D.C. Judge Orders Proud Boys to Pay $1M+ for Destroying BLM Sign at Historic Black Church
Historic Black Church Wins $1M+ Default Judgment Against Proud Boys Over BLM Sign Vandalism in D.C. We discuss it here!
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.
By: Adonis Armstrong
The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic institution in Washington, D.C., has recently been granted a default judgment exceeding $1 million in a lawsuit against the Proud Boys. The lawsuit was initiated by the church, situated about six blocks away from the White House, three years ago, accusing over a dozen members of the white supremacist group of vandalizing a Black Lives Matter sign.
A number of individuals affiliated with the organization were alleged to have trespassed onto the premises of the church by scaling a fence, subsequently vandalizing the property by tearing down a Black Lives Matter banner that was securely fastened. This inconsiderate act reportedly occurred in December 2020 during a heated confrontation between supporters and opponents of former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit sought compensation amounting to thousands of dollars, intended for enhancing the church's security measures and acquiring a replacement banner.
On Friday (June 30), Judge Neal E. Kravitz of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia issued a ruling in favor of the institution as the defendants, which included former leader Enrique Tarrio, failed to appear in court. “For generations, the leaders of Metropolitan AME and the members of its congregation have vocally and publicly supported movements for civil rights and racial justice,” Kravitz stated in the ruling acquired by CNN. “Church leaders and congregants view supporting the Black Lives Matter movement as a continuation of the church’s mission of advocacy for civil rights and racial justice.”
As part of the verdict, Kravitz determined that an additional $1 million in punitive damages must be paid. The Proud Boys mentioned in the lawsuit are also enjoined from approaching the church within a 100-yard radius. Moreover, they are prohibited from issuing threats to Reverend William H. Lamar IV, the pastor of the church, and making slanderous statements about him.
“We refuse to live in a nation where that kind of violence has the last word. We will never be silent,” On Saturday July 1st, Reverend William H. Lamar IV conveyed to The New York Times. Yesterday July 2nd, the church commemorated its 185th anniversary.
This decision sends a clear message that acts of hatred and destruction will not be tolerated, and that justice will be served. We hope this serves as a precedent to protect other institutions and communities from similar acts of vandalism and intimidation.
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Supreme Court Rules Affirmative Action Programs in Education Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court's declaration of affirmative action programs as unconstitutional has a significant impact on higher education access for Black and Latino students. We discuss it here!
During the 2015-'16 term, when race-conscious college admissions were last upheld, a protester in favor of affirmative action demonstrated outside the Supreme Court. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)
By: Adonis Armstrong
The educational system faces significant impact as the Supreme Court's decision raises concerns about potential racial discrimination.
Today June 29th, the Supreme Court of the United States delivered a verdict declaring affirmative action programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina as unconstitutional. According to The Washington Post, the court deemed the schools usage of racial factors in their admissions process to be a violation of the Constitution's equal protection guarantee. Consequently, this ruling brings an end to the systems that were established to facilitate access to higher education for Black and Latino students.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., representing the conservative members in the majority, expressed their position in a written decision letter. “The student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual — not on the basis of race,” he penned. “Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. And in doing so, they have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.”
Particularly, Roberts highlighted the admission programs of Harvard and UNC, “lack sufficiently focused and measurable objectives warranting the use of race, unavoidably employ race in a negative manner, involve racial stereotyping, and lack meaningful end points.”
In dissenting with the court's ruling, Justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor expressed their opposition to the decision. “Today, this court stands in the way and rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress. It holds that race can no longer be used in a limited way in college admissions to achieve such critical benefits,” Sotomayor stated. “In so holding, the court cements a superficial rule of colorblindness as a constitutional principle in an endemically segregated society where race has always mattered and continues to matter.” Due to her previous involvement on a board at Harvard University, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson recused herself from the case related to the institution.
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Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five takes lead in New York City Council Primary
Yusef Salaam celebrates lead in Harlem, New York Democratic city council primary, advancing his path to a potential seat in office. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
In a closely contested primary race yesterday June 27th, Yusef Salaam emerged as one of the top three candidates, securing a leading position with 5,403 votes, as reported by the New York Post. Despite the official results still pending, Salaam took the opportunity to address his supporters and express his gratitude. “Harlem has spoken,” the politician shared.
The Associated Press reports that following his win, Salaam, is projected to secure a future victory in the general election, as the district is considered unlikely to vote for a Republican candidate. “What has happened in this campaign has restored my faith in knowing that I was born for this,” he stated in a speech yesterday June 27th.
