Huffpost reporter Ryan J. Reilly that the US Justice Department will be conducting a second autopsy on the body of Michael Brown.
The latest from #DOJ on the #MikeBrown probe #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/pc5uNVgm7e
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 17, 2014
Whenever there is a tragic shooting of a young black man Al Sharpton inevitably shows up. Some conservatives instantly criticize him and say he is a race baiter, publicity hound, or camera chaser. They make these comments of the fact that most times Sharpton is actually asked by the families of the victims to come in as in the Michael Brown situation.They make this statements as if African Americans are incapable of getting angry unless told to do so by black leaders like Sharpton.
But it astounds me when I here talking heads say that the Al Sharptons and Jesse Jacksons of the world only make the situation worse and inflame passions.
They must think that black people just hold their anger in until Sharpton gets there and after a few choice words from him then decide to get angry. Any black parent would and should be mad at the shooting of Michael Brown. That could have been their child or grandchild. Their brother or father that was shot down and then left to lay in the street for hours. The police didn't have the common decency to place a sheet over the body. The police then continued to change their stories about what has happened and then showed up in military gear and with military vehicles. Wouldn't that make any normal person angry? Would anyone need Sharpton to show up and say "Okay let's get mad!"
We as a community know on our when an injustice has been committed. We don't need anyone to tell us to get angry. I think the reason that some hate Al Sharpton is that because when he comes so do the cameras and all that BS they have been getting away with is now in full public view. Say what you will about the man but he brings attention to a situation like few others.
If Sharpton haters really want to see him put out of business all they have to do is fight for justice for all. They would make sure that police are actually held to a higher standard and demand accountability from them. When there is that justice and accountability there will be no need for the Al Sharptons of the world. Until then...
George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com
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When I first started blogging I had a blog titled Let's Talk Honestly and I think it's time to talk honestly about the town of Ferguson Missouri. First I want to give my condolences to the young man's family and to voice my support for those who are PEACEFULLY protesting. But now back to talking honestly. How is it possible that a town that is predominantly black can only have one black elected black official? There is an answer and it's one some may not like but I think it's the sad truth. George Cook AfricanAmericanmReports.com.
In light of the Michael Brown shooting we are hearing a lot the town of Ferguson Missouri. It is a town of about 20,000 people that is 70% black. It is also a town with only ONE elected black official.
During a interview on NPR the town's democratic chair Patricia Bynes who is African American made the following statement when asked why there was only one black elected official.
...Well, anything other than a presidential election there is low voter turnout. And the African-American community has been disenfranchised for a very long time. When you have people who are worrying about can I get a job - can I get to work - can I put food on the table - when election day on Tuesday comes around, that is the furthest thing from their minds. And the whites that live in the community - they participate. And so they vote for who they want for counsel and mayor, and they don't always put practices in place that are best for the majority population there.[SOURCE]
While Bynes made what some may consider valid excuses they are just that, excuses. Our ancestors faced death and some did die to get us the right to vote and if nothing else we should repay that sacrifice by voting. How can you have tremendous power and cede it to someone else?
The only way a town that is 70% black can only have one black elected official is a complete lack of political involvement and engagement by the black community.
We know that black voters are there because in the chairs statement she says that they come out for presidential elections. But they obviously don't understand that local elections are the ones that impact your daily life.
Some will say that because of racism or the gold boys network it's hard for people to get involved politically. I'm not going to deny that but the low voter turnout in Ferguson shows that racist don't have to hold blacks back because they are not trying to move forward.
Because of that low voter turnout they have a police force that doesn't reflect the diversity of the community it serves and a local government that seemingly is not worried about the black communities concerns.
The people in Ferguson have to do better if they want better and stop with the damn excuses on election day.
I sincerely hope that the tragic death of Michael Brown spurs more political involvement in Ferguson and other communities. I also it becomes an example of what happens when African Americans don't participate politically.
George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com
The death of Michael Brown is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and his community at this very difficult time. As Attorney General Holder has indicated, the Department of Justice is investigating the situation along with local officials, and they will continue to direct resources to the case as needed. I know the events of the past few days have prompted strong passions, but as details unfold, I urge everyone in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country, to remember this young man through reflection and understanding. We should comfort each other and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds. Along with our prayers, that’s what Michael and his family, and our broader American community, deserve.
I understand that people are angry but rioting and destroying property are the last thing that's needed here. It just plays into a narrative of violent young black men and will be used to justify the killing of Michael Brown, SMDH! George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com
What started as a peaceful prayer vigil Sunday evening to remember a young man gunned down by police, escalated into riots and looting in Ferguson, Missouri.
Angry mobs smashed windows, set fires and looted businesses as a massive showing of police, some wearing riot gear, moved into the area
A friend and witnesses say Missouri teen Michael Brown was unarmed and had his hands in the air when a Ferguson police officer shot and killed him, but of course police dispute that account.
