Analysis: Laquan McDonald’s Aggressor has been Convicted of 2nd Degree Murder and 16 Counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm;but not Guilty of Official Misconduct of Office

Community, Culture News, Heritage-History, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

For 3 years, I watched my peers fight for justice throughout the city and they have finally been served what they asked for: A CONVICTED MURDER.

On Friday, the ex-Officer, Van Dyke was found guilty of second degree murder and 16 Counts of aggravated battery with a firearm; for every bullet he fired into Laquan’s Estate (body), as adduced by the judge. He was found not guilty on official misconduct of office. Dyke’s bond was revoked and sentencing has been scheduled for October 31.

Three officers have been charged with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and official misconduct: Officer Thomas Gaffney, former Detective David March, and ex-officer Joseph Walsh (Van Dyke’s partner). Prosecutors alleged that the three lied in reports about 17-year old, Laquan McDonald, being a threat October 20, 2014.

This is a victory not only for the city of Chicago but for Black America. I learned a lot from my peers and their journey in fighting for justice for Laquan. I learned that we don’t have to agree on everything but what we do agree on is we want change for ourselves and community; we can accomplish a great deal when we stand up for what we believe in and that we are here to make change.

What they have done for the city is remarkable: Mayor won’t be running for second election, superintendent was fired, and local prosecutor lost her bid for reelection, as reported by NY TImes. They are working on upcoming elections, Black Caucus and the morally corrupt alderman(s).

Looking Forward to Sentencing, logically.

I am happy for the verdict and my peers, but “we” must be logical about how he was convicted and not emotional about the ordeal. I performed some research on criminal laws and doctrines related to the case. I also critically examined the communication disseminated by media.

I am not a lawyer nor a judge. I am an independent journalist and scholar, my duty and responsibility is to examine cases critically with logic and supporting facts.

Breaking it down, charge by charge.

According to the Illinois State Laws, second degree murder carries the sentencing between four (4) to twenty (20) years and is charged as a Class 1 felony. “Depending on the leniency of the judge and the circumstances of the crime, a four-year probation term instead of prison may be an option. The maximum fine is $25,000 plus a surcharge of $3,125. Upon release from prison, there is a mandatory two year parole period.”

In regards to the aggravated assault and battery, according to the Illinois General Assembly, if committed with a dangerous instrument, it is defined in subdivision as a Class X felony which a person can be sentenced to imprisonment a minimum of 6 years to a max of 45 years.

Excerpt from Illinois General Assembly

Aggravated battery as defined in subdivision (e)(1) is a Class X felony.

   Aggravated battery as defined in subdivision (a)(2) is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 6 years and a maximum of 45 years.

   Aggravated battery as defined in subdivision (e)(5) is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 45 years.

   Aggravated battery as defined in subdivision (e)(2), (e)(3), or (e)(4) is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 60 years.

   Aggravated battery as defined in subdivision (e)(6), (e)(7), or (e)(8) is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years.

   Aggravated battery as defined in subdivision (b)(1) is a Class X felony, except that:

       (1) if the person committed the offense while armed

    with a firearm, 15 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court;

       (2) if, during the commission of the offense, the

    person personally discharged a firearm, 20 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court;

       (3) if, during the commission of the offense, the

    person personally discharged a firearm that proximately caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person, 25 years or up to a term of natural life shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.

Illinois One Act, One Crime Doctrine

Former Will County Prosector, Jack Zaremba’s Law Office states “a criminal defendant can only be convicted of one crime that corresponds to a particular action, even if that action could constitute more than one offense.”

Which means that he will be sentenced for both charges; possibly serving the minimum imprisonment time or probation; the 16 counts of aggravated battery not holding much weight, can be combined and considered one act for sentencing. Let’s not forget this is a first offense for him and that we must consider if the judge will be lenient or not.

His time will more than likely not be consecutive but concurrent.

In Closing

Kevin Graham, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, says the conviction will be appealed.

Did we really get justice?

