The sudden death of Amanda Sylvester, a promising 15-year-old volleyball player, has ignited fierce scrutiny over emergency response practices in College Park, Georgia. Amanda collapsed during practice at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex, and while fire department medics arrived promptly, an ambulance was delayed for over an hour. By the time her mother rushed her to the hospital in their family van, it was too late.

City officials are grappling with questions about the lapse in care, as public anger mounts over Grady EMS’s delayed response. The service admitted that the initial call had been classified as “low acuity,” only to be upgraded later when a unit was finally dispatched. Amanda’s condition deteriorated rapidly after arriving at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she went into cardiac failure and passed away despite efforts to revive her.

Catherine Murray, the director of the Dream Chasers Volleyball Club, where Amanda was a team member, expressed outrage at what she called an “unacceptable” delay. “We’re responsible for these kids, and we need a better system to protect them,” she said, echoing sentiments shared widely across the grieving community.

The city’s response has included an investigation into the breakdown of coordination between the fire department and EMS services. College Park City Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran defended the actions of local emergency responders, stating that all protocols had been followed. But critics argue that the tragedy exposes systemic issues in healthcare response, particularly in cases involving youth athletes.

Meanwhile, the Dream Chasers Volleyball Club has rallied around Amanda’s family, launching a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, legal fees, and other expenses. The fundraiser, which has so far raised nearly $13,000 of its $500,000 goal, serves as a stark reminder of the community’s collective grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In a vibrant celebration marked by a second-line parade, New Orleans unveiled a historic marker under the Claiborne overpass, commemorating a once-thriving Black business district. The marker stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community uprooted decades ago by the construction of Interstate 10, a project that destroyed a hub of Black entrepreneurship and culture.

The bustling stretch of Claiborne Avenue was once the lifeblood of Black New Orleans, a thriving corridor of shops, theaters, pharmacies, and other businesses that flourished from the 1830s until the 1970s. Barred from shopping on Canal Street due to segregation, Black residents built their own economic stronghold under a canopy of oak trees, fostering a self-sufficient community that served generations. This cultural and economic vitality came to a sudden halt when highway expansion plans began to encroach on the area.

The development of Interstate 10 marked the demise of Claiborne Avenue’s prosperity. The first signs of upheaval were the oak trees being cut down, followed by the displacement of businesses and families. For those who lived through it, the destruction was abrupt and deeply traumatic. “It was a devastation for those of us that were here,” said Raynard Sanders, executive director of the Claiborne Avenue History Project. He recalled the lack of warning before the project began, with trees disappearing overnight and the community left reeling.

The marker, a project of the Plessy and Ferguson Initiative in partnership with community organizations, pays homage to the district’s significance. Founded by descendants of the men involved in the landmark Plessy vs. Ferguson case that institutionalized segregation, the initiative seeks to preserve and promote the history of Black resilience. Keith Plessy, a descendant of Homer Plessy, highlighted the marker’s role in honoring the businesses, trees, and people who thrived in the area before the interstate altered the landscape.

While the physical district no longer exists in its original form, its legacy endures in the spirit of modern efforts to uplift local Black businesses. The marker’s placement and accompanying celebrations not only commemorate a rich history but also inspire hope for a renewed sense of community and empowerment along Claiborne Avenue.

30 Points Not Enough For Wagner

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Samori Benjamin

The Orlando Magic fell to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night 121-106 at Madison Square Garden. The game was also an Emirates NBA Cup Tournament game where going in, a spot for the quarterfinal round was at stake. The Knicks and Magic were in the same group, Group A, in this tournament, and the winner was in position to win the group and move on to the knockout round. However, even with the loss, Orlando will still move on to the quarterfinal-round of the tournament. They qualify for the Wild Card spot because they have the highest point differential in the tournament among the teams who finished second in their group in the Eastern Conference. The other two teams out of the Eastern Conference to advance to the knockout stage are the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.

After losing their best player Paolo Banchero to injury in the first couple weeks of the season and beginning the season 3-6, the Magic had won 12 of their last 13 games going into Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were up by 30 points for much of the second half to the point where it was hard to believe the Magic were nearly unbeatable over the previous three weeks. “16 turnovers for 32 points,” Orlando Head Coach Jahmal Mosley said after the game to explain his team’s sudden stinker of a performance. “That’s what happened. We coughed it up and gave them easy baskets. It’s hard to win a game when you turn the ball over 16 times for 32 points, just giving points away and they got all easy baskets in that situation.” 

