by Alex M. Johnson
Acts of gun violence are acts of terror. We saw that again in Poway this week. I work for a foundation dedicated to improving the health of Californians. I know that gun violence forces children, families, and communities into a toxic environment of fear and trauma.
One month ago, an act of gun violence struck down Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom. Nipsey was a beloved son and brother of South Los Angeles. He was a hip-hop artist, a father and an entrepreneur who supported and invested in his community. He opened Vector 90, a youth center offering classes in science, technology and math; renovated World on Wheels skating rink; fixed playgrounds and basketball courts; was an employer who provided jobs; and was a key partner in Destination Crenshaw, an open-air museum now in development that will celebrate the contributions and history of Black Los Angeles in the neighborhood where he grew up.
In many ways, South LA has been a community on the rise because of the efforts of residents like Nipsey. But once again, the people of South LA must find a way to heal in the wake of tragedy, and we should all be looking for ways to support that healing. The sad truth is that in the week prior to Nipsey’s death, there were 26 other shooting victims and 10 gun deaths in and around South LA. Two weeks earlier still, USC student and musician, Victor McElhaney, the son of Oakland City Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney, who has spoken out against gun violence repeatedly in her city, was shot dead eight miles from Nipsey’s Marathon Clothing. As of today, there have been 29 gun deaths in South LA this year.
Many are concerned that increasing violence in the community may undermine the progress being made.
Like so many others who have mourned Nipsey these past weeks, his loss struck me in a raw and visceral manner. He was a Black man relatively close to me in age, a brother, father, partner, a friend to so many, a collaborator and ally of those I respect and admire, and a man who was so much more than music.
As Nipsey reminded us in a 2011 interview, gun violence is “not normal.” It jeopardizes every aspect of our lives, whether that be our schools, our businesses, or our ability to trust and connect with one another. The still surreal nature of this moment makes clearthat we need more than prayers. We must interrogate the question “why” and then act. We must work together to honor Nipsey Hussle’s life, and the lives of so many others who have been senselessly lost to violence, by supporting the people of South LA, by investing in efforts to prevent violence and comprehensively address its root causes.
TAKE ACTION
Support these organizations working to prevent violence in South Los Angeles:
2nd Call, www.2ndcall.org
Community Coalition, cocosouthla.org
Brotherhood Crusade, brotherhoodcrusade.org
The Professional Community Intervention Training (PCIT), pciti.net
All the interventionists working each and every day in service to community.
Alex M. Johnson is a program director at The California Wellness Foundation, where he manages grantmaking related to preventing violence and strengthening community clinics.
An earlier version of this essay was published by the California Wellness Foundation
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
Uh…Alex….in your remembering, you forgot to mention that, according to his Facebook page, Saint Hussle was a “devout member of the Rollin 60’s Crips.”
In today’s culture where cops are bad and criminals are good, we lionize those who’ve “reformed” from horrible lives and marginalize the REAL heroes…the people who’ve worked hard, followed the rules and succeeded despite hardships.
His contribution was to perpetuate and glamorize a thug culture of gangs, drugs, money and guns. Shocking that he died they way he did. But his “music” (below link) will live on and millions of kids will think he’s someone to emulate and look up to. They’ll also think his amazingly imaginative lyrics like, “Fuck the police,” are a creed to live…and die by.
He represented the worst of black culture and DESPITE the good he did in his community, he did more harm by perpetuating negative stereotypes of blacks as gang members and criminals.
I’m not at all sorry to see him go.
https://genius.com/Nipsey-hussle-50-niggaz-lyrics
Oh, LASD Apsotle, you, too, forgot to mention a few things. First, you did not mention the lyrics before the ones you cite, which are:
It’s legal kill black people
Ain’t that some shit?
It’s legal to kill unarmed black people
If you read those, then the follow up of “Fuck the police” makes more sense. And, maybe you should wonder why the brothers do not like you.
