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EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. Visits With a “Strong Bill Cosby”

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Chavis noted that mainstream media’s coverage of the trial lacked facts, and the racially and politically-charged atmosphere inside and around the Pennsylvania courthouse may have deprived Cosby of a fair trial.

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2019

Oakland Post

Chavis said Cosby is using his time in prison to help others. (Photo: Pool Photo)

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

On the first anniversary of his imprisonment, Bill Cosby received a visit from Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the renown civil rights leader and lead-member of the famed political prisoner group known as the Wilmington Ten.

Chavis, who is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade organization that represents the Black Press of America, joined Cosby’s longtime crisis manager Andrew Wyatt for a visit with Cosby.

It was Chavis’ third visit with the fallen icon, who has refused to meet or speak with representatives from any other news organization.

The meeting took place at the request of Cosby, who in 2018, received a 3-to-10-year prison sentence following his conviction on charges of aggravated indecent assault.

“We saw a strong Bill Cosby today,” Chavis said.

During the visit, Chavis said he prayed with Cosby and discussed a range of topics from health and family, to his conviction and the pending appeal.

While Chavis said details of what he and Cosby discussed are personal, the visit reminded him of the near decade he and the other members of the Wilmington Ten spent behind bars.

“The conditions inside all prisons in America are architecturally designed and standardly built to breakdown and suppress the spirit and emotions of those in prison,” Chavis stated.

SCI-Phoenix stands behind what Chavis called internationally outlawed, life-threatening razor-sharp barbed wire fences that are fortified by 20-foot electrified concrete walls.

The jail contains 9-feet-by-5-foot solid steel cages.

Asked why it was important that he visit Cosby, Chavis said the issue is more significant than Cosby.

“The Black Press of America maintains a proud tradition of not only exposing the various injustices that are done to Black America but also it is our tradition to be an advocate for those who have been unjustly labeled as outcasts,” Chavis stated.

During the visit, Wyatt and Cosby both praised the Black Press for its coverage of Cosby’s trials.

“Mr. Cosby said that he appreciates that the Black Press was the only African American media at both trials every single day,” Wyatt stated.

“Mr. Cosby never asked for favors, and he only asked that the media would treat him fairly and look at the facts. Thanks to Dr. Chavis who sent his reporter there, Mr. Cosby remains grateful to the Black Press for its fairness,” Wyatt said.

Chavis has long held an interest in the Cosby case.

As a civil rights activist, Chavis was concerned about numerous unconstitutional rulings by the trial judge in the case.

Further, tactics used by prosecutors during jury selection, opening and closing statements, and throughout the trial proved troublesome for most courtroom observers.

Before the start of the second trial last year, one juror who’d just been selected to serve on the panel told other potential jurors, “We can all go home, he’s guilty.”

That should have disqualified the juror, but the trial Judge Steven T. O’Neill rejected defense arguments to remove him.

Another juror admitted that she was friends and neighbors with the court reporter, who serves as an employee to the judge. O’Neill refused to recuse that juror.

One other juror said he had a “personal relationship” with one of the detectives who investigated Cosby, and he too remained on the panel despite defense objections.

Additionally, Assistant District Attorney Stuart Ryan shouted out in court that he was “tired of this black s..t,” which set the tone for the racially-charged trial.

Ryan’s colleague, Kristen Feden, also lashed out at Cosby’s team during jury selection.

Feden said the Cosby team already had their token black juror.

“They already have their one. What more do they want,” Feden stated within earshot of the judge, lawyers, and media.

Chavis noted that mainstream media’s coverage of the trial lacked facts, and the racially and politically-charged atmosphere inside and around the Pennsylvania courthouse may have deprived Cosby of a fair trial.

Cosby is appealing his 3-to-10-year prison sentence.

He’s currently awaiting a ruling from the state Superior Court, which heard oral arguments from Cosby’s attorneys, prosecutors, and the state attorney general in August.

Meanwhile, Chavis said Cosby is using his time in prison to help others.

“As the Wilmington Ten discovered, Bill Cosby is not serving time. He is making time serve the liberation of the minds and consciousness of his fellow inmates through mentorship, spiritual, personal, and collective development sessions,” Chavis stated.

“His spirit, mind, body, and soul are strong and getting stronger each day. The fact that he is blind has not handicapped him or prevented him from maintaining his integrity, self-worth, value, and intellectual genius.”

When asked what makes Cosby a political prisoner, Chavis said the answer is similar to what caused the Wilmington Ten political prisoners.

“The systematic injustice of his racially-motivated and orchestrated charges, trials, conviction, and imprisonment pending his appeal,” Chavis stated.

“I know this from firsthand experience with the unjust incarceration of the Wilmington Ten political prisoner group in North Carolina during the 1970s,” Chavis continued.

“The Wilmington Ten were officially declared political prisoners by Amnesty International and by the United Nations. The Pennsylvania prison that Bill Cosby is now unjustly imprisoned exemplifies the prisons that are designed to break the spirit of those in there,” Chavis said.

“It is important for Black America to know that mass incarceration is not the end. Bill Cosby is showing that you can promote personal and collaborative transformation inter-generationally,” Chavis said.

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14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival with Franklin Curbelo

The 14th. Minnesota Cuban Film Festival is organized by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, with the collaboration of the MSP Film Society, and ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute)
The post 14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival with Franklin Curbelo first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2023

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Feb. 21, 2023 – Al McFarlane will sit with Franklin Curbelo, organizer of the 14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival. In this exciting interview, Franklin will discuss the festival’s commitment to bringing diverse films from Cuba and this year’s line-up.

