Cedric the Entertainer: Neither Side Trying to Find Truth in Ferguson

During an interview with the Wall Street Journal , Cedric the Entertainer discussed several issues in the black community including diabetes, education, and Ferguson Missouri on which he had a very interesting take. Watch the interview below:

FBI Warns Ferguson Decision 'Will Likely' Lead to Violence By Extremists Protesters

As the nation waits to hear whether a Missouri police officer will face charges for killing unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., the FBI is warning law enforcement agencies across the country that the decision “will likely” lead some extremist protesters to threaten and even attack police officers or federal agents.

Sen. Rand Paul talks to black leaders in Ferguson.

After meeting with NAACP leaders in Ferguson, Missouri, Sen. Rand Paul told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that the Republicans Party's biggest mistake in recent decades has been not reaching out to African-American voters. Watch that segment of the interview below:

3,200 new registered voters in Ferguson!

[SOURCEOne response to Ferguson unrest from area leaders has been telling people to register to vote, and it appears they have listened.

Ferguson has seen thousands register to vote in the weeks since Michael Brown was shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

About 3,200 Ferguson residents have registered with the St. Louis County Board of Elections since Aug. 11, out of a population of about 21,000. Board of Elections director Rita Heard Days says that’s unprecedented in a non-presidential election year.

“It’s a huge number,” Heard Days says. “Unfortunately, the record it says that there [were] so many people in the Ferguson area that were not registered, so, I’m happy to see the number’s increased.”

Ferguson Police Chief Apologizes to Brown Family

Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson has issued a video apology to the family of Michael Brown, saying the 18-year-old's body was left in the street for too long last month after he was fatally shot by an officer in the St. Louis suburb. (Sept. 25) Watch his apology below:

How many 'other Fergusons' are there?

What happened in Ferguson could happen elsewhere in America.

That’s the message from experts on race relations and from an analysis of census data about American cities following the protests in the St. Louis suburb that erupted after the shooting death of an unarmed black 18-year-old at the hands of a white police officer.

Ferguson, Mo., may be an extreme example, but it’s part of a larger pattern in which many US communities have police forces that don’t come close to mirroring the racial composition of the populations they serve. Even where Ferguson-style gaps between the police and wider community don’t exist, it’s common across the United States for blacks to feel that the criminal-justice system is stacked against them and that political power eludes them.

What that means is that, despite the real progress the nation has made on race relations, another tragic occurrence similar to the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson could spark street protests in other US cities.

Read more: How many 'other Fergusons' are there?

New witnesses say Michael Brown's hands were up.

CNN's Randi Kaye has fresh details from two construction workers in Ferguson who witnessed Michael Brown's shooting. Their version of the shooting matches those who say Michael Brown's hands were up.

Eric Holder statement : US Justice Dept. launches probe into Ferguson Police

Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at Press Conference Announcing Pattern or Practice Investigation into Ferguson Police Department

Washington, D.C. ~ Thursday, September 4, 2014

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Good afternoon.  I am joined today by Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Molly Moran and Director Ron Davis, of the Community Oriented Policing Services – or COPS – Office.  We are here to announce the latest steps in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to address the situation in Ferguson, Missouri, and the surrounding communities.

As you know, our federal civil rights investigation into the August 9 shooting death of Michael Brown remains open and very active.  As I made clear during my visit to Ferguson two weeks ago, this investigation will take time.  But the American people can have confidence that it will be fair, it will be thorough, and it will be independent.

Over the course of that visit, I had the chance to speak with a number of local residents.  I heard from them directly about the deep mistrust that has taken hold between law enforcement officials and members of the community.  In meetings and listening sessions – as well as informal conversations – people consistently expressed concerns stemming from specific alleged incidents, from general policing practices, and from the lack of diversity on Ferguson’s police force.

These anecdotal accounts underscored the history of mistrust of law enforcement in Ferguson that has received a good deal of attention.  As a result of this history – and following an extensive review of documented allegations and other available data – we have determined that there is cause for the Justice Department to open an investigation to determine whether Ferguson Police officials have engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of the U.S. Constitution or federal law.

This investigation will be carried out by a team from the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section – some of the same dedicated professionals who have achieved historic results in ensuring constitutional policing from coast to coast.  Over the past five years, the Civil Rights Division has prosecuted over 300 individual officers for misconduct.  We have opened 20 pattern or practice investigations into police departments across the country.  That’s more than twice as many as were opened in the previous five years.  And we’re enforcing 14 agreements to reform law enforcement practices at agencies both large and small.  With these agreements, we have seen dramatic decreases in excessive uses of force; greater equity in the delivery of police services, including important measures to address bias; and, most significantly, increased confidence by communities in their law enforcement agencies.

