theroot--2020-09-02--Florida 'Antifa Hunter' Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Cyberstalking Black Lives Matte

Florida 'Antifa Hunter' Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Cyberstalking Black Lives Matter Activist

A white man from Florida ( you already know what kind of story this is about to be ) has earned himself nearly three and a half years in prison for cyberstalking and threatening a Black Lives Matter activist who planned on running for public office .
The Associated Press reports that 32-year-old Daniel McMahon of Brandon , Fla. , pleaded guilty in April to threatening Black activist Don Gathers to keep him from running for a seat on the city council in Charlottesville , V a. McMahon—who reportedly called himself “ the Antifa hunter ” and made a habit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who oppose white supremacy—was sentenced Monday to three years and five months in federal prison for cyberstalking and bias-motivated intimidation and interference with a candidate for elected office .
Let ’ s take a second and talk about McMahon ’ s self-gifted moniker , “ the Antifa hunter.
” Antifa isn ’ t a real organization ; it ’ s more of an ideal .
But lately , the non-organization has become conservative ’ s favorite boogeyman group and “ Antifa ” has become an umbrella term they use for literally any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise menacing in the eyes of crazy-ass right-wingers .
That ’ s why , despite there being no real evidence of an organized Antifa movement , y ’ all ’ s president still talks about it like it ’ s a multi-cell terrorist organization coming to loot your stores , burn your homes , reverse-gentrify your suburbs , steal your elections and replace literally everything with “ illegal ” brown people .
I ’ m not saying that Trump and other far-right influencers are at least partially responsible for the Daniel McMahons of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying .
It ’ s also worth mentioning that “ Antifa ” is short for “ anti-fascist.
” Imagine calling yourself “ the anti-fascist hunter ” and believing that you ’ re the hero in any scenario .
According to the Washington Post , Gathers—who eventually decided to end his run for a city council seat due to concerns for his and his family ’ s safety—told McMahon during the virtual sentencing hearing Monday that he hopes one day he might be able to forgive him but “ today is not that day.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others like you represent , ” Gathers said .
McMahon began targeting Gathers , 61 , in January 2019 after the co-founder of Charlottesville ’ s Black Lives Matter chapter announced his intent to run for public office .
Gathers had also served on a committee dedicated to relocating Confederate statues in the wake of the deadly white supremacist Charlottesville Unite the Right rally in 2017 .
McMahon , using the pseudonym Jack Corbin , began posting threats on Gab , a social media website popular with far-right users .
He used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist ” and warned him not to run for office .
McMahon also said he ’ d use “ a diversity of tactics ” to stop his candidacy , a phrase known by white supremacists as a euphemism for violence , according to court documents .
Before his campaign kickoff event on Jan. 8 , 2019 , the FBI notified Gathers of McMahon ’ s threats , the AP reported .
The FBI had been tracking McMahon ’ s activities online under several pseudonyms , since an investigation into white supremacist activity at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that “ diversity tactics ” are clearly the only kind of diversity McMahon is interested in , he also appears to be the kind of monster parents everywhere would do well to keep their children far away from .
According to AP , McMahon admitted to threatening to sexually assault the autistic daughter of a North Carolina woman who protested white nationalism and was present during the virtual hearing and allowed to tell her story along with other victims of McMahon ’ s online harassment .
After McMahon ’ s arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors to report that he had threatened her and her daughter , a severely autistic minor , over Facebook and tried to extort personal information from her about another counterprotester .
The woman said McMahon sent her hundreds of threatening messages , including some detailing how he would sexually assault her daughter .
He posted the girl ’ s photo on a racist social media platform , she added .
He also did a Google search for the term “ sex with autistic girls ” a day before his arrest , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply disturbed individual would do this , a monster , ” the woman wrote .
“ I will never feel completely safe about my child again.
” Prosecutors said that investigators found a multitude of files on McMahon ’ s computer that reveal his love for white supremacy and his hatred for all things non-white supremacy .
According to AP , those files include 278 folders with the word “ owned ” in the title ( each file represents a different target for online harassment ) , personal information about those targets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos of dead Black men , including lynching victims and Trayvon Martin .
He also had images of white supremacist James Fields plowing his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at the 2017 “ Unite the Right ” rally in Charlottesville , Va. , during which a woman was killed .
So here ’ s to throwing away the trash .
The world will be a better place for three years and five months without McMahon walking around free in it .

A white man from Florida (you already know what kind of story this is about to be) has earned himself nearly three and a half years in prison for cyberstalking and threatening a Black Lives Matter activist who planned on running for public office.
The Associated Press reports that 32-year-old Daniel McMahon of Brandon, Fla., pleaded guilty in April to threatening Black activist Don Gathers to keep him from running for a seat on the city council in Charlottesville, V a. McMahon—who reportedly called himself “the Antifa hunter” and made a habit out of using social media to harass people who oppose white supremacy—was sentenced Monday to three years and five months in federal prison for cyberstalking and bias-motivated intimidation and interference with a candidate for elected office.
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Let’s take a second and talk about McMahon’s self-gifted moniker, “the Antifa hunter.”
Antifa isn’t a real organization; it’s more of an ideal. But lately, the non-organization has become conservative’s favorite boogeyman group and “Antifa” has become an umbrella term they use for literally any non-conservative person caught doing something violent or otherwise menacing in the eyes of crazy-ass right-wingers. That’s why, despite there being no real evidence of an organized Antifa movement, y’all’s president still talks about it like it’s a multi-cell terrorist organization coming to loot your stores, burn your homes, reverse-gentrify your suburbs, steal your elections and replace literally everything with “illegal” brown people.
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I’m not saying that Trump and other far-right influencers are at least partially responsible for the Daniel McMahons of the world...I’m just saying.
It’s also worth mentioning that “Antifa” is short for “anti-fascist.” Imagine calling yourself “the anti-fascist hunter” and believing that you’re the hero in any scenario.
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According to the Washington Post, Gathers—who eventually decided to end his run for a city council seat due to concerns for his and his family’s safety—told McMahon during the virtual sentencing hearing Monday that he hopes one day he might be able to forgive him but “today is not that day.”
“I despise all that you and others like you represent,” Gathers said.
From the Post:
McMahon began targeting Gathers, 61, in January 2019 after the co-founder of Charlottesville’s Black Lives Matter chapter announced his intent to run for public office. Gathers had also served on a committee dedicated to relocating Confederate statues in the wake of the deadly white supremacist Charlottesville Unite the Right rally in 2017. McMahon, using the pseudonym Jack Corbin, began posting threats on Gab, a social media website popular with far-right users. He used racist slurs, called Gathers a “terrorist” and warned him not to run for office. McMahon also said he’d use “a diversity of tactics” to stop his candidacy, a phrase known by white supremacists as a euphemism for violence, according to court documents. Before his campaign kickoff event on Jan. 8, 2019, the FBI notified Gathers of McMahon’s threats, the AP reported. The FBI had been tracking McMahon’s activities online under several pseudonyms, since an investigation into white supremacist activity at the Unite the Right rally.
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Besides the fact that “diversity tactics” are clearly the only kind of diversity McMahon is interested in, he also appears to be the kind of monster parents everywhere would do well to keep their children far away from. According to AP, McMahon admitted to threatening to sexually assault the autistic daughter of a North Carolina woman who protested white nationalism and was present during the virtual hearing and allowed to tell her story along with other victims of McMahon’s online harassment.
From AP:
After McMahon’s arrest, the North Carolina woman called federal prosecutors to report that he had threatened her and her daughter, a severely autistic minor, over Facebook and tried to extort personal information from her about another counterprotester. The woman said McMahon sent her hundreds of threatening messages, including some detailing how he would sexually assault her daughter. He posted the girl’s photo on a racist social media platform, she added. He also did a Google search for the term “sex with autistic girls” a day before his arrest, according to a court filing. “Only a deeply disturbed individual would do this, a monster,” the woman wrote. “I will never feel completely safe about my child again.”
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Prosecutors said that investigators found a multitude of files on McMahon’s computer that reveal his love for white supremacy and his hatred for all things non-white supremacy. According to AP, those files include 278 folders with the word “owned” in the title (each file represents a different target for online harassment), personal information about those targets, including images of their children and graphic photos of dead Black men, including lynching victims and Trayvon Martin. He also had images of white supremacist James Fields plowing his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va., during which a woman was killed.
So here’s to throwing away the trash. The world will be a better place for three years and five months without McMahon walking around free in it.
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theroot--2020-09-01--This $30 Fountain Pen Got Me Writing by Hand Again

