<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/">
	<channel>
		<title>Black Matters</title>
		<atom:link href="/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
		<link>https://blackmattersus.com/</link>
		<description>BlackMattersUS.com</description>
		<lastBuildDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2016 17:27:50 -0400</lastBuildDate>
		<language>en-US</language>
				<item>
			<title>BLM Protester Arrested During Media Interview</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11374-blm-protester-arrested-during-media-interview</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11374-blm-protester-arrested-during-media-interview#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_21-16-00.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_21-16-00.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 23:17:42 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Police Brutality</category>
			<description><![CDATA[A 22-year-old African-American, Sapphire Williams was shockingly arrested by five fully armed police officers while she was yet granting an interview to TWC News Rochester.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Albany University graduate was going out with some friends to have a drink in the city center of Rochester, NY, last Friday night when she cited a heavy presence of police officers at a Black Live Matters protest. The young African-American who initially didn’t plan to be part of the protest has touched the grievances of the protesters by what she saw.

This she said compelled her to ask questions. In her statement, Williams said, “Seeing how there was a very small presence of protesters compared to the police, it evoked something in me to ask the officers a rhetorical question of what got us to this point.”

But while she just began speaking fanatically to the news camera, five heavily armed police officers rushed towards her and arrested her. In an interview with CNN, Williams described her ordeal with the officers as a humiliating and fretful one. She said, “I was extremely alarmed. I had no idea what they were going to do to me; if they were about to tackle me to the ground.”

Sapphire Williams was kept in police custody until 7 a.m. the next day. An experience she depicted as very traumatizing. It will off course be an alarming situation for any Black person. Especially in the wake of the numerous indiscriminate killing of Black people by police officers.

Williams was in police custody that night with dozens of other protesters too. “Instances like mine caught on camera make people become aware and more empathetic to issues Black Americans face, and generally people of color and with a socioeconomic status who don’t have a voice,” she finally added. Freedom of speech is a constitutional right guaranteed by the First Amendment, so what exactly has she done wrong?  These unjust brutal police actions have nothing in common with restoring trust in the communities; consequently with reducing tensions and keeping peace in the country.



Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Family Of Black Teen Shot Dead By Police Says It Was A Hate Crime</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11365-family-of-black-teen-shot-dead-by-police-says-it-was-a-hate-crime</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11365-family-of-black-teen-shot-dead-by-police-says-it-was-a-hate-crime#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_20-38-52.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_20-38-52.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 22:54:08 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Police Brutality</category>
			<description><![CDATA[The family of a Black college student who was shot dead by Chicago police officer, Robert Rialmo, has filed a lawsuit against the officer, calling the murder a hate crime.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[On December 26, Officer Rialmo responded to a dispatch call placed by Antonio LeGrier requesting assistance. Just minutes after the police arrived at the scene, Quintonio LeGrier and downstairs neighbor Bettie Jones were shot dead by Officer Robert Rialmo. The cop involved has given multiple conflicting statements regarding events leading to the shooting, but one thing remains painfully clear: this could have been avoided.

Since then, the family of the Black teen who was brutally murdered by the Chicago police officer has amended a wrongful death lawsuit to call the killing a hate crime. According to the lawyer for the father of Quintonio LeGrier, there is an underlining factor of racial bias that might have compelled the cop’s action. Per investigations, a private conversation between Officer Robert Rialmo and his friend involving racial slurs was uncovered.

&quot;U get any n-----s,&quot; the friend asked.

&quot;Sort of lol ... long story,&quot; Rialmo replied.

The amended lawsuit claims the officer &quot;thought it was humorous to characterize people as 'n----r,'&quot; according to the Tribune.

The lawyer added that “He was assigned to patrol an African-American neighborhood while he was engaging in such offensive and racist communications.&quot; 

The lawyer for Rialmo, Brodsky has rubbished the claim of racism in the conduct of his client. Earlier this year, Rialmo filed a countersuit against LeGrier’s family and also countersued the city for not adequately preparing him to handle the incident since the teen was mentally ill, a report by the newspaper.

Multiple pieces of research conducted have shown that when it comes to the use of force, officers are quicker to use it on people of color. With this knowledge, the government still seems unwilling to check the blatant racism that now runs rampant in the police force.

This cannot continue. Every shooting that involves the death of an unarmed civilian must see the cop culpable being indicted and fired immediately from the police force.

Officer Robert Rialmo’s excuse for taking the life of college student Quintonio LeGrier is that the young Black boy assaulted him with a bat. Subsequent evidence has shown that even though the boy did have a bat, he never attacked him. Besides Officer Rialmo, a former army veteran should’ve had no trouble disarming the boy without using lethal force.

With cases like these, where a cops inexperience or eagerness to use lethal force without trying less brutal means to resolve domestic situations, they should be immediately fired from the police force and banned from ever owning firearms. This is for the safety of all citizens.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Black Man Suggests Racists Paying For His ‘Trip Back To Africa’</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11361-black-man-suggests-racists-paying-for-his-trip-back-to-africa</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11361-black-man-suggests-racists-paying-for-his-trip-back-to-africa#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_20-33-10.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_20-33-10.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 22:34:23 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Entertainment</category>
			<description><![CDATA[An Indiana Black man creates GoFundMe account for white racists to put their money where their heart is.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A native of Indiana, Larry Mitchell, has recently started a ‘GoFundMe’ campaign. His aim for this crusade is that, all the white racists who insist he and his fellow Black people living in America go back to Africa pay for the trip. But it seems most of these people are unwilling to put their money where their heart is, as the man whose aim is to raise $100,000 has only been able to raise $330 in the weeks since his campaign started.

