Mitrice Richardson

Will They Ever Get Justice?

Apparently, I’ve been under a rock with this whole Trayvon Martin case.  I guess I’ve been so tired and so not paying attention to the news that I had no interest in clicking on people’s links to the story.  But as I read OneChele’s post yesterday and FINALLY read what happened, my heart crushed.  Let’s look at the facts-a(n unarmed) 17 year old boy is walking in his soon-to-be stepmother’s neighborhood one Sunday evening and is killed.  Apparently, he looked like he didn’t belong, at least to the “head” of the Neighborhood Watch, a 26 year old man who called police and stated someone who looked “suspicious” was in his neighborhood.  Even after the dispatcher told George Zimmerman to stop following the young man and that police were on the way, he did what he wanted to do.  No one knows exactly what transpired, but by the time police arrived, this kid who had dreams of being an aviation mechanic lay face down in the ground, dead from a gunshot to the chest.  The only things he had on him were a bag of skittles, a can of tea, and some change.  Even after confessing to shooting this kid, proclaiming self-defense, George Zimmerman is a free man.  Of course the community and Trayvon’s family is in an uproar and wants to know what the police are going to do about it. 

And lest we not forget Mitrice Richardson, the young lady I have mentioned on my blog NUMEROUS times, whose body was found 11 months after she walked out of the Lost Hills police station in Malibu, CA after being arrested for not paying a restaurant bill.  Today at noon (PST), the Los Angeles County is releasing a report of how the police handled Mitrice’s remains.  Yes, Mitrice’s parents just settled a wrongful death suit with the Sheriff’s office, but in my eyes, that’s not enough.  A cause of death has not been determined, even after having her body exumed, and her killer still roams the streets. 

I ask you all not to ever forget these two young people who had dreams, goals, and families who loved them.  Most of all, they were taken away too soon.  I truly hope and pray that their killers are brought to justice.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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Newsworthy Updates from the Southern Girl

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  And it’s been even longer since I’ve done a “This Week in the News” post.  I got a request to post one (thanks, Southern Cousin!), so this is what we have.  Some things are not that new, but they’re new to you ! 🙂

First, 24 year old Howard University sophomore Alonzo Guyton was shot and killed on October 26 in apparent robbery attempt.  Applause to Prince George’s County officers for identifying a suspect.  DC resident William Knight, who is only 20 years old, has been arrested for his murder.  Also, Alexis Simpson,  a 19 year Bowie State University student, was indicted last month for the stabbing death of her roommate, 18 year old Dominique Frazier.  The trial is set for March 26, 2012.  Reportedly, the roommates were having issues from the beginning, and room change requests were submitted to the Housing Department.  It will be interesting to see what comes out during the trial.  It is just unfortunate that the lives of two young women will never be the same.

Second, I haven’t mentioned Mitrice Richardson lately on the blog.  But she and her family are still in my thoughts and prayers.  This article, written by Mike Kessler, takes an amazing look at her case.  Just know it’s not over, and I hope the truth surrounding her death comes out soon.

Next, this Penn State sex abuse scandal.  Here’s what I’ll say:  Sandusky, if guilty of child abuse, needs to rot under the jail.  And if his phone interview with Bob Costas is indicative of anything, I think he’s guilty. And if anyone, parent, teacher, coach, whomever, knew of the abuse, they deserve to rot, too.  Listening to a portion of his interview, I don’t know what would make him think horseplaying with a child in a shower (let alone being in the shower with a student in the first place) would be ok.  Should the football team go on to finish their season?  Absolutely.  I agree with Elizabeth Hasselbeck (surprise, surpise)-the students should not have to suffer for the actions of their coaches.

Herman Cain, Herman Cain.  I really wanted to (attempt to) like you and think you would be a formidable GOP candidate and opponent to Obama.  But alas, you disappoint me.  First, the allegations of sexual harassment, now you have no knowledge of the President’s stance on Libya.  And for that matter, you probaby don’t even have a grasp on the facts.  I’m done with you, sir; good day!

And on the girl I love to watch on tv, Kim Kardashian.  All I can say is, “Shame on you!”  First of all, correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t there a potential for the NBA lockout this summer?  So she knew Kris didn’t have any income coming in.  Next, I don’t care what she says, she got married for publicity and to try to one up her sisters.  Khloe’s wedding wasn’t half as elaborate and over the top as Kim’s.  (Not that that has any bearing on the length of her marriage.) 

