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Memphis Police released the footage of Tyre Nichols traffic stop, which led to his tragic death on January 9.On January 7, Tyre was pulled over for reckless driving, and a violent confrontation erupted. The five black officers savagely beat up Tyre for three minutes. It's been compared to the unfortunate <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/memphis-police-chief-says-tyre-nichols-video-is-worse-than-rodney-kings-footage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1991 police beating</a> of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.Tyre Nichols died two days after the police confrontation. The five Memphis Police Department officers involved in his arrest, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith, <a href="https://apple.news/ALhDinnhfT4-7bzs8Nzgb2w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were fired</a> and <a href="https://apple.news/AoiEo1fu4SFadYqQGI6jVJw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charged with second-degree murder</a> in connection with Nichols' death.The city of Memphis posted the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/27/us/tyre-nichols-memphis-friday/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> on their Vimeo site, and you can watch it <a href="https://vimeo.com/CityofMemphis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. *GRAPHIC WARNING*<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/tyre-nichols-timeline-investigation-death/story?id=96695791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABC</a> reports Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said even though the officers played different roles in the heinous killing, "they are all responsible."Tyre's family is asking for peaceful protests during this difficult time. Our hearts and thoughts continue to be with Tyre and his family.

City Of Memphis Releases Graphic Tyre Nichols Arrest Footage/Police Confrontation

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Podcaster and activist Jason Flom sits down with <a href="http://ebro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ebro in the Morning</a> to help share the story of <a href="https://casetext.com/case/edwards-v-us-51" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheron Edwards.</a> Edwards was arrested in 1999 on robbery charges in Mississippi as a college student after stealing a man's car after a fight with his girlfriend. He was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and then another 20 years in state prison for the same crime to be served consecutively.He shares his story, and they discuss the actions which resulted in this sentence, the judge attached to this case, steps he has taken over the years, and how this compares with the rest of the world.Edwards currently has a petition on <a href="https://www.change.org/p/16th-circuit-court-of-oktibehha-county-save-sheron-edwards-from-serving-state-and-federal-terms-for-the-same-exact-crime" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change.org</a>

Sheron Edwards Joins Jason Flom To Discuss His Excessive Sentence, Judges + Case

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<h2 id="h-california-is-taking-the-necessary-steps-to-protect-black-art">California is taking the necessary steps to protect Black art</h2>California's Senate passed a new legislation that aims to restrict the use of rap lyrics as evidence in court. The State Assembly re-voted on Monday (August 22), just days after the State Senate unanimously approved the bill. <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2799" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill AB 2799</a> bans the use of rap lyrics in the courtroom as evidence unless prosecutors can prove that it's directly relevant. The bill additionally addresses that this legislation won't "inject racial bias into the proceedings".According to <a href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/california-rap-lyrics-bill-final-vote-headed-governor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billboard</a>, the bill isn't a ban. But, it does provide hurdles for prosecutors to overcome. Such evidence of "creative expression" hold little value in the courtroom. Unless, the state can show that the expression was created "near in time to the crime; bears a level of similarity to the crime; or includes 'factual details' about the crime are not otherwise publicly available". Governor Gavin Newsom of California is expected to sign this bill into law. Although New York made a similar effort earlier this year, California would be the first U.S. state to restrict rap lyrics as evidence. <h3 id="h-reading-between-the-lines-the-controversy-behind-this-regulation">Reading between the lines -- the controversy behind this regulation.</h3>Critics, including celebrities, have spoke out against rap lyrics entering the courtroom. A-list celebrities like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Fat Joe, Yo Gotti, and Kelly Rowland are among many who signed a letter proposing for lawmakers to make the change in New York State. Back in June during HOT 97's 2022 Summer Jam, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/summer-jam-puts-spotlight-on-young-thug-and-use-of-lyrics-against-rappers-in-court" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Young Thug</a> encouraged fans to sign 'Protect Black Art' petition. The precedent of using rap lyrics as evidence is blatantly racist. This is because it unfairly discriminates against hip-hop and it sways juries by playing to racial bias. Compared to other genres, rap lyrics are taken literally and is stripped of its creativity. As a result, it directly prevents Black artists from telling their stories. The fear that it may be wrongly interpreted in court is a valid concern. In the recent case of Young Thug & Gunna's arrest on RICO charges, the indictment heavily cited their lyrics. Perhaps this new regulation can make its way to Georgia. Art is a safe space to tell stories that show the best and worst parts of human experience. Art should not have to be used in court.

