Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by rap legend Jay-Z, is once again stepping up its fight for social justice. Team ROC, Roc Nation’s philanthropic and social justice division, has set its sights on the Kansas City Police Department, requesting to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct within the department.
It has been revealed that Team ROC, Roc Nation’s philanthropic and social justice division, has requested to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct within the Kansas City Police Department.
In collaboration with the Midwest Innocence Project, Team ROC submitted a records request to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department on Nov. 16 to obtain information regarding the department’s alleged misconduct.
This initiative comes on the heels of Team ROC‘s successful push for the arrest of former KCPD officer Roger Golubski, who faced accusations of preying on and sexually assaulting Black women and children during criminal investigations.
The recent letter to the Kansas City Police Department also requests any documents related to complaints or investigations pertaining to Golubski. The Kansas City Police Department has faced multiple instances of police brutality and excessive use of force, further fueling the need for scrutiny.
One such case involved Officer Jeremy Gragg shooting an unarmed Black man, Malcolm Johnson, in 2021, an incident captured and shared widely, sparking community outrage. Another incident involved Officer David Frazier, who threw Mack C. Nelson onto the ground in 2022, forcefully pressing his face into the pavement.
The request highlights various troubling allegations against the KCPD, including the use of excessive and unnecessary force, instances of sexual harassment and assault, and the violation of citizens’ civil rights by police officers.
“For decades, there have been numerous troubling allegations against the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department (“KCKPD”),” the request reads. “Among those allegations have been: (1) KCKPD officers use of excessive and unnecessary force and battery; (2) sexual harassment and sexual assault; and (3) conspiracies by KCKPD officers to violate citizen’s civil rights.”
The request also read:
“Disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and will contribute to the public’s understanding of KCKPD practices by shedding light on issues that have long been shielded from public view.”
Citing the public interest in disclosure, Team ROC also emphasizes the need to shed light on these long-hidden issues and contribute to the public’s understanding of the KCKPD’s practices. Leveraging the Kansas Open Records Act, which allows for public inspection and copying of records maintained by public entities, Team ROC gains access to pertinent information about the KCPD.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (11/21/23 at 6:28 pm)
Roc Nation’s advocacy has led to the indictment and arrest of Roger Golubski, a former police officer, on six federal crimes. Immense pressure was applied to the Kansas City Police Department after Roc Nation sued the department for alleged misconduct and corruption.
Roc Nation is celebrating the arrest of Roger Golubski, a former Kansas police officer, who is facing federal civil rights charges.
The arrest was announced by the United States Justice Department on Thursday, a year after Roc Nation sued the Kansas City Police Department for alleged misconduct and corruption.
In 2021, Team Roc called for an investigation into the department after allegations against Golubski were revealed.
Golubski was named in a lawsuit filed by Lamonte McIntyre, who was wrongfully convicted for murder and incarcerated for 23 years. The lawsuit alleged that Golubski framed McIntyre for the crime after his mother turned down his sexual advances.
Dania Diaz, Roc Nation’s director of philanthropy, released a statement.
“We continue to stand in solidarity alongside the people of Kansas City, Kansas, who have been patiently for justice and accountability. The arrest of Roger Golubski is a significant step toward creating a safer community, and we applaud the Department of Justice for their commitment, diligence, and thorough work on this investigation.”
Golubski has been indicted on six federal counts for crimes that he allegedly committed over 20 years ago.
He stands accused of sexually assaulting two women “while acting under the color of the law.” According to the prosecutors, Golubski raped the women multiple times between 1998 and 2002.
These also include incidents in and next to his vehicle and in one of the victim’s home. Kidnapping is also alleged in the indictment.
In an open letter to the United States Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, Diaz said:
“We are committed to holding these so-called public servants accountable for alleged rampant acts of brutality and exploitation and request a meeting with the DOJ to discuss our findings—findings we hope will move you to act. These allegations require the urgency the Kansas City, Kansas community deserves.”
If convicted, Golubski faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
A few months ago, Roc Nation assembled a coalition of social justice leaders from various industries for a summer summit.
The summit took place during the midterm elections in the US. It is the latest initiative to leverage the power of hip-hop culture to address police brutality and criminal justice reform.
Diaz said Roc Nation hopes the summit will bring about political action and engagement.
Originally Written By: Aevum Caelum
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