Will hold an 8:30 a.m. press conference on Thursday, November 13th outside of Seattle Municipal Court on 5th between Cherry & James

Matt E, aka MC Bypolar the Toxic Cherub, will be hosting a press conference outside of the Seattle Municipal Court before he faces sentencing for a false conviction he received on October 23rd for escaping what amounted to a lynch mob.

The community will be holding an interfaith and non-religious gathering outside of the jail with Breakfast 8-9am, Lunch 11:30a-12:30p, and another meetup at 4:30p.

Matt E was found guilty of possession of an unlawful weapon, despite the knife actually being legal. Moreover, Matt E never used the weapon, but drew his legal knife to create space while retreating from an armed and attacking crowd that was pursuing him with intent to injure or even kill him.

This attack, incited by SPD officers Chase and Clay, is being referred to as an attempted lynching because a large group of people was directed to harm or kill Matt E in an extralegal manner. Furthermore, we do believe the attack was racially motivated as Matt E is black, the two officers who incited the attack are both white in a police force with a history of racism, and the crowd was yelling racial slurs at Matt E throughout the incident.

Matt E is a founding member of Seattle Copwatch. The night of the attack, Matt E was copwatching officers Chase and Clay as they were targeting another individual at Westlake Park. The officers responded to Matt E’s presence by calling the attention of a large crowd of street kids who were Westlake Park regulars to Matt E. Officers Chase and Clay notified the group it would be ‘dangerous’ for them to have him around. Subsequently, 20-30 street kids who possessed chains, skateboards and other weapons pursued Matt E all the way into Pacific Place Mall as he backed away using his legal knife to keep his attackers at bay and stay alive.

The mall security video, which can be found at stoplegallynching.wordpress.com, shows officers Chase and Clay rolling Matt E towards the same crowd who pursued him into the mall. Members of the group can be seen hitting and stomping on him while the officers hold him down. In their report, officers Chase and Clay list the attacking persons as “assisting in the arrest” of Matt E.

This attack was both politically and racially motivated. While the officers were targeting Matt E for his copwatching, the mob was heard yelling “GO BACK TO JAIL N***ER!”

Matt E and the community are demanding an investigation into SPD Officers Chase and Clay and the Community Policing model that these officers discussed in their testimony during Matt E’s trial.

Three friends of Matt E were found to be in contempt of court by Judge Steven Rosen for their reactions following the announcement of a guilty verdict for possession of an unlawful weapon and resisting arrest. Cameron Coale and Chris Schulz were sentenced to the maximum possible—30 days in jail. Holly Johnson was sentenced 8 days.

Members of the community are also asking for an investigation into Judge Steven Rosen to see if he is involved in covering up the crimes committed within SPD’s Community Policing model.

Matt E’s original bail was set at $25,000; but when the community was able to raise that amount to post bail, another charge was added and an additional bail of $25,000 was set. Matt E’s community nonetheless managed to post a bail bond for the added bail.

Please write to Judge Rosen urging leniency with Matt E’s sentencing and/or that Judge Rosen recuse himself from the case. The sentencing hearing will take place at 9am.

For more information, contact: Matt E & Cody Lestelle (310) 613-4319

stoplegallynching@gmail.com

Nearly thirty-six years ago, one of the worst case of human rights abuse in modern American History occurred in the hot jungles of Jonestown Guyana.

Afterwards, funeral directors in Delaware struggled to quickly bury and cremate the decomposing remains of more than 900 people who died at the orders of Jim Jones in a mass murder-suicide.

Some bodies that arrived back in the US at Dover Air Force Base in 1978 were claimed by families. Some were cremated. Almost half were buried in a mass grave in California, where we hold the Official Jonestown Memorial Services.

In August of this year, in a shocking discovery, officials revealed that not all victims had been brought to a final resting place. The cremated remains of nine Jonestown victims were discovered in a decrepit, now-shuttered funeral home in Dover. The ashes of the victims were found neatly packaged and clearly marked, with the names of the deceased and place of their death included on accompanying death certificates in the former Minus Funeral Home, where a bank now operates.

