Did you all hear that a settlement has finally been reached in the Sean Bell case? Bell, 23, was shot by police the day of his wedding in 2003. Police fired 50 shots into the vehicle he was driving. Two other men were in the car, but he was the only one who died.
His two children will receive about $3 million dollars (not apiece), his fiance gets nothing because they weren't married when he died. The other two victims are getting about $3.5 million (not a piece).
While no amount of money will make things right, I do think the settlement is lower than figures I've seen in recent times. And honestly, if you read a quote in the story, it's clear the police department didn't want to give the victims anything. Someone from the detectives' association said the whole incident was Sean Bell's fault - that's crazy. And the officers were cleared of any criminal charges a while ago.
But I'm glad his fiance kept fighting and I hope police - even when having to make split-second decisions - will try to avoid a situation like that in the future.
Keep up with Devadonna....
Posts
All Comments
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
wth?
Yall, what is that? My neighbors have that thing - those are cats, by the way - situated along the bottom of their door. I've never seen anything like that. What is its purpose? I'm tempted to throw it away....
Overkill
I swear, between all these tiny store club cards and library cards and rewards program cards, I don't have any room for keys on my keychain!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Red, white and green
So this is pretty random, but it's occurred to me that black people and Italian people have a lot in common.
We both can have nappy hair, we both love to eat and have family dinners. They have "Big Mamas" just like we do, referring to matriarchal figures, here. They can be loud and boisterous and we know they don't really play no games - all about the paper, all aobut their business, don't take the bull.
We're about the same. And it's notable that the tip of Italy is veryyy close to Africa.
I'm covering a town where there's a large concentration of Italian-Americans, so these observations recently struck me. But of course, we could draw parallels to just about every ethnic group.
We both can have nappy hair, we both love to eat and have family dinners. They have "Big Mamas" just like we do, referring to matriarchal figures, here. They can be loud and boisterous and we know they don't really play no games - all about the paper, all aobut their business, don't take the bull.
We're about the same. And it's notable that the tip of Italy is veryyy close to Africa.
I'm covering a town where there's a large concentration of Italian-Americans, so these observations recently struck me. But of course, we could draw parallels to just about every ethnic group.
Miss Keri, Baby
Is Keri Hilson the new Ashanti?
Remember when EVERY rapper had Ashanti sing their hooks?
This thought occurred to after hearing Keri on this new T.I. song where he's singing as well. comedy. Of course, as a songwriter she has the edge over Ashanti in the talent category, but as far as this hook-singing goes, she's the new go-to girl, looks like.
Remember when EVERY rapper had Ashanti sing their hooks?
This thought occurred to after hearing Keri on this new T.I. song where he's singing as well. comedy. Of course, as a songwriter she has the edge over Ashanti in the talent category, but as far as this hook-singing goes, she's the new go-to girl, looks like.
brutha - can't get enough (music video)
Lovin this song. LOVIN it - even before I knew it was by Brutha. Quit sleepin on these kids, they really can sing. And now, I guess they're sex symbols as well. lol. Thanks, Trey Songz
Fantasia, Bittersweet it is
Lord, bless her. Radio is really killing her song "Bittersweet," and while I can relate to the content, it's not her best work.
But the killin part is her breakdown in the middle where she decides to talk on the track. If you have a speaking voice like Fantasia's, that's thee LAST thing you should do. Never speak, Fantasia. Esp. not in a song.
But the killin part is her breakdown in the middle where she decides to talk on the track. If you have a speaking voice like Fantasia's, that's thee LAST thing you should do. Never speak, Fantasia. Esp. not in a song.
MPO: Most Proud Of
I don't want to include links to the story because I don't want to directly name where I work...but it wouldn't be hard to google it. Honestly. Anyway, here's a follow-up story to an article I previously wrote.
July 10, 2010
Riley Sharpe's death prompts flood of support
Driadonna Roland
Staff Writer
The family of 3-year-old Riley Sharpe will never forget their "angel," who died July 1 after being hit by a vehicle in front of her home on Jay Street.
They also won't soon forget the support of the Rochester community, whose donations paid for the costs associated with Riley's funeral and burial Thursday.
