend show and hat and passed it to him. An academically intelligent 8th grade student who was slated for Holy Confirmation the next day responds to his friend and said, “I see how the officers are treating you.” The Gang Task Force officer questioned Andrew and made him pull up his shirt to see if he had any “Gang Tattoos”.

The school district gives students the day off and free passes to attend Student Day at the fair. As a result, tens of thousands pack into the fair each Student Day, and that has resulted in unruliness. In 2014, it led to violence. Deputies arrested 12 people and ejected 99 others.

Andrew Joseph III was then told to get into the car and they dropped him off 2 miles from the fair. The 14-year-old was killed trying to cross I-4 to return to the fairgrounds to meet his ride, his was hit by a car. The owner of the car never stopped. The owner who was 19 had the remains of Andrew on the grill of his car. The owner was never fined or ticketed.

Two Steps Forward: A Dance to Heal the Soul – The Tayshana Chicken Murphy Foundation

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones
-
0
Two Steps Forward: A Dance to Heal the Soul – The Tayshana Chicken Murphy Foundation

This event Honoured the men who Mr. Murphy collaborate with while achieving the mission of The Tayshana “Chicken” Murphy Foundation. Males who are standing despite the pain were HONOURED today.

The Tayshana “Chicken” Murphy Foundation was formed in honor and loving memory of Tayshana Dejenea “Chicken” Murphy. Tayshana was a high school basketball star and basketball playground legend who on the early morning of September 11th met her physical demise by two executioners. The reason for creating this foundation is to add on her legacy in which her spirit will live forever as well as serve at risk teens likely to be victims of violence.

Mr. Murphy felt that that getting his family and close friends involved would help him touch more lives in the community. With the help of family and friends the foundation is creating youth support programs and support other organizations who have similar programs to serve our young people in communities across New York City and eventually the Nation.

The Killing Of George Tillman

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones
-
0
The Killing Of George Tillman

Black dresses, black shades, black ties for a Black Father in Jamaica, New York. Tears pouring out as sobs and a scream for an answer. How does a traffic stop end up with someone picking out a casket? Tillman and another passenger had been searching for a parking spot when they were stopped. According to the officers, Tillman had an open beverage. Allegedly, he was chased by the two plainclothes officers.

George Tillman, another causality of the NYPD. Honored as a 32-year-old loving father of five, husband, son, and a very good family man. George was fatally shot by NYPD officers early Sunday, April 17th, in the morning during a traffic stop in Ozone Park, Queens.

A neighbor indicated that Tillman was visiting from Maryland for a birthday party. Relatives stated, “They pulled him over. He ran, and they shot him.” Ordinary stops. Ordinary talks. Ordinary reaction. It seems to be the customary condition.

Various stories published stated that Tillman reached the corner of 135th Street and 116th Avenue when he neared a second unmarked police car carrying three officers. According to police, Tillman reached for his gun and four officers opened fire, shooting him multiple times in the chest. EMS rushed Tillman to Jamaica Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The videos from various people who reside in the area tell a different story. The contradiction shows George Tillman being shot while laying on the ground.

[Editor note: The Queens District Attorney cleared the officers in the killing of George Tillman. Two years later, the movie “The Hate U Give” was inspired by Tillman’s death at the hands of the NYPD.]

Tina Reynolds On The Challenges, Issues and Perceptions Concerning Incarcerated Women

AJ Woodson
-
0
Tina Reynolds On The Challenges, Issues and Perceptions Concerning Incarcerated Women

Tina Reynolds, the Co-Founder and Chair of WORTH (Women On the Rise Telling HerStory) speaks on reproductive justice and the challenges, issues and perceptions concerning women who are incarcerated and impacted by the criminal justice system at a quarterly P.A.U.D. (Pan-African Unity Dialog) meeting, Saturday, April 2, 2016.

WORTH (Women On the Rise Telling HerStory) is an advocacy/consultant group composed of currently & formerly incarcerated women, who have the expertise and understanding to engage, navigate and challenge policy and perceptions concerning incarcerated women.

Reynolds (a formerly incarcerated woman) and 17 other women started this organization when they came to the conclusion that women’s voices were missing from policy conversations about issues facing incarcerated or formerly incarcerated women and their families.

“Because I have the experience of having been incarcerated,” Reynolds shares, “I can tell you that many women in this situation have tenacity — they don’t give up regardless of what they are facing. Some currently and formerly incarcerated women are also not afraid to push the envelope. Whatever the challenges they face, they feel strongly that their voices must be heard and changes made. Women go through an incredible self-transformation as part of this process. Women who are formerly incarcerated and are working to change policy are on the rise; this is why we believe so strongly in WORTH. There is a huge shift from experiencing the oppression of being incarcerated to being empowered to change policies.”