The shocking discovery reopened wounds. Our family lost 27 relatives in Jonestown, including my mother. After all of the murders ordered by Jim Jones, his true supporters have tried to discount our claim and have made other false implications about the communities efforts to honor the lost with a fitting memorial. But this painful history cannot be erased and my family’s pain remains very real.

Although, I was never a member of People’s Temple, our family lost the most relatives and the youngest child, 3-month-old Charles Garry Henderson, in the massacre. As a teenager, I opposed Jones from the start and ended up kidnapping my son who was being raised in the Temple while I traveled as an evangelist. This initiated backlash and death threats from Jones and his followers.

With these latest disclosures, I painfully wondered when this nightmare and madness would end. For over three decades, our organization has worked to honor and build a memorial to the 305 innocent children, adult victims and Congressman Leo Ryan and his team.

Needless to say, on May 29, 2011, when a coalition group led by Jim Jones’ sons and former hierarchy, memorialized Jim Jones alongside the 918 lives he murdered, I was stunned.

The deaths of 305 innocent Children, over 600 American Citizens, Congressman Leo Ryan and his news team in 1978 (at the hands of a madman) should have been the focus of a coalition of outraged human beings, concerned with Civil and Human Rights abuses worldwide.

So should this memorial or wall of shame inscribed with Jim Jones’ name.

The Jewish Community would never insult the memory of their deceased by inscribing Hitler’s name alongside of his victims under the guise of forgiveness. Holocaust memorials are being established all over Europe – Vienna, Berlin, Paris, and other major cities, and suggest a greater public awareness.

Likewise, we believe it is an insult to the memories of those deceased for Jim Jones to be honored and immortalized alongside the innocent victims of this terrible tragedy. Only now that we have passed through it are we truly cognoscente of the dangers of extreme beliefs, mind control and the cults they incubate represent.

As long as Jim Jones’ name is on the memorial that sits on the mass grave in Oakland, THE VICTIMS HAVE NOT TRULY NOT BEEN LAID TO REST.

You are cordially invited to join us in our Official Annual 36th Memorial Service to honor those who could not escape Jones terrorist concentration camp. Even though Jim Jones spread lies and had his congregants to lie on Congressman Leo Ryan and others, Rep. Ryan still fought to help the victims. He lost his life trying to protect over 900 American Citizens Civil and Human Rights and free them from the jungles of Jonestown, Guyana.

Will you help us make a difference and honor your late colleague, Congressman Leo Ryan?

America cannot be painted as a nation that honors murderers of Congress and children.

* Provide us with a Proclamation or Letter of Support for our Memorial Services by 11/14/14.

The Official 36th Annual Jonestown Memorial for the 305 Innocent Children, Congressman Leo Ryan and over 600 victims will be held:

Sincerely,

Dr. Jynona Norwood, Rev. Eugene Lumpkin, Rev. Ed Norwood

“Please accept my best wishes and my deepest gratitude for your efforts to honor the memory of the innocent children and all those who died during the tragic Jonestown Massacre. Cherishing the Children Memorial Wall will provide a place of comfort and solace….”

“Therefore, I support your efforts and applaud your perseverance. Most importantly, I humbly acknowledge your loss. Once again, thank you for all of the work you are doing to create this memorial and your commitment to those in our community most in need.”

“I wish to commend President Jynona Norwood and the Advisory Committee for your commitment to the memorial of those who died in Jonestown. I especially appreciate and support your efforts to develop the Cherish the Children Memorial Wall. The children in Jonestown were completely and absolutely innocent victims of the misguided and dangerous events. It is an insult to the memories of those deceased for Rev. Jim Jones to be honored and immortalized alongside the real victims of this tragedy.”

