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By CELESTE M. HART

LaTorya Witcher lead a protest at the steps of the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, located at 9300 Quincy Avenue, on Wednesday, August 30. Witcher, paternal aunt of Curtis Witcher, three-year-old murdered, allegedly, by his mother, Timmeka Eggleton, 31, and several family members and friends demanded accountability and justice for Curtis. Alison Nelson Floyd, juvenile judge, ordered unsupervised custody to Eggleton just four months prior to Curtis’ death. During the protest, Floyd conducted a hearing for Eggleton who arrived via Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s van and escorted to court. Eggleton, 31, returned to North Coast Behavioral Health facility. August 22^nd, Judge Brendan J. Sheehan ordered treatment to stand trial, as Eggleton pleaded not guilty to all charges by reason of insanity. The court docket states Eggleton is restorable. As the van rode by, protesters held posters with Curtis’ pictures, and hollered, ‘Justice for Curtis’.

“I just wanted her (Eggleton) to see his last smile. I wanted to bring his picture into the court. I want her to see the picture of Curtis in a casket,” said Bobby Eddingburgh, Curtis’ father.

Damon Hart, no relation to this reporter, said Bobby fought diligently, trying to make a means  to get his son back, he was happy when it happened, and Curtis loved his dad.

Wednesday’s hearing involved custody of Curtis’ younger two-year-old brother, JonJon, believed to be Bobby’s son, but learned in court, untrue.

“For two years, I have been his father, He knew me as his dad. I have lost two sons. I sit in my sorrows,” said Bobby.

Still, Bobby held pages of forms to request legal rights to JonJon, to keep him out of foster homes.

“I am torn, I have a difficult decision… they put me through so much to get Curtis, my own son, back…I’ll think about it though,” said Bobby.

June 14, 2023, Eggleton strolled, in the same stroller, Curtis and JonJon, to the Family Dollar store, 79^th Euclid Plaza, and asked customers if she could use a phone. Curtis, appeared deceased, JonJon alive, according to witnesses. Ambulance transported both boys to University Rainbow Children’s Hospital where doctors pronounced Curtis’ death. Manner of death, homicide by blunt force trauma. Cleveland Police arrested both Eggleton and Bobby who was on his job, detained for 24 hours during the investigation that included bus transit videos. Eggleton, charged with aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, and endangering children. She also has a pending grand theft case.

“We do not feel like justice was served when she (Eggleton) pleaded to insanity and gets to live in a mental hospital, while my nephew does not get to live, at all. We want accountability. Not just for Curtis, but for all children. Alison Nelson Floyd should be held accountable. This is not her first indiscretion,” said LaTorya.

She mentioned two prior Floyd transgressions, including, Demel Holiday, killed the next day after Floyd released his killer and the girls Floyd ordered to take lie detector tests in a rape case. A mother, requested anonymity, spoke of her costly ‘humps and hurdles’ in Floyd’s court for the last six years to gain sole custody of her now eight-year-old. Another mother discussed fighting the wrongful rape conviction, 20-years-ago, of her son in Floyd’s court.

Latorya said CPS took Curtis, born February 1, 2020, to foster care directly from hospital, seven days later. The foster family wanted to adopt and warned Floyd about returning Curtis to Eggleton. Floyd removed Curtis in July 2022 and granted Eggleton custody with supervision.  

  Russ Gates, Curtis’ appointed attorney, warned Floyd in a court motion that requested a continuance of the March 2023 hearing to further supervise Eggleton, Floyd denied and terminated the supervision. three months later, June 14, 2023, Curtis was tortured to death.

 “The mother was verbally abusive, beyond what is typical, speaking in a very insulting and demeaning manner, as well as swearing and being dishonest…stated I would not be permitted into her house… unannounced visits are not permitted,” Gates’ motion reads.

“The court finds that the child’s continued residence in or return to the home of the mother, Timmeka Eggleton will not be contrary to the child’s best interest,” the judge’s order states. “The placement of the child is appropriate. The continued supervision is not necessary and not in the child’s best interest,” Floyd’s decision reads.

“I do not want her ( Eggleton) to die. I want her tortured for the rest of her days. I want that judge, (Floyd) to admit she was wrong and be held accountable. My main purpose, now, is justice for Curtis,” said Bobby.