California's Rap Lyrics Bill Is Expected To Be Signed Into Law

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<h2>Warning: This article contains graphic content.</h2>On Sunday (August 21), three Arkansas law enforcement officers were suspended after a disturbing video was circulating on social media.The viral video showed two deputies and an officer repeatedly striking the victim while putting him under arrest. Arkansas State police identified the shoeless suspect as 27-year-old Randall Worcester. The Crawford County Sheriff told <a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/08/21/us/arkansas-officer-punching-video-suspensions/index.html">CNN</a> that the suspect was wanted for allegedly threatening a gas station clerk in a different town. Worcester was later found in the city of Mulberry, where he met his tragic fate of being a victim of police brutality. Jimmy Damante, the sheriff in Crawford County, also stated that Worcester was cooperative with law enforcement at first. However, the violent confrontation shown in the video taken by bystanders happened after the suspect attempted to attack the officers. After the incident, Worcester went to the hospital for examination and then headed to jail. As a result of the altercation, one of the officers received minor head injuries. In addition to threatening a clerk, the suspect was charged with second-degree battery, resisting arrest, possessing an instrument of crime, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, terroristic threatening as well as first- and second-degree assault charges. <h3 id="h-bystander-takes-a-video-from-their-car-of-the-incident">Bystander takes a video from their car of the incident.</h3>Warning: this video contains content that some viewers may find disturbing.https://twitter.com/chuckcallesto/status/1561498430417108997?s=21&t=VNkOhpcKQZb9oZrDLyd6eA<figcaption>Three Arkansas police beat a man outside of a convenience store.</figcaption>The witness recording the video stated that Worcester appeared homeless and mentally disturbed. The graphic video exhibited violent actions from police officers that felt all too familiar. The unnamed Arkansas officers beat, kicked, and repeatedly slammed Worcester’s head against the curb. At one point in the video, one of the cops looked directly at the witness, pointed, and angrily yelled at them to “Back the f— up”. Immediately after this, another officer noticed the bystander and ordered them to get back in the car. Police brutality is a public health issue. It is unfortunate that instances like these continue to happen after we marched for George Floyd. We must keep fighting for justice in our society!

Three Arkansas Officers Suspended After Viral Video

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Elijah McClain deserves justice.The 23-year-old Black man was killed in August 2019. When walking home from a store, McClain was stopped by Colorado police, put in a carotid hold, and then <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/woody-mcclain-aka-cain-in-power-went-off-on-fan-who-called-him-bobby-brown/">injected</a> with ketamine. Earlier this year, it was reported that the officers of the Aurora police department had no legal basis for restraining McClain as he was walking home from the store.McClain, 140 pounds, was given 500 milligrams of <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/new-information-about-elijah-mcclains-death-revealed/">ketamine</a> which is meant for someone who weighs 190 pounds. McClain went into cardiac arrest while on his way to the hospital, was later declared brain dead.Two years after his killing, former Aurora PD officers Randy Roedema, Jason Rosenblatt and Nathan Woodyard and Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec were <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/gervonta-davis-indicted-on-14-charges-related-to-a-hit-run-facing-7-years/">indicted</a> on charges manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide as part of a 32-count indictment, CNN reports. The article also points out In addition, "Roedema and Rosenblatt were each indicted on one count of assault and one count of a crime of violence, and Cooper and Cichuniec were each indicted on three counts of assault and six counts of crime of violence."McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain, told CNN she's excited by the news of the indictments and thanked Weiser, his team, and the grand jury. She said, "I started crying because it's been two years. It's been a long journey, you know, and it's overwhelming. I'm still processing it, you know, because this is one of those things that has never really been done and is being done right here because of my son, so it's overwhelming."McClain's father, LaWayne Mosely, said in a statement from his attorney, "Nothing will bring back my son, but I am thankful that his killers will finally be held accountable," Mosely said in the statement.https://www.instagram.com/p/CTSeCKUMB7i/?utm_medium=copy_link<a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/09/01/us/elijah-mcclain-death-officers-charged/index.html">Via</a>

