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Trial of former police officer charged with George Floyd’s death underway in Minneapolis – Essence

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Opening statements have begun in the criminal trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who’s charged with murder and other charges in connection with the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day.

Floyd, 46, died in police custody on May 25, 2020. A cellphone video that went viral shows Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Floyd, who was handcuffed and lying on the bottom, said, “I can’t breathe” and called out for his mother, while Chauvin, 45, kept his hands in his pockets and didn’t render aid.

Floyd’s gruesome death sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the country and world wide.

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Chauvin has been charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter; he has pleaded not guilty. A jury was recently empaneled in the high-profile case. The jury is alleged to incorporate nine whites and 6 black and/or multiracial jurors. Two are alternates, and one could be dismissed to expand the jury pool to 12.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said in a press release to ESSENCE that he hopes “justice will be swift and clear.”

“The time has come for Derek Chauvin to be held accountable for the public hanging death of George Floyd,” Crump said. “The video, which has been viewed by millions of people around the world, makes it clear that this is a very clear case. The only reason some people think this is a complicated case is because George Floyd was a black man. If he were white, no one would say that his slow and painful death under Derek Chauvin’s knee was in any way misleading,” he said.

Crump, along with Antonio Romanucci, L. Chris Stewart and Jeff Storms, are co-attorneys representing Floyd’s family.

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A team of civil lawyers reached a legal settlement with Minneapolis earlier this month for a historic $27 million.

“Since Mr. Floyd’s death less than a year ago, the city of Minneapolis has enacted sweeping police reforms, including reporting use of force incidents, requiring body cameras, and a policy for officers to de-escalate non-threatening encounters by retreating or walking away,” said attorney Antonio M. Romanucci.

Today, Floyd’s relatives, Pastor Al Sharpton, founder/president of the National Action Network, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and supporters held a vigil, kneeling for eight minutes and 46 seconds. On Sunday, they held a rally for justice at Greater Friendship Missionary Church in Minneapolis.

In a press release, NAN said the organization is committed to fighting for justice for the Floyd family and opposing the “repeated, now sanctioned violence against Black people by police officers.”

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“The world watched law enforcement officer Derek Chauvin lynch George Floyd with his knee as he repeatedly pleaded for mercy,” Sharpton said. “As the trial begins, we must reiterate that police lynchings will not be tolerated and that police accountability must be the law of the land. We urge the Senate to act immediately to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to ensure that law enforcement is never above the law.”

In addition, attorneys and the family have urged Minnesota lawmakers to pass laws that might strengthen the flexibility to carry officers accountable for his or her actions after they act outside the bounds of the law. The attorneys say the bill, which might overhaul a piece of Minnesota Statute, ought to be called The George Floyd Arbitration Reform Bill. It is an element of an ongoing series of police reform measures that Minnesota and Minneapolis are considering in the wake of Floyd’s death.

“George Floyd’s family and those who loved him endured unimaginable pain to get to this day. We hope jurors will allow the compelling evidence in this case to guide them,” said attorney L. Chris Stewart. “We also urge people in Minneapolis and everywhere to continue to express their support for Floyd’s family, but to do so peacefully.”

The process is anticipated to take no less than a month.

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Ben Crump

60 years after the murder of Malcolm X, his family calls to separate government files – essence

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Pioneer Malcolm X becomes the 1st black distinction in the Nebraska Hall of Fame

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It has been 60 years since the leader of Malcolm X was murdered on (*60*) 21, 1965 in New York, but his family continues to be demanding a solution. On the anniversary of his murder of his daughter, next to Ben Crump’s lawyer, they renewed a call to the federal government to reject long documents related to his murder.

“We think that this month of black history, now more than ever, we must tell the story of Malcolm X, one of the greatest mental leaders of the 20th century,” said Crump at a press conference in Manhattan on Friday,CBS News Reports.

Crump indicated earlier jet efforts, including the executive order of President Trump about the release of documents related to the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. “On this historic day on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the murder of Malcolm X, we formally ask the president to disinfect [the] Malcolm X files, “he said.

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Malcolm X daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, repeated this demand. “Please only separate our father’s documentation, together with President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and, of course, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, “she said.

