Shaquanda is free from TYC!
I’m sure you all have heard, Shaquanda Cotton is free from TYC! According to an article from the Chicago Tribune, Jay Kimbrough, a special conservator appointed to overhaul the state’s scandal-ridden juvenile prison system, made the call for her release. Shaquanda was able to call her mom and receive the good news.
I am amazed at this news and happy to hear of her release. While I do not agree with her alleged actions towards the teacher, one year in TYC is ridiculous. One year of her life is gone and she can’t get that back. Her plans according to the article is complete her GED at home. The affect this sentence has had on her life is punishment enough. I just pray that she can get back on track and be successful in her endeavours.
We have the power to make change happen in our communities. This is just the beginning. Thanks to all who commented and visited the site.
Girl in Texas Prison Controversy to Go Free (article)
Cotton to be Released (Paris News)
Video News Coverage from Free Shaquanda Rally
Here’s some CBS KTVT 11 news video coverage of the Free Shaquanda rally in Paris, Texas. Rickey Smiley, host of the Morning Show on 97.9 rallied listeners and supporters to protest her unfair imprisionment. Hundreds attended in the rain, to show their support for her release.
You can still call the Texas Governor to urge him to do something. The contact information can be found here.
Teen’s Imprisonment Prompts Racism Rally in Lamar County (video)
Doing Business in Africa
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Business, Think Global
I found a good post by Benin Mwangi on the topic “Is There A Dedicated Business Media in Africa?” In Episode 11 of my podcast I made some references to a show I watch on CCN International called Inside Africa. They made a comment that doing business in Africa would help a lot more than just giving money to the country. This peaked my interest and I’ve been interested in finding someone who knows and understands how to do this. His post has some really good links to sites for you to learn more about business in Africa.
I ran across The Benin Epilogue Part I: Africa-Ready for Business through MyBlogLog and I’ve had the opportunity to talk with him via Skype. We were able to learn a lot from each other. He was able to school me on some of the business and financial opportunities available in Kenya. I hope to have him on the podcast soon to share more of his experiences. Benin also has a podcast episode at blubrry.com.
Let me know what you think and leave comments. As I learn more, I’ll be sure to share.
Is There A Dedicated Business Media in Africa?
A&M Mourns Stewart’s Death
Tynesha Stewart, a freshman at Texas A&M University, was recently allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend Timothy Shepherd. A friend of mine who works at A&M, was keeping us informed of the situation when the news broke that she was missing. Each day, as the story unfolded the news got worse. I’ve posted some links below detailing what took place.
As a blogger, I try to give my perspective of a story with hopes to stimulate dialog and discussion. But for some reason, I’m having problems with this one. I cannot understand how something like this could take place. What had to be going through this guy’s head? From the articles and things I’ve heard about Tynesha, you can tell she was someone special. So, to keep true to why I blog, I want to pose the following question. How do you get out of a relationship with someone who doesn’t want to let go? Someone posed a similar question to me and I think it’s worth discussing. I’m not sure how and when I’ll dive more into this, but I’ll have to add relationships to the list of topics I discuss.
Being a parent, I couldn’t imagine what I would do in this situation. The best thing we can do for the family is pray for their strength. Not all of the details are known and Shepherd still has to go on trial. As the details unfold, I will try to post what I can on it. A fund for donations is being set up at A&M and I’ll post how you can donate when the I get the information. Please continue keep this family and everyone involved in your prayers.
College Student Missing Since Spring Break
A&M student presumed dead, boyfriend arrested
A&M student’s body possibly put in Dumpster
Ex-boyfriend charged in death of missing Texas A&M student
Shocking Details Emerge in Death of Texas A&M Student
Student’s body burned on grill
Shaquanda and the Power of the Internet
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Community, Society & Culture
I got a comment on my post from Mother at Chittlin’s and Chopsticks and the possiblity of Shaquanda being released. This shows t he power of the Internet and how one article can fuel a movement (even if all the facts weren’t there). See I told you. Just think if we united and came together on more issues that need to be solved in the black community.
I love technology 
Shaquanda Cotton: Another Perspective
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Community, Society & Culture
The next blogger that I would like to present to you is Shawn Williams at www.dallassouthblog.com. He has been posting some really good articles on the Shaquanda Cotton situation. He is a native of Paris, Texas so he’s able to give a first-hand perspective of life in Paris. At Now That’s What I’m Talkin’ About, I believe in hearing both sides of the story and Shawn does a good job with doing just that. You can tell he’s passionate about the things being said about his hometown. New information on what really happened is coming out everyday and people in Paris are starting to talk about the case. Check it out and comment.
In Paris Texas Black Teenager Sentenced to 7 years, Racial Tension Running High
Paris Texas Case Highlights Challenges Faced by Black Children Across the Country
Paris Texas Schools Help/Fail African-American Students Just Like The Rest
Top Ten Misperceptions and Miscalculations relating to the Paris Texas Story
Judge Superville expains his thoughts on verdict of 14 year old’s case in Paris Texas
What I’m Talkin’ About – #18 – 03/25/07
Show Notes – Episode 18 – What We Can Do About Health Issues
Covenant with Black America Topic for March – Health & Well-Being
What are your thoughts on how we can imrpove Healthcare and Health in our community?