On top of that Orlando let six Knicks players score in double figures.  “As they turned up the pressure and turned up the heat and we didn’t see the ball go through a couple of times I think that changed our demeanor a little bit. Overall, this is a great experience for us to have, to go through, to play in the Garden in this environment against a very good basketball team. Now we got to be able to bounce back.” Mosley said.”

The Wagner brothers Franz and Mo scored 30 and 20 points apiece for the Magic against the Knicks. It was not enough for a team that had been on an impressive surge. “I think we didn’t have our usual effort and physicality on defense. They got into a rhythm, and we really didn’t at any point of the game offensively,” Franz Wagner said postgam. 

Orlando will play at Milwaukee next Tuesday night for the right to go to make the Semifinals of the NBA Cup which will be played in Las Vegas December 14^th. “We earned our way into the quarterfinal. Obviously not our best game today but that’s why you play every minute in the other games. It feels weird after a game like this to advance but yea, that’s just part of it.”

On December 5, 2024, the former Kansas City detective Robert Golubski, who faced numerous allegations of sexual assault against African American women, was found dead from a gunshot wound at his residence, an incident believed to be a suicide. This tragic event occurred just prior to the commencement of his trial, leaving at least ten women who had come forward with accusations without the opportunity for justice. At the age of 71, Golubski’s death marks a significant and disheartening turn in a case that had been anticipated for decades.

Golubski had been under house arrest while awaiting trial for charges related to sexual abuse that reportedly began in the 1990s. Among the allegations, one woman recounted that Golubski had abused her since her middle school years, while another victim claimed he assaulted her following the arrest of her sons. Prosecutors had indicated that additional women were ready to testify against him, but the proceedings were abruptly halted with his untimely death.

Throughout his career, Golubski was infamously known for preying on Black women in marginalized communities, allegedly leveraging his position as a police officer to coerce sexual favors under the threat of retribution. His name was also associated with several unsolved murders of Black women from 1980 to 2004. The scrutiny surrounding Golubski intensified after he was implicated in the wrongful conviction of Lamonte McIntyre, which led to civil rights violation charges against him, although he maintained his innocence. His unexpected passing has left many unresolved issues and has resulted in the dismissal of the charges against him, while a related criminal case involving three co-defendants remains ongoing.

In Missouri, a police encounter over a man recording video outside a bank has drawn scrutiny after officers arrested him for refusing to provide identification. The incident, captured on bodycam footage, involves Ariel Moses, who runs a YouTube channel focused on First Amendment audits, and has reignited debate over police handling of constitutional rights and racial profiling.

The confrontation occurred on Nov. 4 in Grandview when Officer Beau Bailey and his partner responded to a “suspicious activity” call made by bank employees. Moses, who was filming the building with a GoPro, repeatedly asserted his legal right to record in public. Despite his explanations, Bailey insisted that Moses identify himself, arguing that his behavior was suspicious and claiming authority under Missouri’s stop-and-ID laws.

Bodycam footage reveals a heated exchange in which Moses reminded the officers that filming in public is protected by the First Amendment and does not constitute reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Officer Bailey, who touted his 17 years of experience, declared himself an expert on constitutional law but failed to cite any case law when challenged. The encounter escalated, with Moses arrested and later released without providing his real name.

Legal experts point out that Missouri’s stop-and-ID statute requires reasonable suspicion that a person is committing or is about to commit a crime—criteria that Moses’s actions did not meet. Advocates have criticized the officers for what they see as an overreach of authority and a misunderstanding of constitutional protections. The arrest has also fueled broader concerns about racial bias and the treatment of Black individuals exercising their rights in public spaces.

After being held for two hours, Moses was released and returned to the location of his arrest. Carrying a paper bag marked “John Doe” and “B/M” (Black male), he recounted his experience in a video shared with his YouTube followers. “He said he’s been on the force 17 years,” Moses said of Bailey. “Yeah, he learned real quick.” Moses has not yet confirmed whether he plans to file a lawsuit.

A viral TikTok video has reignited public admiration for Judge David Fleischer of Harris County, Texas, known for his rigorous scrutiny of cases involving Black defendants. The latest clip shows Fleischer dismissing charges against a motorist accused of interference with the duties of a public servant after a traffic stop, questioning the sufficiency of the evidence presented by prosecutors. The video, shared widely this week, has been viewed nearly 11 million times.