As the brother of a retired police officer, I know that the overwhelming majority of our brave men and women in uniform do their jobs honorably, with integrity, and often at great personal risk. The Civil Rights Division’s efforts are simply meant to ensure that law enforcement officers in every part of the U.S. live up to those same high standards of professionalism.  In Ferguson, our investigation will assess the police department’s use of force, including deadly force.  It will analyze stops, searches, and arrests.  And it will examine the treatment of individuals detained at Ferguson’s city jail, in addition to other potentially discriminatory policing techniques and tactics that are brought to light.

We have met with the Mayor, City Manager and Police Chief in Ferguson.  They have welcomed the investigation and pledged complete cooperation.  This investigation will be conducted both rigorously and in a timely manner, so we can move forward as expeditiously as possible to restore trust, rebuild understanding, and foster cooperation between law enforcement and community members.  At the same time, I want to make very clear that – as this investigation unfolds and evolves – we will follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead.  And if, at any point, we find reason to expand our inquiry to include additional police forces in neighboring jurisdictions, we will not hesitate to do so.

In fact, I can also announce today that – above and beyond our investigation in Ferguson – we are taking proactive steps to engage the St. Louis County Police Department in what’s known as a “collaborative reform effort.”  This partnership is being led by the COPS Office, working closely with St. Louis County officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment.  The St. Louis County Police Chief has voluntarily accepted the collaborative reform process and has also asked that the COPS Office conduct an After Action Report on their response to recent demonstrations.  And already, with the cooperation of St. Louis County leaders, we have identified priority areas for intensive review and technical assistance – including racial profiling; stops, searches, and frisking; the handling of mass demonstrations by police officials; and law enforcement training both at the police academy and at the continuing professional level.

Because St. Louis County administers training programs for officers throughout the area – including members of the Ferguson Police Department – it makes sense to include the county police department as part of our comprehensive approach to confronting the challenges we’ve seen in that region.

I want to be clear: this is not a stopgap or a short-term solution.  It’s a long-term strategy, founded on community policing, that will provide a detailed roadmap to build trust; to bolster public safety; to ensure accountability; and to change the way that law enforcement leaders make decisions, implement policies, and forge community partnerships.  And our track record proves that such efforts to reform policing practices can be tremendously successful.

For example, in 2012, the COPS Office and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department completed an eight-month review similar to the collaboration we are launching today with the St. Louis County Police Department.  The Las Vegas review resulted in 75 findings and concrete recommendations regarding officer-involved shootings and other use-of-force issues.  To date, fully 95 percent of these recommendations have been adopted.  And police agencies in two other jurisdictions are going through similar processes as we speak.

When I visited Ferguson two weeks ago, I promised that the U.S. Department of Justice would continue to stand with the people there long after the national headlines had faded.  Today, with our investigation into the Ferguson Police Department and our reform efforts in St. Louis County, we’re taking significant steps to keep that promise.  As these efforts unfold, my colleagues and I will keep working with the people in Ferguson to ensure that a fair, thorough investigation occurs; to see that dialogue can be translated into concrete action; and to facilitate lasting, positive change – that brings together police officials, civil rights leaders, and members of the public – to bridge gaps and build understanding.

This won’t always be easy.  But I know that, together, we can and will meet this challenge.

Before we move to questions, there have been court decisions announced today in two separate but very important cases on which I would like to briefly comment.

First, we are pleased that the district court in New Orleans has found that the largest oil spill in U.S. history was caused by BP’s gross negligence and willful misconduct.  The court’s findings will ensure that the company is held fully accountable for its recklessness.  This case, which was vigorously pursued by the United States’ stellar legal team, marks another significant step forward in the Justice Department’s continuing efforts to seek justice on behalf of the American people for this disaster.  And we are confident this decision will serve as a strong deterrent to anyone tempted to sacrifice safety and the environment in the pursuit of profit.

Second, in Ohio, a district court has held that the plaintiffs challenging the State of Ohio’s changes to its in-person early voting rules likely will be able to prove that those changes are unconstitutional.  The Justice Department had filed a Statement of Interest in this case.  And today’s outcome represents a milestone in our effort to continue to protect voting rights even after the Supreme Court’s deeply misguided decision in Shelby County.

I am pleased to note that today’s decision, and the judge’s analysis, rests on some of the same legal reasoning that underlies the Department’s pending challenges to voting measures in Texas and North Carolina under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.  And as we move forward, my colleagues and I will continue to do everything in our power to aggressively defend access to the ballot box and ensure that every American can exercise his or her right to participate in the democratic process, unencumbered by unnecessary restrictions that discourage, discriminate, or disenfranchise.

At this time, we would be happy to take your questions.

Hip Hop responds to Michael Brown shooting.

