Once again, the timer has run out on the ongoing discussion of American racism, so here’s a fresh thread for you all. I thought you might appreciate the magnitude of the Black Problem: black people get gunned down by the police. The police are far less trigger-happy when it’s a mob of hundreds of heavily armed white people shooting each other.

epa04757409 A composite image of handout booking images made available on 19 May 2015 by the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department showing scores of men and women arrested and charged with crimes stemming from a large shootout and fight between biker gangs outside the Twin Peaks bar and restaurant at the Central Texas Marketplace in Waco, Texas, USA, 17 May 2015. Reports indicate that nine bikers were shot and killed and 18 other wounded. Police have announced that 192 people face charges of engaging in organized crime.
I think this suggests an easy solution to the problem of police brutality. Instead of 40 acres and a mule, give every black person in the country a black leather jacket and a shotgun.
Don’t worry, though. The Waco incident was completely thug-free.
Exhibit of Michael Brown’s death scene ‘atrocious’, activists say
Seriously, viral sensation is how they describe Rachel Dolezal?
Oh, and the gallery says Mike Brown’s mother supports the exhibit:
As posted yesterday, his father doesn’t.
@GalleryGuichard Your response is misleading – Lesley asked to have the exhibit covered when she learned what it was.
Mike’s mother asked for the life size “body” inspired by her son who laid in the hot son for 4.5 hours on Canfield to be covered up.
Mike’s father called the “exhibit” disgusting. And yet this man thinks this “art” is acceptable. Nah.
Study: We love a good personal responsibility message — when the audience is black
How… interesting. Treat them as a monolith yet blame them individually, while white people escape the individual blame but are treated as individuals.
Some more discussion of the results at the link.
Protests in St. Louis after 16 year old #BrandonClaxton is shot by police, leaving him paralyzed from his waist down.
Amandla Stenberg Didn’t Attack Kylie, Leave Our Princess Alone!
NYPD union head on the city’s ‘obscene’ Eric Garner settlement – oh, these unions!
“Minimal”. Fuck you, Mr Police Union.
A Stroll Through Harper Lee’s (and Watchman’s) Hometown, because tangentially relevant.
D’Army Bailey, 73, Activist Who Founded Museum Where Dr. King Was Shot, Dies
This past weekend New Shiloh Christian Center, a black church in Florida, was vandalized & attacked. #WhoIsBurningBlackChurches
Police Union Chief Calls $5.9 Million Eric Garner Settlement “Obscene”. An opinion on the chief’s opinion.
More at the link.
****
I, racist:
Why Pan-Africanism is Important for the #BlackLivesMatter Movement
Black Girls Code Camps Aim to Build Interest in Computer Science
Barack Obama Says Prison Rape Jokes Are Never Okay, among several other excellent things on incarceration.
With more on the speech, Obama calls for ‘smart’ criminal justice system.
A bit more at the link.
I hope there’s a transcript of his speech somewhere soon.
North Charleston community concerned over KKK fliers, extends post-Emanuel dialogue
Remember, the KKK is holding a pro-flag rally on Friday (I thought it was Saturday, but it turns out to be Friday).
The Racist Origins of Felon Disenfranchisement. I wonder if Obama has time to do something about this before the election next year?
There was a man in Denver named Paul Castaway. Police killed him. Here’s a signal boost.
@deray @micnews can you please tweet about the Lakota man murdered in Denver by DPD yesterday? There’s a rally for him today #PaulCastaway
Witnesses, surveillance video provide conflicting information in deadly police shooting
I understand his mother herself has come forward to insist that she hasn’t been injured by her son at all.
According to witnesses, #PaulCastaway’s last words before DPD killed him: “what’s wrong with you guys?” #DefendDenver
Watch the dance @DenverDAsOffice does with the #policeshooting of #PaulCastaway. #Nationalnews eyes will be on #Denver once again.
#PaulCastaway family has called for a drum circle tonight at DPDHQ. 13th & Cherokee
Tense standoff at union station #PaulCastaway #DefendDenver
Wait. Just yesterday DPD said Paul Castaway “stabbed his mother in the neck.” His uninjured mom Lynn Eagle Feather out here saying DPD LIED.
A couple more articles lined up.
The previous comment is important, though it’s mostly tweets about Paul Castaway in Denver.
Here’s more:
Family, witnesses say video shows different version of police shooting
She called the police for help. For help. And they didn’t. Protect and serve.
PHOTOS: Protest over Paul Castaway police shooting, photos from the protest.
While on the subject of Colorado, Colorado laws allow rogue officers to stay in law enforcement.
More at the link.
US Judge Narrows Michael Brown Family Suit Against Ferguson
A DEATH IN WALLER COUNTY TEXAS!
Cast of ‘The Wire’ reunion set for Artscape, for fans of the show.
Mayor renews pitch to sell city garages to fund rec centers
15 Powerful Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Quotes To Make You Want To Read ‘Between The World And Me’. Because you need quotes from Coates in order to make you want to read his book, right?
I’ve also realized that most of the quotes they have selected are rather wordy.
This is the video Gardena police didn’t want you to see
Huh.
California’s drought has severe consequences that seem to run along class lines – and racial ones, too, with disparate effects. “For some Californians the drought means brown lawns. For others, it means nothing to drink.” Welcome to Fairmead, California, Where You Have to Walk a Mile for a Sip of Water
Is Abortion an African-American Genocide? The Problem with Conservatives Citing Margaret Sanger, via Libby Anne.
More information at the link.
Confederate flags filmed being stolen, destroyed in new social media challenge. I’m likin’ this one.
Zimbabwe Is Proposing to Return a Select Number of Farms to White Landowners
ICE releases hundreds of women, children from detention
On voter disenfranchisement: 23 percent of black voters can’t legally vote in Florida. Obama wants that to change.
Those are huge numbers of voters.
Vandals Trash Fla. Church, Write ‘Charleston 2’ on Bishop’s Car – though it looks more like ‘Charleston[squared]’ to me.
Aversive racial bias in guilt and sentencing: Don’t treat racism, just belief:
Zadie Smith makes her screenwriting debut with sci-fi film:
Dever police caught telling key lies about their fatal shooting of Native American Paul Castaway:
“This is our heritage,” Confederate flag supporters protest ahead of Obama’s Oklahoma arrival. It is your heritage. Your horribly hateful, racist heritage. I’m so glad you can be proud of that. :P A group of Confederate flag supporters were out in force near Durant on Wednesday before the president arrived in town.
The group was visible from the interstate as they flew several Confederate flags from their trucks and vehicles.
“We’re not gonna stand down from our heritage. You know, this flag’s not racist. And I know a lot of people think it is, but it’s really not,” said Trey Johnson, who drove three hours from Texas to join the protest. “It’s just a southern thing, that’s it.”
“I believe that it is a flag that should not come down. It is about history. It’s not about racism at all because both black men, as well as white men stood side by side. They fought together for the beliefs that they believed in. And this is our heritage,” said Stephanie.
Alyssa, a supporter of the group, said the group’s protest has nothing to do with the president, but rather a culmination of the events that have occurred in recent weeks.
“Nothing to do with the president”. I have a hard time believing that.
“Confederate lives matter”: Flag wavers to greet President Obama in Oklahoma
Just what he needs!!!!
They Are Greeting President Obama with Confederate Flags in Durant, OK
Those three previous links via Lynna.
NAACP Calls for Removal of Confederate Flag From Ala. State Troopers’ Cruisers, Uniforms
Video of police shooting released after AP wins court decision. That’s again on the 2013 shooting in L.A.
Bill Clinton: I Made Criminal Justice ‘Worse’. Wow, at least he admits to it.
Somehow, stricter sentencing for non-violent offenses also occurred. Funny, that.
Borked the quote after the first link.
Obama to be greeted on Oklahoma visit by Confederate flags, the Tulsa Frontier on that.
Riverside County to pay $500,000 to family of man fatally shot while handcuffed
It’s also a shooting that occurred in 2012. Justice seems to be slow – even when it’s incomplete justice.
StL Metro PD’s 2015 homicide clearance rate with black victims is 26% (23/87) and with white victims is 88% (7/8). There’s probably a multitude of factors contributing to that, incl. a distrust within the black community of police officers, even when they’re doing their jobs properly. But you know what? That’s still no excuse for such a huge disparity. And they (the cops) probably don’t even realize that they might be prioritizing some victims over others – not consciously, anyway. That’s the saddest part of all.
Protesters Fly Confederate Flags To Greet Obama In Oklahoma, Huffington Post Black Voices.
And here, the @ColoradoFOP offers insight re: Baltimore and the influence of the unions. FOP to FOP. See attached tweets.
More: And the @ColoradoFOP, the police union, reminds us of “the American way.” Suing the police, the American Way.
Looks like StL Metro PD has cleared 6/7 (86%) homicide cases w/ white victims this yr. StL’s overall homicide clearance rate roughly 35%.
Some Airway Heights residents concerned by mayor’s Facebook post Oh? What did the Mayor say?
The update reads:
Which sounds a lot like some kind of non-action.
Stats wiz Nate Silver: For black Americans, US is about as dangerous as Rwanda. It’s a whole different country for them. There was that vignette by… I forget who, years ago, about two random aliens describing their home planets to each other via radio, describing two completely different worlds (one idealistic, the other downtrodden) – in the end, it turns out they’re both from Earth.
