Michael Brown: 1960 or 2014?

1960 or 2014

The turbulent times of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement are long behind us, or are they?  I would like to believe that the world has changed significantly since those days, but every time a young, unarmed African American male is murdered, it causes me to pause. Michael Brown’s death marks the latest in a long string of untimely deaths of African American males.  I have found myself personally drawn to the situation occurring in Ferguson, Missouri for a number of reasons.  I have been reading articles, watching interviews and researching similar high profile cases.  I do not like to jump to conclusions or discuss topics that I have not researched thoroughly.  As I researched information about Michael’s death, I came across some startling pictures.  One of the pictures I stumbled upon depicted a scene from a 1960s protest juxtaposed with a scene from a recent protest being held in Ferguson, Missouri.  But for the captions on the picture, it would have been nearly impossible to determine the year that the two scenes occurred.  Honestly, I would have been inclined to believe that both images depicted scenes from the 1960s.  How have race relations changed from 1960 to 2014?  That is a question that cannot easily be answered in a short blog post.
  

ENDANGERED SPECIES

Young African American men are being killed at an alarming rate. For the most part, the national media is not covering many of these homicides.  But, every now and again, a case comes along with facts that are compelling enough to be covered by the national media.  Recently, the facts covered by national media outlets involve: (1) a young, unarmed African American male being killed by a non-minority male (see Trayvon Martin case); or (2) a young, unarmed African American male being killed by a member of law enforcement (see Oscar Grant case).  Each time either of these scenarios occurs, we have a platform to discuss the state of race relations in the United States.  This conversation may be uncomfortable, but it is often times the proverbial “elephant in the room” that is ignored.  When you ignore problems, those problems fester and become pieces of larger problems.  As citizens of the United States of America, we simply cannot afford to ignore the problem, while hoping that it will dissipate into thin air.

FACTS

Although the facts of this case are still developing, some facts are undisputed. Michael Brown was unarmed when he was shot and killed by Officer Darren Wilson.  Officer Wilson shot Michael more than a few times.  It took the Ferguson Police Department six days to release Officer Wilson’s identity to the public.  There was some kind of physical struggle between Michael and Officer Wilson before Michael’s untimely death. 

There are also a number of facts that are currently in dispute.  The Ferguson Police Department has advanced an uncorroborated account that Michael Brown tried to take Wilson’s gun and that led to him being killed.  However, according to Dorian Johnson—Michael’s friend and person who was walking with Michael before his death—Officer Wilson yelled at Michael and him to get the f**k out of the street.  According to Mr. Johnson, he and Michael told the officer that they were only about one minute from their destination and would soon be out of the street.  Johnson said that this enraged Wilson and he pulled up very close to where he and Michael were walking and attempted to open his door.  He opened the door with such great force that it actually bounced back and hit him.  This infuriated him further and he grabbed Michael by the back of the neck and threatened to shoot him.  As Michael tried to get free, according to Johnson, Wilson shot him.  Then, as Johnson and Michael started running away, Wilson opened fire on Michael and eventually fired the shot that killed him.  Several other eyewitnesses have corroborated significant portions of Mr. Johnson’s account of the story.  According to a recent autopsy report, Michael was shot six times.

MEDIA'S ROLE

The media’s role in this case cannot be understated.  The media’s portrayal of a victim of a crime is critical to the court of public opinion.  Their portrayal of a person can make the world feel bad for them or, conversely, make them feel that they somehow caused or contributed to their own death.  Unfortunately, for Michael Brown, the media’s introduction of Michael to the world was not done in the best light.  Michael Brown was an 18-year old high school graduate who was set to begin his college career just days after he was slain.  People often say that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Instead of using a picture of Michael graduating from high school, I have seen a picture of Michael Brown wearing a tank top and throwing up the “peace” sign (which some folks in the media have alluded to as being some kind of gang sign).  Painting a picture of the victim as a thug is one sure fire way to convince people to not have any sympathy for him.