On the upside, I have been named the Outreach Co-Chair for First Book-DC, which provides books to students in the city and to lower the illiteracy rates.  Our official launch event is November 30, so be on the lookout for the event info!  Yes, I’m still job hunting.  Oh, and there’s some other good news, but I won’t go into details because I don’t want to jinx it. 😉  Enjoy your day, and until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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This Week in the News

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the Coors Light Coldest Artist Live Show featuring N.E.R.D & Pac Div in Baltimore.  GREAT performances, and I had a great view!  The official post about the event will be up by early next week.

Unfortunately, I have to start this post with some bad news.  This week, we’ve lost some iconic people-Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt, Dr. Jack Kervokian, and Gil Scott-Heron (last week).  My condolences go out to their families and loved ones. 

On some other sad news, former N.C. Senator and Democratic Presidential hopeful John Edwards has been indicted on charges he gave campaign money to his mistress.  *OUCH!!!*  It appears that Edwards can’t win for losing.   At one time, he was America’s Golden Boy.  Then things started taking an unfortunate turn of events-from his affair to his love child now this. 

And speaking of Presidential candidates…Mitt Romney is seeking to become the Republican nominee for President in the 2012 election.  It seems as if Romney may have the same problems he had 4 years ago-his Mormon background, his flip-flopping on the issues, and the universal healthcare bill he signed into Massachusetts law during his tenure.  In my humble opinion, I believe that Romney is the best choice in Republican nominee for the Presidency.  But it will remain to be seen how this campaign season plays out.

On a brighter note, one of my favorite rock stars, Pink, delivered a baby girl this week!  Willow Sage Hart, daughter of Pink and cutie Carey Hart, was born on Thursday morning.  Baby, mom, and dad are doing great!

I haven’t talked about Mitrice Richardson lately, but the latest news is that her parents have filed a lawsuit against the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.  Although there have been numerous requests for the FBI to examine Mitrice’s remains and determine a cause of death, I’m still not certain if that’s been done.  For her family’s sake and so she can rest in peace, I hope that one day we can find out what really happened to this woman.

What news is going on in your city?  Have an awesome weekend, and I’ll be back next week. Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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This Week in the News

Happy Friday!  If you’re like me, you’re super-excited about the 3 day weekend…that is if you have one.  A lot of things-some exciting, some boring, some completely ridiculous-have happened this week and have people reacting all sorts of ways. 

James E. Swann, Jr. requested a family visit this week with his father.  This may not seem like a big deal, but in 1993, Swann injured five people and killed four in Northwest DC.  Having the nickname the “Shotgun Killer“, a judge found Swann not guilty of the 32 charges he received by reason of insanity because he claimed he was forced by evil spirits to commit these killing in retaliation of the killing of Malcolm X.  James has been a patient at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital since 1994, and now his father, Swann Sr., is requesting to spend time with his son outside of the hospital.  This is a ridiculous request.  This man is a criminal.  That’s like Charles Manson asking for a leave request from prison.  Swann, Sr. stated he watched his son before the crimes and could watch him again.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but if he was watching his son before, then how did he commit these crimes?  Point blank, Swann, Jr. needs to stay locked up. 

Congrats to Fantasia for winning her Grammy on Sunday.  But I don’t know how I feel about her boycotting the awards show because she wasn’t asked to participate in the tribute to Aretha.  I know everyone would have enjoyed her kicking her shoes off and running around the stage and seeing her perform, but maybe the powers that be thought she would have been too much.  Some people think she was pouting while others salute her for standing up to what she believes in.  But I personally think that if she respects Aretha as much as she claims, she still should have gone to the Grammys.

Speaking of the Grammys, some people (read: Justin Beiber teeny-bopper fans) are PISSED that their little teen crush didn’t win the award for Best New Artist.  So who did?  Newcomer Esparanza Spalding.  Admittedly, I’ve never heard any of her music, but Prince loves her.  If she has the Purple One’s stamp of approval, she’s fine with me. 

