In response to the not guilty verdict rendered in the trial of a former Houston Police officer involved in the controversial arrest

This week, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) renewed his request that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate the March 2010 arrest of Houston resident Chad Holley. The request comes in response to the not guilty verdict rendered in the trial of former Police officer Andrew Blomberg. Blomberg and three other officers lost their jobs with the Houston Police Department (HPD) because of their conduct in Mr. Holley’s arrest. The other three former HPD officers are awaiting trials.

If Blomberg had been convicted of the charge of official oppression against Mr. Holley, he would have faced up to one year in jail. The incident took place in Congressman Green’s district on March 23, 2010, and was recorded by a surveillance camera owned by a storage facility near the location of the arrest.

The video shows a then 16 year-old Holley going over the hood of a police car as he flees a burglary. After falling, the teenager rolls on to his stomach and puts his hands behind his back. Immediately after, a group of law enforcement officers, including Blomberg, appear to stomp, kick and punch Holley.

“I am once again asking the Department of Justice to investigate this case. The law permits it and justice demands it,” said Congressman Al Green, who submitted a letter in February 2011 to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. In his letter, Congressman Green noted that community leaders were concerned about the conduct of the officers and the possibility of civil rights violations.

“I am still concerned about any violation of Mr. Holley’s civil rights,” Congressman Green said. “Although we must not indict the entire Houston Police Department, the shocking video of the arrest speaks for itself as it relates to the officers caught on camera. In light of the conduct displayed in the video, there needs to be a Department of Justice investigation to determine whether federal civil rights violations occurred, which are different from the official oppression charges brought in the State Court.”

The rapper will present the short film, “inspired by the G.O.O.D. Music album Cruel Summer,” at the annual French event.  The film will remain open to the public for two days following its premiere.

Although I support the Houston Police Department, I do not support what I saw on the video of Chad Holley’s arrest.

If you watch the video showing Rodney King’s arrest in 1991 and then watch the 2010 video showing Chad Holley’s arrest, you see similar circumstances.  It’s hard to believe this is happening in Houston in 2012. I commend those who engage in peaceful protest as a response.

We should oppose mob-like behavior by anyone and this includes peace officers acting under the color of law.  What we saw on the video recorded in Los Angeles was mob-like behavior by peace officers under the color of law and what we see on the video recorded in our city is mob-like behavior by peace officers under the color of law as well.

Chad Holley and his family deserve a fair and just federal civil rights investigation. The Houston Police Department deserves a fair and just federal civil rights investigation. We must not allow the actions of some officers to become the image of the entire department.

On Thursday, May 17, 2012, I personally visited with officials at the Department of Justice while in Washington, D.C. I reiterated my request to have the DOJ look into the circumstances surrounding the Chad Holley incident.  The community has requested it and justice demands it.

The event, envisioned by the late performer’s siblings Ronald and Reigndrop Lopes, the fest will be an annual event used to fund programs and initiatives of the Lisa Lopes Foundation.

This year’s inaugural event will be held at the Porter Sandford III Performing Arts Center.  The one-day fest will include a kids concert, fashion show, talent showcase and plenty of food.

“Lisa is a musical icon and it’s only fitting that we remember her talent and contributions with a creative showcase of all things my sister loved; music, fashion, food and family,” said Reigndrop.  “It will be an event to remember!”

Sixth-grade students at Hunters Glen Elementary School are taking a stand against bullying by leading their schoolmates in anti-bullying efforts. On May 11, the students wore t-shirts that carried the message “Gangs, Drugs, Bullies, Not 4 Me. I’m Violence Free.” The t-shirts were donated by the Missouri City Police Department. Students also took part in a moment of silence and recited an anti-bullying pledge to show their strong stance against bullying and against being innocent by-standers during incidents of bullying. The sixth-grade students wanted to demonstrate that bullying is not cool and serve as role models for younger students on campus before they transition to middle school next year.