Cuyahoga County officials initiated an investigation into the entire case, including, actions conducted by the court, social workers and the parents,

By CELESTE M. HART

In 2001, this journalist met with Melba Moore, for a Cleveland, Ohio, Black newspaper article, upon the release of her CD, I’m Still Here, and performance of her one woman show, held at a local church. Moore recently struggled through a difficult time in her personal, financial and professional life.

“I had to figure out how to survive,” said Moore, during an interview with Roland Martin, show host.

Moore, more than survived, is thriving, and coming to Charlotte, NC, April 22, 7:30 pm, to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Stage Door Theatre, presented by, The Progress XChange, Inc. Joining Moore onstage, Paul Laurence, producer and songwriter, along with R&B group named, 4 P.M. (For Positive Music), from Baltimore.

Moore, the first Black Best Featured Actress TONY award winner, received the Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award at Morehouse College in Atlanta,  the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her commitment to improvement within urban communities, and her star will be branded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 2023.

“Just reach for the highest star, even though your eyes can’t see, and you would find your destiny…have the courage to reach for the impossible dream…” lyric from the cut, “The Highest Star,” from Moore’s latest album, titled, Imagine.

 Moore, a New Jersey’s Montclair State alumni with a BA in Music Education, taught music at a public elementary school prior to, the Broadway stages, the movies, on radio, a television show, Grammy nominations, said, her commitment to ‘give back’ continues.

“With every show I do, I want some of the proceeds to go to something worthwhile like educating the youth and assisting victims of domestic violence,” said Moore.

The message from Moore’s album and video, Imagine, is peace, love and taking care of one another.

“Can you imagine if love filled every street….no more hate, we’d all be free…Imagine a love displayed causing disloyalties to be erased…” some example lyrics.

Laurence, wrote the songs for Freddie Jackson’s, “Rock Me Tonight, for old times sake” and Moore’s “Love’s Comin at Ya”.  The 4 P.M. group, formed in 1991, by brothers Roberto Pena Jr. and Reney Pena with Larry McFarland and Martiz Ware, toured Japan,  and the U.S., recently released a new single and video, titled, “Some of the Time.”

The Progress XChange, founded by Darren A. Barreto, provides high school sophomores and seniors in underserved communities the opportunity to increase the likelihood of gaining admission to college through tutoring and ACT/SAT preparation. Barreto said, for those who have the potential but don’t know how to procure those resources, led him to launch “the Xchange”.

Tickets for the charity event, prices $79.15 and $112.75, can be purchased at Carolina Tix.org

By CELESTE M. HART

“We not only make noise when it is a white police officer killing us, unjustly. No, when anybody kills us, unjustly, we make noise. We don’t care if it is a Black hand that kills or a white hand,” said Benjamin Crump, civil rights attorney.

Crump brought the noise to HBCU Livingstone College, in Salisbury, NC, March 23, for justice for Shanquella Robinson, killed in Cabo, Mexico, October 29, 2022. Videos posted on social media showed Robinson brutally attacked by friends, now known as the Cabo 6, that vacayed with Robinson. Mexico issued a warrant, yet no arrests. U.S. Federal prosecutors announced, April 12, 2023, it declined to pursue charges against any of the Cabo 6. The official statement here;

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/federal-officials-meet-family-shanquella-robinson?ftag=MSF0951a18

“They murdered that sister. We’re demanding justice for Shanquella. Like Malcolm X said, Black woman been the most neglected, disrespected, most unprotected people in America…Today, we are here to become better informed, empowered, engaged, and educated,” said Crump.

Crump hosted the Equal Justice Now event, a non-profit organization established to fight against false arrest, bail reform, over policing, wrongful convictions, and systemic racism. A panel discussion, moderated by Eric Kowalczyk, Baltimore Police, and Attorney Bakari Sellers, former SC State representative, included, Charlotte Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden, Germale Black, Salisbury NAACP president, JaPharil Jones, president BLM 757-Virginia, Dr. Latarcia Barnes, chair Livingstone Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, James Buie, retired Gaston County police chief, Carleena Deonanan, defense attorney, and Melanie Reid, law professor at Tennessee’s Lincoln Memorial College.

