Marlene Palmer’s Accurate Assessment Of Sandra Bland’s Murder & Cover Up

00-sandrabland001So what do you do after falsely arresting and imprisoning someone who vows to get justice, and they end up dead? As this sickening tragedy continues to unfold its becomes more and more apparent, that the powers that be will do whatever it takes, to ensure that those responsible for Sandra Bland’s murder are protected.

Those of us who really understands how this so called justice system works in regards to black people, knew and expected that those claiming to be investigating her death, would do whatever it takes to deflect and change the narrative, from the fact that she was unlawfully arrested, detained and subsequently found dead. To the fact that she was not only depressed she was suicidal. Ultimately taking her own life. This despite the fact that she has NEVER been clinically diagnosed.

Now we’re hearing from the investigation, allegations that go from her having previously attempted to commit suicide, to her self harming, to her having marijuana in her system. This is the investigation that their supposedly doing to see how Sandra Bland died. But even if that’s true what does that have to do with what happened to her? Why because this builds a bases for everything they will do going forward.

00-sandrabland002However for some strange reason the ONLY one that seem to be under investigation is Sandra Bland. We’ve heard nothing in regards to the investigation involving the bully boy thug with a badge Brian Encinia, who falsely accused and arrested Sandra Bland on trumped up charges, who both verbally and physically assaulted her both in and outside of the vehicle.

Who escalated a minor routine traffic stop from simply issuing her either a citation, warning, ticket and LET HER GO. Once it was deemed that there was no clear or present danger. To threatening to light her up with his taser, terrorizing this woman in the most despicable, cowardly and demeaning way.

Despite the fact that a preliminary investigation found that Encinia violated traffic stop & courtesy protocols. We seem to be unable to find out from DPS what exactly does ” violating traffic stop & courtesy protocols” really mean? Could they possibly be referring to his despicable, disgusting, aggressive, arrogant, egotistical, combative, abrasive, bullying behaviour? You think (sarcasm). What is the status with his investigation I wonder, if any?

00-sandra-bland003Hell even “DPS Director Steve McCraw stated that regardless of the situation, the DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous,” “That did not happen in this situation.” When Texas State Senator Royce West was asked by reporters if Sandra Bland caused her own death, West said “no.” He also added that she didn’t deserve to be arrested in the first place.

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it over, and over, and over again, were it NOT for the actions of bully boy thug with a badge Brian Encinia, Sandra Bland would still be alive today. SANDRA BLAND’S BLOOD IS ON BRIAN ENCINIA HANDS! So it begs the question who is actually being investigated? The woman that was profiled, targeted and subsequently FOUND DEAD or the individuals both directly and indirectly who came into contact with Sandra Bland?

Let us be very clear every effort and attempt WILL be made to smear, tarnish, impeach, discredit and destroy Sandra Bland’s character and credibility. They will dig up whatever dirt they can to sully her reputation. That strategy has proved effective in the past, so I see no reason for them to deviate from it now. This is something they MUST DO, in order to deflect from this disgusting tragedy, that should have never, ever happened in the first place, to it being about Sandra Bland herself.

00-sandrabland004This witch-hunt has absolutely nothing to do with getting justice for Sandra Bland, this is about protecting, concealing and covering-up, for all parties involved. After all if they really wanted justice for her she would have NEVER BEEN ARRESTED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

So whatever they do at this point will be a whitewash both figuratively and literally. The system will do whatever it takes to protect a corrupt dirty cop! Just ask Serpico. Because keeping the status quo and keeping law and order, is the most important thing they can and must do at this point. What Sandra Bland’s case shows is how as a black person in America you have NO RIGHTS.

And just in case you forget your place, you’ve not only got bully boy thugs with badges to contend with, but the entire legal system at their disposal to do their bidding for them. I continue to be astounded by the sheer level of ignorance, bigotry, hate and downright stupidity that many whites and even some blacks have as it relates to what is really happening in this country.

Again there are those that get it and those that don’t, Sandra Bland got it, and did her best to articulate it by using ‪#‎SandySpeaks‬ as a platform to share her views about the things that mattered to her. A beautiful and articulate woman, she was full of life outgoing, and mindful, who spoke truth to power based on what she saw, both as a passionate black woman as well as an activist.