DIVERSION TACTICS

Six days after Michael was murdered, a video surfaced of a young, African American man robbing a convenience store.  This also happened to be the day that the Ferguson Police Department released the identity of Officer Darren Wilson.  The Ferguson Police Department revealed that Michael was the primary suspect in a strong-arm robbery depicted in the video.  The robbery, which was caught on tape, showed a large man physically stealing a box of cigars from a convenience store.  A strong-arm robbery is one where a person uses physical force to take something that does not belong to him from another person.  By definition, a strong-arm robbery does not include use of any kind of weapon—that would be an armed robbery.  The Ferguson Police Department released a statement that Officer Wilson did not approach Michael because he was a suspect in the robbery.  He approached him because he was walking in the middle of the street and was blocking traffic.  The timing of release of the video diverted attention from Officer Wilson’s identity being released and placed negative attention on the victim. Let’s say that Michael was involved in the robbery, did that give Officer Wilson a license to kill him?  I think not.   

FRUSTRATION

The citizens of Ferguson, Missouri are frustrated.  They have seen parts of their city destroyed by looters.  Many of them have no confidence in the criminal justice system.  They want to know why Michael Brown’s dead body remained in the middle of the street for four and one half hours after he was dead.  They want to know why Officer Wilson has not issued a statement regarding Michael's Death, since he the person who killed Michael.  They want to know why it took the Ferguson Police Department six days to finally release Officer Wilson’s name to the public. They want to know why police officers appeared at their peaceful protests in riot gear and allegedly fired rubber bullets, and tear gas at unarmed participants.  Most importantly, they want to know whether justice will be served. 

Each time a situation like Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin and now, Michael Brown occurs, there is always a chance that violence will engulf the area.  Violence is not the answer, but people must be shown that their lives are not worthless.

The world is watching, so those individuals involved in the investigation of this crime better do all they can to make sure justice is served.  If not, more riots, looting and death could arrive on the steps of Ferguson, Missouri, as well as other oppressed communities.  Let’s make sure that there is a clear line of demarcation between 1960 and 2014.

Peace

Power--A 50 Cent Production

“No man should have all that power . . .” – Kanye West.  Power is defined as the ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.  Over the course of history, the pursuit of power has led to wars, death, jealousy and many other bad things.  That being said, the new show titled “Power” is appropriately named.  If you watch the first episode, you will understand.

When I began watching the first episode of Power, I honestly did not know what to expect.  I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical when I learned that the show iss produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.  Prior to watching Power, I had only seen 50 Cent involved with one movie, Get Rich or Die Trying.  Needless to say, after watching this movie, I was not in any particular hurry to catch 50 Cent starring in another movie, television show, commercial or ad.   However, after watching the first episode, I knew 50 Cent was on to something that could potentially become a big hit.  After watching the first episode, I actually watched 6 episodes consecutively over the course of a little more six hours.  I watched the 8^th and final episode the following morning when I woke up.  The last time I watched that many consecutive episodes of a show occurred about two years ago when I began watching Game of Thrones.  Power is reminiscent of the show The Wire, but has a New York spin to it.  You can also see influences from other movies on the show, including: Sugar Hill, New Jack City, Scarface and Carlito’s Way.  If you are someone who enjoys watching intense situations, you will almost certainly enjoy this show.  Let me be crystal clear when I say, however: “this show is not meant for children; this is a show for adults only.”

This show boasts a nice range of characters—some being more involved than others—but all being important to the authenticity and raw edge that has defined the show thus far.  Although there are multiple characters on the show, I will briefly discuss a few of the most important characters.  My goal is to give you a little background without spoiling it for you.

Ghost is the main character and is the brains behind the operation of his criminal organization.  His character is interesting because he was raised in the streets of New York City and worked his way up to his position of power.  His character is very similar to the role played by Al Pacino in Carlito’s Way.  Ghost truly is a man torn between the street life and his dream of becoming a legitimate entrepreneur.  You will have to watch the show to learn more about his journey.