Second, since when is being in a gang against the law? What happened to freedom of association? Contrary to your fake figures that you and your ilk have been trotting for years, there are no 100k gang members, and most people in gangs do not go around shooting or robbing people, they do what most teenagers do – hang out, drink, maybe smoke, chase girls. That’s it. Most will outgrow it
Third, Websters defines hero as follows: a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage. You and your ilk use the word too loosely. By definition, there are few heroes, and you and your ilk are not heroes, as you would like to think. Merely joining the military or the police does not a hero make. You get paid, well, with a nice pension, for a job that is in essence a highly paid security guard job. So, please, stop this hero worship where there are no heroes.
Fourth, its music. Relax. I do not hear you and your ilk who criticized Nipsey, NWA or Ice T for talking trash about cops or having what you call violent lyrics criticize Johnny Cash for singing that he “shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.” Or, how about the Kingston Trio, as that is probably more your times, when they sing, “Well, early one evening I was rollin’ around I was feelin’ kind of mean, I shot a deputy down.” No one complained about that. Maybe you are more Adam Levine type. If so, where is your whining about his lyrics about killing a man when he sings: “Came without a warning, so I had to shoot him dead; he won’t come around here anymore.” Is that going to incite white boys to kill when they find their girlfriends cheating on them? Country music is loaded with lyrics about meth, whiskey, getting drunk, etc but you never whine about that. Stop it already. Its just music.
Instead of whining about the attention that some young black kid got, why don’t you ferret out the crooked cops, the ones shredding the records to hide their misdeeds, the ones on the list for lying on the stand, the ones probably molesting some little cadet, or the one planting evidence, or the one so incompetent that he sees guns where there are none. Please, earn your keep. We, the taxpayers, pay a pretty penny for your “service.’ I hope you are not posting your nonsense on the job.
Great article, Mr. Johnson as it addressed a myriad of issues in, but not limited to South Los Angeles.
@CF Amen, Amen, Amen……I was about to go in on LASD Apostle, but I will pray for him instead.
The Marathon Continues
Rip Nip
“and most people in gangs do not go around shooting or robbing people, they do what most teenagers do – hang out, drink, maybe smoke, chase girls. That’s it. Most will outgrow it”
Something tells me that cf does not have these fine young gentlemen living in his neighborhood. Maybe you should invite a couple over for a pool party? Boys will be boys, amirite?
So I guess CF just cleared the Sheriff’s Department. All this talk of ridding the department of gangs is mute according to CF. Being in a gang is not against the law. All they do is drink, smoke (cigars for cops), and chase girls. Problem solved!
Celeste you got it.
Oh and I forgot. Like CF said whatever happen to FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION! Thanks CF for finally clearing things up for everyone on here. By CF analysis it also clears up this idea that all cops are bad. Quite the contrary by his owns words not all “gang” members, which by his definition is not bad, are out there pillaging. So most cops are doing what they gotta do correctly and legally. There maybe be some bad apples.
And the whole Nipsey thing. Eh. It is what it is. Live by the gun…. as the saying goes. No one here is or can be the “Judger!” He will meet his maker whoever that maybe be.
I never knew or heard of this man (Nipsey Hussle), nor listened to his music, until the annoncement of his death. Nonetheless, my consternation is with these so called journalists. During the introductory paragraph, the writer states, “Nipsey was a beloved son and brother of South Los Angeles. He was a hip-hop artist, a father and an entrepreneur….” Okay, so where is the one obvious aspect of this man’s predominant work experience (gang banger)? Further, this man was paraded around South L.A. as if he was a major iconic, figure such as Dr. King. Nonetheless, the media and some members of the community put this individual on a pedestal. Evidently, they seem to have conveniently had a memory lapse as to the crimes this man committed. Although this man may have been contributing for the betterment of his community, one thing still remains true, he was a gang banger. Whether his motives were pure in nature or felt some sort of guilt from his past, only two people will know, himself and the Lord.