While delivering his speech, Salaam openly shared his personal journey to politics as a member of the Exonerated Five. “Having to be kidnapped from my home as a 15-year-old child, to be lodged in the belly of the beast… I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams. I was gifted because I was able to see it for what it really was, a system that was trying to make me believe that I was my ancestor’s worst nightmare,” he also added, , “I am here because Harlem, you believed in me.”
While the three candidates shared a common focus on advocating for affordable housing, addressing gentrification, and alleviating poverty in Harlem, Salaam leveraged his celebrity status and connected with communities that view the Central Park Five, or better known as the Exonerated Five, as powerful symbols of the injustices experienced by the district's predominantly Black and Latino residents, who constitute around three-fourths of the population.
The race winner has not been announced by The Associated Press, and the final outcome of the election may take days to determine due to New York's ranked choice voting rules, which come into effect when no candidate secures more than 50% of the total vote. It remains uncertain whether Salaam will maintain his position above the required threshold, as of early Wednesday, with approximately 95% of the votes counted, Salaam had a slightly less than 51% of the vote, while Dickens was significantly behind in second place.
I’m rooting for you Mr. Salaam what’s yours will be yours.
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Prosecutors Dismiss Charges Against Chicago Mother and Teen Son in Deadly Restaurant Argument
Prosecutors drop charges against a Chicago mother and her 14-year-old son following a fatal altercation in a restaurant, highlighting the case's evolving developments. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Carlisha Hood and her teenage son are expected to be released from police custody following their arrest on charges related to a deadly altercation that was caused from an argument.
BREAKING NEWS: Prosecutors have dropped all charges against Carlishia Hood and her 14-year-old son in the shooting death of 32-year-old Jeremy Brown, citing a further review of evidence in the case. Cell phone video shows Brown punching Hood three times before the shooting.
— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) June 26, 2023
According to CBS Chicago report today, prosecutors have decided to dismiss charges against Carlishia Hood, 35, and her 14-year-old son. The news station shared on social media that this decision was made after a thorough review of the case's evidence, which included a cell phone recording of the shooting incident involving Hood, her teenage son, and a 32-year-old man.
On June 18th, a shooting at a local restaurant in Chicago changed the life for three individuals, as detailed by USA Today, when Carlisha Hood and her son arrived at Maxwell Street Express late in the evening. Surveillance footage captured Hood leaving a blue Lincoln Nautilus and entering the fast food establishment, while her son remained in the car.
Following her entry into the restaurant, Hood engaged in an argument with Jeremy Brown, 32, as indicated in court documents. According to prosecutors, while the confrontation unfolded, the 35-year-old Hood allegedly texted her teenager, while Brown's girlfriend was said to have laughed and supported him during the exchange.
Shortly thereafter, the teenager exited the car and entered the establishment, as captured in the footage. Audio from the footage captured Jeremy Brown shouting at Hood, “get yo food” and “If you say one more thing, Ima knock you out. When Hood didn’t get her food Brown proceeded to punch her in the head. According to court documents, at that point, the teenager allegedly drew a firearm and discharged multiple rounds at Brown.
After Brown sustained a gunshot wound in the back prosecutors stated that he fled from the restaurant while Carlishia Hood's son continued firing at him. Law enforcement claimed that Hood instructed her son to keep shooting and kill Brown. Tragically, Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the shooting, Hood allegedly directed her son to target Brown's girlfriend and tried to seize the firearm from him. According to NBC Chicago, the son pushed her away, and they left together in the blue car. Brown's girlfriend later identified both Hood and her son from photo arrays. On June 21st, the 35-year-old and 14-year-old voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
Also the to outlet included, Hood met all the necessary requirements for gun ownership in the state, yet she and her son were still charged with first-degree murder. The 14-year-old also faced charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm in juvenile court. Hood had been detained with bail set at $3 million and has a court appearance scheduled for July 12.
CPD: Mother told son to shoot man in South Side murder
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John Lewis Forever Stamp Debuted at the US Capitol
John Lewis Forever Stamp debuted in captivating ceremony at US Capitol, honoring the iconic civil rights leader. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Yesterday, on June 21st, House leaders convened in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis. In a significant event, attended by members of both the Democratic and Republican parties, the ceremony unfolded to debut the United States postal stamp commemorating the former politician and civil rights activist.
