National

Fight Continues Despite Commuted Sentence for Former Cop

Published

12 years ago

January 27, 2015

Left to right: Leonard F. Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, Bishop Connie Bansa of Church of the Living God, Rosalind Morgan, Howard Morgan, Atty. Benjamin Crump, radio host Cliff Kelley at a press conference discussing the commuted sentence of Mr. Morgan by former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. (Starla Muhammad/The Final Call)

by Starla Muhammad
Special to the NNPA from The Final Call

CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) – When Howard Morgan turns 64 on February 1, for the first time in nearly a decade, he will celebrate at home with his wife Rosalind, family and friends. Mr. Morgan was released from prison after outgoing Illinois Governor Pat Quinn commuted his 40-year sentence.

For the Morgan family and supporters, the commutation of the sentence was a huge relief, but they have no plans to rest until his name is totally cleared.

Just four days after the governor’s decision, attorneys Benjamin Crump and Juan Thomas, Bishop Connie Bansa, Nation of Islam official Leonard F. Muhammad and WVON 1690AM radio personality Cliff Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan participated in a Jan. 16 press conference at Church of the Living God. They thanked Gov. Quinn and those who have supported their cause in a program broadcast live by WVON-AM, the city’s Black talk radio station.

Mr. Morgan is finally free. He was found guilty of attempted murder in 2012, following a mistrial on charges he opened fire on four White city police officers. The confrontation with the officers left him hospitalized with 28 bullet wounds. Mr. Morgan, who is Black, a former Chicago police officer and railroad patrolman, was hospitalized six months and underwent several surgeries. He denied being guilty, unsuccessfully appealed the verdict and a campaign was launched on his behalf.

“I want to give my condolences to the families across the country and across the world who have lost family members in similar ordeals such as this. My condolences go out to them,” said Mr. Morgan. “Right now I’m just concentrating on clearing my name and dealing with this post-conviction … because I’m absolutely innocent of those charges and I just want to thank you for taking your time out to come out and support me.”

According to police, Mr. Morgan began indiscriminately firing his gun at officers after they pulled him over for a traffic violation Feb. 21, 2005 just minutes from his home. Mr. Morgan and others dispute those assertions, saying the officers were the aggressors. Mr. Morgan identified himself as a fellow law enforcement officer and said he did not fire his gun. His only crime was driving while Black, his supporters argued. Two officers sustained minor injuries and none were charged with crimes.

Mr. Morgan was tried and acquitted in 2007 for aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm. The jury in the first trial deadlocked on the remaining counts and the judge ordered a new trial.

He was retried and convicted in 2012 of one count of aggravated battery with a firearm and four counts of attempted murder. Mr. Morgan, who had no prior criminal record or arrests, was sentenced April 5, 2012 and incarcerated at Dixon Correctional Center in Dixon, Ill. Gov. Quinn, a Democrat, granted a total of 43 clemency petitions, including two commutations, on his last day in office.

Key pieces of evidence were destroyed and suppressed and, in some instances, a lack of evidence contributed to Mr. Morgan being railroaded and unjustly convicted, said Atty. Crump.

Gov. Quinn’s decision to commute Mr. Morgan’s sentence was not without its critics, some of whom denounced the clemency process as “secretive.” The Fraternal Order of Police called his release a “slap in the face” to the officers involved and the “entire law enforcement community.”

“To say that we are disturbed is an understatement of the uppermost proportion,” said FOP Chicago Lodge 7 president Dean C. Angelo, Sr., in a written statement.

But for Black Chicagoans and those who said Mr. Morgan was unfairly targeted, some justice has finally been served.

“What Gov. Quinn did was not secretive or mysterious in any way. It’s what the constitution of this state gives him the power to do and it was in fact very public,” said Atty. Crump. “There were thousands and thousands who signed the petition after they looked on the record as to what took place,” he added. Gov. Quinn should be commended for what he did, said Atty. Crump.

“He was shot 28 times and that will never end. The pain will never go away, but these are things that we will get through,” said Mrs. Morgan who has stood strongly by her husband’s side during the entire ordeal.

