I also mentioned someone being shot and killed in their stairwell, that was just 2 weeks ago in Brooklyn. The young man was 28 and unarmed, shot by a police patrolling the building www.nytimes.com/2014/12/03/opinion/lessons-from-a-stairwell-shooting.html?_r=0
Here's the story that I mentioned where a mentally ill woman was killed after the police were called to help manage her. They cuffed her, put her face down on the bed and she suffocated gothamist.com/2012/04/03/family_of_woman_allegedly_suffocate.php
Here in Canada we have far too many stories like that one. An 80-something woman with dementia was tazed by cops, and we've had people with mental illness being killed by police who have no clue how to handle situations like that.
Angela .Rajic And we can't forget Sammy Yatim. I'm not sure what his mental condition actually was, but it's obvious he wasn't well - sane people don't take off their pants on a streetcar. We'll never know now, because he's so dead. Yes, he had a knife, (and was of middle-eastern descent!) but he was also locked inside an empty streetcar and no immediate threat to anyone but himself when the cops opened fire. The kid was shot nine times and *then* tazed. Brilliant tactics for deescalating a situation that could have been resolved peacefully! (Insert slow, sarcastic applause for the Toronto police.)
Read it and weep. #BLM narrative is a lie. www.manhattan-institute.org/html/issues-2016-violent-criminals-not-police-pose-real-threat-african-americans-8427.html
I'm proud of what I brought to the conversation, and anger was a justified part of it. If people want to harp on that, so be it. Thanks for the support!
Chesca, you're such a badass. A truly great person who speaks on the behalf of those who don't have a voice. I was reading a book for school today, A Lesson Before Dying (which you should pick up), it says heroes are people who help others who can't help themselves. Using your platform as a youtuber, as well as an intelligent, educated person, you are able to spread the word against racism and oppression. In that way, you are hero a to many and to me. Plus, your comedy videos are hilarious (as well as your biting sarcasm in this video).
I must admit, i was completely taken aback by what u said towards the end of the video because i've never seen you go off like that and also because it is on television (i think). However, i completely understand your anger and frustration. Thank you for using your voice and platform to continue educating so many people about the horrors black people face daily. I am not black nor American, but i stand firmly with you and others in your fight for justice.
I started out nice and professional, I promise! lol (the full hour long segment is in the description box. it's long, but worth it) But as soon as he started with "maybe it wasn't a chokehold, stop giving up, black people need to focus on crime in their communities" I was OVER IT
chescaleigh I have no doubt that you were very professional. Unfortunately, some people are just extremely hard to talk to/through. I understand because i've experienced the same things as well and i reacted far more "over it" than you did! I tried watching the hour long segment but it wouldn't play and i am not sure why. Regardless, i still think you are amazing! You and everyone else fighting this fight. Again, thank you for all that you do with your platform! I hope more people invite you to their shows so you can speak about these issues as eloquently as you do.
chescaleigh Anyone who reaches for the "fix your crime-riddled, drug-laden black communities" derailer in a conversation about police brutality doesn't deserve a professional, respectful response. Do they honestly not see how telling it is that they're assuming a black victim must have done something to provoke their own murder? Seriously, what does the state of your community have to do with you being murdered for holding a toy weapon in a Walmart or on the way to a comic convention, etc? Glad you went off on that guy even though he seemed disappointingly unscathed by it in this clip.
It was necessary, Ray was protecting killer cops and saying the fault lies within the victim. I like how she lost her chill, it was really an example of all the anger and pain protesters/people in these communities are going though.
Bravo to chescaleigh for keeping your composure and being an vocal advocate. The look on your face was priceless. It's ridiculous that people like Ray Kelly are defending the police department when innocent citizens are being killed for just calling for help or walking in the stairwell of their apartment building. What could these people have done, Ray Kelly? He doesn't have any solutions but to sit there and act like police brutality isn't happening everyday in this country. The police are the problem. They are willfully not trying to deescalate the situation. #blacklivesmatter #policebrutality
I didn't see the whole thing. But I can tell by you reiterating "good Negroes" he needed to be put in his place. My sister had a run in with the police because she felt they unnecessarily escalated the situation. She parked illegally somewhere by the beach and was heading back to remove the car, the police saw this but still proceeded to scream at her to leave. So my sister of course being the sassy girl that she is, yelled back (which is not a crime btw), telling the PO that she was on her way to remove the car and that yelling at her was unnecessary. Oh boy! How dare she? The PO now moves in closer yelling at her, INVADING HER SPACE, basically confronting her about parking illegally. THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED! It's not like she was refusing to move the car. His response was out of the line. Some police officers are about the law, but sometimes it's about their EGO and maintaining POWER. They think they have the right to talk to people any kind of way.Yes you are law enforcers, and what my sister did was not law standing, but still, if you see her heading to the car, what was the point of screaming at her like some animal and invading her personal space? If she pushed him, she would have been arrested. See how that works? Ever since then, she never saw POs in the same light again. My dealings with POs have been more positive, but the bad apples can ruin it for everybody.
