George Floyd

George Floyd’s Sister LaTonya Says She Forgives His Killer Derek Chauvin

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Thursday (May 25) marked the three-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, a Black man who was killed by white police officer Derek Chauvin after he was suspected of using a counterfeit 20-dollar bill. His unjust murder led to a wave of protests, calls for reform, and a widespread resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, whose story spans centuries back and continues to be a crucial fight for social equality and justice to this day. Recently, Floyd’s sister LaTonya reflected on Chauvin’s actions during a documentary screening on a statue dedicated to Floyd. Her remarks caused conversation among communities, but were nonetheless powerful.

“America might think I’m crazy for saying this, but I have to get this off my chest,” LaTonya Floyd told FOX 26. “At this point, three years down the line, I do forgive Derek Chauvin for what he did. It’s not okay that he did it, okay? But I have to forgive him in order to move forth with my life. I’ve been running around in circles, he’ll tell you, I have been going through a whole lot. If that higher power don’t forgive us, we’re nothing, we’re lost, we’re out of there.

Read More: Adidas To Donate Yeezy Proceeds To ADL & George Floyd Foundation

George Floyd’s Sister Forgives Derek Chauvin

“I can’t keep living my life with this anger that’s going to form to hate, such as he had,” she continued. “It’s going to lead to me doing something like that because I’m mad, I’m angry. I can’t live with that in me. So I pray for him and I pray that he finds peace within himself. I pray that next time he kneel down, he’s kneeling down to help someone up and not hold them down. God has a plan for everybody. I pray for Derek and I do forgive you. If you are listening, may the peace of God be with you man.”

Many believe that such acts should never be forgiven, as social media discussion of her message indicates. Chauvin is currently serving his 22-and-a-half-year sentence for the incident. However, the most important voice in each victim’s stories is that of their families. After so much pain and suffering, but also progress and awareness following their loved one’s passing, the Floyd family is healing in their own ways. Rest In Peace George Floyd, and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who fought and keep fighting for justice.

Read More: Lil Baby Accompanies George Floyd’s Family To The White House

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Joyner Lucas Unleashes On “Devil’s Work 2” Single, Reflects On Takeoff, George Floyd, And More

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Joyner Lucas certainly isn’t coming to play with his first single of 2023. This New Music Friday (March 10), the clever lyricist made a bold return with “Devil’s Work 2,” a follow-up to his 2020 track of the same name. Throughout the five-minute-long song, the 34-year-old reflects on some major losses the culture has faced in recent years, from Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna’s tragic deaths to the untimely murder of PnB Rock in Los Angeles a few months ago.

While promoting the song in an interview with Billboard, Lucas explained, “We all have heroes, and we never want to see them suffer.” He later added, “As a culture, we all wish that we could turn back time and reverse events that traumatized us, so I wanted to take that concept and share it in my own creative way.” Thus far, the Massachusets native appears to be receiving the positive and impactful reaction he was searching for.

Joyner Lucas Reflects on the Culture’s Recent Losses in “Devil’s Work 2” Visual

Aside from the tragic losses we’ve faced, Lucas also rhymes about some major pop culture moments. Among them are Chris Rock and Will Smith’s infamous “Slapgate,” as well as the lengthy stint Brittany Grinner spent in a Russian prison for most of 2022. Additionally, he called Candace Owens a “bitch,” calling her out over her The Greatest Lie Ever Told documentary, which attempted to twist the death of George Floyd at the hands of police into a story about a Black man’s drug overdose.

“Lord, forgive me for my language and these bad words / But that Candace Owens bitch get on my last nerve,” he angrily expresses. “How you gon’ tell me that what we witnessed on TV wasn’t murder when we watched n*ggas turn his ass into Casper? / George died from asphyxiation and that’s a factor / Fentanyl or not, he’d had never died and his last words were, ‘I cannot breathe’ / So really she gotta chill or maybe they should trade places so she could see how it feel.”

The insightful single is due to appear on Not Now, I’m Busy, Joyner Lucas’ forthcoming album. Earlier this week he unveiled the artwork, generating plenty of excitement amongst his fans. Stream “Devil’s Work 2” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the emotionally loaded track in the comments. Make sure to check back later this weekend for more release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist update.

