the one thing i love most about reading online is the ability to find little nuggets of information or interesting stories without having to flip through a giant stack of recyclable paper with messy ink. yesterday was no exception when i stumbled upon a story in the tribe (may need free signup) about a small town in texas that seems to relish in its violent racial past.
paris, texas is the home of the Paris Fairgrounds, a stage where thousands of white ‘spectators’ would gather to burn and lynch blacks as if at some sort of carnival. today, it is a highly segregated town that has implicity dared anyone to question how it chooses to treat blacks that live in the area.
the facts:
- “black parents have filed at least a 12 discrimination complaints against the school district with the federal Education Department, asserting that their children, who constitute 40 percent of the district’s nearly 4,000 students, were singled out for excessive discipline”
- the paris public schools are under investigation by the U.S. Education Department
- 19-year-old white man, convicted last july of criminally negligent homicide for killing a 54-year-old black woman and her 3-year-old grandson with his truck, was sentenced in Paris to probation
- judge chuck superville sentenced a 14-year-old white girl, convicted of arson for burning down her family’s house, to probation
- a 14-year-old black freshman, shaquanda cotton, shoved a 58-year-old teacher’s aide at paris high school in a dispute over entering the building before the school day had officially begun. she was tried in march 2006 in the town’s juvenile court, convicted of “assault on a public servant” and sentenced by the same judge chuck superville to prison for up to 7 years, until she turns 21
yes, you read that last part right. i’ll let it sink in for a second.
so its 2007, one state is drafting formal legislation to apologize for slavery, and another is trying to flex its ‘dont mess with texas’ ego. while i complained earlier of how dismayed i was that some black blogs tend to be angry, this type of reality justifies that sentiment, and rightfully so. while i’ve never been the most articulate when it comes to expressing the complete shock of ‘in plain view’ racism, i can honestly say that this type of white arrogance and hate needs to be called out and handled swiftly. but how? the article mentions that naacp is on the case (rolling eyes), but i feel like more, MUCH MORE needs to be done.
if you get to the end of the article, the turmoil suffered by shaquanda in juvenile prison, where 95% of the offenders are repeat and violent (read: real crimes), has caused her to attempt suicide on her life 3 times. 3 times! a 14-year old, my little sister, is trying to kill herself because a racist bigot of a judge put her in prison for shoving someone. SHOVING!
so what can be done? link to this article. publicize this story. let’s see what blogging black can really do. go to the governor’s page at http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact and let him know how you feel and how this is completely bullshit.
free shaquanda cotton. NOW!
i ask that some of my more articulate readers post a statement in the comments that we can all use on the contact form on the texas governor page.
[update 1]: looks like we’re getting the word spread. a fb group has started.
[update 2]: i started a thread over at topix. interesting pov’s, without question. i’ve also gotten word from a few friends that we have connections to ebony magazine and cnn that are being explored. keep spreading the word!
[update 3]: a site has been setup for her at http://freeshaquandacotton.blogspot.com/
[update 4]: thanks to everyone who gave their opinion and overwhelming support. we had to turn off the comments to save our servers, however. be sure to pingback if you want to keep up the discussion on your blogs!
[update 5]: the last, and probably best update, shaquanda cotton will go free.
Kim Cameron
I will be forwarding this blog to the power brokers that I know. I will also organize a group of people for continual mailing to her. In the meantime, where exactly do we send funds in her aid?
March 26, 2007 at 7:55 pm
wouldbesupporter
I love to see people swear and pray in the same paragraph…Its hard for white people to jump on board with this when everything that is written is derogatory towards them. Not all white people are racists. Racism goes both ways and by reading various blogs, its obvious!
March 26, 2007 at 8:03 pm
CONSUELLA JOHNSON
THAT’S JUST WRONG!!! I FEEL THAT THE JUDGE HIM SELF NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. HOW YOU GONNA GIVE 2 WHITE FOLKS PROBATION AND A MINOR 7YRS OF PRISON IT AIN’T LIKE SHE KILLED HIM (AND I’M SURE SHE DIDN’T MEAN NO HARM) MY QUESTION IS THIS WHAT WAS THE TEACHER WAS DOING FOR HER TO DO TTHAT? WELL DAMN NO BODIE WANTS TO GO THERE!!!! BUT I TELL YOU WHAT THE COTTON FAMILY MY PRAYER’S IS WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVE ONE!!!
I’LL SPREAD THE WORD 2!!! ALL THE WAY FROM KILLEENTX, AND COPPERAS COVE TX.