Audio at the link.
PETITION: The firing of Anthony Batts was a step in the right direction. Start to repair relations with the community, and bring Joe Crystal back to Baltimore. Crystal was the whistle-blowing cop who got pushed out of the force due to harassment and intimidation tactics from fellow employees. (Does he even want his job back?)
Black Children and Poverty
IntelGroupNY Sits Down With Erica Garner…(Part 2)
More at the link.
He’s the (Famous) DJ, I’m the Son
More at the link.
Confederate Street Names painted over in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Black Lives Matter” written on a Confederate Memorial on the UNC campus.
SHAME written across a Confederate Memorial to Robert. E. Lee in Dallas, TX
Profiling Bill Creates ‘Accountability’ For Oregon Police
Yes, but apparently those policies aren’t working.
Road trip for suburban woman ends in jailhouse death
Combative? Or just mouthing off?
Anybody tired of hearing from Ta-Nehisi Coates yet? No? Good!!! Making Peace With the Chaos: An Interview With Ta-Nehisi Coates
Interview at the link!
‘Between the World and Me’ Is for All of Us, Even if It Is Not About All of Us
Whew.
Marvel Salutes Hip-Hop w/ 50 Variant Covers Paying Homage to Classic Albums Covers, which are fun to look at.
And here’s a response to it: Can you explain why Marvel thinks that doing hip hop variants is a good idea, when absolutely no announced writers or artists on the new Marvel titles, as of now, are black? Wouldn’t correcting the latter be a much better idea than the former?
Charles Darwin Would Be Ashamed of ‘Social Darwinism’
I’m of mixed feelings about this article. Mostly because it also links to Karen Armstrong. But there it is. I wonder, though, if Darwin would see systemic racism, and if he did, would he fight against it? Write a really long book against it?
2 Confederate memorials defaced in Charlotte – among all the others.
Did I read that right? They took the flag down, but they’re going to make all other confederate memorials subject to state law only? What?
Unarmed Mississippi man died after 20-minute police chokehold, witnesses say – the Grauniad.
The Police Killing of a Black Man in Mississippi Just Took Another Disturbing Turn, Mic on Sanders.
St. Louis County Still May Charge Journalists Arrested While Covering Ferguson Protests. Remember that, when they arrested journalists?
Trespassing in a McDonald’s. Sounds legit.
Surveillance Video Proves Cops Murdered Native American Man and Lied To Cover It Up – Countercurrent News, hence the aggressive headline.
There’s more at the link.
This is the @ColoradoFOP dismissive attitude on citizen life while LYING & MURDERING #PaulCastaway #StayWoke “We are more concerned about the officer. Suspect decided his own fate.”
.@denverpolice kill #PaulCastaway, @ColoradoFOP mocks the family. Calls them a ‘gaggle of clowns’. ‘Expressing meaningless ignorance at the expense of law abiding citizens’.
Unarmed Mississippi man died after 20-minute police chokehold, witnesses say – the Grauniad.
The Police Killing of a Black Man in Mississippi Just Took Another Disturbing Turn, Mic on Sanders.
St. Louis County Still May Charge Journalists Arrested While Covering Ferguson Protests. Remember that, when they arrested journalists?
Trespassing in a McDonald’s. Sounds legit.
Surveillance Video Proves Cops Murdered Native American Man and Lied To Cover It Up – Countercurrent News, hence the aggressive headline.
There’s more at the link.
This is the @ColoradoFOP dismissive attitude on citizen life while LYING & MURDERING #PaulCastaway #StayWoke “We are more concerned about the officer. Suspect decided his own fate.”
.@denverpolice kill #PaulCastaway, @ColoradoFOP mocks the family. Calls them a ‘gaggle of clowns’. ‘Expressing meaningless ignorance at the expense of law abiding citizens’.
The 35-Year-Old Georgia Mother Who Was Shot and Killed by Police
Ironically, I quoted that entire article, because I didn’t know where to stop.
The Black Church: Under Attack and Guilty of Assault
And another with a religious tilt, What I Talk About When I Talk About Black Jesus: A Lyric Essay
Denver Police caught telling key lies about their fatal shooting of Native American Paul Castaway, Shau King from DailyKos on that.
The scene as President Obama’s motorcade arrived at his hotel in Oklahoma City tonight. Photo by @dougmillsnyt
Remember how the LA Times hired a correspondent to correspond with Black Twitter? Here’s the first article. When ‘Black Twitter’ sounds like ‘White Twitter’
I see people being called out on Black Twitter. I’m not sure what the point of this article is.
High School softball coach calls black students’ hair “nappy and nasty’
First Look: See Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter as a Young Barack and Michelle Obama in Southside with You. I wonder if theyll get as many movies as Will and Kate did?
Opening the #ESPYS: sweet. Winning Best Breakout Athlete: even sweeter. #MoneDavis @espnW @ESPYS @ESPN
One Year After the Death of Eric Garner, Reform Deferred – what else is new?
Regarding the ‘regaining the trust’ part, it was also said in response to Obama’s recent speech: you can’t regain what hasn’t ever been there; new ground needs to be broken, and that trust needs to be built in the first place.
“What’s Wrong With You Guys?” #Anonymous Takes Down Denver Police Union Website for #PaulCastaway. Word is getting out.
How for-profit prisons have become the biggest lobby no one is talking about. I shudder to think at the millions involved.
When prisons are a business, it’s hard to enact any useful change, because of the money involved. This is silly.
Tamir Rice: Cleveland Police supervisors disciplined in hiring of Officer Timothy Loehmann. But Loehmann himself will most likely not be disciplined.
The following two articles supposedly need an app download or something. Maybe someone can find more direct access.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Audio-Missing-on-Police-Shooting-Video-315614491.html?akmobile=o&nms=y
http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/City-Emails-Refer-to-Complications-In-Police-Version-of-How-Teen-Was-Shot-313075231.html?akmobile=o&nms=y
Sandra Bland: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Five main points of information at the link.
Obama Doing Black-On-Black Racism To Bill Cosby, All Because Of A Few Measly Rapes, via Wonkette.
Eric Garner’s unmarked grave in New Jersey cemetery goes largely unnoticed and unvisited
The Root on #SandraBland: Sandra Bland Drove to Texas to Start a New Job, So How Did She End Up Dead In Jail?
PZ’s post So True It Hurts. Basically a recap of “I, Racist” from somewhere around comment 480-something previous page. And Tony on this page.
At Point Lookout in Southern Maryland, Confederate flag still flies
Yep, political correctness running amok, when you care about the emotional well-being of your fellow citizens.
A big part of the war on drugs is based on a huge myth, with video.
And Ebony: WHAT HAPPENED TO SANDRA BLAND?
Autopsy finds Mississippi black man in buggy was strangled by white cop, attorney says:
rq:
From your link @20-
http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/City-Emails-Refer-to-Complications-In-Police-Version-of-How-Teen-Was-Shot-313075231.html?akmobile=o&nms=y
And your other one-
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Audio-Missing-on-Police-Shooting-Video-315614491.html?akmobile=o&nms=y
Obama greeted by Confederate flags in Oklahoma
With video.
Y’all still managed to put a white person in this tweet. Which tweet? The one about this article: #GrowingUpBlack and other hashtags explore race – note very white hands holding phone in descriptive picture.
Cost of Police-Misconduct Cases Soars in Big U.S. Cities, but I don’t have a subscription.
Happy birthday to Assata Olugbala Shakur #AssataTaughtMe
Fearless Journalist And All-Round Badass Ida B. Wells Honored With Google Doodle
10 Black Actresses Receive 2015 Emmy Nominations
Maybe it’s time one did!!!
Alright, so. Sandra Bland. The sheriff there. More on him in article form, but here’s some of his background via twitter / internetz. The sheriff (R Glenn Smith) of Waller County, where #SandraBland died, was fired from his chief of police position in Hempstead, TX in 2008.
In 2013, TX ACLU questioned Sheriff Smith about racial disparity in marijuana arrests by his officers. #SandraBland
From a message board in 2008 when R. Glenn Smith was running for Sheriff of Waller County, TX. #SandraBland
More from a message board in 2008 when R. Glenn Smith was running for Sheriff of Waller County, TX. #SandraBland
I know message boards aren’t definitive.
PETITION: Take Over The Investigation Into The Death of Sandra Bland From The Waller County, Texas Police Department.
A bit more at the link.
Woman from Chicago area found dead in Texas jail cell, from the Chicago Tribune.
Woman Dies In Jail After Being Roughed Up During Traffic Stop. Police Say It Was Suicide. ThinkProgress.
I’m glad it’s getting out in the media.
‘Racism is a physical experience’, Chris Hayes and Ta-Nehisi Coates in video.
Freedom on Rikers Island: Library Brings Books to Inmates. I don’t have much to say about this, except… it left me feeling slightly annoyed. I understand libraries are important, as is reading… but… somehow… could have been something more than a voyeuristic self-pat on the back for bringing enlightenment to the people trapped in the horrible conditions of Rikers? Maybe that was just me.
The black president some worried about has arrived
This has made me sad and angry. On the bright side (?), attorneys have publicly stated there is probable cause for prosecuting the officer. So maybe they’ll actually be punished this time? Who knows.