“We all have to show up, not just when the national media is around, not just when the hype is there. I’m there 24/7,” said McFadden. “Police have not connected to the community. Have you held us (police) accountable after training? The community demands something, and we want citizens in a better place,” said McFadden.
 

 Justice fighters, from the beginning, came to make noise, including, Sallamondra Robinson, Shanquella’s mother, sister, Quilla Long, Mario Black, founder Million Youth March of Charlotte and Salisbury, Attorney Dominic Calhoun, National Civil rights activists, John C. Barnett, and Elliot Faace Vinson.

“Now, you are well armed to protest the school to prison pipeline, the denied access to health care, being wrongfully convicted, and all the injustice that plague our community. You all are very powerful, and you are our hope. We need your dedication and willingness to speak truth to power,” said Crump.

“There is a need for us to scream a little bit louder. We are here to talk about justice in North Carolina.

By CELESTE M. HART

“I save myself working on saving children. A moment can change the rest of their lives,” said Brendan May, founder BFIT Big Dreams

May, a personal trainer, founded BFIT, a non-profit organization, in 2020, to address societal issues that hold back youth. The free Second Annual 5K, We Run Together, on April 1^st, at Irwin Creek Greenway, 1520 Clanton Road, 12 p.m., Mays said, is an event to promote family and community unity and provide recourses for future success.

“Fitness is my thang and by me being a trainer, I realize youth needed physical development as well as mental and social. Too many of our children have no positive role male models, we need more,” said May.

May includes diverse activities such as, hiking, boxing, ice skating and boat rowing, to challenge youth, develop confidence and learn to fight for their dreams, not fight each other. Violence is a choice, he said.

Amber Hoff, program director and CMS educator, helps establish year-round youth experiences, including, summer camp, school break programs and educational activities. Financial literacy, reading proficiency, goal setting and social emotional learning round out the list of many activities. To set children’s dreams high, learning adventures included, Discovery Place, Charlotte IFLY, US Whitewater Center and McLaren, high-end auto sales.

“We include role-playing activities about bullying and gang violence to encourage positive decision-making that inspires positive behavior. We serve children that get put out of other camps, those on the verge of homelessness and those on the Autistic scale. We don’t turn any child away,” said May.

May’s ‘giving back to the community’ stems from personal trials and tribulations, he said he gave 14 years of his life to the NC government system via prison, started at age 16, charged as an adult for non-violent cases. A teacher told him he did not fit the mold for the high school he attended.

“Circumstances contributed to my prison time. I was the by-product of my environment. I’m saving myself working with these children. It’s fulfilling giving these kids the opportunities and experiences usually not available. I hope it leads to their dreams accomplished and they see beyond current limitations,” said May.

A mother commented on the BFIT Big Dreams web site:

Registration for Spring Break Camp, April 11th to 15^th, at Progressive Church, 1609 Clanton Road, ends April 8^th. cost, $75 before April 1^st, after, $100. Enrollment for 2023 summer camp program, in July, begins May 1^st. Contact May, at 704-458-8757, website, www.365BFIT.com or email, 365bfit@gmail.com.  Vendor, sponsorships and donations encouraged.

 Sponsors include the Right Moves For Youth and CMS Library, resource vendors committed, Alliance Health, Woodforest Bank, CPCC and Work Fitness.  

May’s titles include, NASM certified fitness instructor, wellness coach, nutrition specialist and father of two sons.

By CELESTE M. HART

“I can’t do her justice. I can’t capture the feeling, There’s such a story behind the sadness, pain and the integrity. I was drawn into the face. It still bothers me,” said Linda Laisure, activist, painter, a site visitor with the H.O.M.E Foundation.

Laisure, in 2010, five years after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, ventured to the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, where she discovered a portrait on the wall of a home to be demolished, located at 5438 N. Claiborne.

“I went back I could not see this beautiful photo be destroyed. It was the only thing left on the wall. It was so personal. I’m trying to get this to her relatives, for memory sake,” said Laisure.

Laisure, ventured to the New Orleans Department of Vital Records, discovered a name, Lucinda Rought, associated with the Claiborne address located in an area known as, ‘The Main Street of Black New Orleans’, according to the New Orleans Historical Society.