Tommy is Ghost’s business partner and best friend.  He and Ghost grew up together and learned the hustling game together.  He is the enforcer of their operation.  I get the sense that he wants a bigger role in the operation, and as the season progresses, it is interesting to watch his transformation.  His character reminds me of Avon from The Wire in the sense that he is kind of a live wire.  Ghost, just like Stringer Bell in The Wire, is the calm, collected half of the duo.  Together, they form a very formidable combination.

Angela comes into the picture pretty early in the show.  She represents a part of Ghost’s past that kind of slipped through his fingers.  She is a lawyer, who was involved in a relationship with another man when she reconnected with Ghost.  Ghost and Angela were in love when they were in their early 20’s, but she left Ghost’s life abruptly (she is the “one who got away”) and he had not seen her in about 18 years when they reconnected.  She always supported him and saw him as more than a street kid.  I believe their relationship will eventually become the most critical one on the show. 

Without giving away too many details regarding the show, I want to talk a little bit about the plot.  Although there are a number of twists and turns, the show, at its most fundamental level, is about a drug dealer who wants to transition out of his life of crime into a legitimate life.  Sound familiar?  The problem—as is always the case—is that his past will not release its grip on him so that he can become a legitimate businessman.  Remember Kane in Menace II Society?  What about Carlito in Carlito’s Way? How about Romelo in Sugarhill? These are just a few examples of reformed street hustlers who attempted to leave their criminal lives behind so that could move towards living a legal life, but because of their past interactions, they found it nearly impossible to do so. Ghost, just like his predecessors, has a past that is littered with drugs, infidelity, corruption, betrayal, distrust, and jealousy.  As you watch the show, you will see that these ills make it extremely difficult for him to become the man he ultimately wants to become.  If you have not watched the show, do yourself a favor and check it out.  If Time Warner is your cable provider, you can watch the entire first season On Demand.

Peace 

Lebron James Home Again: Deeper than Basketball

After a long hiatus, I am back to blogging.  Thanks to everyone who continues supporting my blog.  This week, CTO and I have written a blog about Lebron's recent return to the Cavs.  I'll be discussing the impact his return will have on Cleveland and CTO will be discussing how his move will impact Miami.

SOM

Lebron James is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which came as a shock to many people.  He is leaving the glitzy, fast-paced city of Miami for the cold, barren terrain known as Cleveland.  Why would he leave a proven commodity, i.e. the Miami Heat, Pat Riley, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh?  The answer is simple: He missed home.

Who remembers “the Decision” in 2010?  It was one of the most awkward press conferences of all time.  That was probably one of the few times Lebron James has ever made a public misstep.  Considering the fact that the media has been covering him since he was a teenager, a public misstep was going to happen at some point.  He has been scrutinized more than any professional athlete and he—more often than not—makes the right decision or says the right things. “The Decision,” however, was a mistake.  How many of us have not made mistakes, and especially as a 25 year old?  Even though it was a misstep, his heart was in the right place, as “the Decision” raised over $2 million for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.  Despite the obvious benefit to many children, many people still dislike Lebron, which is unfortunate.  I have never seen an athlete hated by so many who is: (1) undeniably the best player in today’s NBA; (2) a role model; (3) well spoken; (4) family oriented; and (5) respected and revered by his teammates. Yeah, sounds like a bad person to me (insert heavy sarcasm).  Some of the people who hate Lebron the most are Kobe Bryant fans.  I’ll digress.