The family calls for these files until May 19, which could be a birthday of the leader of civil rights. This renewed emphasis on transparency occurs only a number of months after the Malcolm X family filed a lawsuit of $ 100 million against NYPD, FBI and the CIA, claiming that law enforcement authorities conspired to facilitate his murder, after which covered their commitment.

“Based on what we learned, examining these claims regarding our lawsuit on behalf of the Malcolm X estate, we are convinced that these records will show that in the 1950s there was a” deep state “like Martin Luther. Deliberate Malcolm X. These records will lie naked – said Crump.

The claim claims that the government not only didn’t protect Malcolm X, but in addition actively acted against him. “Despite the importance of gravity of threats, the FBI does not protect Malcolm X, instead actively threatens his safety, arresting his security team a few days before the murder,” says the criticism.

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Crump emphasized that these documents should be fully released without the editor. “These vile deeds must be publicly released so that they can serve as a moment that can be taught,” he said.

History has already proved that the official history of Malcolm X’s murder was deeply defective. Three men were sentenced to his murder and doomed to live in prison. But in 2021, two of them – Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam – were released after hearing many years behind bars.

Aziz was released after 20 years, but Islam never lived when he saw his name. Their families finally received $ 36 million in the undisputed convicting settlement.

“The American nation deserves to learn the truth about the federal government aiming Malcolm X and the final hiding so that his family and the American people never strive for justice committed harm,” said Crump.

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The Friday press conference took place in the very place where Malcolm X was murdered – the former Audubon ballroom, currently referred to as Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. Standing in the space where her father took his last breath, Ilyasah Shabazz thought of the burden of the moment.

“I think about my mother, 60 years ago to this day, coming here and witnessing her husband’s murder and giving him a consolation when he took his last breath, here in this space, and focus and exchange this place in the Shabazz Center for others,” she said. “It was a challenge, but we could have quite a bit of faith that we are going to find a way to confirm his murder.

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Ben Crump

NYC Power Luncheon celebrates “Max’s eyes to prize III” – essence

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(LR) Leslie Asako Gladsjo, Geeta Gandbhir, Ben Crump, Jess Sibley and Samantha Knowles take part in the eyes of the awards, led by Jess Sibley, CEO Time Sagazine and Ben Crumpe on February 21, 2025 in New York.

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There is a saying that claims: “Undecused and dishonest story, it repeats”, and due to this fact it’s important to archive history in a way that makes it easy to be available for the subsequent generation to proceed the torch. On Friday, February 21, General Director of Time Jessica Sibley and lawyer of Ben Crump organized an opulent and intimate lunch to have fun the edition of the most recent a part of Max within the known “Eyes for the prize” A series of documents entitled, “Eyes for prize III: We who believe in freedom cannot rest 1977-2015” which premiere on February 25. This third a part of the series still documents moments within the history of America that emphasize the everlasting pursuit of civil rights, equality and racial justice in America.

NYC Power Luncheon celebrates
New York, New York – February 21: atmosphere view in “Eyes on the Awards” Intimate Luncheon, led by Jess Sibley, CEO Time Magazine and Ben Crump on February 21, 2025 in New York. (Photo Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO)

A beautifully chosen lunch took place at Your house is restored At Upper East Side Manhattan and it was a great location of cozy conversations about justice, justice and heritage. Famous guests are similar to HBO SVP of the Sara Rodriguez documentary program, the native son of the final director Emil Wilbekin, CEO of Wie Suite, dee Poku, global vice chairman of Dei in Tiffany & Co Stephanie Oueda, Time CMO Sade Muhammad, editor -in -chief of Sarah Burke, Mike Muse, To discuss many powerful and recent series.

NYC Power Luncheon celebrates
New York, New York – February 21: (LR) Leslie Asako Gladsjo, Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles take part in “New York New York. (Photo Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO)

Manufactured by Dawn Porter (), This six -part original HBO documents is directed by a special director in each episode, which increases the general effectiveness of doctors in showing that it requires common effort from different environments to mix together for the greater good of all. A mention of civic rights requires a village. Sibley repeated this sentiment and shared: “It was a powerful and moving reminder of the struggle for civil rights in America. We had the honor to organize this lunch to celebrate the release of the series and continue the conversation about the race and equality. “

Building Henry HamptonThe original docus from 1987 change into much more closely and personally with people and communities doing work day by day. Crump expressed his enthusiasm to the series, stating: “It serves as an important chronicle of America’s history. In today’s world, it is necessary to understand the strength of our community and design this understanding outside. I felt honored with celebration with some directors of the series and a team devoted to sharing our narratives – human experience. “The series combines interviews with those that participated in movements from the past and present, and the archival material together with contemporary conversations creates powerful intergenerational content.