The case involved a Black driver stopped for alleged speeding and unsafe lane changes. The prosecutor’s affidavit claimed the man exited his vehicle during the stop, prompting an officer to demand he return inside. When the motorist hesitated and asked, “Do I have to?” the officer reportedly attempted to detain him, citing resistance when the man “tensed up and locked his arms.” Fleischer, however, found the reasoning inadequate, repeatedly asking, “What’s he doing wrong?” as the prosecution struggled to substantiate the charges.

Fleischer’s decision turned on a lack of probable cause, which he emphasized throughout the hearing. Addressing the prosecution’s argument that exiting the car constituted interference, Fleischer appeared incredulous. “Really? Just getting out of the car? No,” he declared before dismissing the case. His pointed questions and insistence on the evidence underscored his reputation as a judge who does not tolerate weak charges, particularly those that appear to target Black defendants unfairly.

Viewers on TikTok lauded the judge’s handling of the case, with many praising his restraint in advising the defendant not to speak, potentially avoiding self-incrimination. Others highlighted Fleischer’s closing remarks to the defendant, which balanced stern advice—“Be careful out there”—with empathy: “Life is hard as it is. People are always out to get you. Be nice, and things will go well for you.”

This latest viral moment has renewed calls for greater accountability within the justice system and reminded viewers of the importance of judicial elections. Comments on the video reflected a broader sentiment that Fleischer’s approach exemplifies what fairness in the courtroom should look like, with one viewer noting, “This is why local elections to vote for judges is so important.”

A troubling video from 2019 showing Baton Rouge police officers restraining a teenager while his mother administered corporal punishment has ignited a fierce debate about law enforcement’s role in parenting. The footage, first obtained by a local TV station, depicts Officers Adam Rhodes and Jermaine Javius physically holding down a 14-year-old boy while his mother struck him with a belt after a questioning session about a drive-by shooting.

The police claim the mother initiated the punishment and requested their assistance. According to Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse, the officers complied with her wishes, ensuring the act stayed within the bounds of the law. “Officers did comply with her request and held the 14-year-old male down,” Morse said, adding that the department found no wrongdoing on their part. Critics, however, have pointed to comments caught on video in which Officer Rhodes appears to encourage the mother to take action, even advising her on how to stay within legal limits.

The incident has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Ryan Thompson, the now 19-year-old’s attorney, who has filed a complaint with the department. Thompson accuses the officers of coercing the mother into the punishment to extract information from her son, using the beating as leverage. “In no situation do courts authorize officers to hold a child down in the name of getting information,” Thompson said, likening the episode to abusive interrogation tactics.

Public reaction has been sharply divided. Many social media users applauded the officers for what they viewed as a practical approach to addressing juvenile misconduct, with one commenter calling it “the most productive thing I’ve seen the police do.” Others, however, criticized both the officers and the mother for creating a potentially traumatizing situation. “As a mother, you protect your kid,” one user wrote. “Not go against him with two white guys and allow them to hold him down!”

The video, which concludes with the boy seemingly ready to talk to the officers, has prompted calls for greater accountability and clearer guidelines for law enforcement intervention in family discipline. While some argue that the officers were acting in the community’s best interest, critics see their actions as an overreach of authority, raising larger questions about police conduct and juvenile rights.

Brandon Durham dialed 911 seeking protection. Moments later, he was lying motionless on the floor of his Las Vegas home, fatally shot by the very officers he had called for help. The 43-year-old homeowner had reported an intruder wearing a red hoodie after hearing gunshots and discovering someone had broken into his residence on Nov. 11. What followed raises troubling questions about police accountability and the systems meant to protect citizens.

Body camera footage from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) captures the chaotic moments when three officers arrived at Durham’s home, kicked down his door, and began their search. Amidst screaming in the background, officers encountered Durham, dressed only in boxer shorts, locked in a struggle with 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux over a kitchen knife. Shouts of “Drop the knife” preceded a rapid escalation: Officer Alexander Bookman shot Durham in the head, causing both him and Boudreaux to collapse. Bookman then fired five more rounds into Durham as he lay unmoving on the floor.

