Lifestyle
In Pursuit of Justice: What is the merit of OJ Simpson’s complex legacy?
Nearly 30 years ago, the American public was unexpectedly drawn to it not by the scheduled 1994 NBA Finals, but by the real drama unfolding on TV screens. On June 17, 1994, Orenthal James “OJ” Simpson became the subject of a slow police chase on the highways of Southern California, during which Simpson was led by close friend Al Cowlings in the now infamous white Ford Bronco. He was accused of the brutal murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman and was wanted by authorities because he refused to give up.
Chase, captured by television cameras and broadcast livehe drew an estimate 95 million viewers right into a collective experience of expectation and disbelief. As the Bronco passed under highway overpasses, crowds gathered, some cheering for Simpson – a shocking display of the complex interplay between celebrity culture, racial trauma and the serious nature of the allegations against the former NFL star. The media spectacle that followed became a social zeitgeist, mostly viewed on a bizarre split-screen television that compared the NBA Finals to a police chase. The subsequent criminal trial proved much more divisive and pivotal, without end changing the way the media covers high-profile cases. And yet, in the days following Simpson’s death from cancer on April 10, and nearly three a long time after the murders that accelerated his fall from grace, as society continues to grapple with notions of guilt and innocence, a more poignant discussion is emerging about the broader ramifications penance and reconciliation.
Once a celebrated sports hero affectionately often called “The Juice,” Simpson became the central figure in a surreal painting that will usher in his transformation into one of the most polarizing figures in modern American history. The stark divisions in public opinion during Simpson’s trial have resurfaced along with his death, underscoring a persistent and even deeper social rift – a rift not only over the man himself, but in addition over how broader justice systems proceed to intersect with race and celebrity status in America. Reflecting on Simpson’s recent death and the controversy surrounding not only his legacy but in addition his remaining pecuniary and moral debts, the conversation now turns to his unfinished business. Although Simpson went to trial and was acquitted of all criminal charges in 1995, over the following a long time many viewers continued to be disturbed by his seeming lack of remorse or any sense of responsibility as he publicly reflected on the deaths of Brown Simpson and Goldman, for which he was found guilty in a 1997 civil suit. At the time of his death, this monetary debt remained unpaid.
Whether they believed or disbelieved in his guilt, the public drawn into this saga could use some form of closure by which OJ Simpson admitted that the nature of his relationship with Nicole Brown Simpson likely contributed to the events that placed her in the above harmful way. What about their children? It might need been stimulating to deal with the undeniable fact that in the wake of the murders, two of the Simpson children lost their mother and, to a lesser extent, their father. Their innocence was also stolen.
Admittedly, deciphering Simpson’s narrative might be an emotional rollercoaster. When we consider how his legacy of acquittal stirs frustration and unresolved feelings, it can’t be denied that his “second chance” was seemingly squandered. Neither his accusers nor his supporters received the ending we expected.
How to bury individuals with whom we left unfinished business? Can justice be found when there is no solution? Against the backdrop of Simpson’s public persona and the legal battles that ultimately overshadowed the achievements of his earlier life, highlighting the interplay of fame, race and justice, his downfall also launched a complex dialogue about moral responsibility and private redemption. It is price considering the deeper, perhaps more personal, elements of repentance and the transformative power of engaging in activities that seek to heal and restore the community, regardless of the court’s verdict. This shift of focus from external judgments of judgment to internal judgments of character and soul invites us to explore what true redemption might appear like after life’s most tumultuous storms.
Such reflection becomes much more essential once we consider how the sensationalism of the Simpson trial connects to the emergence of reality television and pervasive influencer cultures. Every day we’re inundated with the latest news, drawn into other people’s conflicts to the point that we lose sensitivity. How does the practice of repentance inform the broader conversation about moral responsibility and private redemption, not only in headline-grabbing cases like the Simpson case that we’re seeing increasingly more of lately, but in our own lives and communities? What does true redemption appear like in the context of social healing and restorative justice?