Some have falsely accused Hip Hop of sitting out of the Michael Brown shooting tragedy. That is not true. Some have made statements while others like The Game, T.I., and J. Cole have released songs in honor of Michael Brown or discuss the shootings of unarmed black men. Yes there is much to criticize in Hip Hop but when Hip Hop artist step up and attempt to be socially conscience we need to acknowledge that also. Check out a few of those songs below:

Don't shoot by The Game featuring Diddy, Rick Ross,2 Chainz, Fabolous, Yo Gotti, Wale

Be Free by J. Cole

New National Anthem by T.I.

Three very good reasons for the militarization of local police

Many seem to be a bit peeved about the slight over reaction by the Ferguson Police Department during protest over the death of Michael Brown. There has been a huge outcry about the militarization of local police. A few people are upset because police in the United States looked like Russian thugs instead of cops. But to all of you people out there crying I know of three instances where you would be happy that the police were packing military style weapons, vehicles, and gear. Now if you just put your brain and your common sense to the side I'm sure that you will agree that police looking like f*cking storm troopers can be a good thing. So here are the three really good reasons for the militarization of local police.

Reason 1: Zombie Apocalypse.

One day the dead will walk. Call them zombies, walkers, living dead, or the walking dead but they only have one name for us, lunch. The only thing standing between the dead and your brain will be your local police force.

That's right your liberal asses will be happy as well when the dead walk and your local neighborhood police have enough fire power to take on a small country.

Reason 2: Alien Attack

When aliens attack the only thing standing between you and an alien anal probe will be that cop in full military gear. For those 5% of you who think that an alien anal probe might not be such a bad thing how about when that probe is followed up by devastating laser fire? Bet you wont mind GI Cop running down your street then.

Reason 3: Godzilla

That's right the king of the monsters might be stomping down your street one day killing all your family and friends. When his fire breath is scorching your ass you will be only too happy to see an MRAP or tank rolling down Main Street.

Those are three very good reasons to have a militarized police force. So what you got to say now?

George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com

Video: Al Sharpton delivers eulogy at Michael Brown funeral

Watch Rev. Al Sharpton deliver a eulogy at Michael Brown's funeral.

Pres. Obama sending three White House officials to Michael Brown funeral.

[SOURCE] President Barack Obama is sending three White House officials to the funeral service of Michael Brown.

Leading the group for Monday's service will be the chairman of the My Brother's Keeper Task Force, Broderick Johnson. My Brother's Keeper is an Obama initiative that aims to empower young minorities. Johnson is also the secretary for the Cabinet.

Also attending will be the deputy director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Marlon Marshall, and an adviser for the office, Heather Foster.

The White House says Marshall is a St. Louis native and attended high school with Brown's mother.

Michael Brown shooting: Ferguson police release almost blank incident report

It's been two weeks and the Ferguson Police Dept. (not to be confused with the Keystone Cops) has just released what it claims to be the incident report from the Michael Brown shooting. They released only after the ACLU threatened to sue to get it. Well now we have it and the damned thing is almost blank and reveals no information about the shooting itself. Don't take my word for it, look for yourself.

Read the report: Michael Brown Shooting Incident Report

Michael Brown shooting: Store owners did not call police

Owners of the Ferguson Market which Michael brown allegedly robbed say they never called 911 which directly contradicts the police version of events. Now both versions can't be right. I'm wondering why the national media which is covering all things Micheal Brown seems to be ignoring this aspect of the story. Thankfully the local St. Louis media is covering that aspect. Here is a report from on the store owners claims by KTVI, a St Louis television station.

Wow, conservatives suddenly care about black on black crime.

Although the shooting of Michael Brown is recent we have seen and heard this script before. Whenever there is an issue of race and the killing of a young black man by police we hear of the rights sudden "concern" on the issue of black on black crime. One issue has nothing to do with the other. The conservative talking heads and pundits bring up this red herring to avoid talking about the topic at hand. On a side note why don't we ever hear the term white on white crime? But back to the topic at hand.

To avoid talking about race conservatives throw out stories about the killings in Chicago and other urban areas. They also suddenly care about the lack of black fathers in the home. They question what those protesting or talking about the killing of a black man by a cop is doing to stop black on black crime in cities or states miles away. They bring this up knowing it has nothing to do with the murders of Michael Brown, Sean Bell, Oscar Grant, Ezell Ford, John Crawford, etc.

What gets me is no one ever turns to them and ask, "What are you doing to stop black on black crime?"

Conservatives are always allowed to bring up what they believe are issues in the black community and then allowed to dump them in someone else's lap. No one ever calls them out and questions them about their sudden concern for the black community. It's about time that they be called out for the hypocrites they are.

If they cared about the black community you would hear more from them when there's not a crisis. We would hear about the groups and people they have working in the black community to make things better. We don't hear that because there is not much to talk about when it comes to what conservatives do in the black community unless you count criticizing it.

So my question to the right is why don't you care about our issues on a regular basis just not when you are trying to avoid a conversation on race?

