Jay-Z Pays Off Fines for Protestors
Earlier this year, a 17 year old boy named Alvin Cole was shot and killed outside of the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. There were reports of a disturbance outside of the mall which prompted officers to appear at the scene. It is alleged by the officers that Cole fled from the scene with a gun and was shooting at officers while fleeing. When he ‘refused’ to drop the gun, officer Joseph Mensah shot Cole, which led to his death.
Protests
The shooting of Alvin Cole ignited protests all throughout the summer in the city of Wauwatosa. This year alone, many have protested in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Other notable protests were sparked by the murder of George Floyd in May. Police brutality has no end, which is what we are fighting for. Equality! Justice! There is an extreme demand for chance and reform with little advancements being made, and people are getting tired of repeating themselves. These protest demonstrations often result in casualties and unlawful arrests as police aim to control the scene and end up outnumbered.
The hearing following Cole’s case resulted in officer Mensah not being charged for the murder. Milwaukee District Attorney John Chilsom states that there was not a sufficient amount of evidence to prove that Cole was acting in self-defense against the officers, and that Mensah responded in accordance by using deadly force.
Jay-Z Offers Support
Since the announcement, protests have been occurring on a daily basis in Wisconsin. The city will not rest until there is justice. Rapper Jay-Z has been following the case, and decided to offer his support to the Cole family by paying their court fees. Along with this, Jay-Z has been covering bond and fines for those protestors who have been arrested during the demonstrations. It is even reported that officers used excessive force on the family of Cole during the protests as well.
“Our hearts break for the family of Alvin Cole and the Wauwatosa community. Not only did the District Attorney’s Office fail to hold Officer Joseph Mensah accountable for killing Alvin, but the local police also arrested and injured Alvin’s mother Tracy and his sisters as they peacefully protested alongside Jacob Blake’s father.”
Dania Diaz, Team Roc’s executive director.
Team Roc even made a statement on their Instagram (see below) in response to the announcement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGD9ZlOh6gn/?utm_source=ig_embed
Written By: Ayanna J | @msayannaj
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