Citations

Illinois Assault and Battery Laws. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://statelaws.findlaw.com/illinois-law/illinois-assault-and-battery-laws.html

Illinois General Assembly – Illinois Compiled Statutes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K12-3.05

Illinois Second Degree Murder Laws. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://statelaws.findlaw.com/illinois-law/illinois-second-degree-murder-laws.html

One Act, One Crime Doctrine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://zarembalawoffice.com/blogs/one-act-one-crime-doctrine

“Hood Journalist” @TheRealZackTV1 from Chicago Killed in South Loop

Community, Culture News

Zachary Stoner also known as Zack TV was shot and killed this morning at 1 AM on 700 S. Clark after leaving a concert at Refuge Live located 416 S. Clark Street. Zack was a popular vlogger on YouTube in the hip hop community who published over a 1,000 interviews and had a large social media following.

Reported by Chicago’s very own WGN, “Stoner was shot in the neck and head before his Jeep drove up a curb and crashed into a light pole. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition. where he later died”

Witnesses mentioned that a group of people jumped out of a Chevy Caprice and hopped into a gold or tan car. The Chevy Caprice was also involved in the accident.

There is no word on any other injuries or no one is in custody Wednesday, currently still undergoing investigation.

“I’m hearing stories like they may have been mad at him because he did interviews with certain rappers,” friend Phor Robinson said. “But that’s not his fault for him doing his job. I don’t know why anyone would attack Zack and shoot him. He’s not that type. He shows love to everybody in Chicago.”

Reported by WGN

I would personally like to send out condolences to Zack’s family and friends. I remember this past summer him and DJ Amaris carrying me out of a pool party because I cut my foot. Zack was such a gentleman and down to earth being. A young legend gone to soon but will never be forgotten. As a fellow Hood Journalist, your work will live on through me and many others to come.

Communal Eating and the Importance of Sharing a Meal and Conversation

Community, Culture News, Food, Dining, and Drinks, Lifestyle, Travel

Yesterday at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, I hosted 8 guest to celebrate the New Year (my new year). The benefits of dining with others is the centering of food and conversation which helps to upwardly build relations.

Follow me on snap @BillieDaKidd

In today’s community or world we don’t eat with our family a lot. We’re typically always on the go, with our extended family from work, or maybe with our friends. Whatever the situation, we aren’t spending two hours a day communally eating.

What is Communal Eating:

Eating together and having a quintessential human experience is communal dining. You get to catch up with your peers, family, or partners. It’s a great way to learn from one another and inspire new cuisines, cultural practices, and share information.

Conarga released news about a national survey that they performed, which found that 40 percent of American families eat dinner together at three or fewer times a week. I’m not for sure when the news release was published but I’ll guess that it was around 2003. Do you think that number has increased or decreased?

Well I’m gone get straight to the point with you. I’m improving my life and culture, so how I bond with humans in my life is utterly important to me. It’s not about one individual but about the unit as a collective. It’s about the whole experience and learning how not to be selfish or kill the mood of others, being aware of how you’re energy (Inner G) impacts others.

Here’s my Why

Inspired by GOODNET, gateway to doing good

9 Scientifically Proven Reasons to Eat Dinner as a Family

Betters Relationships
Leads to Healthier Food Choices
Can Lead to Better Grades or Work Experience
A Chance to Explore New Foods
Lead to Greater Happiness
Homemade Meals Promotes Portion Control including Public Communal Dining
Equals healthy Children and Adults
Relieves Stress
Saves Money

Unarmed Stephon Clark Killed in his Own Backyard by Sacramento Police 👮 🚔

Community, Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

The victim, Stephon Clark, was only 22-years-old when he was shot and killed in his backyard where he lived with his family, on Sunday. Clark was reportedly shot 20 times while only holding his cell phone at the time.

The Sacramento Bee 🐝 reported that the officers were responding to a call of someone breaking car windows. The Sacramento Police 🚔 conducted a helicopter search to locate the suspect which is how they mistakenly targeted Clark.

What a great way to spend tax payer dollars 💵 Sacramento Police, and we appreciate if you used intelligence when investigating a crime. In my opinion police should be required to have a four-year degree in sociology or a degree that deals with humanity including consistent training to deal with the public in an non-aggressive, non-violent, and un-aggravated way.

