What happens when police violate your ‘right to remain silent’?
On June 22, the Supreme Court decided that people cannot sue police officers for failing to read them their Miranda rights before questioning. Former Department of Justice attorney and author Michelle Coles explains how this decision limits protection and connects to the Third Klu Klux Klan Act.
An artist’s angst: Using fan art for honor and release
Louisiana artist Antoine GHOST Mitchell chose art alchemy and fan art to process George Floyd’s murder and erupting protests. This feature is Pensiri: A Talk with Antione Mitchell
‘It made me feel like a failure that I could not protect her’
According to the national Human Trafficking Hotline, 71 cases of human trafficking have been reported in Louisiana since January. One mother of a 13-year-old victim said, “There is a trending behavior of people–especially kids–looking for a certain type of love to fit in that they are being so easily manipulated.
Women in state law enforcement leave indelible footprints
There are countless Louisianans who have contributed significantly to our state and nation’s history. They are the trailblazers and pioneers who have left an indelible imprint that continues to inspire. Among the most well-trained law enforcement officers in the country, Black female Louisiana State Troopers are proudly and courageously paving the way for others to … Continue reading
Louisiana’s non-unanimous jury law: an instrument of mass incarceration
There’s evidence that non-unanimous juries contribute to wrongful convictions, mass incarceration and the marginalization of women and minorities.The impact is tantamount..and it is our collective duty, “with a force that is irresistible,” to crumble into ruin this unjust system. writes Angela Allen-Bell, JD.
Momma, he only wanted to ride his bike
He stood there asking if he could ride his bike to the middle school and back…Instead, I just looked in his eyes, willing myself to believe that this is not—–absolutely not–—the last time I will see him.
‘I am that next legacy,’ says Alton Sterling’s oldest son
“I am that next legacy. I am here after my dad,” said Cameron Sterling, 16-year-old son of Alton Sterling who was killed by Baton Rouge police, July 5, 2016.
Things get uncomfortable’ when protesters Blackout BR, interrupt policing meeting
As officer-involved shootings cities around the country, frustrated citizens are continuing their fight for justice. With each shooting that has occurred, dash cam footage has been released, surveillance and other forms of film have been released to ensure complete disclosure. But, unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case with the deadly shooting of Alton Sterling. After … Continue reading
Many online resources available for Louisiana disaster survivors
Public and private entities have information online ready to help if you’re a survivor of Louisiana’s recent severe storms and floods. Here is a listing of many online resources available to disaster survivors. Clothing, Food, Shelter, etc. 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and health resources. Visit www.louisiana211.org and follow … Continue reading
President Obama Signs Louisiana Disaster Declaration
President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on August 11, 2016, and continuing The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the parishes of … Continue reading
City bears embers of mourning, grief
iolent death became real — even surreal — in that moment. Like it did when Alton Sterling’s 15-year-old son, Cameron, wailed on television, begging for his father. This is post-friendly Baton Rouge. Things will change because they died–because all of them died.
Americans for Blane Salamoni Facebook page surfaces
In the wake of the funerals for the three slain police officers in Baton Rouge, LA, a disturbing Facebook page has been exposed. The page, Americans For Blane Salamoni, has enraged a number of social media users as it promotes a rhetoric of hate along with racist propaganda in an effort to justify the controversial … Continue reading
I fit the prototype: large and Black. Am I Next?
With the home front being a national headline, three Baton Rouge men tell their stories of what it is to be the prototype victim for police brutality. As they leave their homes everyday with the notion that they could be “next” just because they are large, Black men.
You’ve told Alton Sterling’s past records. Now stop ignoring the officers’ disturbing use of force, deep family ties
Salamoni’s complaint history and deep-rooted connection to the police department should seem quite alarming to anyone hoping for a fair case.
Pro Bono legal support established for Louisiana protesters
In wake of death of Alton Sterling, civil rights organizations launch Pro Bono Legal Support Program to defend rights of protesters in Louisiana. Demonstrators are encouraged to contact 866-459-1220 for assistance if subject to or faced with risk of arrest while protesting or demonstrating.