Grand Jury Charged Officers + Paramedics Involved In Elijah McClain's 2019 Death

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Lawmakers in Long Island, N.Y. passed a new bill! <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1275764">Under the bill</a>, first responders can sue any person who harasses, attacks, or injures them while in uniform. Police officers and other first responders can “seek and collect financial and punitive damages, with civil penalties of $25,000 and up to $50,000 in the case if the violations happened during a riot, according to the bill. The bill was passed with 12 votes in favor, six opposed, and one was absent.Critics against the bill say this is a “retaliation for <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/us/new-york-nassau-county-police-harassment-protesters.amp">Black Lives Matter</a> protests against police abuses and warn it could suppress demonstrations", as reported in the Washington Post. However, lawmakers disagree and say it serves as “additional protection” to officers “in the face of destructive riots and lawlessness.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHraMbLt6q/?utm_medium=copy_linkTake a look at reactions from people online:https://twitter.com/_rebeccaclewis/status/1422355220093341705?s=21https://twitter.com/ubiqunity/status/1422389562542759945?s=21https://twitter.com/allenja51580819/status/1422430749727281159?s=21https://twitter.com/visionsinblue21/status/1422269004882878469?s=21https://twitter.com/dennisjones1174/status/1422518062021070861?s=21https://twitter.com/brown60076/status/1422547998589034502?s=21<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/08/02/nassau-county-protester-bill/">Via</a>

Social Media Reacts To Nassau County Bill Passed That Says Police Can Sue Anyone Who Harasses Them!

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Edward Cagney Mathews was caught in viral videos being very rude to his neighbors, so now he’ll pay the price.The 45-year-old NJ resident was <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/residents-protest-outside-home-of-nj-man-accused-of-racial-harassment/2870097/%3famp">arrested</a> over the weekend. A video of his arrest went viral. You see Matthews get put in handcuffs, and protesters surround his home and celebrate his <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/barack-obama-talks-about-a-time-he-broke-a-classmates-nose-for-calling-him-a-racial-slur/">arrest</a>. Some angry demonstrators threw water bottles and other items at Matthews and the officers.https://twitter.com/_jpmoney17/status/1412218599490703360?s=21Initially, Matthews was charged with bias intimidation and harassment after a woman reported him to police on Friday (July 2). The <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-events/5-borough-challenge/">unidentified woman</a> claims Matthews was constantly harassing her. In another viral video, you hear Matthews shout racial slurs and offensive language at his neighbors.https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9-XOosMEB/?utm_medium=copy_link<a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.burlingtoncountytimes.com/amp/7866797002">Officials</a> said Mathews would face additional <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.burlingtoncountytimes.com/amp/7866797002">charges</a> of bias intimidation and assault after police viewed viral videos of him harassing, threatening, and yelling racial slurs at neighbors, NBC reports. Another news source says neighbors accused Matthews of engaging in racial incidents that date back four years.As of now, Matthews hasn’t been convicted of any crime related to this case. He was later released.Take a look at social media reactions:https://twitter.com/victor4nj/status/1412209943135019010?s=21https://twitter.com/karencivil/status/1412306267243126800?s=21https://twitter.com/eljjtp/status/1412310001335640066?s=21https://twitter.com/winsleymelan/status/1412241959393972226?s=21

Social Media Reacts To NJ Man, Edward Cagney Mathews, Who Went On Racist Rant Getting Arrested At His Home