 
Photo: Pictured near their school’s “No Place for Hate” and “TEA Character Plus School” banners along with some of the sixth-grade students are (from left): Cynthia Yeldell, nurse; Barbara Ozaine, executive assistant; Christopher Lewis, sixth-grade team leader; and Angela Dow, principal.

Photo Credit: FBISD

The lawsuit, filed by a former unnamed business associate claims he invested millions to turn Newton’s Las Vegas mansion into a museum.  The plaintiff accuses Newton of blocking the development plans by refusing to vacate his home during the construction and failing to remove his dogs and horses from the property.

The document further accuses the veteran singer of “obnoxious sexual behavior” towards a female worker, who resigned after she was allegedly forced to withstand “wet, sloppy and disgusting” kisses that were “clearly of a sexual nature”.

The singer is being sued for breach of contract and fraud.  The women mentioned in the documents has yet to file a complaint.

The undisputed Queen of Disco passed away following a secret battle with lung cancer.

In a statement, Obama writes, “Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Donna truly was the Queen of Disco. Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna’s family and her dedicated fans.”

Several stars including Sir Elton John, Barbra Streisand and Mary J. Blige have remembered Summer’s talents and achievements in the industry.

The star will be laid to rest in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday.

Cassidy talked to the Britain’s Daily Mail about his mother’s 10-year battle with the Alzheimers-related disease, calling it “heartbreaking” to watch the former actress struggle.  He detailed the moment it became clear how severe the 88-year-old’s condition was, he says,   “I got a call from a hospital in California. My mother had been found in her nightgown in the middle of the road after midnight. She didn’t know where she was, and was admitted to the psychiatric ward. It was one of the most traumatic events of my life.”

Cassidy says his mom now receives 24-hour care at a Los Angeles nursing facility and she can no longer speak.

He tells Britain’s Daily Mail, “She went downhill quite fast about two years ago. She can’t walk or talk. I went to see her about a month ago and she recognized me, as a tear came down her face.

“My mother basically raised me for years on her own and worked to support me. She did over 20 Broadway shows and was a very independent, talented, loving human being. Seeing such a vibrant woman reduced to this is really just heartbreaking…  It would be wrong to say I wish my mother would pass but I wish my mother would pass with dignity. It’s so painful seeing her like this. It’s such a cruel and debilitating disease.”

Cassidy hopes by coming forward, his story will inspire others to share their experiences too.  He adds, “People don’t really want to talk about it, but we need to, which is why I’m going to be speaking publicly about it.”

The Missouri City Little League and Little League of America honored 11 Fort Bend ISD athletes during the 100-year celebration of little league in March. The honorees, who are current students at Hightower and Ridge Point High Schools, were inducted into the Missouri City Little League’s first Charter Alumni Team of Players. Honored were: Jax Biggers (RPHS), Ben Brown (RPHS), Trevor Fenner (RPHS), Kyle Harris (RPHS), Justin Jackson (RPHS), Keenan Johnson (HHS), Matthew Kennedy (RPHS), Crafford Lee (HHS), Jaydrian Lee (HHS), Tyler Vlasek (RPHS) and Torian Williams (RPHS). Williams was also recognized for playing three sports (junior varsity football, basketball and baseball) during his freshman year in high school.

 
Photo: Pictured (from left to right) are: Jaydrian Lee, Keenan Johnson, Jax Biggers, Tyler Vlasek, Trevor Fenner, Ben Brown, Justin Jackson, Matthew Kennedy, Torian Williams, Kyle Harris and Crafford Lee.

Photo Credit: FBISD

According to reports, Summer passed away this morning after a battle with cancer.

Born, LaDonna Gaines in Boston, Massachusetts – Summer was a 5-time Grammy winner who shot to stardom during the 70s, defining the disco dance music era with hits like “Hot Stuff”, “Bad Girls” and “Last Dance”.  The 80s brought her equal fan fare with the mega hit “She Works Hard For The Money”.

At the time of her death, the “Last Dance” hitmaker was reportedly putting the finishing touches on an upcoming album.