There have been lots of $5 anonymous donations to his campaign, but isn’t $5 too low a price to pay for ridding the country of one more African American? Why most of the donors hide under the cloak of anonymity? Is this not an opportunity for America to finally make amends for the damages inflicted on Africa by kidnapping able-bodied men and women from the continent and shipping them away to become slaves.

Now due to Mr. Mitchell's initiative Blacks can tell those who scream the words “go back to Africa,” to pay for the trip. Seeing as how Black ancestors were brought here against their will; but most importantly, free. This stands to reason that trip back home is to be sponsored by the race that brought us here illegally, to begin with.

So to all those who want to rid America of Blacks, instead of shouting out the words in hate, do something to actually help your cause. Go online and donate money to pay for the trips back home, since obviously your system has ensured most Black people won’t be able to afford it. And please do not be cheap about it; try to make your donations go past to $5 mark. And leave a name, if possible an email address so we know who to send our thank you letters to.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>UPDATED: BLM Protests For Justice Spread Across The Country</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11335-updating-blm-protests-for-justice-spread-across-the-country</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11335-updating-blm-protests-for-justice-spread-across-the-country#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/vbfgvc.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/vbfgvc.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 21:06:33 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[In the light of recent police brutality outbreak Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in peaceful rallies to demand justice and draw public attention to the issue. BlackMatters is observing the situation for our readers. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Recently Anonymous group has proclaimed this Friday to become so-called “Day Of Rage” suggesting that wave of violent protests will shake up the nation. In the five-minute-video group showed disturbing footages of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile fatal shootings, Dallas police officers slaying and other frightening images. “Day of Rage” rallies according to the Anonymous group were supposed to take place in at least 36 cities. At the scheduled time of alleged protests law-enforcement officers were waiting with extra availability at every location. However, nobody had appeared and BLM officials denied any ties with the group and so-called “Day of Rage”.

Instead of it, a few hours later Black Lives Matter activists and their supporters gathered in several cities in peaceful rallies in order to show their will for justice and equality in the society.

Here are some exclusive updates from the first-person perspective:

6:08 PM, Oakland, CA

Ianna O. (@aconcisehistory) wrote, “50 or so people, 14yr old girls at the front, marched from city hall to OP admin bldg, and marched to freeway entrance where police were blocking traffic. Some ppl sat down facing cops at this intersection. Marched back to city center, &quot;black &amp;amp; I'm proud&quot; in big circle. No one arrested or injured at the time of my leaving”.

On the move again. Everyone really inspired by the badass young women leading march. #Oakland #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/GegqEOIUoK
— ianna o. (@aconcisehistory) 16 July 2016


7:00 PM, San Diego, CA


&quot;Don't leave feeling good 4 showing up. Go home &amp;amp; figure out wtf you're gonna do next.&quot; #SanDiego #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/B0PzGXBerC

— Karen (@NoticingtheGap) 16 July 2016




7:43 PM, San Francisco, CA

#BlackLivesMatter protest march here in San Fransisco going peacefully so far, let's hope that continues &amp;#x1f64f;&amp;#x1f3fc;
— Darren Arnott (@coacharnott) 16 July 2016


6:57 PM, Denver, CO


Dorks. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/OcbRoQIDgG

— Mike Cernovich (@Cernovich) 16 July 2016




6:50 PM, Reno, NV

.@unevadareno rally and downtown #BlackLivesMatter rally join. March to happen soon. pic.twitter.com/Xj5XE2X90x
— KOLO Colin Lygren (@Colinlygren) 16 July 2016

 7:30 PM, Reno, NV


Hundreds March and Rally on Friday evening in Reno #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jIFwfn6wO8

— ACTIONN (@ACTIONN_NV) 16 July 2016



Some people are yelling back &quot;All lives matter&quot; in response to the chant of #BlackLivesMatter person left. pic.twitter.com/HimlZZdgbC

— KOLO Colin Lygren (@Colinlygren) 16 July 2016


8:11 PM, Chicago, IL


We playing duck duck goose w/ @AssataDaughters, cops jelly #thebluestlie #blacklivesmatter #AbolitionNowChi pic.twitter.com/wn4STJvo3J

— Lo Targos (@LoTargos) 16 July 2016




9:22 PM, Austin, TX
Peaceful #BlackLivesMatter rally taking place on the south steps of the Capitol grounds tonight. @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/zcFE8H8e4J

— Paul Shelton (@PhotogPaul) 16 July 2016



Beautiful rally in Austin today. More to come, I'm sure! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/LLLDA8ZfkI

— Shannon Cunningham (@dhammicmarxist) 16 July 2016




09:50 PM, Detroit, MI

An unnamed Detroit witness: Honestly there's not a lot going on out here in Arizona as far as that...I was actually surprised it even happened...but that was my first time since I moved here from Detroit actually being able to take part. And of course we were met by police resistance and Trump supporters...pepper spray...and a lot of arrests
BM: Today? or Monday?
Witness: This was Monday. But its not going well in my opinion. Its becoming more of the same

&amp;nbsp;

#BlackLivesMatter protest at 8 tonight at Campus Martius in Detroit. We'll provide live coverage.
— Motor City Muckraker (@MCmuckraker) 15 July 2016



Organizers of today's peaceful #BlackLivesMatter protest in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/6QsFh0JVOO

— Motor City Muckraker (@MCmuckraker) 16 July 2016




.@MCmuckraker on #Periscope: #BlackLivesMatter rally along riverfront in Detroit. https://t.co/GYToNjZ9sX
— Dr. Lee Bell (@drleebell) 16 July 2016


09:57 PM, Brooklyn, NYC; Dozens of protesters arrested

Ash J (@AshAgony) wrote: It's a bash back protest. Meaning it is done by queer and trans people (especially queer and trans people of color) in solidarity with BLM.