I ’ m a pretty spacey person .
It ’ s made remembering story ideas I ’ ve had , keeping track of birthdays , and even simple things like finishing my sentences , hurdles that can totally throw me off my groove if I let them .
I ’ ve tried countless solutions over the years , but few have stuck .
Mostly , I use the app Drafts to write down any important or noteworthy bit of information that crosses my mind before it slips away forever .
It works pretty great , and it ’ s helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being some of my best ideas , and made sure they get sent to their proper destinations .
Great as it is , though , pulling out my phone isn ’ t always a viable option , and it isn ’ t conducive to thorough brainstorming when I ’ ve got more time to really sink into those ideas .
When I ’ m trying to flesh out ideas I have , say for a story I might want to write or a new project at work , I usually pull out my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my notes app .
Since I ’ ve been in quarantine , though , and don ’ t have to worry about how much I can stuff in my backpack before taking off , I ’ ve been trying out using pen and paper for my more thorough brainstorming efforts .
I ’ ve got plenty of notebooks spread out across the house , but most of our pens are the cheap ones you get by the dozen that never seem to produce the right amount of ink .
After hearing lots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to give one a shot and see if it might make my writing sessions less of a slog .
I spent some time on the subreddit /r/fountainpens , where I saw a post about the LAMY Safari , an affordable pen that brings a bit of pop to your stationary setup while serving as a gentle accomplish in your pursuit to painlessly scribe your thoughts on paper .
I probably should ’ ve done more research before making any purchases , but a glance at the pen ’ s aesthetics , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Reddit , and an urge to get scribbling , won me over .
Luckily , that excitement carries on to actually using the pen , and I haven ’ t wanted to put it down since I got it a couple weeks ago .
I like vibrant colors , so I picked out the yellow model , and it ’ s flashy enough to be easily noticeable on my desk , so I can quickly grab it when I need to make a quick note .
Color aside , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thick body and a shiny , silver clip .
It looks sleek , but if you want a discreet option , go for the black model .
As for actually using the pen , it writes more smoothly than any ballpoint pen I ’ ve ever used , and it takes almost no pressure for the ink to flow .
If you suffer from any sort of RSI , or you just tend to cramp up after long writing sessions , that relief goes a long way in keeping you pain and tingle-free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angle to your grip can be frustrating , but your wrists will thank you for it .
At about $ 20 , it ’ s not the cheapest pen you can get , but it ’ s pretty affordable by fountain pen standards , and it ’ s not going to need replacing any time soon .
You ’ ll need to get replacement cartridges eventually , but that isn ’ t too costly .
Fair warning , though : many fountain pen enthusiasts began as simple writers looking for a good pen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of pricey yet delightful fountain pens .
If you do want something a bit fancier , there ’ s plenty of options to pick from .
Lamy ’ s 2000 pen , though costly at $ 145 , has a more refined look and a finer tip , so you can be a bit more precise with your strokes .

Jordan McMahon on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen | $28 | Amazon
I’m a pretty spacey person. It’s made remembering story ideas I’ve had, keeping track of birthdays, and even simple things like finishing my sentences, hurdles that can totally throw me off my groove if I let them. I’ve tried countless solutions over the years, but few have stuck. Mostly, I use the app Drafts to write down any important or noteworthy bit of information that crosses my mind before it slips away forever. It works pretty great, and it’s helped me jot down what have ended up being some of my best ideas, and made sure they get sent to their proper destinations. Great as it is, though, pulling out my phone isn’t always a viable option, and it isn’t conducive to thorough brainstorming when I’ve got more time to really sink into those ideas.
When I’m trying to flesh out ideas I have, say for a story I might want to write or a new project at work, I usually pull out my iPad Pro and scribble things down in my notes app. Since I’ve been in quarantine, though, and don’t have to worry about how much I can stuff in my backpack before taking off, I’ve been trying out using pen and paper for my more thorough brainstorming efforts.
I’ve got plenty of notebooks spread out across the house, but most of our pens are the cheap ones you get by the dozen that never seem to produce the right amount of ink. After hearing lots of good things about fountain pens, I decided to give one a shot and see if it might make my writing sessions less of a slog. I spent some time on the subreddit /r/fountainpens, where I saw a post about the LAMY Safari, an affordable pen that brings a bit of pop to your stationary setup while serving as a gentle accomplish in your pursuit to painlessly scribe your thoughts on paper. I probably should’ve done more research before making any purchases, but a glance at the pen’s aesthetics, a few solid recommendations from the comments section of Reddit, and an urge to get scribbling, won me over. Luckily, that excitement carries on to actually using the pen, and I haven’t wanted to put it down since I got it a couple weeks ago.
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I like vibrant colors, so I picked out the yellow model, and it’s flashy enough to be easily noticeable on my desk, so I can quickly grab it when I need to make a quick note. Color aside, it’s a pretty bold pen, with a thick body and a shiny, silver clip. It looks sleek, but if you want a discreet option, go for the black model. As for actually using the pen, it writes more smoothly than any ballpoint pen I’ve ever used, and it takes almost no pressure for the ink to flow. If you suffer from any sort of RSI, or you just tend to cramp up after long writing sessions, that relief goes a long way in keeping you pain and tingle-free. Getting used to having the right angle to your grip can be frustrating, but your wrists will thank you for it.
At about $20, it’s not the cheapest pen you can get, but it’s pretty affordable by fountain pen standards, and it’s not going to need replacing any time soon. You’ll need to get replacement cartridges eventually, but that isn’t too costly. Fair warning, though: many fountain pen enthusiasts began as simple writers looking for a good pen, and have found themselves with drawers full of pricey yet delightful fountain pens.
If you do want something a bit fancier, there’s plenty of options to pick from. Lamy’s 2000 pen, though costly at $145, has a more refined look and a finer tip, so you can be a bit more precise with your strokes.


theroot--2020-09-01--Survivors and Descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre File Lawsuit Against the City for Its Role in t

Survivors and Descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre File Lawsuit Against the City for Its Role in the Riot

For years , residents of Greenwood , the neighborhood in Tulsa , Okla. , that was once home to Black Wall Street , have attempted to bring the area back to its former glory .
Once a thriving hub of Black prosperity , the neighborhood is now most famous for being the site of one of the deadliest racial massacres in American history , the 1921 Tulsa Massacre , in which a mob of white vigilantes , aided by the city government , descended upon Greenwood , setting fire to businesses , killing hundreds of Black residents , and displacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice for Greenwood Advocates , a team of civil and human rights lawyers led by Tulsa attorney Damario Solomon Simmons , filed a lawsuit demanding the city of Tulsa finally redress the long-term damage caused by the 1921 massacre .
The suit also argues that a century of economic divestment and political neglect since the massacre has only entrenched deep racial disparities in the area .
“ The approaching centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre shines a light on the nearly century-long blight on the City of Tulsa and its failure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solomon Simmons Law firm wrote in a press release shared with The Root .
“ The deteriorating conditions in the Greenwood neighborhood and North Tulsa , caused by official acts of violence and disregard for the lives of the Black residents , still cry out for redress.
” The statement points out that city officials were a part of the original massacre and helped cause further damage to the Black neighborhood in the decades since .
“ White elected and business leaders not only failed to repair the injuries they caused , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and block repair , ” the firm wrote .
The leading plaintiff is 105-year-old Lessie Benningfield “ Mother ” Randle , one of two known massacre survivors still living .
Also included among the list of plaintiffs are descendants of massacre survivors and victims , including Laurel Stradford , great-granddaughter of J.B. Stradford , who owned the Stradford Hotel in Greenwood , the largest Black-owned hotel in the United States at the time ; and Stephen Williams , grandson of massacre victim Attorney A.J .
Smitherman , who owned the nationally circulated Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their direct participation in the massacre are the City of Tulsa , Tulsa County , the State National Guard and the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce .
But also listed are the Tulsa Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Tulsa Development Authority , who helped entrench systemic inequality through policies that devalued and took property from Black Greenwood residents .
But arguably as significant as the lawsuit are the tactics lawyers will use to try to win their case .
The lawsuit argues that the defendants “ caused a public nuisance ” by destroying Greenwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defined by Oklahoma law , a “ nuisance ” is an unlawful act or omission of duty , which “ annoys , injures or endangers the comfort , repose , health , or safety of others .
.
.
or .
.
.
[ i ] n any way renders other persons insecure in life , or in the use of property.
” A nuisance is considered public once effects on an entire community or neighborhood are established .
The state of Oklahoma itself has successfully wielded this concept in its 2019 legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s deceptive marketing of opioids , winning a landmark $ 572 million settlement from the multinational corporation ( a judge later decreased the payout by $ 100 million ) .
Attorney Damario Solomon Simmons , a native of Tulsa , is confident that the nuisance argument will work against the city and force officials to redress the damage done by the massacre in more impactful ways .
“ This litigation will compel the Defendant to finally do what is right : accept responsibility for its heinous crime of causing and continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repairing it , ” Solomon-Simmons said .
The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce launched a GoFundMe at the start of the year in an attempt to rebuild Black Wall Street .
But thus far , the community has met only a fraction of its $ 1 million goal , raising just over $ 35,000 as of September 1 .
In May , Human Rights Watch called for reparations to be given to survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Massacre .
The organization ’ s report notes that the statute of limitations has limited what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courts .
Meanwhile , “ ongoing racial segregation , discriminatory policies , and structural racism ” have continued to rob Black Tulsans , particularly those living in North Tulsa , of opportunities and a better quality of life , the report found .
Looking back over the 100 years that have passed since the violent 1921 attack , HRW observed , “ no one has ever been held responsible for these crimes , the impacts of which Black Tulsans still feel today .
”