It's due to the sad fact that many cops are poorly trained and aren't very intelligent. In fact I've read an article about the police in one area blocking people from entering the police force if their IQ was too high.
Yes I had a friend that who was pulled over for speeding, and the cop went off on her (zero provocation mind you) and made fun of her accent (she is from Peru). She had no prior traffic violations on her, yet the officer felt that he needed to be completely belligerent about the situation.
Chescaleigh, I want to applaud you and thank you for this. I am a white Australian female, and am utterly disgusted by the attitudes of others surrounding this issue. I cannot imagine living in fear- knowing that simply by breathing, someone could justify my murder. I can't imagine that struggle. And I'm angry for those who must go through this every day. I'm angry for people like you, who voice their frustration and fears and are laughed at, as in this case. I'm angry because in Australia, we have similar situations based on attitudes towards our Indigenous community. I'm angry because to many people, this is just news, something to be tossed aside after a day's discussion. Thank you for standing up. And know that so, so many people are with you on this.
Terrifying is right. This is a man that lead our police officers for over 10 years. This is who they looked up to and were instructed by. The fact that he blames victims, won't listen & uses "black on black crime" to deflect any responsibility shows exactly what's wrong here.
I do not know that exact anger, but I know a similar kind when I'm trying to explain feminist points of view to people who won't even acknowledge there's a problem. I think you absolutely knocked it out of the park. It made me mad to hear people laughing because, you we're so smart and right in what you were saying. This was badass!!
Chescaleigh........ THANK YOU!!! Thank you for being my voice & the voice of my daughter & nephew & nieces. I'm in tears right now because you have taken your channel and hard work and used it for such greater good. I love you my sister. You have no idea who I am but I just want to say God Bless you and T hank you my cyber friend.
GO AWF! Thank you, you went in I am in awe by your realness! You are amazing !!!! I have so much respect for you and your relentless journey in spreading awareness of injustices and racism in America you are truly inspirational !!!
WOOO! You were amazing. Kill it. Kamau Bell is one of my favorite comedians and you could see that he was loving every second of you. That is high praise in my book.
Thanks Chescaleigh! We need people who have a platform to get angry. I'm am really sick of these people trying to have these polite conversations about it when our people are getting massacred like we're less than human.
Damn Chesca!! I have never seen you this upset on video, but I know how passionate you are about these issues and appreciate you being so candid with them. Just your body language alone was speaking firmly!! When you said " act like good negroes" I was like, damn she is steamed. I am just as upset and thank you for posting this.
What KILLS me about this interview is that Ray Kelly is pretending like LaToya didn't ask her question in clear English and Katie was like "I'm trying to understand the question". You understand the question, but you know that the answer is that there's NOTHING black people can do to avoid violent police interaction.
So I just watched the whole interview and this is my response. . . -------------------------------- This is my problem with what the police chief, and I am sure many of these chiefs around the country are like minded: HE IS NOT LISTENING. Dealing with violence in black communities should not come at the expense of black lives. These situations gain attention because JUSTICE is not served when a police officer kills an unarmed civilian. Like the kid that was was hanged in NC, the police officers do not see his humanity enough to take their time to properly investigate the homicide. That is the problem. This leadership thing, diversity thing will not do anything to fix what I just stated. How is he more frustrated when blacks in these communities are the ones feeling oppressed? What is the point of people marching, if they WILL NOT listen? This whole dialogue was just so frustrating because it is like talking to a brick wall. Black on black crime can't be fixed if their community remains in these conditions. That is a WHOLE different discussion, yet it still being brought up.
I love this! I know how scary that must of been but you rocked it! As a black woman, I've always been afraid to get angry in front of other people for fear of not being taken seriously but I feel your incredulity in this and I think it's powerful. Don't let their snickers get to you. You have the power!
Thank you for being among the few who use their platform to address issues that most don't want to stir up the controversy! I am curious to hear his answer to your question.
People are tired of holding their tempers and their tongues. There is not reason that it should rest on the back of blacks to always be happy and smiling. Shucking and jiving. As though an African-American's true emotion is going to tip some invisible racial balance. Anger is natural. I'm glad you did not suppress your frustration, giving a sanitized version of your emotions. Sometimes it gets real.
Whoa. You told him! You've got balls. Good for you. And thank you for your strength and courage in expression your opinions. You're saying exactly what a lot of people are thinking.
You went in! Ever since I have started college all of my papers have been on racism or race relations in america, and I have cited you quite a bit in all my papers. Lean Forward.
The fact that Ray was acting like that. Snickering and acting like he didn't know what to answer shows the willful ignorance that his kind of mentality is in so many people. You keep you cool better than I would have dear.