00-sandrabland005A 28-year-old woman who made a decision to relocate to another state after having had being offered not one but two jobs, a woman who was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life. Who loved her family and was in turn loved by them. Who now are having to deal with the horror of what happened to their loved one, their sister, daughter and aunt.

Trying to make sense of and understand how their sister who on the day she was arrested was on her way to a job interview with her former university, Prairie View A & M University. Ends up dead days later. How tragic and ironic that someone who felt compelled to speak out against racism and injustice, becomes a victim of it herself. Sandra Bland’s family has every reason to be sceptical in regards to anything authorities tell them whether it be the events before and after, the autopsy and everything in-between.

We will NOT allow this corrupt system that is rigged at every single solitary point, to put Sandra Bland on trial. The only ones that should be on trial is the bully boy thug with a badge Brian Encinia, and the other responding officers, individuals at the Waller County Jail as well as the entire judicial and criminal system itself.

The sad reality is that with a grand jury deciding whether Sandra Bland was murdered, or she died of a suicide. And with the long racist history of Waller County itself. The odds of anyone being criminally held accountable for her arrest, jail time, and death are slim to none. This is the reality of living in an institutionally racist white supremacist society where black lives don’t matter.

‪#‎SandraBland‬

‪#‎IfIDieInPoliceCustody‬

‪#‎BlackLivesMatters‬

‪#‎NowLegalizeBeingBlackInAmerica

The Villa Rana Partners With MJE For The Summer Festivities In Jamaica (@MariaJackson27)

The Villa Rana Jamaica

The Villa Rana Jamaica

The Villa Rana, located in Greenwood, St. James (on the outskirts of Montego Bay) has entered into a partnership with Maria Jackson Entertainment. As visitors flock to the island for the 2015 summer/party season, MJE, being affiliated with several entertainment personalities and events taking place in both St. Ann and St. James this summer thought it necessary to connect with a safe, established, luxurious villa where our friends and business partners can be comfortable.

The Villa Rana will give a significant discount to all visitors this summer upon mentioning that they were recommended by Maria Jackson Ent. For more information about The Villa Rana visit their website at http://villaranajamaica.com. The number to call to reserve your room is 1-876-622-8068, speak with Mr. Mack.

Misty Copeland Becomes First Black Principal Dancer At American Ballet Theater

00-misty copelandMisty Copeland, a 32-year-old ballerina who starred in an Under Armour ad and appeared in a Prince video, was named the principle dancer at the American Ballet Theater, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the highest ranking in the company’s 75-year history.

“I had moments of doubting myself, and wanting to quit, because I didn’t know that there would be a future for an African-American woman to make it to this level,” she said at a news conference after the annoncement. “At the same time, it made me so hungry to push through, to carry the next generation. So it’s not me up here—and I’m constantly saying that—it’s everyone that came before me that got me to this position.”

Copeland has appeared on the cover of Time magaazine and garnered a larger profile, in parts to her extraordinary talent and her outspoken desire to hold the top spot at the American Ballet Theater.

Cultural Stage Promises Loads of Fun at Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival NY (@JerkFestivalUSA @GraceJAJerkFest)

 Jerk_NY_Launch2015Models

Jerk Festival NY Launch 2015 (Models)

A cultural extravaganza to dial up the fun is what organizers have planned for the 5th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival NY on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York. The popular Western Union Cultural Stage, with the multi-talented MC Sherry Morgan, promise loads of fun for adults and kids alike as fans feast on their favorite jerk cuisine.

Patrons arriving early will be greeted by the vibrant and colorful Akousa Living Legend Afrikan Drum And Dance Troupe, entertaining at the entrance as they direct attendees to activities on the Cultural Stage which is scheduled to take place from the gates open at noon to 2:30 p.m.

There will be something for everyone, from Miss Lou style poetry by Florida-based fan favorite Dr Sue, to dramatic book readings by writer and film maker Judith Faloon-Reid. Singer Cheryl Spence will have everyone singing along to their favorite Caribbean Folk Songs and the Riddim Driven Fashion show will feature easy to wear garments with progressive styling reflecting the Jamaican lifestyle and culture.

