It all began with the death of George Floyd and, now that former police officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted of his murder, Sherilyn Bennett believes now is the time for a check-in with her two adult sons KJ and Devonte. She believes that her role as their mother includes the responsibility of providing emotional support for her sons and notes that the check-in may prove mutually beneficial.
Surprisingly, many parents remain unaware of how deeply the tragedy has affected their children. The suppression of traumatic responses is not healthy and parents shouldn’t take the lack of response for granted, assuming their sons are well. Ms. Bennett encourages parents to avail themselves to guide and comfort their children as they express anger, sadness, confusion, or other emotions. Bennett hopes to make parents aware of the angst their sons and daughters may experience due to heightened tension between citizens and police- some even feel targeted by police officers.
Last year, Bennett began compiling stories of systemic racism and police brutality from mothers around the country. The response was overwhelming, and she released, “boy: Defending Our Sons’ Identity in America” in January of this year.
“There is a history of black men being sacrificial lambs…it has to stop. The lynching, the shooting, the disregard of their humanity. They are our sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and leaders. They were never American boys.”
Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn, African-American historian and lecturer (historical contributor, posthumously)
The book chronicles the demoralizing and traumatizing encounters of black boys and men told by their mothers, sisters, and wives. Bennett added the story of her son who was detained without cause on his college campus. To this day, the future of that stop remains grimly unknown, but thanks to a coach who intervened, Bennett doesn’t have to think about it. Still, she knows many have faced this reality and, the scars yet remain.
Ms. Bennett also recognizes the irrational disparity of emotional safety in the black community. She cites the failure for black men to openly show emotion as the root of this issue. She says of her and her ex-husband’s efforts to check in with her two sons, “we will parent until we die!” and encourages parents of both sons and daughters to get involved in the process of making self care a priority in the wake of the trial and guilty verdict.
In her book, Ms. Bennett included legal and mental health perspectives for readers to consider. In her contribution to the book, Stephanie Brinkley Wellon, LMHC wrote, “..it is in our DNA to respond to trauma the way we do. Fight or flight mode does not work for us. We are simply stuck. It becomes hard to fight and we don’t have anywhere to go so we can become stuck in our emotional cages.” Ms. Bennett began the conversation with her sons and has encouraged parents to do the same.
Mrs. Gwen Carr (Eric Garner’s mother) contributed the foreword and has encouraged activists to families, friends and the general public to move “from demonstration to legislation.” Mrs. Carr has successfully taken the fight for justice from the street to the chambers where decisions are made and laws are passed, and she is far from done. Last year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the “Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act” into law. Before her untimely death, Erica Garner also worked to honor her father and avenge his death.
The nation is faced with officer-involved shootings (Daunte Wright, Ma’Khia Bryant, Andrew Brown, Jr.) once again and as the details are sorted out; parents and their children of all ages have an opportunity to bond, not over trauma as we have in the past, but in comfort and support of each other.
It finally happened; Derek Chauvin was convicted of the heinous death of George Floyd. The callousness with which he held him under his knee was palpable as people watched the eight-minute and forty-six-second video. Many had no idea that Mr. Floyd was subdued under Mr. Chauvin’s knee for nearly ten minutes. This and so much more was uncovered during the trial to the shock of those brave enough to watch.
Watching a trial like this is an emotional drain, and not-guilty verdicts in cases like these are the root of the multi-generational trauma many black citizens carry. We have seen black people killed and brutalized on video by police officers with impunity for years. In the last decade, black Americans have seemingly become the target of heinous murders surrounded by murky details and circumstances.
Even with the whole interaction filmed, police officers have faced little to no professional consequences or jail time. When police veteran Kim Potter killed Daunte Wright, she resigned before charges were filed. By now, citizens know that a resignation guarantees that officers can receive their pension after an investigation clears them. Once fired, an officer loses it all, something rarely seen in these cases.
The use of force against black people is not new. Law enforcement beat back the advancement of black citizens crossing the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama, known as “Bloody Sunday.” The inception of policing in America was after slavery as “slave patrols” and, if you look closely at some departments in America, the modus operandi is still the same. Citizens are seen as trespassers in the wrong neighborhood, criminals driving a stolen car beyond their means, or breachers of peace when demanding to know why they are being obtained.
Black citizens are often brutalized during encounters with officers while their white counterparts struggle and fight with arresting officers before being apprehended. Police officers have proven time and time again that they can use restraint, even in the most arduous situations. Why force is the initial response so often, we can’t help but suggest the attribution of systemic or even personal racism.
This case appealed to the sensibilities of humanity. The defense debated that everyone saw what they saw. Watching the video, you saw a man’s merciless death- an irrefutable fact. Chauvin’s remorseless defiance seemingly withered away as he invoked his fifth amendment right when it came time for him to speak for himself.
Waiting for the verdict was reminiscent of the George Zimmerman verdict. You just knew everything was in place to win a conviction, but the unease of a possible acquittal was just too much to bear. Unlike the Zimmerman verdict, Minneapolis got it right and to be frank, America HAD to get this right! In finding him guilty, the process begins of making it right, though it nor the historic civil settlement can make the Floyd family whole. America cannot shrink back and inhibit the process of reforming law enforcement.
