Family Seeks Justice After Corrections Officers Break Inmate’s Neck, Starve Him to Death
A Florida inmate’s family is planning to issue a federal lawsuit after an investigation revealed he was starved after having his neck broken by corrections officers and left paralyzed for five days.
According to a report by the Miami Herald, Craig Ridley pleaded for help as prison officers brought food trays he was unable to reach.
But, reportedly, none of the prison staff, including the nurses, believed him when he stated he was unable to walk.
“My neck is broke. I’m paralyzed,” said Ridley from a wheelchair in footage shared with the Miami Herald.
A corrections officer replied, “You’re (expletive). You’re just trying to get a lawsuit.”
Just hours before, officers reportedly tackled Ridley to the ground, dislocating his neck. Ridley’s daughter, Jatoon Moss, hopes to seek justice by holding those accountable for their actions. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement stated that Ridley died because of injuries and starvation.
The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide. The 383-page investigation also claimed his death may have been a cover-up, from views shared by family members and fellow inmates.
In 2007, Ridley was sentenced to a 20-year mandatory minimum on charges of attempted murder. The struggle between Ridley and the correction officers occurred on the morning of September 8, 2017. Following the altercation, Ridley was brought a wheelchair after informing the officers he couldn’t walk, according to video footage. Ridley, who was then taken to solitary confinement, ended up falling over and breaking his nose after officers reportedly propped him up on the cell’s toilet.
The detailed incident is just one of the many claims referenced involving Ridley’s encounter at the Florida prison.
“They think they’re above the system, and they can make this go away,” Moss said of the state prison system.
“But they’re wrong. It’s not just my father,” Moss said to the Miami Herald. “We have to get as much light as we can on this issue, especially for the Black community.”
So far, no charges against the correctional officers involved have been brought forth at this time.
Congress To Conduct Probe Into Jackson Water Crisis and Mississippi’s Use of Billions In Federal Funding
Congress has begun an investigation into the Jackson water crisis that left the majority of Blacks in the Mississippi capital without running water for several days earlier this summer.
CBS News reports Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), whose district includes most of Jackson, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) sent a letter to Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves requesting information on how the state plans to spend the $10 billion it received from the American Rescue Plan, and the $429 million designated to enhance the state’s water infrastructure.
Additionally, the letter indicates that the Department of Homeland Security and the Oversight and Reform Committees will begin a joint investigation into the water crisis that left 150,000 residents without water, forcing businesses to close and Jackson State University students to withdraw.
The Jackson water crisis began in late August when severe storms in the Magnolia State flooded the Pearl River. It took several days to restore running water to the town, which was under a boil-water notice from late July through mid-September after the state health department discovered cloudy water that could make people sick.
The situation has reminded Black Americans of the Flint water crisis and the continued environmental racism plaguing Black areas across the U.S.
Jackson residents have dealt with problems concerning their water and its infrastructure for years. The Clarion-Ledger released a report, drafted by the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting, revealing Jackson’s century-old pipes, faulty meters, malfunctioning water treatment plants, and a significant lack of funding to solve just one of these issues. Some residents say they still can’t boil water because nothing is coming out of the pipes but air.
Thompson and Maloney also requested a breakdown of where the state sent funds from the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the racial breakdown and populations of each community that received aid and information on whether the city has faced hurdles in requesting and receiving additional federal funds. The representatives gave Gov. Reeves an October 31 deadline.
Additionally, the letter stated that the Oversight Committee staff discovered from Jackson’s officials that the state tried to limit funding to Jackson for its water system and cited reporting by the Associated Press that Gov. Reeves delayed and blocked funds for water system repairs in Jackson.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a notice in January to Jackson saying its water system violates the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and threatened legal action last month if the city did not agree to negotiations to fix the system.
Bundles Protected! Dallas County Judge Finds Solution to Help Entrepreneurs Save Extensions
Dallas County judge, Shequitta Kelly, is protecting bundles and investments with a hair storage unit she created.