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Many say that if someone is not guilty, there is nothing to dwell on – and to some extent this is true. However, the responsibility stays to see that a broken community is united, especially when it has the power to alleviate the suffering of those wronged by engaging in forms of repentance, which is a personality trait that we do not discuss enough. Doing penance is an indication of maturity and humility in the face of evil; these are actions that result from religious practices that show remorse for something someone has done or been involved in. At the same time, although most of us won’t ever be accused of murder and even suspected of murder, each of us can relate to the experience of being misunderstood or blamed in our lives where only God might be the judge – period.
If this is true, what will we bear as testimony?
Giving an account to the Creator meant when our ancestors spoke about the “Book of Life”, a reference symbolizing the record of deeds and deeds for which the soul inhabiting the human body is responsible. In the sacred Christian text, often called the New Testament of the Bible, the “Book of Life” refers to the names recorded for individuals who will inherit everlasting life.
Although our names are written in the heavenly Book of Life, all have to be held accountable in line with their actions on this life and the next. For every motion there is an equal and opposite response. The desire ought to be for us to enhance our lives daily in the hope that whoever comes after us will have the option to construct a greater legacy because we lived.
In the context of the African-American experience of centuries of liberation and struggle, “The Book of Life” has a deeper meaning since it incorporates inside it a desire to be free from the complexities of who we’re and the struggles we endure. Our ancestors spoke of each the Book of Life and angelic support in a spirituality deeply rooted in Black people: “The angels in heaven signed my name” We can imagine that Simpson himself hears this song through his mother Eunice, who was reportedly deeply rooted in the Christian faith and famous music, who sang hymns and devotional songs on countless Sundays. As the hymn reminds us, there is all the time an incentive to repent and be held accountable. What does restorative justice appear like?
Can you imagine what it means when the angels write your name and it is recognized by the Divine Creator, regardless of who you’re or what you might have done? We all have power that we will wield in the name of like to bring about resolution in our spheres of influence. As the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once stated“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that is opposed to love.” We sense that when the whole lot is considered, especially from the point of view of those that have been wronged, the Divine Creator, who is love, makes all things right for the justice of all.
Ultimately, what matters most is what Source knows about you. To put it one other way, Minister Louis Farrakhan reminds us of this we’re the direct descendants of the Divine because each of us has a righteous nature hidden beneath the unique circumstances of our lives. As people of faith, regardless of our faith, we’re called to look beyond others’ faults to fulfill them of their needs.
In circumstances of life and inheritance that beat us and abused us, angels in heaven signed our name.
Through the confusion and pitfalls of life, the angels in heaven have signed our name.
However the world perceives you, once you strive to be higher and do higher, the angels in heaven sign your name.
Our prayer is:
.
,
The Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones is a faith leader helping people navigate a dynamic world, as a consultant to numerous arts and faith-based organizations and as Professor of Music in Contemporary Societies at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. She is an award-winning writer (Oxford University Press). For more information please visit DrAlisha.com.
Rev. Calvin Taylor Skinner is committed to strengthening frontline communities in Knoxville, Tennessee and the UK. He uses faith and politics to deal with energy justice, criminal justice reform, voter education/mobilization, electoral politics, and global issues. He and his wife, Reverend Dr. Alisha Lola Jones, run InSight Initiative, a consulting firm focused on capability constructing and live event production.
Lifestyle
3 Ways to Stay Mentally Healthy STAT
We all feel a lot – an excessive amount of – greater than we will handle, really. From rage to confusion to heartbreak to empathy to hopelessness and maybe more rage, we’re all drowning in emotions lately.
We cannot let this eat us.
There is not any quick solution. We all clearly want change now, but they face the deflating reality that change – real change – takes time.
But now we’d like to deal with ourselves – our physical and mental health.
We can’t be as effective as we would love to be if we aren’t giving 100% of our minds, bodies and spirits. If there was ever a time when we wanted to perform at optimal levels, that is it.
Here’s what you’ll be able to do to stay sane within the face of utter madness.
Disconnect
We want to know every part. We want to know the way it happens. We want to engage and know that folks think and feel the identical way we do. We want constant community in order that we do not feel as alone as we already do. Eventually all of it may be an excessive amount of.
Consistently engaging with disturbing information is more destructive than we realize. Allow yourself a moment to break away from the chaos. Your mind and your spirit need it. Look at something you like. Read words that uplift your spirit, stay in your individual processing space, and reconnect when you find yourself ready.