The 14th. Minnesota Cuban Film Festival is organized by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, with the collaboration of the MSP Film Society, and ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute)

The Conversation With Al McFarlane (TCWAM), Weekdays at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST

We hope you will join us at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST as we continue our ongoing conversations about how we can all make a difference in our community.

SUBSCRIBE to TCWAM on Insight News YouTube channel: / @insightnewsmn #minneapolis #stpaul #blackculture #community #blackmusic #cuba #artfilm #TCWAM

Photo by: Juan Luis Ozaez

Photo by: CineDirektor FILMS

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2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD In-depth walkaround and POV Test Drive. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a luxurious and powerful compact SUV that boasts several high-end features and technologies. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 227 HP @ 310 lb-ft Torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the C-50 delivers a […]
The post 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2023

Oakland Post

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD In-depth walkaround and POV Test Drive.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a luxurious and powerful compact SUV that boasts several high-end features and technologies. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 227 HP @ 310 lb-ft Torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the C-50 delivers a robust performance and is available with the Premium Plus package, which offers various advanced features. This review will delve into the details of the car’s features and overall performance.

The CX-50 comes in a beautiful Ingot Blue Metallic exterior color, which complements its elegant and sleek design. It features black 20-inch alloy wheels with P245/45 R20 all-season tires, which provide excellent grip and stability on the road. The rain-sensing windshield wipers and wiper de-icer are a thoughtful addition, making driving in inclement weather more manageable. Additionally, the auto power-folding side mirrors are convenient for parking in tight spaces.

The CX-50’s interior is equally impressive, with a Black interior color and Brown leather-trimmed seats. The 5-passenger seating is spacious, and the power driver’s seat with memory and power passenger seats offer ample adjustability for comfortable driving positions. The ventilated front seats are a welcome feature, especially in hotter climates. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a premium touch and feels good in the hands. The heated steering wheel is perfect for chilly weather, and the paddle shifters add to the car’s sporty feel. The Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and rear power liftgate are convenient features that make accessing the vehicle a breeze.

The CX-50 has several safety and security features, including 24-hour roadside assistance, 5-passenger 3-point safety belts, LATCH child safety seat anchors, and an anti-theft engine immobilizer. It also has a lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The I-ACTIV all-wheel drive, hill launch assist, and MI-Drive – sport/off-road/towing make it an excellent option for various driving conditions. The CX-50 also boasts a 3500 lb towing capacity, which makes it ideal for those who need to haul extra gear.

The CX-50 comes equipped with several high-tech features, including a power panoramic moonroof, adaptive front lighting system, LED headlights with auto on/off, and roof rails. The 10.25″ color center display and active driving HeadUp display provide easy access to all necessary information. The dual-zone auto climate control ensures that everyone in the car stays comfortable, and the rearview camera makes parking a breeze. The car has an AM/FM/HD Radio® with four USB inputs, BOSE® 12-speakers audio system, and a SiriusXM® 3 mos. trial. The Mazda Connected Services, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay are convenient for connecting smartphones and accessing music and apps on the go.

The CX-50 has several pros, including multiple driving modes, off-road modes, and a comfortable interior. The car has quick off-the-line acceleration and handles well, making it a fun car to drive.

One downside to the CX-50 is that the ride quality is mediocre. It may not be the best option for those who prefer a very smooth ride.

The CX-50’s MSRP is $43,525, and the Turbo Premium Plus Package adds extra features, such as heated rear seats, 360-degree view monitor, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear smart brake support, blind spot prevention, Mazda Navigation System, wireless phone charger, traffic sign recognition, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a luxurious and powerful compact SUV with advanced features and technologies. The car’s impressive performance, various driving modes, and comfortable interior make it a joy to drive. Additionally, the car’s safety and security features, along with the advanced technology, make it a safe and convenient car to own. Overall, the Mazda CX-50 is a strong contender in the compact SUV market and is definitely worth considering for those who want a car that delivers both performance and luxury.

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Why Attend Chicago Auto Show or Show In Your Market – AutoNetwork Reports 394

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2023

Oakland Post

Our Take on The Chicago Auto Show, Recalls, Autel Energy, CrossTrex, Volvo Subscription Service, Customer Loyalty Dwindling, and more – AutoNetwork Reports 394
Coffee and Cars – AutoNetwork Reports 394.
Get your coffee and join us for a new morning show. Warren was a great storyteller, friend, and all-around good guy in our industry and reviewed cars for The Washington Post newspaper.
Reviews of Cars Driven – AutoNetwork Reports 394
Car Reviews of what we are driving this week. We help you better understand and appreciate your dream car. Find out why we would buy the new car or not. Join our panel of influencers as we review new cars and discuss the latest auto news.

Car Reviews: Visit the website of the panelists for full reviews.
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Teia Collier – #DSMDrive
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The auto talk show, #AutoNetworkReports, is Live on YouTube weekly Wednesday from 10:00 am ET – 10:30 am ET. where auto influencers discuss the week’s latest automotive news. Go visit http://autonetwork.com for more shows.

Find out why they would buy the vehicle or not. Join our panel of auto journalists and influencers as we discuss this and simplify the latest auto industry news to help you appreciate the auto industry business.

When available we let you know of any vehicle recalls and how to resolve them. Some of the auto influencers have sold cars so we provide car buying and auto leasing tips to save you time and money on your next car purchase. AutoNetwork Reports simplify the latest auto industry news for you to help you appreciate the automotive industry.

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The post Why Attend Chicago Auto Show or Show In Your Market – AutoNetwork Reports 394 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.