The Main Street of Black New Orleans

During Jim Crow era, Blacks forbidden to shop in white establishments, created the oak tree lined ‘Main Street’ that consisted of Black owned businesses including; life insurance, restaurants, tailors, dress shops, a grocery store, pharmacies, dentist, doctor, funeral homes, schools and jazz clubs. Freed slaves, the enslaved, West Africans, Indigenous people, and Caribbeans, possessed the highest percentage of Black home ownership in the Treme’ neighborhood, the oldest Black neighborhood in the United States, where HBCU Dillard University originated. Ninth Ward suffered the most destruction, entirely submerged by floodwater, when Katrina hit, August 29^th, 2005, according to the Claiborne History Project.

“This was where everything happened, where African Americans were welcomed and wanted,” said Raynard Sanders, co-founder of Claiborne Avenue History Project.

BLACK MARDI GRAS

Thousands of Black revelers crowded Claiborne Avenue during Mardi Gras. Founded in 1909, the Zulu krewe was created due to the carnival parades in the city being segregated. Inspired by a play about warriors in a Zulu village, in 1910 the Zulus appeared in their first carnival parade. The krewe uses balls, parties and social events to raise money for African Americans suffering financial hardships. One of their most well-known events is the Zulu Coronation Ball, known to locals as the Zulu Ball, which is held the Friday night before Mardi gras (Fat Tuesday). The ball is a black-tie, formal event and honors the coronation of the king and queen, according to Black Southern Belle, The History of Black Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Indian krewes have a Big Chief. The spectacular aspect of these particular krewes are the costumes worn, which are usually the wearers take on Native American regalia. Many suits are colorful and display folk art and cultural symbols. They wear elaborate costumes that honor both African and Native American ancestry as a way to commemorate their shared oppression.

Native Americans were originally enslaved in Louisiana. Shortly after, enslaved Africans were brought to America during the transatlantic slave trade.

The Cultural Symbolism Iron Work in banisters, balconies and fences,

West Africans, historically known for iron working skills, known as blacksmiths, embedded messages into banisters and balconies that adorned homes, churches and businesses. Symbols of West Africa, called Adinkra, provided a way of speaking to their people. The symbol, Sankofa, represents the importance of learning from your past, other symbols represent the benefits of earth’s preservation, unity, hope, and ‘that which cannot be burned’. Two fires destroyed New Orleans, with its many wooden structures,1788 and 1794, France enslaved Africans to rebuild New Orleans. The Blacksmiths were forced to participate in the suppression of other Blacks, made handcuffs, shackles and jail bars. The metal structures still bear the marks of West African culture signifying ‘resistance to oppression’, Sidney Holmes, author The Untold Story of Black Blacksmiths.

Rought’s portrait currently hangs on Laisure’s wall, as she continues the search for family or friends.

“The pathetic reality is that we continue to ignore our past and the inequities of people of color and poor whites throughout the United States beginning with government broken treaties with Native Americans.,” said Laisure. “Thank God there are social service agencies, religious and non-religious and just folks that want to make a difference in a kinder and better world.”

Side note: Your Honor, a Hulu series, depicts life in the 9th Ward, interesting.

#Blackmardigras

By CELESTE M. HART

Nathaniel ‘Guitar Slim’ Savage, rocked stages with his guitar, Down Home Blues songs and fancy leg work, for over 65 years , primarily at Cleveland’s Cascade Lounge, located at 8012 St. Clair Avenue and other venues across the country. Slim rocked to the end of his life, died, October 7, 2017, from a heart condition, at age 82, while performing on stage with Earl the Pearl and the Blues Posse Band, at the VIP Lounge, 3029 Woodhill Road. Fox8 TV news investigation revealed some 911 callers provided the wrong address as Woodland Avenue, thus delayed medical attention.

“He (Slim) was riding his guitar and he just dropped to the floor,” said Chip Fitzgerald, his band partner of over 40 years.

Slim, on a Fender guitar, sang his last song, Howlin’ Wolf’s Smokestack Lightening; with lyrics, Whoa-h, fare-you-well, Never see a you no more, why don’t you hear me cryin?