FRANCHESCA, I LIKED YOU BEFORE... BUT I LOVE YOU NOW... YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE PEOPLE LIKE THIS REPRESENTING TODAY'S YOUTH AND SOCIETY. YOU ARE HELPING THE WORLD CHANGE. YOU ARE THE TRUE REPRESENTATION OF AN AMERICAN. FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS I'VE WITNESSED YOU STAND UP FOR GAY RIGHTS, STAND UP FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST SEXISM, STAND UP AGAINST RACISM, STAND UP AGAINST ALL THE MAJOR ISSUES THAT NOT JUST EVERY DAY AMERICANS FACE, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY - THE CHILDREN ENDURE THESE PAINS MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE, BECAUSE THEY ARE FRAGILE AND VULNERABLE. THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING OUT FOR THEM. THANK YOU SPEAKING OUT FOR US. I WATCHED THE ENTIRE SEGMENT AND EVERYTHING YOU SAID WAS VALID.
chescaleigh, that was the best thing I have seen in a long time. You voiced the question that needed to be voiced. You expressed the absurdity and exposed the stupidity. Thank you for remaining as calm as you could while asking these questions.
I love you so much. I never said I love you to a person I've never met but I love you. You are a role model, you are so strong I just admire you so much. Your words are the truth! Words can express how happy I am to have a person like you using your platform to speak on behalf of the people that don't get a chance to speak or may not know what to say. Its people like you who change the world!
chescaleigh this is the first video I see of you and I can feel your frustration 100% because I feel the same way in the way I view the police. Yes, they are here to serve and protect, but when they are the ones we need protecting from, where do we go for that help? It frustrates me that I have to fear just about everyone now, both police and the regular citizen that can put me in a casket anytime that they want, and in more cases than not, receive no justice for the wrongdoings. I heard your rant at the end and I just FELT the frustration that I feel, almost like you were an outlet to the words stuck in my mind....I respect you for your words and talking about the situation in the manner that you did, because so many people want to pretend like it isn't their problem UNTIL it has happened to them themselves for them to realize there needs to be a more aggressive approach at leaving these police officers accountable for taking down people in the manner that they do. I don't know what has to happen in order for this foolishness to stop, but I want it to be done and over already...I don't want anyone getting hurt...Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, anyone. I just want police officers to go down for their CRIMES and do their jobs as the protectors of their citizens like they are rightfully instructed to do. God, like I cannot even explain the relief I felt after watching this video. Whether or not your message got hear in the way it should've, I just love how your fearlessly evoked your emotions in such a punctual manner. +1 Subscriber +1 Supporter - That is all, thank your for reading.
lmfao yesssssssss when you stopped talking and Latoya started your face was AMAZING!!!!!!!! ..... But besides that. well said. great job. God bless you for being an advocate!
I seriously couldn't control my face I was so angry. If you watch the whole segment, Ray Kelly is nothing but dismissive & victim blaming. It's disgusting.
chescaleigh IM SURE! Your face was absolutely appropriate considering everything...but you said everything that needed to be said and when you hit em with that negro line....WOW....i mean......shut em down!
I watched the whole segment including the part with Eric Garner's kids(which was so heartbreaking) and I agreed with everything you said and the other panelists (with the exception of Ray Kelly) I give him credit for at least being there and being apart of the conversation when so many people CHOOSE not to be. However him and the many others who have had the nerve to sit here and say "oh it wasn't a chokehold" "what about black on black crime" blah blah blah it's soooo frustrating. It's like everyone BUT the police are saying it wasn't a chokehold. Trying to play semantics and skirt around the issue. It's insulting. But I commend you(and everyone else) for keeping it real.
"Truthfully, it's a rhetorical question..." I really, really hope that he--and others in his position--heard you, Franchesca. Articulate, informed, and mad as hell, what you're saying and doing in this clip is so important. Thank you.
By the way I love u chescaleigh for atleast using your platform to stand up for us. some of these bloggers are too coward to say anything. Luv u for that, your really brave.
I am so proud of you! Thank you so much for speaking up for what matters and asking the important questions that everyone has on their minds but are to afraid to say. You are my Idol and I respect you very much for your opinions and debate.
LOL Chescaleigh, gotdamn! But your attitude is right. It's war path time. Walking on eggshells can only get us so far with people incapable of understanding our situation.
OMG, I started watching the whole video panel and I want to put my foot in Ray Kelly's face. God the rage face I'm making right now. Thanks for checking him Chescaleigh.
Holy crap, you rock. He looked like he was trying to find the answer that just wasn't there. I don't know how Ray Kelly is in the position he is in being so dismissive and constantly blaming the public/victims and not the police. This made me subscribe.
I watched the full roundtable conversation and I've gotta say that it didn't make any sense that the conversation was being derailed towards the end with "black on black" crime and that the majority of crime being in communities of color was mentioned so many times. It's not that it's the community of color, it's that the rate of crime is higher in POOR communities and through systematic oppression the bulk of African Americans have been placed in those communities. So of course crime will happen in majority black communities, that's usually where the poorest end up and it's no coincidence that it's mainly African American's in that community. Also, diversity in the police force doesn't change anything. They get about as much power as the white officers. And there is a "Quota." I was totally disappointed in how Ray Kelly handled and contributed to that conversation.