Honorary Committee: Mayor Willie L. Brown, SF, Yvonne Braithwaite Burke Supervisor, Mayor Roosevelt Dorn, Dianne Feinstein, Senator, Rev. Julius C. Hope, NAACP, Rev. Timothy McDonald President AAMLC, Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith Archdioceses, LA, Mark Ridley Thomas, Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, Rev. Mark Whitlock

Advisory Committee: Rev. Eugene Lumpkin, Treasurer, Bishop H. H. Brookins, Dr .Amos Brown, NAACP, Rev. Edgar Boyd, 1st AME, Senator John Ford, Dick Gregory, Mayor Elihu Harris, Moses Mayne, Rev. James Mc Cray, Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Gail E. Neira, S.F Republican Central Committeewoman, Rev. Ed Norwood, Rev. Rebecca Pollock, Rev. Dr. Al Sampson, Dr. Aurelious Walker, Speaker. Herb J. Wesson, Officer Yulanda Williams SFPD

Persons who support our petition of not honoring Jim Jones: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. Dick Gregory, Dr. Amos Brown, Rev. Eugene Lumpkin, Dr. Edgar Boyd, Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Rev. Leonard Jackson, Rabbi Steven Jacobs, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Kol Tikvah Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr., Dr. Al Sampson, Father Michael Pfleger, Rev. Timothy McDonald, Mr. Oscar Wright, Dr. Barbara Williams, Professor Oba T’Shaka, Moses Mayne, Rev. Ed Norwood, Kola Thomas, Rev. Mervin J. Redmond, Sr., St. John Missionary Baptist Church, San Francisco Dr. Frank & Hurdis Bozeman.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following opinion on the 2014 midterm election results:

“As pundits continue to play the blame game in the days following last Tuesday’s elections, there is one argument I want to settle: Democrats did not lose control of the Senate because African Americans did not vote. Actually, as supported by preliminary exit poll data, the complete opposite is the case. African Americans increased as a proportion of the electorate in 2014 over 2010. African Americans voted heavily for Senate Democrats, and by doing so remained loyal to both the President and the Democratic Party and its values. So, don’t blame us!

“We did vote, as was true for the last three election cycles. For example, in Kentucky, African American turnout was notably better with a more than 10 percent jump in voter participation.  And in Georgia, African Americans made up 29 percent of all votes cast, with 92 percent of those voters casting their ballots for the Democrat in the Senate race. Simply put, find another scapegoat. Don’t blame us!

“Our community organizations and churches mobilized to encourage early voting opportunities with programs like “Souls to the Polls,” and African American activists and state leaders stood ready to combat any instance of voter intimidation or fraud. Black elected officials crisscrossed the country to discuss the urgency and importance of this election. We phone banked, knocked on doors and held “Get Out the Vote” rallies. Our losses were not a referendum on African American political engagement. We did our part, so don’t blame us!

“Democrats lost Senate control because we failed to mobilize young voters across racial and regional spectrums. We failed to persuade Southern voters to hold true to core Democratic values. We lost because the Hispanic community was insufficiently motivated. We lost because of ideological differences within the Democratic Party and with our Administration. We lost because our party has, to some extent, lost white Southerners due in part to the race of our President. We lost because the Supreme Court decisions in Citizens United and McCutcheon allowed a select few to subvert the political process with secret, unlimited money.  We lost because of gerrymandering in our state redistricting processes. We lost because of our continuing problem with a clear and compelling message that would encourage voters to stay with us.

“Let the talking heads do what they do best: talk. But let’s be very clear in our analyses of the 2014 midterm elections. African Americans showed up. So don’t blame us!”

Research Center on Health Disparities, Equity and the Exposome at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to host “Live! African-American Women Surviving Breast Cancer through education,early detection, screening and treatment”

Local Coalition to Welcome 500 Black Women to Feb. 7 Summit

The “Live! Just As We Are” logo was created to symbolize the beauty and transformative power that women must draw upon to survive and thrive against breast cancer.