This event provided an environment conducive to significant conversations on topics emphasized within the series, and participants talked to some producers and directors of the series. About the timeliness of Docuseries Leslie Asako Gladsjo, producer of the series and director of Episode 6, which entitled “What Cons After Hope 2008-2015?” He said: “When we created this series, we focused on maintaining this countless story – we were not aware of what it turned out.” Episode Gladsjo Chronicle of the years of the primary black president of America and the looks of the Black Lives Matter movement.

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While some are wondering if constant talks about civil rights and social justice are necessary for the present generation, Samantha Knowles, director of Episode 2 entitled “Paned: 1989-1995” that it’s mandatory to have a look at civil leaders up to now to understand how to go ahead. “My episode takes place in the early 1990s and the chronicle of the criminal system and profiles public defenders. When I read James Forman Jr. Book winning the Pulitzer award, It was shaping for me, because as a public defender in the 1990s he saw his work as an extension of the father’s work in the 1960s and it was a framework for our episode, because it strengthened the reality that we exist in this larger heritage. And we were visually excited by the introduction of these similarities. “

Geeta Gandbhir, director of episode 1 entitled “America, Don’t Away Away 1977-1988”, shared similar sentiments concerning the need to quote those that did the work in many years. Gandbhir said: “I am so honored that I can follow in the footsteps of brave filmmakers who have created the original series by raising the spirit of our leaders, activists and everyday people who are still fighting for freedom, equality, equality and justice against all adversities.”

Surrounded by luxury and treated to the very best kitchen, which might offer every menu, the participants left lunch, wondering what role all of us play within the pursuit of capital and the way we are able to all higher appear for others. But is not that a goal? Access to strengthening the position of others. Timely conversations are necessary and films, television programs and documentary movies are an amazing way to maintain appropriate conversations.

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Ben Crump

Sonya Massey called the police for help. Deputy Illinois fatally shot her in the face – essence

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Sonya Massey called the police for help. Deputy Illinois fatally shot her in the face

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Deputy Sheriff in Illinois, who fatally shot a black woman behind a pot of water, was accused of murder. Sangamon Fine officer “In the face of three cases of first -degree murder, a deteriorating battery with firearms and official improper proceedings.”

These fees resulted from the incident at the starting of this month on July 6, when Sonya Massey called the number 911, informing the dispatcher about her fears about possible intruder. Sean Grayson, who’s white, and his partner responded to the 36-yr-old in her home Springfield in Il.

According to prosecutors, Grayson allegedly allowed Massey to put a pot of water that was heated on the stove. Grayson allegedly “aggressively shouted” at Massey above the pot and pulled a 9 mm gun. Then Massey put her hands in the air, said “sorry” and evaded the cover before she was shot in the face. Grayson also discouraged the second deputy to receive his medical set ” Associated Press Reports.

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Grayson dismissed his service weapon thrice. Massey was transported to a neighborhood hospital, where she was recognized as deceased.

Mary Rodgers, First state assistantHe wrote that “the second deputy continued to help and remained with Mrs. Massey until medical assistance came,” adding that Grayson “at no time tried to help Mrs. Massey.”

Grayson tried to propose a defense around the fear of his life, based on the Memorandum. But the investigation recognized as mortal strength was not justified, Grayson was released from the department. “It is obvious that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards … With our badge we accept huge responsibility, and if this responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” he said that there must be consequences “, there must be consequences Sheriff Jack Campbell.

An outstanding lawyer Ben Crump He represents the Massey family and believes that that is “a step towards justice for loved ones, especially her children who endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.”

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After the accusation of Grayson, Illinois JB Pritzker Governor said: “I am enraged that another innocent black woman took her life from the hands of a policeman.”

During the first appearance in court last Thursday, the 30-yr-old deputy sheriff didn’t plead all allegations before greater than 30 members of the family and supporters of Massey.

Public authorities Body camera material Today. In particular, Grayson didn’t activate his body camera only after shooting, but were capable of get material from the second deputy who activated his camera at their arrival.

Grayson could have its next court’s speech on August 26.

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