Chescaleigh, what happened after the cameras were turned off? Did everyone that was part of this discussion get a chance to talk as Katie Couric suggested? It seems like the solution has to come from a collective effort. It's not just one simple answer. Everyone needs to approach the situation with a clear open mind(not overly emotional and or dismissive) and play their part vs putting the pressure on a select few. Also, it is extremely important that we all listen and fully acknowledge the severity of this situation and take accountability for our actions and or positions within the system and our communities. No one group can fix it alone, we all need each other in order for there to be a solution. Let each of us do our part while encouraging and or demanding others to do the same.
Latoya, Katie and I had a really great conversation afterwards. Ray Kelly dipped immediately and Kamau and Dion both had other appointments and left right after. I'm not sure I agree that it's a collective effort though. There are a lot of things that need to change, but I don't think the black community is responsible for any of those changes. The media needs to be more responsible about how they talk about black victims and report on crimes. If a black person is the victim, media shouldn't focus on blaming them "did he do drugs? had he ever been arrested? what kind of family was he from?" because it perpetuates the idea that black people are somehow responsible for their oppression and mistreatment. Police officers need to be trained to de-escalate situations instead of jumping to shooting and using physical force. We need serious consequences in place for police misconduct and brutality to discourage other officers from behaving so callously and we need special district attorneys in place that don't have relationships with police officers to conduct grand juries so they remain impartial. None of those changes are going to come from within the black community and frankly I was annoyed that it was even suggested that the onus should be placed on us.
xKineticSparks This is why having important discussions like this over the internet can be tricky. Things can be read the wrong way. I am not dismissive of the heavy emotions that we as humans are suppose to feel. There is a time and place for everything. I am saying that when in a position to make a difference, in seeking solutions, to make life changing decisions, it would help that one is objective in their approach. Done with a clear state of mind.
chescaleigh I totally agree and that's what I am saying, certain groups should be held responsible depending on their roles within their communities for specific task. And the issues you've mentioned are definitely not changes that the black community should be held responsible for. But at the same time there needs to be a collective effort for change to occur because it's bigger than what we think it is. I really believe that we can see great progress as long as everyone is taking accountability for their actions and how they contribute to society.
Yes! This is why I appreciate you so much, Chescaleigh. You didn't hold back! Fuck respectability politics, that hasn't worked for anyone except those who use it as a tactic to silence us.
I am so appreciative of your position in social media, Chesca. After watching the news the past few weeks with the likes of Don Lemon and others like him play respectability politics and not saying what needs to be said, I am so happy you did. Thank you!
chescalocs sis. you had me standing in my chair in my onsie cheering you on. wow. thank you. i don't know what else to say but thank you for this. keep doing what you do.
HELL YES! I love your verbal ass-kicking. People SHOULD be angry about this nonsense. People are literally being killed as a result of the embedded racism in this country and it needs to stop.
I am just at the end of your Audiobook, and you mentioned this interview, so I had to see it... And yes Girl you look spent! And wow sooooo Brave honest and Brutal. Thank you for all you do.
Yes. You go girl. You make me proud. I watched the full hour and I was wondering when they where going to add you both back into the conversation because you both made a lot of relevant points. It's so refreshing to see young black people who talk with so much passion knowledge and power, which I think we all need in our communities to make a change and difference.
You did a wonderful job! I so admire your passion and fiery spirit for equality for all people. Thank you for sharing this. Why were those brothers laughing when you were speaking? I'm so confused, because you're trying to protect men like them in particular and nothing was funny. That seems very disrespectful. And Katie Couric has shown time and time again that she can be on the disrespectful side as well in interviews. Thank you for standing up for what is right.
I hate their laughing at the end. Its so patronizing. You speak your thoughts so well even when you're upset, major props. I'd be so mad I'd probably make no sense. People like this are so aggravating and ignorant.
Fran, I'm proud of you. You are standing up to a system that wants to do business as usual. What cops are doing to Black people is modern day lynching. A lot of people are turning a blind eye to it and it's just not acceptable. It's got to stop and things have got to change. Thank you Fran for all you do.
Let him finish so that he can continue to invalidate people's feelings and fears. I didn't watch the rest of the news segment, but he wasn't listening to you Ms. Fran.
WOW! Sis went hard!!!!!! Thank you sis for being as straight forward as you were. May seem awkward coming from a random viewer but I can say I sincerely felt proud watching you here. I appreciate your efforts, truly. I gotta go check the full Round Table discussion.
chescaleigh I found it right after I made this comment. Thank You. I don't know how Kamau didn't just walk out..it must have been like being next to Lucifer himself.
Woah it's weird seeing you this angry, but I'm very proud of seeing you advocating for something so very important. I shall watch the whole thing asap, keep it up dear !
NovaRoris ha! yeah, i realize ya'll don't see this side of me often (well, on tumblr and twitter maybe...) but i think it's important. anger can be part of one's education, and in this instance it was necessary.
chescaleigh Yes I agree, and I hate the "anger invalidates your argument kind of mentality" because I think it's really not true and that you were on point on this one? Basically it's really important, thank you for standing up. And btw, you have a tumblr? I'd love to have your url, I can't believe I don't follow you !