Memphis, TN (BlackNews.com) — The Research Center on Health Disparities, Equity and the Exposome (RCHDEE) at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) has convened a Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Coalition that includes 11ealth local and state health care, civic and community organizations. The coalition’s shared goals are to arm African-American women with information to prevent breast cancer’s deadly impact and to encourage best practices in early detection, screening and treatment of the disease.

Collaborating with the UTHSC RCHDEE are coalition members from Common Table Health Alliance; Shelby County (TN), The Links, Incorporated; Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination; Carin’ and Sharin’ Breast Cancer Education and Support Group; Sisters Network, Memphis Chapter; Surviving, Thriving, African-Americans Rallying Support Group (STAARS); Seeds2 Life, Inc.; Community Action Team of Shelby County (CATS); Community Health Advisory Specialty (CHAS), American Cancer Society; The Church Health Center; and, Tennessee Cancer Coalition (TC2).

“Together, we are committed to the reduction of breast cancer’s mortality rate by increasing awareness and action among black women, the population that discovers the disease much later and dies from it much earlier than any other group in our region,” said Patricia Matthews-Juarez, PhD, co-director of the Research Center on Health Disparities, Equity and the Exposome.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the coalition will hold a summit titled, “LIVE! African-American Women Surviving Breast Cancer through Education, Early Detection, Screening and Treatment.” Designed to unite, support and empower, this event will gather a group of 500 black women of varying ages, education levels and socioeconomic backgrounds at the UTHSC campus. The event will include breast cancer survivors, women who consider themselves at risk for the disease, and those whose lives have been altered or touched in some way by breast cancer.

The summit will be held at the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center at 800 Madison Avenue. Registered participants may attend at no cost. All participants must register in advance at: https://uthsc.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2c5AgwTSV7InK0l.

During the summit, each registered participant will receive a range of free personal care services (e.g., manicures and seated mini-massages), complimentary refreshments (including breakfast and lunch), a gift bag filled with useful items for the women and/or their children, plus access to a variety of health care industry vendors. The event will culminate in an educational and motivational presentation that will focus on the need for each participant to become an advocate for breast cancer education, early detection, screening and treatment among her family, friends and community.

Months before the summit convenes, UTHSC will arrange for free photo sessions for every registered participant, plus each participant will be asked to submit data for a brief biographical sketch. The Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Coalition will use the bios and photos to create a special exhibit titled: “LIVE! Just As We Are!” The exhibit will be hosted at locations throughout the city, starting at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library during Black History Month in February 2015. The “LIVE! Just As We Are!” exhibit will also include an online component with selected exhibit materials posted on a website and through social media. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiveJustAsWeAre or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/just_ar1.

Local businesses, civic and community organizations are underwriting the approximate $100 expense for each participant. To become a sponsor, contact Dr. Matthews-Juarez via phone: (901) 448-7226 or email: pmatthe3@uthsc.edu.
About The University of Tennessee
As Tennessee’s only public, statewide, academic health system, the mission of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is to bring the benefits of the health sciences to the achievement and maintenance of human health, with a focus on the citizens of Tennessee and the region, by pursuing an integrated program of education, research, clinical care, and public service. Offering a broad range of postgraduate and selected baccalaureate training opportunities, the main UTHSC campus is located in Memphis and includes six colleges: Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. UTHSC also educates and trains cohorts of medicine, pharmacy and/or health professions students — in addition to medical residents and fellows — at its major sites in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville. Founded in 1911, during its more than 100 years, UT Health Science Center has educated and trained more than 57,000 health care professionals in academic settings and health care facilities across the state. For more information, visit www.uthsc.edu. Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/uthsc, on Twitter: twitter.com/uthsc and on Instagram: instagram.com/uthsc.

By Andy Johnston

Montgomery, AL — Don’t expect many surprises in the SIAC Championship game on Saturday.

Albany State’s Mike White and Tuskegee’s Willie Slater have been coaching against each other for so many years, both know each other’s philosophy, mindset and game plans.It’s almost as simple as defense vs. offense.