March 26, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Shoji
My goodness!!! this is insane… I’ll tell oprah winfrey…
March 26, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Liz C.
In the 60′s we thought that racial issues would be something of the past, but today we have “Minute Men” who evolved from the KKK, but because politicians continue to tell the American people that we are free- then we have no rebels such as “black panthers” representing new modern day racial issues. As long as corruption exists within politicians circles and even churches, there will never be honest judges.
March 26, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Kevin Smith
Shaquanda’s incident seems to be stirring up controversy and creating a division within the local African American Community. I’m not a local and I do not know all of the facts, but it seems to me that the time given Shaquanda does not fit the crime. Seven years is too much time for shoving a teacher even though it could be considered an assault. One writer indicated that Shaquanda was given a “stay of execution†meaning that she was not remanded into custody following her sentence. The sentence could be called to be served if Shaquanda breaks her conditions of parobation or parole.
As I stated earlier, I do not know all of the facts related to this case, but I do know that a fourteen year old girl regardless of race has no business putting her hands on an adult, unles she if faces with a life threatening situation. Many of our African American children have been raised with little or no structure, and many have little respect for other people, their property, or their right to a quiet peaceful life. Often these children in our communities force their lifstyle on law abiding people in their communities. They drive recklessly through the neigborhood streets speeding and turning doughnuts, When they are not driving recklessly they often force others in their community to listen to their vulger hip hop music often exceeding 100 decibles, and yes sometimes 24/7.
We are raising a generation of children that is indulging in self- destruction. What does the future hold for our children? For many the future is very bleak because many will break state laws that will result in prison sentences. Some will receive long sentences early in life, and others will nickle and dime their lives away by doing a series of short sentences until they finally mature, gain education, and or gain trade skills.
Prison is where many local and state governments want our black young people. I believe they especially want our black men in prison. Incarceration of the black male is disruptive the the stability of the the black family. The last twenty-five to thirty years has been very disruptive to the black families as many males have gone to prison, became crack addicts, and have died on the streets as murder victims, and many of our children have had to be placed in to foster care. In California African Americans now have the lowest birth rate second only to that of Native Americans. Native Americans would probably be extinct if the federal government had not given them reservations where they have lived for many decades. I do not believe reservations will be provided to African Americans, and the way things are going it is possible that some day African Americans could become very rare like the Native Americans.
Shoquanda’s sentence is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to disparate sentencing. this has been going on for years. African American Parents can best keep their children safe from the legal system by properly training them the minute they enter this world. Many of our child bearing mothers, and our young fathers are not capable of training their children without proper assistance. I believe that the survival of so many young people in the African American communities is dependent on people who can influence and teach young people to raise their children in an effective mannner. Some how we must raise the children in our African American communities to repect education, to respect others, and to be smart enough to avoid life threating situations if at all possible. Until this happens I believe we will hear about more cases like shoquanda’s.
March 27, 2007 at 12:09 am
T
To simply say that the punishment does not fit the crime is a grosse understatement. Let’s be frank and put it on the table – “if the girl were white, she wouldn’t be in prison nor would she have even been charged with such an offense”.
However, the color of her skin is secondary to potential she holds within. Potential to do any number of great things. Potential that sadly could never be realized due to a single transgression. The fact of the matter is that should she have to servve her sentence and return to society with a “record”; she will NEVER be afforded the same OPPORTUNITIES as other young people.
To me, such would be the true tragedy within this travesty
March 27, 2007 at 1:36 am
YBP Guide — shaquanda cotton case at forefront of texas juvenile investigations
[...] overwhelming support for shaquanda cotton in the last few weeks has been overwhelming. in fact, the story has triggered massive [...]
March 27, 2007 at 2:55 am
Keith L.
This is really a sad case. It’s ridiculous to believe that a person let alone a minor would receive 7yrs for shoving a person, but killing two people would only receive probation. Being convicted of arson would get you probation. We as black people are all guilty of forgetting that racism still exist in today’s world. Even in one of the most prestigious professions where you are suppose to have an unbiased mind we still have idiots. I have watched my friends of different races and backgrounds give there lives for a country that we all believe is the land of the free, the land of opportunity where race, religion and creed is embraced not replaced with the beliefs of another. Sometimes I wonder why I serve! My God bless the Cotton family especially Shaquanda. Stay strong little sister!