Kelly founded The Hair Shield nearly two years after she grew frustrated sorting through quality, yet tangled, matted, and dried-out hair extensions. She created a solution in a satin-lined protective unit that stores, transports, and restores beauty to hair extensions. In July 2018, The Hair Shield was manufactured, and the brand has since allowed Kelly to serve in a different way.
(Image: Courtesy Athena Hair Extension Storage Unit (The Hair Shield)
“By day, I am your Dallas county criminal family violence judge, so entrepreneurship has put a unique spin on my career,” the Indiana native told Voyage Dallas.
“My daytime job requires a lot of after-hours work leaving little time for my company.”
“I am proud that somehow, I’ve found the time to pour into creating a product that has a purpose and brings joy to the lives of others.”
Kelly, who was elected Judge of Dallas County Criminal Court #11 in 2015, saw a moment that would not only help her “fellow frugal friends,” but ignite her entrepreneurial journey, per the outlet. When she wasn’t closing the doors on domestic violence, the creator was overcoming the hurdles of finding a manufacturer that could meet her design and costs needs. Focusing on the brand’s niche and customers helped Kelly through a slow process of product exposure.
“Every day, I see broken people, some which I have the pleasure of helping, running the Hair Shield allows me to serve in a different capacity. The Hair Shield is the first and only hair storage unit of its kind,” Kelly said.
The Hair Shield is on sale for $35. Offered in a variety of styles and collections, the shield was designed to provide ultimate quality preservation by reducing frizz and dryness, per the website.
“My advice to other women who are starting their journey is to take your time, be patient and learn your audience.”
“I’ve learned that my product isn’t for every woman. Initially, I thought, ‘What weave-wearing-woman wouldn’t want this?’ Once I figured out my niche and focused on my true customers, I saw my sales increase,” Kelly explained.
The Emmy-winning actress was awarded the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honor, at The National Honours and Awards ceremony on Monday, October 17. Ralph announced the accolade to her followers in a post on Instagram, where she appeared at the King’s House in St. Andrew.
“Well, it is now official! I am The Honourable Sheryl Lee Ralph OJ,” Ralph wrote in the caption.
According to the Jamaica Observer, the honor was granted as recognition for her contributions as an actress and to the international film industry, in addition to being a cultural ambassador of Jamaica.
“Receiving Jamaica’s national honour is overwhelming, to say the least!”
“In the memory of my mother who received the Order of Distinction, OD (we all said stood for ‘Original Diva’) I am deeply proud and moved to have my name changed to The Honorable Sheryl Lee Ralph, OJ.,” Ralph told the outlet. She shared that she’d been looking forward to being on the island and attending the service, adding that she’d be taking her Emmy along with her.
Fans and other celebrity friends commented under Ralph’s post, including Abbott Elementary creator, Quinta Brunson, and actress, Kerry Washington, who wrote, “YAAAAAAAAAAAAAS!!!!! .”
Evelyn Braxton, mother of Grammy-winning singer, Toni Braxton, commented, “LOOK AT GOD❤️🌈.”
Ralph is reportedly among 10 people to receive an Order of Jamaica at this year’s ceremony in the entertainment and culture sector, including Monty Alexander; and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange.
ET Canada reported that the ceremony honored 143 notable Jamaicans, including recording artist, Agent Sasco, jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, and others, along with Ralph.
Midterm Elections 1 Month Away, Record Number of Black Candidates Running For Office— Here’s What You Need to Know
A record number of Black candidates will run for office in the 2022 midterm elections, including 16 Democrats and three Republicans.
Not only is this midterm election a record for Black candidates, it’s also a stark indication of this country’s history of racism in politics. Since 1880, just nine Black senators and two Black governors have been elected.
