Fuck Yo Flag Drew Brees

Photo credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color...To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Drew,

In your recent interview with ESPN, it came to my attention that you decided to step into your white privilege and respond to Colin Kaepernick's protest of the national anthem. You claimed that Kaepernick's action had been "bothering me all day long." It's ironic that what you had to say bothers me! It bothers me because you picked this one time to speak out on racial injustice and it was to defend a symbol of oppression. In your reference to the American flag being "sacred," it's like you negated that this flag represents more than just white freedom. Your Precious flag has a history and is representative of folks who look like you, who never had to worry about being hung like strange fruit from a tree in some swampy bog. Its laughable that you would "wholeheartedly" disagree with Kaepernick's reasoning and method of protest, while not considering the factors at play.

atlantablackstar.com

"Like, it's an oxymoron that you're sitting down, disrespecting that flag that has given you the freedom to speak out.." 

Lets define oxymoron, shall we? It is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. I see no oxymoron in boycotting the national anthem, you made this about a flag, not only did you do that, YOU MADE THIS ABOUT YOU and your white lens:

"I've been on five USO trips, so I've had a chance to meet and talk with a lot of military personnel. I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of the things that they go through. Also having family that have served and sitting around and listening to my grandfather talk about World War II, so maybe that gives me a heightened level of appreciation for them," Brees said. "But when I look at that flag, I think about them too. I think about a lot of things. Like when I stand and listen to the national anthem with my hand over my heart, there is emotions that well up inside of me." 

That's cute for you Drew, many of us relate to that too and as only most people who look me can, through a BLACK lens. You ain't the only one who has worked with the USO, let alone had a chance to talk with members of the armed forces. The truth is that while you feel like you have a pretty good understanding of what folks in the military go through, YOU DID NOT SERVE. You only have feelings about experiences shared with you, and the irony is that you had a chance to do that with the Black and non Black POC community by trying to understand our issues, by speaking with us about why we feel the way we feel. Instead, you pulled typical white boy shit and defended the source of your privilege. We have had our family tell us about their World War II experiences too, the segregated platoons, battalions and etc. Arriving back home from war in Europe only to be lynched and called niggers in a land that they fought for. I have a heightened appreciation for veterans like you do, but when I look at that flag, I think about them too. I think about a lot of things. Like when I sit and listen to the national anthem with my hand limp at my side, there is emotions that well up inside of me too. Emotions of anger and oppression as I am reminded that we were kidnapped, bought, and sold to build this country and exist as animals in your white world.

AP Photo/David Goldman

"I disagree. I wholeheartedly disagree," Brees told ESPN. "Not that he wants to speak out about a very important issue. No, he can speak out about a very important issue. But there's plenty of other ways that you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn't involve being disrespectful to the American flag."

When in the hell did he or we need your permission to speak out against injustice? Did this make you uncomfortable? To say that this isn't about him speaking out on important issues of race, class, and privilege using his platform, only to turn around and say that he could have done it in a peaceful manner is bullshit. Where was he committing a violent act? How was his silence not peaceful? Oh! I get it! His courage made your whiteness feel fragile and unsafe, your flag was being burned in a sense. Get used to it Drew, get used to being made to feel like you are losing your privilege and that your whiteness is no longer a prerequisite to have a good life free of worry and hate. You said it yourself, "The great thing about this country is that we have the freedoms that allow you to speak out openly about any issue. So I'm not commenting on the issue itself because any person has the right to speak out on any issue they want. That's the great thing about being an American. But the American flag is what represents those freedoms. It represents the very freedom that Colin Kaepernick gets the opportunity to exercise by speaking out his opinion in a peaceful manner about that issue."

"Listen, if I chose to speak out on every issue that I have an opinion about, that's all I'd do all day. I'd probably have a hundred Twitter posts a day. But this one ..." Brees said without completing his thought." - ESPN

No matter how subtle you were being, you are trying to silence Colin with patriot speak, while excusing yourself from speaking out against the systems of oppression like racism and prejudices toward Black and non black POC. That is the privilege in being white, not having to recognize that the very thing that we are speaking out against is that which empowers you in this society. One thing is very clear, you should have kept your mouth shut if you can't speak about the issue in totality. It is interesting how you refused to address the issues that Black "Americans" face while trying to silence us as we speak for ourselves. All this for your precious flag.

"Like, I could shed a tear every time the national anthem plays if I would allow myself because it's that powerful." - Drew Brees

Fuck yo flag! That flag don't mean shit unless Black Lives Matter.