Now is not the time to put citizens on the back burner once again. Police officers are not foot soldiers and cannot continue to terrorize the communities they are sworn to both protect and serve with impunity. This includes intimidation on the road such as: following behind drives for extended distances and running their license plates when they pull up behind them. The community doesn’t know who will respond to their 911 distress calls. Because they don’t know the responding officers and the officers don’t know them, officers like Aaron Dean impulsively shoot before asking questions. Tragic interactions like these have deprived the neighborhood, the greater community, and the world of a gift such as Atatiana Jefferson.
This is where you hear that not all police officers are ‘bad cops’. This is also where you will be reminded that not all black people are bad.
Far too often, injustice at the hands of police officers isn’t adjudicated, or officers win acquittals thanks to sloppy cases put together by the state or qualified immunity in other cases. This case was different. George Floyd wasn’t only under Derek Chauvin’s knee, he was held against his will under the influence of the pervasive misanthropy that has eroded the call and mission to protect and serve in many police departments.
Officers of the law see themselves as punishers for wrongdoing instead of upright upholders of the law. If looks could kill…well, look at Derek Chauvin’s face, it did! That look of lawlessness is frozen in the memories of anyone who watched that video. There is another look to be reminded of when you think of Derek Chauvin, though. The look of chagrin, confusion, and anxiety. Before he was led away in handcuffs, Mr. Chauvin’s eyes told a different story as he glared at the jury during the reading of the verdict.
We do indeed have a long way to go, but guilt on all three counts is one step in the right direction in a marathon for justice!
Plano, Texas based Minnie’s Food Pantry has received a grant from Microsoft’s Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African American Communities Program. The program is bolstered by Microsoft’s overall commitment to finding new ways to combat racial injustice, the Tech for Social Impact team is utilizing Microsoft’s technology and services to provide minority-focused nonprofits the critical services and support at a local community level that is needed to drive change. Minnie’s does much more than simply supply food to and for Collin Country residents.Founder Cheryl “Action” Jackson has brought smiles and dignity to the residents they served. Each time the doors to the pantry are opened, a line is formed on the red carpet and service is delivered to match.
Beyond providing food security, Minnies caters to the whole person. In 2015, Minnie’s Learning Lab was created to offer client educational training programs in an effort to help transform lives. Under the grant, Minnie’s Food Pantry will receive licenses for Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Business 365 Business Premium for its staff, consulting services, and a host of technological resources aimed at strengthening its data infrastructure.
The global pandemic of 2020 forced Minnie’s to adapt to the many challenges facing their best efforts. The evolution didn’t hinder efforts, rather it expanded the scope of the work done by the food pantry. “The technology partnership with Microsoft enables Minnie’s Food Pantry to do just that. We can now offer a state-of-the-art platform to host our classes remotely anywhere in the country.” (Cheryl Jackson, Founder, Minnie’s Food Pantry)
Multiple Award-Winning Gospel Recording Artist and Renowned Pastor Marvin Sapp Announces New Multi-Media Entertainment Production Company
Elev8 Media & Entertainment will Offer “Content at the Next Level”Bows with Label Deal from Thirty Tigers
Marvin Sapp’s seasons continue to change. Today, he announces Elev8 Media & Entertainment – a new multimedia company that will be the hub for upcoming film, television and music projects. Elev8 enters the market as the newest label on the Thirty Tigers roster, and already has a slate of releases lined up: Jamar Prince (Marvin L. Sapp, Jr.), The Chosen Vessel Cathedral Music + Arts, #Elev8 (a worship compilation comprised of winners of a national talent competition), and the next solo album from Marvin Sapp.
“Elev8 has been many years in the making. I have studied the inner workings of the entertainment business as the impact of my own music ministry expanded into new territories and new opportunities. As an entrepreneur, developing my own entertainment company was a bucket list item that I am excited about finally becoming a reality.”
Bishop Marvin Sapp
Thirty Tigers Co-founder and President David Macias says: “Marvin Sapp is a legend in the music business, and it’s beyond exciting for Thirty Tigers to be entrusted to serve him in the launch of Elev8 Media & Entertainment. We were attracted to his vision about how he wanted to start and operate his company, as well as being obviously excited about getting to work with a 13-time Grammy nominee whose music we’re fans of.”
“I’m really proud of my Dad. I respect him for everything that he does and for everything that he has accomplished. This label is something that he has talked about for a long time, and it is going to be cool to work with him creatively and as a businessperson. Even though I sing R&B music, he has done nothing but support and respect me as an artist, and that foundation is what will make this artist/label relationship successful.”
Jamar Prince
“The way this has happened is nothing but God,” says Myron Williams, Minister of Music, The Chosen Vessel Cathedral.
“For this label to develop after Bishop Marvin Sapp assumes leadership of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral, where our music department has been waiting for a moment and an opportunity to really showcase our unique giftings to the world, is proof that God is the ultimate dealmaker and divine orchestrator. It is a privilege to serve Bishop Marvin Sapp and we are honored to be able to record with him professionally.”