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A judge sentenced Derek Chauvin to ? years behind bars.Prosecutors wanted 30 and Chauvin’s legal team is asking for probation and time served.CNN reports, Minnesota Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, said in court today, Chauvin abused his power as a police officer when he took Floyd's life away. Frank said, "This case wasn't about police officers, all police officers. It wasn't about policing. This case was about Derek Chauvin disregarding all that training he received and assaulting Mr. Floyd until he suffocated to death." He continued, "Mr. Chauvin abused his position of trust and authority as a police officer by doing just that — just disregarding all of his training."Floyd's younger brother, Terrence Floyd, broke down in tears and asked the court if Chauvin could receive the maximum sentence. Terrence Floyd said if a Black man killed a white man, the verdict would be harsh. He said, "On behalf of [my family and me], we seek the maximum penalty. We don't want to see no more slaps on the wrist. We've been through that already... no, no, no, no." He continued, "If it was us, if the roles was reversed, there wouldn't be no case. It would have been open and shut. We'd have been under the jail for murdering somebody. So, we ask for that same penalty for Derek Chauvin." Take a look at a screen grab, captured by TSR:https://www.instagram.com/p/CQjdxDtBBIj/?utm_medium=copy_linkFloyd's 7-year-old daughter, Gianna Floyd, made an impact statement before the judge gave the sentencing. She said she misses her dad all the time. Take a look:https://www.instagram.com/p/CQjcPwYhvea/?utm_medium=copy_linkChauvin didd't speak much in court. He apologized to Floyd's family and said, "I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There's going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind."In April, Chauvin was convicted of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the killing of George Floyd. As reported on New York Times, the other three former cops involved were scheduled to face trial in August, but it got pushed back until March 2022. The former cops, J. Alexander Kueng, who was positioned on Floyd's back, Thomas Lane, held Floyd's legs down, and Tou Thao, all face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. They were also <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/13/us/george-floyd-three-officers-murder-trial.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fired</a> from the police department. Floyd was killed last year on <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/george-floyd-investigation.html">May 25</a> after Chauvin had his knee pinned down on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd's death sparked a global modern-day civil rights movement, but the fight still continues.BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Derek Chauvin Sentenced To 22 1/2 Years For The Killing Of George Floyd

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Derek Chauvin will NOT get a new trial. A judge ruled yesterday (June 24).In addition, the judge <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/cardi-b-responds-to-botox-rumors-gives-fans-an-up-close-view-of-her-natural-face/">denied</a> Chauvin’s request for a hearing on misconduct, possibly from jurors. The judge ruled his lawyer didn’t prove the jury lied during the selection process, The Jasmine Brand reports. Today (June 25), the former <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/social-media-reacts-to-derek-chauvin-being-found-guilty-on-all-three-charges/">Minneapolis police</a> officer is scheduled to be sentenced today for the murder of George Floyd. Prosecutors want Chauvin to get 30 years behind bars. We’ll keep you updated as the story moved forward. Check out the livestream:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_MExgvI0_AFloyd was killed last year on <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/george-floyd-investigation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">May 25</a> after Chauvin had his knee pinned down on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. In heartbreaking footage, you can hear Floyd beg and say, “I can’t breathe.” He also called for his mother while taking his last breaths<a href="https://thejasminebrand.com/2021/06/25/derek-chauvin-denied-motion-for-a-new-trial-hours-ahead-of-sentencing/">Via</a>

Derek Chauvin Denied Motion For New Trial, Still Awaiting Sentencing

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Good news!As reported on news sources, the Senate passed a bill and declared Juneteenth as a national holiday!The Senate made the announcement today (June 15). Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) made the motion to pass it, and no senator objected. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) blocked the bill from passing last year over concerns about how much it’ll cost, had a change of heart. Johnson told the Huff Post,“It sounds like Congress wants to do it, so I’m not going to stand in the way. I just think it’s kind of odd that now <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/safaree-erica-menas-baby-girl-breaks-the-internet-w-holiday-photoshoot/">apparently</a> the only way to do [celebrate the end of slavery] is to give 2 million federal workers a paid day off, cost American taxpayers $600 million.”It’s been a state<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/future-links-with-new-gf-diss-dior-amid-lori-harvey-michael-b-jordan-rumors/"> holiday</a> in Texas for over 40 years, so it’s nice to see it get recognized as a holiday. Unfortunately, it has to get passed in the house to be a federal holiday officially. https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1404914838401392644?s=20<a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/senate-passes-juneteenth-national-holiday_n_60c915dde4b09ba204a9d24b">Via</a>

The Senate Passed A Bill & Declared Juneteenth A National Holiday!