For years, residents of Greenwood, the neighborhood in Tulsa, Okla., that was once home to Black Wall Street, have attempted to bring the area back to its former glory. Once a thriving hub of Black prosperity, the neighborhood is now most famous for being the site of one of the deadliest racial massacres in American history, the 1921 Tulsa Massacre, in which a mob of white vigilantes, aided by the city government, descended upon Greenwood, setting fire to businesses, killing hundreds of Black residents, and displacing many thousands more.
On Tuesday, Justice for Greenwood Advocates, a team of civil and human rights lawyers led by Tulsa attorney Damario Solomon Simmons, filed a lawsuit demanding the city of Tulsa finally redress the long-term damage caused by the 1921 massacre. The suit also argues that a century of economic divestment and political neglect since the massacre has only entrenched deep racial disparities in the area.
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“The approaching centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre shines a light on the nearly century-long blight on the City of Tulsa and its failure to provide Justice for Greenwood,” the Solomon Simmons Law firm wrote in a press release shared with The Root. “The deteriorating conditions in the Greenwood neighborhood and North Tulsa, caused by official acts of violence and disregard for the lives of the Black residents, still cry out for redress.”
The statement points out that city officials were a part of the original massacre and helped cause further damage to the Black neighborhood in the decades since.
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“White elected and business leaders not only failed to repair the injuries they caused, they engaged in conduct to deepen the injury and block repair,” the firm wrote.
The leading plaintiff is 105-year-old Lessie Benningfield “Mother” Randle, one of two known massacre survivors still living. Also included among the list of plaintiffs are descendants of massacre survivors and victims, including Laurel Stradford, great-granddaughter of J.B. Stradford, who owned the Stradford Hotel in Greenwood, the largest Black-owned hotel in the United States at the time; and Stephen Williams, grandson of massacre victim Attorney A.J. Smitherman, who owned the nationally circulated Tulsa Star Newspaper.
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Named as defendants for their direct participation in the massacre are the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, the State National Guard and the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. But also listed are the Tulsa Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Tulsa Development Authority, who helped entrench systemic inequality through policies that devalued and took property from Black Greenwood residents.
But arguably as significant as the lawsuit are the tactics lawyers will use to try to win their case. The lawsuit argues that the defendants “caused a public nuisance” by destroying Greenwood and failing to rebuild it. As defined by Oklahoma law, a “nuisance” is an unlawful act or omission of duty, which “annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, or safety of others . . . or . . . [i]n any way renders other persons insecure in life, or in the use of property.” A nuisance is considered public once effects on an entire community or neighborhood are established.
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The state of Oklahoma itself has successfully wielded this concept in its 2019 legal battle with Johnson & Johnson over the company’s deceptive marketing of opioids, winning a landmark $572 million settlement from the multinational corporation (a judge later decreased the payout by $100 million).
Attorney Damario Solomon Simmons, a native of Tulsa, is confident that the nuisance argument will work against the city and force officials to redress the damage done by the massacre in more impactful ways.
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“This litigation will compel the Defendant to finally do what is right: accept responsibility for its heinous crime of causing and continuing a nuisance to the present day and repairing it,” Solomon-Simmons said.
The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce launched a GoFundMe at the start of the year in an attempt to rebuild Black Wall Street. But thus far, the community has met only a fraction of its $1 million goal, raising just over $35,000 as of September 1.
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In May, Human Rights Watch called for reparations to be given to survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Massacre. The organization’s report notes that the statute of limitations has limited what Greenwood residents can hope to accomplish via the courts. Meanwhile, “ongoing racial segregation, discriminatory policies, and structural racism” have continued to rob Black Tulsans, particularly those living in North Tulsa, of opportunities and a better quality of life, the report found.
Looking back over the 100 years that have passed since the violent 1921 attack, HRW observed, “no one has ever been held responsible for these crimes, the impacts of which Black Tulsans still feel today.”


theroot--2020-09-01--Big Beauty Tuesday: BREAD Has Arrived—With a Delicious Mission to Simplify Our Not-So-Basic Hair Rou

Big Beauty Tuesday: BREAD Has Arrived—With a Delicious Mission to Simplify Our Not-So-Basic Hair Routines

With so many new products coming to market in recent years , you ’ d think textured hair was a new phenomenon—but what it really indicates is a new perspective : many of us are well past tired of taming our hair into “ submission , ” and with the growing awareness of hair discrimination and initiatives like the CROWN Act , we are also done asking permission to enjoy our hair in its naturally textured state .
That said , even among # TeamNatural , there are strong opinions about what that texture should look like , and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see an array of products still meant to refine and control our kinks , curls and waves .
It ’ s not unheard of for a texturizer ( read : light relaxer ) to be run through otherwise “ virgin ” hair to achieve the desired texture or “ hang ” in our tresses ( no judgments , just facts ) , and Black-focused products promising to reduce our “ frizz ” are as ubiquitous on our shelves as any mainstream beauty brands .
Anyone who has natural hair knows it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocktailing of products , the detangling , the deep conditioning , the protective styling , the tutorials—who has time for it all ?
And what about those of us who , especially now that we ’ re mostly at home , what to take a more casual approach ?
What ’ s the naturalista ’ s version of a minimalist hair care routine and “ lazy girl ” hair ?
Enter Bread Beauty Supply , founded by industry veteran Maeva Heim .
Heim ’ s own experience going natural started with a tub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business trip , and , in a series of very fortunate events—including a boost from Elaine Welteroth and a fortuitous meeting with execs at Sephora ’ s female-focused Accelerator program—led her to create a tightly curated debut collection of essentials ( just a hair wash , hair mask , hair oil and satin scrunchie , for now ) intended to streamline the way we look at hair care .
Thus , the name “ Bread ” —both a staple and an indulgence .
At a $ 20- $ 58 price point ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kits ) , Bread sits firmly in the semi-luxury haircare l ane—exclusive yet accessible .
Nevertheless , its Gen-Z , unambiguously Black and Brown girl aesthetic and sustainable focus make it a standout among the haircare options at Sephora , where it debuted on Friday .
While Heim began working with the beauty juggernaut well before they signed onto Aurora James ’ 15 Percent Pledge , which asked big brands to devote a minimum of 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned brands , she is among the first wave of brands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only a Black woman but an Australian of West African and French descent , Heim brings a new twist to the haircare aisle with the launch of Bread , including continent-specific ingredients like Australia ’ s Kakadu Plum , which has previously found a niche in skincare due to its high vitamin C content ( about 50 times more than an orange ) but is also remarkably good for the hair .
And true to her part of the world , Heim also brings a laid-back vibe to beauty , one she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women talk about their hair .
“ That anti-frizz language does demonize a particular type of hair more than others—and that type of hair just happens to be us , ” she says .
“ I really want to be a brand that takes an anti-anti-frizz stance .
”

Maiysha Kai on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

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theroot--2020-09-01--'A Vessel for the Ancestor’s Wisdom': Chadwick Boseman's Producing Partner Logan Coles Pens Heartfel

'A Vessel for the Ancestor’s Wisdom': Chadwick Boseman's Producing Partner Logan Coles Pens Heartfelt Tribute Letter