As per a press release from the United States Postal Service, the image featured on the stamp is a photograph of John Lewis captured by Marco Grob for the August 26, 2013 edition of Time magazine. Describing his incredible career spanning three decades, the statement emphasizes Lewis's unwavering dedication to what he referred to as "good trouble," even in the face of hatred, violence, and numerous arrests, with the Alabama native's life epitomizing a relentless pursuit of justice. Born in 1940 to sharecroppers, he devoted his entire life to advocating for equality. Tragically, Lewis passed away at the age of 80 in 2020 due to cancer.
In 2015, John Lewis introduced his now-famous phrase, "good trouble." Reflecting on the influence of Rosa Parks courageous action and the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., he expressed his inspiration to actively disrupt the status quo and provoke change, emphasizing the importance of "good trouble" and the necessity of such actions. The official dedication ceremony for the John Lewis Forever stamp is scheduled to take place on July 21st at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
“I may be in a different party. I may have different views, but I’m an American. I got goosebumps, and I got tears thinking how far we had come, and thinking that John Lewis led the march on that bridge and led the introduction that day,” During the remembrance of the congressman, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) recounted a significant moment when Congressman John Lewis shared a historic occasion with President Barack Obama in 2015, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the "Bloody Sunday" events in Selma, Alabama. Also, Vice President Kamala Harris took to Twitter yesterday to share her thoughts, “This Forever stamp is a beautiful tribute to Congressman John Lewis’ enduring legacy. A giant amongst men, a hero to us all, we honor him by marching forward and continuing the fight to protect and strengthen our democracy,”
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Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five Runs as Candidate for New York City Council Seat
Exonerated 5's Yusef Salaam runs as candidate for New York City Council seat, bringing a powerful voice for change. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Yusef Salaam, known for his unjust incarceration as one of the Central Park Five, is now seeking office, aiming to be part of the very power structure in the city that played a role in his wrongful conviction. His story may ring a bell for those familiar with the critically acclaimed drama series When They See Us.
According to The Associated Press, Yusef Salaam, aged 49, has announced his campaign for a seat on the New York City Council, marking a notable step in his journey. Salaam is already widely recognized in the state due to an incident that had a profound impact on the trajectory of his life.
During the year 1989, a young Salaam, along with four other Black teenagers, referred to as the Central Park Five, were apprehended by the police. They faced wrongful accusations and were unjustly convicted of the rape and assault of a white woman in Central Park on April 19 of that same year. “I’ve often said that those who have been close to the pain should have a seat at the table,” he expressed during an interview conducted at his campaign office. At the age of 15, Salaam experienced his arrest, serving nearly seven years in confinement. Similarly, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise, the other four individuals, endured periods ranging from five to 12 years in prison. However, in 2002, their convictions were overturned by a judge following a comprehensive review of the case.
According to AP News, DNA evidence connected a man, recently disclosed as a serial rapist, to the assault that took place in 1989. As a result of the ordeal they endured, the city reached a settlement of $41 million with the Exonerated Five. Salaam, now one of three candidates, is participating in a closely contested Democratic primary on June 27th, vying for the opportunity to represent the Harlem district, as reported by the outlet.
Expressing enthusiasm, Salaam shared his eagerness to tackle significant challenges prevalent in Harlem, such as poverty, the plight of homeless children, and issues related to rent. “When people look at me, and they know my story, they resonate with it,” Salaam stated. “But now, here we are 34 years later, and I’m able to use that platform that I have and repurpose the pain, help people as we climb out of despair.”
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Mississippi Resident Files $400M Lawsuit Over Jaw Shooting Incident
Mississippi resident files $400M lawsuit against Rankin County Police for jaw-shooting incident and civil rights violations, sparking federal investigation. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
A federal lawsuit seeking $400 million in damages has been filed by a Mississippi resident who narrowly escaped death after being shot in the mouth, all while being detained alongside his companion by six police officers from Rankin County. The incident took place during an alleged drug raid.
On February 15th, Eddie Terrell Parker (left) and Michael Corey Jenkins can be seen seated in a room at the office of lawyer Trent Walker in Jackson, Mississippi. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)
Michael Corey Jenkins, aged 32, and Eddie T. Parker, aged 35, both African American, allege that their constitutional rights were infringed upon on January 24th. This occurred when deputies from Rankin County's Sheriff's Department forcefully entered Parker's residence, placed the men in handcuffs, and conducted a drug search. Despite unlawfully entering Parker's home, their attorney, Malik Z. Shabazz, informed Capital B that during the incident the officers use, “excessive interrogation methods to coerce a confession.”