Friends and family
Sit down along with your family members. Let them know what they mean to you, now. Develop an “in case of emergency” plan. Embrace. Check in on one another. Be a loving presence. Complete one another as best you’ll be able to.
Escape
Watch a comedy, even when there’s nothing about you that makes you laugh. Start a card game. Recall the final thing that made you double over with laughter and laugh again. Enjoy the places, things and other people you like.
Whatever you do, rise up for some air. We need you an excessive amount of to drown now.
Lifestyle
For mothers who do the most, these Mother’s Day gifts will show your gratitude
It is usually said that April showers bring May flowers, and as spring flowers unfold their vibrant petals, people across the United States prepare to honor the caring mother figures who made their lives bloom. Just as each flower in the garden has its own unique beauty and fragrance, each mother brings her own special touch to the art of motherhood. Whether it is a rose that stands out for its fascinating charm or a daisy that brightens even the simplest of days, this Mother’s Day, give the extraordinary women in your life gifts which can be equally thoughtful and delightful.
For a mother who must rediscover her beauty
Recent Trend on TikTok shows children realizing that their mothers are “just girls experiencing life for the first time.” Just as children sometimes have a tough time remembering that their mothers are greater than caregivers and advisors, the role of mother can overshadow a girl’s self-perception. So this Mother’s Day, remind the motherly figure in your life how beautiful she is by booking her a photograph session. If she’s a bit of more camera shy, consider joining her on camera to create memories she’ll always remember.
The better part? This gift might be high-end or inexpensive. Those trying to splurge should consider booking knowledgeable photographer of their area. Depending on the photographer, you might select so as to add extras to your photo shoot, corresponding to a makeup artist or specialized edits. Similarly, you’ll be able to book a time slot in a creative content studio, e.g Blanche Creative Studio, which means that you can create content on your own or in cooperation with knowledgeable photographer. To find creative studios in your area, visit the website Partner space.
Finally, those on a budget can create a DIY photo studio at home with a solid color sheet, good lighting, music and a bit of imagination!
For caregivers with green thumbs
In addition to beautiful landscapes and blooming flowers, one in every of the things most gardeners love and appreciate is hands-on experience caring for his or her gardens. Like a toddler, every plant requires care, care and a spotlight, so on Mother’s Day, as a substitute of giving your mother a conventional bouquet, give a box with DIY flowers from Postal flakes. Founded by a Black woman, this brand sends “flower packages” by mail, giving customers the freedom to rearrange, design and mix floral arrangements. Starting at $89, customers can choose from “Beanie” (small), “Midi” (medium) and “Biggie” (large) flower boxes.
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For a grieving mother
Although Mother’s Day is most frequently portrayed as a celebratory moment, for some people it may well trigger significant sadness and memories. If the mother in your life is mourning a loved one, consider giving her a present Changing hearts. Designed to preserve the legacy of deceased family members, this company makes it easy to relive photos, videos and memories with unique QR codes. Turning Hearts medallions allow families to create online ancestor profiles to commemorate the lives of the deceased and are specially designed to be attached to graves or other monuments in order that visitors can simply scan the code and relive moments with their family members.
For the culinary mother of the family
Depending on the household, giving the family chef a cookbook could also be perceived as offensive or a waste of time since she or he will likely never open it. However, Klancy Miller’s book “For the Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Women in Food.” explores how black matriarchs shaped cultures and generations through food. Taking a holistic approach to culinary discussions, Miller’s James Beard Award-nominated book goes beyond the average cookbook by including inspiring interviews with distinguished industry tasters.
For a mother who loves music
Whether they’re continually humming or playing music at home, music-loving matriarchs are the reason a lot of us turn to cultural classics. This Mother’s Day, show her your love for rhythms and flows by gifting her a vinyl set together with her favorite artist. WITH Sade’s box set Down Limited edition Beyoncé “Cowboy Carter” vinyl.receiving an artist’s music on vinyl is a fantastic archival gift, providing a listening experience that goes beyond online streaming. You have siblings? Bonus points should you team up give her a small record player to enjoy its recent sounds.
