October 13th, 2024

By: Oscar H. Blayton

 

There is currently a roiling debate in the United States over whether police departments should be disbanded and replaced with civic structures that better serve their communities.

This debate was sparked by the shocking videotape of George Floyd being casually murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. The obvious cruelty and disregard of George Floyd’s humanity by Officer Derek Chauvin appalled not only the nation, but people around the globe.

Chauvin had 17 complaints against him for misconduct during his 20-year career. Despite that record, he was allowed to remain on the Minneapolis police force and act in a supervisory role.

Nationwide protests arising from Chauvin’s killing of Mr. Floyd were met with the usual minimalist argument from the Minneapolis Police Department declaring that Chauvin was just “one bad apple.” The problem with using this adage when referencing police behavior is that no one ever quotes it fully. The saying is: “One bad apple spoils the barrel.”

No one disputes that Chauvin was a “bad” cop. And if we apply the adage to describe him, it logically follows that he spoiled many of the officers around him.

Rotten apples contaminate their environment and cause infection in the rest of their bunch.  Violent and overly aggressive cops contaminate their departments, resulting in abuse, denial of rights and innocent lives lost in the communities they are supposed to serve.

The truth of this is evidenced by the murder video where two rookie cops, following Chauvin’s lead, can be seen pressing Mr. Floyd into the ground, preventing his ability to breathe. Chauvin’s behavior triggered similar behavior by the cops around him.  The rookies have even said in their defense that they were following Chauvin’s lead.

The history of policing people of color is rife with such instances.  Take for example, Jon Graham Burge of the Chicago Police Department.  Burge was accused of torturing more than 200 criminal suspects between 1972 and 1991 to obtain forced confessions. But despite ample evidence of his wrongdoing, Burge was never convicted of these crimes. However, in 2010, he was convicted of obstruction of justice and perjury related to testimony he gave in a 1989 civil suit filed against him seeking damages for alleged torture.

During his career with the Chicago police, Burge rose to the rank of detective and was made an area detective commander before being suspended in 1991 and fired in 1993 for leading a team of officers in the violent abuse of citizens – most of whom were Black males.

When we are asked to believe that a campaign of terror led by a senior officer of one of the nation’s largest municipal law enforcement agencies went unnoticed for almost 20 years, the stench of a barrel of rotten apples assaults our noses.

In 1999, Amadou Diallo was murdered by four New York City police officers – Sean Carroll, Richard Murphy, Edward McMellon and Kenneth Boss. They fired 41 shots at Diallo, striking him 19 times, because he pulled his wallet from his pocket. These four officers belonged to the city’s notorious Street Crime Unit whose motto, tellingly, was “We Own the Night.”  None of these officers was convicted of a crime.

However, the unit, formed in 1971, was disbanded in 2002 after an FBI investigation revealed that it routinely engaged in racial profiling.

There are numerous examples of police units and whole departments coming under the influence of vicious officers who never should have been given a badge. And the failures of these law enforcement agencies fall heaviest upon people of color.

Being asked to trust these police after they have demonstrated their capacity to murder, torture and abuse citizens confirms that we are being asked to enter the realm of the absurd with this issue.

Police have responded to the current protests against abusive behavior by police acting like thugs. They have been recorded indiscriminately slashing the tires of cars in parking lots, pepper-spraying protesters, including young children, and driving vehicles into crowds of peaceful protesters.

It is time to admit that the barrel of apples has rotted, and it is time to clean it out. We must withhold dollars going into bad policing and use those funds to bring about a change in our communities that respects the rights of all citizens.

 

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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