BM: &quot;What are their slogans?&quot; 

Ash J:  Racist, sexist, anti-gay! NYPD, KKK!”


#BashBack doing a die-in in front of Stonewall for QTPOC killed by cops! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/phMghPdjxT

— Ash J (@AshAgony) 16 July 2016



NYPD making multiple arrests of #BashBack protesters in front of Stonewall! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/H4vqiB9oss

— Ash J (@AshAgony) 16 July 2016



Lots of people arrested at #BashBack March in front of Stonewall! #BlackLivesMatter #JailSupport pic.twitter.com/gRjjNzZjQf

— Ash J (@AshAgony) 16 July 2016




Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>A Time To Remember: One Year After Sandra Bland’s Death</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11329-a-time-to-remember-one-year-after-sandra-blands-death</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11329-a-time-to-remember-one-year-after-sandra-blands-death#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_17-21-07.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_17-21-07.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 19:59:11 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Police Brutality</category>
			<description><![CDATA[It is a year already since the tragic sudden demise of Sandra Bland, who was found dead in jail three days after her unlawful arrest. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The inscriptions on the sign posts have changed.  What a year ago was known as University Drive is now officially called Sandra Bland Parkway. We honor the life of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old Black woman who mysteriously died in police custody a year ago.

Despite an intensely troubling week of deadly violence in Baton Rouge, St Paul and Dallas, and protests across the country against police killings of Black people, people gathered in a solemn atmosphere at the Texas jail where Sandra died for a memorial service. Moreover, DuPage AME Church has planned two candle lighting ceremonies on Sunday to honor Bland’s memory, reported by The Tribune. The Pastor of the church said the vigil will assist bring healing to family and friends who worshiped with Bland.

Bland’s church announced that it will open the Sandra A. Bland Diversity Institute in January on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a report by The Tribune. The aim of the institute is to encourage a new generation to pursue the same spirit, faith, and social activism Bland displayed.

HAPPENING NOW: Communion service at #WallerCounty Jail to remember 1 year to the day of #SandraBland's death @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/02600lhZ9c
— Brandon Walker (@KPRCBrandon) 13 July 2016



Shine on Sandra, shine on.#SandraBland pic.twitter.com/uwo3yGHWUU

— Jawn Solo (@RandiGloss) 13 July 2016




One year later..... #SandraBland #WhatHappenedToSandraBland pic.twitter.com/isggPpTwhG
— Brother Jesse (@BrotherJesse) 13 July 2016


It is rather unfortunate that this memorial is at a time when the country is still battling with racial discrimination and social injustice against Black people. Nonetheless, the hoary systemic racial and inequality problems epitomized by Bland’s arrest and death in police custody last July have not changed.

Moreover, we regret to note the fact that the situation is getting worse by the day. Not a month passes without hearing the news of a Black person who died in the dungeons of the American prisons. It seems the very place meant for correction has been turned into a ‘dark room’ to perpetuate evil agendas against Black people.

“What we’re seeing is a disease, and disease is progressive, “It’s only going to get worse;” Rev. James Miller, pastor of  DuPage AME Church where Sandra grew up in Lisle, Illinois told The Chicago Tribune. He described the long-standing

Systemic racism in America as a disease which has the capacity to progress until a radical transformation is birthed to ensure its halt.  On the other hand, we must understand that real change is deeds, not words only.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Teen's Poem “White Boy Privilege” Goes Viral</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11324-royce-manns-poem-white-boy-privilege-goes-viral</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11324-royce-manns-poem-white-boy-privilege-goes-viral#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_16-07-26.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-15_16-07-26.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 18:13:08 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[14-year-old Royce Mann stirs up a discussion about White privileges against that of Black people during a poetry competition held at the Paideia School in Atlanta. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The eight-grader made this presentation in a self-crafted poem entitled “White-Boy Privilege” at a slam poetry competition.

It is refreshing in today’s world to see that there are still a few good people left who are willing to go against society’s wishes and fight for the oppressed. Those people deserve all the accolades the world can bestow on them; this especially applies to 14-year-old Royce Mann, an eight-grader at Paideia School in Atlanta.

In the today’s America where most white people get defensive when the topic of white privilege is brought up, it was especially brave of this valiant young boy to not only discuss it but thrash it out it in a very touching and honest way.

The majority of white people live in a state of denial, vehemently refusing that they are privileged. But research shows that white Americans are less likely to be arrested and jailed. While people of color only make up 30% of the total population, yet they form about 60% of the U.S. prison population. This discrepancy is particularly obvious when it comes to nonviolent drug offenses, where people of color are jailed at much higher rate, even though drug use in the white community is higher than in the African-American community

According to a 2013 report by Georgetown University's Centre on Education and the Workforce, elite educational institutions are a &quot;passive agent&quot; in perpetuating white privilege. The report found that white students are still overrepresented in the nation's 468 elite institutions. Even though many white and minority students are unprepared for college in equal rates, a lot more white students are admitted to universities.

There is a case to be made for white privilege, but as long as the white community continues to shy away from discussing this issue, equality will remain just a dream. The Black community doesn’t need to prove it, numerous researches conducted already have. That is especially why Royce Mann’s poem should be praised because it comes at a crucial time when Blacks demand a radical transformation and an end to racial bias.

Black people need recognition of their rights. After that, America will heal its wounds caused by racism and discrimination.



Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Racial Discrimination in Knoxville, TN</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11262-racial-discrimination-in-knoxville-tn</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11262-racial-discrimination-in-knoxville-tn#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sharles1.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sharles1.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 14:43:19 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jake Dubois]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Your Voices</category>
			<description><![CDATA[We are a black and white family with 8 "mixed" children from Chicago living in Tn. We have had problems with Northshore and Knox County schools.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I and my family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee because of a job transfer three years ago. My kids were enrolled in Northshore and Knox County schools. We had four children in North shore Elementary School at one time, now we have 3. We have two children in high school, one child in Middle School.  Northshore Elementary was a brand new school, it will be 3 years old this summer.

They always ask for dads to be involved in school and education of their children. For those first 2 years, I was in the school multiple times a week helping out in the cafeteria, reading to different classes (even ones my children weren’t a part of), was the celebrity reader on special days, I was the voice of the Northshore Knight (mascot), part of the District Advisory Council and I even started the dad’s group and did a breakfast at the end of each school year called &quot;Dads and Doughnuts&quot; where kids got to spend time with their dads before school started. This was done out of my pocket or with donations not part of the PTA.

I can list the things that I was involved in. However, I could tell that were a few staff members that did not like it that I was around. Was it because I was a Black male, parent or in a biracial relationship? I don't know.

We lost our resource officer in August, the beginning of the school year. He was killed by a DUI driver, it broke our hearts. Then we had a new resource officer and Principal. The new Principal who I believe is very much an administrator almost like a dictator who doesn't understand that he's supposed to serve the school not the other way around.

Whenever I came into the school, whenever I was in the cafeteria, whenever I exit or enter the school, he was there. Teachers stopped speaking to us in the hallway.

It’s sad when the principal and the school system accuse a multicultural father of hate speech and discriminating against someone. I find this odd because I have been the one on the receiving end of the discriminations. The school system for years has had a problem with me and my family because we are not confused on who the parents are and who works for whom.

The Principal and the front office staff had done many things to try to eliminate us out of the school. A lot of people don't want to step into the mix or make mention of &quot;other cards&quot; that are out there, you hear a lot about race card you hear a lot about blacklivesmatter and bluelivesmatter, but what happens when the mostly White Community or school leaders accuse a Black man who's a Christian of hate speech or discriminatory practices?

It steps into an area that I believe that we being Black Americans can’t address our white counterparts without it being labeled as hate speech, whether it is the truth or not. I am of the mindset that the civil rights movement of the African Americans is totally different not on the same page chapter or book of other &quot;protected classes&quot;. I have coined the phrase &quot;we didn't have the privilege of the closet&quot;. I would hope that the community stands with me and my family.

However, when we asked that things should be addressed, they retracted immediately with their accusations. Now we have three separate offices of civil rights issues that the office of civil rights has decided to investigate, one is for discrimination and two are for retaliation.

What I really want to focus on is what this county had written to me. They wrote to me trying to tell me I have no freedom of speech. Yes, they did on school letter head. This was sent to me after all of my involvement and how the community knows me.

We have had the Knox County TN school system wait us out, not respond to us and pass us along to someone else or play smoke and mirrors and not really deal with the issues. Many times all they had to do was correct the staff involved and apologize, but we’ve seen arrogance and self-absorption cloud judgment.

This all affected my children. These biracial children deal with prejudices when civil rights were about &quot;us&quot; it was for them, it was from their forefathers, it was for them not to be dealing with these things.

African-Americans are the culmination of these rights. Our children from these biracial relationships should benefit from this. Our created children show the beauty when humans come together.

Author: Sharlés Johnson

Read the full story here

You can support and reach the Johnson family via:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Gofundme]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Fun in the Sun</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11273-fun-in-the-sun</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11273-fun-in-the-sun#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sun1.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sun1.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:20:10 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jake Dubois]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Your Voices</category>
			<description><![CDATA[Our young subscriber teaches Black girls and ladies to be comfortable in their gorgeous skin]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Our young Instagram subscriber, Miss Theola, presents to you her 'Melanin Misfit Blog':

I can’t recall anytime in my life being happy for the summer and the only reason for that is because I did not want to get tan. This is the first year that I’m actually going to be a carefree black girl and enjoy being in the sun without trying to find shade.

This started when I was 5 years old, I didn’t want to share the crackers that was packed into my lunch bag with a classmate who wasn’t that much lighter than me and her response to that was “At least I’m not black”. We live in a society where being darkskin makes you seem as if you aren’t as beautiful, smart and graceful as everyone else.

In that moment I didn’t know how to react, I’ve seen black crayons and knew how I wasn’t that dark. I just let the whole situation go. My skin color being use as a negative thing continue through my elementary years. And the terms that were meant to offend me expand I was now being called “African, Darkey, Midnight” and hearing the classic comments of “If we turn off the light can we find you, when did you come from Africa, Darker than coal” mixed with the tongue clicking sounds and laughter, being black was a joke and should be taken as an insult. This made me tried my hardest to stay out of the sun and in my bed as often as I can. It wasn’t until 2 years ago that I finally realized the beauty of being black and my love for it continues to grow. It started with me cutting my hair to become natural so I can grow out long, natural, healthy hair and then the rest followed.