Many of the candidates in this year’s midterms face an uphill climb, but Black Americans are getting increasingly involved in politics and are fighting for a say in how the country is run. With the midterms less than one month away, it’s important to know the candidates and their positions.
Georgia
The Peach State has a host of Black candidates running for office, including Fair Fight founder and Georgia Democrats Gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams, who’s taking her second shot at current Georgia governor Brian Kemp.
The two faced off in 2018, which Kemp narrowly won – although, it was later determined that Kemp purged voters in the state from voting rolls. As governor, Kemp signed an elections restrictions bill into law, but that hasn’t stopped Abrams from getting out and talking to voters. Nor has it stopped Abrams from being optimistic about her chances, adding that it’s important for voters to know the rules in their state.
“We know that when we turn out, it’s harder to stop all of us from what is encouraged, everyone needs to understand the aggressive voter suppression tactics in their community and make a plan to vote early,” Abrams told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“Make sure you understand what the rules are.”
“In Georgia, early voting starts Oct. 17 and runs up to Nov. 4. We also have Saturday and Sunday voting, but what is so much more important than anything is showing up because when we show up they cannot shut all of us down. That’s what we saw in 2020.”
Another race in the Peach State features two Black men. Sen. Raphael Warnock, who won the seat by defeating former Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a special election in 2020, will fight to keep his seat against former NFL running back, Herschel Walker.
The race has been largely focused on Walker’s personal life rather than politics, as he’s faced questions about his children, history, and stance on abortion. The two men held their lone debate Friday but once again, the biggest moment had nothing to do with politics as Walker pulled out an honorary sheriff’s badge during a discussion over support for police.
Warnock, meanwhile, has run a relatively quiet campaign, as he seeks his first full term. He’s raised more than $60 million and is leading by almost four points over Walker in the latest FiveThirtyEight poll.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, Black Democratic Senate Nominee, Mandela Barnes, is in a virtual tie with Sen. Ron Johnson (R), a former accountant and businessman, in a race many are calling a toss-up.
Barnes, a Milwaukee native and the second Black elected official in the state, is running on a platform of police reform, protecting social security, and boosting manufacturing in the state. The two debated on Friday, October 8, during which Johnson called Barnes soft on crime, and blamed Democrats for rising inflation.
Meanwhile, Barnes attacked Johnson for not supporting a statewide minimum wage increase, his anti-abortion stance, and his denial of climate change.
“The climate has always changed, always will change,” Johnson said during the debate, according to the Associated Press. Johnson added that the federal government should worry less about carbon emissions and more about “real pollution.”
Florida
In the sunshine state, U.S. Rep. and former Orlando police chief, Val Demings (D), has been leading in the polls against Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, but is still trailing 47% to 42%.
According to The Hill, support among Hispanic voters is evenly split between the two at 45% each. Demings recently called out Rubio for skipping the vote on FEMA disaster aid for Florida after Hurricane Ian, which the entire Florida Republican House Caucus voted against.
“For Marco Rubio not to vote at all and not showing up, in absence, is a no,” Demings told Joy Reid on The Reid Out.
“And so when people needed him the most in Florida, in his home state, he was not there and so there certainly should be a price for him to pay, Florida deserves better.”
The former cop has also pushed back on Rubio’s anti-abortion stance, comparing it to slavery and telling voters at a recent campaign event, “We know what that feels like, and we are not going back.”
Rubio and Demings are scheduled to participate in a debate on Tuesday, October 18.
Arkansas
Morehouse College graduate and former teacher Chris Jones is battling former Trump Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington.
Sanders has been out of the spotlight in recent weeks as she had surgery, but she still has an eleven-point point lead in the polls over Jones and her plan seems to be to avoid the media. The former Trump staffer supports school choice, wants to reinstate the work requirement that was tied to the state’s Medicaid expansion until a judge struck it down in 2019, and wants to get rid of the state’s income tax.
Jones, an MIT alum, is running a campaign of improving the state’s education system, making infrastructure upgrades across the state, including the internet and supporting economic development, something he already does as the former executive director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.