Haha you're most welcome, looking forward to it ! It's so good to follow a sj youtuber, specially someone as on point as you :D Found the blog, followed and can't wait to see you on my dash ! Keep it up dear
i hate when people say "don't argue with your emotions" cause it's topics like these that ONLY affect our emotions so yeah we're gonna be emotional and irritated because of how many times we have to repeat ourselves about many many hate crimes. to not argue with emotions is to take out the essential part of the argument that is IT AFFECTS US DEEPLY AND TERRIBLY
That was so intense and great, WHY WERE THEY LAUGHING THOUGH maaan you were so good and i just wanted to soak in what you were saying without their laughter
If you are not understanding why Franchesca Ramsey or Kamau Bell were so frustrated you need to watch the entirety of this conversation. Ray Kelly said on at least 3 separate points, What about the high levels of crime in black communities. It was condescending. On top of that the man said the police don't have quotas but "productivity goals". I wanted to throw my computer right there and then. His responses are an example of a person who knows he is wrong and instead of admitting that tries to redirect the conversation.
The problem with the police and their supporters is that they think it's ok that the police are acting as judge, juror and executioner to a certain group of people. People like Ray Kelly are so dismissive of that. But what to expect of someone who supported stop and frisk
Way to be, Chescaleigh. This isn't the kind of reaction white America is comfortable with, but it's the one that it needs to hear. Couple hundred years of oppression, tragedy and pain, and we expect black folks not to get emotional about it. Really??? An emotional reaction to injustice is more than legitimate.
YYAS YOU TELL THEM. This things are not isolated incidents. The things that we are hearing about are just the ones that made it to the news. It's ridiculous how these things are happening on the daily. And we are in a system where certain people can get away killing people scot-free because the color of their skins or the title of their job.
You are eloquent and amazing. Thank you for speaking out.
xoxo
I agree, rather well spoken, and while noticeably upset, she still conducted herself with great character and respect. Much respect.
Tell em Chesca!!! Cause they ACT like they don't understand. This ish is unacceptable!
Oh they understand, they just don't care.
yumiko0017 It's that they don't understand why they should care.
But they really do!!! They understand what's going on. They just don't care.
I also mentioned someone being shot and killed in their stairwell, that was just 2 weeks ago in Brooklyn. The young man was 28 and unarmed, shot by a police patrolling the building www.nytimes.com/2014/12/03/opinion/lessons-from-a-stairwell-shooting.html?_r=0
It wasn't Harlem. That was my area, Pink houses in Brooklyn.
lickidesplit123 ah thanks for the correction
Yeah Akai Gurley is my best friends cousin. I feel terrible. 💔💔💔
Cassilyn Giselle how heartbreaking. I'm sorry for your loss
Speak truth to power!!!
Here's the story that I mentioned where a mentally ill woman was killed after the police were called to help manage her. They cuffed her, put her face down on the bed and she suffocated gothamist.com/2012/04/03/family_of_woman_allegedly_suffocate.php
Here in Canada we have far too many stories like that one. An 80-something woman with dementia was tazed by cops, and we've had people with mental illness being killed by police who have no clue how to handle situations like that.
Angela .Rajic And we can't forget Sammy Yatim. I'm not sure what his mental condition actually was, but it's obvious he wasn't well - sane people don't take off their pants on a streetcar. We'll never know now, because he's so dead. Yes, he had a knife, (and was of middle-eastern descent!) but he was also locked inside an empty streetcar and no immediate threat to anyone but himself when the cops opened fire. The kid was shot nine times and *then* tazed. Brilliant tactics for deescalating a situation that could have been resolved peacefully! (Insert slow, sarcastic applause for the Toronto police.)
Read it and weep. #BLM narrative is a lie.
www.manhattan-institute.org/html/issues-2016-violent-criminals-not-police-pose-real-threat-african-americans-8427.html
I'm sad but not surprised that some will decide to focus on your justified anger rather than your words. Well said.
I'm proud of what I brought to the conversation, and anger was a justified part of it. If people want to harp on that, so be it. Thanks for the support!
Wanna see the full roundtable conversation? Check the video description box!
Thank you for this..
is the video available in Europe? i can't seem to load it , wish i could see the whole panel
TheBio Flò I think someone uploaded it to UA-cam, i'll see if i can find it
chescaleigh yeah Chesca I'm in France and i wanna watch too
chescaleigh ok thanks, i'll check too
Chesca, you're such a badass. A truly great person who speaks on the behalf of those who don't have a voice. I was reading a book for school today, A Lesson Before Dying (which you should pick up), it says heroes are people who help others who can't help themselves. Using your platform as a youtuber, as well as an intelligent, educated person, you are able to spread the word against racism and oppression. In that way, you are hero a to many and to me. Plus, your comedy videos are hilarious (as well as your biting sarcasm in this video).