Sorry, cf. I must have touched a nerve for you to lash out that way.
It’s funny you thinking I was talking about cops as heroes. I never mentioned cops. I was referring to people of color who stay in school, obey the law, work hard, overcome obstacles and succeed. The writer, Alex Johnson, is one of MANY examples, although he and I obviously have different views. Nipsey Scumbag was NOT one of those people.
You sound like a third grader….”What about what HE did?” Johnny Cash? Really? Hilarious.
Gentlemen, please. Seems that I was the one that touched a nerve.
Original One, something tells you incorrectly. Born and raised in the hood, and you still find me walking the streets among the people. So, I speak from experience, not from behind the wheel of a black and white, a gun on the side and a badge on the chest, to give me a false sense of courage and allow me to pick on black kids. I do, and have, had them over my house. You’d be surprised.
CF Speaks the Truth, you miss one crucial point and a very fundamental difference, you are paid by the taxpayers to do a certain job and in a certain way, the gang members are not. You want to pretend you are in a gang, that is fine, just not on the government dime. You keep forgetting that we, the public, pay you, and like any other employer, we, the public, can tell you how to do your job. If the public, through the courts, the legislature, or other means, tells you to disclose records, do it. If we tell you that you can’t pretend to be a gangster on the job, don’t pretend. If we tell you that we are changing the use of force policy, accept it. If not, do what any principled self-respecting man would do- quit and get another job. Stop feeding at the government trough, while at the same time squealing about some nonexistent war on cops.
Mr. Rolman, something tells me that if Dr. King were the one on Crenshaw, you would have been on the line with a German Shepard telling the “boy” to move along and not be a rabble-rouser. Funny how these cops bring out Dr. King as the example of “the blacks” they would like to see, but when he was around there few, if any, white people supporting him.
LASD Apostle, no nerve touched. I enjoy the rapproachment from my fellow uniformed brothers. You are correct, you did not mention cops as heroes, but be honest, do you not think that? Or that folks in the military are heroes? Be frank. And, I understand what you are referring to- the “good blacks.” You have no problem with the “good blacks,” its the ones that do respect “authority” that you have a problem with. No doubt your response will be that one of your best friends is black. And, by the way, I like Johnny Cash, although I never wanted to change my name to Sue, dress in all black, or go to Folsom. It’s music, relax. No doubt you thought that dang Rock’n Roll ruined them youngsters.
@ Apostle: Not only is your view different from Mr.Johnson but also his “real life” experiences and background growing up (being a person of color) in Los Angeles as well as his professional accomplishments. Comparably, your view will always be different .
But yes, you are correct with Alex Johnson being one of many fine examples.
Brother from Another, like cf, you’re making assumptions about me.
I was born to immigrant parents and grew up in East LA where I had some “real life” experiences of my own. I’m not going to compare myself to Alex Johnson, who’s had an amazing career, but I’ve done alright.
Great that you can relate somewhat in the midst of different views.
The problem with idolizing Rappers, Athletes and Actors, is that young people grow up thinking that’s their “way out” or their path to success. I’ve said for a very long time this is a huge problem within the black community. It’s a problem within every demographic, but it’s particularly prevalent in the black community.
Enjoying rap and loving sports is one thing, but seeing it as their path to success is a huge problem. The Ice Cubes of the world are .0000001 of the population.
I blame the leadership of these communities, or lack there of. There are too many accomplished black military heroes, businessmen and women, politicians and inventors to list that should be the models for the youngsters. But instead, it’s the Nipseys of the world that become their heroes.
CF and Brother. Let me save you some time. I’m white, therefore I can’t say anything or have an opinion on the black community.
@ Ownership:
Once again, school is in session. To begin with you need not remind me that you are white which is only obvious, no mystery there.
Another obvious item is that your preemptive and facetious comment about you saying anything or having an opinion on the black community because you are a paleface is ridiculous.
