6 August 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Police convicted of post-Katrina shootings

originally by: ABC News
published: 6th August 2011

A jury has convicted five New Orleans police officers of shooting dead two African-Americans during the chaos unleashed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and trying to cover-up the killings. The police officers were found guilty on 25 counts and could now face life imprisonment after being convicted of the deaths of two unarmed African-American civilians in the days after Katrina devastated the southern town.

“This shows that law enforcement officers will be held accountable for their actions,” US attorney Jim Letten said after the guilty verdict was handed down.

“The culture that fostered this code of silence is being shattered every day.”

28 May 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Hundreds mourn Cherry Groce at funeral

all credits: Voice Online
originally published: 24th May 2011

Brixton stood still today (May 24) for the funeral of Cherry Groce, the innocent victim of a police shooting 26 years ago. Hundreds of mourners and well-wishers marched to The Brixton Seven Day Adventist Church on Santley Street, in south London, to the sounds of a New Orleans jazz band playing hymns. For many, the strong turnout was a testament to the undeniably strong influence Cherry Groce had on the community.

“There’s been a massive outpouring of love and affection for a woman that’s been an icon in the black community,” said race equality campaigner Lee Jasper. “People have turned out in their hundreds.”

16 March 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Smiley Culture dies during a Surrey police raid

originally by: OBV
16th March 2011

The sudden death of UK reggae icon Smiley Culture during a police raid by the Metropolitan Police Serious and Organised Crime Squad has sent shockwaves through the UK urban music scene and black communities.

Questions are being raised within Black communities in London over reports that the former singer ‘killed himself’.

There is a growing consensus that the reggae star may have been involved in a struggle with police officers that may have contributed to the stars untimely death.