I joined an internship that made documentaries and was able to be apart of one that talk about the struggle of colorism in different communities for people of color. I started to really look into media and how much under representation there is for black people and people of color in general. I then started to unfollow people on all forms of media that I couldn’t relate to or see myself in, the only reason I was following them was for the trend anyway. Then I started to follow people who looks like me, socially conscious and radiates beauty in the mind, soul and spirit. It makes me think how can I be uncomfortable with myself when my melanin is going to shine like many of the females that I follow. How they are confident in their skin color and their features was something that I’ve been trying to accomplish since I was young, by following them hopefully I will learn to do the same.  So if I’m not at work I will be somewhere outside whether that’s in the pool, beach or park I will be under the sun. #carefreeblackgirl
“Black” is accepted in: nails, makeup, hair, scarves, shirts, jerseys, sweaters, pants, jackets, coats, shoes, bags, headphones, phones, cars, diamonds, books,  pens, ink, color, but not in the skin!
Author: Melanin Misfit]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Getting Mortgage While Black</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11303-getting-mortgage-while-black</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11303-getting-mortgage-while-black#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Crains-commentary-by-Julia-Stasch-5-31-2016-FINAL.pdf</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Crains-commentary-by-Julia-Stasch-5-31-2016-FINAL.pdf" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 09:19:11 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Aaron Lewis]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Racism</category>
			<description><![CDATA['Redlining by race' practice in the banking]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[What do you know about financial discrimination? It will interest you to know the ‘damage’ this kind of discrimination can cause.

In the 50s Blacks faced great challenges in acquiring mortgages because of redlining by race. A latter government intervention resolved the issue. And as of now, every Black man has the opportunity to acquire a mortgage. Despite such a move by the government to resolve the issue, some banks and insurance companies still uphold the “redlining by race” ideology. The overwhelming redlining complaints led to the last financial crisis we experienced. For example, the verdict given in the case of Associated Bank in Wisconsin was distinctively discrimination against Black and Hispanic borrowers

I discussed this issue with Andrew Solomon the representative of McArthur Foundation which operates in Chicago and has branches around the world. Also, we got the comment of Julia Stasch, the President of the 'John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation'. As a summary, they sponsored organizations that fight with redlining in the financial system like 'Neighborhood Housing Services' or 'Community Investment Corporation'.

Julia Stasch wrote in her letter: &quot;With respect to the notion of “redlining,” you should be aware that some of the organizations that have significant resources from MacArthur were actually created to combat historic redlining by banks in Chicago. These include Neighborhood Housing Services, which provides residential mortgages primarily for families in African-American and Latino neighborhoods, and Community Investment Corporation, which provides acquisition and rehabilitation funding for small-scale, private owners of affordable housing in local neighborhoods.&quot;

&quot;With respect to Benefit Chicago—our $100 million impact-investing collaboration with the Chicago Community Trust and Calvert Foundation—it is our belief that economic revitalization, new, family-sustaining jobs, and improved communities require more than foundation grants or government funding; it requires significant new investments over the long term. That’s why MacArthur makes impact investments in addition to our grants. Grants and impact investments (low-interest loans, for example) serve two different purposes for nonprofit organizations. Most nonprofits that need to build or renovate a large facility or purchase expensive equipment cannot cover the costs of these projects with grants alone. Low-cost financing also allows a nonprofit to pay for the cost of these assets over a longer time horizon, matching their financial outlays to the assets’ useful life.”

Redlining in financing Black communities is a case of discrimination. Some banks go as far as blocking donated funds meant for Black communities. According to bankers, there are set-rules which restrict financial institutions from granting financial aid to any organization with ethnic or racial background. Thus, financial redlining greatly works against people of color. The Black community has given “new life” to Detroit and Chicago creating a surviving atmosphere for the citizens. The unanticipated good news of redlining was that it resulted in the springing up of many Black banks. Though these banks aren’t as big as the known 'white' banks, they are the best places to acquire mortgages or any other form of financial aid for Black people.

If by any means you have been financially redlined because you are Black, contact us. We will gladly help you out.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Black Celebrities Call For Radical Transformation</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11240-black-celebrities-call-for-radical-transformation</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11240-black-celebrities-call-for-radical-transformation#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_19-54-13.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_19-54-13.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2016 22:08:11 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[Black celebrities came together to film a black and white video entitled “23 Ways You Could Be killed if You Are Black in America.”]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[One of the world’s famous singer, Alicia Keys joined forces with the We Are Here Movement organization and Mic to compose a video to express their displeasure about police brutality against Black people.

The video entitled “23 Ways You Could Be killed if You Are Black in America,” featured some very popular faces in the entertainment industry such as Beyonce, Rihana, Adam Levine, Kevin Hart among others. They shared different ways African-Americans have been killed in high-profile cases that have served as a pictogram of racial issues in America.

Jamilah King stated in a piece she wrote about the video that “It’s moving to see that celebrities have taken charge of telling this story.” She further indicated that “What we're seeing now are Black entertainers -- singers, actors, athletes and artists who are deeply in tune with what's happening in the United States -- speaking out, taking action.&quot;

Alicia Keys as well call on viewers to support police reform. In the video, the celebrities called on the president of the United States and congress to enforce changes now to ensure that all Americans have a right to live and to pursue happiness. They called for a radical transformation to put an end to this long history of systemic racism.



Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Man Arrested For Threatening Black Neighbor</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11236-man-arrested-for-threatening-black-neighbor</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11236-man-arrested-for-threatening-black-neighbor#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fcvgb.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fcvgb.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2016 21:52:19 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Aaron Lewis]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Racism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[Rodney Blomberg, a resident of Lane County is currently facing trial for allegedly threatening a Black neighbor and using racial slurs.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Forty-five-year-old Rodney Blomberg is facing charges for second-degree intimidation for allegedly threatening a Black neighbor at his home and using racial slurs. Lane County Sheriff’s officials said Blomberg drove up into the victim’s home at around 10p.m in the company of three other men on the on Jackson Marlow Road near Creswell.