A Georgia artist wants to add Outkast to the Confederate version of Mount Rushmore, which would be hilarious as hell.
There’s a link to a petition about this at the link.
Ida B. Wells used data journalism to fight lynching
More of Wells’ response at the link.
Online Campaign Questions Account of Black Woman’s Death in Custody – yep, the New York Times on Sandra Bland. The story is getting around. Good.
So #SandraBland hanged hrself in a TX jail on Mon. & 18 year old #KindraChapman hanged herself in an AL jail on Tues, 1hr after arrest? FOH!
Repost, but well worth it: These 15 Black Women Were Killed During Police Encounters. Their Lives Matter, Too.
The Toronto Police Services Board meeting is being shut down by Black LIves Matter protesters. Hopefully pictures/articles will be available soon.
Attorney: Police brutality against teen shown in video
How your local jail became hell: An investigation, not just on incarceration rates, but conditions within jails. Which often sound like something only mildly better than the Middle Ages.
Imagine being considered a ‘nuisance’ due to your mental illness, and not receiving the medication or support that you actually need. (I know, that’s kind of how it works right now, right?)
More at the link.
#SandraBland had degrees. Belonged to a Black Greek Organization. Was employed. She was all the things you tell us to be. And she’s dead. < THIS.
^ THAT.
Texas sheriff involved in the death of Sandra Bland fired from previous post for racism. Previously I only posted screenshots from a discussion forum. Here’s more on the sheriff and his background:
Woman Arrested After Traffic Violation Found Dead In Texas Jail Three Days Later, BuzzFeed.
rq, #28
As a resident of Georgia, done.
This South Dakota Town Refuses To Take The Confederate Flag Off Its Police Uniform – nope, not the one in Alabama mentioned yesterday. Another one!
Assholes much? Did their local FOP tell them to do that?
https://twitter.com/bravenewvoices/status/621682210312208384
Random thought.
Where Brooklyn At? The Rise of Gentrification and the Fall of Hip-Hop
I skipped a lot of Brooklyn history from the article, but it’s well worth a read.
Alabama Guv Sued For Removing Confederate Flag From Capitol Grounds
You go on and win, governor of Alabama.
Teen inmate hangs herself in Homewood City Jail, authorities say – no, not Sandra Bland. The other one. Kindra Darnell Chapman.
L.A. files few charges in Ferguson police shooting protests despite mass arrests
The NAACP And Black Lives Matter Are Talking Past Each Other
Ferguson mayor to begin listening tour with residents who backed his recall – I’m sure they’re thrilled about it. I suppose it’s not a bad idea, generally speaking…
I said before, I think 28 signatures should be perfectly easy (or at least doable) to verify – esp. if these are signatures from old folks.
How railroads, highways and other man-made lines racially divide America’s cities. Washington Post takes another look at segregation via city planning.
A slew of maps and descriptions at the link.
Mayor in Wash. State Calls Michelle Obama ‘Gorilla Face,’ Refuses to Step Down: Report, via The Root.
Video shows that African-American woman who died in custody did not assault an officer as police claimed, Salon takes a closer look at the video of Sandra Bland’s arrest.
Former Mississippi governor says it’s time to change state flag
I think they should just take it down.
#WhiteGirlsDoItBetter: Why White Women Remain One of Racism’s Most Slept On Weapons.
Family wary after Naperville woman’s death in Texas jail; grand jury to inquire, which is a good thing.
Banner drop on the High Line right now for one year since the murder of #EricGarner. #StillCantBreathe ([camera emoji]: @AshAgony)
And here’s more on Sandra Bland: Black Activist’s Death in Texas Jail Similar to 2012 Suicide
New York Woman Says She Was Called “Dyke” And Attacked By Police – and I believe her.
Homophobia on top of racism – or, I guess, first the homophobia, then the racism on top, in this case. I’m glad the couple is (mostly) okay. What I would really like to see is charges against that horrible excuse of a police officer, though.
How Racist Is Solitary Confinement? Do I really want to know?
There’s more at the link.
Family of black Alabama teenager who died in police cell still waiting for answers
It’s almost like a theme or something.
#SandraBland encouraged us in this video to use our voice to create change. Will you #SayHerName & demand answers?
Today @johnlegend visited a prison in Portugal learning how they decriminalized all drugs to reduce prisons & crime.
Here’s some stats on suicide, by race, which have been brought up in light of Sandra Bland’s prison suicide: from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Mayor called Obamas “monkey man” and “gorilla face”, but “I’m not a racist”, via BoingBoing.
Officer who pepper-sprayed student placed on leave
From October 2014; that’s the same department where Sandra Bland was found hanged.
Back out for the 2nd day in a row. We want answers. #WhatHappenedToSandraBland #SandraBland #BlackLivesMatter
A local resident just walked up and said this is the 3rd time. #WhatHappenedToSandraBland
Another Fatal Police Shooting Caught on Video—and More Questions About a Dispatcher’s Role
Meanwhile at the Zuiderpark, the old flowers have been removed and only the candles for #MitchHenriquez remain.
President Obama Heads to Prison in Pursuit of Criminal Justice Reform
A bit more at the link.
#JusticeForSandra and #SandraBland trending on Twitter as answers are demanded of Texas police who allowed her to die The death of Sandra Bland attracted little attention until today, and that’s probably how authorities in Waller County, Texas would have preferred it — but after video of her not assaulting an officer, as police had claimed, came to light, they have little choice.
Even Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis is questioning the sheriff’s department’s official story that she died “from what appears to be self-inflicted asphyxiation.”
“I will admit it is strange someone who had everything going for her would have taken her own life,” Mathis said of the young woman who had just moved back to Texas to take a position at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University. “That’s why it’s very important a thorough investigation is done and that we get a good picture of what Ms. Bland was going through the last four or five days of her life.”
“If there was something nefarious, or if there was some foul play involved, we’ll get to the bottom of that,” he added — and if the reaction on Twitter today was any indication, the Internet will hold him to his word
Borkquote sighting there – all text following the last link should be quoted!
Sandra Bland’s death sparks online demand for answers, via the BBC.
Police Shoot, Kill Mentally Ill Native American Man; Family Demands Justice, another article on Paul Castaway.
Cops laughed at our protest of their ongoing violence and pushed #PaulCastaway’s grieving mother. #NativeLivesMatter
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM ACLU-MS ON CHOKING DEATH OF JONATHAN SANDERS
Hey Mr @POTUS sorry about the confederate flag thing earlier..OK ranks 48th/50 in education. We literally have no idea what were doing.
Off-grid Rambo plotted to spark violence against Ferguson protesters by gluing gun to black mans hand:
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#IfIDieInPoliceCustody Trends As People Look For Answers in the Death of Sandra Bland
As an aside, I found one of the Tweets highly amusing:
Two Republican Congressmen Scold Confederate Flag Wavers For Insulting President Obama
Prosecutor investigating Sandra Bland’s death has troubling history of racial bias — just like the sheriff. Just proves that it’s the system, not the individuals (who contribute, but it’s the system that lets such individuals operate in the first place).
Good to know.
Inside the Ku Klux Klan, via Reuters.
The Texas Sheriff Where Sandra Bland Died Was Previously Suspended for Racism, Mic on the sheriff.
African American Suicide Fact Sheet, pdf. For reference purposes.
When French Beauty Means White Beauty
Meet the Radical Brownies. Dedicated to providing young girls of color relevant life experiences.
New York, New York.
Cops used banned chokehold on ex-Marine after accusing him of trespassing at his own Brooklyn home: suit
Confederate flag demand has Alabama company ‘absolutely swamped’. Sadly.
It’s about history. Yes, have you looked into that history?
Along with the influx in confederate flags in this area, I’ve also seen several Gadsden flags flying from trucks.
Sandra Bland Tried to Post Bail Before Allegedly Committing Suicide – I understand she was to be released??
I skipped the part where they go into her (very short) criminal record. Is that really necessary? Like, at all?
The Texas County Where Sandra Bland Died Is Fraught With Racial Tensions.
Ah, reddit, you have fixed nothing. ‘Coontown’: A noxious, racist corner of Reddit survives recent purge. THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS EXAMPLES OF HUMANS BEING RACIST SHITHEADS OF THE WORST KIND.
Nearly 40,000 people have signed a petition to remove a black memorial monument in South Carolina because it offends whites
Okay so there’s a backlog on the work computer. Excuse, but here’s some overdue stuff:
Larry Wilmore on Bill O’Reilly, via Mano Singham.
Black Atheists Condemn White Terrorist Massacre at Charleston Black Church, via Black Skeptics (Black Skeptics Los Angeles, to be specific).
Not Yours, Not Ever, via Stephanie Zvan.
No more compliments, thank you very much, via PZ, though I may have posted this one already, I can’t remember.
The confederate flag starts coming down, via Mano Singham.
Civil asset forfeiture abuses curtailed, via Mano Singham.
Thanks, Saad!
+++
Clearing the old tabs continues.
12 top moments at the BET Awards, because black artists (CBC),
Who or what is burning black churches in the U.S.? Arsonists or accidents? (CBC)
Fires at black churches in several U.S. states under investigation (CBC)
KKK chapter to hold Confederate flag rally at South Carolina State House – I’ve been a bit confused about the dates, but yes, that will be tomorrow, not today (CBC).