White focuses much of his attention on his defense, and even though he’s the head coach, still coordinates it and calls the plays. Albany State leads the SIAC in all the major defensive categories, including scoring (14 points), total (229.4 yards), rushing (84.1) and passing (145.3).

“There’s no mystery when you look at their defense,” Slater said. “They’ve been playing the same defense since 1993. We played against them when I was (coaching) at the University of North Alabama and they’re running the same defense as they did then.”

On the other hand, Slater is an offensive guru who coordinates Tuskegee’s offense, a two-back system that balances the run and pass so expertly the Golden Tigers lead the SIAC in scoring (35.3 points) and total offense (387.5 yards).

“They’re just very good at what they do,” White said. “There aren’t any tricks to it. If you saw Tuskegee play this year, last year, the year before, five years ago, you see some of the same things. When you see them play, they just run it really well. A lot times we knew it was coming, we just couldn’t stop it.”

The SIAC championship game, which will be played at 7 p.m. (CST) Saturday at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., is a rematch of a regular-season game between these programs.

Tuskegee defeated Albany State 20-12 on Sept. 13, the last loss for the Golden Rams (7-2, 6-0) who won seven consecutive games to capture the SIAC East title.

The Golden Tigers (8-2, 7-0) also have won seven straight games and won the West by defeating Miles 48-33 last week.

“It’s tough to beat somebody twice (in the same season),” Slater said. “That’s what is so tough. We had the film early this year and then we got some film from the latter part of the year, and they’re better than they were then. It looks like they’re in shape. They weren’t in good condition in my opinion (in the first game). That’s the only reason why we had a chance last time. They’re in great shape now.”

White’s defense begins with 370-pound nose guard Damien Goosby and 300-pound end Grover Stewart, who tie up blockers and allow linebackers Tavarius Washington – who is third in the SIAC with 79 tackles — and Larry Whitfield fly to the ball.

“We’re going to have to do a good job,” Slater said. “You’re not going to walk up to them and bump them and block them. They’re going to hustle to the ball.”

Albany State will need to stop Tuskegee running backs Hoderick Lowe (639 yards and 10 touchdowns) and Michael J. Thornton (525 yards, 10 touchdowns).

They offer a contrast in styles. Lowe is 5 foot 9 and 170 pounds and Thornton is 6-2 and 238 pounds.

“Any time you play them, it’s about execution,” White said. “They’re such a good team because they execute so well, and that’s what we’ll have to do to come out on top. We’ll have to out execute them.”

This is the first time the SIAC Championship game has been played outside of Atlanta. It quickly outgrew its two previous locations — Clark Atlanta’s Panther Stadium (6,000 seats) in 2011 and Atlanta’s Lakewood Stadium (10,000 seats) in 2012 and last season – and has room for increased attendance at the Cramton Bowl, which has a capacity of 25,000.

“The game has been growing every year. As the game has grown, we outgrew the previous facilities,” SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore said. “Montgomery is perfect, not just in terms of the location and the community, but also the venue. We believe it is appropriately sized to match the growth of the game.”

“I would advise fans to get there if you want to tailgate and if you want to get a good seat.”

To purchase tickets, visit http://thesiactickets.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event_listings.asp

For more information about SIAC, visit www.thesiac.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSIAC

“Connecting to Cash: A Candid Conversation about Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs,” a special access to capital outreach event for prospective and established business owners presented by the Women’s Business Development Center in partnership with the Chicago Neighborhood Initiative Micro Finance Group, will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fleck’s Coffee, 343 E. 79^th St., in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood.

Hear from entrepreneurs and finance experts who will share tips to access funding to fuel your business growth. Moderated by Roxanne Nava, Chief Small Business Officer of the City of Chicago Small Business Center (BACP), panelists include Maria Boustead, founder and owner of Bo Campo, and Mae Whiteside, owner of Cheri K. Lewis Engineers.

The event is free but requires registration. For further information, visit http://www.WBDC.org or call (312) 853-3477.