Ten Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning for Financial Security

Rashad Bilal
-
0
Ten Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning for Financial Security

When thinking about how to protect your livelihood or build the financial resources you will need to live life as desired, it often starts with clarifying what you want to achieve, what you value, and how uncertainties can affect plans and aspirations.

To get you on the road to financial security, here are 10 questions you’ll want to ask first.

  1. What is important to me?

Clarify what’s truly important to you – the people you care about, the aspirations you have, the things you want to protect, and the support you’d like to give to others. Whether you reflect on this question by yourself, with family members, or alongside a financial professional – answer this first, as it will create the framework around which your financial strategy can be built.

  1. Who depends on me today and who might depend on me tomorrow?

This question should be at the core of your decision-making process and should be answered well before you consider what you may need. Spouses, partners, and children are often thought of as the most obvious dependents; however, there can be others – for example, parents, in-laws, or siblings who, due to age, disability, or other circumstances, may be unable to care for themselves. Even individuals without a family have dependents – namely, themselves – since their well-being depends on their own ability to earn an income. With your list of current and potential dependents in hand, you will be better prepared to plot your course toward greater financial security.

  1. Who is providing for my dependents now?

Does someone in your family provide valuable non-financial support to those you care about? Think of the stay-at-home parent – they may not support their family with earned income, but the support they do provide is just as valuable as any paycheck. If a stay-at-home parent were unable to provide that support, it would surely be expensive to replace. Account for all who provide essential financial or non-financial support to your dependents.

  1. What risks have I overlooked or not fully considered?

People may concentrate on the risk of premature or accidental death and overlook other risks to their well-being and livelihood (for example, a breadwinner unable to work due to illness, an aging parent unable to care for themselves, a retiree dealing with rising healthcare costs, a business owner faced with a succession problem). As you work to construct your strategy, be sure to think broadly about the financial risks you face today, or may face in the future.

  1. Are my plans flexible enough?

There are ways that financial product solutions can be structured to provide future flexibility and adjust to your evolving needs. When speaking with your financial professional, ask about flexible solutions that can be upgraded (or downsized) as events in your life unfold.

  1. How do I pick the right financial professional?

When choosing a financial professional, work with someone who is not only competent but also inspires your trust and confidence. The best financial professionals are good listeners who seek to fully understand your circumstances and financial objectives before proposing possible solutions. They should have access to product solutions from many fine companies, should clearly explain how they get paid for their services, and should provide references upon request. Make sure your financial professional has a solid support network behind them since those affiliated with a strong, reputable firm will likely have access to better resources to support your changing needs.

  1. How do I pick the right financial services company?

Based on your specific needs, your financial professional should present product solutions from companies that they highly regard and with which they have had positive experiences. Just as you will want to align yourself with a strong, reputable financial professional, you will want to do the same about financial services companies. In many cases, products will be used to address financial needs and objectives that last for decades, if not a lifetime. To help ensure that your financial product providers will be there when you (or loved ones) need them, work with strong, stable companies that have received high marks from independent rating agencies such as A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch.

  1. What if I already have a plan?

Even the best financial strategies should be revisited and updated regularly, generally at least once a year. Common life events such as marriage, having children, changing jobs, or even moving, can affect your existing approach. So, too, can just having another birthday – particularly if it means you have reached a financial milestone, such as the year you can begin collecting Social Security, receiving Medicare benefits, or taking distributions from your retirement accounts. An experienced financial professional should regularly review your strategy with you, to help ensure that it remains aligned with your objectives and appropriate for your circumstances.

  1. What is the downside of putting this off?

Developing a financial strategy is a critically important activity that should not be rushed; however, there is a fine line between not rushing the process and not focusing on it at all. By putting this off, we expose ourselves and our families to unnecessary risks and lost opportunities – be it by not safeguarding our lifestyle from unexpected events, by not ensuring our livelihood and legacy while in a position of health and strength, or by not capitalizing on even one extra day to build and protect our retirement nest egg. By actively focusing on this process, you can help protect your interests and shape your future.

  1. What am I waiting for?

You should now know what to consider as you develop your financial strategy and how to secure the best resources to turn that strategy into a reality. Perhaps most importantly, you should now understand how to avoid common pitfalls that lead some to take what may be the greatest risk of all – the risk of doing nothing. Take the next step by doing additional research on your own or seeking guidance from an experienced financial professional.