Barack Obama’s string of political successes starts the legacy talk again (CBC)
Confederate flag comes down at South Carolina capitol.
Couple more comments to go…
Warner Bros. to stop licensing Dukes of Hazzard goods with Confederate flag (CBC)
Charleston church shooting: Confederate flag belongs only in museum (CBC)
NYC subway mosaics prompt debate on Confederate symbols (lots of fancy-footed excuse-giving in this one) (CBC)
Right-wing extremism a greater threat in North America (Toronto Star)
And two audio shows that might be of interest, via the CBC:
With/On Ta-Nehisi Coates and racism as a physical experience;
On Sandra Bland’s mysterious hanging.
Enough tabs for one more comment, but these will at least be recent!
First, three more from the Toronto Star:
Friends say death of young woman in Texas police custody suspicious (on Sandra Bland);
Saunders’ comments belong in a police state: Keenan (on the Toronto police);
Burlington care centre comes under fire for ad specifying ‘Caucasian’ applicants (on discriminatory hiring practices).
And last three from the CBC:
New Reddit policies leave ‘racist’ forums up and running;
Sandra Bland, found hanged in Texas jail, cited depression in her Facebook posts;
Sandra Bland’s death in Texas jail questioned by family.
The second CBC link gives a bit more detail into how she hanged herself, as well as other details, like how she was in distress, felt that her arm may have been fractured and was therefore in pain, etc. So while no police officer or employee may have put their hands on her directly, the sheer attitude of negligence and carelessness and a lack of compassion (not to mention the baseless arrest in the first place) are mostly direct, contributing factors to her death.
At home I left a link where Sandra Bland declares that she will change the world.
Sadly, she just might.
Rolly: Reining in the rednecks at Red Butte
Clanton police say someone drove thru predominantly black neighborhood w confederate flag, yelling racial slurs.
Jonathan Sanders: Unarmed Mississippi man died after 20-minute police chokehold, witnesses say
The fuck the medics would sit him upright if he’s (most likely) unresponsive? That is piece-of-shit first aid, because if someone is lying on the ground and not responding (even if they’re faking) the last thing you should do is try and sit them up. Like hOLY SHIT.
And that phrase, “Put him to sleep”. That’s what you say to your kids about your pet dog. Fuck.
And all 3 witnesses have the exact same story. The prosecutor there reminds me a lot of Bob McCulloch in STL. #JonathanSanders
Will protestors be blamed? Will the man be a part of the movement? All 4 suspects in custody in connection with shooting of police officer Tuesday morning.
Everything We Know About Sandra Bland
Rolly: Reining in the rednecks at Red Butte
Clanton police say someone drove thru predominantly black neighborhood w confederate flag, yelling racial slurs.
Jonathan Sanders: Unarmed Mississippi man died after 20-minute police chokehold, witnesses say
The fuck the medics would sit him upright if he’s (most likely) unresponsive? That is piece-of-shit first aid, because if someone is lying on the ground and not responding (even if they’re faking) the last thing you should do is try and sit them up. Like hOLY SHIT.
And that phrase, “Put him to sleep”. That’s what you say to your kids about your pet dog. Fuck.
And all 3 witnesses have the exact same story. The prosecutor there reminds me a lot of Bob McCulloch in STL. #JonathanSanders
Will protestors be blamed? Will the man be a part of the movement? All 4 suspects in custody in connection with shooting of police officer Tuesday morning.
Everything We Know About Sandra Bland
Rolly: Reining in the rednecks at Red Butte
Clanton police say someone drove thru predominantly black neighborhood w confederate flag, yelling racial slurs.
Jonathan Sanders: Unarmed Mississippi man died after 20-minute police chokehold, witnesses say
The fuck the medics would sit him upright if he’s (most likely) unresponsive? That is piece-of-shit first aid, because if someone is lying on the ground and not responding (even if they’re faking) the last thing you should do is try and sit them up. Like hOLY SHIT.
And that phrase, “Put him to sleep”. That’s what you say to your kids about your pet dog. Fuck.
And all 3 witnesses have the exact same story. The prosecutor there reminds me a lot of Bob McCulloch in STL. #JonathanSanders
Will protestors be blamed? Will the man be a part of the movement? All 4 suspects in custody in connection with shooting of police officer Tuesday morning.
Everything We Know About Sandra Bland
FBI’s warning of white supremacists infiltrating law enforcement nearly forgotten
Why is the same agency that arrested Sandra Bland investigating her death, too? And didn’t the media make a big show of saying how it would be an independent investigation?
More at the link, with a closer look at the investigation of Eric Garner’s death and the conflicts of interest present there.
Colorado cop slams handcuffed teen to hospital floor, knocks her teeth out (VIDEO)
City Cop “Intentionally and Violently Grabbed and Pulled” Man’s Genitalia, Suit Says. Just going to leave that there as an example of cops behaving badly. And the attitude of entitlement and arrogance and disregard for others that seems to come with the uniform for many officers.
Second Memorial for Paul Castaway Tonight at Shooting Scene
I’m sorry, I missed announcing that yesterday.
State Jail Commission Cites Waller County Officials After Investigating Sandra Bland’s Death
And now everyone’s citing her facebook posts on depression and ptsd as incontrovertible evidence that she definitively committed suicide.
The real Lone Ranger was an African-American lawman who lived with Native American Indians.
The title seems slightly misleading to me. To be more precise, he served as the inspiration for the Lone Ranger. Or is that just me splitting hairs?
Point of fact, a horse is never white, it’s always grey. A very light grey, but never actually white, unless it’s albino. :) So I find it funny that the Lone Ranger rode a white horse, and at one point, a light grey one. In horse language, that’s saying pretty much the same thing.
+++
Osheaga’s headdress ban shows festival’s zero tolerance for cultural appropriation
Everyone Should Be Reading These Intense #IfIDieInPoliceCustody Tweets Right Now – may be a repost, sorry, feeling lazy, so worst case, you get it twice.
24 fine and tragic examples at the link.
New report highlights cases of police brutality inside middle and high schools. It’s not just adult sthat get terrorized.
Profiling starts young.
Should be a powerful weekend! Join us in #STL Aug 7-10 for the 1-yr remembrance of #MikeBrown #Ferguson #FightBack365
The Witness, on Ramsey Orta
Video at the link.
DPS: ‘Violations’ of Department Procedure in Stop of Sandra Bland. That’s great. Now bring Sandra Bland back.
Via Tony, here’s something encouraging:
NYC Swim Team Breaking Records and Busting Myths
More at the link.
A lot of disappointment was expressed: Chief Dotson joins faith leaders, police at Mt. Carmel in N. #STL for prayer to stop the killing. @kmoxnews
Faith leaders in North City lay hands on Chief Dotson, pray for peace, end of murder epidemic. #STL @kmoxnews
Sheriff: Law enforcement taking NAACP threats, KKK fliers seriously
Post-racial America, everyone. And no, the Klan ain’t a hate group, nuh-uh!
Black Twitter users respond to jail deaths with heartbreaking #IfIDieInPoliceCustody hashtag, with some different examples than the previous link. But maybe the same as Tony’s.
22 Times Amandla Stenberg Was The Ultimate Carefree Black Girl, for something fun.
Fists up for #EricGarner in #NYC! He was killed 1yr ago today. #StillCantBreathe #BlackLivesMatter
LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device/”Sound Cannon”) at peaceful #EricGarner demo. #StillCantBreathe ([camera emoji] @JamesFTInternet)
Prayer circle for the roughly 50 protestors outside the jail. #SandraBland
While we were in the prayer, this truck drove past. #SandraBland #WhatHappenedToSandraBland – but the confederate flag is not about racist hate, nuh-uh!
A letter to Baltimore’s interim police commissioner from Bealefeld and Bernstein
That’s a former police commissioners and a state attorney giving advice. There’s more at the link.
‘Wire’ actors to deliver lines from real-life Baltimoreans, but will this mean people will actually listen and hear what is being said?
Hmm. My guess is, it will all be considered interesting art, and those who should be listening will just pass it off as nothing worthy of note.
This was a part of a series of tweets in response to the #IfIDieInPoliceCustody hashtag. I only pulled these three, but I am horrified of a reality where this sort of precaution and preparation is necessary – where even thinking it is a reality.
I hope that every Black person has had a discussion with friends & family about what to do if you are arrested. Is there a phone tree?
Does someone in your life have access to your social media passwords? Can they take down your FB, Instagram, Twitter accounts?
Who are your approved media spokespeople? Do you want your random ‘friend’ or ‘cousin’ who you actually despise speaking on your behalf?
What kind of a world is this?
Obama to wish Jon Stewart a fond farewell this Tuesday , a bit of fun.
Interlude: Music! 50 Cent’s Business Sense
Activist Johnetta Elzie Talks Ferguson & Black Lives Matter
There’s more at the link. I also recommend following her on twitter.
“What happened in that jail?”: Everything you need to know about the tragic & mysterious death of Sandra Bland, Salon with video.
Waller Cnty judge: “Social media distributes inaccuracies. Only listen to our office.” Sounds like Bob McCulloch’s GJ presser. #SandraBland
Tuscaloosa Police Department asks FBI to investigate fatal arrest of Anthony Ware, the man who died after being pepper sprayed.