George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com. Email me

From Eric Holder: A message to the people of Ferguson

The following is a statement on the Michael Brown shooting from the US Attorney General Eric Holder to the people of Ferguson Missouri.

by Eric H. Holder Jr.

Since the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown, the nation and the world have witnessed the unrest that has gripped Ferguson, Mo. At the core of these demonstrations is a demand for answers about the circumstances of this young man’s death and a broader concern about the state of our criminal justice system.

At a time when so much may seem uncertain, the people of Ferguson can have confidence that the Justice Department intends to learn — in a fair and thorough manner — exactly what happened.

Today, I will be in Ferguson to be briefed on the federal civil rights investigation that I have closely monitored since I launched it more than one week ago. I will meet personally with community leaders, FBI investigators and federal prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to receive detailed briefings on the status of this case.

The full resources of the Department of Justice have been committed to the investigation into Michael Brown’s death. This inquiry will take time to complete, but we have already taken significant steps. Approximately 40 FBI agents and some of the Civil Rights Division’s most experienced prosecutors have been deployed to lead this process, with the assistance of the United States Attorney in St. Louis. Hundreds of people have already been interviewed in connection with this matter. On Monday, at my direction, a team of federal medical examiners conducted an independent autopsy.

We understand the need for an independent investigation, and we hope that the independence and thoroughness of our investigation will bring some measure of calm to the tensions in Ferguson. In order to begin the healing process, however, we must first see an end to the acts of violence in the streets of Ferguson. Although these acts have been committed by a very small minority — and, in many cases, by individuals from outside Ferguson — they seriously undermine, rather than advance, the cause of justice. And they interrupt the deeper conversation that the legitimate demonstrators are trying to advance.

The Justice Department will defend the right of protesters to peacefully demonstrate and for the media to cover a story that must be told. But violence cannot be condoned. I urge the citizens of Ferguson who have been peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights to join with law enforcement in condemning the actions of looters, vandals and others seeking to inflame tensions and sow discord.

Law enforcement has a role to play in reducing tensions, as well. As the brother of a retired law enforcement officer, I know firsthand that our men and women in uniform perform their duties in the face of tremendous threats and significant personal risk. They put their lives on the line every day, and they often have to make split-second decisions.

At the same time, good law enforcement requires forging bonds of trust between the police and the public. This trust is all-important, but it is also fragile. It requires that force be used in appropriate ways. Enforcement priorities and arrest patterns must not lead to disparate treatment under the law, even if such treatment is unintended. And police forces should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

Over the years, we have made significant progress in ensuring that this is the case. But progress is not an endpoint; it is a measure of effort and of commitment. Constructive dialogue should continue — but it must also be converted into concrete action. And it is painfully clear, in cities and circumstances across our great nation, that more progress, more dialogue, and more action is needed.

This is my pledge to the people of Ferguson: Our investigation into this matter will be full, it will be fair, and it will be independent. And beyond the investigation itself, we will work with the police, civil rights leaders, and members of the public to ensure that this tragedy can give rise to new understanding — and robust action — aimed at bridging persistent gaps between law enforcement officials and the communities we serve. Long after the events of Aug. 9 have receded from the headlines, the Justice Department will continue to stand with this community.

As we move forward together, I ask for the public’s cooperation and patience. And I urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the FBI by dialing 800-CALL-FBI, option 4.

Eric H. Holder Jr. is attorney general of the United States.

US Attorney General Statement on Federal Civil Rights Investigation in Ferguson

Attorney General Statement on Latest Developments in Federal Civil Rights Investigation in Ferguson, MO by George L. Cook III

Michael Brown: Second autopsy results released

The preliminary results of an autopsy that Michael Brown's family requested is unlikely to settle the dueling narratives that have defined the case from the beginning.Brown was shot at least six times -- all to the front of his body, according to the preliminary results.

National Guard called out in Ferguson, Missouri

[SOURCE] Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has called out the National Guard after another night of trouble in Ferguson, Missouri.

Nixon's office announced early Monday that, "A day of hope, prayers, and peaceful protests was marred by the violent criminal acts of an organized and growing number of individuals, many from outside the community and state, whose actions are putting the residents and businesses of Ferguson at risk. ... Given these deliberate, coordinated and intensifying violent attacks on lives and property in Ferguson, I am directing the highly capable men and women of the Missouri National Guard to assist ... in restoring peace and order to this community."

There was no immediate indication of how many guard personnel would be involved.

Should Pres. Obama do more to address situation in Ferguson?

During an appearance on Face The Nation Michael Eric Dyson told Face the Nation Sunday morning that President Barack Obama needed to more to address the situation in Ferguson, MO. He made this statement despite President Obama already haven spoken publicly addressing the situation and the 40 FBI agents now on the ground in Ferguson. Watch his statements below and then please take the poll beneath the video.

It's obvious that Dyson believe President Obama should do more. What do you think?