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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Economy

How the Sandwich Generation Can Help Protect Aging Parents’ Finances

One in four American adults now belongs to the “sandwich generation,” balancing the demands of raising children while supporting aging parents. Women frequently bear a disproportionate share of this responsibility, facing significant physical and financial strain. With November designated as Chase Fraud & Scam Prevention Month, caregivers are encouraged to initiate vital conversations regarding financial snapshots and long-term goals. Establishing a proactive plan and building a support system can help secure a family’s legacy while defending against common predatory tactics, and you can read more here.

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2026

Post News Group

By Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Planning and scam prevention tips for caregivers balancing kids and parents

If you’re raising children while also supporting an older parent, you’re likely managing schedules, healthcare needs, day-to-day decisions and even finances. People in this group are often called the “sandwich generation,” which now encompasses one in four adults in the U.S.

Women also often carry a disproportionate share of this responsibility: three in five family caregivers are women. Women are more likely to report physical, emotional and financial strain from caregiving, which can make it harder to protect their own well-being and long-term financial security.

For the sandwich generation, the holidays can be a natural time to talk with parents about money, including how to protect their finances from scams. November is Chase Fraud & Scam Prevention Month – designed to help people recognize common scams, avoid in-the-moment mistakes and better protect their money and personal information.

Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Check In and Make a Plan

Finances can be incredibly personal, and many parents worry that accepting help means losing independence. Start by framing the conversation around peace of mind and organization – not control.

Check in on your finances and long-term plan, too. You’ll be better equipped to care for others when your own financial foundation is secure.

Also consider helping your parents create a “financial snapshot.” J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s guide for supporting aging parents outlines a few considerations:

Location of key accounts: banking, investments, retirement, credit cards, insurance
How bills and recurring expenses are paid
Whether beneficiaries are up to date
Where important documents are stored and who has access

Then ask what goals matter most in the years ahead: staying in their home, supporting family, traveling, planning for healthcare or leaving a legacy. Goals can evolve, so revisit them periodically. Planning tools can help – like J.P. Morgan Wealth Plan, a free digital money coach in the Chase Mobile® app or at chase.com.

A financial advisor can help create a plan tailored to you and your parents’ needs. An estate planning attorney can document your parents’ wishes, including who may act if they cannot make decisions themselves.

Understand Common Scams

Scammers often use urgency, fear, secrecy or affection to pressure people into acting quickly. Recognizing these tactics can help you and your family spot red flags sooner. Common scams include:

Investment scams: Promises of high or “guaranteed” returns with little risk.
Tech support scams: Requests for payment or remote device access.
Impersonation scams: Messages impersonating trusted organizations or loved ones, asking for money, passwords, account details or other personal information.
Romance scams: Online relationships that lead to requests for money.

Chase hosts more than 1,000 free fraud and scam prevention workshops annually, including hundreds across all lower 48 states throughout November.

Stay Proactive and Vigilant

If you or a loved one suspects a scam, slow down and stop communicating with the individual immediately. Contact your bank through a trusted channel to review recent transactions and report the incident to appropriate authorities.

Also consider a few simple steps for protection:

“Trusted Contact Person”: Designate a trusted adult who may be notified about certain online wire activity.
Tech tips: Use unique passwords, multifactor authentication and account alerts, keep devices updated and monitor accounts regularly for unusual activity.
Behavior changes: Watch for secrecy around finances, unusual transactions, unexpected changes to financial documents or pressure from new acquaintances.

You’re Not Alone

Caregiving is demanding, and it shouldn’t be a solo effort. Build a support system – which can include family, friends and professionals such as healthcare providers, attorneys and financial advisors. A thoughtful conversation now can help your parents stay organized and protected in the future.

For free educational resources on planning for yourself and loved ones, visit chase.com/theknow

For more information and practical tips about fraud and scam prevention, visit chase.com/security

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan.

This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC.

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Education

As Progressive Democrats Celebrate ‘Blue Tsunami,’ Oakland Counts Victories

As national Democrats celebrate a significant shift in the midterm elections, local leaders in Oakland are tracking early results from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. While Mayor Barbara Lee and several City Council incumbents have secured decisive victories, attention remains fixed on high-stakes school board contests. Progressive candidates currently face strong challenges from opponents backed by corporate funding and local political organizations. With many ballots still uncounted, the final composition of the board and several regional transit measures remain in the balance. Read more.

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2026

Post News Group

By Ken Epstein

Concerns remain over school board races as ‘moderates’ lead progressives

The Alameda County Registrar of Voters has released the first round of election results, though many ballots remain uncounted and results are still incomplete.

Nationally, Democrats, liberals and progressives celebrated Tuesday evening as President Donald Trump was dealt a devastating blow in the midterm election. The Republican Party lost control of the Senate and the House as “Maga” candidates were swept away not just by a ‘blue wave,’ but a ‘blue tsunami.’

In Oakland, incumbent Mayor Barbara Lee, who served two years and ran for a full four-year term, won decisively.

A proposal backed by Lee, Measure EE, also won. The Charter amendment will create a strong mayor system of government while providing the City Council with new checks and balances on mayoral power.