“We are ready to get to work,” says Sapp. “I am building a studio and, being in the Dallas Metroplex, I am surrounded by creativity and talent to really drive the musical process. I am particularly honored and elated to be able to provide a label home for my son, who has already created his own lane as an up-and-coming R&B artist. It is also a joy to release music from the music and arts department at The Chosen Vessel Cathedral, who I love doing ministry with. Due to the pandemic, I was able to work with these talented singers and musicians on various virtual promotional opportunities for my latest album. This showed me how much talent exists in my own church. Elev8 is committed to quality entertainment that elevates voices and creative gifts that need to be heard.”
RUFF ENDZ recently released the first single, “Be The One” from the album to rave reviews. The song world premiered exclusively on RollingOut.com. The catchy mid-tempo song was written and produced by David Chance and co-written by Dante Jordan. “The inspiration behind “Be The One” is based on our own experiences and the experiences of most people I know,” mentions David. “When a man has finally found the one lady that he feels is his soulmate or his ride or die, he is willing to put it all on the line for her and will put her worries to rest.” “We hope to help change the narrative with this song in our community to show that men need love and want to be in love too,” shares Dante.
The group also released their second focus track, “Congratulations” from the upcoming “REBIRTH” album exclusively via ThisIsRnB.com. “We thought instead of making your typical break up song, we would write a song like “Congratulations” that shows how two people can successfully move on and be happy for each other.” “Too many times we hear about the drama of break-ups but there are many people who are emotionally mature enough to be happy for their ex. It’s about everyone finding happiness in whatever path they choose in love,” adds Dante.
“The inspiration behind this album was birthed out of our experiences, both personally and professionally. Musically the album embodies elements from the classic era of R&B which we thought were important to preserve but still be able to incorporate a 2021 perspective. We are excited about this project because it’s a true expression of how we really feel as men. We see life as a roller coaster of emotions and “REBIRTH” is a reflection of us riding the emotional ups & downs of life. Each song shares about an emotion that we have experienced and how we dealt with those situations,” adds the group.
“Party Over Here” is a song that celebrates family, friends, and good times. “Sorry” is a song that apologizes to women for their past hurt and relationships. “We thought instead of making your typical break up song, we would write a song like “Congratulations” that shows how two people can successfully move on and be happy for each other,” shares David. Too many times we hear about the drama of break ups but there are many people who are emotionally mature enough to be happy for their ex. It’s about everyone finding happiness in whatever path they choose in love.
Overall, the tone of this album is positive, so it doesn’t matter where you are in your life there is something for you on this album that is sure to satisfy your R&B appetite.
Filmmaker Samson Styles Uses Own Violent Past To Spark Dialogue On Growing Problem, In New Documentary Film “Killing Beef: Gun Violence In The Black Community”
Finally, someone has officially reported what filmmaker Samson Styles — and anyone living in an urban area — knows to be a fact, mass shootings in Black communities are being ignored! In a new documentary produced and directed by Styles, “Killing Beef: Gun Violence in The Black Community,” the award winning journalist uses his own violent past as a starting point for a conversation that is long, long overdue.
The Trace Reports: In 2020, mass shootings disproportionately occurred in majority-Black neighborhoods. But even the highest-casualty incidents received limited national media attention.“There was the shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June of last year, where gunmen fired more than 200 rounds into a crowded block party, killing four and injuring five others. Two months later in Washington, D.C., multiple shooters fired into another neighborhood block party, killing one and injuring 21. In January of this year, gunfire erupted during a basketball game at a public park in Miami, injuring eight. None of these shootings prompted multi-day news cycles or condolences from former presidents. But they were just as devastating to local communities as the shootings in Boulder or Atlanta, doing the same kind of damage to residents’ sense of safety in public spaces.”
A reformed criminal and victim of violent crime, award winning journalist and documentary filmmaker Samson Styles searches for life’s meaning in the biographical-documentary feature “Killing Beef: Gun Violence In The Black Community” streaming now on Apple, Amazon, FandangoNow, GooglePlay, PlayStation, Vudu, and Xbox. Written and directed by Styles, the film is an unflinching look at Black-on-Black crime, and the forces that drive young Black men to commit acts of gun violence. A first-person account of criminality, Styles takes a conversational approach to “Killing Beef,” by telling his cautionary tale to a youth (Chris) dealing with his own violent trauma. After the murder of his older brother, Chris seeks advice from Styles, who uses the opportunity to discourage the him from seeking vengeance. More than a true-crime documentary, the film is a thought-provoking look at a Black man as he finds a purpose for his life: saving Black boys and preventing gun violence. How do we end the cycle of gun violence raging in America’s urban centers? How do we start Killing Beef (brokering peace) before things escalate to shots being fired? Styles sets out on a journey to find solutions.
At the heart of this documentary is the conversation between Styles and an impressionable youth, during a critical time in his development, that gives “Killing Beef” a hopefulness and a sense of meaning rarely found in urban crime docs. However, the most poignant moment in the film is when Styles reunites with the shooter who wounded him and left him for dead years earlier.