I am tired of seeing Black men being targeted as if they have no importance. There needs to be some policies in play to resolve this consistent conflict between the government and the urban community. We will not keep tolerating the police “accidentally” taking the lives of innocent 😇 individuals.

My heart 💜 prayers, and peace goes out to Clark’s Family. Sleep peacefully brother for you will not die in vain.

Women of Honor Celebration w/ @ThorntonTwp

Community, Culture News

By Briyana Kelly

Acting as a Press Member for Community Relations

For March 3, 2018, Thornton Township celebrated women with honor and has been doing it for 10 years now. Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli spoke of the women saying “Chip in to make the guys look good. Thank You!”, after the warm welcome by Trustee Joyce Washington at St. Archangel Michael.

The Honorees:

Dr. Sallie P. Penman 2.jpg — Credit: Shabria Davidson

Sallie Penman

From Education to Politics
Village Clerk and has been a resident of South Holland for 30 years.
Appointed to South Holland Village in October 2004, elected in 2005, and re-elected in 2009, 2013, and 2017.
Director of the Administrators’ Academy in Chicago, IL where she provides Leadership to 1600 administrators of Chicago Public Schools
Mother is her inspiration and biggest cheerleader

“As an Educator, I’m inspired by our children. We can’t just complain about things, you have to be the change that you seek.”

Janet M. Rogers.jpg — Credit: Shabria Davidson

Rose McGill

Wife to Michael McGill of The Dells
Very well loved by the constituents
Couldn’t make it due to illness and difficulty getting around, currently in rehabilitation.
Rose McGill has been a community activist and leader in the South Suburbs of Chicago since the late 60s
In 1969, she founded Rose’s House of Charm to help area youth improve their self-esteem and break into acting and modeling.
She has been instrumental in helping young people from our community featured in radio and television commercials, magazines, TV sitcoms and movies.
- Her students have gone on to have successful careers in fields as diverse as academia, finance, medicine, law, fashion design, and business.
Janet Rogers, Public Relations Coordinator of South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District, accepted the award on behalf of the family

Janet had this to say about Rose, “Rose was a very energetic, outstanding, outgoing person, and community minded person”

Joyce and Ad.jpg — Credit: Shabria Davidson

Joyce Forbes

Married for 51 years to Steve Forbes
Lifelong resident of Dolton and Riverdale until 2008
Public Service began in 1983 starting School District 148 School Board, served 9 years as am member and president.
Brought technology into the Village during Y2K
Achieved certification as Master Municipal Clerk

She values “Trustworthiness, honesty, being a good friend. And respecting and being respectful of others. And knowing that everyone is not going to agree with your opinion and but being accommodating. “

Vivian and ad.jpg — Credit: Shabria Davidson

Vivian Payne

Born and raised in Thornton, 24-year resident of Lansing.
Prior to being elected Clerk, she was the Executive Assistant to Lansing Mayor Norm Abbott for 8 years and took on the roles of Deputy Clerk, Freedom of Information Officer, Traffic Compliance Administrator and Zoning Board Secretary.
In 2010, Vivian initiated Lansing’s first annual Community Clean-Up Day
- which brings together hundreds of volunteers each spring to pick up trash throughout the Village.
In 2016, in conjunction with Community Clean-Up Day, Payne organized Lansing’s first electronic recycling event for residents, where the Village collected on record 642 televisions in under 3 hours.
Vivian is a member of the Lansing Business Women’s Association, an organization that brings together business women.
- She provides them with professional development opportunities to enrich themselves and others through leadership, education and networking.

“I love helping people that need help.”

Black Panther Premiere: Community Bonding and Celebration with @ThorntonTwp

Community, Culture News, Entertainment

Black Panther Premiere at Cinema 8

Published First: Thornton Township

I had the pleasure of connecting with Thornton Township to witness the debut of Black Panther with the community, Feb. 16 at Cinema 8 in Lansing. Royal purple carpets, wristbands, goodie bags with Black History Flashcards, including free snacks and beverages were gifted to the community members for their support in making the day great. The movie theater was filled with love from the elders, generation X, baby boomers, and the millennials who all seemed to take away the great message the movie had to offer which was “We are stronger united than we are divided”. Can you think of any significant way to spend black history month?

