Breaking News: Shaquanda Cotton to be Freed

Shaquanda Cotton will be freed! Click here for the full story.

Two Justice Systems

Some people don't believe or understand in the saying "there are two justice systems in America". Some feel that whenever such claims are made, they point to rare extremes, and even those are never as transparently racist as they seem. To others, however, racial injustice is a daily truth. The victims live with its effects everyday, whether it be sitting in a jail cell for seventeen years(See: Tyrone Brown), or dealing with such effects for the rest of their lives. Just yesterday in South Carolina, two female teachers were arrested for allegedly having sex with six of their male students, ranging from eleven to fifteen years in age. It is a tragedy when such crimes are committed against any youth, but many see another case of the two systems at work. Imagine the same scenario- two teachers and six students- with the racial roles reversed. Many are upset in their seemingly easy treatment, but what concerns me the most is what they will be charged with. Pamela Rogers, a white teacher, was plead guilty to having sex with a thirteen year old student, and then violating her probation by sending nude videos of herself to the same boy. She was charged with four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, then later, two counts of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor. It took a while, but I finally found a similar case involving a black female teacher. Marcia Amsterdam had sex with a thirteen year old student, but was charged with second degree rape, second degree sex abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child. Similar crimes- Teacher and thirteen year old- but very different convictions.

The only difference I can see is that Marcia Amsterdam is black.

But there are tons of other, seemingly clearer, instances of racial injustice( see: Just Plain Injustice for some examples). These cases are but the tip of the iceberg. The point is, that we need to bring an end to race fueled inconsistencies in the justice system once and for all. But progress can begin until more people acknowledge there is a problem. A big problem.

Last week, it was Tyrone Brown. Tuesday, it was Shaquanda Cotton. Yesterday, it was two teachers in South Carolina. I'm not going to stop until racial and judicial inequality are just bad memories, because I want my children to have a better tomorrow.

Free Baby Cotton - Protest in Paris

Paris, TX, yesterday, unwillingly hosted a historical event in what some are calling the birth of the new civil rights movement. The people of Paris, Dallas, and the surrounding cities all joined forces and bore the rain in front of the courthouse in Paris, TX to protest the wrongful imprisonment of fourteen year old Shaquanda Cotton, and take a stand for racial injustice everywhere. Initial tensions were high after organizers received many threatening calls from Paris citizens and KKK members warning people "...to stay out of our town" and to "leave our Coloreds alone", but the protest remained peaceful as intended and in high spirits, despite the rain and heavy police presence. Many protesters were upset by what they called an excessive police showing, but more so by the many watching from the courthouse windows, filming and what appeared to be snickering at the events. The overall mood of the rally was powerful and empowering, but more important was the feeling of unity and unrest that followed. After the rally was over, nothing felt like business as usual . All chatter and talk was about future plans and next moves, which is crucial to any group who seeks real results. Was this the birth of a movement, or just a day of speeches? It all depends on the actions of those who attended. Will they ride the euphoria for a day and then regain their complacency, or spread the message? Only time will tell. All I can say is that, from the feeling of being there, this was more than just a spark to start a flame: it was a lit stick of dynamite and a can of gasoline in what is already an explosive situation. End racial injustice. One law for all. Free Baby Cotton now.

Highlights from the rally

Thoughts: Chocolate Craving?

Waiting in line at the deli a few days ago, I couldn't help but to notice a middle-aged white man staring at me from a few feet away. Staring with a look of interest. In fact, he looked to be a little too interested and in turn made me uncomfortable.

"Hey, how you doin'?" he said with a grin.

I ignored him.

Maybe it's just me, but as a black woman, I've always felt strangely uncomfortable when white men try to flirt or approach me. Not that I'm fine with black men cat calling, but it's always a different kind of creepiness when white men do it. Why is this?

Author bell hooks believes it's because of America's long time devaluation of black womanhood. In her book, Ain't I A Woman, hooks discusses how white America has perpetuated the stereotype of black women as whores and sexual savages for centuries. She argues this myth was created to keep inter-racial relationships at bay. At the same time however, this negative image of black women has intrigued white men who are curious as to whether this myth has any truth to it. In an excerpt from her book, hook writes:

"In large cities their [white men] lust for black female sex objects led to
the formation of numerous houses of prostitution which supplied black bodies
to meet the growing demand of white men. The myth perpetuated by whites that
black women were the possessors of a heightened sexuality encouraged white
male rapists and sexual exploiters."

Now, I've been called names like "Sweet Cocoa" and "Hot Chocolate" before by white men and always felt a bit uneasy about it. hooks' theory just may be the reason why. Thoughts?

Update: Shaquanda Cotton

William Blair Jr once said that "If ever there is a just cause, [black people] will stick together." It was a powerful statement of hope against a constant barrage of pessimism, but may be proving to be true after all. When the local radio station 97.9 The Beat got a hold of Shaquanda Cotton's story and reported it, the streets took action. Tomorrow morning at eleven AM, a peaceful protest will take place in front of city hall in Paris, TX. The address is 119 N Main St, Paris, TX 75460. Click here to get directions. Any one who is able to attend, please do so. Your participation is the only action that will take place. CNN is not going to report the story. We can't wait until 20/20 does a story and it reaches the sympathetic ear of an influential white person. If the story of Emmit Till had not been told repeatedly by everyone who heard it, how many more similar murders would have been committed without fear of consequence? We need to send a message to the justice system: the message that these double standards will not be tolerated. If you cannot be in Paris tomorrow morning, you still can support the cause. You can help by contacting Texas governor Rick Perry's website, sending Shaquanda notes of support, and spreading the word. Only together can we change a corrupt justice system, and save not only one little girl, but all future generations.

Free Shaquanda Cotton: Leave Shaquanda Notes of Love!

Free Shaquanda Cotton: Leave Shaquanda Notes of Love!