According to the court documents, the three other men were driving two cars with the Confederate flag affixed to it. Blomberg is accused of confronting the victim and telling him that he isn’t welcome in the neighborhood. He subsequently used racial slurs and terrorized the man by saying Black people “get hung in these parts”.

In the affidavit, the victim avowed that he no longer feels safe in the neighborhood after the incident.

The sheriff officials arrested Blomberg a few days after the unpleasant situation. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 15.

Instances, whereby white people threaten Black, happen far too often. The current system has made them believe that they are somewhat superior to the Black. In this current age, the entire human race has come so far and hence, behaviors that do not depict the advancement we have made till now should utterly be discouraged. 

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Atlanta Cop Had ‘No Idea’ Who He Was Shooting</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11230-atlanta-cop-had-no-idea-who-he-was-shooting-at</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11230-atlanta-cop-had-no-idea-who-he-was-shooting-at#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_18-31-42.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_18-31-42.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2016 20:37:44 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Police Brutality</category>
			<description><![CDATA[An internal affairs investigation has revealed that, Officer James R. Burns who shot and killed an unarmed Black man didn’t have any idea who was inside the car at the time of his shooting. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Atlanta cop, Officer James R. Burns was dismissed from the police force earlier on July 1 following the killing of a 22-year-old Deravis Caine Rogers. Per the report released on Wednesday, the cop had no idea who he was pursuing in the car and instantly fired his gun as the driver moved away.

Sgt. Warren Pickard told 11 Alive News that Burns acted in a way they simply cannot support. In his statement, he said, “He had no idea who was in the vehicle. He had no idea if that was the vehicle he should be concerned with. He just discharged his weapon.&quot;  This is contrary to what Officer Burns told investigators, saying that he shot the car because it was trying to run over him and he was afraid for his life.

#DeravisRogers. The whole world will soon know this name. Broke NO LAWS. Shot while driving. https://t.co/eFYBi7i9Jv pic.twitter.com/KXDX7LCJHJ
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) July 14, 2016


Pickard further revealed that evidence including dash cam videos showed no obvious threat to Burns. Meanwhile, the Georgian Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting incident to ascertain any form of criminal violation.

The father of the deceased told the TV station that this is a murder and hence they demand justice.


@Atlanta_Police why has this former officer not been charged with murder? #DeravisRogers #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/yPIapvfIVc

— kees26 (@kees26) July 15, 2016




Isn’t shooting without having an idea if it is a suspect or just driver a “criminal violation”?  There is no need for additional questions, the officer has broken the law, he killed an innocent man and he should face punishment. The question is not whether he should be prosecuted or not, but rather when and what kind of punishment he should face.

This is another example of police “professionalism”. Rather inexplicably, such police mistakes usually happen to Black men; hardly will we hear the same story about a white driver being occasionally shot dead by a police officer.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.

&amp;nbsp;]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>News Producer Fired For Inciting Violence Against BLM</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11225-news-producer-fired-for-inciting-violence-against-blm</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11225-news-producer-fired-for-inciting-violence-against-blm#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_16-49-48.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_16-49-48.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2016 18:50:52 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[Charles Beau Menefee, a CBS46 photographer and producer, has been dismissed from his job after a series of posts on Facebook attacking Black Live Matter protesters and campaigning for their death.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[In one of his numerous derogatory posts, Charles Beau Menefee writes “I think it would be cool if someone rained gunfire down on to the ignorant human turds at the next #blacklivesmatter March.”

This CBS46 photographer and producer seem to be pleased with the killings of Black people and proudly went on social media to incite others against the BLM. He clearly exhibited his high level of intolerance against a group of people who peacefully state their displeasure concerning brutality against them.

In another post, he said, “Wow, look at all the great things #blacklivesmatter is making happen in the world. An ARMED ignorant piece of s*** with a gold grill in his mouth like Alton Sterling was totally a reason for you unevolved, uncivilized turds to kill good, moral, moral, civilized people like police officers.”

On the contrary, none of the Blacks calls for the killing of white people. The BLM is not for brutality against any racial group but rather calling for the end of violence against Black people.

The first Black Miss Alabama, Kalyn Chapman James who was put on administrative leave for calling the Dallas shooter a martyr only spoke how she felt about the Black men who were killed without advocating for the killing of whites.  In her video posted on Facebook, she said, “I don’t feel sad for the officers that lost their lives, and I know that’s not really my heart, I value human life and I want to feel sad for them, but I can’t help but feeling like the shooter was a martyr&quot;.

The dismissal of Charles Beau Menefee is absolutely a right action. A call for the killing of people who are trying to protect their right is utterly unacceptable and such folks should face the law. Americans should realize that the era of tolerance of racism and discrimination is over.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.

&amp;nbsp;]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Black Yale Worker Faces Arrest for Destroying Slavery Image</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11220-black-yale-worker-faces-arrest-for-destroying-slavery-image</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11220-black-yale-worker-faces-arrest-for-destroying-slavery-image#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_14-46-03.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo_2016-07-14_14-46-03.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2016 16:52:59 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[Thirty-eight-year-old Corey Menafee, a Yale University dining hall worker loses job after smashing a glass window depicting images of slavery.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Corey Menafee finds himself jobless after he destroyed one of the glass windows located at the university’s Calhoun College on June 13. The window illustrated images of enslaved Black Americans picking cotton.  The thirty-eight-year-old who prior to the incident worked as a dishwasher at Yale University divulged to breaking the “racist, very degrading” image at the university’s residence hall, Campus Reform reports.

In his own words, the former dining hall worker said, ‘I took a broomstick, and it was kind of high, and I climbed up and reached up and broke it,’ the New Haven Independent reports. Menafee further stated that it was shameful and demeaning for him to see such images every day.