There is a debate scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21, but Sanders has declined to participate leaving Jones and Harrington to participate.
Maryland
Wes Moore (D) is a small business owner, military veteran and Rhodes Scholar running for Maryland governor against Trump-backed Republican candidate, Dan Cox.
According to the Washington Post, the two men clashed during their debate last week on almost every subject including abortion, crime, LGBTQ rights, election integrity and whether the racial wealth gap exists.
Moore holds a 32-point lead over the far-right Republican endorsed by Trump the Post reports. His plan for Maryland includes unlocking opportunities for the state’s Black families, a cradle-to-career education pipeline and protecting reproductive rights.
Other Black candidates running in the 2022 midterms include DemocratSheriBeasley, who will go up against businessman and U.S. Rep., Ted Budd; Black Republican candidate, JoePinion, is running for the U.S. Senate in New York against Sen. Chuck Schumer; and South Carolina Black Republican, Tim Scott, who is running against Democrat Krystle Matthews.
The large class of Black candidates comes two years after Black Americans, including Atlanta Mayor Keisha LanceBottoms, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, and Abrams, helped President Joe Biden win the 2020 Presidential Election, showing America what’s possible when they organize
Woman Airs Caution After Friend Goes For Brazilian Butt Lift and Gets Kidney Stolen Instead
Getting a Brazilian butt lift, commonly known as a BBL, has become a popular trend that is causing many people to go overseas in search of a cheaper way to contour their bodies.
But doing so comes with consequences, according to one woman named Anita, a life coach, who took to YouTube to share the tale of her friend who went for a BBL overseas and ended up without a kidney.
Anita wrote, “Life for her will never be the same, if you’re thinking about getting a BBL, then you need to watch this video. This is one of the most shocking and tragic stories you’ll ever hear, and it’s one that you need to know about. By learning about this case, you’ll be able to help protect other potential victims and make sure that this never happens to another person again.”
According to Anita, her friend, who she does not name, went to the Dominican Republic for liposuction and a tummy tuck, but then started experiencing problems once she was back in the states.
“She went for a physical and then she was just complaining of body aches, headaches, you know, just feeling really heavy all the time. It shows up that she only has one kidney,” the woman in the video says.
“So down in the DR, this botch organ-selling doctor took one of her kidneys and she thought she was getting the steal of her life.”
The woman says her friend paid $3,500 for the cosmetic procedure, but got more than she bargained for.
In this case, getting a Brazilian butt lift left the patient with a missing organ, but there have also been a number of deaths linked to the risky procedure.
According to a 2017 report, about 3% of the 692 surgeons surveyed (about 21) admitted that they have experienced a patient’s death following a BBL. The researchers of this study concluded that “significantly higher mortality rates” seem to be linked with BBL-like surgeries than any other cosmetic surgery.
In fact, as BLACK ENTERPRISEpreviously reported, earlier this year, a woman who went to the Dominican Republic for a BBL, died.
According to WRTV,Shacare Terry, a 31-year-old mother of a two-year-old and Indianapolis daycare owner, did what many women are doing these days and traveled outside the country to get a tummy tuck and a BBL.
Terry’s condition deteriorated following the procedure and the medical staff continued to tell her family that she simply needed rest. One thing led to another, and her friend said Terry was put on dialysis as doctors insisted that she had trouble breathing on her own. She ultimately died.
Who Made Bippy Sad? Black Clown in Texas Threatened By Unknown Caller
Bippy, the clown of Bippy’s World, was not clowning around when she reported a disturbing voicemail she received from an unidentified caller.
Bippy, who has been entertaining since 1992, does parties for children and any special events throughout Texas that require fun and excitement. KERA News reported in June about the entertainer’s visit to Uvalde following the tragic elementary school shooting, where she used her talents as a ministry to serve.
