Category: Scholarly Works

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 Dyke’s bond was revoked and sentencing has been scheduled for October 31.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

Happy 5th Anniversary ‼️ To BK From WordPress 😊 : How does this make me feel ⁉️💞 #BitterSweet

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Personal Perspectives, What's Good?

It’s amazing because it’s a reflection of how consistent I have been in developing my quality of communication and media. And to think I’ve been hard on my self because I’ve been thinking that I haven’t been consistent.

I’ve come a long way ‼️ and I have ways to go but this milestone reminds me that I can overcome anything. Throughout these last 5 years, I’ve floated through the industry crafting, drafting, and developing my lane. This year I’ve finally chosen a specialty: LAW , ETHICS, and ACTS. 

After playing almost every position in the Field. I am now using all of my tools and knowledge acquired to further run 🏃🏾‍♀️ my race, as Nipsey Hussle says “Marathon”, because I’m more into victory laps. At some point the race will end but the marathon continues.

I am Self-Published, Director, CTO 👩🏾‍💼, Editor, Scholar 👩🏾‍🏫, Producer, Creative, Communication and Media Specialist, and everything else I intend on being in the future.

BIG thanks to all those who have, will, and do support me during my venture. It’s been a long 6 years in finding self. And I’m grateful to have shared it with you.

I dedicate this celebration to Jaymo and , a close relative who was shot and killed today on the Southside of Chicago, including the other young man who was shot & killed. I will not mention his name in respect of his family and to give them their privacy. 

This is why my mission is important because quality in using our (my) voice will bring change to our environment especially if we do it in quantity.

I love you all forever and you did not leave in vain. All angels 👼🏾 memories will live forever through us & our legacy.

Happy 5th Anniversary to me‼️🇲🇦🍾🥃🍷🍸🍹 Thanks for having meWordpress.

“They” Say Procrastination Kills but Does it Really 🤔 💭

Personal Perspectives

Procrastination can sneak up at the wrong time, and sometimes, at the right time. It can help you avoid something’s or give extra time to make better decisions; or worse ones.

I was inspired to write this because my Mother told me that I had been “procrastinating” lately, and I agreed with her perspective. After thinking about what she said and going inside of my self to see how it aligned, I learned; I am calculating my steps more in the private and public sphere.

Personal perspective of 💩

I don’t know 🤷🏾‍♀️ what the fuck it is 😂. I ain’t gone lie, I don’t even think it’s procrastination, it’s like a procreation of something else in theory. I think I’m slowing down and following my intuition more.

But

Taking the time to evaluate the situations I want to be in and experience; seeing if they are congruent with my mission and vision.

I believe that I will not get caught in a jam, if I do. Studying Communication and analyzing everyday life has been a little too damn much at the moment.

I’m literally applying everything as I’m typing (and you’re reading) this. Educational institutions and the workforce overloads us with information including our environment with less opportunities to experience the things they teach/share.

I need more action to happen, people creating more opportunities for themselves (independently or an organization), because all this “talk” the institutions are spreading into flows, is a hoax.

So, I am relaxing and regrouping self because it’s easy to get lost out here. Especially, subsidizing someone’s dream instead of building your own.

With that being said, I’m picky. I see my vision “clearly”. I learned that nothing is instant but everything is calculated.

—————————–

But I searched procrastination kills, check out what comes up. Might want to take heed to it.

I wrote this shit from my phone too. That’s how pressed I was 😂

Weekly Discover and Releases

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Lifestyle, What's Good?

1

Poca| I’m On It Featuring Hoodyy

 

2

Kaniva| Okay

 

3

Quavo| L A M B T A L K

 

4

Fabolous| Ooh Yea Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

 

5

Ann Marie| Unlove You

 

 

6

Kevin Gates| Vouch

 

7

Mya| G M O (Got My Own) Featuring Tink

 

 

8

Slitta| House Party

 

9

Tobe Nwigwe| I’M Dope (The O R I G I N A L S)

 

 

10

Reeseynem| What’s the Hook Featuring Chance The Rapper

 

11

Chi Hoover| Don’t Be Mad

 