Statewide summit set to improve health policy in Louisiana on March 29
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, along with several other elected officials, policymakers, and national and state healthcare leaders, are set to convene at the 2016 Health Summit: Creating an Agenda for a Healthy Louisiana. The first-ever statewide summit, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29 at the C.B. Pennington, Jr. Building Conference Center in Baton … Continue reading
Rise of human trafficking in Louisiana to be addressed at symposium, March 27
“The New Face of Slavery: Human Trafficking in Louisiana,” is the topic for the Sixth Annual Symposium of the Journal of Race, Gender, and Poverty set for Friday, March 27, at 9am in 129-130 A. A. Lenoir Hall of the Southern University Law Center. U. S. Attorney J. Walter Green for the Middle District of … Continue reading
FBI accepting applications for special agent candidates
The FBI will accept applications for Special Agent candidates through March 16. All interested candidates must apply via http://www.FBIJobs.gov by 11:59pm, March 16, according to the time zone of the applicant’s local field office. Specific skills and backgrounds being sought include: Cyber Security Intelligence Computer Engineering Computer Science Computer Forensics Network Administration Information Technology Laboratory Sciences … Continue reading
Night of promise to honor domestic violence advocates
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated—Nu Gamma Omega Chapter will honor Beth Meeks, executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and State Reps. Helena Moreno (D-New Orleans) and Alfred C. Williams (D-Baton Rouge) at its inaugural domestic violence benefit, Night of Promise, on October 16. The event starts at 6pm, at the LSU Rural … Continue reading
NAACP applauds Obama decision to commute drug sentences
Statement from Sherrilyn A. Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. “The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. applauds President Obama’s decision Dec. 19th to commute the sentences of eight people currently serving extraordinarily inflated prison terms for nonviolent crack cocaine offenses. The President’s ability to commute sentences is an extraordinary … Continue reading
Rep. Richmond, others call for investigation into Angola, Wade, Hunt prison facilities
In a July 12, 2013, letter to the US Department of Justice, Congressmen Cedric Richmond, John Conyers Jr., Jerrold Nadler, and Bobby Scott called for investigation into several Louisiana prison facilities. They express deep concern that the Louisiana Department of Corrections has, “engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of the United States Constitution … Continue reading
ExxonMobil is scrutinized in Baton Rouge after past leaks
State and federal agencies and neighbors are keeping an eye on Baton Rouge’s ExxonMobil complex, located next to the Mississippi River on Scenic Highway just north of the Governor’s Mansion. Some neighbors want the authorities and the plant to do more to reduce emissions and also to alert them about hazardous discharges. The Louisiana Dept. … Continue reading
FEMA SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR YOUTH PREPAREDNESS COUNCIL
ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities, and who want to expand their impact as national advocates for youth disaster preparedness. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 interested in strengthen the nation’s resiliency against … Continue reading
Patient financial information stolen from LSU Health Services
LSU HCSD requests that any findings of unauthorized access be reported to it at 1-800-735-1185 so that law enforcement may be notified. As an additional precaution, affected persons are encouraged to monitor their credit history.
N.O. homeless asked to evacuate Expressway; Mission responds
This morning, at 9 am, the City of New Orleans requested all homeless men and women remove themselves and all of their belongings from under and around the Pontchartrain Expressway. The effort has caused a mass migration of homeless individuals that will leave the capacity of the New Orleans Mission, along with many other public … Continue reading
Letter: Allow employers to determine tobacco-free workforce policy
Every year 6,400 Louisiana adults die from tobacco use, which remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable deaths. As a physician and CEO of Ochsner Health System, I have seen firsthand the impact of this statistic and work everyday to change it through medical treatment, education, and advocacy. I have an obligation to improve the … Continue reading
A message from the Working Interfaith Network
At 6:30pm, Friday, March 30, at the Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church, 45555 Fairfields Ave., in Baton Rouge, the Working Interfaith Network and PICO Louisiana will gather for a special expression of solidarity. “We are calling our gathering this Friday, a Night Walk for Trayvon. This will be the fourth city-wide Night Walk in support … Continue reading
Mentally ill man who died in police custody laid to rest
Ricks’ family, community have unanswered questions ALEXANDRIA–Robert Ricks, 23, is being eulogized Saturday at 2pm at Pilgrim Baptist Church, inAlexandria this Saturday, February 12. Ricks died Saturday, February 5, after being tasered by Alexandria police officers and possibly by jailers in the Rapides Parish Jail, according to State Police who are now investigating his death. … Continue reading
BP Oil Spill Just Makes Louisianans Want to Throw Up
Governor Bobby Jindal’s website indicates that people affected by the oil spill are increasingly thinking about suicide. Sure, life is full of problems. It is never perfect. People must have the drive to fight.