George Floyd's brother to testify in front of House Judiciary Committee

Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, will testify before the House Judiciary Committee next Wednesday, June 10, sources confirmed to The Hill.

It's not yet clear if Philonise Floyd will testify in-person or virtually now that the House has amended its procedures to allow virtual hearings in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The hearing comes as House Democrats plan to unveil policing reform legislation this week that would repeal the so-called "qualified immunity" doctrine on Monday.

SOURCE: THE HILL

Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan Statement on $100 million Commitment to the Black Community

Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand released the following statement on it's commitment to donate $100 million to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education:

Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community.

Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family. We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice. The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next.

It’s 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same.

Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.

Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.

“Through our Jordan Wings Program, we have been focused on providing access to education, mentorship and opportunity for Black youth facing the obstacles of systemic racism. But we know we can do more. In addition to the investment from NIKE Inc., we are announcing a joint commitment from Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand to donate $100 million over the next 10 years. We must join forces with the community, government and civic leaders to create a lasting impact together," said Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand. “There is still more work for us to do to drive real impact for the Black Community. We embrace the responsibility."

Michael B. Jordan's Just Mercy is now free to stream

Warner Bros. has announced 2019 legal drama Just Mercy will be available to rent for free in the US from Apple TV Plus, Amazon and other digital platforms, throughout June.

The studio made the announcement on Blackout Tuesday, an initiative to protest George Floyd's death in police custody. The studio said it hopes the film can be used as an educational tool for those interested in learning more about the systemic racism in American society.

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORY.

OUR FILM JUST MERCY, BASED ON THE LIFE WORK OF CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY BRYAN STEVENSON, IS ONE RESOURCE WE CAN HUMBLY OFFER TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE SYSTEMIC RACISM THAT PLAGUES OUR SOCIETY. FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, JUST MERCY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR FREE ACROSS DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN THE US.

TO ACTIVELY BE PART OF THE CHANGE OUR COUNTRY IS SO DESPERATELY SEEKING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PAST AND THE COUNTLESS INJUSTICES THAT HAVE LED US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

THANK YOU TO THE ARTISTS, STORYTELLERS AND ADVOCATES WHO HELPED MAKE THIS FILM HAPPEN. WATCH WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ALLIES.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BRYAN STEVENSON AND HIS WORK AT THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE PLEASE VISIT EJI.ORG.

Just Mercy is available for free at the following digital platforms:

                

Black NFL stars team up for powerful message to the league

More than a dozen players, including Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, Michael Thomas, Saquon Barkley,Deshaun Watson, Odell Beckham and Marshon Lattimore took part in a video telling the NFL to listen to its players when it comes to racism, social justice , and how they want to protest.

Mayor Orders Termination of 4 Officers After Manuel Ellis Died From Police Restraint in Tacoma, Washington

The mayor of Tacoma, Washington, has told the city manager to fire four police officers following the death of, Manuel Ellis a black man after police restrained him in March.

Mayor Victoria Woodards on Thursday night directed City Manager Elizabeth Pauli to fire the officers involved in the restraint of 33-year-old Ellis.

Her order comes as the country has been roiled by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Four Minneapolis officers have been criminally charged. Woodards said the Tacoma officers should also be prosecuted in the death of Ellis.

“The officers who committed this crime should be fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Woodards said in a statement aired live on Tacoma TV and Facebook. “I am demanding tonight that the Pierce County Sheriff review and confirm every action taken by each officer.”

The News Tribune reports the Pierce County medical examiner’s office ruled Ellis’ March 3 death a homicide caused by a lack of oxygen due to physical restraint. The newspaper reports methamphetamine intoxication and a heart disease were contributing factors.

[SOURCE: TIME]