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Darnella Frazier is the young Black woman that recorded the horrific killing of George Floyd.As reported on Madame Noire, Pulitzer gave Frazier an award in the Special Citations and Awards category. They gave her the award for “courageously recording the murder of George Floyd [with] a video that spurred protests against police brutality around the world, highlighting the crucial role of citizens in journalists’ quest for truth and justice.”At the time, Frazier was 17. She walked to the corner store with her friend before seeing former cop Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd in cold blood. Frazier’s video was used as key evidence during the trial. As difficult as it might have been for her, we possibly wouldn’t have the justice we have today for Floyd without the video. https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/1403404845042868226?s=21A few months ago, Frazier’s received the PEN America’s <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://goodblacknews.org/tag/2020-pen-benenson-courage-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Benenson Courage Award. </a>Floyd was killed last year on <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/george-floyd-investigation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 25</a> after Chauvin had his knee pinned down on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. In heartbreaking footage, you can hear Floyd beg and say, “I can’t breathe.” He also called for his mother while taking his last breaths. <a href="https://madamenoire.com/1230872/darnella-fraizer-pulitzer/">Via</a>

Young Black Woman Who Recorded George Floyd’s Death, Darnella Frazier, Won A Pulitzer Prize

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The scene at George Floyd square in Minneapolis is reportedly chaotic.As reported on news sources, dozens of <a href="https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/over-a-dozen-shots-fired-at-george-floyd-square-in-minneapolis-live-report-news.132576.html">gunshots</a> were fired near the place where Floyd was killed by Derrek Chauvin one year ago today (May 25). <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-highlights/george-floyd-9-minutes-29-seconds-that-changed-the-world/">Bystanders</a> who were in the area to pay their respect to Floyd reportedly had to “duck” for cover from the bullets. A live news report <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/50-cent-reacts-to-surgeon-who-saved-his-life-from-9-gunshots-pleading-guilty-to-health-fraud/">captured</a> everything as shots were fired. Take a look:https://twitter.com/jackposobiec/status/1397229952811028492?s=21<a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/05/25/us/minneapolis-george-floyd-square-shooting/index.html">CNN</a> reports, one person was transferred to Hennepin County Medical Center with a <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/25/us/george-floyd-death-anniversary.amp.html%3f0p19G=2103">non-life-threatening gunshot</a> wound. Police arrived on the scene. No arrests have been made, and it’s not clear who fired the shots. Witnesses say they saw a suspect fleeing the scene in a vehicle driving at high speed. We’ll keep you updated as more details become available. Story developing....

Dozens Of Gunshots Fired At George Floyd Square - On The First Anniversary Of His Death

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<h2>“Daddy Changed The World!”</h2>It truly was 9 minutes and 29 seconds that not only shocked, but changed how the world viewed not only law enforcement, but how inhumane Black men can be treated in America.On May 25, 2020, a Minneapolis, Minnesota man by the name of George Floyd entered a Cup Foods store to purchase cigarettes. He was a regular in that store, and according to owner Mike Abumayyaleh never had an issue.On that day things were different. He was accused of paying for his cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. The employee used what Abumayyaleh described as store protocol to call the police, and inform them of the actions telling the 911 operator. He had told them “he doesn’t want” to return the cigarettes when asked to do so.No one could imagine what happened next.As police officers arrived, Floyd was inside of the driver’s seat of his parked car. After a struggle getting him to enter the police vehicle, he was wrestled into the ground, where former officer Derek Chauvin placed his left knee on his neck as Floyd laid face first in handcuffs. Officers Kueng and Lane also placing their weight on his back as officer Thao held back bystanders who thankfully filmed the incident on their cell phones. Images that would eventually enrage not only a nation, but the world.9 minutes and 29 seconds. The horror of Floyd saying he could not breathe, and screaming for his mom who had passed away years prior still haunts many of us until this day.<h2>The Summer Of Protest</h2>The video resulted in summer-long protests demanding justice around the nation, and soon after across the world. We saw buildings get destroyed, multiple police altercations, and journalists arrested live on video. Corporations, and sports leagues suspended games and created campaignsChauvin was charged with murder four days after the killing of Floyd. Yet, protests continued, and the conversation about police relations in America, and how Black men and women are treated in this country became the forefront on social media and cable news coverage.At the moment we were reacting to Floyd’s public killing, we started learning about the tragic story of Breonna Taylor. She was killed on March 13, 2020 at her home after plainclothes officers forced their way into her home on a “no-knock” warrant. Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker believed they were being burglarized, defended her home with one gunshot. This resulted in 32 shots being returned and the unfortunate killing of Taylor.Weeks after we learned about the killing of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, Georgia, after falling asleep in his car in a fast-food parking lot.The events spotlighted what many who experience it every day already knew - Black and brown men & women are treated differently in this country. The way we think about policing in this country need to reform, and change to better service those of all races, and communities.Just under one year after the horrific events in Minnesota, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He is still awaiting sentencing. The other three officers present that day will go to trial on March 2022.While many of the nation celebrated justice, it did not last long. 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was killed by an officer as he approached an altercation. Six People total were killed at the hands of police on that very day.<h2>Fight For Change</h2>As the United States starts to open up from a year-long lockdown, joy and celebration start to fill up across this nation. As our attention moves to creating a memorable 2021, it’s important for us to keep our voices into demanding change.Much can change in one year, but much more has to happen to ensure the generational change needed for our kids to live the life of equality we all deserve in the United States of America. For Floyd to have truly changed the world, we must continue to push, educate, and keep the conversation at the top of your timelines, in your homes, and in the media. We must also push our elected officials to do what's right, and pass legislation that will ensure that "American Dream" that is often discussed.