Police brutality protesters now have a Twitter bot to handle their haters, a much-needed tool.
That’s actually kind of neat…! Wow.
The family of #PaulCastaway, Native American man murdered by @DenverPolice, needs help paying for his funeral https://fundly.com/justice-for-paul-castaway …
Most of Canada’s prisoners have never been convicted of anything. Why are they in jail? So no, it’s not just a USAmerican problem.
More at the link.
If you want some victim-blaming of Sandra Bland, you can go ahead and read this: Suburban Woman Found Dead in Jail Had Previous Encounters With Police. As someone on twitter mentioned, they once asked an officer where they were allowed to park. That’s an encounter with the police. Also on twitter, people were wondering why a black person having interactions with the police is making news. I mean, starting September, I will have daily encounters with the police. Why does this need to be news?
The angry Black woman narrative is used to rationalize & legitimize direct & structural violence against Black Women. #SandraBland
Sandra Bland And The Invisible Plight Of Black Women In The Justice System
In front Waller County Courthouse for #SandraBland Crowd is chanting: “We want answers” (pictures from this protest in reverse chronology)
Sandra Bland Tried to Bail Herself Out Just Before Her Death in Police Custody: Bondsman, Mic on that aspect of the story.
Two Charts Show How the Drug War Drives US Domestic Spying. While there’s no data on race, guess who is (most likely) disproportionately affected?
Vandalism Wave Continues as Anti-Klan Demonstration Looms
Going to be catching up on twitter in a few moments, should be interesting.
Crowd continues to grow. The plan is to march to the courthouse from the police station in Hempstead for #SandraBland (still from yesterday)
Dylann Roof’s Past Reveals Trouble at Home and School – not going to cite, but feel free to compare and contrast this to the NBC piece on Bland’s previous encounters with police above. I dare you.
Texas DA Intimates Sandra Bland’s ‘Mental Illness’ Caused Her Suicide. See? It’s all too convenient for them, if she was mentally ill, they cannot possibly be at fault for anything, not her distress, not her actions, nothing nothing nothing.
Discriminatory auto loans bring Honda Buyers $24M restitution. Post-racial America. So much discrimination randomly appearing everywhere for no reason at all, just out of the blue.
More on the practice and how it works at the link.
Some stuff on books. Specifically two books, and I bet you can guess which ones.
First, PZ’s post on Brooks: The ear of David Brooks, within whose comments (via AndrewD – thanks ever so much!) one finds Listening While Ashkenazi, from Mike the Mad Biologist.
And a third point-of-view, one which compares and contrasts the worldviews expressed in Coates’ Between the World and Me, and Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman. I loved this entire essay, and I would make it required reading, because interestingly, as much as we went over To Kill a Mockingbird in high school, never once have I heard an opinion from a black person on it. Until now, and let me tell you, it makes you think (if you’re an ignorant white person like me, that is). Anyway. That’s an intro.
Between the Words and Me: Reading Coates and Lee
And I had to laugh at this line:
Because it’s probably the most fucking saddest, most distressing line in that entire essay. Once you really think about it.
Unarmed black man allegedly strangled to death by Mississippi police officer, Mashable finds the Jonathan Sanders story.
Emmy Noms Set Record With 64% Gain For African-American Actors – here’s to hoping that they all win in their categories!!! (And that there aren’t too many cancelling each other out.)
You should publish all of the names that signed the petition so we can all see who racists are. This links to a link to the article posted above by Saad about the removal of a memorial for the slave-ships, due to causing offense to white people. Apparently they’ve gathered about 40 000 signatures. Sad.
And apparently Ta-Nehisi Coates has received criticism for not being diverse enough in his new book, which I find a kind of silly argument considering it’s a personal account of personal experiences as a black man…
But here’s someone else who says it better:
This critique of .@tanehisicoates of him not including women is grounded in the fact that we black folks are an underfed community.
Because we’re only allowed “one” literary voice at a time, The One is forced to include The All, even if they can’t speak for All.
If there were a broader, diverse set of black literary voices ordained to the masses, we wouldn’t ask .@tanehisicoates to write *everything*
I didn’t expect .@tanehisicoates to write about my lived experience as a black woman. That’s not his area of expertise. We read who he is.
And .@tanehisicoates being a “chosen” voice by mainstream media ain’t his fault. Don’t blame him for what white supremacy limits us to.
A singular narrative is dangerous. But that doesn’t mean one person writes multiple narratives. That means *we* uplift multiple voices.
I posted previously an article from a black woman reviewing his book, and yes, she mentions his lack of speaking about black women. But she also wrote how she understood that. The link to Seven Scribes also does mention this critique. It is valid, but at the same time, which opinion also appeared, it’s not his burden, not his story. And if he tried, he would be criticized for speaking on behalf of black women. So the answer is, of course, to signal-boost a variety of black voices. To make them available and heard, to cover as many experiences as possible.
The Quiet Racism of Instagram Filters, which seems like something silly to worry about, but… it really isn’t.
Except, of course, that black people come in a variety of skin tones, so this argument is… kind of silly, even if true for a segment of the population. Anyway, more at the link, including examples of instagram filters.
Sources: Tulsa Deputy In Eric Harris Video Must Attend Training Class. Shoot a man by accident, take some extra courses.
Oh, the others. Same difference. How about some diversity training? Or something on unconscious biases? No?
Cleveland police supervisors disciplined in hiring of officer who shot Tamir Rice (document) – still waiting to see what they’re going to do about Loehmann himself.
Well, that is, to say the least, irresponsible. And probably a dereliction of duty of some kind. Geez.
Mosby says she learned from mistakes of family members in law enforcement
She still needs the dreads, but otherwise, not bad. For starters.
Local photographer gives Baltimore a close-up, like the Humans of New York but for Baltimore.
Good luck wit hthe project!!
Orders rise for Sons of Confederate Veterans license plates as several states discuss banning them. Not sure why anyone would really want to be proud of that and wear that badge with such pride.
Okay, and the plates actually fund the Sons of Confederate Veterans? Seriously???
Police accused in Freddie Gray’s death say they gave statements under duress
A response: See, it’s likely that the @BaltimorePolice who “interrogated” the six officers who killed #FreddieGray violated procedures, intentionally.
Actually, I can see them legitimately not expecting to be charged at all, therefore willing to make statements as witnesses. Not sure where the ‘duress’ part happens (is this a legal thing?), but I can believe that they gave statements freely because, well, nothing ever happens to the officers. Right?
Nikki Haley in South Carolina Statement regarding the out of state KKK rally at the statehouse on Saturday
(That’s the extent of her statement.)
If ISIS showed up in front of anyone’s statehouse, nobody would be talking about any amendments. A response to people saying it’s a first-amendment issue.
@deray the fact that we even have to type the words Klan Rally without the numbers 1955 behind them is mind boggling. #nothingschanged
CNN video: Obama: Inmates made ‘mistakes’ like I did.
Confederate flags fly high at Faster Horses festival – Detroit, Michigan. Whee! Isn’t that, like, the non-racist North?
So fucking free, they all are.
Which I guess it’s true. But also free from compassion, and free from a proper education.
The Destruction of a Black Suburb, on segregation and city planning and biases within the process – pretty overt, not really subtle.
And much more at the link.
U.S. Senate passes amendment urging pardon for boxer Jack Johnson
There again a white woman appears as justification for a racially-motivated conviction against a black man. Stop doing that.
Tamir Rice Justice Committee to present 60,000 signatures calling for charges against 2 CPD officers
Autopsy finds Mississippi black man in buggy was strangled, death a homicide, attorney says – pathologically a homicide, but still needs to be legally declared a homicide. Let’s hope that happens.
Cop who smashed 18-year-old woman’s face on ground remains on regular duty, in case you thought there might be some disciplinary action going on there.
Oh, found two more responses from Brittany Packnett to Coates’ critics: We must reframe blackness to be the nuanced spectrum of perspectives we possess. Restrictions on blackness are the fault of supremacy
The black woman’s story isn’t .@tanehisicoates tale to tell. And if he included us more, someone else would feel left out.
Annnnd some photos from the KKK rally:
“White power” protesters arrive outside the South Carolina State House.
#breaking: members of the #KKK have arrived
Oh it gets better: Columbia, S.C., outside the State House. Yes, someone brought THAT flag, too. Coincidence?
Kkk here ppl started pushing & throwing things now armed officers on scene #chsnews @ABCNews4
They got dispersed an hour earlier than planned, last I looked at twitter, though no one really knows why. Not that I’m complaining.
This happened: #blacklivesmatter #blm protest breaks out in the middle of @MartinOMalley speech #nn15 #NN15TownHall
“Welcome to Arizona where Monica Jones, a black trans woman, cannot walk down the street, TODAY.” #nn15 #blackroots
The activist on the mike at #nn15 is @Tia_Oso. She’s a Phoenix-based organizer; she’s demanding O’Malley “advance a racial justice agenda.”
We have to “dismantle, not reform” structural racism. The protesters have questions for @MartinOMalley about how he will. #NN15 #blackroots
KKK Plans Rally at S. Carolina Capitol, just a Daily Beast blurb right now:
Plantation Tours: Don’t Expect to Hear How Horrible Slavery Really Was, with a couple of exceptions mentioned.
A very interesting recap of the author’s experiences follows.
