Page 5 - Florida Sentinel 6-19-20

Editorial/Column
Local
State Attorney Drops Charges Against Protesters
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Tuesday, Attorney Andrew Warren, Hills- borough County State Attor- ney, announced that he would not file charges against 67 protestors. The in- cident took place on June 2nd.
Attorney Warren said, “These people were only ex- ercising their first-amend- ment rights. They were not doing anything else. These were peaceful and were not causing problems.
“The law says it must be 3 or more people all with the intent to commit a crime.
ATTORNEY ANDREW WARREN Hillsborough County
State Attorney
They were arrested for un- lawful assembly and there was no intent to cause prob-
lems.”
He said he came to the
decision after reviewing each of the 67 cases personally.
Attorney Warren said there were 70 others arrested that weekend and they are facing felony charges.
“I want to make one thing clear: while we have no in- tention of prosecuting any- one who is peacefully protesting, we will not toler- ate people looking to exploit this moment. There is no place for violence or destruc- tion that puts the safety of our citizens, including our law enforcement officers, at risk.”
Andre White: When Immortals Die
How does one react when an immortal dies? How do you cope with the idea that even eternity may someday end? Maybe so, but not soon. Indeed, it isn’t that we discount death. But too often we find it difficult to believe in death. So, it becomes with the late Andre White, whose recent death struck like a hammer blow to the ears and consciousness of all who knew him.
For, Andre White, Tampa native son, was an immortal. Born to a family of immortals, son of the legendary Moses White, king-maker and bridge builder of Tampa antebellum to Civil Rights, Andre’s siblings included the eloquent Alton White, who came close to being Tampa’s first Black mayor. The family included another sibling, Gerald, who joined Andre in providing management and security for celebrities worldwide, including Marvin Gaye and James Brown. In- deed, his family was star-studded, but none eclipsed Andre, athlete, journalist, businessman, musical artist and civic leader.
Taller than a mountain, more handsome than most men have a right to become, Andre White’s commanding stature filled rooms and his persona would fit neatly among the names of the fictional John Henry and Paul Bunyan. Indeed, Andre’s athletic prowess as a football alumnus of FAMU and for such NFL teams as the Bengals, Broncos and Chargers, adds to the legend of this man who was as comfortable with heads of state as he was at ease in a barbershop chair.
Perhaps, however, you’re unfamiliar with Andre White or the invaluable service and massive footprint Andre and his family continues to have in both Tampa and Atlanta. A de- voted husband to Joyce Dupree White for 55 years, since jun- ior high school, a doting and beyond supportive father akin to Proverbs 2, a loving grandfather, and loyal friend, Andre was described as compassionate, courageous, caring, loyal, spiritual warrior, and loving.
As an Equal Opportunity Commission Officer for Hillsbor- ough County, Andre was an advocate for the removal of the Confederate flag from the County Seal. Serving on the board of the Mayfield Food Stores, Andre brought joy to thousands of Metropolitan Atlanta area children and their families as he played the role of Santa Claus during Christmas holidays.
But more than likely,
if you lived here for more than fifteen years, you’d have
heard the name and the legend that follows. A legend doesn’t die. Men and women do. Yet, like a puppy following its mas- ter, Andre White’s immortality walks behind him wagging its tail. Like many of us, it’s hard to believe our friend and men- tor is dead.
Yes, Andre White is dead. But, immortals never die, they simply move to an unknown land.
‘Never To Be Seen Again!’
BY DONALD L. BDOWRIDGE, JR.
etween 2015 and 2018,
there were a few videos making it on social media, showing a WHITE DUDE at a restaurant harassing the staff. The Police was called, they ar- rived, and a tussle ensued. As they tussled, white dude takes the officers weapon, begins in- citing the officers. Finally, puts the weapon down and goes out- side. The white dude is in range to be shot. The officers just stand there, the white dude runs off into the night, "NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!"
Another incident comes to mind when white dude kidnaps officers’ patrol car and begiSn doing wheelies. The officers standing there as if it was the beginning of a NASCAR practice run! white dude comes to a stop and run off, "NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!"
What occurred in Atlanta was a BLACK MAN who fell
under similar circumstances as the two white dudes! Correct me if I am wrong, I Stand to be Cor- rected! This is a situation unable to wrap the brain around. To be lost is a person that is confused and seeks assistance to find one destination. Saying this, the Question is, "Why is Mr. Brooks the latest victim of unnecessary Black killings at the hands of white police officers?
No, Mr. Brooks shouldn’t have taken the taser and ran. "He should not have been killed either!" Now He is "NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN?”
Here's the topper of this Fi- asco, "some" white people re- spond by asking why did he run, why did he use a fake twenty dollar bill, why was he going for his gun, why was he wearing a hoodie, why was he selling ciga- rettes?
These Black men are
“NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!”
"Some" privileged white racists, who are starting to feel the pressure of losing their stolen treasure chest! "Wake up," "wake up" out of your fan- tasy! It is Written: "Those who are last shall be first!" Racist white privileged people "your time is limited!" This America will "NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!"
To the white brothers and sisters, thank you for seeing the wrongs perpetrated upon the Black race in this country since 1620. Your standing side by side to coerce needed alternations in this nation's police force, espe- cially in the highly African American populated sectors of any given city and state! “NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!”
Lastly, to the racist hiding behind the badge, understand you are not dealing Blacks of a past tense! You are dealing with 2020 Blacks who are not going to bow and allow you to tie them to a tree, pull out a whip and commence to whip them to death! This will "NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!"
It was said in an interview, "You are pushing us and our tempers are increasing at an ac- celerated pace. We are not afraid of war nor death! We’re not begging anymore; we are de- manding equality just like our white counterparts! "NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!"
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 5-A