After hearing news reports about the accident, several people came forward to offer the family help with funeral expenses.
"There's a lot of love in this community," said Jamie Sharpe, Riley's mother.
"There's so many people that I have to thank, words can't even express."
On Friday a couple from West Irondequoit spoke with Riley's family and learned the cemetery plot would cost $1,150.
The couple sent a card with a check inside for that amount the same day.
One of the owners of Chester's Check Cashing Center on Broad Street also contacted Riley's family to see what their needs were.
Matching all the donations taken over the Fourth of July weekend, Chester's Check Cashing on Tuesday presented $2,720 to Sharpe — enough to cover funeral parlor costs — along with a floral arrangement created by a customer.
Sharpe said she has seen many similar examples of the generosity of Rochester residents. She said the day after news spread of Riley's death, strangers began coming by with donations and condolences.
"One lady came up and donated $1,000 cash," Sharpe said.
The woman did not leave her name.
The pain is still fresh, but Sharpe said she wants to find a way to thank everyone after things have calmed down a bit.
"I have to find some way to thank everyone for all the prayers, the love and the support," she said.
July 10, 2010
Riley Sharpe's death prompts flood of support
Driadonna Roland
Staff Writer
The family of 3-year-old Riley Sharpe will never forget their "angel," who died July 1 after being hit by a vehicle in front of her home on Jay Street.
They also won't soon forget the support of the Rochester community, whose donations paid for the costs associated with Riley's funeral and burial Thursday.
After hearing news reports about the accident, several people came forward to offer the family help with funeral expenses.
"There's a lot of love in this community," said Jamie Sharpe, Riley's mother.
"There's so many people that I have to thank, words can't even express."
On Friday a couple from West Irondequoit spoke with Riley's family and learned the cemetery plot would cost $1,150.
The couple sent a card with a check inside for that amount the same day.
One of the owners of Chester's Check Cashing Center on Broad Street also contacted Riley's family to see what their needs were.
Matching all the donations taken over the Fourth of July weekend, Chester's Check Cashing on Tuesday presented $2,720 to Sharpe — enough to cover funeral parlor costs — along with a floral arrangement created by a customer.
Sharpe said she has seen many similar examples of the generosity of Rochester residents. She said the day after news spread of Riley's death, strangers began coming by with donations and condolences.
"One lady came up and donated $1,000 cash," Sharpe said.
The woman did not leave her name.
The pain is still fresh, but Sharpe said she wants to find a way to thank everyone after things have calmed down a bit.
"I have to find some way to thank everyone for all the prayers, the love and the support," she said.
Mon, July 12: RIDIN DURTY Pt I
Yesterday was a light day. On Sundays I am general assignment, which means I don't have a beat - I just cover whatever randomness occurs. Fortunately for me, I had done my reporting beforehand, so I just needed to show up and write it all up....but that was the hard part. I could NOT seem to focus for anything. I was disappointed in myself. I just wanted to leave and go outside and play in the sun! Rarely do I feel cooped up; that's one of the great parts of this job. But since I didn't have a reason to leave yesterday, maybe it made me a little stir-crazy.
So anyway today I started early in the hopes of riding along with a police officer, which excites all reporters, right?? I was really hoping to get a great anecdote to start my story with. Yes, the code enforcement story:
So anyway today I started early in the hopes of riding along with a police officer, which excites all reporters, right?? I was really hoping to get a great anecdote to start my story with. Yes, the code enforcement story:
Mon. July 12: RIDIN DURTY Pt II
Here's the outcome of the very exciting cop ride-along :/
I understand everyone wants to be seen in the most favorable light, but it sucks for you to say, "Sure you can ride with the officer," then when I get there say, "But you can't do this, this, this or that - or anything that a reader would find remotely interesting. Here's what we want you to see." I shoulda got in my car and followed his butt!
Then I get to the office and my editor says the story is pushed back again anyway. I told the officers it would run Thursday. Now I don't know when it's due.
Oh, but as I was parking after the ride along (that took all of 30 minutes :( ), my editor texts me like when are you coming back? He tells me to grab a camera and go cover a police chief being sworn in. It was a short ceremony - always good - got to see a buncha men in uniform (that's a plus), and it was a gorgeous day weather-wise. SO that was cool.