Sorry but, not sorry

Ashton - Angry Black Man

No, Voting Will Not End Racism

There has been this theme of evoking the ballot box as a remedy to racism. Voting for a liberal person will not change the make up of our racist society. They say that overt racists White people make up a fraction of the sum total of the Whit population. The fact is yes Trump gave  visibility to them to an extent, these fool really have been emboldened from the damn day that Barack Obama announced his candidacy in 2007 for President.

These factors have always been part of the American equation. So to suggest voting will fix issues of race and other societal problems without addressing and dismantling the systems of oppression and degradation is just psychotic to me. In reality, it is the activists, organizers, and other community members that do the work that is required to create change, NOT POLITICIANS. Yeah laws can be changed on every level, but who enforces it? And when will we realize that laws are a matter of interpretation?

"Black Lives Matter is not just about police brutality, it is an affirmation for those who look like me, who are black and brown. An affirmation that we matter to each other...It's not about going to white supremacists and telling them to accept and respect us. It's about us teaching ourselves that we matter to each other." - Ashton p. Woods

Interpretation is a dangerous thing, when the very power structure and system of pivilege are still intact after laws are reformed or repealed. People will still be bigots, haters, rapists and etc. We must be careful to note the truth, yes vote, but dont pretend that it will fix all of our societal flaws.

Stop lying to yourselves!

Who Does The Houston NAACP Really Represent?

Photo credit: Burnell McCray

On Sunday, a white lives matter protest was held to counter the Black Lives Matter movement in the historic third ward. They set up shop right in front of the Headquarters of the Houston Branch of the NAACP with their the confederate flags and assault weapons. I got there extremely late, but two other Black Lives Matter: Houston organizers Tarah and Bevin did go. The notable absence in the crowd? No major representative from the NAACP. As many of you know, Houston activists have major issues with the Houston branch that range from awarding Devon Anderson for alleged work in the Black community to James Douglas proclaiming that "all lives matter." The national president tweeted about it, but the chapter sent this out today:

The email is problematic for THIS REASON:

It is nice to fundraise off of a movement that they undermine, especially when we don't see true reinvestment into communities of color, specifically the Black community. The email claims that "It is clear that our community and our values remain under attack. The NAACP remains steadfast in our belief that Black Lives do indeed matter. What yesterday’s mob failed to realize is that the NAACP has never devalued the lives of any other race in this country since our inception in 1909. What they also fail to realize is that the NAACP condemns any violence against those that are sworn to protect and serve our communities." But their actions contradict this assertion as they have remained silent on issues of social justice in terms of Jordan Baker, Sandra Bland, Alva Braziel and a host of others lost to police violence and brutality. Not only that, what about the lack of support from them on issues of systemic and institutional racism? It is very clear that they push respectability politics and profit over justice in Houston while, the criminal justice system spares police officers due punishment and make racist attempts to institute gang injunctions.

"As an organization, we are doing as much as we can to keep the fight for justice going in our community. We need YOU! We are stronger together!"

Yes, you do need us NAACP Houston, to stay relevant. ONE thing is extremely clear, we don't need you. Your claim that "The actions of the mob that stormed our NAACP headquarters yesterday show that we are needed more than ever, TODAY..." are completely off. Those white supremacists showed up on your steps because you represent civil rights past and it is illustrative of their disconnect to the real world when it comes to targeting the Black Lives Matter movement. You gave the movement one sentence in a paragraph of four sentences, when this protest was a response to said movement. If you want to raise money off of the backs of activists that you generally claim to have no association with, make sure you donate to those on the ground, doing actual work!

Who Does The Houston NAACP Really Represent?

Photo credit: Deidre Scott

Liberation For Black Women Is A Demand, Not A Request - By: Fatima Mann

I'm jumping into a movement. I'm tired of being treated as a woman. As if I am not a man's equal. There would be no man without the woman. I am no longer subjecting myself to music, literature, and all other forms of media that make Black women out to be mere sex objects, baby mamas, angry, gold diggers, welfare queens, maids, and anything less than amazing flawed people just like men. I am over being seen as a mere woman, I am tired of having to work harder than Black men and all other men just because I'm a woman. Until women are seen as equals and not as inferiors, don't ask me to support you or your cause if you don't believe that Black women need liberation.

"For me, it's being able to change the mindset and that we are people first and not our skin complexion...We are people first and not our sexuality. We are people first and not our religion. We are people first. Unfortunately, just because we look a certain way, we are not deemed to be people first. That's a problem."

