When Being Unarmed Isn't Enough: Black Folks Still Being Denied Humanity

Photo courtesy of stltoday.com

More than 40 days and restless nights have passed since Mike Brown was shot and killed on August 9th. That followed the death of John Crawford, who was shot in a department store aisle while holding a toy gun. Then there was the incident of a police officer in Oklahoma City allegedly targeting at least 8 black women and sexually assaulting them in the process. Folks, I'm getting tired of this. What we have continually seen is that when it comes to the split second decision of firing a gun -- and ultimately changing the life of the victim and the shooter -- blacks in this country are still seen as criminals first, people second.

This lack of humanity has been seen time and time again. Whether it's a choke hold caught on camera, or a mentally ill man being shot in Los Angeles, a grandmother being punched on the side of the highway like some MMA fighter, or the woman dragged naked from her home in Brooklyn when cops showed up to the wrong door, 'protect and serve' has never seemed to mean so little.

Looking Back at Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter

Boxer and activist Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter passed away last month, and thanks to a memorable film, his story will continue to live on.

Carter spent his formative years being raised in Paterson, New Jersey, and getting into his fair share of trouble. He was an up and coming boxer whose life took a turn for the worst when he along with his friend John Artis, were charged with three murders both denied they committed. Both were found guilty. Carter would serve 19 years in prison before being freed in 1985.

14 years later, Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter's story gained new-found recognition with the release of the film "The Hurricane." Carter was portrayed brilliantly by Denzel Washington. Here's the trailer below.

Richard's Rant Heard Roun' The World

Richard Sherman sure was hyped following the NFC Championship Game last weekend. The post rant fallout hasn't been nearly as fun however.

In the last couple of years the loquacious cornerback, Sherman, has gained a bit of a reputation for getting in to people's faces and not being afraid to make a point. He did it to Tom Brady. He did it to offensive tackle Trent Williams and received a parting shot by way of a right hook. Neither of these two previous episodes received the attention of Sherman's latest post game faux pas.

Here's the video for those who might have missed it.