Writer Tracy McMillan wrote this article that tells women why they still are not married.  Tracy pretty much tells every single woman on Earth the reason she’s single is because something’s wrong with her.  Yes, we may meet men who are shady and sheisty, but when it comes down to it, we’re the reason we’re still single.  While I agree with certain parts of the article, I don’t suscribe to all of it.  First, I’m still tired of people talking about single women (can we find somebody else to talk about?); second, I’m tired of people assuming all single women want to get married; third, her article was just poor taste (most of it).  Even though I’m an individual, I don’t think I fall into the categories that she mentioned, and I don’t think any of the single girlfriends do, either, well, except maybe one…but that’s a different story.  I’ve just come to realize that most people like to stir some ish up, and it seems like Ms. McMillan wanted to stir some stuff up and make a name for herself (I mean, who knows the writers on TV shows?  Not me, but now we all know about Tracy).

I hate to end on a bad note, but I just want to give you an update on Mitrice Richardson.  Eight bones were found near a ravine close to where her remains were found last year, and authorities believe they may belong to Mitrice.  It doesn’t appear that this case is going to get closed anytime soon, so just pray that her mother and her family get the solace they need and they find out who killed this girl soon.

I hope you all have a safe, enjoyable weekend.  Feel free to comment on anything I’ve shared or share your own bit of news.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Today’s Black History Fact:

On this date in 1688, the first protest against slavery took place.  The Germantown Protest was organized by a group of white Quakers in Germantown, PA where they denounced slavery and the slave trade. 

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2010 Do-Over

Let’s be honest.  We all wish we could go back in time and change something-the nerd we were mean to in grade school who grew up to be cute AND smart and the day we fell in the mud with our white tennis skirt on.  Well, there are some people who wish they could do 2010 ALL over again.  I’ll share them with you below:

1. Kwame Kilpatrick– The former mayor of Detroit thought he was in the clear after serving 99 days of a 4 month sentence.  But after probation violation, where he missed restitution payments, Kilpatrick was sent back to prison and sentenced to serve 18 months to 5 years in a federal prison.  And to add insult to injury, just 2 weeks ago, he was indicted on corruption charges.  The indictment includes 38 new charges that have been called “a pattern of extortion, bribery, and fraud” by a federal prosecutor.  It seems Kwame can’t catch a break…

 2. The Democratic Party- Let’s face it; the Dems couldn’t get their act together, and as such, the Tea Partiers and GOP won the House.  And I know what you’re thinking-that’s typical when a Democrat is in the White House, but for the Dems, this is a big loss.   And they can’t get along.  And by that I mean they don’t agree with each other or the President.  I hope they get their act, the few that are left, to hopefully get some things accomplished.

3. Amber Portwood– The reality star from “16 & Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” was arrested for domestic violence and child endangerment.   GOOD FOR HER!  I saw the episode where she beat up Gary, her daughter’s father.  Amber was so abusive, and I’m glad that she was arrested.  Hopefully she’ll serve time and get help for anger management.  Maybe then she’ll be able to be a better mother to her daughter.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars– Now, you all know I love my football team, but I truly believe the Jags wish they could re-do this 2010 season, most specifically this game last Sunday.  Trailing behind the entire 4 quarters, the Jaguars managed to tie the game and go into overtime.  Not only that, they win the coin toss and have first possession.  Then what happens??? David Garrard throws the ball for an interception, the Redskins have possession, kick a field goal, and win the game. 😦 This loss dashed any hopes that the Jags had of going to the playoffs.  Although the Jags started out having a great season and were even # 1 in the AFC South for a few weeks, they weren’t able to hold on.  I’m hoping that Jacksonville has a great season in 2011.  I’m ready for them to go to the playoffs again.

5. The family of Mitrice Richardson- If you’re familiar with my blog, you know that I have been keeping up with the story of Mitrice Richardson, the 24 year old former honor student and beauty queen whose remains were found 11 months after she disappeared.  Last week, her mother, Latice Sutton, asked the coroner’s office to exhume her body and examine her clothing.  I hope this will help the authorities get closer to finding out who her killer is, because I do believe she was murdered.  

Who do you think needs a do-over of 2010?  Maybe you or someone you know.  What are your thoughts on the stories I’ve shared?  On tomorrow’s post, I’ll share with you some people who had a pretty amazing 2010.   Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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