“I do believe that behind every great man there’s a great woman on his side and I stand for that; and I will stand for that until my husband is totally pardoned and expunged for everything because he’s innocent,” she said.

A commuted sentence means Mr. Morgan is released on time served but the convictions are not dropped from his record. There is more work to do, said Atty. Crump.

For the next several months Mr. Morgan is confined to the church, where he and his wife live, and is not permitted to leave the premises without permission from his probation officer.

“He’s really on house arrest. He really can’t leave his home or his church for three to four months, according to what we were told,” said Chicago-based Atty. Thomas who represents the Morgans locally. “They want to do that to make sure he’s not going to be a harm to the community which is absurd because he’s a former police officer. He upholds the law and he’s done nothing wrong to deserve that but they did put that as a stipulation as part of his commutation.”

For the attorneys, the next steps include scheduling a post-conviction and post-judgment relief hearing to begin the process of expungement or clemency through the federal appellate court of the 7th Circuit of Illinois.

The city of Chicago and its police department took a lot from Mr. Morgan, said Atty. Crump. “They took not only his job and his benefits and time away from his wife and family but his manhood, his humanity. I mean (shot) 28 times, 21 in the back?” asked Atty. Crump.

“They took all this away from him and they want to not have to atone, as Minister (Louis) Farrakhan says, for any of it,” added Atty. Crump. He thanked the Muslim leader, the Nation of Islam and WVON for standing strong for the Morgans.

The commutation of Mr. Morgan’s sentence should be viewed as a victory for our people but it is not over, said Mr. Crump, a high profile attorney who represented Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, the parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin.

“This day (is) not only for us here from the community but for the thousands and millions of people who see the Howard Morgan release as a victory that’s been long overdue and thousands of other cases where this has not happened. There are many, many others that are still seeking justice. We stand for them as well,” said Leonard F. Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of the Nation of Islam.

“We have a long journey to go; we’re not giving up now,” added Mrs. Morgan.

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Community

Asm. Corey Jackson Announces Launch of 24-Hour Childcare in His District

Assemblymember Corey Jackson has secured $2 million in state funding for a proposed childcare special district in Moreno Valley and Perris. This funding aims to establish a system providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week childcare, which would be California’s first special district focused solely on childcare. The initiative seeks to address the area’s designation as a “childcare desert” and high costs for working families. The funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs for the district. Read more about the specifics of this groundbreaking initiative.

Published

3 days ago

September 28, 2026

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Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley). File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) has secured $2 million in state funding to launch a proposed childcare special district serving families in Moreno Valley and Perris, paving the way for a system designed to provide childcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Moreno Valley-Perris Childcare Special District would be the first special district in California focused specifically on childcare, according to Jackson’s office. The state funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs and help the district meet requirements set by the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO.

The proposed district would coordinate a mixed-delivery childcare system that could include home-based and center-based care. The goal is to provide universal childcare for families who work overnight, early morning, or other nontraditional shifts.

Jackson’s office says Moreno Valley is a certified “childcare desert,” with licensed childcare spaces available for only 15% of children with working parents. Infant care in Moreno Valley averages $2,776 a month, or about 35.7% of median household income. In Perris, licensed infant care can cost more than 60% of an individual worker’s gross median earnings, according to the assemblymember’s office.

“Securing this $2 million in startup funding is a monumental victory for the working-class families of Moreno Valley and Perris who have been trapped in a childcare desert for far too long,” Jackson said.

The proposal follows Jackson’s unsuccessful effort to establish the district through Assembly Bill 2083. The legislation would have created the district as a dependent special district covering Moreno Valley, Perris and their spheres of influence, with Riverside LAFCO responsible for reviewing its formation and boundaries.

The new funding allows the district’s formation to move forward without requiring mandatory contributions from local school districts and other stakeholders, according to Jackson’s office. His spokesperson, Daniel Peeden, said Jackson hopes the district can be operating by 2028.