Quotable Lyrics:

But Lord, listen, this shit urkin’ me
How You take PNB? That shit absurd to me
So many questions ’bout that shit and it’s disturbin’ me
Like n*ggas can’t eat waffles without security?
And n*ggas can’t work hard and go buy some jewelry?
That one hurt to see

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Stephen Jackson Criticizes Al Sharpton’s Tyre Nichols Eulogy: “All For Political Gain”

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Today (February 1), the public funeral for Tyre Nichols was livestreamed for the world. The 29-year-old was killed earlier this month by a mob of police officers who savagely beat him. Three days later, Nichols, a father of a four-year-old, succumbed to his injuries. Several political figures and celebrities gathered for Nichols’s homegoing, and Rev. Al Sharpton was responsible for delivering the eulogy.

“The tape speaks for itself. They started beating an unarmed man,” said Sharpton. “In the city where the dreamer laid down and shed his blood, you have the unmitigated gall to beat your brother.” The display is being talked about across social media platforms, and Stephen Jackson chimed in with a hot take.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 01: Rev. Al Sharpton delivers the eulogy during the funeral service for Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church on February 1, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. On January 7th, 29-year-old Nichols was violently beaten for three minutes by Memphis police officers at a traffic stop and died of his injuries. Five Black Memphis Police officers have been fired after an internal investigation found them to be directly responsible for the beating and have been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression. (Photo by Andrew Nelles-Pool/Getty Images)
Read More: Tyre Nichols: 6th Memphis Officer Suspended, 2 EMTs Fired

On Instagram, The Shade Room posted about Sharpton’s appearance at Nichols’s funeral. It wasn’t a sight that impressed Jackson, who worked alongside activists when George Floyd was killed by officers in Minnesota. The former NBA giant called out purported leaders who he suggested have ulterior motives.

“Y’all keep letting these folk fool y’all,” Jackson commented. “Same scene Al sharpton and Crump Crew. All for political gain. They pray on people’s pain.” He also said, “Seeen it first hand with G Floyd. If it’s not a national media case u won’t see them. Yet we getting killed everywhere by police. Free game.”

Read More: Ciara Checks Jason Whitlock For Blaming Tyre Nichols’s Death On “Single Black Mothers”

Attorney Ben Crump, who was also at the Nichols funeral, is well-known as a representative for families of police violence. Sharpton has a long history of activism, although his methods have often been criticized by all sides.

It is further reported that five Memphis police officers were fired, all Black men, and another two were relieved of their duties. Additionally, the Memphis Fire Department also made some changes. A lieutenant and two emergency responders were also fired following an investigation. It was stated that they did not adequately administer aid to Nichols following the attack.

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Former Officer Receives State Sentence For His Role In George Floyd Murder

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thomas lane state charge george floyd murder

Former Minneapolis police officer, Thomas Lane will serve three years in prison for his role in the death of George Floyd.  39-year-old Lane was sentenced virtually on Wednesday morning for a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. 

Thomas Lane pleaded guilty in May to the state charge. The ex officer held down Floyd’s legs while Derek Chauvin kept his knee on his neck for nine and a half minutes, which led to Floyd’s death.

READ MORE: Three Minneapolis Officers Found Guilty of Violating George Floyd’s Civil Rights

He’s currently serving two-and-a-half years in Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado for violating Floyd’s civil rights by denying him medical care. Lane will serve his new state sentence in federal prison.

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The post Former Officer Receives State Sentence For His Role In George Floyd Murder appeared first on The Source.

Final Two Ex-Minneapolis Officers Sentenced To Feds Surrounding George Floyd’s Death

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TouThao J.Alexander Kueng

All former Minneapolis police officers involved with the murder of George Floyd have now received their sentence to federal prison for violating Floyd’s civil rights in 2020. 

A federal judge sentenced ex-cop Derek Chauvin to 21 years 3 weeks ago. While former police officer Thomas Lane was sentenced to 2 1/2 years for denying him medical care.just last week. 

On Tuesday, J. Alexander Kueng was sentenced to 3 years in the feds and he’ll then be under supervised release for 2 years once his sentence behind bars is over. 

READ MORE: Ex Minneapolis Cop Thomas Lane Sentenced To 2 ½ Years For Holding George Floyd’s Legs

Kueng was one of the officers present during the arrest, who held down the late George Floyd’s torso while Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck killing him. Prosecutors said Kueng knew his role was to stop what was happening and he failed to do so, according to CNN. 

The last ex-cop Tou Thao was handed a 3 1/2 year bid for not intervening in the fatal arrest. Thao was the officer shown in the nearly 10 minute viral video of Floyd’s death that kept a group of bystanders back. 

The judge ruled last week that Kueng and Thao should be sentenced based on involuntary manslaughter, not murder, meaning they would be expected to serve substantially less time.

