Documentary Feature “Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali” Coming To Netflix

Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali is the definitive documentary about legendary icons Malcom X and Muhammad Ali featuring never before seen archival footage. The documentary feature is inspired by the book “Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X” written by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith. The film will debut on Netflix on September 9.

Synopsis: Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali tells the extraordinary story behind the friendship of two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. Few people understand the bond these men shared. The charismatic and outspoken Olympic champion who charmed the nation, and the excon-turned intellectual revolutionary who railed against the evils of white oppression by speaking truth to power. The message they carry, still as potent and relevant today as ever before. Their bond was undoubtedly deep, their friendship real and their legacies inextricably bound.

The documentary is ditby Marcus A. Clarke (Unsolved Mysteries, Rapture).

Clarke says that, “Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali are two of the most iconic and revered African Americans of the twentieth century, and yet the depths of their friendship and the influence they had on each other is largely unknown. Blood Brothers provides a deeper understanding into what made these two men tick, the intense role faith played in their bond and ultimately how their budding friendship came to an abrupt end.”

Producers are Kenya Barris for Khalabo Ink Society; Jason Perez.

The executive producers are Erynn Sampson for Khalabo Ink Society; Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn for Lightbox; and Simon George.

Maxine Waters Demands Federal Investigation into Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting the U.S. Department of Justice take immediate action to address the reported existence of a rogue, violent gang of law enforcement officers, who call themselves the “Executioners,” operating within the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

“I write to ask that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) take immediate action to address the reported existence of a rogue, violent gang of law enforcement officials, who call themselves the “Executioners,” operating within the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD), specifically the LASD Compton station,” wrote Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “…an LASD deputy provided sworn testimony identifying more than a dozen deputies with matching tattoos symbolizing their association with the Executioners gang… Deputies at the LASD Compton Station reportedly “chase ink”, a slang term for a deputy who attempts to win favor with the Executioners by committing violent acts in hopes of receiving the group tattoo denoting gang membership.”

“The gang allegedly sets illegal arrest quotas, threatens and harasses fellow deputies, and holds parties after shootings, called ‘998 parties,’ which are in part a celebration that a new deputy will be inked by the gang,” continued Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “The tattoos worn by the police gang reportedly feature Nazi imagery… In disturbing evidence of the violence perpetrated against the Los Angeles community by the LASD gang, the whistleblower identified the two deputies responsible for the death of Andres Guardado, a Gardena, California teenager killed by police on June 18, 2020, as members of the Executioners…The killing of Andres Guardado is not the only example of the LASD’s excessive and brutal tactics in the Los Angeles community. On August 31, 2020, LASD deputies fatally shot Dijon Kizzee in South Los Angeles.”

Congresswoman Waters requested the U.S. Department of Justice:

Launch an independent investigation into the existence of the “Executioners”, both at the LASD Compton station and within the greater LASD community; and Launch a pattern or practice investigation into the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for potential civil rights and constitutional violations.

Statements from Maria Taylor and Maria ESPN on Taylor leaving the network

ESPN and Maria Taylor jointly announced today that after much discussion, an agreement on a contract extension could not be reached. As a result, Maria’s last assignment for ESPN was last night’s NBA Finals telecast. Comments from Jimmy Pitaro and Maria Taylor:

Comment from Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic. There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”

Comment from Maria Taylor:
“So thankful to Jimmy and all of my great teammates and friends at the SEC Network, College GameDay, Women’s and Men’s college basketball, and the NBA Countdown family — the people who believed in me, encouraged me, pushed me, and lifted me up.  Words are inadequate to express my boundless appreciation, and I hope to make them proud.”

Detroit City Council unanimously passes resolution to place reparations question on ballot

The Detroit City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution that would place a question regarding reparations for African Americans on voter ballots.

On Tuesday, the resolution passed unanimously, which is only one step forward. Now language must be approved by the Detroit Election Commission.

President Pro Tempore Mary Sheffield introduced the resolution for consideration in April.

"I know one thing, that it's not a handout, you know, it is a hand up," Sheffield said. "It is something that Black Detroit is owed ... we're going to start to study and research what are other cities doing, what fits best in Detroit. But I think it's about creating economic upward mobility for Detroiters, generational wealth, homeownership, things that, you know, historically we've been left out of."

"The measure, which was unanimously supported by City Council, will help move the conversation from talk to action and towards making amends for the most egregious discriminatory and racist practices of the past," Sheffield said of the passage passing. "Ultimately, this is about repairing the damage done to the African American community and leveling the playing field so the aggrieved have an equal and real opportunity for success and a better quality of life."

[SOURCE: WXYZ]

Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn pushes for using reconciliation in the fight for voting rights

On The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart Rep. James Clyburn pushed for Democrats to use reconciliation in the fight for voting rights. Watch him explain how reconciliation could be used to pass voting rights legislation.