Among the defendants listed in the lawsuit, three officers, including Hunter Elward, who were present at the residence in Braxton, Mississippi, as well as Sheriff Byran Bailey, have been named as codefendants. Jenkins alleges that Elward, during the incident, discharged a firearm and inflicted severe, potentially life-threatening injuries to his jaw and tongue. The lawsuit further states that following the incident, Elward falsely accused Jenkins of pointing a gun at him, resulting in the filing of wrongful criminal charges.
For almost two hours, the individuals were subjected to a series of disturbing actions which included frequent punches, kicks, slaps, electric shocks from stun guns, and relentless racist remarks, all conducted in an extremely juvenile and peculiar manner. As stated in the lawsuit, the officers also allegedly made an attempt to sexually assault Jenkins and Parker using a sex toy. When their efforts to commit this evil act against Jenkins were frustrated due to him defecating on himself, the officers responded by engaging in immature and bizarre behavior, laughing, throwing eggs at them, and forcing them to remove their clothing and take a shower together.
The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department has initiated a federal investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Office regarding this matter. However, it has not been officially disclosed whether the allegation of attempted sexual assault will be part of the investigation. On May 8th, Shabazz wrote a letter to the Civil Rights Division urging them to examine the case as a hate crime. A spokesperson from the Civil Rights Division has acknowledged the receipt of Shabazz's letter.
This isn’t the first time the Rankin County Sheriff Department has been handed a lawsuit. I hope this is the lawsuit to promote change in the department.
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Juneteenth Becomes a State Holiday in Nevada
Nevada officially recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday, celebrating the liberation of African Americans. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Juneteenth, a day dedicated to acknowledging the liberation of enslaved African Americans, is rapidly approaching. Despite the passage of a federal bill in 2021 recognizing June 19 as a national holiday, only a limited number of states have embraced its observance on the state level.
Nevada joined the movement to officially recognize Juneteenth June 8th as Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo signed the bill into law. The decision was supported by local officials with a resounding vote of 40 to one in the state Assembly and 19 to two in the state Senate, as reported by Fox 5 Vegas. This development aligns Nevada with other states, such as Texas, New York, Virginia, and Washington, that have already designated Juneteenth as a paid federal holiday.
Originating in Texas, Juneteenth commemorates the significant moment when the final Black individuals who were enslaved received the long awaited news that they were no longer considered property. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to grant freedom to enslaved people across the United States, it took until 1865 for many to learn of their emancipation.
Today, I was honored to sign AB 140, which officially made Juneteenth a state holiday in Nevada. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, and I’m proud that Nevada will now recognize this holiday on a state and federal level. pic.twitter.com/eDxLySbok0
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) June 8, 2023
Nevada vote had the support of Democratic Assemblywoman Claire Thomas. “As the first state to ratify the 15th Amendment, which gave African Americans the right to vote, Nevada has a long and proud history of supporting civil rights. By designating Juneteenth as a state holiday, Nevada continues to honor that legacy and celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality,” she stated. By designating Juneteenth as a state holiday, Nevada continues to honor that legacy and celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality.
In addition to community leaders and officials, many celebrities have also used their platform to spread awareness about the historical significance of Juneteenth. Through various forms of activism, they have sought to educate and engage the public in recognizing and celebrating this important day in American history.
As Juneteenth approaches, the official recognition of this holiday in Nevada serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice. It represents a collective effort to acknowledge the struggles of the past, celebrate the progress made, and commit to building a future that upholds the principles of freedom and equality for all.
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Family of Ralph Yarl Dissatisfied with Court Ruling in Shooting Case
The family of Ralph Yarl expresses their dissatisfaction with the court's ruling in the case of the young boy who was mistakenly shot by a homeowner in Kansas City. We discuss it here!
Ralph Yarl
By: Adonis Armstrong
The Courier-Tribune published an updated article on June 6th, highlighting the dissatisfaction of Ralph Yarl's family with the court's ruling concerning the attacker of the young boy. In April, the 16-year-old Ralph was tragically shot in the head by a white homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri, who confused him for an intruder when he went to the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers from a sleepover.
Lester told investigators that he shot Yarl because he was “scared to death” and thought he was attempting to break into his house," explained Yarl's family attorney. However, Yarl, his family, and their attorney strongly refute these claims, stressing their disagreement with Lester's version of events.
