Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 3-15-19

Feature
Tampa Attorney Helps Jay-Z Team With 11-Year-Old’s Arrest
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last month, when an 11- year-old decided not to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, he had no idea what would take place. But, his decision and his arrest made news around the nation.
Jabari Talbot told his substitute teacher, Ana Al- varez, at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, in Lake- land, that the “flag was racist and the national anthem was offensive to Black people.” The substitute then re- sponded by asking him why didn’t he go live in another country?
He asked the teacher if she meant he should go back to Africa, she replied, “Yes, if that is where you came from ... that is where you need to be.!” Talbot became upset and was arrested by the School Resource Officer. He was charged with causing a disturbance at a school and resisting arrest.
JAY-Z
After the news circulated around the country, enter- tainer Jay-Z’s entertain- ment company, Team ROC took on the case of the child and his mother. They were joined by Tampa Attorney Roderick Ford, who repre- sented them, pro bono. As a result of their intervention, the charges against Jabari have been dropped. And, the substitute will no longer be allowed to work in the Polk County School District.
His mother, Ms.
Shown at a press conference from left to right: Clayton Cowart, pastor with the Poor and Ministry Justice Center, of Winter Haven, Ms. Dhakira Talbot, mother of Jabari Talbot, and Tampa Attorney Roderick Ford. (Photo property of the Lakeland Ledger).
ful that the Polk County Ju- venile Court has closed the file, and there will be no criminal prosecution by the Polk County State Attorney’s Office, our journey to justice against the perennial crimi- nalization of millions of Black youth who attend pub- lic schools continues, as a Civil Rights complaint is now currently pending before the U. S. Department of Educa- tion, Office for Civil Rights.
“We do not believe that this case needs to go to trial, although we certainly are prepared to try this case. In- stead, it is our hope that the U. S. Department of Educa- tion will utilize all of the tools at its disposal to help bring the parties and community stakeholders together in order to reach a fair and just resolution of this case.”
Ms. Talbot was given a letter stating that the case was not entered into the ju- venile criminal data base, so there is no permanent record.
Dhakira Talbot said, “My son and I are grateful for all the athletes, entertainers, Roc Nation and community of supporters that have raised awareness about this injustice and showed their support – both publicly and privately – during our time of need.
“Although Jabari’s case has been dismissed, I do want people to know this
isn’t just about my son – this prejudice happens to African American kids all across the country. The fight isn’t over, which is why I have a Civil Rights complaint pending with the U. S. Department of Education. At the end of the day, I want to ensure that no child ever has to experience this injustice again.”
Attorney Ford said, “Although we are very thank-
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