As I mentioned to you more than once before and that is, you and everyone else is entitled to their opinion or having a say so, regardless if it is off base and you have no factual clue of what the hell you’re talking about. Almost like a gangster telling you about the inner workings of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department.
I’ve also previously enlightened you about your term of ” leadership” in the black community in which you previously mentioned “Al Sharpton” which had me shaking my head.
Very prevalent in the black community and in many minority communities of color is a phrase in which we adapt called “It takes a Village” which is comprised of positive and caring people with whom our youth interact with on a daily basis.
That would include teachers, neighbors, policemen, relatives, clergy, recreation center personnel, coaches and even some reformed O.G.’s who tell young people, not to take the path of a gangster.
I don’t know everything about Nipsey Hussle but the above noted lyrics in a previous post does not define his mark in the black community but what he did for his community ( after those lyrics) showed a reformation to be positive.
Lest you soon forget, even the rapper turned producer Ice Cube along with N.W.A. made the famous/infamous song “F#ck the Police”.
Mind you that every young child in the black community did not adopt that mindset.
Young people are free to dream as to their careers, but they should also realize what is more attainable as they mature.
When I post my thoughts or facts, it is not to be adversarial or be a cyber bad ass, but simply to either state what I know or what I think and few times to expose reckless conversation by clueless people.
Brother from Another, you lost me at “paleface.” I didn’t bother to read the rest of your stupidity. Like Nipsey Scumbag, you’re part of the problem, not the solution.
Celeste, I hope you delete his post. If you don’t, there’s apparently a double standard when it comes to racial insults.
I’m not sure why you thought a tribute to this thug was necessary.
LASD Apostle; There is and always will be that double standard. From Brother, CF and Celeste. CF has called us Rednecks quite a few times. We all know if we used a racial or sexist slur towards them the house would come down and IP addresses would be banned.
There is NOTHING anybody could call me that would raise my blood pressure one point. And there lies the difference between CF, Brother, Celeste and me. And it’s not what’s between my legs or my skin color.
CF and Brother. Let me save you some more time. The “N” word has more meaning and sting than all the other racial slurs used towards all the other races.
You just defaced the man’s business name and referred to the man as a scumbag. I really want to respond to you in person. Where are you located? Dog spit like you need to be dealt with in front of the ppl you disrespect and not behind cpu screen’s. Don’t say anything else except ur location. Or even better we can meet at Nipsey Hussle square/Crenshaw & Slauson and I wanna hear you call that man Nipsey Scumbag in person over there. Matter of fact I want you to scream it. Ur location or Hussle square, pick a spot?
GotemSpooked, Crenshaw and Slauson? Scumbag Square? Are you kidding? It’s dangerous over there.
It’s also dangerous to talk shit behind somebody’s back. So come out of hiding or put on a wig bc ur manhood is gone. Why the back and forth? Go to that mans place of business and refer to him as a scumbag. You terrified? You’ll call him out of his name on this pussy ass sunflower blog but you won’t say it where his stamp is at? Like if I made ur daughter give me too and ran off. I would never lol but man up or shut up.
Seriously all I would have to do is post this blog on social media and have some other’s do the same. This whole blog would be shut down after ppl came in and commented on this foolishness.
Ownership, this is America. Half of the people want to be famous or rich, or both. Its not a problem with the black community, it a problem in America. Young White girls want to be Katy Perry and young White boys want to be Eminem. That is why you have these poor saps parading their Honey Boo Boos of the world dressed like clowns thinking they will be America’s next top model.
And, Ownership, no need to disclose that you are White. Besides, I am sure your best friend is black and you watch the news, so you are qualified to give your opinion on the Black community. If Donald Trump can be president, surely you can pontificate on the state of black America.