I'm asking that Black women take a stand, against the inequalities and disrespect we face every day. Let's make the world respect us. Let's pledge to stop supporting those who don't support us. We have aided everyone in liberation and it's time women become equals instead of just women. Stand with Us brothers. Show us you love us as we love you. Make it be known that it's not a man's world it's our world. Because We are all equals. We both have something to offer the world. Let's work together to do that.

"We do this for Yvette Smith

We do this for Sophia King

We do this for Samantha Dean

We do this for Rachel Jackson

We do this for their mothers

We do this for our sisters

We do this for each other

We do this until we free ourselves

We do this until black women matter"

I'm a woman hear me roar, "I'm tired of supporting everyone and their causes and not getting the same respect." So Black women I love you. I love all that are and most endure just to be seen as a person. Whether cisgender, gender nonconforming or transgender I appreciate all that You are. Thank you for being the backbone of society. Thank you for putting everyone else before yourself. You're amazing and beautiful.

- Fatima

Chas Moore's Open Letter To Gabby Douglas

It saddens me to a point of anger to hear how much the negative social media posts have hurt you and your mother. Instead of people focusing the things you've accomplished, your work ethic, your determination, discipline, and skills set; people would rather judge you for things that have nothing, at all, to do with your mission and purpose of why you're in Rio in the first place. It angers me even more that people from the country that you're representing are the main ones putting out all of these harmful and negative things about you, a proven USA Gold medal Olympian. Besides joining the military, there is nothing more patriotic than representing your country in the Olympics and getting a medal, let alone gold. Each and every person that has criticized you should be immensely ashamed of themselves.

However mean and hurtful the things you read on social may be, I just want to encourage you to keep your head up and keep giving US, the ones that are proud of you and appreciate you, that classic "Gabby Smile". You're an amazing young woman and you inspire and touch way more than the people than you ever realize. Don't let Internet trolls and people who never dared to chase their dreams take your smile nor joy away from you. And trust me, you have more support than you could ever imagine. The amount of people that love and adore you compared to the haters is like sizing up Texas to Rhode Island. No comparison. Continue to focus on the friends, family, and fans that will forever be ‪#‎TeamGabby‬.

Lastly, you are a proven champion with a heart of gold. This is only a moment. A character building moment. You've overcome and will overcome far greater things than hurt people that have nothing else better to do than try and tear other people down to their level on misery. You're a beautiful woman. You're beautiful Black woman that has already inspired so many people at the young age of 20 and will continue to inspire millions more in your lifetime. Just as you have in your Olympic career, I know you will continue to soar above and beyond these trying times. Cheers to you.

Sincerely,

Chas

Black The Vote! A Guide For The 2016 Election

As an organizer in the Black Lives Matter movement I walk a fine line to have a relationship with the political community, the activist community, and the population in general. On this matter, it is highly important that you all know I am a registered and active voter. I respect those who do not cosign that fact and I will not try to convince you to do other than what you believe you should do. Now for those of you who do vote, it should be imperative that you know and understand that this year's election is bigger than that of the Presidential race alone. In Texas, Harris county to be more specific, we have one of the largest ballots in the state that affect how laws are created to enhance or destroy rights for Black and Brown bodies. This post serves as the first in a series of posts to come leading to the November 8, 2016 general election.

In keeping with our platform in the Movement For Black Lives:

"Black humanity and dignity requires Black political will and power. Despite constant exploitation and perpetual oppression, Black people have bravely and brilliantly been the driving force pushing the U.S. towards the ideals it articulates but has never achieved. In recent years we have taken to the streets, launched massive campaigns, and impacted elections, but our elected leaders have failed to address the legitimate demands of our Movement. We can no longer wait.

In response to the sustained and increasingly visible violence against Black communities in the U.S. and globally, a collective of more than 50 organizations representing thousands of Black people from across the country have come together with renewed energy and purpose to articulate a common vision and agenda. We are a collective that centers and is rooted in Black communities, but we recognize we have a shared struggle with all oppressed people; collective liberation will be a product of all of our work.

We believe in elevating the experiences and leadership of the most marginalized Black people, including but not limited to those who are women, queer, trans, femmes, gender nonconforming, Muslim, formerly and currently incarcerated, cash poor and working class, differently-abled, undocumented, and immigrant. We are intentional about amplifying the particular experience of state and gendered violence that Black queer, trans, gender nonconforming, women and intersex people face. There can be no liberation for all Black people if we do not center and fight for those who have been marginalized. It is our hope that by working together to create and amplify a shared agenda, we can continue to move towards a world in which the full humanity and dignity of all people is recognized.

