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This is so true. Please THINK about others emotional state at this time. So THINK BEFORE tagging and or sending ANYTHING GRAPHIC concerning what is going on in our world. #IWANNALIVE #BLACKLIVESMATTER #TRANSBLACKLIVESMATTER Facebook Post by my girl Hope Giselle (Disguised)
Spike Lee on what’s different about these protests
“People are tired and they take to the streets,” said Lee.
It’s not the first time that Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” has been freshly urgent, but Lee’s 1989 film has again found blistering relevance in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
On Monday, Lee released a short film titled “3 Brothers” connecting the death of Radio Raheem (played by Bill Nunn) in “Do the Right Thing” to the deaths of Floyd and Eric Garner. Floyd died last week after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against his neck as he begged for air. Garner’s dying plea of “I can’t breathe” became a rallying cry against police brutality in 2014.
“I’ve seen this before. This is not new,” Lee said in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday. “I was born in ’57 so I was 11 years old when I saw the riots with Dr. King’s assassination, later on with Rodney King and the Simi Valley verdict, Trayvon Martin and Ferguson.”
“People are tired and they take to the streets,” said Lee.
“Do the Right Thing,” about rising racial tensions on a hot summer day in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, took direct inspiration from reality. In the film, Raheem is choked to death by a police officer, sparking a riot.
Lee modeled the choke hold that kills Raheem on the murder of Michael Stewart, a graffiti artist who was killed by New York City police officers in 1983. Lee dedicated the film to Stewart’s family, as well as those of several other black people killed by police officers.
“His death is not just made up. Many years later, Eric Garner, automatically I thought of Ray Raheem,” said Lee. “Then to see my brother George Floyd. I mean, he was quoting the words of Eric Garner: ‘I can’t breathe.’ He was channeling Eric Garner. I’m sure of it.”
As much as Lee sees history repeating itself, there’s one element of the current unrest that strikes the filmmaker as new.
“I’ve been very encouraged by the diversity of the protesters. I haven’t seen this diverse protests since when I was a kid,” Lee said, citing the movements of the ’60s. “I’m encouraged that my white sisters and brothers are out there.
“That is the hope of this country, this diverse, younger generation of Americans who don’t want to perpetuate the same (expletive) that their parents and grandparents and great-grandparents got caught up in. That’s my hope.”
“My young white sisters and brothers are out there in the streets. How many black folks are in Salt Lake City, Utah? And let’s take into account that the NBA is not playing,” said Lee, letting out an enormous cackle. “The Utah Jazz are not playing!”
“3 Brothers” is the second short Lee has released during the pandemic. While Lee has kept to his Upper East Side apartment with his family, he has also biked around the city to shoot. Lee’s “New York, New York,” set to Frank Sinatra, was released in early May as an ode to his outbreak-stricken city. Next week, he’ll release on Netflix “Da 5 Bloods,” a Vietnam War drama about four black veterans who return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen squad leader (Chadwick Boseman).
Lee has only modest hopes for justice in the aftermath of Floyd’s death. Attorney General William Barr he calls “not a friend to justice.” “He’s going to do what Agent Orange tell him to do,” said Lee, using his favored nickname for President Donald Trump.
But Lee has been buoyed by a photo of New York police officers kneeling with protesters, an image he likened to Colin Kaepernick’s NFL protests.
“They need to show the image more,” said Lee. “Colin Kaepernick is a patriot.”
Article via NBCNews
Dick Wolf Fires Writer From ‘Law & Order’ Spinoff for Threatening to ‘Light Up’ Looters
Craig Gore, a writer whose credits include “S.W.A.T.” and “Chicago P.D.,” has been fired from Dick Wolf’s upcoming “Law & Order” spinoff series after controversial Facebook posts about looters and the recent curfew put in place across Los Angeles.
“I will not tolerate this conduct, especially during our hour of national grief. I am terminating Craig Gore immediately,” Dick Wolf said in a statement to Variety.
Photos on social media show Gore holding a weapon with the caption “Curfew…” In another comment, Gore threatened to “light motherf—ers up who are trying to f— with my property,” in reference to protests that took place in Los Angeles on Monday.
Gore’s posts, which incited a strong reaction on social media, come amid calls for criminal justice reform after George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minnesota. His posts gained traction on social media after Drew Janda, who worked on the OWN series “Greenleaf” and HBO shows “Big Little Lies” and “Barry,” brought attention to Gore’s remarks.
Variety has also learned from sources that Paradigm, which represented Gore, has now cut ties with the writer and producer.
“Craig Gore is no longer a Paradigm client. We condemn his post in the strongest possible terms,” said a spokesperson for the agency.
Gore previously listed himself as a “co-executive producer on ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’” — the new Chris Meloni series in the works at NBC — on his Facebook profile. However, Meloni replied to Janda’s tweet saying that he has “no idea who this person is or what they do.” Meloni clarified that the showrunner on the “Law & Order: SVU” spinoff is Matt Olmstead, not Gore, adding that he has “gotten no word on any hirings.”