Thanks for the book suggestion & support! Will put it on my list for sure
I must admit, i was completely taken aback by what u said towards the end of the video because i've never seen you go off like that and also because it is on television (i think). However, i completely understand your anger and frustration. Thank you for using your voice and platform to continue educating so many people about the horrors black people face daily. I am not black nor American, but i stand firmly with you and others in your fight for justice.
I started out nice and professional, I promise! lol (the full hour long segment is in the description box. it's long, but worth it) But as soon as he started with "maybe it wasn't a chokehold, stop giving up, black people need to focus on crime in their communities" I was OVER IT
chescaleigh I have no doubt that you were very professional. Unfortunately, some people are just extremely hard to talk to/through. I understand because i've experienced the same things as well and i reacted far more "over it" than you did! I tried watching the hour long segment but it wouldn't play and i am not sure why. Regardless, i still think you are amazing! You and everyone else fighting this fight. Again, thank you for all that you do with your platform! I hope more people invite you to their shows so you can speak about these issues as eloquently as you do.
chescaleigh Anyone who reaches for the "fix your crime-riddled, drug-laden black communities" derailer in a conversation about police brutality doesn't deserve a professional, respectful response. Do they honestly not see how telling it is that they're assuming a black victim must have done something to provoke their own murder? Seriously, what does the state of your community have to do with you being murdered for holding a toy weapon in a Walmart or on the way to a comic convention, etc? Glad you went off on that guy even though he seemed disappointingly unscathed by it in this clip.
It was necessary, Ray was protecting killer cops and saying the fault lies within the victim. I like how she lost her chill, it was really an example of all the anger and pain protesters/people in these communities are going though.
I absolutely loved it because we know this is how they talk about us behind close doors. Its like a nod towards them saying "oh yeah, we know"
Bravo to chescaleigh for keeping your composure and being an vocal advocate. The look on your face was priceless. It's ridiculous that people like Ray Kelly are defending the police department when innocent citizens are being killed for just calling for help or walking in the stairwell of their apartment building. What could these people have done, Ray Kelly? He doesn't have any solutions but to sit there and act like police brutality isn't happening everyday in this country. The police are the problem. They are willfully not trying to deescalate the situation. #blacklivesmatter #policebrutality
I didn't see the whole thing. But I can tell by you reiterating "good Negroes" he needed to be put in his place.
My sister had a run in with the police because she felt they unnecessarily escalated the situation. She parked illegally somewhere by the beach and was heading back to remove the car, the police saw this but still proceeded to scream at her to leave. So my sister of course being the sassy girl that she is, yelled back (which is not a crime btw), telling the PO that she was on her way to remove the car and that yelling at her was unnecessary. Oh boy! How dare she? The PO now moves in closer yelling at her, INVADING HER SPACE, basically confronting her about parking illegally. THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED! It's not like she was refusing to move the car. His response was out of the line. Some police officers are about the law, but sometimes it's about their EGO and maintaining POWER. They think they have the right to talk to people any kind of way.Yes you are law enforcers, and what my sister did was not law standing, but still, if you see her heading to the car, what was the point of screaming at her like some animal and invading her personal space? If she pushed him, she would have been arrested. See how that works? Ever since then, she never saw POs in the same light again. My dealings with POs have been more positive, but the bad apples can ruin it for everybody.
It's due to the sad fact that many cops are poorly trained and aren't very intelligent. In fact I've read an article about the police in one area blocking people from entering the police force if their IQ was too high.
No, MOST time it's about their ego. They feel that they must be respected as authority and officers of the law.
Bianca Lord Let's meet in the middle and say that they are egotistical idiots. That sounds about right to me.
Yes I had a friend that who was pulled over for speeding, and the cop went off on her (zero provocation mind you) and made fun of her accent (she is from Peru). She had no prior traffic violations on her, yet the officer felt that he needed to be completely belligerent about the situation.
Chescaleigh, I want to applaud you and thank you for this. I am a white Australian female, and am utterly disgusted by the attitudes of others surrounding this issue. I cannot imagine living in fear- knowing that simply by breathing, someone could justify my murder. I can't imagine that struggle. And I'm angry for those who must go through this every day. I'm angry for people like you, who voice their frustration and fears and are laughed at, as in this case. I'm angry because in Australia, we have similar situations based on attitudes towards our Indigenous community. I'm angry because to many people, this is just news, something to be tossed aside after a day's discussion. Thank you for standing up. And know that so, so many people are with you on this.
YES. You are incredible. Ray Kelly is a terrifying piece of trash and it's so frustrating to see him given this platform to speak time and time again.
Terrifying is right. This is a man that lead our police officers for over 10 years. This is who they looked up to and were instructed by. The fact that he blames victims, won't listen & uses "black on black crime" to deflect any responsibility shows exactly what's wrong here.
I do not know that exact anger, but I know a similar kind when I'm trying to explain feminist points of view to people who won't even acknowledge there's a problem. I think you absolutely knocked it out of the park. It made me mad to hear people laughing because, you we're so smart and right in what you were saying. This was badass!!
