#JusticeForSandraBland

I am not sure if many of you have seen the video of Ms. Bland’s arrest, which is now widespread across every social media network. If you have not, I strongly suggest that you take the time to watch the arrest so that you’re informed. I have provided the direct link for the video at the bottom of today’s post.

I thought I began to grow desensitized to graphic images/videos of police brutality, but once again, I was utterly disturbed. Not able to completely grasp the recording, I watched it again subsequently after. This time, I tried to remove all impartiality and preconceptions. I was literally watching a broken record of a police officer  with a bruised ego, abusing his power and authority, and applying excessive force.

Rodriguez V. United States held that police could not extend the length of a routine traffic stop, even for just a few minutes, absent a safety related concern or reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver may have committed an additional crime. “The tolerable duration of police inquires in the traffic-stop context is determined by the seizure’s mission, which is to address the traffic violation that warranted the stop, and attend to the related safety concerns. A police stop, may last no longer than is necessary to effectuate that purpose.”

Officer Encinia’s “mission” was almost at completion by the time he ASKED Ms. Bland to put out her cigarette. The citation was already written by Encinia and brought to Bland. In the video, you hear Ms. Bland yell “trying to sign the fucking ticket” before the abusive officer tries to pull her out of the vehicle. If the officer stuck to his task instead of engaging in an argument in which Ms. Bland did not have to put out HER cigarette inside of HER car, it is more than likely that both individuals would have went their separate ways shortly after. Not only did this incompetent officer not follow protocol, he acted on feelings. The officer had not a shred of probable cause to search her or her vehicle which  understandably supports the response of Ms .Bland after being told to get out. He continues on by threatening to “light her up.” Oh boy, whatever could that mean…?! As a result of this officer’s unpalatable behavior, we should be seeking job termination, along with benefits, and a charge of police misconduct.

– Those who we seek protection, are the very same ones to put us in harm’s way.

#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForSandraBland

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/07/22/sandra-bland-video-reaction/30502921/.

1-8-5-4 First HBCU For Sure!

As a young man living in the state of New York, I have never experienced or encountered any form of racism or prejudice sentiments, especially at this degree.

On the night  of February 18th, 2015, individuals who thought that this act would discourage or frighten the student body of The Lincoln University failed miserably. Defacing our university with profanity indeed made us angry but, we channeled our anger in a way that not only motivated the student body but caused a mass movement across the United States.

“Our institution has withstood many acts of racism over and over again. We withstood the Civil War in 1861, withstood the Reconstruction Era following, withstood during the Civil Rights Movement and today, 161 years later, we will continue to withstand in the face of our adversity. Since 1854, our institution has represented a lineage of an educated, sophisticated and civically engaged people. Lincoln has produced world-renowned scholars, doctors, innovators, musicians, poets and so many others. That same lineage is still within us all.” – Excerpt from the message on behalf of the Student Government Association

We combat this act of travesty by exemplifying the true meaning of a educated youth coming from a prestigious and dynamic heritage.We combat them by demonstrating excellence not only scholastically, but in service and character. We retaliate by understanding that we are not inferior nor defined by the same name they tried to break our ancestors with hundreds of years ago.

We WILL Rise.

We WILL Stand.

We will not rest.

Today, we stand as our ancestors once did. Today, we stand still proud of our institution, still honoring our legacy and still fighting for its abilities to withstand adversity.

Hail, Hail Lincoln!

Fashion Foward

Boots (Steve Madden) + Chinos (Forever 21) + Jean Jacket (Guess) + Forever 21 (Cardigan) + Infinity Scarf( Old Navy)

Shoes (Vanz) + Cargo Pants + V-Neck + Blazer (Calvin Klein) + White & Orange Hankie + Watch (TAG Heuer)

Requirements:

Individuality Creativity Inspiration.

Many view fashion as an interest/hobby, or even a purpose of living. Regardless of how people view it, it is not something that can be developed overnight. Many claim that they have an eye for fashion or consider themselves to be fashionable because it’s a popular interest but, there are a plethora of cases in which those people don’t know how to dress.

A common frustration amongst many of those who revere and admire fashion, is the ignorance of those who lack a “fashionable eye.” I CAN ATTEST TO THIS. Sometimes, I’ll wear something and a person will say “I don’t know how that goes together?” but, when I see my friend, a person who breathes and lives fashion, he’ll say the total opposite primarily because he understands the blending of colors along with the complementarities of it.

I am no Christian Dior or Tom Ford, I am just a young’un that has a peculiar eye for fashion.

I am what you see

I am almost 100% sure that the way I would like to dress is far more than I can actually spend. As a college student, I’m literally experiencing every letter of the word S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E but, I always manage to look fashionable. I believe that the way you carry yourself is often a reflection of who you are and what you want to be. If you walked onto Lincoln’s campus, 9.5/10 times, you will find me in some form of dress attire. I aspire to BE something! (corporate attorney to be exact). With such an aspiration, I know that I must dress the part now.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to tour Penn State University, Dickinson Law. Filled with enthusiasm, I walked the hallways, sniffed the old and authentic textbooks (sorry, not sorry), and sat eagerly through a three-hour mock trial. That was an experience of a life time! Penn State is actually one of  my choices for Law School and I built so many relationships and connections with people at Penn State. Although it’s in my list of choices, I would like to aim for the top ten, top twenty Law Schools. The only thing that could get in my way is possibly the LSAT, my resume looks amazing and I’ve managed to maintain above a 3.8. If I also score well on the LSAT, I’m guaranteed entry into any school I choose. Tell somebody, In Jesus name! *baptist speaker*

I just may be ahead of myself because I’m seventeen and I am a freshmen in college. I KNOW, I KNOW. I just like having a perspective of my future. Honestly, once I blink, it’ll be my junior year; blink once more, it’ll be my last year in Law School. Why not look at the whole picture?

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart

Penn State – Dickinson Law

The Lawyer’s Prayer

As an aspiring lawyer, I am completely aware of the corrupt government in which we live; social and economic injustices running rampant across the United States without any solution. People tend to be discouraged by this but, instead of viewing these issues as insurmountable obstacles; I view them as hurdles on a track field, hurdles that I will overcome. Law has always been my calling except for that young stage in my life where I varied from occupation to occupation. Monday was astronaut, Tuesday was State Representative, Wednesday, I believe was cashier, Thursday was tennis player, and from Friday to Sunday I was an official bounty hunter.

Existing in an age where injustice is spreading like wildfire provides much legitimacy in why I want to further my education in law. I know that there will be many instances where my Christian morals will be put to the test but, the same God that I serve, is the same God that created the heavens and the earth, and the same exact God who delivered Daniel from the fiery furnace. I know the God I serve. Now the question is, do you?

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”