In 2010, Lebron needed Miami just as much as Miami needed him. As an all-time great player, it is very important that he wins championships.  Unfortunately, a player’s legacy is often defined by how many championships he won.  I do not believe that is fair, but that is the standard that all great players are judged by.  Lebron has been very successful and has two championships before the age of thirty.  The Cleveland teams he played on from 2003-2010 never had a chance to win a championship.  If he decided to re-sign in 2010, he would likely have zero rings. Many people—unfairly or not—would have labeled him as a failure, or at least as a player who underachieved without acknowledging that he was surrounded by inferior talent.  This is one of the burdens that come along with being the best player in the world. Many people criticized Lebron for leaving Cleveland, and the Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, wrote a scathing letter about Lebron addressing his displeasure with “the Decision.”  Lebron was a free agent in 2010 and was well within his rights to explore the open market. He ultimately decided to chase titles in Miami, and now, he is headed home to continue his quest.

What does Lebron’s return mean for the Cleveland Cavaliers?  Lebron’s return provides instant credibility to a team that has been reeling since he left in 2010.  The Cavs are now considered a dangerous playoff team.  His return also means that free agents will soon be flocking to Cleveland for a chance to play with Lebron.  Cleveland is a championship- deprived city that has not had a professional sports champion since the 1964 Cleveland Browns won the Super Bowl.   There is no telling which free agents will come, but you can rest assured that many will inquire, including Mike Miller and Ray Allen.  As much as Lebron loves Ohio, he did not return to lose.  I can only imagine the types of behind-the-scenes moves Lebron is making to ensure that he will be successful for years to come.  The most obvious move is a trade for Kevin Love, which, if it happens, would arguably give Cleveland a better “Big Three” than the one Lebron anchored in Miami.  Also, the Big Three including Lebron, Kyrie and Love would be considerably younger, as Lebron would be the oldest player, and he is only 29 years old.  Kevin Love is only 25 years old and Kyrie is 23 years old.  If this combination of players comes together, Lebron would be able to compete at a high level for years to come—even when his physical abilities begin diminishing.  The Big Three in Miami was simply too old and their window was closing rapidly, and I believe Lebron understood that point.

So, how will it all end?  How will Lebron James be remembered when he hangs up his basketball shoes?  Fortunately, for basketball fans, barring injury, Lebron will likely play another 6-8 years.  If he is able to bring even one championship trophy to Cleveland, he will be lauded as a savior.  I truly believe that winning one championship in Cleveland would have the same, if not greater, impact as winning three rings for any other professional franchise.  As Lebron so eloquently stated in his letter regarding his return to Cleveland, “Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio.  It’s where I walked; it’s where I ran.  It’s where I cried.  It’s where I bled . . .”  As cliché as saying that Lebron’s return to Cleveland is “deeper than basketball,” it seems evident that it is.  He talked about wanting to help make Cleveland a city that people want to start a family, build houses and open businesses. It is admirable that he is using his celebrity status and influence to help his hometown prosper economically.  It is hard to imagine any other all-time great player leaving a team that he led to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances to return home to a team that has been struggling.  Lebron is doing his part to debunk the myth that athletes only care about wealth and fame.  Lebron James is not that guy; he has taken the road less traveled back to Ohio—where it all began. Stay tuned.     

CTO

For Miami, this is semi-Heartbreak because Miami is a transient city known for its celebrities, great weather, and attractions for Floridians and tourists alike. Miami is a great city in its own right and is a destination city for vacations. Many people consider places like Miami and Los Angeles (more on LA later) to be vacation homes but not permanent residences. For all of the allure Miami has to offer, many Americans do not believe Miami is truly a home for a family. And LeBron James at 29/30 years old is a family man that seeks to raise his children in an environment he believes would best suit their growth.

This doesn’t mean the Heat did not support LeBron or vice versa. The Miami Heat organization is a family and most credit belongs to Micky Arison and Pat Riley for making Miami a destination basketball city for many NBA players since Arison took over in 1995. The Heat is a first class NBA organization and will continue as long as Arison and Riley are at the helm. However, like most vacations, at some point, the vacation must end and reality begins to set in. This happened for LeBron James this summer.