For sporty mothers
Regardless of whether or not they continually exercise or discuss wanting or needing to exercise, give your mother the gift of health on Mother’s Day. Online workouts are a fantastic option to revitalize and maintain your physical health, and the smartest thing is that you could do them from the comfort of your own residence.
Brooklyn, Caribbean-inspired dance training offers live-streamed classes, a library of on-demand workout videos, and more. Designed to show participants recent dance moves while helping them reach recent levels of fitness, Brukwine is ideal for mothers who enjoy dancing.
Lifestyle
Mental health treatment also caters to Black women
When it comes to mental health, according to a study by psychologists, black women are at greater risk of mental health problems due to lower income, poor health, multi-role strain, and a “double minority status” due to race and gender that focused on the shortage of profession support black women receive.
Recently, recently published a study that exposed: :
- Only ⅓ of black Americans who need mental health care receive it
- Doctor-patient communication differs between African Americans and Caucasians. Physicians were 23% more verbally dominant and engaged in 33% less patient-centered communication with African-American patients than with white patients.
- An absence of culturally competent counseling stops people from searching for care
We know these are lots of hard facts. So take a deep breath with us… Now that the facts, we would like to be certain you’ve gotten the tools you would like to take steps toward healing or be a source of inspiration to one other powerful woman.
Speaking of influential women, we spoke with Dr. LaVerne Collins, interim vice chairman of Foundation and Professional Services on the National Board of Certified Counselors, in regards to the real-world issues facing Black women and mental health as they prepare for self-care and self-preservation workshops, where women can ask our panel of experts anything. Yes, whatever!
Black women’s mental health facts
When it comes to facts and figures, Collins says there are a lot of the reason why Black women don’t seek skilled help for stress, anxiety and other mental health issues: stigma, prices and distrust of each diagnoses and coverings. just to name a couple of.
“There is still a stigma in the black community. Even basic mental health issues like stress and anxiety, because we have been taught to be strong and rely on the inner strength of our ancestors and spiritual sources – all of which are good – but when we don’t seek the professional care we need, these resources will not provide us with a complete package of care.”
The language some people use also creates significant stigma that stops women from searching for help.
“We’ve heard people say things like, ‘ she hasn’t quite gotten there yet…’ or ‘ she’s a bit of emotional…’ We have very unlucky labels and judgmental statements that our ancestors used, because they didn’t. “We don’t have a thorough understanding of mental health,” Dr. Collins says. And this language only keeps women hidden so that they can live with their pain.
While the stigma may be very real for a lot of women, Dr. Collins urges women to concentrate to unusual feelings and triggers which will arise.
“Pay attention to anything that is unusual for you; anything that disrupts your daily life, such as work or social life; and pay attention to the degree of disruption you experience.”
On your path to well-being, it is crucial to search out culturally competent and sensitive mental health professionals and seek the advice of along with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to changes in mood or brain chemistry. Here’s the Collins formula for locating the proper fit to your needs.
Start your journey today
- First, do your research to find an authorized advisor whose specialization matches your needs
- Second, be prepared to talk to a couple of advisor throughout the review process. You would not have to use the services of the primary advisor with whom you interview or seek the advice of.
- Look for an advisor who will conduct a 15-minute consultation with you in person or by phone before you sign a contract with him.
- Prepare by taking notes about how you’re feeling so you possibly can tell your counselor what your triggers are (e.g. if you’ve gotten crying spells).
Remember that you just aren’t alone
“Have confidants you can trust and who will support you with their presence and words,” adds Dr. Collins.
- Know your limits. — Know how to set boundaries and never overload yourself. We live in a culture of overload and it is vitally easy to do more and tackle more. Sometimes we discover our meaning within the variety of things we do and we feel exhausted.
- Take a vacation or stay. — Know how to step away and take an actual vacation or stay home and do things that energize you and things that nourish your mind and body. If you would like to be away from everyone, do it.
- Watch what you eat. — Don’t tax your taste buds with what your body really needs.
- Maintain a daily sleep cycle of 6 to 8 hours a day.
- Minimize or manage stress in your life – recognize what’s stressful for you and find ways to minimize it.
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