Not really seeing the humour here: Amy Schumer Rewrote Her ‘Star Wars’-Themed GQ Cover And Now It’s Perfect, in case anyone wants to pick apart that image.
KKK, African-American group plan rallies at South Carolina Capitol, Reuters.
Kindra Chapman Found Dead in Jail Cell
The Waller County Sheriff’s Office just released this statement regarding the jail commission’s findings: #SandraBland See attached text, in short: they do not believe that any of the deficiencies contributed to Bland’s death (notably, going to her in person and not having their employees’ mental health training up-to-date).
Man Who Covered Home in Confederate Flags After Church Massacre Is Arrested
Good for him. Stellar work.
EXCLUSIVE: Smile of the cop who choked Eric Garner. NYPD officer is still under 24-hour guard a year to the day since death which set off race storm. “Race storm”? Not citing.
My daughter works at Sports Clips. Her store endured epic staff drama today that’s not on topic, but while she was telling me about it earlier, she mentioned a co-worker who quit recently had seen an email from the bosses stating that when she (the co-worker) was gone, to not hire any more blacks for the store, and that this message had been re-iterated today in advance of the new hirings they are about to have to do: no blacks, and no one heavy. After daughterspawn left, I did a little digging on the internet. There’s not much posted out there, but I found this link to back up what she told me.
http://www.hotcomplaints.com/complaint-racial_discrimination___hiring_pratices_4091.html
If this doesn’t fully meet the requirements for the thread, I apologize in advance.
Oh this is rich!
Photo of black officer helping white supremacist suffering heat stroke goes viral, says it all:
$1 million bond for man charged with hate crime in pellet gun shooting:
Flag dispute triggers clash at South Carolina capitol:
‘Black Panther Break Room’: Workers Accuse American Airlines of Racial Discrimination
What Happens When Cubans Speak About Anti-Black Racism in Their Country
The Death of Sandra Bland Isn’t Helping My Fear of Driving While Black
From L.A. Times Columnist Who Says It’s Not as Progressive, United as It Seems
Akilah Hilariously Explains Racial Discussion Fatigue Syndrome
2 minute video at the link.
WATCH: CBS guest whitesplains ‘Black Lives Matter’ to Gwen Ifill by likening it to Donald Trump, because that makes sense?
Wooooow…
‘This is not a race issue’ but ‘I am here for white power’: Scenes from the KKK’s Confederate flag rally
The title pretty much says it all – it’s not a race issue, it’s about white power. See how that makes so much sense? (Note: they did not talk to any women.)
Group raises money to help transgender inmate
More on the circumstances of her arrest: A black transgender woman is in jail because police were called on her for being transgender
I just… they need guidelines?
Sheriff Says Problems at Jail Played No Role in Death of Sandra Bland – No Role At All!
Taraji P. Henson And Viola Davis Have Made Emmy History
Well, the Emmys seem to be taking black actors and actresses seriously.
Grave of first male slave freed by Lincoln rediscovered, experts believe, kind of random.
More on the discovery at the link.
‘This is not a race issue’ but ‘I am here for white power’: Scenes from the KKK’s Confederate flag rally
The title pretty much says it all – it’s not a race issue, it’s about white power. See how that makes so much sense? (Note: they did not talk to any women.)
Group raises money to help transgender inmate
More on the circumstances of her arrest: A black transgender woman is in jail because police were called on her for being transgender
I just… they need guidelines?
Sheriff Says Problems at Jail Played No Role in Death of Sandra Bland – No Role At All!
Taraji P. Henson And Viola Davis Have Made Emmy History
Well, the Emmys seem to be taking black actors and actresses seriously.
Grave of first male slave freed by Lincoln rediscovered, experts believe, kind of random.
More on the discovery at the link.
Something else positive-
Celebrating the beauty of black women.
24 black beauty looks we’re loving right now.
I mean _damn_.
‘This is not a race issue’ but ‘I am here for white power’: Scenes from the KKK’s Confederate flag rally
The title pretty much says it all – it’s not a race issue, it’s about white power. See how that makes so much sense? (Note: they did not talk to any women.)
Group raises money to help transgender inmate
More on the circumstances of her arrest: A black transgender woman is in jail because police were called on her for being transgender
I just… they need guidelines?
Sheriff Says Problems at Jail Played No Role in Death of Sandra Bland – No Role At All!
Taraji P. Henson And Viola Davis Have Made Emmy History
Well, the Emmys seem to be taking black actors and actresses seriously.
Grave of first male slave freed by Lincoln rediscovered, experts believe, kind of random.
More on the discovery at the link.
Okay, my previous comment might appear three times at some point. It had no bad words in it, but it won’t go through and I’m not sure why. Could be a bad link. Anyway, look for it later.
UPDATED: In Contentious Netroots Speech, Bernie Sanders Shouts Over #BlackLivesMatter Protestors
Sanders’ supporters keep citing his past record in civil rights. Maybe he should try doing better right now, too.
15 pages deep in Between The World And Me and TNC has spoke on Renisha McBride,Marlene Pinnock, the women in his neighborhood & his grandma, for those who decry the lack of women in his book – ah, but how are those women shown?
And of course there’s a response: In Ta-Nehisi Coates’ New Book, It’s Clear All the Blacks Are Still Men
Noted!
A pro-police rally a week after @DenverPolice murdered #PaulCastaway is basically a rally celebrating such violence. #DefendDenver
We have totally shut down this pro pig rally
Update on #BrandonClaxton, who was shot & paralyzed by @SLMPD July 11. #STL #Ferguson #BlackLivesMatter
For anyone (like me) who might not know the Combahee Rive Collective mentioned in rq’s comment above:
Report on evidence found at Walter Scott scene helps decipher video of shooting
There’s a very fine and detailed account of what happens to the taser in the video at the link.
The confederate flag protests have gone from ‘it’s not racist!’ to ‘fuck it we’re actual Nazis’ in like a week. See photo.
Black Police Applicant Frustrated by Opaque Hiring Process
Lots more at the link.
Police Release Video of Man Who Died After Being Pepper Sprayed – haven’t watched it, so I can’t really comment on anything within. Anthony Ware.
My favorite thing from Comic Con was this print by @GynoStar of @BreeNewsome’s textbook act of civil disobedience.
Fetty Wap’s Tweaked Sound Yields Hit in ‘Trap Queen’
Actor Matt McGorry weighs in on ‘Black Lives Matter’ vs ‘All Lives Matter:
He’s a white guy. I really do appreciate it when white people use their privilege to speak up in favor of anti-racist social justice movements. And it appears his feminism is intersectional. How nice!
Woman crying over the confederate flag during the KKK rally in SC today. RT if you laughed.
AMAZING. KKK pulls knife on black panthers in SC. Guess whose side the cops took? My bro @Chinabria just shot this. https://youtu.be/sCrea1zcMvI
1 of these is a KKK Rally in S. Carolina. The other is how @POTUS was greeted in OKC. Which is which?
The Republican SC State Treasurer actually tweeted this during the KKK rally. It has since been deleted.
Millennials are no less racist than Generation X and hardly less racist than Boomers.
Sanders and O’Malley Stumble During Black Lives Matter Protest
Hundreds turn out for funeral of Jonathan Sanders
S.F. police post far-out comments on union’s Facebook page, probably reflecting an attitude endemic to every single police union.
No regrets all’round. And people wonder why things don’t change.
O’Malley apologizes for saying ‘all lives matter’ at liberal conference, a nice gesture. But is it a real apology?
‘Still a racist nation’: American bigotry on full display at KKK rally in South Carolina
More at the link.
Jonathan Ferrell was just starting his life in Charlotte
More (positive) details on Ferrell’s life, as well as the last night of his life, at the link.
After Liberal Protesters Heckle Him for Saying ‘All Lives Matter,’ Democratic Presidential Hopeful Rethinks Things
Love the first line, about how O’Malley ‘endured’ protests. I think other people have been enduring protests far longer and far better. But that’s just me.
This Powerful Photo Shows a Surprising Moment of Humanity From the S.C. KKK Rally, from Mic, with examples of twitter responses.
JAMES BALDWIN : HIS VOICE REMEMBERED; Life in His Language , Toni Morrison’s eulogy to him in 1987. Worth a read.
Mothers of #TrayvonMartin, #TamirRice, #MikeBrown & #EricGarner at vigil in Brooklyn earlier today. #StillCantBreathe
Our Racial Moment of Truth
Where are the “heritage not hate” apologists today? Shouldn’t they be out there telling these people that?
Working thru trauma of their mother being tazed 3x by #STL #police #BlackLivesMatter #BWLM #ABanks #PoliceBrutality
Black group, KKK stage rallies outside South Carolina Statehouse
Interlude: make-up! Selena’s Colorful Spirit Brought To Life In New M.A.C. Makeup Line.
Black women murdered by police #SayHerName, a tumblr with a list. An excerpt:
That’s a not particularly large excerpt.
The Highlander Rule of PoCs from Skepchick.
Racial turmoil in Md.’s ‘Friendliest Town’ after black police chief is fired – uh-oh!
So there you see another example of what happens to the good (or at least better) cops.
Ku Klux Klan and New Black Panther Party Protest at South Carolina Capitol
Yep, all the ancestors of those white people founded that country… on the backs of black people and Native Americans and anyone else they could take advantage of.