Many people knew and loved Chadwick Boseman—one of those people is Logan Coles .
The two met at Howard University , where they collaborated in various creative mediums , including plays and screenplays .
Through the natural chemistry and kinship they developed , they became producing partners in film , as well .
In the years since , the two have worked on projects together such as Message from the King and 21 Bridges .
Their next slated project was a highly-anticipated film titled Yasuke , about the first African samurai to wield a sword in Japan .
The following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iron , ” will engulf you in the pure love Coles felt for his “ brother , ” “ friend ” and “ comrade ” —and will give a bit more insight into what Boseman meant to a man who knew him well .
The full letter is below : Iron Sharpens Iron – A Message about my brother , my friend , my comrade : Not sure where to begin .
Where to end .
What to include .
No way to sum up our friendship & collaborations in mere words .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t enough .
Written words and paragraphs seem insufficient in articulating all that is in my head and on my heart .
But I ’ ll start by expressing gratitude .
Even amidst my immense sorrow , I ’ m grateful .
Grateful for the outpouring of love for Chadwick ’ s family during this extremely difficult time .
Grateful to Chad ’ s family for sharing their beloved son , brother , uncle , and husband with the world .
They ’ ve handled everything with such grace that I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m eternally grateful for my dear brother Chad .
God doesn ’ t bless us with too many people who literally transform our lives .
My friendship with Bose profoundly transformed mine .
I remember meeting him back at Howard on the steps of the Fine Arts building .
He ’ d sit with his signature incense burning in his mini afro .
Playing the guitar .
Humming along like a character fresh out an August Wilson play .
Anybody who went to HU with us remembers this version of Chad !
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired by his seemingly indefatigable work ethic even back then .
I mean , the brother wrote , directed and acted in the hip-hop theatre trifecta - Rhyme Deferred , Hieroglyphic Graffiti , and Deep Azure , all before the world knew him as a superhero .
But to me , a 20-year-old college student who was trying to find his voice as an artist , Chad was my writing & directing superhero .
I couldn ’ t believe someone could write something so dope .
He was like a mad scientist who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shakespeare and spit it all over a smooth J Dilla beat .
It was hip-hop theatre perfection .
And it lit a fire in my soul .
I told myself back then that I had to get cool with this brother ‘ cuz he was on some next level-ness !
I don ’ t know if either of us knew then the journey God would take us on together .
And what A JOURNEY this has been .
From rehearsing a full play in a hotel room at the National Black Theater festival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s apartments in Brooklyn writing our first screenplay together , to planting the seed for a producing partnership that would allow us to share all we ’ d written with the world while also lending our support to projects & artists who spoke to our collective purpose of uplifting Black people and telling transformative stories .
We made a lot of rookie mistakes along the way .
But we always grew as artists .
As writers .
As producers .
As brothers .
We spent more time in rooms writing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and freestyling than I can count or even fully remember .
And all the while he was teaching me .
Even when I didn ’ t realize it .
Trust the process .
Do the work .
Be still and listen to the spirit .
Let it guide you .
Be intentional and unapologetically Black .
Bose taught me patience .
Fearlessness .
Diligence .
To be guided by the spirit of God & the ancestors in all things art and life .
All those countless late night writing sessions when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow at 4am and he ’ d stretch out on the floor and close his eyes and I ’ d be like , ‘ Did this dude really just fall asleep ?
’ And I ’ d sit there , staring at my computer , trying to make sense of some scene or monologue or story beat .
And then all of a sudden out of nowhere he ’ d pop up , open his eyes and say , “ I got it !
” And then brilliance would flow effortlessly out his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was meditating and the Ancestors whispered into his ear the solution and he couldn ’ t wait to share their wisdom on this earthly plane .
That ’ s Chad .
Aharon Sun of the Griots .
A vessel for the Ancestor ’ s wisdom .
A preacher - here to share God ’ s word .
A teacher dropping jewels .
A fighter going twelve rounds with the champ .
A poet .
A prophet .
An artist ’ s artist .
I think above all , what I ’ ll continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s understanding of time and purpose .
He was very clear about the finite amount of time that we ’ re given on this earth .
And with that finite amount of years , months , days , hours and minutes we must choose wisely how we spend it .
He ’ d challenge me about what projects and people are worthy of that sacrifice and investment of time .
He knew his purpose precisely and was not keen to deviate from it or allot time to that which didn ’ t serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And while he didn ’ t waste time , he was never in a rush .
No matter what , Bose was going to take his time .
Anyone who knew him knew that he could not be rushed .
But he always made time for what was important to him .
Family was important to him .
He always made time for them .
Art that was meaningful & impactful was important .
He made time for that .
Roles that spoke to what he believed and wanted to put out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He made time for that .
But Chad also knew the power of saying , ‘ No ’ .
If it did not align with his purpose , he said ‘ No ’ .
I watched as he refused more money , more roles & more projects than he accepted .
And that wasn ’ t easy early in his career .
Saying ‘ No ’ was a true sacrifice then .
It meant going on a ‘ water fast ’ , not because you wanted to , but because that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , Chad knew his purpose and wasn ’ t going to waste time , deviate or pick up anything off the table that was not for him .
He was purposeful & purpose-filled .
I ’ ve never seen someone so strong push through so much pain in order to fulfill his purpose on this earth .
There were days I ’ d ask him how he was doing and he ’ d simple reply , “ Pushing through brother.
” I watched as he grit his teeth & took deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tumors and the debilitating effect of chemo in order to sit through a scriptwriting session or to arrive on set and act a scene or to be the consummate movie star as we sat through Studio pitch meetings .
I was in absolute awe of him in these moments .
He never let on that he was in any pain or discomfort .
He ’ d just push through .
With silent dignity and resolve to fulfill his purpose .
It was his greatest performance .
He knew what God put him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t want people knowing or focusing on his battles and not his work .
It was his process .
His struggle .
He was determined to push through .
In our last conversation about work he said to me , ‘ Tell ‘ em what we did .
Tell them all the work that was done and what I had to go through to tell those stories.
’ I said I would , but holding out hope I also added , “ But I want us to do it together bruh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do all those years ago .
We ’ ve got so many un-shot screenplays , too many unproduced movies .
All these dope ideas of stories to tell about black folks that we want the world to see.
” Selfishly I wanted to do it together .
Silently I was unsure how I ’ d do it alone .
As we talked more he told me , ‘ Don ’ t be scared ’ .
To think , even amidst all that he was going through in that moment he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He looked deeply at me , like only Bose could do , and he transferred a wealth of silent strength to me even as he grew weaker .
That ’ s who he was .
I almost broke down in that moment , but I didn ’ t .
If he was going to face this moment with quiet resolve and dignity and peace , then I couldn ’ t be scared .
In that last conversation he also said to me , “ …you better not stop , hear me ?
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Okay ’ .
I ’ m still not sure I know how to do that , but I ’ m listening to my brother and I ’ m going to push through .
His voice continues to ring out in my head .
In my heart .
And so I have no choice , but to push through .
I ’ m going to keep going because I received direct orders from the King .
I look forward to sitting and writing at 4am and hitting a bump and then stretching out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and listening for him .
I look forward to hearing my brother-ancestor whisper in my ear .
Telling me what I need to hear in order to keep pushing .
The last thing I said to him as I touched his head and left his presence is ‘ you my brother , are a GIANT.
’ And he is indeed .
He ’ s the people ’ s King , but before all that he was a dutiful son , a brother , an uncle and a husband .
And he was my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infinity to infinity .
Iron sharpens iron .
Chadwick ’ s legacy will live on .
Bose ’ s name will vibrate throughout the ages .
His impact will be felt across generations .
His love , humility , and unwavering determination will serve as a guide to those who are passed the baton in this relay race .
Brother Chad , you ’ ve earned your rest King .
No more pain .
Hug my mommy for me and let her know we ’ re alright and we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amen .
Ase ’ .