Provided by Rashad Bilal, a financial representative with The Bilal Group LLC, who represents MassMutual and other companies; courtesy of MassMutual 

© 2014 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001. All rights reserved. www.massmutual.com  

Ms. Sharonne Salaam on PBP Radio

AJ Woodson
-
0
Ms. Sharonne Salaam on PBP Radio

Ms. Sharonne Salaam (mother of Yusef Salaam of The Central Park 5—now the Exonatered 5) comes to People Before Politics Radio to discuss her efforts to fight for the rights of the wrongfully convicted like her son, how this ordeal affected her and her upcoming visit to Mount Vernon on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, for a Town Hall Discussion of the death of Raynette Turner

Five Tips For Your Better Financial Future 

Rashad Bilal
-
0
Five Tips For Your Better Financial Future 

If you are like many Americans, the current economic environment continues to make it difficult for your family to make ends meet. Many of us have readjusted our spending habits to such an extent that there is now a new normal. For example, we may no longer shop as much as or where we used to; we may settle for a staycation, rather than a true getaway; and items that were previously considered to be necessities have been relegated to the “can’t afford” or “not needed” category.  

If you think these are temporary changes, think again. Many economic analysts feel that these new attitudes are here to stay.

Tips to help improve your economic future

Here are some tips to help you take stock of your overall economic picture, with actionable steps designed to help improve your long-term financial security.

Tip #1: Determine what is really important.

Take stock of what is really important to you and your family—is the newest electronic game system or cell phone more important than creating a secure financial future?  

Start by developing your family’s mission statement. This is easier than it sounds: Simply write out what is important to you as a group. Be sure to include what your long- and short-term goals are, and what you are willing to give up to make these goals a reality. Don’t forget that along the way, you may still want to decide what little luxuries your entire family can enjoy (like a get-away) that you want to keep in your budget – since these can help you feel less deprived and even save you money (by keeping you from going out to first-run movies, for example). 

Tip #2: Cut back, even if it hurts (a little).

Figuring out what is most important to your family from a financial perspective is a smart move –and a good decision for your long-term financial security. Making even small sacrifices in your spending can help you meet your goals. Look carefully at how you and your family members spend your money so you can identify where you can make small changes to cut back on non-essential expenditures. And don’t overlook the bigger-ticket items you pay for every month, such as your cable TV/Internet subscriptions and car insurance. Making minor adjustments to these items can free up more dollars than you might imagine, and play a significant role in helping you fund your family’s long-term financial goals. 

Tip #3: Become a dedicated saver.

If you are like many families, trying to juggle financial priorities can make saving extremely difficult. 

Successful savers use the concept of paying themselves first whenever they receive a paycheck. Over time, adopting that one smart move can help you reach your financial goal of saving for a car, a vacation, or whatever is a priority for your family. To help make it easier, check with your employer to see if you can have part of your pay automatically deposited into one or more savings accounts. It can make saving automatic—and nearly painless.

Tip #4: Run your numbers.

Do you know if you are on track with your current disability coverage, life insurance, and retirement savings plan(s)? In other words, will these important items provide you and your family with the amount of financial protection you’ll need – when needed? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the time now to assess their adequacy and make the appropriate adjustments. 

Tip #5: Get the help you need. 

When it comes to Tips 1 through 4, you may feel you need some assistance. Whether you need help in just one area or all four, start looking at your future through a new lens – one that has your family’s financial goals in focus, with a plan to help you get there. Contact a financial professional to discuss ways they can help you put these tips into action—and your financial dreams on track.

Taking the right steps today can help to ensure a better financial future for both you and your loved ones. 

Provided by Rashad Bilal, a financial representative with The Bilal Group LLC, who represents MassMutual and other companies; courtesy of MassMutual

© 2014 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001. All rights reserved. www.massmutual.com  

CRN201609-186441

BW Exclusive: The Jamar Smythe Interview

AJ Woodson
-
0
BW Exclusive: The Jamar Smythe Interview

Jamar Smythe, a Peekskill man wrongfully convicted when cops lied at trial, gets released after serving four years of the 15-year sentence. He sits down with Editor-In-Chief AJ Woodson and tells his story exclusively to Black Westchester

10,000 Strong Peacefully Protest In Downtown Baltimore, Media Only Reports The Violence & Arrest of Dozens

AJ Woodson
-
0
10,000 Strong Peacefully Protest In Downtown Baltimore, Media Only Reports The Violence & Arrest of Dozens

“A number of protesters were concerned that Baltimore—nicknamed “Charm City”—was being treated unfairly in the media after the trouble on Saturday. Baltimore was not out of control,” said Karen DeCamp, a director at the Greater Homewood Community Corporation, a nonprofit advocacy organization, who was demonstrating outside the funeral home, Sunday. “Baltimore was not burning. A very small number of people made some trouble, and it was completely blown out of proportion.”