What I’m Talkin’ About
Study ties prostate-cancer rates to medical access
Many Blacks, Hispanics Misinformed About Alzheimer’s
Longevity Gap Lessens for Blacks
American Heart Association
Exercise For Beginners
How to Choose A Doctor
U.S. Department of Health and Services
Tavis Smiley’s The Road to Health
Health Insurance 101
Black History Hero
Women’s History Month
Ida Bell Wells-Barnett – anti-lynching advocate, author, journalist, women’s suffrage activist
Independent Music Artist Showcase
“Enough†by Kellylee Evans
Ontario, Canada
Main Site
MySpace Page
Music from music.podshow.com
Announcements
Shaquanda Cotton blog post
The Benin Epilogue
Dallas South Blog
The Half Show Podcast Promo
Hear My Show on the Blubrry Network
Contact Information
Feel free to leave comments on the website or call the voicemail line at 972-464-1899
Intro & Background Music
The intro & closing music clip was written and performed by PsykoSoul Music
“Family Affair” by PsykoSoul Music featuring CB Harris and Calvin
New Podcast Promo
It’s late and I’m working on the next show for tonight, so while I finish up I want you to check out my new podcast promo. I was inspired from the podcasters over at The Half Show to put one together. Whether you have your own podcast or not, feel free to listen and download it. It’s just another way to promote what I do.
That’s What I’m Talkin’ About Promo
Let me know what you think. Thanks to Psykosoul at music.podshow.com for providing the background music. He does good work.
14 Year Old Sentenced to 7 Years for Pushing
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Legal, Society & Culture
I received this article a couple of days ago from Darrell who writes the music reviews for theojohnson.net (thanks bro). After reading it, I had to take a little time to calm down and regain my thoughts. Shaquanda Cotton, a 15-year-old girl in Paris, Texas was sentenced to seven years to prison for allegedly pushing a teacher. She’s been in prison a year and will not be out until she is 21.
To some in Paris, sinister past is back (Full Article)
This is not about getting special treatment for someone of color. This is not about a little girl getting in trouble and not wanting to take responsibility for her actions. This is about an unfair justice system, in a small Texas community, that sentenced a 14 year old girl to prison for pushing. All I want for Shaquanda is for her to be out of prison and offered a fair trial. Seven years in prison for pushing is ridiculous. Especially when that same judge sentenced a 14-year old white girl convicted of arson to probation. Even as a sit here and type this up, I’m still in disbelief over what happened. On 97.9 a local Dallas radio station, they were asking everyone to call the Governor’s Office to express your disgust in the matter. I’ve provided the information below for you to call.
Governor’s Office Phone: (512) 463-1782
Governor’s Main Switchboard: (512) 463-2000
Governor’s Website: http://www.governor.state.tx.us
Contact the Governor: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact
[office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST]
I called and was forwarded a couple of times, but it took less than five minutes for me to get someone. All you do is say “I am calling to express my concern/disgust with the Shaquanda Cotton incident in Paris, Texas”. They will know exactly what you are talking about. The operator is keeping a tally of how many people are calling. Let’s clog those phone lines with calls!
97.9 was also able to get her mom on the phone. She told them the correctional facility was giving her medicine for depression. According to her mom, the medicine made her worse and led to her attempting suicide. On Tuesday morning, 97.9 will be going to Paris, Texas to broadcast live and have a peaceful, organized demonstration. They’re in need of church buses to transport people to Paris from Dallas for the protest. Big ups to Rickey Smiley and the Morning Team.
Shaquanda needs your support. If you would like to send her a letter or card to lift her spirit, mail it to:
Shaquanda Cotton – 1125308
Ron Jackson Correctional Complex
Unit 2 Dorm 4
P.O. Box 872
Brownwood, TX 76804
If you are a blogger or podcaster, I ask that you mention this article on your site. Racism is still alive and it’s going to take everyone as a collective unit to show them we won’t stand for it. If you do not live in Texas, I still urge you to call. Let the officials in Texas know where you live and tell them you are upset over what’s happened. There’s stuff like this happening all over the country and it’s time to expose it and put an end to it. I’ll keep you all up to date on what transpires.
Leave comments or call the voicemail hotline. I want to know what you think. I’ll also be talking about this on my podcast scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Update: She has a blog at http://freeshaquandacotton.blogspot.com where you can show your support.
Rent Em’ Rims
I was listening to the radio this morning and heard a commercial for a tire rental company. According to the commercial, for a monthly fee you could rent rims for your car. I tried looking for a website but wasn’t able to find one. I was really curious to see what you could get and how much they cost per month.
I did find an article about a guy who started a rental tire business and became successful at it. I guess it’s a good business. But it did make me wonder how many of our people rent rims? It would be interesting to find out. Now I’m not trying to slam anyone for doing it. If you have your finances together and can pay all your bills, then cool. Change rims every week. But if your credit is shot, you have no savings and you’re renting because you can’t buy them outright, then stop it right now. Take the rims back and invest the money in something that will benefit you in the long run. That monthly payment can go to a 401K, a college savings plan or be invested in a small business venture. Keeping up with the Jones’ and trying to look fly can put you in the poor house.
In the future, I plan to blog more on money and finances. As black people, we have so much buying power. Building wealth is a new topic for us as black people. We haven’t always had the opportunity and it’s a lesson that needs to be learned. I ran across a really good article by Vuyo Jack named “The journey of an aspiring black entrepreneur: Part 1″. He talks about some of the traps students fall into financially as they move into their professional career. I thought it was right on the money (no pun intended). I found the article at http://icemanbaldy.com. Let me know what you think via the comments or voicemail hotline.
When I heard this commercial I thought about Chris Rock’s HBO Special. I found a clip of him talking about rims on YouTube. Please note the language on this clip does have some cussin’, so listener beware.Technorati Tags: Rims, wheels, renting rims, blades
Links of Interest
Site Feeds
MyBlogLog Readers