Chescaleigh........ THANK YOU!!! Thank you for being my voice & the voice of my daughter & nephew & nieces. I'm in tears right now because you have taken your channel and hard work and used it for such greater good. I love you my sister. You have no idea who I am but I just want to say God Bless you and T hank you my cyber friend.
GO AWF! Thank you, you went in I am in awe by your realness! You are amazing !!!! I have so much respect for you and your relentless journey in spreading awareness of injustices and racism in America you are truly inspirational !!!
WOOO! You were amazing. Kill it. Kamau Bell is one of my favorite comedians and you could see that he was loving every second of you. That is high praise in my book.
Thanks Chescaleigh! We need people who have a platform to get angry. I'm am really sick of these people trying to have these polite conversations about it when our people are getting massacred like we're less than human.
The full conversation was soooo worth it. So glad you stood your ground Franchesca!
Living for this.
Thanks for your voice! We all need your passion.
Damn Chesca!! I have never seen you this upset on video, but I know how passionate you are about these issues and appreciate you being so candid with them. Just your body language alone was speaking firmly!! When you said " act like good negroes" I was like, damn she is steamed. I am just as upset and thank you for posting this.
The dude with the afro IS CACKLING...JUST LIKE ME ....hahahaha
I applaud your courage, Franchesca! You're a really good public speaker. It's awful that these things happen, I hope that there will come a solution.
" Infinitesimal? Have you watched the new?" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
What KILLS me about this interview is that Ray Kelly is pretending like LaToya didn't ask her question in clear English and Katie was like "I'm trying to understand the question". You understand the question, but you know that the answer is that there's NOTHING black people can do to avoid violent police interaction.
So I just watched the whole interview and this is my response. . .
--------------------------------
This is my problem with what the police chief, and I am sure many of these chiefs around the country are like minded:
HE IS NOT LISTENING. Dealing with violence in black communities should not come at the expense of black lives. These situations gain attention because JUSTICE is not served when a police officer kills an unarmed civilian. Like the kid that was was hanged in NC, the police officers do not see his humanity enough to take their time to properly investigate the homicide. That is the problem. This leadership thing, diversity thing will not do anything to fix what I just stated. How is he more frustrated when blacks in these communities are the ones feeling oppressed? What is the point of people marching, if they WILL NOT listen? This whole dialogue was just so frustrating because it is like talking to a brick wall. Black on black crime can't be fixed if their community remains in these conditions. That is a WHOLE different discussion, yet it still being brought up.
I love this! I know how scary that must of been but you rocked it! As a black woman, I've always been afraid to get angry in front of other people for fear of not being taken seriously but I feel your incredulity in this and I think it's powerful. Don't let their snickers get to you. You have the power!
Thank you for being a voice. here and on all other social media platforms. I pray that change occurs within our lifetime.
Thank you for being among the few who use their platform to address issues that most don't want to stir up the controversy! I am curious to hear his answer to your question.
People are tired of holding their tempers and their tongues. There is not reason that it should rest on the back of blacks to always be happy and smiling. Shucking and jiving. As though an African-American's true emotion is going to tip some invisible racial balance. Anger is natural. I'm glad you did not suppress your frustration, giving a sanitized version of your emotions. Sometimes it gets real.
Yaaaaaassss! You read him for filth! He didn't even know he was gonna get chewed up like that. Bravo, Madame. Bravo.
Bringing it as usual! Thank you so much for speaking out and dealing with Ray Kelly's BS.
You kicked ass! You said exactly what I was thinking. Thank you so much for lending your voice in the most epic way!
Whoa. You told him! You've got balls. Good for you. And thank you for your strength and courage in expression your opinions. You're saying exactly what a lot of people are thinking.
You went in! Ever since I have started college all of my papers have been on racism or race relations in america, and I have cited you quite a bit in all my papers. Lean Forward.
The fact that Ray was acting like that. Snickering and acting like he didn't know what to answer shows the willful ignorance that his kind of mentality is in so many people.
You keep you cool better than I would have dear.
FRANCHESCA, I LIKED YOU BEFORE... BUT I LOVE YOU NOW... YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE PEOPLE LIKE THIS REPRESENTING TODAY'S YOUTH AND SOCIETY. YOU ARE HELPING THE WORLD CHANGE. YOU ARE THE TRUE REPRESENTATION OF AN AMERICAN. FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS I'VE WITNESSED YOU STAND UP FOR GAY RIGHTS, STAND UP FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST SEXISM, STAND UP AGAINST RACISM, STAND UP AGAINST ALL THE MAJOR ISSUES THAT NOT JUST EVERY DAY AMERICANS FACE, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY - THE CHILDREN ENDURE THESE PAINS MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE, BECAUSE THEY ARE FRAGILE AND VULNERABLE. THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING OUT FOR THEM. THANK YOU SPEAKING OUT FOR US. I WATCHED THE ENTIRE SEGMENT AND EVERYTHING YOU SAID WAS VALID.