Gotemspooked, I would chose my words more carefully. This place, although they always complain, is loaded with L.A.’s finest and they may just claim that you threatened them and that they “feared” for their life. Before you know it, you may just have SWAT at your door. Remember, these are the folks that beat up people and then charge them for resisting arrest or see guns where there are none. Besides, you are asking too much to see a cop without a badge or gun walking around Crenshaw and Slauson. They are a rare species, as rare as black Trump supporters. You wont see them unless they are props.
Wow, can’t wait to see what my article will bring to this site.
Rip Nip
CF:. Evidently from your comments, a person of color (white) would not be safe walking near Crenshaw and Slauson. Why would that be? I would assume a white person walking in South Central (sorry south LA) would be entitled to the same civil liberties and safety as a black person walking in Beverly Hills. I hope u are not insinuating that the black community harbors ill will towards people of color.
Just read that good ol Nipsey was working with the enemy. He was working with investors and politicians to help the community AKA Expand his money making ventures.
One of the people he was working with was a Republican from South Carolina. Hmmm, maybe he wasn’t as dumb as some people think!! Lmao
Like I said CF keeps on with the truth. HE pays the COPS salary. We should do as HE or the people say.
Average salary in la county 67000. Seeing as COPS pay taxes like CF and the public, we pay our own salary. COPS pay more in taxes then most la county residents, by average numbers double, so we should do what they say????
And last I checked I didn’t draft COP policies. That’s above all OUR heads. Usually lawyers not COPS.
I’ve never said there is a war on cops.
COPS are part of the PUBLIC too.
More info. Nipsey was working with Rep. Scott from SC. They both were taking advantage of President Trump’s tax plan which gives tax incentives for investments into struggling minority neighborhoods. God bless those racist Republicans. All while Maxine Waters sits on her ass.
CF and Brother; What say you that good ol Rip Nip was forced to work with a Republican from the other side of the country and embrace President Trump’s fiscal policies????
Bandwagon, au contraire mon frere. Perhaps I did not make myself clear, what I meant is that one is unlikely to find a person who is a police officer, especially a white one, in the hood, without a badge or a gun, acting like he or she does when they are in the black and white with their badge and gun, i.e, talking crap to kids in saggy pants. Without the badge and the gun, if you were to venture on that side of town from Simi Valley, you would no doubt be quiet. I hope that is clear. White people are safe.
Ownership, for your information I believe in a free market, so long as there is no regulatory or political capture and no market failures, and I do not begrudge anyone, including Nipsey, making a buck, especially if he is improving his community. And, only a fool would tell him not to take advantage of any tax breaks, including those created by Opportunity Zones. If he wants to work with a Republican, I have no problem with that. Even you and I can find some common ground and maybe agree on something we may work on together. The question is what is he working on – if its an investment, more power to him. Green is the only color that no one discriminates against.
P.S. We may actually agree on Maxine. Perhaps for different reasons, but we may just agree. I think her time has come and gone, and she is a relic, and, to some degree a poverty pimp, who caught her second wind because of Trump. What say you?
Actually I live in Santa Clarita….but point made. I’m not sure that I would feel comfortable in the hood without a gun. Hell most of the gangsters ( people wearing baggy pants) living there tend to agree. Perhaps if you could solve the violence and out of control crime in our inner cities….I might feel more comfortable and spend some time in the south end. Until then I guess I will keep packing!
CF:. By the way….throughout my 26 years in prior law enforcement, I never talked to anyone in a matter I would not say off duty and unarmed. However, I would certainly respond with vigor if disrespected without cause. I would agree not every officer worked with that attitude.
CF; Don’t fall out of your chair, but you and just may have found some common ground.
I still think Trump’s policies benefit us all for the most part. I think Nipsey and his fellow investors saw that.
Trumps downfall is his Verbal Vomit he’s so prone to let out. I truly feel he’s not a racist, just a pragmatist with no concept of an eloquent delivery.
Stay well
Stay in your lane
@ LASD Apostle: Funny how you try to be everyman everywhere. Fyi, you do not have the golden key of knowledge to LASD and you attempting to have some similarities & credibility being the son of immigrants raised in East Los Angeles is hilarious.