March 27, 2007 at 3:40 am
Kimberly Michelle
**Please read our latest post on the Shaquanda Cotton case and the follow up article in the Chicago Tribune by Howard Witt.**
March 27, 2007 at 6:16 am
Patrick
First let me say that I am glad that this situation has got our attention and something must be done on behalf of this little girl. But as far as the legal system, when haven’t blacks been treated unfairly in this country. The prisons, jails, and juvenile detention ceters are filled with her story. If we really want to get this out and get some real attention drawn to it, Tavis Smiley and Tom Joyner are good, but if someone can get this out to Oprah that would get some real attention! But as far as her being discriminated againt and being treated unfairly…this is nothing new.
March 27, 2007 at 6:40 am
Elizabeth Moore
This is one of the most unjustice and inhumane thing I’ve ever heard. This is a child we are talking about and for shoving! I hope this fall upon the right ears because no child deserve such a punishment for merely shoving, I don’t care who it is! The judge who sentenced her should be stripped of his bar licenses. Let’s keep Shaquanda Cotton in our prayers!
March 27, 2007 at 7:24 am
lynnevondue
where is al sharpton,jessie jackson, micheal baisden, eric dyson and everyone else who like to run their mouth HELP THIS CHILD
March 27, 2007 at 7:32 am
Selita Carson
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote donot judge me by the color of my skin, but by the content of my character.
Still today in 2007 after over 400 hundreds years of being enslave, we still have sick minded people.
Continue to Pray for change, God is still watching all of us. Only what you do for Christ Jesus will Last. Trouble donot last always!
Helpful Organizations and People with Power
1. NAACP – National Advancement for Color People.
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Tavis – http://www.tavistalks.com
4. Tom Joyner – http://www.tjms.com
5. news@blackamericaweb.com.
Keep looking to the hills for which comes your help!
This to shall pass.
March 27, 2007 at 7:57 am
Tracy A
Sad that this is still happening. I can not comprehend this type of behavior and am appalled that our government allows something that is so obviously WRONG to continue. This young lady needs to be set FREE now.
March 27, 2007 at 8:11 am
Natisha Butler
I think that if you can go to prison for 7 years, just for “shoving” someone. Than you can go to jail for anything these days. And I also feel that she’s only 14 yrs old, and that was her 1st so-called “offense”. I really think this is ridiculous.
March 27, 2007 at 8:32 am
Smarion
Dear Governor,
Im not sure how you go home and sleep in peace at night case after case, but I guess thats why your a judge and Im not. Personally I believe that our country/the judicial system is very unbalanced, polititians are scandalis, and the president killed thousands on 9/11 and Katrina !! And I think Malcolm X said it best “Thats too much power for one man.” Now you are ruining the future of a young adolescent child living in a racial society and getting away with it legally. When will the racial turmoil cease, its obvious that you have hardened your heart towards the wrong people, we are not enemies of each other. We were put on this earth to love on another, so I pray that you would look into your heart and open up to God and find your true self. Remember: Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards, lets move forward and give ourselves and our children a brighter future.
Thanks and God Bless !!
March 27, 2007 at 8:32 am
Prince Antoine
Where are all our Leaders on t
March 27, 2007 at 8:33 am
Steve Jones
At this point, how can we look at this issue as racism when Judge Superville offered Shaquanda probation just like the arsonist w girl and the w boy who committed the vehicular homicide? Shaquanda’s mother chose to refuse the probation term stating the Shaquanda was innocent even if she did push the 58 year old teacher down. Her mother said that on K104 (Dallas/Ft.Worth) yesterday.
J Superville may be racist, but this case is not the proof. This guy offers probation like its candy. We need our race card back to play another day.
I hope she is freed but not to her crazy mother. She will ultimately lead this girl to her demise. The facts are slowly coming out.
March 27, 2007 at 9:48 am
Zeina
This is ridiculous. There is no justification for this misuse of the “law”.
Lil’ sis, stay strong your story needs to be told by you. You are just beginning your life do not allow them to take it from you. You must find a way to make it through. So many others wiill benefit from your story.
Know that you are in our thoughts, prayers and works.
Peace & Blessings,
Zeina
March 27, 2007 at 9:56 am
Tony Corso
Blog this: Nothing happened at Paris High
By Phillip Hamilton
The Paris News
Published March 25, 2007
Shaquanda Cotton was NOT sentenced to seven years in prison.
The 14-year-old, who was convicted of assaulting a public servant for shoving a 58-year-old teacher’s aide, was sentenced to a state juvenile correction facility “for an indeterminate period not to exceed her 21st birthday.” Whether she spends seven years in the dormitory-style facility she was assigned to depends on one person  Shaquanda.
Ever since the Chicago Tribune’s Howard Whit did a hatchet job on Lamar County justice, folks across the nation have believed that County Judge Chuck Superville put Shaquanda behind bars for seven years. The fact is that’s just plain and simple NOT true.
