Entertainment
Black Protesters In NYC Charged With Felonies More Than White Protestors, Data Shows
Between May 28th and June 7th – the height of recent Black Lives Matter Protests in New York City, the NYPD arrested over 2,000 protestors. Of these arrests, white people made up about 44%, while black people made up about 39%. Despite these similar numbers, data released by New York State’s Office of the Attorney General reveals that 16% of the black arrestees were charged with a felony, compared to just 3% of white people.
Latinx people made up about 13% of the arrests with approximately 8% being hit with felonies.
One public defender’s organization in Manhattan also found that, between May 29 and June 6, only 5% of the 72 people arraigned in “protest-related cases” were white. Almost 70% of those 72 arraignments involved third-degree burglary charges, a nonviolent felony with a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
“The only folks who were being held were the kids of color, who were being charged with these ridiculous, trumped-up felony cases. And that was just really, really enraging,” said Jessica Heyman, an attorney for the New York County Defender Services.
Furthermore, the Manhattan DA’s office released data confirming that most of its protest arraignments were of non-white people. Among the 484 people arraigned between May 28 and June 4 for “protest and ‘looting’ related cases,” only 30 (6%) were white.
Black people made up about 71% of those arraignments while Hispanic people made up another 20%. About 430 of those arraignments involved felonies, most frequently third-degree burglary.
As black protestors are being arrested and hit with these trumped-up charges, the NYPD is continuing to be hit with several allegations of excessive force, mistreatment of essential workers and detentions of neutral legal observers, fueling calls to defund or entirely abolish the force.
Artist Spotlight
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.
The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.
The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.
The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.
Connect with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”
Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.
The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.
“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.
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