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Many people knew and loved Chadwick Boseman—one of those people is Logan Coles.
The two met at Howard University, where they collaborated in various creative mediums, including plays and screenplays. Through the natural chemistry and kinship they developed, they became producing partners in film, as well. In the years since, the two have worked on projects together such as Message from the King and 21 Bridges. Their next slated project was a highly-anticipated film titled Yasuke, about the first African samurai to wield a sword in Japan.
The following letter, titled, “Iron Sharpens Iron,” will engulf you in the pure love Coles felt for his “brother,” “friend” and “comrade”—and will give a bit more insight into what Boseman meant to a man who knew him well.
The full letter is below:
Iron Sharpens Iron – A Message about my brother, my friend, my comrade:
Not sure where to begin. Where to end. What to include. No way to sum up our friendship & collaborations in mere words. Twenty-six letters in the alphabet aren’t enough. Written words and paragraphs seem insufficient in articulating all that is in my head and on my heart. But I’ll start by expressing gratitude. Even amidst my immense sorrow, I’m grateful. Grateful for the outpouring of love for Chadwick’s family during this extremely difficult time. Grateful to Chad’s family for sharing their beloved son, brother, uncle, and husband with the world. They’ve handled everything with such grace that I’m in absolute awe. And I’m eternally grateful for my dear brother Chad. God doesn’t bless us with too many people who literally transform our lives. My friendship with Bose profoundly transformed mine.
I remember meeting him back at Howard on the steps of the Fine Arts building. He’d sit with his signature incense burning in his mini afro. Playing the guitar. Humming along like a character fresh out an August Wilson play. Anybody who went to HU with us remembers this version of Chad! I was a fan of his art & inspired by his seemingly indefatigable work ethic even back then. I mean, the brother wrote, directed and acted in the hip-hop theatre trifecta - Rhyme Deferred, Hieroglyphic Graffiti, and Deep Azure, all before the world knew him as a superhero. But to me, a 20-year-old college student who was trying to find his voice as an artist, Chad was my writing & directing superhero. I couldn’t believe someone could write something so dope. He was like a mad scientist who figured out how to fuse Nas with Shakespeare and spit it all over a smooth J Dilla beat. It was hip-hop theatre perfection. And it lit a fire in my soul. I told myself back then that I had to get cool with this brother ‘cuz he was on some next level-ness!
I don’t know if either of us knew then the journey God would take us on together. And what A JOURNEY this has been. From rehearsing a full play in a hotel room at the National Black Theater festival, to hanging out at each other’s apartments in Brooklyn writing our first screenplay together, to planting the seed for a producing partnership that would allow us to share all we’d written with the world while also lending our support to projects & artists who spoke to our collective purpose of uplifting Black people and telling transformative stories.
We made a lot of rookie mistakes along the way. But we always grew as artists. As writers. As producers. As brothers. We spent more time in rooms writing, and re-writing, and arguing, and building, and freestyling than I can count or even fully remember. And all the while he was teaching me. Even when I didn’t realize it. Trust the process. Do the work. Be still and listen to the spirit. Let it guide you. Be intentional and unapologetically Black.
Bose taught me patience. Fearlessness. Diligence. To be guided by the spirit of God & the ancestors in all things art and life. All those countless late night writing sessions when we’d hit a bump in the flow at 4am and he’d stretch out on the floor and close his eyes and I’d be like, ‘Did this dude really just fall asleep?’ And I’d sit there, staring at my computer, trying to make sense of some scene or monologue or story beat. And then all of a sudden out of nowhere he’d pop up, open his eyes and say, “I got it!” And then brilliance would flow effortlessly out his mouth. It was as if he was meditating and the Ancestors whispered into his ear the solution and he couldn’t wait to share their wisdom on this earthly plane. That’s Chad. Aharon Sun of the Griots. A vessel for the Ancestor’s wisdom. A preacher - here to share God’s word. A teacher dropping jewels. A fighter going twelve rounds with the champ. A poet. A prophet. An artist’s artist.
I think above all, what I’ll continue to take with me is Chad’s understanding of time and purpose. He was very clear about the finite amount of time that we’re given on this earth. And with that finite amount of years, months, days, hours and minutes we must choose wisely how we spend it. He’d challenge me about what projects and people are worthy of that sacrifice and investment of time. He knew his purpose precisely and was not keen to deviate from it or allot time to that which didn’t serve it. He was purposeful & purpose-filled.
And while he didn’t waste time, he was never in a rush. No matter what, Bose was going to take his time. Anyone who knew him knew that he could not be rushed. But he always made time for what was important to him. Family was important to him. He always made time for them. Art that was meaningful & impactful was important. He made time for that. Roles that spoke to what he believed and wanted to put out into the world was important to him. He made time for that. But Chad also knew the power of saying, ‘No’. If it did not align with his purpose, he said ‘No’. I watched as he refused more money, more roles & more projects than he accepted. And that wasn’t easy early in his career. Saying ‘No’ was a true sacrifice then. It meant going on a ‘water fast’, not because you wanted to, but because that’s all you could afford to buy. But, Chad knew his purpose and wasn’t going to waste time, deviate or pick up anything off the table that was not for him.
He was purposeful & purpose-filled. I’ve never seen someone so strong push through so much pain in order to fulfill his purpose on this earth. There were days I’d ask him how he was doing and he’d simple reply, “Pushing through brother.” I watched as he grit his teeth & took deep breaths as he battled the immeasurable pain of tumors and the debilitating effect of chemo in order to sit through a scriptwriting session or to arrive on set and act a scene or to be the consummate movie star as we sat through Studio pitch meetings. I was in absolute awe of him in these moments. He never let on that he was in any pain or discomfort. He’d just push through. With silent dignity and resolve to fulfill his purpose. It was his greatest performance. He knew what God put him on this earth to do and he didn’t want people knowing or focusing on his battles and not his work. It was his process. His struggle. He was determined to push through.
In our last conversation about work he said to me, ‘Tell ‘em what we did. Tell them all the work that was done and what I had to go through to tell those stories.’ I said I would, but holding out hope I also added, “But I want us to do it together bruh, like we’d set out to do all those years ago. We’ve got so many un-shot screenplays, too many unproduced movies. All these dope ideas of stories to tell about black folks that we want the world to see.” Selfishly I wanted to do it together. Silently I was unsure how I’d do it alone. As we talked more he told me, ‘Don’t be scared’. To think, even amidst all that he was going through in that moment he wanted to make sure that I was okay. He looked deeply at me, like only Bose could do, and he transferred a wealth of silent strength to me even as he grew weaker. That’s who he was. I almost broke down in that moment, but I didn’t. If he was going to face this moment with quiet resolve and dignity and peace, then I couldn’t be scared.
In that last conversation he also said to me, “…you better not stop, hear me?’ And I nodded and simply replied, ‘Okay’. I’m still not sure I know how to do that, but I’m listening to my brother and I’m going to push through. His voice continues to ring out in my head. In my heart. And so I have no choice, but to push through. I’m going to keep going because I received direct orders from the King. I look forward to sitting and writing at 4am and hitting a bump and then stretching out on the floor and closing my eyes and listening for him. I look forward to hearing my brother-ancestor whisper in my ear. Telling me what I need to hear in order to keep pushing.
The last thing I said to him as I touched his head and left his presence is ‘you my brother, are a GIANT.’ And he is indeed. He’s the people’s King, but before all that he was a dutiful son, a brother, an uncle and a husband. And he was my friend. The lifelong kind. From infinity to infinity. Iron sharpens iron.
Chadwick’s legacy will live on. Bose’s name will vibrate throughout the ages. His impact will be felt across generations. His love, humility, and unwavering determination will serve as a guide to those who are passed the baton in this relay race. Brother Chad, you’ve earned your rest King. No more pain. Hug my mommy for me and let her know we’re alright and we’re going to continue to push through. To glory. Amen. Ase’.
-LC


theroot--2020-09-01--Save an Extra 25% off Sale Items at Anthropologie

The best Anthropologie sales for September 2020 have arrived .
Save a bundle at Anthropologie right now , thanks to a bonus sale that knocks an additional 25 % off of thousands of sale items .
The sale includes clothing , shoes , and accessories , and the extra discount is shown in your cart .
We ’ ve already worked the extra savings into the price you see listed below .
Additionally , Anthropologie is taking 20 % off select Capri Blue glass candles , which are sure to go quick .
Whether it ’ s affordable clothes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be something that ’ ll catch your eye at Anthropologie right now .
Summer ’ s days may be few , but Eri + Ali ’ s fitted Janesse ribbed tank is an ideal staple for your pre-fall wardrobe , not to mention a bargain worth snagging ahead of next summer .
It ’ s marked down from $ 39 right now and available in a few different colors .
This beautiful silk floral dress is more than half off the list price right now at Anthropologie .
It ’ s tunic-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and given the massive savings off of the $ 228 tag , you ’ ll want to jump on this bargain while it lasts .
Save nearly half off the standard price on this Lise turquoise pendant necklace , which pairs the pendant itself with quartz , acrylic pearls , glass stones , cubic zirconia , and agate .
It ’ s usually $ 58 , but is on sale and sees the extra 25 % bonus savings right now .
Celebrate Pride anytime with this Brad Montague Hometown Pride t-shirt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco , New York , Chicago , New Orleans , and more .
It ’ s marked down from $ 58 right now , regardless of city selection .
Bring this beautiful Capri Blue Confetti glass candle home during Anthropologie ’ s 20 % off sale on select Capri Blue products .
The Coastal variety is still available as of this writing , bringing you “ notes of pineapple , verbena and coconut , accented by sparkling lemon , bergamot , and grapefruit.
” These are some seriously cozy-looking cargo pants made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side slant pockets and front and back button flap pockets .
They ’ re marked down hugely from the $ 128 list price right now thanks to the extra 25 % off savings .
Camouflage is usually supposed to help you blend in , but we bet these cute shorts will help you stand out this summer instead .
These utility shorts have side slant pockets , a front button flap pocket , and back flap pockets , and are currently $ 51 off during the summer sale .
Well , this looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ textured mini dress is an incredibly soft-looking polyester , cotton , and rayon that ostensibly is designed for you to toss on and head out , but this looks like it ’ d be just as great around the house .
It ’ s more than half-off the $ 98 list price .
Promising a “ comfy-cozy ” woven texture , this Jacquard-Woven Galia duvet cover looks like the perfect thing to flop onto or snuggle underneath after a long , hard day .
Only Twin is available as of this writing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added by the time you read this !
Is it essential that your hand cream has your favorite letter or initial on it ?
No , probably not .
Is it kind of cute ?
Sure .
Is that even more appealing when it ’ s a few bucks off the regular price ?
Yep , definitely .
Anthropologie has several letters still in stock as of this writing , each one marked down from $ 12 .
Be ready for sunnier days ahead with dRA ’ s Sierra smocked linen jumpsuit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smocked bodice , and adjustable tie straps .
This one ’ s available in both standard and petite sizes ( plus-sized is sold out as of this writing ) , and it ’ s down from the usual $ 158 list price .

Sheilah Villari and Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: Aleksi Faux Fur Throw Blanket | $90
Anthropologie has announced a great list of deals for September 2021!
The bohemian retailer is clearing through its products with bonus savings right now. For a limited time, shoppers can also get free shipping and returns, and free express shipping on app orders over $150.
At Kinja Deals, we have selected a few of our favorite items that we think you should cash in on sooner, rather than later.
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The season of getting cozy on the sofa is fast approaching and what better way to do that than with a new blanket. This luxurious faux fur throw comes in 6 colors to vibe with your decor. It’s super soft to make sure your next binge session or football Sunday is the comfiest.
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Don’t you want to say goodbye to dark circles once and for all? Then, try the Patchology Served Chilled Rose Eye Gels. They’re made with antioxidants from strawberry extract and grape-sourced resveratrol to soothe your skin. Plus, it has a dash of hyaluronic acid for a bit of hydration.
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The online exclusive Pointelle Wide-Leg Pants are a great, breezy addition to your summer wardrobe. Available in clay and blue, this garment is made with a cool, super stylish fabric that can be paired with a cami or bralette. Aside from standard sizing, it also comes in petite.
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Look cute as can be with this rose-colored smocked cami. This garment will evoke nostalgia for lazy days and can be easily be layered as fall approaches. Plus, the adjustable shoulder bow ties make for an extra sweet accessory. Note that it is recommended to hand wash this cami to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
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Who doesn’t love a good picnic? The Business & Pleasure Co. Cooler Bag can be easily taken to the park on a warm fall afternoon. It is made from leftover premium canvas, so it’s super eco-friendly. Note that this bag comes in four different color options, so you have plenty to choose from.
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The Pilcro Breezy Split-Back Tee is a beautiful, effortless shirt available in this brilliant yellow color. It comes with words embroidered in the fabric with multi-colored stitching as a whimsical touch. This piece is part of Anthropologie’s exclusive Pilcro label, known for offering versatile style in ultra-flattering silhouettes.
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Even in fall, you need a good pair of sneakers and even better if they are colorful. These beautiful platform sneakers from LA-based designer Jeff Campbell definitely fit the bill. There are still plenty of warm days and cools nights to rock a sweet pair of flowery kicks.
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It’s time to look dainty! Get the Let Me Be Lace Peplum Tank to add a little bit of lace mystery to your life. This silhouette is timeless with classic, feminine details added as the frosting on top. It has a scalloped, peplum hem for a breezy, romantic feel that can be dressed up or dressed down. And let’s not forget about that beadwork!
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Pilcro really does offer some of the best denim products at Anthropologie. This brand delivers versatile and comfy items, crafted from premium denim. This pair of jeans is no exception. Style it with a boho blouse, or a breezy button-down. And, let’s not even get started on that ultra-flattering fit!
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The Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress comes in a gorgeous, rich green fabric with a flower pattern stitched along the bottom half. Its botanical flourish is a great outfit to wear to the mall, beach, or outdoor dinner. Stylists recommend pairing it with a pair of oversized sunglasses and a silk headband for an ultra retro look.
This story was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 03/24/2020 and updated with new information by her on 09/13/2021.