Let me repeat that for our recent out-of-town guests. The judge did NOT sentence Shaquanda to seven years and she is NOT in a prison.
By definition, an indeterminate sentence is one structured so that the person’s conduct determines the date of release. The truth is that Shaquanda could be out by now. She determines how soon she comes home by her actions.
But that’s not something the Chicago Tribune bothered to mention during the newspaper’s journalistic lynching of this community earlier this month. Why lets facts get in the way of a good story, right?
The problem is that bloggers and talk-radio blabbers in the Metroplex and elsewhere have taken the spark the Chicago Tribune story started and fanned it into flames of outrage against our community. Now, other media are flocking to Paris to write about what one CNN producer told me last week is the “broader story” about how Shaquanda’s case is affecting Paris.
Shaquanda’s case isn’t affecting Paris, but outside influences certainly are.
In the year after Shaquanda was convicted, absolutely nothing happened except Shaquanda’s mother and a handful of wanna-be civil rights activists convinced a Dallas and Houston-based tabloid that Shaquanda had been wronged. The poorly written report was laced with inaccurate information and failed to garner much attention  especially with local African-Americans who are familiar with Shaquanda’s case. Credible civil rights advocates, including most black ministers, did not become involved.
Then came Whitt and the Chicago Tribune with a much more polished version of the wanna-be civil rights activists’ story. As spring break arrived, Blogs Gone Wild played on Web sites across the nation as wanna-be writers ate up Whitt’s tale of a vindictive, racist school district and judicial system.
By Monday, ill-informed individuals marched on Lamar County Courthouse and PISD’s administration building hurling insults at Superintendent Paul Trull and Assistant Superintendent Robert High, a real civil rights advocate who march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the ’60s.
By Friday, the community had been whipped into a frenzy with rumors of protests and counter protests at Paris High, the plaza and the courthouse. Amid rumors that African-American students would walk away from classes at 11 a.m. and participate in a protest rally, law enforcement officers and school officials prepared for the worse. Extra lawmen were put on stand-by status and the front of Paris High was shielded with school buses. A white line was chalked to show protesters how far they could go without breaking the law.
Guess what happened?
Nothing  absolutely nothing.
Not one Paris High student walked away from campus, which was probably a great disappointment for the news vans parked across the street and the videographer aboard a chopper hovering over the school.
I know nothing happened because I had lunch in the Paris High cafeteria with Superintendent Paul Trull, PISD trustee George Fisher and a handful of African-America ministers.
Will there be another protest organized this week?
Probably.
But don’t expect to see more than a handful of Paris residents participating. Those who know the facts understand Shaquanda’s case is about the commission of a criminal act, not racism.
March 27, 2007 at 10:21 am
CANDY
THEY NEED TO SEND A YOUNG PERSON UNDER COVER TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL AND GET THE PROPER COVERAGE THEY NEED TO REVEAL THE TRUTH OF THE FACT OF THIS SCHOOL IN IT’S TRUE LIGHT NOT JUST SOME COVER FOR THE NEWS MEDIA & VISITORS!!!
March 27, 2007 at 10:42 am
warren woodberry
This shows how inefficient we are in networking when we struggle to be able to highlight injustices to our people. We can’t contact Smiley or Tom Joyner some say. Is it not sad that these are the only TV personalities that we think of when we need to get a message out. That is why we need to support the National Association of Black Journalist(NABJ) so that we can network better. I am a member of the NW Ohio Black Journalist Association of Toledo Ohio (NOBMA)
and I will forward the story to NABJ.
WW
htccwarren@yahoo.com
March 27, 2007 at 10:58 am
Thomas
Lockup the judge! Total up all the years he’s handed out to people like her and sentence him to the total. I apologize on behalf of the white race. Idiots like this should be pittied for their stupidity and ignorance.
March 27, 2007 at 11:16 am
About Shaquanda Cotton « The Anti-Essentialist Conundrum
[...] Prometheus 6 linked to this post at Young Black Professional Guide that has a rap sheet of sorts about Paris, Texas, and some more reactions to the situations with [...]
March 27, 2007 at 3:05 pm
YBP Guide — power to the people
[...] paris, texas. in plain view [...]
April 1, 2007 at 9:32 am
Paris, Texas Justice Appears To Be Back In The Days Of The Lynch Mob | Free Ebooks and Tutorials
[...] From: http://www.ybpguide.com/2007/03/13/paris-texas-in-plain-view/ [...]
March 29, 2009 at 3:55 am