“If I fall and I can’t get back on my feet, it is time for me to go. Take my ashes and sprinkle on the garden for fertilizer,” said Patrice Savage Marshall, as one of her father’s last messages. “He was resuscitated but didn’t stay up.”

Slim rode with his guitar since the age of 12, born in Fuman, Alabama, March 2, 1935, a sharecropper, when an uncle from Cleveland brought one back home. Before then, he created one, used a stick, rubber bands and a nail, according to Savage-Marshall. She said he was self-taught and could not read music. In 1956, Slim relocated to Cleveland and performed in venues including, Smitty’s, Skeet’s, Lancer’s and voluntarily for seniors at Ru-Clare’s Adult Day Center. He transformed from farmer’s overalls, in the daytime, to the sharpest suits that matched his guitars and cowboy hats,at night.

Slim produced eight daughters and one son who followed in his dad’s guitar playing footprints. The family and dedicated friends petitioned,with over 300 signatures, for the street, 82^nd and Hough Avenue in Ward 7, to be renamed in Slim’s honor. Marshall plans to produce a documentary about Slim’s life.

“My dad has contributed to the Cleveland community for many years, over 60 years, in many ways, through his music, his gardens and fishing. He played all through the South and the North. He taught others how to play and survive,” said Marshall.

Daughters, Marshall and Rhonda Savage, who also sings the blues and granddaughter, Diamond Brown, maintain his legacy through the seven gardens that produce vegetables and fruit, including, greens, watermelons and peaches, located in Ward 7, called, Nate’s Corner, 4 Seasons of Freshness, Slim left behind.

Slim, honored by several establishments and organizations including the Cleveland Blues Society, Skeet’s Lounge in 2022, and inducted into Cleveland Blues Hall of Fame, in 2010, left a strong legacy. His Proclamations include recognition from former mayors, Jane Campbell and Frank Jackson, Cleveland and David Smith, North Randall Village. The Blues Society hosted a Slim memorial tribute concert, at Beachland Ballroom, the first birthday after his death, March 5, 2018. Musicians included, Crazy Marvin Braxton, Travis ‘Moonchild’ Haddix, Ms. Butterscotch, Bob Frank and Wallace Coleman.

Online tributes from musicians and fans across the country:

“We vow to help keep his memory alive by playing his original music on Music FoUrEars AM 1490 radio”–Kent N. Angelica

“I would like to thank you, Guitar Slim for giving me a song to sing and a chance to be on stage with you, in 1975, that’s when I knew I was going to be the BEST entertainer I could be—Angelo Solowkei

“He was a great and timeless spirit passing through this world..the greatness of his talent, his joy and love and constant contribution to this world—David ‘Ozy’ Ozenbaugh.

“Guitar Slim could play anything with strings, any guitar, a Gibson or whatever. And he was left-handed, but, he learned to play with his right. When he played with that copper pipe, that slide, nobody in Cleveland could play that slide like Slim. I am toally supportive of any endeavors to keep is legacy alive,” said Victor Smiley who played with Slim, 60 years.

Slim always said, as his intro before performing,

“Ain’t nothing but sometin to do. Look out.”

 Guitar Slide, involves playing a guitar while holding a hard object (a slide) against the strings, that reflect characteristics of the human singing voice. Most players of blues slide guitar were from the southern US particularly the Mississippi Delta, and their music was likely from an African origin handed down to African-American sharecroppers who sang as they toiled in the fields) Wkipedia

By CELESTE M.HART

Charlotte, NC—-Little Rock African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, historically for 138 years, known as the gathering place for Blacks seeking justice, transparency, and consolation. Again, the community gathered, last Saturday, December 10th, in honor of Shanquella Robinson, 25, well known as ‘Quell.’ On a ‘friends ‘vacation to celebrate the Day of the Dead, October 29, in Cabo San Lucas ,Mexico, Quell was killed. Initial reports and the friends stated she suffered from alcohol poisoning. Autopsy report stated the cause of death as severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation. Videos posted on social media showed ‘friends’ beating Quell and of her searching for them just prior to the attack.

“It’s my friends for me. Where y’all at?” said Quell, laughing, as she walked through the villa’s rooms.