Some heritage.
Counterprotest at today’s Pro-Police Brutality Rally in Denver. #DefendDenver #ftp
Rachel Dolezal Says Her Black Identity Is ‘Not a Costume’, in case anyone still wants to read about her.
Vigil being held at #PrairieView A&M for #SandraBland.
Jidenna: “To all my Nigerian brothers and sisters”
And there was backlash, and he wrote an open letter, and it’s interesting insight into the life of one bi-racial person and his experiences.
Sandra Bland Family Seeking Independent Autopsy of Woman Found Dead in Texas Jail
Report raises questions about Ferguson-related donations
If I Die In Police Custody…
With gif statements, and link to video.
On what would have been his 80th.. Happy birthday Frantz Fanon.
A Black Teen Died This Week In An Alabama Jail Cell, And Authorities Say It Was Suicide
#BlackLivesMatter founder @aliciagarza breaks down our action at #NN15 for those of you riding the hype train:
Police must balance enforcement with safety in high-speed pursuits,
After 8 months, the Cleveland PD finally admits it was wrong to ever hire the officer who killed Tamir Rice:
There’s a lot of information at the link, including a look into Loehmann’s records and documents detailing how he was turned down from as many as 7 other police departments. But the Cleveland PD hired him.
Tony>
The PD will take the fall, and Loehmann will suffer no consequences in the end. This is my guess.
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Pleasanton Police Accused Of Covering Up Facts Surrounding Deadly Officer Shooting
All that, followed by a 30-second character assassination of Deming. :P
Black Deaths Matter
… And that’s how it works: people worry about black-on-black crime, but they never stop to wonder about what happens with that crime – do people care enough to solve it, too? But no. “Black-on-black crime” is a dismissal.
Family: Officer killed 19-year-old after mistaking him for someone else
Read more: http://www.wsmv.com/story/29578116/man-dead-after-struggle-with-mpd-officer#ixzz3gVUW1jBi
He hit the officer with handcuffs, so he just shot him. Just like that.
Family of Sandra Bland has Ordered Independent Autopsy, the Root.
how not to get shot by a cop. Cartoon. Black man in suit giving advice on how not to get shot (incl. not wearing hoodies and saggy pants), having a gun pointed at himself at the end.
Cop impersonator goes on racist rant in Chicago bar before shooting Latino man in the face with pellet gun – giving the cops a bad name or just acting like a cop?
So nobody shot him for being threatening, I guess.
Millionaires, Kid Rock and a Detroit Lion found in Oakley police reserve applications
Well, it’s nice to see which people and what kind of people want to be cops for fun.
Sandra and Kindra: Suicides or Something Sinister?
City fires investigator who found cops at fault in shootings
I don’t really know what to say to this.
Eric Garner’s Death Marked With Week-Long Protests In NYC
More at the link.
A Confederate General’s Final Stand Divides Memphis
I think they should auction it off for the highest possible price and thus have revenue for the city to use for good causes.
Sandra Bland Mourned From Illinois to Texas
#RichWhiteLivesMatterToo — Update – It’s a look at David Brooks’ response to Ta-Nehisi Coates’ book, and down at the end, there’s a whole list of other people responding to David Brooks’ response.
Confederate flag under siege, but U.S. hate groups alive and well (CBC)
Mourners gather to remember Andrew Loku, shot dead by Toronto police (Toronto Star)
Sandra Bland’s arresting officer on desk leave (Toronto Star)
Sandra Bland’s death in Texas jail to be treated like murder probe: prosecutor (CBC) – I thought I’d left a comment to this effect before I went out and about today, but apparently I did not. This is a small piece of good news.
Photo of black cop helping man with racist T-shirt at KKK rally goes viral (Toronto Star)
Sovereign citizen arrested after twice trying to grab one of six loaded guns in his confederate flag car:
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TX trooper who arrested Sandra Bland claims the Black Lives Matter activist assaulted him.
Can’t copy paste because you have to have permission to reprint.
Samuel Dubose, 43-year old black man, shot to death by police officer in University of Cincinnati police officer during traffic stop
More later, but just going to leave this here for now: Sandra Bland’s Death Now a Murder Investigation.
* Previous comment was set up to post this morning. Alas.
More tomorrow.
How slavery built Charleston:
There’s a lot more at the link.
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4 things you should teach your kids about racism right now:
Here are two of the ways:
Another day, another black person killed by a LEO:
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Guardian database is up to 637.
I news that will come as a surprise to pretty much no one the dashcam video of Sandra Bland’s arrest was edited:
Memphis cop fatally shoots black teen after mistaking him for someone else, family says – as reported by Raw Story.
Ebony photoessay (Sept. ’70) on African-American contributions to #space program and #Apollo11 (2/2) (I missed part 1/2.)
Family Attorney: Dashcam Video Of Sandra Bland’s Arrest Shows Texas Trooper Trying To Pull Her Out Of Her Car – I think that’s the one that’s probably edited as mentioned by Tony above. It also never ever shows Sandra Bland attacking the officer.
The location of Bland’s phone, I understand, is currently unknown. Or what material there might be on it.
Black women speak out about their experiences with police violence – I will add, as long as they feel safe doing so.
Article from July 1.
More vandalism, in Denton (link won’t load for me).
U.S.
A Startling Third of Black Children Live in Poverty: Census
That’s HUGE.
Sure, Whites Are Privileged—but Not Me Personally! As removed from the Lounge.
8 months later, the Cleveland PD admits it was wrong to ever hire the officer who killed Tamir Rice, I think Tony posted this upthread. The culmination of an internal investigation, I suppose, that saw two supervisors mildly punished for hiring Loehmann. And still nothing for Loehmann himself.
DA: Sandra Bland’s death being treated like murder investigation – CNN on that positive step.
So there you go.
Hillary Clinton said it. Black lives matter. No hedge. Did she say it online or live?
Lookin’ at you, Bernie.
Request for protective order in Freddie Gray case denied
Weeellll, I wouldn’t put it past them.
Denver Police Keeps “Spy Files” on Peaceful Protesters
No, I’m not going to respect one’s opinion about ‘what Black people need to do’ and ignore the context of history. Because that’s bullshit.
Folks want me to value their feelings over the reality that me and mine can get snuffed by a cop for nothing and they’ll get away with it.
I really don’t give a shit if you ‘feel exhausted by race conversations’. The KKK are fucking parading in the streets in 2015.
I don’t care if you ‘feel’ Obama should have done more. The reality is that 2/3 of the government refuse to cooperate b/c he’s a Black man.
I don’t give a fuck if you ‘feel’ police aren’t that bad. We’re half way through the year and they’ve killed 600+ people, up from last year.
I may have posted those backwards: thoughts from a random twitter person.
Getting lots of honks as people drive by w/fists up. #DefendDenver
At least three people were hit by cars, cops watched cars plow through crowd, Cops then gave protesters tickets and made arrests.
Just in that the woman who was hit by a driver at the #PaulCastaway protest was arrested shortly after for not being able to walk #fuckdpd
I just Watched my good friend Carol, a single mother, get hit by an SUV & fuck up her leg in front of riot cops then the cops arrested her.
That happened.
‘It’s not a racist thing’: Florida rally fights to keep mural of hooded Klansmen in county courthouse, I believe a repost.
Demonstrators arrested at Colorado Chiefs of Police meeting in Denver
In photos (20).
Being Black in America vs. Being White in America. On parenting.
Death Of Woman Found Hanged In Texas Jail Cell Will Be Investigated As Murder, NPR with the news.
Mathis: Bail bondsman who spoke to #SandraBland says she was afraid for her safety. Only had $100, not enough to post $500 bond.
In Prairie View, tx #sandrabland “Signal lane change or sheriff may kill you”.
Mapping Hate: Pro-Confederate Battle Flag Rallies Across America
Tears and anger at funeral of ‘police chokehold victim’ Jonathan Sanders – I find it interesting that the Guardian has been covering that story so much, maybe more than US media. Or maybe it just seems that way to me.
Let’s make this pic and of Me and other Black fathers & Daughters go viral @deray #BlackLivesMatter
How Baltimore schools became aware of ‘purge’ threat on day of unrest
And that is how schoolchildren came to be stranded and surrounded by riot cops. And people are surprised that emotions were running high.
Wale Teams Up With Michelle Obama for Reach Higher Initiative and Will Perform at the White House
Just got text from #BlackLivesMatter Alabama that #KindraChapman protestors are IN JAIL! And cops pulled a gun on an organizer IN THE JAIL!
MSNBC Maps ‘the Geography of Poverty’
What do white millennials think about whiteness? Jose Antonio Vargas is on a mission to find out.
More on the hurt feelings of white people at the link.
#BernieSoBlack creator explains why he’s so frustrated with Sanders’s supporters
More at the link.
Sandra Bland Case: Update, from Shakesville. A nice summary of the latest information and opened investigations.
Federal Investigators to probe racism claims in Pocomoke City
The community response is encouraging.
Police Target Journalists and Organizers in Recent Anti-Police Brutality Protests
Atticus Was Always a Racist: Why Go Set a Watchman Is No Surprise
More at the link.
And I am re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird before I try for Go Set a Watchman.
INJURIES TO SANDRA BLAND LIKELY TO BE RELEASED WEDNESDAY!