The university’s residence hall where the incident happened bears the name of a superficially racist and self-professed slaveholder John C. Calhoun. Students of the university have since then partaken in a year-round protest, calling on the university authorities to take off Calhoun’s name from the residence hall.

However, a report by the Atlanta Black Star indicates that the Yale University President, Peter Salovey has declined the request of the students. He explained his action by saying that, changing the name will give confidence to the campus community to confront the history of slavery.

In the meanwhile, Menafee’s action has served as a wake-up call on the university to remove a set of stained glass windows depicting slavery, the New Haven reports.

Menafee has since apologized for his action and resigned from his job at the university. The lawyers for the university and Menafee are scheduled to meet the state prosecutors and will finally take a decision as to whether to pursue a criminal case. A new court date was set for July 26.

It is about time all racist symbols are removed from public places. None of the Black people would like to see everyday proof of the shameful past of the American people, reminding them of the era when they were considered as second-class persons.

So Corey Menafee was absolutely right in his fury. Treat Black people with respect, and they will pay you the same. The days when Black people could be intimidated with impunity are far gone.

.@gofundme for Corey Menafee, ex-@Yale employee who was fired for smashing this racist panel https://t.co/GUzuMPMLQk pic.twitter.com/HYZ675FeQj
— Erin Gallagher (@3r1nG) 12 July 2016


Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Raqiyah Mays: What It Is Like To Be Black Woman In America</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11207-raqiyah-mays-what-it-is-like-to-be-black-woman-in-america</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11207-raqiyah-mays-what-it-is-like-to-be-black-woman-in-america#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image1.png</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image1.png" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2016 11:03:35 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jake Dubois]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Your Voices</category>
			<description><![CDATA[A Black woman is a phenomenon that is hard to explain but always pleasant to watch and follow. That's why talking to an educated Black woman like Raqiyah Mays is my personal Paradise. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Raqiyah Mays is a published author, journalist, radio personality, activist and a Black woman who has her strong opinions on the current situation in the country. With over 20 years experience in the media business, Raqiyah developed from a shy and insecure girl to a successful media practitioner, author and outspoken activist on racial inequality, police brutality and women’s rights. She took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about what it means to be a Black woman today, what she loves to do and her take on the current police brutality cases plaguing young men and women of the Black community.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>North Carolina AG Calls For Body Cam Law Amendment</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11194-north-carolina-ag-calls-for-body-cam-law-amendment</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11194-north-carolina-ag-calls-for-body-cam-law-amendment#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/North-Carolina-AG-Calls-For-Body-Cam-Law-Amendment.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/North-Carolina-AG-Calls-For-Body-Cam-Law-Amendment.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2016 23:00:28 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greenville Police Chief Mark Holtzman is calling for amendment to the new body camera law.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The new law, House Bill 972 signed by Governor Pat McCrory Monday, July 11, says police body cam videos will no longer be available to the general public, and can only be viewed upon written request by parties involved.

The Police Chief Mark Holtzman, however, said that the bill needs some changes in order to avoid misinformation about police encounter with victims.

Holtzman explained that &quot;In this day and age, news travels fast and bad news travels faster. It's very important for the chief to be able to get the full story out very quickly on very tough cases that might hit the community and that body worn camera is there just for that reason, to get the full story to tell what happened in that event.&quot;

Body cameras are police’s tiny witnesses to any traffic stop or police interaction during an investigation, and they can be used to restore justice to the system. But if these videos, during police encounter with victims, are kept classified, how guaranteed is the public to see the justice done?

Police Chief Holtzman said, &quot;The public wants to know what we do and how we do business. Are we treating people fairly? Are we doing it the right way on the streets? The body worn cameras do that for us.&quot;

Maybe it is a way the police maintain their status quo and impunity with the approval of the state government. The police so persistently seek the prevention of video publications implying that they always have something to hide.

Moreover, they are going to continue breaking the law and try to protect themselves against future problems, and the government is actively seeding lawlessness by supporting them.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>2 Blacks, Sterling and Castile, Are Now Subject To Intense Scrutiny</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11189-2-blacks-sterling-and-castile-are-now-subject-to-intense-scrutiny</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11189-2-blacks-sterling-and-castile-are-now-subject-to-intense-scrutiny#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2-Blacks-Sterling-and-Castile-Are-Now-Subjects-To-Intense-Scrutiny1.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2-Blacks-Sterling-and-Castile-Are-Now-Subjects-To-Intense-Scrutiny1.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2016 21:15:36 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Police Brutality</category>
			<description><![CDATA[When a Black man is shot dead, the world will know about every little secret he had.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[It is obvious that every time a Black man is killed, all his secrets and mistakes will be all over the Internet. The media goes in search of all his criminal records and if a mugshot of him is found, that would be the most shared photo he ever took. But if a white man is killed, all what you see is how lovely and caring he was, using his best photos to write about him.

The two African-American murdered by police officers last week are now the subjects to intense scrutiny. Instead of focusing on how brutal and unnecessary Alton Sterling and Philando Castile deaths were, the police are looking for every traffic tickets they ever received. And this is not a new phenomenon. 

When the media treats white suspects and killers better than black victims http://t.co/CspWkXcgRP pic.twitter.com/U6GLdpqcbW&amp;mdash; Anthony De Rosa (@AntDeRosa) August 14, 2014


A White cocaine dealer Tim Allen was arrested in 1979 and jailed for two and a half years, but he is known today as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story.”