The cultural excitement will peak when the Konekt_Dat Band performs an eclectic Caribbean-infused set, connecting hearts and people through great music and positive vibes. But the fun won’t be restricted to the stages. The organizers have planned some “pop up performances as entertainers will be roaming the park and randomly making stops to entertain patrons with comedy, drumming, poetry and drama. So wherever you are, you can be sure the fun is coming to you!

Advanced tickets to the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival NY are available on line at http://www.jerkfestivalNY.com or at selected retail outlets in the tri-state area. Raddison Hotel JFK is the official festival hotel offering discounted rates to festival attendees visiting New York.

The 5th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival New York is presented by Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc., in association with VP Records. Sponsors are Grace Foods, Western Union, Continental Bakery, Vitamalt, Gleaner, Power 106, Randy’s Radio and Tower Isle Patties.

Montreal’s Taste of the Caribbean has a new location! (@ilovetotc)

00-totcThe 16th annual Taste of the Caribbean has gotten so big, that they had to take it outdoors and make it into a three-day extravaganza (June 26-28)! The new location is on the beautiful Isle Bonsecours.  It is now a true island festival right next to the water at Montreal’s beautiful Old Port!

There will be live cooking demos featuring several Caribbean Chefs: starting with Twice the Spice, Chef Lilavois who is all about Caribbean fusion, Chef Cupid from St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Chef Skeete from Barbados.

There will also be a live performance by Morgan Heritage who is well on their way to becoming Montreal’s favorite reggae band! This will be their fifth time in eleven years performing for Montreal’s crowds. Morgan Heritage is set to bring their brand of R&B infused reggae to the TOTC stage on June 27th, 2015. For more info visit: http://totc.ca/

R.O.C. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2015 APPLICATION NOW OPEN (@ReachOneChild @CherineTV)

00-ROCThe Reach One Child “ROC” Foundation announced on Monday that applications for the 2015 scholarships are now open. 

The R.O.C. Scholarship program was established in 2013 by singer/songwriter Cherine Anderson and Patrick Lindsay to recognize and support 6th grade students who demonstrate their commitment to excellence in academics, the arts and service but who also have financial need. The scholarship program awards yearly grants for their high school years and works to support high achievement and communtiy service among recipients. ROC scholarship recipients benefit from mentorship programs such as Y.E.S.S. (Youths Empowering Self and Society) as well as internships in their desired area of study.

To date thirty-five students have been assisted through the program. The ROC Foundation helps to offset expenses for their scholarship and mentorship programs through a fundraising music and action children’s festival – ROC Kids Fest.  This year ROC Kids Fest will be held on July 4, 2015 from 10:00am-6:00pm on the Jessie Ripoll Primary field at 26 South Camp Road in Kingston. ROC Scholarship Applications are available online until June 30, 2015.

For more details on the ROC Scholarship Program and ROC Kids Fest visitwww.reachonechild.org 

Spike Lee will be awarded at the 2015 Canadian Music Week (@SpikeLee @CMW_Week)

00-spike-lee1

Spike Lee

Canadian Music Week is proud to announce that iconic American filmmaker, actor, producer, and writer Spike Lee has been named this year’s recipient of the Nile Rodgers Global Creators Award.

Lee will be presented with the award at his keynote interview during Canadian Music Week on Saturday, May 9th. The Global Creators Summit is part of the three-day Canadian Music Week Music Summit, taking place from May 7-9 at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre Hotel. The highly anticipated keynote interview will be Lee’s only appearance at the festival. Full details can be found below.

Spike Lee at Canadian Music Week 2015

KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: Spike Lee

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th – 2:10pm
WHERE: Osgoode Ballroom East, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Tickets are available at https://cmw.net/spike-lee/. Three-day and single day summit passes will be accepted.

The Nile Rodgers Global Creators Award was established in 2014 to celebrate the most outstanding of creative geniuses who have consistently made an indelible impact on a global scale throughout their career. The inaugural award was presented to Nile Rodgers during his appearance at last year’s Canadian Music Week in celebration of his humanitarian work, prolific career, and the influence he has had on the industry as a whole.

About Canadian Music Week:

Canadian Music Week is Canada’s leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media and entertainment industries.  Combining three information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a comedy festival; four awards shows and the nation’s largest new music festival, CMW spans a ten-day period from May 1 to May 10, 2015 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel and over 60 downtown Toronto venues, attracting participants from across the globe.  For more information, visit www.cmw.net.