While this platform is focused on domestic policies, we know that patriarchy, exploitative capitalism, militarism, and white supremacy know no borders. We stand in solidarity with our international family against the ravages of global capitalism and anti-Black racism, human-made climate change, war, and exploitation. We also stand with descendants of African people all over the world in an ongoing call and struggle for reparations for the historic and continuing harms of colonialism and slavery. We also recognize and honor the rights and struggle of our Indigenous family for land and self-determination.

We have created this platform to articulate and support the ambitions and work of Black people. We also seek to intervene in the current political climate and assert a clear vision, particularly for those who claim to be our allies, of the world we want them to help us create. We reject false solutions and believe we can achieve a complete transformation of the current systems, which place profit over people and make it impossible for many of us to breathe.

Together, we demand an end to the wars against Black people. We demand that the government repair the harms that have been done to Black communities in the form of reparations and targeted long-term investments. We also demand a defunding of the systems and institutions that criminalize and cage us. This document articulates our vision of a fundamentally different world. However, we recognize the need to include policies that address the immediate suffering of Black people. These policies, while less transformational, are necessary to address the current material conditions of our people and will better equip us to win the world we demand and deserve.

We recognize that not all of our collective needs and visions can be translated into policy, but we understand that policy change is one of many tactics necessary to move us towards the world we envision. We have come together now because we believe it is time to forge a new covenant. We are dreamers and doers and this platform is meant to articulate some of our vision. The links throughout the document provide the stepping-stones and roadmaps of how to get there. The policy briefs also elevate the brave and transformative work our people are already engaged in, and build on some of the best thinking in our history of struggle. This agenda continues the legacy of our ancestors who pushed for reparations, Black self-determination and community control; and also propels new iterations of movements such as efforts for reproductive justice, holistic healing and reconciliation, and ending violence against Black cis, queer, and trans people."

There are a lot of races on the ballot, but THESE are the races you need to watch, the candidates listed are Democrats:

Harris County District Attorney - Kim Ogg 

Check this out: http://ashtonpwoods.strengthinnumbershouston.com/2016/08/byedevon-why-district-attorney-devon.html

Harris County Sheriff - Ed Gonzalez

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct No. 1 - Rodney Ellis

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct No. 3 - Jenifer Rene Pool

Judge, County Criminal Court at Law No. 16 - Darrell William Jordan

Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector - Ann Harris Bennett

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 1 - Alan Rosen

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 2 - Christopher “Chris” Diaz

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 3 - Sherman Eagleton

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 4 - Jeff McGowen

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 6 - Silvia Trevino

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 7 - May Walker

Harris County Constable, Precinct No. 8 - Heather Perry

I could list the Republicans, but I'm petty and they ain't about protecting Black and Brown folks... listed below are the lists of races on both sides:

Democrats:

Republican:

If you are a voter or want to vote, these are the steps that you should be taking RIGHT NOW:

• Make sure you have valid identification.

• If you have voted before, check your registration to see if it is current here:
• http://www.hctax.net/Voter/Search

• IF you aren't registered please follow these steps:

• Read this first:

• Then fill out the Voter Registration Application: ENGLISH - SPANISH

• If you would rather Request for Postage-Paid Voter Registration Form: ENGLISH - SPANISH

A Letter to Uncle Tom re: Korryn Gaines

By: Karisha Shaw - Houston, TX

The way people are demonizing Korryn Gaines is not new to me. As a woman who grew up in a deeply segregated, racist and over policed southern town, I can't say I have not been made to feel like I was at the mercy of the law. I also cannot say that I have not been completely non compliant when I knew that what I was experiencing was an overreaching of the law. In those many experiences of standing up for myself by citing my rights according to the situation, I have not been popular with police or others who were watching.

I remember being at my nephew's 10th birthday party. I remember he never liked to dance, but that night he was dancing up a storm with all of his friends. The room was full of smiles and laughs and electric energy from seeing him so free. So carefree. All of a sudden, we heard a commotion outside. A domestic dispute was happening 2 houses down. It had carried into their yard. All I heard next was a loud thud. I rushed to make sure the young lady was ok. She had been slammed on her head by her abuser. She said she couldn't feel her extremities. I knew that although the community was always being over policed, they probably would take forever to come tend to this matter. I volunteered to get her to the hospital myself, not because I thought it was the safest route, but because I knew she may be in worse danger waiting on medics to come to our neighborhood. Thankfully her mother got there quickly. The police and ems arrived in a shorter period of time than expected and I went back to my nephews party. I hadn't really had time to decide if I should protect this young lady, but how to. This is a natural instinct to me as a woman.