District 2 Councilmember Charlene Wang is leading with 65.62% of the vote. Opponent Nate Adams trails with 34.38%.

District 4 Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, ran unopposed for reelection, receiving 14,029 votes.

District 6 Councilmember Kevin Jenkins bested opponent Nancy Sidebotham and District 2’s Charlene Wang also won reelection.

City Auditor Michael Houston is running unopposed for reelection and won 60,773 votes.

Progressive school board members, Jennifer Brouhard (D2) and Valarie Bachelor (D6), supported by teachers and school activists, face serious challenges from candidates backed by pro-corporate funders and the political organization, Empower Oakland.

Arielle Fleisher leads Brouhard 53.49% to 46.51%.

In District 6 with three contending candidates, Alexandra Williams leads with 38.06% of the vote. Incumbent Bachelor has 36.89%, and Leana Powell is trailing with 25.04%.

In District 4, incumbent Mike Hutchinson is narrowly leading a field of three candidates. He received 40.87% of the vote, while Kathryn Camp has 39.92%, and Sylvia Pfeiffer Williams has 19.21%.

In the races for AC Transit Board, Director Joel Young (Ward 3) leads with 53.11% of the vote, Sarah Syed (Ward 4) is ahead with 78.37% of the vote, and Murphy McCalley (Ward 5) leads with 63.07%.

Regional Transit Measure RTM, which would increase sales taxes in five Bay Area counties to shore up BART and other regional transit, was leading in five counties by a combined 62% of the vote.

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Community

Golden State Valkyries Become Bay Area Legends Winning WNBA Championship on Halloween Night

In only their second year as a franchise, the Golden State Valkyries captured the 2026 WNBA Championship with a 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Playing before a sold-out crowd at Chase Center on Halloween night, Gabby Williams delivered a historic 30-point performance to earn Finals MVP honors. The victory marks a rapid rise for the expansion team, which has already set league attendance records and surpassed a $1 billion valuation. Fans gathered by the hundreds of thousands this week to celebrate the new Bay Area legends, read more.

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2026

Post News Group

“We’re so proud,” said Mayor Barbara Lee who donned a violet wig on Wednesday at a rally honoring the Golden State Valkyries as the team celebrated its historic 2026 WNBA Championship in Oakland. Photo courtesy of NBC.

By Dr. Y’Anad Burrell Special to The Post

In only their second year as a franchise, the Golden State Valkyries became the WBNA 2026 Champions, with Gabby Williams named WNBA Finals MVP. A Halloween night movie of magic and there was no surprise that the game was sold out, with more than 18,000 fans inside Chase Center while thousands more packed the open space at Thrive Center from hours preceding the game through the final buzzer.

In the decisive Game 7, Williams delivered a legendary performance, scoring 30 points to lead the Golden State Valkyries to a 68-63 championship victory over the Atlanta Dream. Remarkably, 28 of her 30 points came in the second half, setting a WNBA postseason record for points in a half and earning her Finals MVP honors.

The team celebrated its victory on Wednesday with a rally in Oakland followed by a ferry ride to San Francisco’s Embarcadero and then a two-mile parade that drew about 400,000 fans.

Williams has become a symbol of the Bay Area’s impact on the team. Although born in Nevada, Williams has deep family roots in Oakland and has often said the city’s culture, community, and basketball traditions shaped her identity and playing style.

After signing with the Valkyries, she began calling the city home and noting that “there’s no Golden State without Oakland.”

The Valkyries have several ballers who made an impact on winning this series, including Veronica Burton, Tiffany ‘Tip’ Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and Cecilia Zandalasini.

Veteran center Kiah Stokes brought championship experience and defensive leadership when she signed a multi-year free-agent contract with the franchise on April 13. A former first-round draft pick out of UConn and a three-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces before joining Golden State, Stokes was recruited by head coach Natalie Nakae, with whom she had previously worked in Las Vegas.

Known as one of the league’s premier rim protectors and rebounders, Stokes quickly became a defensive anchor for the expansion franchise and played a major role in leading the Valkyries to their historic championship run.

The Valkyries have accomplished something extraordinary, proving that a new franchise can make an immediate impact both on and off the court. In their first year, the Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season and set all-time league attendance records. The franchise sold out all home games, reporting 18,064 attendees per game in both seasons — the highest attendance figures in WNBA history. The Valkyries’ success has also translated into extraordinary franchise value. After entering the league by paying a $50 million expansion fee, the organization generated record revenues and rapidly became one of the most valuable franchises in women’s sports, valued at over $! billion.

The WNBA Finals’ deciding game averaged 3.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA playoff game in league history and the most-watched finals game since 1999.

The record audience reflects the league’s growing popularity and has major implications for its future, including higher media rights value, increased advertising revenue, stronger sponsorship opportunities, rising merchandise sales, and greater ticket demand.

The Finals also featured sold-out arenas and record postseason viewership, demonstrating that the WNBA is expanding its commercial reach, attracting new fans, and strengthening its position as a major professional sports league.