On the same day as Gore’s posts, the “S.W.A.T.” writers’ room Twitter account posted a statement calling for “law enforcement to de-escalate conflicts, not exacerbate them.” Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, one of the show’s executive producers, said that he is “frustrated, angry, but determined to do better. Onscreen and off.”
Other than “S.W.A.T.” and “Chicago P.D.,” Gore recently had a “DEA” series in development at Fox. However, according to sources the network passed on the project, which had been given a script plus penalty commitment, earlier this year.
Article via Variety
DL Hughley Calls Kanye West “Morally Bankrupt”
Kanye West is no stranger to criticism. The outspoken Yeezy owner has had his share of controversy and comedian/radio host, DL Hugely, is no fan of the rapper. Like R&B singer Tyrese, Hughley believes West’s spiritual awakening with his rap Christian album and Sunday Service movement is a marketing ploy. Hughley has also been critical of Kanye’s in-laws, especially Kim Kardashian West, and her work in prison reform.
DL Hughley says Kanye West is morally bankrupt
Hughley has been utilizing his expanded profile outside of comedy to speak on social issues throughout the last few years and many consider him a thought leader on issues regarding society and race. Hughley has written several books giving his commentary and has been praised for the analysis he gives on important issues.
The comedian turned radio host has not been pleased with West’s behavior for the last few years but was particularly upset about West’s now-infamous “slavery was a choice” comment. In a new interview with Vlad TV, Hugely says West has no morals.
“He’s a tremendously talented dude but a morally bankrupt human being,” Hugely said. “When albums didn’t sell, this n***a sold God to n***as,” he continued, referring to West’s Jesus Is King album and controversial Sunday Service ceremonies.
He also spoke of West’s political affiliations, calling his decisions unsalvagable. Hughley believes that West is too vain to see any error in his ways and make changes for the better.
DL Hughley has criticized Kanye West and the Kardashian family before
Hughley has spoken out about West before. He once said in an interview that West only appears smart to “dumb people” and that West has no real advisers, but only enablers who surround him.
Hughley has also been vocal about his feelings about West’s wife, particularly his criticism of Kim Kardashian West’s prison reform work. While he believes it’s admirable that Kardashian West is using her platform for the greater good, he has been skeptical of her agenda.
He has been upset at those who have praised Kardashian West for her work yet fail to acknowledge African Americans who have been in the line of advocacy far longer than the reality star.
One of Hughley’s jokes about Kardashian West’s romantic relationships gained the most traction. It came after Kardashian West was seen leaving the White House following her meeting to discuss prison reform.
“Kim Kardashian meeting with the president to discuss prison reform makes sense,” he began. “Who’s screwed more Black dudes than her and the prison system?”
Hughley was unphased by Kardashian West’s work to free Alice Johnson, a non-violent offender who was serving a life sentence for drug charges. According to Hughley, Johnson’s case represented a photo opportunity for Kardashian West and the case was an easier task for her.
“This was the prisoner a reality star liked and a cause they could go behind that another reality star was sparked to,” he told Vlad TV in 2018.
Article via CheatSheet
Vanessa Morgan Says She’s Being ”Used as a Sidekick” to Riverdale’s White Characters
Actress Vanessa Morgan Kopech is speaking out about being “tired of how black people are portrayed in media.”
Morgan, who currently plays Toni Topaz in The CW’s Riverdale, took to Twitter on Sunday, May, 31 to share that she was not going to be “quiet anymore.” In a statement posted on the social media platform, she wrote, “Tired of how black people are portrayed in media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry scary people. Tired of us also being used as side kick non dimensional characters to our white leads.”
“Or only used in the ads for diversity but not actually in the show,” she continued. “It starts with the media. I’m not being quiet anymore.”
On Tuesday, the 28-year-old actress stated that her role on Riverdale “has nothing to do with my fellow classmates/friends. They don’t write the show. So no need to attack them, they don’t call the shots & I know they have my back.”
Article via EOnline
George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter still doesn’t know how her dad died
George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter has only been told that her dad died “because he couldn’t breathe,” as her mother tries to protect her from the truth that has sparked national outrage.
Mom Roxie Washington told “Good Morning America” Wednesday that Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, misses her dad but is not aware that he died in an encounter with Minneapolis police on Memorial Day, when viral footage shows him pinned by a cop’s knee while pleading for air.
“She said, ‘I hear them. I hear them say my daddy’s name,’” Washington told Eva Pilgrim on “GMA.” “And I told her, she doesn’t know, I told her that her dad died because he couldn’t breathe.”
She said Floyd adored his little girl, and had moved to Minneapolis to help provide her a better life.
One video played during Wednesday’s interview shows Gianna on her father’s shoulders, saying, “Daddy changed the world.”
“Kind of I miss him,” Gianna said on “GMA.” “He played with me.”
“She didn’t have to play with nobody else,” Washington said. “Because Daddy was gonna play with her all day long. I mean, that was his baby. He loved his little girl.”