We stood outside and waited for things to clear up because we had a house full of 8-10 yr olds that needed to get to their homes safely. After about 10 minutes, the police came to my sister's house where I was still standing outside with my mother, brother and some other family friends. The two officers, who I expected to come ask us what we had witnessed so that they could arrest her abuser for his crime, chose a different approach. Instead, his first words to me and my family were, "Y'all need to get in the house." 'For what?' I asked. His response, "Cause if y'all weren't always standing around, we wouldn't have these problems."

That is when I lost my cool. I know what 'y'all' meant. I know that Black people standing on a porch is not why domestic violence happens. I know that ensuring the safety of these kids that we were responsible for, was a necessity and not an option.

These words were an insult to my intelligence and also to my freedom. They were also unlawful because we were not breaking any laws by standing on a porch. We had not in any way obstructed their "investigation." What the hell were they even at our place for if not to ask had we witnessed anything that had happened? When I refused to comply with the police and also exercise my freedom of speech and told him why I was unwilling to bow to his orders, my mother became afraid. She wanted me to be quiet. Everyone wanted me to be quiet. They just wanted them to go away. My silence would not have made them go away, it would have further established their idea of superiority over my Black skin. As a woman, my silence would have insulted every Black ancestor of mine who fought for me to not have to cower down and COMPLY. While everyone else there felt the wrongness of their presence, being obedient seemed like a better option.

 I understand compliance from my background in aviation as following a rule set in place for the safety and best interest of that individual(s). While some people see compliance with police, whether they are violating our rights or not, as a way to ensure safety, there have been too many cases of late where that is a completely asinine theory. So I continued to refuse. The whole time, the officer addressing me had has hand on his weapon. I did not flinch, because my resolve was that I would rather die than allow you to take away my freedom. I wanted my little brother to know he didn't have to be afraid because I know what he had to endure as a Black man in that town, what my 10 year old nephew would endure. I wanted to stand, so I stood. I stood until they left our property because I was not willing to be swayed. Even when they pulled out their batons, I refused.

As I watched the video of my sister  Korryn refuse to get out of her car and tell her son not to comply, I understood. I threw up my fist. Why? Because teaching our children to comply with fear and white supremacy is why Black men and women now are demonizing her for her actions. I will NEVER comply with that. Fuck that. I think she was fully aware of her actions and was unapologetically living her truth and teaching her son and us in the process that we do not have to bow. And if we choose to, we are still slaves. I was talked down to and confronted by another Black woman in that instance because I pointed out the fact that the police were called out for a domestic dispute and not for Black folks standing on a porch. I was then told, the young lady deserved what she got. For a Black woman to rather confront me who stood up for all of us by my actions, than to see the wrongness of the police or that it is ok for a Black man to abuse a woman through his words or actions, was heartbreaking.

I'm tired of being told to sit down and shut up. I'm tired of Black folks being ignorant Uncle Tom's and seeing what is happening, but telling Black women we are wrong for our resistance. Sandra Bland was tired. Korryn Gaines was tired too. I am fucking tired.
Rest in Power, Queens!

Karisha Shaw

#ByeDevon: Why District Attorney Devon Anderson Should Resign

For two, almost three years Devon Anderson has been the White queen of the criminal justice system and in that time she has proven to be a danger to Black and Brown bodies. Anderson was appointed in 2013 and elected in 2014 to serve as the 35th District Attorney for Harris County.

Devon Anderson According to Devon Anderson:

"...Mrs. Anderson has restored public confidence in the office and raised the bar for professionalism. Her promise to seek justice in every case is achieved by serving every community in our diverse county with high standards, transparency and ethical conduct.

Before her appointment Mrs. Anderson had distinguished herself for 12 years as a tenacious prosecutor gaining convictions on some of the worst of the worst criminals preying on our community. Then she served four years as a highly regarded State District Court judge where she earned the respect of prosecutors and defense lawyers for her relentless pursuit of justice. After leaving the bench, she spent four years handling criminal defense matters in private practice. This background gives her a truly unique perspective.