According to KPRC, the racial slur that was reportedly left in the voicemail she received last week was concerning for the Black entertainer, who is a one-woman show.
“You’re a pedophile. You’re a pedophile, (racial epithet),” the voicemail said in part.
Bippy said she felt angry and unsafe after hearing the voicemail that was addressed to her. She shared that she received a different call the day after, saying someone allegedly tried to lure her to a specific location, refusing to leave a primary contact.
“I’ve even thought about quitting clowning around. I’ve even thought about not doing it anymore,” said the entertainer. Everything I do with the kids is to make people happy. So when I heard it I didn’t think that I heard it right the first time and I just kept listening to it over and over.”
Eager to know the caller’s intentions behind the message, Bippy reported it to Houston police in hopes of tracking the number.
Bippy requests for anyone who sees her truck in their area to look out for her, expressing that she fears one day she may be subject to abuse during one of her stops.
“I go into people’s homes, I have to deliver bounce houses, popcorn by myself at times. I go into their backyards, to venues by myself,” Bippy said. “I’m afraid that what happens if one day I go somewhere and I’m subject to abuse.”
Reportedly, Bippy has not been able to track the phone number of the individual responsible for leaving the voicemail.
Out of Hand: Chris Cuomo Challenges Kanye During Continued Rant Against Jewish People
Kanye West is continuing his media blitz and, this time, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo gave him a platform.
While appearing on NewsNation on Monday night, Ye immediately chastised Cuomo because he didn’t address him by his legally changed name.
After Cuomo asked the reason for the name change, Ye explained that he doesn’t “owe people an explanation,” stating he has the right to change his name. Still, Ye proceeded to explain that West is a “slave name” and he wanted to free himself of it.
.@ChrisCuomo questions Ye if it’s possible that antisemitic comments he’s made violated social media apps’ community guidelines. “I don’t believe in that term… I classify as Jew also, so I actually can’t be an antisemite,” Ye says.
@ChrisCuomo counters Ye’s antisemitic comments: “I know you are intelligent and understand that when you target people because of their faith, other people may do so the same… We don’t want to tolerate that.#CUOMOpic.twitter.com/mdTem0TXau
When the fashion designer stated that he is being silenced by Facebook and Twitter, Cuomo asked if it’s because his words target a particular audience and violate the terms of the platforms that have suspended his account.
West saID, “I don’t like the term antisemitic. It’s been a term that’s allowed people, specifically in my industry, to get away with murder, sometimes literally, and get away with robbing and doing bad [to] people.”
“You’re saying it’s antisemitic, but I don’t believe in that term. One thing is, Black people are also Jews. I classify as Jew also, so I actually can’t be an antisemite. So the term is actually, uh, it’s not factual.”
After a brief back and forth, Cuomo responded after Ye said he wasn’t being allowed to finish his thoughts.
“Look, there is no Jewish media, cabal, mafia. That is a figment of either your imagination or a projection of a prejudice,” Cuomo said.
“You may have had bad business dealings with people, it’s about those people. It’s not about their religion or faith. And I know that you’re intelligent and understand that when you target people because of their faith, other people may do so the same.”
Kinetic Expands Black Business Support Fund to Entire Service Area
Kinetic Business announced another expansion of the Black Business Support Fund. Now Black-owned businesses anywhere in the Kinetic footprint can take advantage of this grant.
The fund seeks to increase the number and stability of Black-owned businesses located within Kinetic’s service footprint, according to a press release. Kinetic Business will now accept applications for the awarding of grants to eligible businesses in the 18 states where its fiber-backed network provides premium broadband and managed solutions that make companies more efficient and profitable such as OfficeSuite UC® and SD-WAN.
Since the fund’s launch in late 2020, businesses selected for the grants have received a grand total of $300,000 in cash awards.
“When we started the fund, the pandemic was having a disproportionate effect on Black-owned businesses across the country, so the grants were just keeping the doors open for our neighbors’ businesses,” said Lorenzo Clark, vice president of digital sales for Kinetic and president of the Windstream Black Professional Network Committee.