Each was convicted in February of violating the Houston natives civil rights and of failing to intervene to stop their colleague Derek Chauvin during the restraint.  

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Ex Minneapolis Cop Thomas Lane Sentenced To 2 ½ Years For Holding George Floyd’s Legs

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george floyd thomas lane sentenced

Former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane is being sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for his role in George Floyd’s murder two years ago during an arrest.  39-year-old Lane was convicted in federal court of violating Floyd’s civil rights by denying him medical care. 

 The sentence is what Lane’s lawyers asked for, saying he was the only officer that encouraged former officer Derek Chauvin to roll Floyd onto his side so he could breathe. Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nine and a half minutes, which led to his death.

READ MORE: Derek Chauvin Sentenced to 21 Years for Violating George Floyd’s Civil Rights

Mr. Floyd’s relatives had asked the judge to impose the maximum prison term possible and said afterward that they were upset by the sentence, According to The New York Times. 

“It’s insulting that he didn’t get the maximum amount of time,” said Philonise Floyd, one of Floyd’s brothers, adding: “If it was me and that was accessory to murder, they would’ve gave me the maximum amount of time. And you’re a police officer who was sworn to protect, who took an oath, and you didn’t get the maximum amount of time.”

All four officers who were at the scene were charged with various crimes.

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Derek Chauvin Sentenced to 21 Years for Violating George Floyd’s Civil Rights

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Derek Chauvin Requests Probation As Prosecutors Seek 30-Year Sentence

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 21 years for violating the civil rights of the late George Floyd. On May 25, 2020, Chauvin pinned his knee to the neck of Floyd for over nine minutes leading to his death.

Chauvin plead guilty to a violation of civil rights in December. He was previously convicted of murder and manslaughter and is currently in jail.

According to USA Today, Chauvin will serve the new federal sentence in a federal prison, which will the host of his state sentence.

In court, prosecutors sought 20 to 25 years. Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson wanted 20 years.

Chauvin will be transferred out of solitary confinement at Minnesota’s only max facility to federal prison.

TMZ notes the court proceedings included a victim impact statement from Floyd’s brother, Philonise, who stated Chauvin exhibited excessive police force.

When Chauvin entered the courtroom he waved at his mother and friends who were in attendance. He wore an orange jumpsuit. His mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, spoke in court, stating that she will visit him and hoped she is alive when he is released. At his release, Chauvin will have five years of supervised probation.

In June, Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill sentenced former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin to 22.5 years for his role in the murder of George Floyd.

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President Biden Signs Executive Order for Police Reform on Second Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death

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Biden entertainment industry

On the second anniversary of George Floyd’s death, President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at changing policing procedures.

The directive establishes a national register of officers who have been dismissed for wrongdoing and urges state and local law enforcement to tighten chokehold and no-knock warrant limits. According to NBC News, it also prohibits military equipment from being transferred to law enforcement agencies and requires all federal agents to wear activated body cams.

The new executive order comes after Congress failed to provide bipartisan support to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“I know progress can be slow and frustrating, and there’s a concern that the reckoning on race inspired two years ago is beginning to fade,” Biden said. “Today, we’re acting. We’re showing that speaking out matters, being engaged matters, and that the work of our time, healing the soul of this nation, is ongoing and unfinished and requires all of us never to give up. Always to keep the faith.”

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Judge Accepts Derek Chauvin’s Federal Plea Deal

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Derek Chauvin CNNPH

A federal judge is accepting the plea deal of a former white Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing George Floyd.

Derek Chauvin will be sentenced to between 20 to 25 years for violating Floyd’s civil rights. Chauvin was sentenced last year after being convicted of murder in Floyd’s 2020 death.

Late last year, Chauvin changed to pleading guilty in his federal civil rights case. He was hit with two counts of depriving Floyd of his rights under the “Color of Law.”

READ MORE: Convicted Police Officer Derek Chauvin Changes Plea To Guilty In Civil Case.

His sentence would be served concurrently with his murder conviction on the state level which equals over 22 years with good behavior.

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Derek Chauvin Asks Court To Overturn His Conviction In George Floyd’s Murder, Claims “He was denied a fair trial” 

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George Floyd's Killer Derek Chauvin

Attorneys for George Floyd’s murderer and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has appealed for his conviction to be overturned.   Chauvin’s lawyers are claiming that numerous factors combined prevented him from getting a fair and just trial. The Challenge The attorneys for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin asked an appeals court to overturn his […]

The post Derek Chauvin Asks Court To Overturn His Conviction In George Floyd’s Murder, Claims “He was denied a fair trial”  appeared first on SOHH.com.