LASD Imposter is more fitting.
More like ex high school loser that got a badge, a gun, and a pension to make him feel good about his self.
Feels Good!
@cf….obviously, your mentality is still mired in the days of racism and divisiveness. My comment about Nipsey being paraded around like an iconic figure, was by no means casting aspersions on Dr. King. As a mater of fact, I agreed with Dr. King’s narrative. Nonetheless, it is obvious that you subscribe to arrogant, unproven theories, while also promulgating a false narrative, along with a side of racism.
“After centuries of a history of black men hung from trees without trial, or after the thousands of cases of black men tried, convicted and executed without counsel… I cannot understand why in 2019 some people would deny a black man his 6th Amendment right to counsel of his choice.”
The words of Christopher Darden, another person who SHOULD be held up as a role model and admired for his accomplishments by the black community, forced to back down by cowardly Nipsey Scumbag supporters.
https://www.npr.org/2019/05/11/722453585/lawyer-made-famous-in-o-j-simpson-trial-steps-away-from-nipsey-hussle-case
Yes, Christopher Darden is a positive role model who unfortunately is targeted by some knuckleheads who come in all shades & hues.
Additionally another positive role model was Johnny Cochran who successfully defended O.J. Simpson and Geronimo Pratt with cases that exposed inequalities within the Criminal Justice System.
Except in the O.J. trial Johnny was more than willing to play the race card regardless of the truth or consequences of his decision. Are there inequalities in our justice system? Of course…was it necessary to allow a guilty man to walk to expose those inequalities? I don’t think so. No, Johnny was more interested in promoting himself than exposing the truth……
Interesting how O.J. won his case through a trial but William Shatner & Robert Blake walk away without controversy in somewhat similar cases
It didn’t help the prosecution when it came to Detective Vannatter and questionable timeline with blood sample from O.J. along with Mark Furhman perjuring himself.
Just meditate on that and save your thoughts for a “Memory Lane” thread at another time.
No need to meditate on this one my conspiracy theorist….Perhaps Mr. Shatner and Mr. Blake were also guilty and deserved a different outcome….which has no bearing on the OJ case unless u are playing the race card like Johnny.
No need to play the race card when double standards rule the game, race only highlights it.
Do you honestly think if Dylann Roof was Black and murdered members of a white church congregation, that the local Police Department would still go to Burger King because the suspect was hungry? Wake up and GTFOH!
“Some Folks Will Never See The True Color Of Racism, For They Are Not Of That Color”
“Some folks will blame racism for their failures in life instead of taking personal responsibility”.
Racism is a bigger factor than many will admit. But unless you’ve been affected by it you will never know. Some individuals are born with a fighting chance, others are not.
The system wasn’t built with the same freedom n Justice for all. You will only know this if you experienced it.
Law Enforcement and the rules they impose aren’t the same for all. You will only know this if you experienced it.
I was at a recent town hall meeting and someone asked. Why does a black man knocking on a white mans door, require an emergent “priority suspicious activity” response by law enforcement?
@Bandwagon………so where is the blame of race, where is the failure, where has one not taking personal responsibility?
The individual was a process server, doing his job and committed no crime. But was thrown in the back seat of a car, harassed, verbally attacked and then let go. His first and only experience with LE, a bad one. You will only know this if you experienced it.
We all have our own experiences, our own beliefs and our own opinion. But we all have not been victims of RACISM.
“Why does an black man knocking on a white mans door demand a priority response. Because my friend Blacks make up only 13% of the US population. Yet yearly make up approximately 38% of arrests nationwide. The optics are apparent. I would argue the point that poverty is the real issue not racism. Poverty crosses all color barriers.
@Bandwagon….that question was brought up at a community town hall meeting in Agoura Hills Last week. A friend of mine attended and gave me an overview of the nights events. The question was addressed to the sheriff.