About the WBDC:

A nationally and internationally recognized women’s business assistance center now in its 28^th year, the WBDC provides a continuum of business development services to prospective and established women entrepreneurs including counseling, training, financial, certification and procurement assistance in Spanish and English. The mission of the WBDC is to provide services and programs that support and accelerate women’s business ownership and strengthen the impact of women on the economy. The WBDC is headquartered at 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4^th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

Hollywood, CA (BlackNews.com) — For 23 years, the NAACP Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch has produced a star-studded gala honoring thespians for their astonishing achievement in entertainment and theatre. This year, the branch will be joined by its partners Wells Fargo, The City of Los Angeles (Councilman Bernard Parks) and Rent-­A-­Center at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Monday, November 17, 2014 to honor Emmy Award winner and NAACP Image Award nominee Glynn Turman, Grammy Award winner Toni Braxton and theatre sensation Roger Guenveur Smith.

Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Glynn Turman started his acting career in New York theatre, working along legends such as Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, but after his move to Los Angeles, he quickly became a staple of film and television landing notable roles on such series as “Peyton Place”, “A Different World” and “The Wire”.

Six-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Toni Braxton will be honored with the Spirit Award. After decades of dazzling fans with her vocals Braxton returned to Broadway to showcase her theatre acting skills with ten-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, producer and life time friend Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds (who will present Braxton with her award during the show) in a phenomenal performance of “After Midnight”.

Trailblazer Award honoree Roger Guenveur Smith transformed his Obie Award-wining solo performance of “A Huey P. Newton Story” into a Peabody Award-­winning telefilm. The Los Angeles Times and LA Weekly announced Smiths recent play “Rodney King” as among the season’s best. He is an actor, writer, director and now trailblazer whose work lights up the international stage and screen.

Regional President of Community Bank, John Sotoodeh will receive the President’s Award and Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo, Byron Reed will be honored with the Community Service Award for their continued work and support in the community and for their efforts to help keep the arts alive in Los Angeles.

Actress Kym Whitley, star of Oprahs OWN network “Raising Whitley”, will host this year’s show. The night will include a tribute to Jackie Wilson, “The Eve of Jackie” by Chester Gregory, who took home a Jeff Award while gaining much critical praise for his role in the tribute. There will also be a special performance of “Lady Patriot” produced by award winning theatre director, Ted Lange. Lange has been honored countless times for his work in the arts including Artistic Director Achievement Award, Dramalogue Award, Oakland Ensemble Theatre’s Paul Robeson Award and Renaissance Man Theatre Award.

Other accomplished actors set to present during the award show include: Tichina Arnold (Survivor’s Remorse, Everybody Hates Chris), Sharon Leal (Addicted), Lamorne Morris (New Girl), Teyonah Parris and Tessa Thompson (Dear White People), Shanola Hampton (Shameless), Elise Neal (Belles), Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), Darrin Henson (Chocolate City), Angell Conwell (Young & Restless), Donis Leonard Jr. (House of Lies), Obba Babatundé (Half & Half, Dreamgirls “Original Broadway Cast”, Miss Evers’ Boys), Jamie Hector (Max Payne), Omar Gooding (Hangin with Mr. Cooper), Cocoa Brown (Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms Club), Jay Ellis (The Game), Nadine Ellis and Erica Hubbard (Lets Stay Together), Stephen Bishop and Lisa Vidal (Being Mary Jane), Keith David (Platoon), Chrystee Pharris (Passions), Tommy Davidson (Black Dynamite), Christian Keyes (Diary of a Mad Black Women), and R&B singer-songwriter Macy Gray. These entertainers and many others will unite for one evening to honor those who have made a major impact in theatre.

Tickets now available at Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com

For more information about the NAACP Theatre Awards, please visit: www.naacptheatreawards.com.
About The NAACP Theatre Awards:
The NAACP Theatre Awards is presented by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Branch. Ron Hasson is Branch President and Tia Boyd is the Executive Producer for the NAACP Theatre Awards Show. The prestigious gala is produced for the purpose of honoring thespians among the best in the field of entertainment.