Notably absent from the police’s narrative is the fact that Officer Bookman had interacted with both Durham and Boudreaux the night before. Durham had called authorities to report that Boudreaux refused to leave his home. According to police records, Bookman observed her packing and leaving for the airport, but no report was filed. The omission of this context has sparked criticism, fueling calls for transparency about prior interactions that might have influenced Bookman’s actions.

Police reports indicate that Boudreaux had grabbed the knife from Durham’s kitchen, and she fit the description of the intruder he had initially provided. Yet, despite these details, Bookman fatally shot the wrong person. Durham, stripped of any resemblance to the described suspect, was not afforded the protection he had sought but became a victim of lethal force instead.

The killing has reignited scrutiny of police conduct, particularly the practices surrounding officer-involved shootings. Durham’s death is now part of a broader conversation about systemic failures in law enforcement, including how police handle calls for help and why officers so often resort to deadly force in ambiguous situations.

A Los Angeles police officer who struck a man 45 times with a baton during a violent confrontation was sentenced to one year in prison Friday, marking the conclusion of a case that drew sharp condemnation from civil rights advocates. The officer, Juan Anthony Carrillo, 46, had pleaded guilty in July to depriving the man of his constitutional rights under color of law.

The January 2022 assault left the victim, identified in court records as R.V., with a broken bone in his foot and severe cuts on both legs. Witnesses testified that his screams could be heard during the 41-second beating, which Carrillo carried out despite the victim remaining largely immobilized by another officer. Prosecutors revealed that Carrillo, armed with a 22-inch baton, struck R.V. repeatedly while the second officer, significantly larger than the victim, pinned him to the ground.

Federal prosecutors criticized Carrillo’s actions as a stark violation of public trust. United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the importance of accountability in law enforcement. “When an officer acts in a manner that violates the civil rights of another person, we will respond to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in our system of justice,” Estrada said, while also praising the integrity of the majority of officers who serve with professionalism.

Carrillo’s defense argued for leniency, citing the difficult circumstances officers face daily. However, Judge Wesley L. Hsu underscored the severity of the offense during sentencing, noting that Carrillo compounded his misconduct by filing a report the day after the assault, which prosecutors described as “misleading and false.” The report omitted the number of baton strikes and falsely claimed that R.V. had resisted.

The case underscores ongoing challenges surrounding excessive force in policing. Donald Alway, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, called the incident “disturbing” and inconsistent with the high standards expected of law enforcement. Carrillo, who faced a potential 10-year prison sentence under the original charges, will serve one year under the plea deal, a decision that has sparked debate about justice and accountability.

The story of Susan Smith—a South Carolina mother who drowned her two young sons in 1994—continues to resonate with horror and disbelief nearly three decades later. On Wednesday, the state’s parole board unanimously rejected her first attempt at parole, ensuring that Smith, now 53, will remain behind bars for at least two more years.

During the hearing, Smith expressed regret and referenced her Christian faith as a source of solace. “I know that what I did was horrible,” she said, her voice trembling. “I would give anything if I could go back and change it.” Her statements, delivered via Zoom, were met with skepticism by many, both inside and outside the room.

For days after her sons’ disappearance, Smith captivated the nation with a fabricated tale of a carjacking by a Black man who had supposedly taken her children. The truth emerged nine days later: Smith had strapped 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex into their car seats and allowed her car to roll into a nearby lake. The confession shocked the nation and brought scrutiny to her motivations, which prosecutors linked to a failed romantic relationship.

Public reaction to her plea for release was swift and unforgiving. On social media, users condemned Smith, with comments ranging from outrage at her lack of perceived remorse to stark reminders of the racial undertones in her original deception. “Monsters belong in cages,” one post read. Others recalled the immense sorrow and betrayal they felt when the truth came out in 1994.

Family members of Smith’s victims delivered powerful statements to the parole board. David Smith, the father of Michael and Alex, said, “This wasn’t a tragic mistake. She purposely meant to end their life.” His current wife, Tiffany, added, “Michael and Alex didn’t get a chance at life. They were forced the death penalty.” Their grief, still raw, underscored the board’s decision to deny Susan Smith’s request for freedom.

Legal experts and Smith’s attorney raised questions about her mental health at the time of the crime, citing untreated postpartum depression. However, this defense held little sway against the weight of the crime and her subsequent misconduct in prison, including infractions involving drugs and inappropriate relationships with staff. For now, Susan Smith remains in prison, with the haunting memories of her actions ensuring that her path to freedom remains fraught.