theroot--2020-09-01--Louisiana Police Chief Under Fire After Leaked Surveillance Footage Shows Him Punching Handcuffed Bl

Louisiana Police Chief Under Fire After Leaked Surveillance Footage Shows Him Punching Handcuffed Black Man

The police chief in Hammond , La.
, has become the subject of community outrage after leaked surveillance footage from 2017 revealed what many consider an act of blatant police brutality perpetrated by him against a Black man who was in handcuffs .
On Monday , activists and members of the community held a meeting to discuss the incident and call for a reopening of the investigation into it .
WBRZ 2 reports that Edwin Bergeron , who is the city ’ s current police chief but was a sergeant at the time of the incident , was caught on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black drug suspect at the time .
Ratliff can be seen in the video reaching with his hands cuffed behind his back towards a desk in the police station booking room just before he was aggressively taken down by Bergeron and other officers .
The officers said Ratliff was reaching for pills he was arrested for illegally possessing .
According to WBRZ , Ratliff has since admitted reaching for the pills was a mistake .
After being punched , Ratliff was tazed , kicked and held down by multiple officers before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance video .
Bergeron was the mayor ’ s pick for police chief in 2019 .
Councilmember Devon Wells says they never saw the full video of the incident before approving that decision .
At least two other council members also said they did not see the video beforehand .
The full video was leaked to the WBRZ Investigative Unit in early August .
A third party investigator reviewing the footage said the officers ’ use of force was “ excessive ” and “ borderline criminal.
” That independent investigation was launched after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ratliff during the incident .
During the community meeting Monday—which was attended by Hammond residents , multiple city council members and the Louisiana and Baton Rouge chapters of the NAACP—Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto said that former Police Chief James Stewart had already launched an investigation into the incident shortly after it happened in 2017 and that nothing came out of it .
“ When this came up , he immediately looked into it , ” Panepinto said .
“ The attorney directed them to bring it up to the FBI .
They investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who knows what the mayor thought he was going to accomplish saying that to a room full of fed-up Black people who saw with their own eyes the violent incident investigated by other law enforcement officials who “ came back with nothing , ” but members of the Hammond community were predictably unsatisfied .
“ I ’ ve been knowing that chief , never had a problem with him , ” one woman said during the meeting .
“ But when I saw that video of the chief punching that guy , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wrong.
” According to WBRZ , Bergeron was also present during the meeting but opted not to speak .
No immediate action was taken against Bergeron after the meeting , but one city council member told reporters that a resolution will be drafted calling on Panepinto to remove him as chief of police .
That resolution is set to be brought up at the next council meeting .

The police chief in Hammond, La., has become the subject of community outrage after leaked surveillance footage from 2017 revealed what many consider an act of blatant police brutality perpetrated by him against a Black man who was in handcuffs. On Monday, activists and members of the community held a meeting to discuss the incident and call for a reopening of the investigation into it.
WBRZ 2 reports that Edwin Bergeron, who is the city’s current police chief but was a sergeant at the time of the incident, was caught on surveillance video footage punching Kentdrick Ratliff, a Black drug suspect at the time. Ratliff can be seen in the video reaching with his hands cuffed behind his back towards a desk in the police station booking room just before he was aggressively taken down by Bergeron and other officers. The officers said Ratliff was reaching for pills he was arrested for illegally possessing. According to WBRZ, Ratliff has since admitted reaching for the pills was a mistake.
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From WBRZ:
After being punched, Ratliff was tazed, kicked and held down by multiple officers before he is seen being dragged away on the surveillance video. Bergeron was the mayor’s pick for police chief in 2019. Councilmember Devon Wells says they never saw the full video of the incident before approving that decision. At least two other council members also said they did not see the video beforehand. The full video was leaked to the WBRZ Investigative Unit in early August. A third party investigator reviewing the footage said the officers’ use of force was “excessive” and “borderline criminal.” That independent investigation was launched after one officer received disciplinary action for kicking Ratliff during the incident.
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During the community meeting Monday—which was attended by Hammond residents, multiple city council members and the Louisiana and Baton Rouge chapters of the NAACP—Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto said that former Police Chief James Stewart had already launched an investigation into the incident shortly after it happened in 2017 and that nothing came out of it.
“When this came up, he immediately looked into it,” Panepinto said. “The attorney directed them to bring it up to the FBI. They investigated. They came back with nothing.”
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Who knows what the mayor thought he was going to accomplish saying that to a room full of fed-up Black people who saw with their own eyes the violent incident investigated by other law enforcement officials who “came back with nothing,” but members of the Hammond community were predictably unsatisfied.
“I’ve been knowing that chief, never had a problem with him,” one woman said during the meeting. “But when I saw that video of the chief punching that guy, I lost all respect for him. That was wrong.”
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According to WBRZ, Bergeron was also present during the meeting but opted not to speak.
No immediate action was taken against Bergeron after the meeting, but one city council member told reporters that a resolution will be drafted calling on Panepinto to remove him as chief of police. That resolution is set to be brought up at the next council meeting.