Serving as District Attorney in the third largest jurisdiction in United States puts Mrs. Anderson at the head of one the largest law firms, an enormous administrative task. She never hesitates to lead from the front. Just ten months after taking office, Mrs. Anderson successfully prosecuted cop-killer, Harlem Lewis, sending him to Death Row for the senseless murders of a police officer and a Good Samaritan.

Since that trial, Mrs. Anderson has focused on increasing the office’s ability to prosecute new classes of criminals like human traffickers, a growing gang population in Harris County, and money launderers who profit from dangerous industries like drug cartels, prostitution and gambling. She also has grown the office by over 80 new positions and exponentially increased training for staff in all areas of the office ensuring the implementation of new technologies and strategies to stay ahead of criminals..." READ BIO HERE...

The Rape Case: 27 Days In Hell

1. Jane Doe (Jenny) is 25-year-old woman who has diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Jane was violently attacked in 2013 by serial rapist Keith Edward Hendricks whose MO was to attack homeless women. In December of 2015, Jane suffered a breakdown on the witness stand and was hospitalized for 10 days. After the short stay she was forced into a nearly a month of imprisonment by prosecutor. She was considered a material witness and their concern is that she would renege on testifying against Hendricks. while in prison Jane suffered institutional and physical abuse by being classified as a rapist, beaten, abused, and charged with striking a guard during another psychiatric breakdown.

"Although a spokesman for the district attorney's office has admitted this miscarriage of justice should never have happened, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson defends the prosecutor involved in the case. She says the prosecutor tried to find a suitable place for the sexual assault survivor to stay after her breakdown and even paid for a night in a hotel out of his own pocket. Calling it "an extraordinarily difficult and unusual situation," the DA said there were "no apparent alternatives" that would ensure the victim's safety and that she also would appear to testify. Coming from a district attorney who presents herself as a champion of crime victims, that's mighty hard to swallow. Throwing a mentally ill rape victim into jail because there's supposedly no other place for her to go should shock the conscience of every citizen of Harris County."  - Houston Chronicle

The Darren Goforth Case

While I was in New Orleans for the Katrina 10 year anniversary, Deputy Darren Goforth of the Harris County Sheriff's was fatally ambushed. During the ambush that occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday 8/28 Goforth was shot several times while pumping gas at a gas station. He was in uniform and in fact he was fueling his patrol car when he was gunned down. The speculation about why Goforth was ambushed grew as Sheriff Ron Hickman and Devon Anderson created a false narrative during their haste to find and punish whomever committed the murder. The false narrative born in that moment was that the Black Lives Matter movement somehow inspired the actions that took place leading to Goforth's death.

This is a snippet what Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman had to say:

"Our assumption is that he (Goforth) was a target because he wore a uniform..."
"We've heard Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter. Well, cops' lives matter, too..." 

At this point during the blame game Anderson and Hickman played, Black Lives Matter was only 2 years old. They used this case to cast the movement in a bad light and to have an excuse to push their racist ideologies. Anderson made clear how she felt when she stated that it was "time for the silent majority in the country to support law enforcement" and that there should not be "open warfare on law enforcement officers." The silent majority of what, White people with all of their supremacy and privilege? To this day she has not apologized for her dangerous rhetoric in support of her friends in blue.

The Southlawn Gang Injunction

The Southlawn Gang Injunction was a lawsuit named after the Southlawn Palms Apartments on Scott Street. It was implemented by Devon Anderson and County Attorney Vince Ryan and sought to exclude Black men and women from the area bounded by Interstate 610, Texas 288, Old Spanish Trail and Cullen with the reasoning that gang activity had been a chronic problem for the area. While the Texas Constitution prohibits banishment of any kind (Texas Constitution: Article 1, Sec. 20), Ryan and Anderson argued that the "Southlawn Safety Zone" was not in violation of the state Constitution.  We in the community felt differently, and knew better about what they were trying to do. They were attempting to criminalize an entire neighborhood that is clearly a majority of Black Houstonians.

"Organized criminal gangs subject the community to harsh and authoritarian treatment. Heightened police enforcement of the criminal law, alone, is not enough. One cannot expect to continue to do the same things and expect different results. The Southlawn Safety Zone is a way to take back this area for the decent people who live there. It is both the legal and the right thing to do," the response said. "The purpose of a gang injunction is to promote the peace, not to punish. This battered, crime-ridden community deserves relief." - Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan

This effort was abandoned...

These are just some of the reasons that Devon Anderson needs to resign...BYE DEVON