“Now that things have stabilized a bit, these grants are helping businesses that often don’t have good access to capital to grow.”
According to a 2010 Department of Commerce report, “[Minority owned businesses] experience higher loan denial probabilities and pay higher interest rates than white-owned businesses even after controlling for differences in credit-worthiness, and other factors.”
Additionally, a 2020 McKinsey & Company report found improving the viability of Black-owned businesses improves the overall economy: “Healthy Black-owned businesses could be a critical component for closing the United States’ Black–white wealth gap, which we project will cost the economy $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion (in 2018 dollars) per year by 2028.”
Clark added, “It’s extremely gratifying to not only support other businesses in our service area, but also be the kind of partner that lifts up the entire community so everyone can thrive and pursue their dreams.”
Each small-business grant recipient will receive $2,500 in cash and a year of free internet for their business. The selected businesses will also get a free consultation from Kinetic Business on processes and products that could improve efficiencies and make their business more profitable.
To be eligible for a Black Business Support Fund grant, a business must:
Be a new or current small business in a market that Kinetic serves, receiving broadband Internet from Kinetic;
Be Black-owned and have 25 or fewer employees;
Not be currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings;
Not be a nonprofit organization, liquor store, check-cashing agency, gun shop, pawn shop or adult entertainment business, and
Not apply for multiple businesses.
Funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Applicants should check Black Business Support Fund website for full terms and conditions and application process.
Kinetic Business’s mission is to bring network solutions that work as fast as business does through high-speed connection, collaboration, continuity and cybersecurity solutions.
An Olympian’s Hero: Father Who Helped His Injured Son Cross 1992 Olympic Finish Line Dies At 81
Jim Redmond, who ran to his injured son’s aid during his 1992 Olympic 400m semifinal, has reportedly died at age 81.
The valiant father passed away on Sunday, October 2, “peacefully in his sleep” in England’s Northampton General Hospital, according to his son, Derek. The news was announced on the two-time Olympian’s Instagram, along with a series of heartwarming photos of his late father.
“It is with great sadness that I am writing this post to share the news that my hero, best friend my father has passed away,” Derek’s caption began.
“To say he will be greatly missed is a true understatement.”
It was at the 1992 Barcelona Games when the Redmond patriarch helped his son display his true talent: to not quit.
Track & Field: 1992 Summer Olympics: Great Britain’s Derek Redmond with father after hamstring injury during Men’s 400M Semifinal Heat 1 at Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic. Barcelona, Spain 8/1/1992–8/4/1992 CREDIT: Bill Frakes (Photo by Bill Frakes /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X43168 TK35 )
“There is so much I could say about this man but he was truly one of my heroes in life, anyone who knows me or has heard me present will know how much he inspired me in my life, how close we were and what he meant to me,” Derek’s caption continued.
In the first 15 seconds of the race, Derek fell, due to a pull in his right hamstring, NBC Sports reported. Determined to cross the finish line, Derek limped around the track while refusing help from officials. He faltered with each step until he received a crutch from his first true hero.
In a previous NBC Olympics profile interview, Derek recalled hearing his dad’s voice telling him that he didn’t need to finish the race. But Derek shouted back that he wanted to.
“He was sort of saying things like, ‘You’ve got nothing to prove. You’re a champion. You’ll come back. You’re one of the best guys in the world. You’re a true champion. You’ve got heart. You’re going to get over this. We’ll conquer the world together,’” Derek said, per the sports outlet.
In a video of the inspiring moment, a standing ovation filled the stadium. Jim Redmond has since been recognized for embodying the “Olympic spirit.” He was even nominated to carry the Olympic torch during the London 2012 Torch Relay, according to CNN.
“Rest in peace Dad, you have truly made me the person I am today,” Derek closed his caption.