theroot--2020-09-01--Why Jason Whitlock Is Not a Black Man

Why Jason Whitlock Is Not a Black Man

This article contains two opinions : Whether you like him or not , most people share these opinions of Jason Whitlock .
Although I often disagree with his viewpoint , I understand that his function in life is to serve as a funnel through which anti-Black white scorn disguised as “ commentary ” can freely flow .
And , because this is not an opinion piece , maybe the carbon dioxide from his mouth farts is good for trees .
So when Jason Whitlock went on a rant about how LeBron James incites violence by saying things that are verifiable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we can safely assume that Whitlock ’ s comments didn ’ t come from stupidity or a lack of Blackness .
Instead of taking his words out of context , here is the entire text of Whitlock ’ s statement on Fox Sports Radio ’ s Outkick the Coverage : There are so many false narratives that have been promoted in the last 7-10 years via social media , and this Jacob Blake incident is a shining example .
Let ’ s go back to what LeBron James said at the outset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ terrified ” and Black people are “ scared , ” and all this is an insinuation that Black people live in fear of the police .
Let ’ s examine the Jacob Blake situation .
A Black woman called the police .
You don ’ t call people you ’ re terrified of .
I don ’ t have the stats , this is speculation on my part , but I would bet in that Black people in America index at a higher level than the rest of the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The people we ’ re allegedly terrified of and live in fear of .
We call them at a higher rate—in my my opinion [ which is ] speculation .
I ’ m sure they ’ ll have stats that will back me up , at a higher rate than anybody else .
So , she ’ s not scared .
And if you look at the behavior of Jacob Blake , he ’ s not scared , and he ’ s not acting like he ’ s “ terrified ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight them , they have gun drawn on him , he ’ s willing to walk away , he ’ s going to his car , reaching for a knife , allegedly—he doesn ’ t seem to be expressing any fear .
There is a bogus narrative that is being driven by athletes and this elite culture , and it ’ s irresponsible , it ’ s a lie , it ’ s dangerous .
I don ’ t get why they ’ re allowed to get away with it .
Nobody questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fashion .
People are just saying dumb things to promote fear and to promote a defunding of the police or the demonization of police .
All it ’ s leading to is more and more anarchy and more and more death ...
Things are just spinning out of control and I just look at LeBron James and these other athletes and ask “ what are they doing ?
What are they seeing that I ’ m not seeing ?
Again , let me reiterate the two sole opinions : Although I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no indication that he is an unintelligent person .
Although he ’ s no James Baldwin , Whitlock is actually one of the most talented writers in the specialized niche of sports-related white fan fiction .
If Candace Owens had a baby with Boyce Watkins and gave it up for adoption to Skip Bayless , Whitlock would eat that baby before it reached toddlerhood just to make sure it didn ’ t take his spot on the Caucasian cheerleading team .
I never question anyone ’ s Blackness because I know that race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
He was raised by a man who drank Crown Royal and matched his hats with his outfits .
Jason Whitlock is as Black as I am and my Blackness has been confirmed by a birth certificate , a mirror and at least one certified police officer who told me I fit the description of a Black man .
So why would a non-stupid Black man say something like this ?
Well , logic dictates that if he isn ’ t stupid and he is Black , then maybe he isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I am not referring to Whitlock ’ s masculinity as much as I am talking about his humanity .
I am arguing that a living , breathing human being with nerve endings and a beating heart could never ignore the perpetual inhumanity that this country has wreaked upon Black people without learning the lessons .
A non-stupid human being would know that history is replete with examples of white people using an almost-identical version of Whitlock ’ s balderdash .
When Whitlock wrote that “ The white Marxists financing and supporting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worshippers to join forces with non-believers of all races in the reshaping of America , ” he was reviving echoes of segregationists like Strom Thurmond , who called the Freedom Riders “ red pawns and publicity seekers.
” Whitlock , being Black and un-stupid , is fully aware that violent protesters weren ’ t roaming the streets of Portland or Wisconsin until police shot unarmed Black men .
So his belief that the mayor and the governor “ won ’ t let police tamp down the nightly rioting ” is reminiscent of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police on “ anarchists that have roamed the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles , ” or Alabama Police Commissioner Bull Connor , who said : As I have said on numerous occasions , we are not going to stand for this in Birmingham .
And if necessary we will fill the jail full and we don ’ t care whose toes we step on .
I am saying now to these meddlers from out of our city the best thing for them to do is stay out if they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our people of Birmingham are a peaceful people and we never have any trouble here unless some people come into our city looking for trouble .
And I ’ ve never seen anyone yet look for trouble who wasn ’ t able to find it The vast majority of white America even opposed the peaceful civil rights demonstrations , including the March on Washington .
And if he thinks LeBron is inciting violence , remember what white people said about this guy ?
And when Whitlock attempted to buttress his ahistorical claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people in America index at a higher level than the rest of the country , in terms of calling the police , ” he was wrong .
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics 2015 data , not only were whites were more likely than Blacks or Hispanics to initiate contact with police , but Black Americans were less likely to report a possible crime , less likely to report a possible non-crime , less likely to summon a cop who was already present and less likely to even seek help from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whites were less likely than Black people or Hispanic citizens to experience “ the threat or use of force.
” Of course , Jason Whitlock already knows this .
I ’ m not a genius .
I just googled it on a thing called the internet , which—again , this is not my opinion , is probably available to employees of Outkick the Coverage .
I assume Whitlock ’ s degree in journalism , which I do not have , would have taught him how to use this advanced method of knowledge-seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly denigrating a Black man , ignoring historical facts and regurgitating the reductive language of white supremacy does not mean Jason Whitlock is not Black .
But Jason Whitlock knows how white people work .
He knows he is giving cover to the white people who seek out negro funnels to pour out the narrative that racism is over and that the statistically provable , disproportionate violence against Black people is a hyperbolic narrative .
But advancing inhumanity doesn ’ t mean that white people are not human .
Because racism does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , their malevolent disregard for inequality is actually expected from someone whose goal is the preservation of privilege .
Fueling the disregard perpetuates the privilege , and that is the dangerous part .
But is what LeBron is doing dangerous ?
Some people say the black rhino is the deadliest animal in the world .
Others argue it ’ s the hippopotamus , while some insist the C ape buffalo is more dangerous .
One of th e reasons these animals are so hard to kill is not because of their size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the toughness of their skin .
These dangerous animals seem to have a supernatural ability to know when another predator is getting close and will kill anything that comes near it ...
Except for one little bird .
There is a tiny little tick-eating bird that the hippo will welcome and the rhino will not attack .
Even the C ape buffalo leave it alone because , aside from keeping insects away , the brightly colored bird will hiss loudly when another animal approaches .
It offers comfort and protection in exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that is Jason Whitlock .
No , Jason Whitlock is not a man .
He ’ s not a sock puppet spewing plausible deniability for a 400-year-old ventriloquist called America .
He ’ s not even a chandelier pretending to illuminate the darkness but he ’ s actually more decoration than light .
Because the only way a Black person could possibly help perpetuate a false narrative that these inarguable social injustices don ’ t exist is if they removed their own humanity for the sake of being white-adjacent .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of self-hate .
The reason Whitlock willingly aids in the slitting of Black throats is not that he believes his own throat is un-slittable—he knows that he is not bulletproof or immune from the whims of white supremacy .
He protects the dangerous beast who attacks us because he believes this is what will protect his neck from the terrible swift sword of whiteness .
And that is not a man .

This article contains two opinions:
Jason Whitlock is not stupid. Jason Whitlock is Black.
The rest is fact.
Whether you like him or not, most people share these opinions of Jason Whitlock. Although I often disagree with his viewpoint, I understand that his function in life is to serve as a funnel through which anti-Black white scorn disguised as “commentary” can freely flow. And, because this is not an opinion piece, maybe the carbon dioxide from his mouth farts is good for trees.
So when Jason Whitlock went on a rant about how LeBron James incites violence by saying things that are verifiable facts while not shooting unarmed Black people, we can safely assume that Whitlock’s comments didn’t come from stupidity or a lack of Blackness.
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Instead of taking his words out of context, here is the entire text of Whitlock’s statement on Fox Sports Radio’s Outkick the Coverage:
There are so many false narratives that have been promoted in the last 7-10 years via social media, and this Jacob Blake incident is a shining example. Let’s go back to what LeBron James said at the outset of this. LeBron said Black people are “terrified” and Black people are “scared,” and all this is an insinuation that Black people live in fear of the police. Let’s examine the Jacob Blake situation. A Black woman called the police. You don’t call people you’re terrified of. I don’t have the stats, this is speculation on my part, but I would bet in that Black people in America index at a higher level than the rest of the country, in terms of calling the police. The people we’re allegedly terrified of and live in fear of. We call them at a higher rate—in my my opinion [which is] speculation. I’m sure they’ll have stats that will back me up, at a higher rate than anybody else. So, she’s not scared. And if you look at the behavior of Jacob Blake, he’s not scared, and he’s not acting like he’s “terrified” of the police. He’s willing to fight them, they have gun drawn on him, he’s willing to walk away, he’s going to his car, reaching for a knife, allegedly—he doesn’t seem to be expressing any fear. There is a bogus narrative that is being driven by athletes and this elite culture, and it’s irresponsible, it’s a lie, it’s dangerous. I don’t get why they’re allowed to get away with it. Nobody questions LeBron James in any type of legitimate fashion. People are just saying dumb things to promote fear and to promote a defunding of the police or the demonization of police. All it’s leading to is more and more anarchy and more and more death... Things are just spinning out of control and I just look at LeBron James and these other athletes and ask “what are they doing? What are they seeing that I’m not seeing?
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Again, let me reiterate the two sole opinions:
Jason Whitlock is not dumb.
Although I don’t know him personally, there is no indication that he is an unintelligent person. Although he’s no James Baldwin, Whitlock is actually one of the most talented writers in the specialized niche of sports-related white fan fiction. If Candace Owens had a baby with Boyce Watkins and gave it up for adoption to Skip Bayless, Whitlock would eat that baby before it reached toddlerhood just to make sure it didn’t take his spot on the Caucasian cheerleading team.
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That’s how smart Jason Whitlock is—he’s baby-eating smart.
And Jason Whitlock is Black.
I never question anyone’s Blackness because I know that race is just some shit white people made up. He was raised by a man who drank Crown Royal and matched his hats with his outfits. Jason Whitlock is as Black as I am and my Blackness has been confirmed by a birth certificate, a mirror and at least one certified police officer who told me I fit the description of a Black man.
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So why would a non-stupid Black man say something like this? Well, logic dictates that if he isn’t stupid and he is Black, then maybe he isn’t a man.
To be clear, I am not referring to Whitlock’s masculinity as much as I am talking about his humanity. I am arguing that a living, breathing human being with nerve endings and a beating heart could never ignore the perpetual inhumanity that this country has wreaked upon Black people without learning the lessons.
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A non-stupid human being would know that history is replete with examples of white people using an almost-identical version of Whitlock’s balderdash. When Whitlock wrote that “The white Marxists financing and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement have recruited Black worshippers to join forces with non-believers of all races in the reshaping of America,” he was reviving echoes of segregationists like Strom Thurmond, who called the Freedom Riders “red pawns and publicity seekers.”
Whitlock, being Black and un-stupid, is fully aware that violent protesters weren’t roaming the streets of Portland or Wisconsin until police shot unarmed Black men. So his belief that the mayor and the governor “won’t let police tamp down the nightly rioting” is reminiscent of George Wallace, who wanted to sic the police on “anarchists that have roamed the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles,” or Alabama Police Commissioner Bull Connor, who said:
As I have said on numerous occasions, we are not going to stand for this in Birmingham. And if necessary we will fill the jail full and we don’t care whose toes we step on. I am saying now to these meddlers from out of our city the best thing for them to do is stay out if they don’t want to get slapped in jail. Our people of Birmingham are a peaceful people and we never have any trouble here unless some people come into our city looking for trouble. And I’ve never seen anyone yet look for trouble who wasn’t able to find it
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The vast majority of white America even opposed the peaceful civil rights demonstrations, including the March on Washington. And if he thinks LeBron is inciting violence, remember what white people said about this guy?
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This is verifiable history.
And when Whitlock attempted to buttress his ahistorical claims by saying he “would bet that Black people in America index at a higher level than the rest of the country, in terms of calling the police,” he was wrong.
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According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics 2015 data, not only were whites were more likely than Blacks or Hispanics to initiate contact with police, but Black Americans were less likely to report a possible crime, less likely to report a possible non-crime, less likely to summon a cop who was already present and less likely to even seek help from police even when in distress. However, whites were less likely than Black people or Hispanic citizens to experience “the threat or use of force.”
Of course, Jason Whitlock already knows this. I’m not a genius. I just googled it on a thing called the internet, which—again, this is not my opinion, is probably available to employees of Outkick the Coverage. I assume Whitlock’s degree in journalism, which I do not have, would have taught him how to use this advanced method of knowledge-seeking.
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Willingly perpetuating an anti-Black lie, publicly denigrating a Black man, ignoring historical facts and regurgitating the reductive language of white supremacy does not mean Jason Whitlock is not Black. But Jason Whitlock knows how white people work. He knows he is giving cover to the white people who seek out negro funnels to pour out the narrative that racism is over and that the statistically provable, disproportionate violence against Black people is a hyperbolic narrative.
White people do that.
But advancing inhumanity doesn’t mean that white people are not human. Because racism does not affect white people in any meaningfully tangible way, their malevolent disregard for inequality is actually expected from someone whose goal is the preservation of privilege. Fueling the disregard perpetuates the privilege, and that is the dangerous part.
Advertisement
But is what LeBron is doing dangerous?
Some people say the black rhino is the deadliest animal in the world. Others argue it’s the hippopotamus, while some insist the C ape buffalo is more dangerous. One of th e reasons these animals are so hard to kill is not because of their size, strength or quickness. It is not the toughness of their skin. These dangerous animals seem to have a supernatural ability to know when another predator is getting close and will kill anything that comes near it...
Advertisement
Except for one little bird.
There is a tiny little tick-eating bird that the hippo will welcome and the rhino will not attack. Even the C ape buffalo leave it alone because, aside from keeping insects away, the brightly colored bird will hiss loudly when another animal approaches. It offers comfort and protection in exchange for its own comfort and protection.
Advertisement
And that is Jason Whitlock.
No, Jason Whitlock is not a man. He’s not a sock puppet spewing plausible deniability for a 400-year-old ventriloquist called America. He’s not even a chandelier pretending to illuminate the darkness but he’s actually more decoration than light.
Advertisement
Because the only way a Black person could possibly help perpetuate a false narrative that these inarguable social injustices don’t exist is if they removed their own humanity for the sake of being white-adjacent. I don’t even think he does it because of self-hate. The reason Whitlock willingly aids in the slitting of Black throats is not that he believes his own throat is un-slittable—he knows that he is not bulletproof or immune from the whims of white supremacy. He protects the dangerous beast who attacks us because he believes this is what will protect his neck from the terrible swift sword of whiteness.
And that is not a man.
Jason Whitlock is an oxpecker.