There were many other messages that were encoded but the message mentioned above was commonly received by the guest. I cried many times during the movie: tears of joy, tears of realization, tears of sadness, and tears of anger. Black Panther reminded me of my constant duty to the community, and Dr. Jamal Turner, the keynote speaker in theater one, spoke to us about his experience as a real life Black Panther.

Thornton Township was thanked by many guests for doing such a wonderful thing for the community because they provided an opportunity, “To those who probably couldn’t afford movie tickets” as said by Jouhan Sawe, a Thornton Township community member and employee.

Jeanette and Betty BP — Jeanette Quinn and Bessie Watkins, constituents of Thornton Township

Another guest, Jeanette Quin said “Everything was perfect. The movie, how the event was put together, and how smooth it flowed. We were right on time and I thank them for hosting the event.” It’s more than safe to say that the community is looking forward to more remarkable things happening in Thornton Township. I know I had a marvelous time dressed in full regalia, bonding with the people, and being of service to the community. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the month, and I hope to see you at the next outing or social.

Check out my Hood Movie Review of Black Panther!

@DrUmarJohnson @The_HWCC #Umoja #Unity #UrbanPress #Recap #BKgetsherway

Community, Culture News, Economics, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

Dr. Umar Johnson at The Harold Washington Cultural Center for the First Day of Kwanza; and a Late Dinner at Yassa African Food

The first day of Kwanza was beautiful. If you’re not familiar with Kwanza don’t trip. Kwanza is an “African American” seven-day cultural experience recognized each year from December 26-January 1. The seven-day principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Co-operative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kummba (Creativity), Imani (Faith).

Umoja describes the First Day of Kwanza in Chicago at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Dr. Umar Johnson, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist, was a Keynote Speaker along with a line of talented Artists. Johnson is facing a legal challenge with the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania, Bureua of Professional and Occupational Affairs aka the State Board of Psychology.

Set aside all of that, he came through the land and dropped Jewels that are worthy of sharing with Urban (Black) Parents. As a Mentor, I consider this information to be a necessary conversation especially for young parents. Most parents aren’t educated on the business of “Education”, and it’s a major responsibility that they are educated.

Never go to a school meeting by yourself
Do not get your child evaluated if they are in 3
Don’t communicate over the phone, always do it in writing via emails or written documents.
Stop telling the school your business. (*inform your children of this too)
Know that you have a right to a second opinion, especially if they’re claiming your child has special education needs. Legally the school will pay for the qualified specialist of your choice to evaluate your child for a second opinion.

Do your research and understand the policies that govern education. Don’t just leave it at that either, as a parent know what education is, to be able to determine what kind of education your child should receive. What a wonderful way to spend Umoja! It was a pleasure to learn better methods and theories to aid in helping us have a better understanding of developing our children.

Dr. Johnson is in the works of deciding where he will plant his first school. He’s deciding between Detroit, Atlanta, and Chicago. Allegedly, He’s had some conflicts along the way because he hasn’t gotten any returned phone calls from real estate interest. He’s had other partners and associates call to inquiry about the real estate. We’ll be contacting Dr. Umar Johnson to obtain more information about his plans with FDMG. We’ll keep you updated.

After our long day of unity he treated his staff and invited guest to dinner. If you haven’t ate at Yassa African Food , then set your date soon. We had a blast as a community, and we were treated like family. I can’t wait to see what the universe does next in Dr. Johnson’s journey.

Check out the gallery of press images from the event. Photo credits to Shabria Davidson of Sky Team Media, our Photojournalist of the evening. If you use images, I ask that you notify me and give credit to the creatives who produced the content. When contact is made you will be given all social media and credential information to use for multiple platforms. Respect our craft and art, these are non negotiable terms. Conditions made to subject vary, mass media laws apply.

HWCC.Dr.UmarJohnson_Takeing_APhoto_With_Youth