The proposal has faced questions from some local officials. Moreno Valley City Councilmember Ed Delgado, who is running against Jackson for the 60th Assembly District seat, said he supports affordable childcare but questioned how the proposed district would operate and how much it would ultimately cost.

“Basically, he didn’t have a plan. We didn’t see a plan,” Delgado said, adding that officials had questions about operating costs, insurance and eligibility.

“It’s going to take a lot more than $2 million to create a special district to provide affordable childcare,” Delgado said.

Delgado has suggested working with existing childcare centers to subsidize costs for local families rather than creating a new agency.

Jackson’s office says the program will lower barriers to “workforce participation” and reduce “affordability anxiety” for young families. This landmark District is poised to trigger a virtuous cycle of economic upward mobility and long-term regional prosperity in the 60th Assembly District, his office added.

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Black History

IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, the longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a prominent faith and community leader in Orange County, passed away on September 9 at the age of 72. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to service. He served various Southern California churches before leading New Spirit Baptist Church for over 22 years, extending his work into counseling, mentoring, and civic engagement, and supporting the African American community. To learn more about his life and contributions, read more.

Published

3 days ago

September 28, 2026

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The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72.

Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community.

Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he preached his first sermon and went on to serve churches throughout Southern California, including Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.

In November 2003, Clark was called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, where he served as pastor for more than 22 years. His work extended beyond the pulpit through counseling, mentoring, civic engagement, and efforts to strengthen Orange County’s African American community.

Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council and supported efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. He helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival, served on the Interfaith Committee and the Orange County Transit Authority, and served as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference.

In 2024, the City of Santa Ana recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He also received the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously honored as Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council.

Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark and Ashley Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation.

A wake will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Spirit Baptist Church, 701 S. Sullivan St. in Santa Ana, with a remembrance service from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda. Viewing begins at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:15 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.

Clark often shared a guiding principle that shaped his ministry: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Economy

Poll: Becerra Widens His Lead Over Hilton; Californians Split on Wealth Tax

A new Public Policy Institute of California poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra leads Republican Steve Hilton by 22 points in California’s governor’s race, with 60% of likely voters supporting Becerra compared to 38% for Hilton. The September survey also reveals Californians are closely divided on a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, with 52% of likely voters in favor of Proposition 40. Affordability issues are a major factor for voters. Read more to learn about the poll’s additional findings on voter sentiment.

Published

3 days ago

September 28, 2026

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Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a 22-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton in California’s governor’s race, while voters remain closely divided over a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California poll.

The September PPIC survey found that 60% of likely voters support Becerra, compared with 38% for Hilton. His lead is actually narrower than it was in July, when he led Hilton 61% to 36%.

Becerra leads among independent voters, with 57% supporting him compared with 38% for Hilton. Party loyalty remains strong, with 93% of Democratic likely voters backing Becerra and 92% of Republicans supporting Hilton.

Hilton leads in the Central Valley, where 52% of likely voters support him compared with 46% for Becerra.

Affordability remains a major factor: 65% of likely voters say candidates’ plans to address cost-of-living issues are “very important” to their vote.

“Affordability continues to be top of mind for Californians when considering their choice for governor,” said Mark Baldassare, PPIC Statewide Survey director and Miller Chair in Public Policy.

The poll also found a narrow split over Proposition 40, a proposed one-time tax of up to 5% on taxpayers with assets exceeding $1 billion. Fifty-two percent of likely voters said they would vote yes, while 46% said they would vote no.

Support for the wealth tax varies sharply by party. Seventy-two percent of Democrats favor Proposition 40, compared with 46% of independents and 21% of Republicans.

Two competing measures also drew majority support. Fifty-one percent back Proposition 41, while 54% support Proposition 42, both of which could affect the wealth-tax proposal.

The findings come as Californians express broader frustration with the state’s political direction. Seventy-one percent of likely voters expect bad economic times in California over the next year.

“Californians are clearly grumpy and aren’t enamored with any particular political party or movement,” Baldassare said.

The survey interviewed 1,745 California adults, including 1,103 likely voters, from Sept. 4-10. The margin of error for likely voters is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.