Washington recalled learning of Floyd’s death on television after getting a call about the incident and turning on the TV.
“I watched it only for a moment because I was like, ‘I can’t believe,’” she sobbed. “I couldn’t believe that somebody was doing him like that. I wish I could’ve been there to help him.”
via: https://nypost.com/2020/06/03/george-floyds-6-year-old-daughter-doesnt-know-how-her-dad-died/
Photo Credit: REUTERS
Dad mistakenly runs over sunbathing daughter in driveway
A 12-year-old Massachusetts girl was seriously hurt when she was struck by her father’s car while sunbathing in the family’s driveway, authorities said.
The girl, who was not immediately identified, was partially run over when a 41-year-old male relative pulled into the driveway of her Raynham home Sunday afternoon, police and fire officials said in a joint statement.
The girl, who was airlifted to Boston Children’s Hospital, is expected to survive, Police Chief James Donovan and Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita said.
The vehicle was driven by the girl’s father, Donovan told the Boston Globe.
The man hit his young daughter after “not realizing” she was there tanning, Donovan and LaCivita said.
The incident remains under investigation, authorities said.
via: https://nypost.com/2020/06/01/massachusetts-dad-ran-over-daughter-sunbathing-in-driveway/
Photo Credit: nypost.com
Iowa woman fatally shot while leaving George Floyd protest
A 22-year-old Iowa woman was killed in an apparently random shooting while leaving a George Floyd protest in Davenport — one of two fatal shootings reported overnight during demonstrations in the city.
Italia Marie Kelly was leaving the protest with a friend around midnight Sunday when she was struck from the back by a bullet and collapsed near a local Walmart, according to her aunt.
Police said she was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
“She was always smiling, always laughing,” aunt Amy Hale said. “That’s why it’s so sad that she was taken in such a violent way.”
“That is not Italia,” she said. “She was the bright, bubbly big personality in the room.”
Kelly had decided to leave the demonstrations when it became unruly, her aunt said.
Police said dozens of protesters had gathered at the North Park Mall earlier on Sunday, and later fanned out in cars, damaging property and firing guns — including the shooting of an occupied police cruiser around 3 a.m. Monday.
Police Chief Paul Sikorski said at least one of the officers in the cruiser returned fire.
A vehicle fleeing the scene crashed during a police chase and several people were taken into custody, but no charges have been announced.
The second gunshot victim, who was not identified, was found nearby, but police have not determined if he was struck by a police bullet, the chief said.
“All of the things that we responded to throughout the night were acts of violence,” Sikorski said.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is now investigating the shootings, and two Davenport police officers have been placed on administrative leave, Sikorski said.
via: https://nypost.com/2020/06/01/iowa-woman-shot-while-leaving-george-floyd-protest/
Photo Credit: Family via AP
Trump ‘remains healthy,’ only gained one pound this year, according to exam
WASHINGTON — President Trump appears to be following his doctor’s orders — sort of.
Two years after the White House physician told him he needed to shed some pounds, Trump has arrested his weight gain, putting on just one pound in the past year.
The results of Trump’s third annual physical exam were released Wednesday and gave the president a clean bill of health — although his blood pressure continues to be on the rise after spending three years in the Oval Office.
He also remains clinically obese.
“Based on my history, examination and consultations, the data indicates that the President remains healthy,” wrote his physician, Dr. Sean P. Conley.
“Overall the President continues to benefit from a multi-disciplinary care team in assessing and promoting his health and wellness as he carries out his duties of the Presidency,” Conley continued.
The medical also touches on the president’s controversial decision to take the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to ward-off the coronavirus.
“Following the diagnosis of COVID-19 in two West Wing staffers this past May, as a preventative measure, the President took a two week course of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with zinc and vitamin D,” Conley wrote.
“This was done in consultation with his appropriate health care team members and close monitoring of the electrocardiogram (EKG) for changes in the QT system. The President completed the regime safely and without side effects,” he added.
The 6-foot-3 president tips the scales at 244 pounds, up from 243 pounds in 2019 and 239 pounds the year before.
With a BMI of 30.5, that still puts him in the clinically obese category.
Trump, who has a common form of heart disease, was warned by his previous physician Dr. Ronny Jackson in 2018 that he needed to do more exercise and improve his diet — with a nutritionist brought into the White House to advise chefs on cutting the commander-in-chief’s calories.
Several examinations at the Walter Reed military hospital between November 2019 and April 2020 also found Trump’s blood pressure was 121/79 — up from 118/80 last year and 116/70 the year before.
According to the report, Trump takes three daily medications: Rosuvastatin, which is used to treat high cholesterol; Finasteride, which is used to treat enlarged prostates or hair loss in men, and Aspirin to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Trump doesn’t smoke or drink but is no fan of exercise, either, with golf his primary form of exercise.
After his first exam as president, Jackson declared of Trump: “He has incredibly good genes, and it’s just the way God made him.”
via: https://nypost.com/2020/06/03/trump-remains-healthy-and-only-gained-one-pound-this-year/
Photo Credit: nypost.com