Fortunately, Yarl managed to survive the incident, attracting nationwide interest to his case. Judge Louis Angles recently scheduled a two-day preliminary hearing for Andrew D. Lester, the elderly white man charged with shooting the high school junior twice. Accompanied by his attorney Steve Salmon, Lester made a brief appearance during which community members gathered outside the courtroom, showing their support for the teen by wearing shirts that bore slogans like "Ringing a Doorbell Is Not a Crime" and "Justice for Ralph."
Many supporters and relatives of Yarl, including individuals from the Liberian Community Organization of Kansas-Missouri, attended a court date in Clay County on June 1, donning shirts that called for justice for the 16-year-old shooting victim Ralph Yarl. The shirts bore the messages, "Ringing a Doorbell Is Not a Crime" and "Justice for Ralph." (Amanda Lubinski/Courier-Tribune)
Paul is urging prosecuting attorney Zach Thompson to improve communication with Ralph's family regarding the progress of the case, expressing a desire for more transparency. Additionally, Ralph's father expressed disagreement with the court's decision to seal Lester's documents, questioning the need for secrecy if the accused is innocent. The incident occurred when Ralph, intending to pick up his brothers from the 1100 block of Northeast 115th Terrace, mistakenly went to the 1100 block of Northeast 115th Street on the day of the shooting.
After the Clay County Circuit Court ruling, Ralph's father, Paul Yarl, shared, “He still gets headaches and pains and some emotional scars, but he's coming along. He's not there yet, but we are thankful for the progress." Paul added that his son is eagerly anticipating the day when he can resume normal activities, including starting his senior year. "He's been doing some schoolwork. His teachers have been keeping him engaged, so, yeah, he looks forward to getting back to school."
We hope Ralph Yarl continues to recover and gets justice he and his family deserves so he can get back to living his life to the fullest.
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Family Demands Arrest of White Woman in Fatal Shooting of Black Neighbor
A family is demanding the arrest of a white woman who allegedly shot and killed her Black neighbor, Ajike Owens, sparking outrage and calls for justice in the community. We discuss it here!
Ajike “AJ” Owens
By: Adonis Armstrong
Calls for the arrest of an unidentified white woman are echoing among Florida residents after she reportedly confronted and verbally abused her Black neighbor's children before fatally shooting their mother.
NBC News reported on Monday June 6th that a prolonged feud between a 58-year-old woman and her neighbor's children reached a tragic outcome on Friday June 2nd. As civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated, Ajike "AJ" Owens' children were playing in a field near an apartment complex in Ocala when the woman, identified as white, started shouting at them to leave her property, accompanied by racial slurs.
Following the verbal altercation, according to Crump, the children inadvertently left an iPad behind, which the 58-year-old woman allegedly seized. The woman reportedly threw the device when one of Owens' children approached to retrieve it, striking the boy's head and causing the iPad screen to crack, as noted by the attorney.
When their mother Ajike heard about the incident, Owens crossed the street to talk to the woman about it. “She knocked on the door, and at that point, the woman allegedly shot through the door, hitting AJ, who later died from her injuries,” the attorney stated.
We have been retained by the family of Ajike “AJ” Owens. We will continue to stand alongside her relatives and community members as they demand accountability for the deceased mother of four. #AjikeOwens pic.twitter.com/bEcnTYb729
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 5, 2023
Pamela Dias, Owens' mother, who addressed the incident on Monday, affirmed that her child did not present any form of threat to the neighbor. “The mother, the protector of her children, she wanted to know why this happened — a closed, locked door. The door never opened. My daughter, my grandchildren’s mother, was shot and killed with her 9-year-old son standing next to her. She had no weapon. She posed no imminent threat to anyone,” Dias revealed.
During a news conference yesterday, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods refrained from confirming or denying Crump's description of the events. However, the sheriff acknowledged that at least two of Owens' children may have been present and witnessed the shooting. “The children are a big part of answering a lot of our questions,” Woods stated. The police have verified that Owens and the 58-year-old individual were involved in a heated altercation, and it has been confirmed that Owens was shot through the door. “I wish our shooter would have called us instead of taking actions into her own hands,” he also added.
No arrest has been made yet due to Florida's stand your ground laws, but that is not stopping the community from demanding justice because now four children are motherless.
News conference: Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods gives update on deadly shooting investigation
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