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Champaign-Urbana, IL - Musician, producer, composer, audio designer, and DJ Larry E. Gates II  has played hundreds of stages across the nation and has shared those stages with the likes of Chuck Berry, G. Love & Special Sauce, 30 Seconds To Mars, Local H, Superdrag, Trombone Shorty, Brother Ali, The Nappy Roots, Blueprint, DJ Rare Groove, Illogic, and many others.

 

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Entries in Missouri (2)

Real Talk Tuesdays: Ferguson

DateTuesday, November 25, 2014 at 8:40AM

Last night, a grand jury decided not to press charges on Ferguson, MO police officer Darren Wilson despite gunning down unarmed teenager Michael Brown who stood in a surrender pose with both hands up. For nearly three months the country has been tense, awaiting justice. Last night's decision proves that a badge, a gun and white privilege are all more valuable than a black teenagers life. 

I'm disgusted.

So what do we do? Before bed I was heartbroken - scrolling through my Twitter feed looking for information, insight, comfort, whatever. A statement from Michael Brown's parents asked for non-violence but instead to join their fight to require all police to wear a body camera. The U.S. Department of Justice just compiled a report detailing a recent test-run of police body cameras. Among the "Officer concerns about wearing a body camera"....was this gem of a statement...

 “I have heard some resentment about the level of scrutiny that Chapter 2. Considerations for Implementation officers will be under if they wear body-worn cameras. This is especially true with the first-level response officers, who already feel they are under an extraordinary amount of pressure to get everything right."

You're goddamn right we expect you to get it right. You have sworn to protect and serve your communities. You will be held to the highest of standards. If that's too much for you, it's the holiday season so I'm sure UPS is hiring. Here in Illinois, State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth and Sen. Bill Haine are pushing a bill that would allow police departments to apply for grants to purchase body cameras or squad car cams. Call your state representative and support this bill. In the meantime, FILM THE POLICE. 
R.I.P. Michael Brown.
 

 

 

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Throwback Thursdays: N.W.A.

DateThursday, August 14, 2014 at 8:32AM

After several days of police brutality in Ferguson, MO (following the killing of an unarmed black teen) I've only got one song stuck in my head. Whenever something like this happens, people say "This is a turning point in our country". But my fear is that it will eventually get swept up and put away and we'll all go back to our favorite tv shows and the cycle will repeat. It happened here in our community and the cop got a 30 day suspension. Fuck these assholes.

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