Miami had the greatest basketball player since MJ for 4 years and did not act accordingly. Sure, games sold out and Miami Heat made money with their local Sun Sports TV deal once the “Big 3” arrived but the Heat failed to bring the Miami fanatics to the games to show their appreciation for the gift “The Decision” gave them.

LeBron wanted to go return home because he is an Ohioan that has strong ties to his community, friends and family. He was always to return back to Cleveland; the only question was when. LeBron left because Heat “fans” were too fickle to be trusted with such great talent. Heat fans (in Miami) showed up late to games, were nonchalant during timeouts and did not have maniacal devotion to really appreciate a historical player of James’ caliber. This does not mention the embarrassment that occurred in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals where hundreds of fans left the arena early when the Heat were close to elimination…at home, in the Finals! This was treasonous on all levels of sports...and today the Miami Heat’s chickens have come home to roost.

The LeBron-era Miami Heat enjoyed unprecedented success in four years: Miami reached the Finals for 4 consecutive years for the first time since the Bird Celtics and the Showtime Lakers. The Heat won back-to-back titles for the first time since Kobe’s Lakers and won 27 games in a row for the first time since the West/Baylor/Chamberlain Lakers in 1971-72. The 2010-14 Miami Heat are historic figures that have etched their own destinies in the annals of NBA History.

However, the Heat “fans” did not have the burning desire of many other championship-starved cities. Miami Heat have been entitled since inception. The Heat have 3 titles since they were formed in 1988 and yet the Heat are still less revered than the Dolphins. Miami retired Michael Jordan’s number and honored Dan Marino’s number (13) in their early years to maintain relevance. Now, Miami is now teetering on returning to the nominal relevance it had during the Hardaway-Mourning years. Miami is a playoff team that is not good enough to contend. Dwyane Wade will likely retire with the Heat but his best days are behind him. Chris Bosh has re-signed for the max contract but Bosh has never shown the capacity to win as the center piece of an NBA team. The Heat have space to sign another free agent this summer but they do not have the caché to lure younger free agents to play with an aging Wade and a good, but not great player like Bosh after LeBron’s stunning departure.

Miami is caught in a similar position as in 2008 when an aging Shaq was traded to Phoenix. In 2008, Miami immediately began to rebuild and became the worst team in the league with 15 wins. On the bright side, D-Wade won the scoring title and was in his prime and healthy. The 2014-15 Heat team will need Wade to turn back the clock and Bosh to return to his 2008 Toronto Raptors form and get more from younger pieces like Norris Cole and Michael Beasley. This is wishful thinking. Miami will remain relevant with Wade and Bosh but their ceiling is limited. Heat’s ceiling is further limited by its draft position and its failure to cultivate a championship level bench in the last two years of King James’ tenure(Oden, Beasley, amnestying Mike Miller and trading for Toney Douglas were misses the Heat wish they had back).

Miami will continue to remain relevant as long as Wade remains a healthy top tier player in the NBA. However, Miami’s championship window is officially closed shut. Similarly to Kobe Bryant’s Lakers, Miami has become a destination city without the free agents to show for it. Miami will begin to offload some of their remaining older pieces while focusing on accumulating assets to rebuild for a new chapter. Shabazz Napier is a solid draft pick that LeBron wanted for the Heat but in the end, Miami failed to secure their biggest asset when Miami and the Heat failed to make a destination city LeBron’s permanent home. Miami had a chance to keep LeBron by paying the repeater luxury tax to acquire younger wings to help LeBron during the postseason run but the Heat chose not to. The Heat’s front office gambled on their current roster and banked on LeBron’s talent to overcome well-rounded teams. This strategy barely worked in 2013 and in 2014, the Heat’s free agent and talent luck appears to have run out.

The Heat will continue to compete but similar to the 2009-10 teams, the Heat will now seek to remain competitive while LeBron’s talents return to shine in the Buckeye State. 

Peace