But as a sidebar, I got a picture of the entire police force in the town...I erased it mistakenly, but there's a huge lack of melanin on the force. I mean, not one black cop. Maybe that's representive of the town iteself ... ?
I understand everyone wants to be seen in the most favorable light, but it sucks for you to say, "Sure you can ride with the officer," then when I get there say, "But you can't do this, this, this or that - or anything that a reader would find remotely interesting. Here's what we want you to see." I shoulda got in my car and followed his butt!
Then I get to the office and my editor says the story is pushed back again anyway. I told the officers it would run Thursday. Now I don't know when it's due.
Oh, but as I was parking after the ride along (that took all of 30 minutes :( ), my editor texts me like when are you coming back? He tells me to grab a camera and go cover a police chief being sworn in. It was a short ceremony - always good - got to see a buncha men in uniform (that's a plus), and it was a gorgeous day weather-wise. SO that was cool.
But as a sidebar, I got a picture of the entire police force in the town...I erased it mistakenly, but there's a huge lack of melanin on the force. I mean, not one black cop. Maybe that's representive of the town iteself ... ?
July 8: Knock, Knock Part II
Here's how it turned out:
I certainly need to find more ppl to interview, but I gotta say the sista I did speak with had me cracking up! Always nice to meet cool folks who don't mind talking.
That's actually one concern I always have when I get sent out to do stories - "Will these ppl wanna talk to me?" Learning to transform that into a more positive thought, sumthing like, "Of course ppl will talk to me. I have a story to do and everyone/everything will cooperate and submit to the favor of God within me."
I certainly need to find more ppl to interview, but I gotta say the sista I did speak with had me cracking up! Always nice to meet cool folks who don't mind talking.
That's actually one concern I always have when I get sent out to do stories - "Will these ppl wanna talk to me?" Learning to transform that into a more positive thought, sumthing like, "Of course ppl will talk to me. I have a story to do and everyone/everything will cooperate and submit to the favor of God within me."
Thurs. July 8: Knock, Knock Pt I
Hey Good People!
Here's an intro about my mission for Thursday, July 8. My editors are really interested in this story about code enforcement violations, and they wanted me to find ppl who were guilty of said offense. In 90+ degree heat.
I also went to a theater camp and saw sum amazing kids rehearsing for "Footloose!" I'm a sucker for musicals, so this story appealed to me, but I was def expecting sumthing amateur-ish, to be quite honest.
Here's an intro about my mission for Thursday, July 8. My editors are really interested in this story about code enforcement violations, and they wanted me to find ppl who were guilty of said offense. In 90+ degree heat.
I also went to a theater camp and saw sum amazing kids rehearsing for "Footloose!" I'm a sucker for musicals, so this story appealed to me, but I was def expecting sumthing amateur-ish, to be quite honest.
DEVA'S ON THE ROAD!
So I had the idea to start a seperate blog to chronicle this very exciting phase of my life....it's called the "First Real Job Phase."
It's also more significant for me because as a colleague said recently,"You really don't know too many reporters." And that's true. You might know some doctors or lawyers, and plenty of teachers, but how many people can really say they know a reporter?
The funny thing I've learned is that whenever I tell people I'm a "newspaper reporter," they only seem to hear "News" and "Reporter."
No, I'm not on TV! Not yet, anyway. I am, however, a multimedia journalist at a paper in upstate New York, and I'd like to let you know what such a job is really like. I welcome you to check back with me regularly as I detail the triumphs, setbacks and thought process behind newsgathering.
I don't mind sharing my climb.
It's also more significant for me because as a colleague said recently,"You really don't know too many reporters." And that's true. You might know some doctors or lawyers, and plenty of teachers, but how many people can really say they know a reporter?
The funny thing I've learned is that whenever I tell people I'm a "newspaper reporter," they only seem to hear "News" and "Reporter."
No, I'm not on TV! Not yet, anyway. I am, however, a multimedia journalist at a paper in upstate New York, and I'd like to let you know what such a job is really like. I welcome you to check back with me regularly as I detail the triumphs, setbacks and thought process behind newsgathering.
I don't mind sharing my climb.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)