Community
Artist Fleetwood Sparks Musical Movement with “Wat U Xpect”
In response to the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri by a white Ferguson police officer that has sparked protests across the nation, Robert “Fleetwood” Bowden recently released his single “Wat U Xpect” with Da Cotton Pickas to encourage a revolution of the people and the community.
Da Cotton Pickas are a collective group of souljas worldwide with a sound best described as a mixture of the Geto boys, Public Enemy, Goodie Mob, NWA and Tupac.
The song is an open letter to “racist America” about the blatant disrespect of people of color in America, and features DO D.A.T. and JR the Minister of Information.
“The time has come again for radical, revolutionary, and gangsta music to be brought to the forefront with no apologies and no fear of repercussions,” said Fleetwood.
With Da Cotton Pickas, Fleetwood said he wants to start a musical movement reflecting where Black people have come from as well as their identity of strength and passion.
“We aim to light a fire in the youth of America…by helping them understand who they are, and encouraging them to educate and equip themselves with the tools to become successful,” he said.
I see this music being used as a tool for uplifting and motivation, he added.
In response to criticism of his music, Fleetwood explains, “Just remember that there’s a difference between self awareness and racism.”
“We’re inspiring our lost youth to love themselves and their race while paying attention to what’s going on around them.”
“After all the disrespect and neglect of people of color in America, honestly please tell me what you expect?” Asked Fleetwood.
“Wat U Xpect” is available for download on iTunes and you can view the video on YouTube.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
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Alameda County
DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland
Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.
Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.
City Government
Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.
Special to The Post
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.
Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.
Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”
According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.
“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”
When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.
At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”
While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.
“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.
The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.
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