Apparently LASD and The Civil Service Commission sees a black man knocking on a white mans door as Emergent Priority Suspicious Activity.
AV didn’t agree with the listed, but apparently there was some validity as to why the subject was brought up during the meeting.
And I’d say poverty is another factor to add to the equation.
@Bandwagon…..I just re-read your reply. Are you suggesting with those stats that a black man knocking on a white mans door requires an emergent “priority suspicious activity” response from the law.
Please clarify.
So basically skirting the issue, Bandwagon is saying that the black process server had to be actually one of, or will be one of the 38% that he previously mentioned. The fear of black men is ever so prevalent, period.
An actual “real & valid” conversation should focus on the death of Mitrice Richardson and the cover-up after being released at zero dark thirty from Lost Hills Sheriff Station.
@City Dweller…..Agreed.
I wasn’t mumbling…..FBI statistics clearly show a disparity between Blacks and other races/cultures within our crinimal justice system. That is a problem that neither one of you have addressed. BLM fails to focus on the real issues of black on black crime and it’s affect on our inner cities and relationships with law enforcement.
@Bandwagon sounds like your mumbling to me. I believe I read that you did 26 years in LE. Never mind your statistics.
Answer me this. If you saw a black man knock on your neighbors door in your prestigious Santa Clarita neighborhood, would you call n report suspicious activity. To further the question would you deem it an emergent priority response, that 2-3 minute response time…….not the routine 60 minute it would take if it was just a white male knocking.
Sorry Nip, for changing your post bro. But the Marathon Continues Homie.
I live in Santa Clarita….but point made. I’m not sure that I would feel comfortable in the hood without a gun. Hell most of the gangsters ( people wearing baggy pants) living there tend to agree. Perhaps if you could solve the violence and out of control crime in our inner cities…………words of @bandwagon.
Based on your responses in this post, I don’t think the black process server would feel comfortable in your neighborhood.
I’ll pray for you n just hope in your 26 years of LE that you were by the book.
Oh he would be fine. I doubt the opposite would be true. I’m only pointing out the facts…I personally have no issues with people of color including white people. But to ignore the reality the black community is viewed rightly or wrongly as violent and gang ridden is ignoring the elephant in the room. Those views are supported by facts ie. Chicago Baltimore etc. Perception is reality my friend. What I have written maybe viewed as insensitive or worse….but it is the truth.
And 1. Just to add some balance to our conversation….I once received a Life Saving Award for giving CPR to an African American male who had suffered a heart attack while I was assigned in the Southend of the county. I did it without the benefit of any medical protective device putting my health at risk. It was the right thing to do. So please allow me to express my opinion without the stereotypes…..
That’s part of the reason I like this form, we agree to disagree on many topics. I commend you for saving that mans life and applaud you were awarded for such bravery.
There is a problem in a lot of communities across America which causes individuals to become “products of their environments”. As I’ve stated before some individuals aren’t afforded the same Just lives as others and the hood becomes their only retreat.
Don’t know if you ever heard of the “boot strap theory” but social economic strain is real. You will only know this if you’ve experienced it.
I don’t agree with what is going on in those communities you listed, but I understand what is going on. I only know, because I’ve experienced it and was 1 of only a few to make it out.
Addressing the problem would be to simple for this great America, but then again most of America probably believes the police should respond to the process server just trying to serve court documents.
I’ll end with this, the world needs prayer and if we all pray for each other. No matter what color we are, this America will be a much greater place.
@Bandwagon if you see me out serving papers in your area, please don’t call the police on me sir. I’m just a man that made it out the hood striving for equality, trying to achieve the American dream and trying to be all I can be. So please don’t have 12, 927c and harass me.
I will buy you a cup of coffee if I see you in my neighborhood. Will make it it myself. I do know the boot strap theory. I grew up in a one parent household on a very limited income. I was lucky I found a public sector job! Poverty doesn’t discriminate……please conversing with you!
Pleasure conversing with you. …darn spell check!