New Video Shows Aggressive Arrest of Sandra Bland Prior to Her Death in a Texas Jail – first of a couple more on the video release, in addition to those on how it hs inconsistencies and cuts.
Y’all, #SandraBland knew her rights. She knew that officer was wrong. & she was waiting for her day in court. And they killed her.
DPS releases video of Sandra Bland’s arrest, ABC.
The DHS Planned to ‘Plug’ Federal Officers Into the Ferguson Protests, Documents Show
Police officer shoots man to death in Cincinnati traffic stop, CNN on the traffic stop posted by Saad above.
Racist Readers Need Not Apply, “In which reactions to an advertisement provoke a reaction from us”.
*furiously supportive applause*
FEATURE: The Satirical ‘Black Body Survival Guide’ From Creative Collective Intelligent Mischief
It would be hilarious if it weren’t so tragically true…
People who Pro-Confederate flag are calling for the Black Panther Monument in Detroit to be removed….. Because they’re totally the same things.
Sandra Bland arrest video has continuity problems, anomalies, LA Times weighs in.
That’s a small fragment.
Sandra Bland and the Long History of Racism in Waller County, Texas
More at the link.
Dashcam Video of Violent Arrest of Sandra Bland Was Edited
I wonder if the audio was edited, too?
104 weeks of peaceful protests & @BaltimorePolice thought they needed 24+ cops for 2 year anniversary of #TyroneWest
33 black people were killed by police last year in situations that started with a simple traffic violation. #SandraBland
Meet the two black men in law enforcement who were fired when they stood against injustice
Dashcam video shows officer threatening Sandra Bland with taser, Mashable.
Taylor Swift Caught In Nicki Minaj’s VMAs Outrage Tweetstorm
And then Taylor Swift took it personally.
#JusticeForDariusStewart
ELI5: Why is it so controversial when someone says “All Lives Matter” instead of “Black Lives Matter”? That’s a DoNotLink link to reddit.
Why “All Lives Matter” instead of “Black Lives Matter” is such a stupid thing to say, which just links to the previous link.
3 Killings by Chicago Police Covered Up, Ex-Investigator Alleges
Police investigator: I was forced to call shootings ‘justified’
Prosecutor: Too Soon To Know How Sandra Bland Died In Texas Jail Cell, Talking Points Memo.
Texas releases full police dashcam video of Sandra Bland’s arrest, BoingBoing.
I think the police are going to get more shit for editting the video than for the wrongful arrest of Bland. Sadly.
Interlude: musicals! How Taye Diggs Is Transforming the Role of Hedwig
Yes. More at the link.
And because ALL black lives matter, Ga. Transgender Woman Charges Repeated Sex Assaults in Prison, Again Sues for Safe Housing – she has appeared on this thread before, and apparently, her ordeal is not over yet. TW for transphobia.
And yes, she fears for her safety.
Just saw word some asshole(s) desecrated the memorial for #PaulCastaway, who was murdered by @DenverPolice a little over a week ago.
Brian Encinia: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know – this is the officer who arrested Sandra Bland.
He’s only been a trooper for a little over a year. Is this the aggressive training still rearing its head?
Sandra Bland Death: Texas to Look Into Alleged Edits of Dashcam Video
So they’re looking into the edits.
New Ferguson interim police chief to be announced Wednesday
Yep, a black man to lead Ferguson’s mostly-white force. Here’s to hoping it’s not a career-killing move for Anderson.
Witnesses say 23yo man shot was at a memorial gathering for a neighborhood friend who died in a car crash three years ago.
Witnesses: Cops pulled up, man ran away with a cup in his hand and two officers fired at least 10 shots from 10-15′ away. “He was no threat”
Activists form peace circle after 23yo man shot by CPD in Englewood
As usual, the media portrays Nicki as “the black angry woman” and Taylor as “the blonde sweetheart”.
Dylann Roof indictment on federal hate crime charges is imminent, sources say
And PZ on Sandra Bland, Changing lanes while black.
Selma Director Ava DuVernay and Los Angeles Times Say Sandra Bland Dash-Cam Video Was Edited
SEE IT: Sandra Bland arrest video released following jail death; some question apparent edits in footage, New York Daily News.
After a University of Cincinnati officer shot #SamuelDubose in the head, here is the U of Cincinnati’s statement: basically, police officers risk their lives and any death that results is a tragedy. Doesn’t sound particularly sympathetic or apologetic.
Bernie Sanders, learning from confrontation on race, calls #SandraBland video “totally outrageous.” Except he goes more ‘police reform’ instead of ‘dismantling white supremacy’.
Ferguson, Mo. hires a black officer as interim police chief
Ferguson hiring new interim police chief from Arizona city, from the St Louis Post-Dispatch.
Dashcam Video of Violent Arrest of Sandra Bland Was Edited, I think it’s the same article by Ben Norton just via the Medium instead.
And here is the official statement where they say they did not edit the #SandraBland dashcam video. Soooo apparently they’re going to address uploading issues because they tried to upload video and audio simultaneously and some things got messed up in the process, so they’re going to try again later. I mean holy shit. As someone on twitter said, let’s hope the second edit is better than the first.
Black Man Samuel Dubose Shot in Head by Cincinnati Cop Ray Tensing
Activists demand answers in Ohio traffic-stop death, USA Today on the same.
Interesting. This version says a shot was fired before the officer was knocked to the ground, while the previous mentions shots fired only after the officer was knocked to the ground.
Councilman asks Mosby to reopen investigations into three in-custody deaths
I wonder what interesting things might be dug up in those cases? Tyrone West’s family has been out every Wednesday demanding answers.
Fundraiser for ‘Baltimore 6’ to Feature Blackface Performance, because blackface is still a thing that happens…
I believe Montell Williams isn’t the ultimate authority on what constitutes something racist or not.
More excuses at the link.
Interestingly, the video linked to here has been removed – is that because it’s the original? Or what? Dashcam video shows #SandraBland changing lanes without signaling BECAUSE of cop speeding aggressively behind her https://youtu.be/yf8GR3OO9mU?t=1m33s …
Anyway, here’s a newer version: Texas Department of Public Safety releases new version of #SandraBland traffic stop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaW09Ymr2BA …
Chappelle: Unarmed black deaths taking a toll
“Dear Publishing Industry: Fix Your Own Racism Before You Beg for Diverse Books”
There is more at the link. None of it pretty.
The #OurSignaturesMatter rally in #Ferguson, continuing efforts for to recall Mayor Knowles in Ferguson.
Official: Church shooting suspect to face hate crime charge, AP on the anticipatory news-but-not-yet-news noted above.
#UnionMLP read this from @pastortraci – a poem, of sorts.
Transgender Woman Of Color Killed In Tampa, Florida – not by cops, but still.
Are they ever going to learn? Is it really that hard, to grant them that small dignity? Fuck them. Sideways.
Don Cheadle’s directorial debut ‘Miles Ahead’ to close 53rd New York Film Festival:
Here are 10 things black people fear that white people don’t or don’t nearly as much:
This one has been in the back of my mind a lot. I’ve been unemployed for 2 months now and today was the first time I got a call back (though I wasn’t hired bc they’re just conducting interviews). I worry that people don’t want to employ me bc of my ethnicity as if it has some sort of bearing on my ability to perform a job. Then that reinforces my frustrating, feelings of melancholy, and worthlessness. It’s a fucking vicious cycle is what it is.
Oops. The above article is from March, so it’s probably already been posted. Oh well.
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Dallas firefighter under investigation after threatening to delay treatment for black people:
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‘Apprentice’ alum says Donald Trump is creating the next Dylann Roof:
Here are a couple of audio files from CBC radio’s The Current featuring former police officers – The first one is from May.
A former policeman is doing something about the lack of a database on shootings by the police.
And a former Baltimore police officer blows the whistle on brutality and racism.
This is a few cross-posts (I think) and pick-ups from PZ’s post on Sandra Bland.
Man Calls 911 To Report Burglary, Police Show Up and Shoot Him While Criminals Speed Off, it’s from May, but I don’t know if it got posted then.
A Message From Elon James White, in response to Sanders supporters who are still mad about black people interrupting his speech.
Exercise:
Watch the following video, then tell me (a) what is missing and/or never mentioned in the video? and (b) exactly what Sandra Bland did not do according to the video? How To Survive A Crazy Cop. It might help if I point out to you that the people surviving are white and the people still getting shot are black.
14: The number of times Sandra Bland asked why she was being arrested without an answer.
Short little piece, but where’s the common courtesy an officer should be granting those he (supposedly) serves?
So mad, @Deray! #SandraBland’s Epilepsy was IGNORED as was Blunt Force Trauma & Hearing Loss. Her Epidural Hematoma = an Asphyxiation Death.
@blogdiva thread is so relevant right now – she talks about Sandra Bland’s mug shot and several interesting points about it, including the weird (but somehow not implausible) idea that Bland is already dead in her mugshot (all depends when they took it, don’t it?). Yes, it is a bit conspiracy, but then, Sandra Bland died in police custody.
Stunning images show how American Indian fashion looks without cultural appropriation:
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Some good news-
Ex-deputy indicted after no-knock raid that injured child:
I hope they win. IIRC, the city refused to pay for the hospital bills for the child so that family needs all the financial help they can get.