Hands up Don’t Shoot

On Friday August 22, 2014 students, alumni, and fellow jags gathered in unison to discuss the on-going issues of police brutality occurring within our nation at 2 p.m. in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
The event began promptly with a brief prayer from a member of the Spiritual Women of Law, which hosted this event. 
Shortly after the prayer Professor Jacqueline Nash, of Southern University’s Law Center, delivered a touching speech expressing her feelings in regards to the current incidents involving police brutality. 
 Even though there were few people of attendance, Nash managed to set the atmosphere encouraging them to change throughout the community and even within themselves.
“I challenge you to be the one,” said Nash.
 Following Nash, councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle, from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council, expressed her frustration with the preposterous occurrences taking place within her great city of Baton Rouge. Alongside her was the Chief of the Baton Rouge Police Department, Carl Dabadie Jr. Displaying his true sincerity for the city of Baton Rouge and its citizens Dabadie spoke to the crowd.
“My men took an oath to protect and serve and that’s what they, as well as myself, intend to do,” said Dabadie.
“When I became chief of BRPD 18 months ago, I completely cleaned house and we are starting with new faces and procedures,” finished Dabadie.
The guest speaker was Brother Walter Umrani, of the Mahammad Mosque number 46 in New Orleans,Louisiana.
Mahammad opened his speech with the intent or purposes for the meeing. 
“ Our intent for today is to bring a starch reality to the young black leaders of today that it is our time to control our own destiny and see that we cannot rely on other systems and governments to guide a path for our social, economic, and political improvements,” said Umrani.
As Umrani proceeded in delivering his speech, the atmospheric intensity increased. Umrani discussed the issues in reference to the civil rights movement and how the issues that placed a hold on everyone still has that same hinderance on the people of today. Using some obscene profanity, Umrani’s message was still well received. Shaquana Cuttino, a 23 year old graduate Southern University’s Law Center, believed that the event was a success.
“ I believe that everyone in attendance is now educated on their rights when a police officer stops them and their recording of an officer,” said Cuttino.
“I also believe this event has placed light upon the numerous amount of rash shooting of young men since Tray’von Martin,” finished Cuttino.
Student Government Association President Nicholas Harris believes that change begins with the educating of the younger generations.
“Knowing our history and rights as a citizen will make us knowledgeable of how to protect ourselves, family members and our peers when facing police brutality,” finished Harris.