Criminal Justice
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Black Family Has Cars Set on Fire and ‘Trump 2020’ Spray-Painted on Their Home
In further proof that Trump supporters are the worst kind of trash, a Black family in Texas had their cars set ablaze and “Trump 2020” spray-painted on their garage door. NBC News reports that 36-year-old Jayla Gipson said her adult son was using the restroom shortly after midnight last Wednesday when he noticed the smell…
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Black Man Serving Life Sentence for $20 Marijuana Sale Released From Prison
A Black man in Louisiana who was serving a life sentence over two bags of weed worth only $20 has finally been freed from prison after 12 years. I didn’t need any further proof that the American justice system is far from just, but a life sentence? For what may have barely been an eighth?…
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Philadelphia Man Shot by Police and Falsely Convicted of Rape Exonerated After 19 Years in Prison
Listen: Stories about Black men spending years and even decades behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit are never stories you want to hear. But there are certain stories where the degree of racism, injustice and cruel behavior on the part of law enforcement and the criminal justice system is so inconceivably egregious that even…
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From Hellhole to Hotspot: Accounts Inside the D.C. Jail During COVID-19 Reveal a Perfect Storm of Squalor and Neglect
“I was coughing up blood for two days this week,” M said. “I have not seen a doctor. I have been telling sick call but they just walk past me.” M, held at the District of Columbia jail, was describing his life behind bars as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. M’s written statement is one…
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Minnesota Man Convicted for Killing a Child With a Stray Bullet Has Life Sentence Commuted
In 2003, Myron Burrell was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the death of an 11-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Board of Pardons commuted his sentence. According to CBS News, the decision was mutually agreed upon by Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith…
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Democratic Lawmakers Urge Joe Biden to End the Federal Death Penalty on His First Day in Office
The death penalty—a thing supposedly reserved for perpetrators of the most heinous crimes, typically involving intentional and cold-blooded murder—arguably makes sense in theory; but in practice, its flaws and potential for racial discrimination are undeniable. According to figures compiled by the NAACP, Black people represent 42 percent of inmates on death row and 35 percent…
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![10 Black Lives Matter Chapters Pen Open Letter Criticizing BLM Global Network for Lack of Transparency in Decision Making [Updated]](https://assets-server.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29114849/pexqcd8lyee5dx4gxm0w-300x200.jpg)
10 Black Lives Matter Chapters Pen Open Letter Criticizing BLM Global Network for Lack of Transparency in Decision Making [Updated]
Black Lives Matter has become such a mainstream rallying cry and concept that it’s easy to forget it’s also an organization—and one that has grown from a grassroots movement to a global network aimed at the betterment of the Black collective. Since the BLM explosion over the summer, the organization has been making some serious…
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2 Virginia Police Officers Hit With Misdemeanor Charges Related to Conduct During George Floyd Protests
You don’t need me to tell you that cops absolutely showed their asses during the protests that initially arose from the death of George Floyd. Surprisingly, two Virginia cops are actually facing charges as a result of their conduct during one of those protests. According to ABC News, Richmond police detectives Mark Janowski and Christopher…
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New Los Angeles District Attorney Announces Plans to End Cash Bail, Office Will No Longer Seek the Death Penalty
Newly elected Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced plans to enact sweeping reforms— including ending cash bail and the death penalty—while being sworn in on Tuesday. According to CNN, Gascón’s plan to immediately end cash bail for specific crimes could see hundreds of currently incarcerated people released as soon as tomorrow. While these releases…