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No Charges Filed Against Officers Who Killed Stephon Clark

NNPA NEWSWIRE — At a press conference in downtown Sacramento, County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said the officers were justified in unloading 20 shots at Clark while they were chasing a suspect in the Meadowview neighborhood in south Sacramento March 18, 2018.

Published

6 years ago

March 9, 2019

Oakland Post

Sacramento Observer Staff Report

SACRAMENTO — Nearly one year after Stephon Clark was shot and killed in his grandmother’s backyard, Sacramento’s District Attorney has decided not to press charges against the two Sacramento Police Department officers who gunned down the unarmed 22-year-old.

At a press conference, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said the officers were justified in unloading 20 shots at Clark while they were chasing a suspect in the Meadowview neighborhood in south Sacramento March 18, 2018.

Ms. Schubert outlined a number of reasons as to why her office felt officers Terrence Mercadal and Jared Robinet were justified in their killing of the father of two.

Spending about an hour and a half laying out information like a courtroom case, Ms. Schubert said Clark was in, what she called, “a shooting stance” and said officers saw a “flash of light” giving them the impression that Clark had fired a weapon at the officers. Clark was unarmed with only a cellphone on his person. She also detailed other information concerning things she believed that “weighed heavily” on Clark’s mind such as text messages with the mother of his children, and internet searches about suicide.

“We ask our question that we started out with again, and that question is: was there a crime committed?” Ms. Schubert said in front of many members of the media at the District Attorney’s headquarters. “When we look at the facts and the law, and when we follow our ethical responsibilities, the answer to that question is, no.”

The District Attorney’s office has been under close scrutiny over the last few years following a number of officer-involved shootings in the County resulting in the death of several African Americans. However, the DA’s office has yet to charge any law enforcement officer related to any of the killings.

The decision to not press charges, while expected by most, has drawn outrage in the African American community, and protests are expected over the coming days and weeks ahead.

“The DA’s office should have sent a message to law enforcement that these senseless killings will result in prosecution to the full extent of the law,” the Greater Sacramento NAACP said in a statement released immediately following the press conference.

Members of the Clark family held a press conference at the home where Clark was killed.

“We’ve been sitting for a year patiently allowing her an opportunity to do right and she has failed us,” said Stephon Clark’s mother, Sequette. “I’m praying that the Attorney General will pick up where she failed.”

The highly publicized Clark shooting sparked weeks of protests and disturbances last year by area residents of all backgrounds. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra was brought into the investigation at the request of Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn last year. Chief Hahn and the Sacramento Police Department handed over results of its investigation to the District Attorney in October 2018.

(Please continue to visit SacObserver.com as THE OBSERVER will continue to report on the response from the community.)

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org