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Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Dak Prescott Hopes Jerry Jones Doesn't Treat Cowboys Players Like Runaway Slaves When They Inevitably Protest the National Anthem

I know, I know, he means well. With professional athletes more expressive about social justice causes than ever before, NFL star Dak Prescott believes that Cowboys players will inevitably join the fray despite their plantation owner Jerry Jones’ wishes to the contrary. However, the two-time Pro Bowler believes that his teammates shouldn’t subscribe to groupthink,…

By

Jay Connor

Published

September 4, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Naomi Osaka Honors Breonna Taylor With Mask at U.S. Open, Has 6 More Masks Lined Up Because She Ain't Losing Any Time Soon

Just so we’re clear, Naomi Osaka has no intention of losing in the U.S. Open anytime soon. I say that because, on Monday night, she took the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City donning a black face mask with Breonna Taylor’s name on it. She then proceeded to stomp a mudhole in…

By

Jay Connor

Published

September 1, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Baltimore Ravens Apply Pressure, Urge Mitch McConnell to Do His Damn Job by Bringing George Floyd Police Reform Bill to Vote

In the immediate aftermath of the Milwaukee Bucks refusing to take the floor during Game 5 of their NBA playoffs series in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, the Baltimore Ravens canceled practice on Friday and issued a statement demanding police reform and addressing systemic oppression in America. “This is bigger than sports,”…

By

Jay Connor

Published

September 1, 2020
Criminal Justice, Mass Incarceration, News

Family of Layleen Polanco Reaches History-Making $5.9 Million Settlement Over Solitary Confinement Death

The family of Layleen Polanco, a trans-Afro-Latina who died while in solitary confinement at Rikers Island jail last year, will receive a historic $5.9 million settlement—the largest New York City has ever paid out for a death in one of its city jails. In a statement to The City, family attorney David Shanies said the…

By

Anne Branigin

Published

August 31, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Because Police Refuse to Stop Shooting Unarmed Black People, We Now Live In a World Without Professional Sports

I had no intention of watching the game. As a lifelong fan of the Orlando Magic—I still have nightmares of my Dad chasing me around the house with a broom after we got swept in the 1995 NBA Finals—I wanted no parts of the inevitable coup de grâce that would be Wednesday’s Game 5 against…

By

Jay Connor

Published

August 27, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

At Age 73, I Feel Younger and Bolder Because of the Movement for Black Lives

When people my age think of the Black Lives Matter uprising, many picture young people taking to the streets and marching for change.But there’s also another story: the story of people like me, aged 73, sitting at the table with young people and spending hours to develop strategies, draft legislation like the BREATHE Act and…

By

Genetta M. Adams

Published

August 27, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

I Ain't One to Gossip, but Word on the Street Is That the Celtics and Raptors Might Boycott Their Game on Thursday

Since the NBA resumed play in July, we’ve seen protests, demonstrations and players have been extremely vocal about a multitude of issues that impact our communities. But one thing we haven’t seen is players outright refuse to play games in the name of social justice. And with tensions boiling after 29-year-old Jacob Blake was ruthlessly…

By

Jay Connor

Published

August 26, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Angela Davis and Ava DuVernay Discuss America's 'Racial Reckoning' for Vanity Fair Digital Cover Story

Angela Davis has been fighting the good fight for more than 50 years, working as a social justice activist and scholar. Now, she is featured on the cover of Vanity Fair’s September 2020 digital issue, and in a conversation with 13th and When They See Us director Ava DuVernay, she speaks on this year’s “racial…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 26, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Tune In: Queen Latifah to Host Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today on Facebook Watch

This year, the March on Washington will take place on Aug. 28 and Facebook Watch is teaming up with Will Packer and Jesse Collins Entertainment to premiere a one-hour special to recognize the 57th anniversary of the historic 1963 event. Hosted by Queen Latifah as part of Facebook’s #LiftBlackVoices initiative, Change Together: From the March…

By

Tonja Renée Stidhum

Published

August 25, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

LeBron James, Cardi B, Michael B. Jordan and Others Express Outrage Over Shooting of Jacob Blake

The shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake at the hands of police in Kenosha, Wis., on Sunday has sparked national outrage. In a video of the incident that has been widely circulated, the unarmed Black man—who reportedly was there to break up a fight—was walking back to his vehicle while being followed by police. While he…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 25, 2020