Those friends, now known as the Cabo SIX, include, Daejhanae Jackson, seen in video plummeting Quell, Wenter Donavan, Alysse Hyatt, Malik Dryer, Khalil Cooke and Nazeer Wiggins, all left Quell’s body, immediately returned to the U.S. Hyatt’s sister, Anita, 31, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, the same night as Quell, in High Point, NC.

Quell left a legacy in Charlotte, worldwide and on social media according to tributes spoken by her family members, official dignitaries, social organzations’ representatives, former classmates and clergy members. The rallly, hosted by the Million Youth March of Charlotte & Salisbury, included members of organizations, such as, Mothers of Murdered Offspring, John C. Barnetts’s T.H.U.G, Mother to Mother, Beauty After The Bars, and the Nation of Islam.

“We gathered today for one purpose and one purpose only, and that’s justice for Shanquella. Shanquella’s life wasn’t in vain. Justice will prevail,” said Minister Quovella Wilson, while the attendees responded, ‘Justice for Shanquella.’

Erica Bryant, reporter for WSOC-TV, said the station’s employees will help seek justice.

“I can promise you that, myself and my colleagues at Channel Nine will work tirelessly to try to find answers about what happened to your baby and someone is held accountable. Our station has assigned investigative reporter, Joe Bruno, to TV Network, Telemundo Charlotte and he will go until no stone is unturned,” said Bryant.

A family member said contrary to social media accounts, no one has been detained or arrested and the family is amazed at ‘all of the viral lies posted. John C. Barnett, founder, T.H.U.G., True Healing Under God, expressed skeptism in the investigation.

“I’m impatient. I heard the FBI is working on the case. I’m kinda leery about that. I love em, but they were the ones who watched Dr. King, Malcolm X, Nippy Russell, also watched Tupac Shakur. We’re gonna watch the FBI, we’re gonna stay on the FBI, make sure they don’t get lazy,” said Barnett.

Saundra Adams, a member of Mothers of Murdered Offspring via her daughter, Cherica Adams who was murdered at 24 years old, orchestrated by former Carolina Panther, Rae Carruth, in 1999, brought Cherica’s son, Chancellor, now 23, to the rally. Cherica, pregnant with Chancellor when she was shot, survived for 28 days before giving birth. Adams said she came for inspiration for Quell’s family.

“I’ve walked your walk. It’s been 23 years since I experienced the most heartwretching tragedy of my life. I see so many parallels between my daughter and Quell. Both graduates of West Charlotte High and both attended Winston-Salem, both very popular.

Like you, I did get angry, but use that anger properly. Be angry enough to get action and you’re gonna have to forgive the perpetrators, every last one, for your own sake. Let Shanquella’s blood be shed for change,” said Adams.

Sonia Funderburk, Mother to Mother, issued warnings to the Robinson family.

“The world is watching, we have to be careful. Everybody in here is not for you. Somebody, right now, is trying to figure out how to make a dollar from your story. In that video, which was meant to humiliate Shanquella, turned her name to the world. When they were fighting, there was a spy in the room and it’s one here now, sitting up here trying to find out what they can run and tell the rest of them. You can run, but you can’t hide. I want them all to go back to Mexico,” said Funderburk. “There are no more friends anymore. Jealousy, hate can be bought.”

Braxton Winston, Charlotte mayor pro-tem, spoke of community responsibility.

“This is tough. There is so much grief in our community. So many here in this room are connected by trauma. They come, they want that love, hope, that feeling that the community I represent is not going to forget you. I assure you, this community will not,” said Winston.

The rally, planned and executed by, Mario Black, Million Youth March, and Lakeisha Mobley, included the dance group, Marching for Justice Drills of Hope, and songstress, Venegas Woodard. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham, Jonathan Dossett, West Charlotte High and Winston-Salem University representatives, where Quell studied, Corey Muhammad, Nation of Islam, Sunshine Anderson and Little Rock A.M.E. Pastor Dwayne A. Walker offered words of cooperation and inspiration to the family.

“It’s a struggle every day. These folks took away her dreams and daddy wasn’t there. I wish I could meet their parents. This daddy right here is gonna fight for justice,” said Bernard Robinson, father of Quell. “Justice will prevail.”