12

Stunt Taylor| Juice(4k)

 

13

Valee|Vlone

 

14

G Gotti| Black Out

 

 

15

Lil Keisha| Let God Sort’Em Out (Missy Elliot Remix)

 

 

16

Ty Money| 3x Felon

 

 

 

@HowardU Students Scammed Out of Financial Aid by Student Employees and Administration; @Rihanna in Full Support of victims

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

Well don’t think about calling on Tyrone too soon for financial aid because he’s fraudulently broke the bank, leaving many students at Howard University in a crisis. It has been reported by many sources that 6 Howard University Students and Employees have been fired for misappropriated funds of $1 million from 2007-2016.

According to CNN, since Thursday, students have been protesting asking for answers and for the president of Howard U, Wayne A.I. Fredrick to resign. Tyrone Hankerson, was repeatedly awarded a $65,000 “University Need Based Grant.” , reported by Medium.

Please read the letter addressing the current leadership from Howard University Student Association:

Rihanna has retweeted the video below which shows the students singing “Bitch Better Have Money” while taking over the administration building.

 

Here are some images allegedly reported by the whistleblower, who put the university on blast about its lack of transparency.

 

“Screenshot showing excessive aid awarded to former Associate Director of Financial Aid in 2014–2015, SOURCE: Anonymous Financial Aid Employee — Whistleblower” (from  cached source) Medium 

 

“Screenshot showing excessive aid awarded to former student employee in 2013–2014, SOURCE: Anonymous Financial Aid Employee — Whistleblower”  image courtesy of  (cached source Medium)

 

Awarded Donkey of the Day

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.

@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.

  1. Never go to a school meeting by yourself
  2. Do not get your child evaluated if they are in 3
  3. Don’t communicate over the phone, always do it in writing via emails or written documents.
  4. Stop telling the school your business. (*inform your children of this too)
  5. 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.

Urban Culture and Affairs: Let’s Set a New Direction of Flow

Culture News, Scholarly Works

What is Flow and Contra-Flow? 

Author: Briyana Kelly

Date: Sunday, January 21, 2018 11:58:16 PM CST

Subject: What is flow and contra-flow? What is meant by ethno-mediascape?

Flow is how communication and media networks attempt to hold their audience from one program to another; or even from a segment in the program to the next segment. In summary, how the constituent consumes media across networks or from programs. Contra-flow is the movement of culture brought to another place through an migrant (diaspora)  which moves the flow of media in the opposite direction of just flowing from the west to the rest of the population, making it a two way movement. Ethno-mediascape is a type of global cultural flow, mediascape is communciations media as a whole and ethno is simply ethnics. In summary, ethno-mediascape is ethnic communications media as a whole.

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Author: Briyana Kelly

Date: Monday, January 22, 2018 12:05:28 AM CST

Subject: How does flow and contra-flow contribute to the emerging ethno-mediascape?

Flow and contra-flow contributes to the emerging ethno-mediascape by creating diversity in the market from ethnic cultural groups directly, other than media and communication that is disseminated by outside sources. It allows other cultures to build their own communications commodities that reflect their culture and gives them the power to tell their own story including inform their fellow members who may have relocated nationally. It gives constituents a direct connection which is a major key in relations to how flow and contra-flow contributes to ethno-mediascape. This is also great because it’s great for representational value dealing with other ethic cultural groups.

 Why am I igniting this conversation? 

Well as you know, I’m building my credibility as a Social Scientist and Engineer, so it’s only right that I share my research. I’m currently studying Global Media and Informational Flow with my Professor, Dr. Deborah James, at Governors State University.

My interest in Media Studies is from never seeing an accurate portrayal of my identity and culture. I want to help move Urban Culture forward scientifically and dis-spell all of the misconceptions of who I am in the world. As an Urban Citizen I didn’t get into institutional studies to be socially reformed, I admitted myself to socially reform those who share their perspective of the African Diaspora globally based on their assumptions of who we are.  I think we need to focus on glocal conversations in the dominant aka global media flow.

 Source:

Thussu,Daya Kishan. (2007)Media on the Move: Global flow and contra-flow.New York, NY. Routledge.