theroot--2020-09-01--Breonna Taylor’s Boyfriend Kenneth Walker Sues Louisville Metro Police, Says Wounded Cop Was Injured

Breonna Taylor’s Boyfriend Kenneth Walker Sues Louisville Metro Police, Says Wounded Cop Was Injured by Friendly Fire

Kenneth Walker , the boyfriend of Breonna Taylor who was with her the night she was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police , has filed a lawsuit against the department , arguing that he is a victim of police misconduct and seeking immunity from future prosecution related to the case .
The 28-year-old filed the civil complaint in Jefferson County District Court on Tuesday , seeking unspecified monetary damages from the city and the LMPD on a slew of charges , including assault , battery , false arrest and imprisonment , reports the Louisville Courier Journal .
Walker was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 when LMPD officers arrived attempting to serve a “ no-knock ” warrant on Taylor ’ s home in connection to a drug investigation involving her ex-boyfriend .
Walker and Taylor , who were asleep in her upstairs bedroom , heard a “ loud boom ” at her front door—likely the sound of the police using a battering ram to break in .
According to the complaint , Taylor called out “ Who is it ?
” When there was no response , she and Walker began putting their clothes on .
Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired a warning shot when he saw the intruders , whom he did not realize were police .
In the immediate aftermath of Taylor ’ s killing , police claimed that Walker ’ s shot had struck Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly on his thigh , which resulted in an initial charge of attempted murder .
The charge was later dropped by the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney ’ s office .
But now , Walker ’ s attorney says there is evidence to suggest that Mattingly was shot by other officers during two different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene photographs and other evidence he ’ s obtained through discovery , [ attorney Steve ] Romines said LMPD likely fired 40 to 45 bullets into Taylor ’ s apartment during two different “ flurries ” or waves of shootings .
“ The radio transmission and the 911 calls reflect that a minute and eight seconds transpires with no shots before they start shooting into the apartment again , ” Romines said .
“ During that time , Hankison yells ‘ reload , ’ ” Romines said , adding that the initial 911 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going off .
More than a minute elapses before anyone says ‘ officer shot , ’ he said .
“ We know police are firing wildly from various angles , ” Romines said .
“ The timeline and evidence at the scene is more indicative of ( police ) actually shooting Mattingly than it is Kenny Walker.
” Photographs of Walker ’ s round that was recovered didn ’ t show any indication that it touched blood , Romines said .
Ballistics evidence , as well as how plausible the timeline presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a crucial role in the investigation into Taylor ’ s killing , which is still ongoing .
On Sunday , Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said he received a ballistics report on the police shooting , characterizing it as a “ crucial piece ” of his probe into the 26-year-old EMT ’ s death .
“ It ’ s not the end-all-be-all , ” Cameron said on the CBS news program , Face the Nation .
“ There are still some witness-testimony interviews that have to be conducted.
” According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to review the evidence with the FBI this week .
The federal agency is launching its own investigation into the police shooting .
Taylor family attorney Ben Crump , who also appeared on Face the Nation on Sunday , cast doubt on Cameron ’ s leadership in the investigation , calling out the lack of charges thus far .
“ It ’ s just been delay tactic , delay tactic , delay tactic , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve been told when they get the ballistics report , that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this investigation and finally give them answers that they so desperately want , ” he said , referring to Taylor ’ s family .
“ At this point , we are hoping that this conclusion will be sooner rather than later , because justice delayed is justice denied .
”

Kenneth Walker, the boyfriend of Breonna Taylor who was with her the night she was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police, has filed a lawsuit against the department, arguing that he is a victim of police misconduct and seeking immunity from future prosecution related to the case.
The 28-year-old filed the civil complaint in Jefferson County District Court on Tuesday, seeking unspecified monetary damages from the city and the LMPD on a slew of charges, including assault, battery, false arrest and imprisonment, reports the Louisville Courier Journal.
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Walker was with Taylor in her bedroom on March 13 when LMPD officers arrived attempting to serve a “no-knock” warrant on Taylor’s home in connection to a drug investigation involving her ex-boyfriend. Walker and Taylor, who were asleep in her upstairs bedroom, heard a “loud boom” at her front door—likely the sound of the police using a battering ram to break in. According to the complaint, Taylor called out “Who is it?” When there was no response, she and Walker began putting their clothes on.
Walker then went downstairs with his gun and fired a warning shot when he saw the intruders, whom he did not realize were police.
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In the immediate aftermath of Taylor’s killing, police claimed that Walker’s shot had struck Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly on his thigh, which resulted in an initial charge of attempted murder. The charge was later dropped by the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s office.
But now, Walker’s attorney says there is evidence to suggest that Mattingly was shot by other officers during two different waves of shootings.
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From the Courier Journal:
Based on crime scene photographs and other evidence he’s obtained through discovery, [attorney Steve] Romines said LMPD likely fired 40 to 45 bullets into Taylor’s apartment during two different “flurries” or waves of shootings. “The radio transmission and the 911 calls reflect that a minute and eight seconds transpires with no shots before they start shooting into the apartment again,” Romines said. “During that time, Hankison yells ‘reload,’” Romines said, adding that the initial 911 call comes from a neighbor while gunfire is going off. More than a minute elapses before anyone says ‘officer shot,’ he said. “We know police are firing wildly from various angles,” Romines said. “The timeline and evidence at the scene is more indicative of (police) actually shooting Mattingly than it is Kenny Walker.” Photographs of Walker’s round that was recovered didn’t show any indication that it touched blood, Romines said.
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Ballistics evidence, as well as how plausible the timeline presented by Walker versus the police, could play a crucial role in the investigation into Taylor’s killing, which is still ongoing. On Sunday, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said he received a ballistics report on the police shooting, characterizing it as a “crucial piece” of his probe into the 26-year-old EMT’s death.
“It’s not the end-all-be-all,” Cameron said on the CBS news program, Face the Nation. “There are still some witness-testimony interviews that have to be conducted.”
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According to the New York Times, Cameron is supposed to review the evidence with the FBI this week. The federal agency is launching its own investigation into the police shooting.
Taylor family attorney Ben Crump, who also appeared on Face the Nation on Sunday, cast doubt on Cameron’s leadership in the investigation, calling out the lack of charges thus far.
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“It’s just been delay tactic, delay tactic, delay tactic,” he said. “We’ve been told when they get the ballistics report, that’s what they needed to wrap up this investigation and finally give them answers that they so desperately want,” he said, referring to Taylor’s family. “At this point, we are hoping that this conclusion will be sooner rather than later, because justice delayed is justice denied.”