10,000 people from across the country peacefully protested in Baltimore in support of seeking of justice for the death of Freddie Gray. Even though 100 of the 10,000 acted up and approximately 35 people were arrested after the peaceful protest (that’s about 1%), much of the mainstream media used attention-grabbing words in their headlines like ‘Protest Turns Destructive, (USA Today) ‘Scenes of Chaos In Baltimore… (NY Times), Dozens Arrested After Protest Turns Violent (WBAL TV). One website, Breitbart.com’s headlines read: 1,000 Black Rioters In Baltimore Smash Police Cars, Attack Motorists In Frenzied Protest.

The truth is, you had 10,000 plus people come together in unity in support of the fight for justice for Freddie Gray. While the numbers vary, 100 or so were the ones you saw acting up on the news, and the 35 persons who were arrested were the ones you read about. But reporting that won’t bring in the ratings that attract a heavy advertising revenue.

CNN reported: Protesters angry over the death of Freddie Gray got into physical altercations with police Saturday night in downtown Baltimore near the city’s famed baseball stadium.

Some of the hundreds who confronted lines of police officers got into shoving matches with helmeted cops, while other demonstrators threw objects. At least five police cars were damaged by people who smashed windows and jumped on them.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said she was profoundly disappointed by the violence, adding that 95% of the protesters were respectful but a “small group of agitators intervened.”

Time.com reported: The demonstration was aimed at police, who had Gray in their custody when he suffered injuries that would prove fatal. Baltimore police said 35 people, including four juveniles, were arrested and six officers suffered minor injuries during the latest protest.

As you read most of the nationwide coverage, the various news media and websites do admit that most of the protesters were peaceful, as you read further down their stories, despite the attention-grabbing headlines that speak of only the violence, destruction, and criminal mischief of a few. Unfortunately, there will always be a few agitators in any crowd this size. Some of which are purposely positioned among the peaceful protesters for just that reason.

After what has been going on with black men being killed nationwide without any justice taking place even after grand juries, video evidence, incidents being ruled homicide by medical examiners, No officers go to jail, very few cops lose their jobs, and the Ferguson officer who killed Mike Brown was allowed to retire and protect his pension, there is a sense of frustration in these protests, yes!

What happened in the streets of Ferguson was worse by comparison. But let’s be very clear, the scene the media is describing, the picture being painted with all headlines, is something no one, I repeat NO ONE, wants to see. What they’re showing you are the actions of 100 or so people; there were 10,000 people there, and despite some of the headlines, you can see from the pictures below that not all the protesters were black and out of control. And despite what a local pastor would have you believe, some of those who were acting up the most were doing so before those (he called outsiders), who came to town in support showed up.

Words have power; they create perceptions that make other actions possible and allow the most outrageous of explanations why they kill black people believable and acceptable to other groups of people. Let’s be clear here, NO ONE wants to truly see Scenes of Chaos: 1,000’s of Frenzied Protesters Rioting In Baltimore, the city would truly still be burning. But the media will show the worst or the worst, you know, if it bleeds it leads. It’s indeed great for ratings, which leads to heavy advertising revenue, but it is not good for our community or the race relations nationwide.

Just like the media takes the liberty to show the worst of the worst, as they did in Baltimore, I am taking the liberty to show the worst of the worst in their reporting and calling them out. It’s important not to allow the mass media to distort the narrative and take away from the message of this fight for justice.

What they don’t report is that there were “Muslims, Christians, Jews, Blacks, Whites, Asians, Young and Old, Rich and Poor people all united and standing harmoniously against common oppression,” shared one of the organizers, Frank ‘Sha’ Francois. The demonstration was sponsored by a wide coalition of social justice groups, including Malik Shabazz of Black Lawyers For Justice (BLFJ), Carl Dix of Stop Mass Incarceration (SMIN), and brother Ted Freedomfighter Sutton of Sutton House, just to name a few who came in support of their brothers and sisters in Baltimore. Support for the justice of Freddie Gray, 25, who was arrested one week ago, in West Baltimore. He died on April 19th from injuries sustained while he was in police custody.

“One burning building will be looped on television over and over again, and the thousands of demonstrators who did it the right way have been lost in the discussion,” President Obama said at press conference on Tuesday.

1...196197198199Page 197 of 199