While being featured on CNN’s recent “n-word” discussion, LeVar Burton shared his protocol for dealing with being stopped by the police: “I take my hands, I stick them outside the window and on the door of the driver’s side because I want that officer to be relaxed as possible when he approaches my vehicle. And I do that because I live in America.”
Kevin Clash, the puppeteer known for voicing Sesame Street’s Elmo, got some good news today. A judge has thrown out three lawsuits claiming that Clash had committed sexual abuse:
A petition has been launched demanding the ousting of NYC Principal Minerva Zanca, who is accused of firing a group of black teachers, and calling them “big lipped,” “nappy haired,” and “gorillas.”
The Food Network – which broadcasts Paula Deen’s cooking show – has released a statement in response to the uproar surrounding Deen’s racism admission: “The Food Network does not tolerate any form of discrimination and is a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
An Op-Ed by Susan Taylor – founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement – explains The Rising at Harlan High mentoring program, and calls on the men and women of our community to step up and be mentors to our youth. Will you answer her call?
An internal review by the LAPD found that Christopher Dorner’s allegations of racism were unfounded, and that he was justifiably fired from the force. Thoughts on these fndings? Do you trust the LAPD’s internal review process?
An article in The Village Voice is helping to bring light a report that unveils some alarming statistics about the police harassment of transgender people of color.
George Zimmerman’s attorney is reportedly asking a judge to allow Trayvon Martin’s drug use to be referenced in court. They alleged that Martin was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident.
Despite days of protests and acts of civil disobedience, the Chicago Public School Board has voted to close 49 elementary schools and 1 high school program; the largest school closure in the city’s history.
The murder of 32 year-old Mark Carson in New York’s Greenwich Village is being investigated as a hate crime. Carson and a friend were reportedly being followed and taunted with antigay slurs by 33 year-old Elliot Morales. Morales fired a single shot from is revolver, killing Carson.
19 year-old Akein Scott has been arrested in connection with the Mother’s Day Parade shooting in New Orleans that left 19 people injured, including 2 children. Scott will reportedly face 20 charges of attempted second degree murder.
The Chicago Teacher’s Union will file two federal lawsuits over the mass school closings in Chicago. Filed on behalf of parents of CPS students, the suit alleges civil rights violations. The vast majority of these controversial closings impacted minority students.