George Floyd: 9 Minutes & 29 Seconds That Changed The World

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Justice for Ahmaud Arbery!News sources report the three white men accused of murdering Arbery in cold blood face federal hate crime charges.The decision was made today (April 28) by the Southern District of Georgia. WSBTV reports, Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and William “Roddie” Bryan are also charged with one count of interference with rights and with one count of attempted kidnapping. Travis and Gregory McMichael were also charged with one count each of using, carrying, and brandishing — and in Travis’s case, discharging — a firearm during and concerning a crime of violence. Before today, the McMichaels only faced felony murder charges. Arbery was killed by Travis on February 23 after he and his father, Gregory, chased and hunted Arbery down in their truck and shot him while he was jogging. William joined the McMichaels and captured video footage of the horrible killing, which leaked in March. All three men say they were acting in self-defense, but they were arrested in May last year.https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/1387516712006864903?s=20We’ll keep you updated as the case continues. #BlackLivesMatter<a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/3-men-accused-death-ahmaud-arbery-now-facing-federal-hate-crime-charges/MP2WBMLBXZFURBW6DPTY52H2BI/%3foutputType=amp">Via</a>

Breaking: Three Men Accused In Ahmaud Arbery’s Death Facing Federal Hate Crime Charges

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In Barack Obama's statement about the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict, the former President said it best, "<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/barack-obama-makes-1st-statement-after-derrick-chauvin-is-found-guilty-on-all-charges-but-says-we-still-cant-rest/">we STILL can't rest</a>!"It wasn't even 24 hours after we learned ex-cop Chauvin was found guilty of all charges, but in Columbus, Ohio, another black person's life was taken away at the hands of police. 16-year-old, Ma'Khia Bryant, was shot on April 20. We covered the <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/16-year-old-makhia-bryant-shot-and-killed-by-police-officer-in-ohio/">report</a>; Bryant reportedly called officers approximately 4:30 p.m. after a group of "older kids" bullied her. Bryant called the police for help. Video footage showed when authorities arrived, Bryant had a knife in her hand and pushed two girls at the scene. Police say they thought Bryant was going to stab the other girls. As Bryant lunged toward one of the girls, the cop shot Bryant, and she died. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther described Tuesday afternoon's events a "<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/louisville-cop-involved-in-breonna-taylor-murder-sues-her-bf-kenneth-walker/">tragic day</a>." He said, "We know based on this footage; the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community. But a family is grieving tonight."50 Cent chimed in on social media. He shared a post from The Neighborhood Talk blog and said in the caption, "here we go again, ‍♂️got damn! please don't help me please."https://www.instagram.com/p/CN75itfnjMN/?igshid=30liqa85m21jIn the latest update, as reported on <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/04/21/us/ohio-columbus-police-shooting-15-year-old/index.html">CNN,</a> the officer who killed Bryant is Nicholas Reardon. He was hired in December 2019 and was taken off street duty pending an investigation.