This shows the attitude people have to Blacks and Whites accused of crimes. If you are White, especially a famous white person, you will be given as many chances as it necessary, and also your name will never be associated with the crimes that you commit. Robert Downey Junior is a typical example, because many don't even know that the &quot;iron man&quot; ever received a prison sentence.

However, we see quite a different picture if the offender or killed is black. The first thing that starts to be savored is the details of his criminal career, and the next you see is his mugshot flooded on the internet. The past of a person does not justify his killing.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.

&amp;nbsp;]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Minneapolis Cops Quit Job After Lynx Players Wear BLM T-Shirts</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11183-minneapolis-cops-quit-job-after-lynx-players-wear-blm-t-shirts</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11183-minneapolis-cops-quit-job-after-lynx-players-wear-blm-t-shirts#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Minneapolis-Cops-Quit-Job-After-WNBA-Players-Wear-BLM-T-Shirts.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Minneapolis-Cops-Quit-Job-After-WNBA-Players-Wear-BLM-T-Shirts.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2016 19:45:49 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[Four Minneapolis off-duty police officers on post walked out over WNBA players’ Black Lives Matter jerseys.   ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Off-duty Minnesota Police officers, who were on post Saturday at Lynx WNBA basketball game, quitted their positions after seeing players wearing Black T-shirts that read “Change starts with us, justice and accountability”.

This was the first time the Lynx players were wearing Black Lives Matter T-Shirts in response to the recent tragedy of police killing two Black Americans, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Four team captains, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen, wore BLM T-shirts in honor of the all innocent lives lost over the past few days.

The team said in a statement that “the Lynx organization was made aware about the concerns of the off duty Minneapolis police officers.&quot; “While our players message mourned the loss of life due to last week's shootings, we respect the right of those individual officers to express their own beliefs in their own way. ... We continue to urge a constructive discussion about the issues raised by these tragedies,” the statement reads.

The Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said in a radio interview that she was proud of her players as they were “very thoughtful” to have worn the T-Shirts in order to fight against violence and injustice in our communities.

The unjustified actions of police officers have become a national problem, but people blame Black Lives Matter for causing outrage, more especially after the fatal shootings of five police officers in Dallas.

The police should not stop attempts to draw attention to the problem, but begin to solve it. They have to admit first that they are wrong and work closely on racial issues with the Black community.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>Activists Protest After LAPD Officer, Who Killed Redel Jones, Goes Scot-Free</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11171-activists-protest-after-lapd-officer-who-killed-redel-jones-goes-scot-free</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11171-activists-protest-after-lapd-officer-who-killed-redel-jones-goes-scot-free#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Activists-Protest-After-LAPD-Officer-Who-Killed-Redel-Jones-Goes-Scot-Free1.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Activists-Protest-After-LAPD-Officer-Who-Killed-Redel-Jones-Goes-Scot-Free1.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2016 17:38:04 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Patterson]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Police Brutality</category>
			<description><![CDATA[The L.A. Police Commission says Officer Brett Ramirez had rights to kill 30-year-old Black woman.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hundreds of protesters demonstrated at the LAPD headquarters following the Police Commission’s decision on Tuesday, July 12, that Officer Brett Ramirez, who fatally shot Redel Jones, did not violate the department’s deadly force policy.

Activists peacefully moved across streets condemning police officers’ use of deadly force against Black people, demanding justice and an action to end violence in communities.

Redel Jones was shot dead by the police, who claimed she resembled a woman who had robbed a nearby pharmacy earlier that day on August 12. As in many other cases of police fatal shootings, there were very different testimonies to Jones death. Police officers said that the woman was armed with a knife and threatened them, but witnesses say that she was in fact running away from them.

A bystander, Courtyana Franklin, 21, said “I do know for a fact that she was not charging at them. I just saw her running.”

On Tuesday, the Police Commission unanimously voted 3-0 that the killing Jones was justified because any officer could have believed that the Black woman’s “actions while armed with a knife presented an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.”



Share this article and help to fight against injustice in our communities.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
				<item>
			<title>JULY 15TH – A Day Of Action In Response To Police Violence</title>
			<link>https://blackmattersus.com/11153-july-15th-a-day-of-action-in-response-to-police-violence</link>
			<comments>https://blackmattersus.com/11153-july-15th-a-day-of-action-in-response-to-police-violence#comments</comments>
			<image>https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/JULY-15TH-–-A-Day-Of-Action-In-Response-To-Police-Violence.jpg</image>
			<enclosure url="https://blackmattersus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/JULY-15TH-–-A-Day-Of-Action-In-Response-To-Police-Violence.jpg" type="image/jpg"/>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2016 15:31:01 -0400</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tylissa Hide]]></dc:creator>
			<category>Activism</category>
			<description><![CDATA[A group called Anonymous is planning a peaceful protest in major cities on Friday, July 15, in response to police violence against Black people.    ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Anonymous, a non-violent group of protesters wanting truth and justice for the killings of innocent people, along with other activist groups, is calling on all and sundry to join them in a peaceful protest scheduled for Friday, a day of solidarity.

In response to the recent police brutal killings of Philando Castile, 32, and 37-year-old Alton Sterling, as shown in the video below, the group encourages every citizen to join the fight against violence in our communities. About 37 major cities, according to Anonymous, have planned peaceful protests against police brutality this weekend.



&amp;nbsp;
While angry police officers will be around to maintain order, the group encourages protesters to be calm and non-violent.  The rights of Black people are violated and they are being terrorized by cops, who vowed to serve and protect their citizens. But it is time to let the government know how dissatisfied citizens are with the current situation.

Ensure to visit this page for all exclusive news and updates. Kindly SHARE this article on any social media of your choice.

&amp;nbsp;]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
			</channel>
</rss>