Excellent job Ladies. I am so proud of you both.
chescaleigh, that was the best thing I have seen in a long time. You voiced the question that needed to be voiced. You expressed the absurdity and exposed the stupidity. Thank you for remaining as calm as you could while asking these questions.
I love you so much. I never said I love you to a person I've never met but I love you. You are a role model, you are so strong I just admire you so much. Your words are the truth! Words can express how happy I am to have a person like you using your platform to speak on behalf of the people that don't get a chance to speak or may not know what to say. Its people like you who change the world!
chescaleigh this is the first video I see of you and I can feel your frustration 100% because I feel the same way in the way I view the police. Yes, they are here to serve and protect, but when they are the ones we need protecting from, where do we go for that help?
It frustrates me that I have to fear just about everyone now, both police and the regular citizen that can put me in a casket anytime that they want, and in more cases than not, receive no justice for the wrongdoings. I heard your rant at the end and I just FELT the frustration that I feel, almost like you were an outlet to the words stuck in my mind....I respect you for your words and talking about the situation in the manner that you did, because so many people want to pretend like it isn't their problem UNTIL it has happened to them themselves for them to realize there needs to be a more aggressive approach at leaving these police officers accountable for taking down people in the manner that they do.
I don't know what has to happen in order for this foolishness to stop, but I want it to be done and over already...I don't want anyone getting hurt...Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, anyone. I just want police officers to go down for their CRIMES and do their jobs as the protectors of their citizens like they are rightfully instructed to do.
God, like I cannot even explain the relief I felt after watching this video. Whether or not your message got hear in the way it should've, I just love how your fearlessly evoked your emotions in such a punctual manner.
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lmfao yesssssssss when you stopped talking and Latoya started your face was AMAZING!!!!!!!! ..... But besides that. well said. great job. God bless you for being an advocate!
I seriously couldn't control my face I was so angry. If you watch the whole segment, Ray Kelly is nothing but dismissive & victim blaming. It's disgusting.
chescaleigh IM SURE! Your face was absolutely appropriate considering everything...but you said everything that needed to be said and when you hit em with that negro line....WOW....i mean......shut em down!
I watched the whole segment including the part with Eric Garner's kids(which was so heartbreaking) and I agreed with everything you said and the other panelists (with the exception of Ray Kelly) I give him credit for at least being there and being apart of the conversation when so many people CHOOSE not to be. However him and the many others who have had the nerve to sit here and say "oh it wasn't a chokehold" "what about black on black crime" blah blah blah it's soooo frustrating. It's like everyone BUT the police are saying it wasn't a chokehold. Trying to play semantics and skirt around the issue. It's insulting. But I commend you(and everyone else) for keeping it real.
Chescaleigh you hit him with some facts! Go ahead! Power to the people!
I want to be you when I grow up, I swear. This is on all kinds of levels of bad ass.
naw just work on being the best you. i'm still growing up myself!
chescaleigh
You're awesome.
Watching this made me so much more aware of my own privilege. I'm in full support of this movement.
"Truthfully, it's a rhetorical question..." I really, really hope that he--and others in his position--heard you, Franchesca. Articulate, informed, and mad as hell, what you're saying and doing in this clip is so important. Thank you.
This video needs to go viral. And, Katie needs to be shamed for give Chescaleigh the side eye!
Good for you guys to stand up for what's right! Don't be discouraged and don't listen to any naysayers. Enough is enough! From the 242 (Bahamas)
Thanks Chescaleigh for speaking out. Seems like you had a frustrating time on that panel. You argued very well.
By the way I love u chescaleigh for atleast using your platform to stand up for us. some of these bloggers are too coward to say anything. Luv u for that, your really brave.
"infinitesimal".... wow the fact that it even happens in the first place and that he is okay with that is telling of the entire situation.
I am so proud of you! Thank you so much for speaking up for what matters and asking the important questions that everyone has on their minds but are to afraid to say. You are my Idol and I respect you very much for your opinions and debate.
LOL Chescaleigh, gotdamn! But your attitude is right. It's war path time. Walking on eggshells can only get us so far with people incapable of understanding our situation.
OMG, I started watching the whole video panel and I want to put my foot in Ray Kelly's face. God the rage face I'm making right now. Thanks for checking him Chescaleigh.
You handled yourself professionally and beautifully. Thank you for being a voice!
Holy crap, you rock. He looked like he was trying to find the answer that just wasn't there.
I don't know how Ray Kelly is in the position he is in being so dismissive and constantly blaming the public/victims and not the police. This made me subscribe.
SO MUCH POWER!! Got the chills, you ladies did an excellent job!
I watched the full roundtable conversation and I've gotta say that it didn't make any sense that the conversation was being derailed towards the end with "black on black" crime and that the majority of crime being in communities of color was mentioned so many times. It's not that it's the community of color, it's that the rate of crime is higher in POOR communities and through systematic oppression the bulk of African Americans have been placed in those communities. So of course crime will happen in majority black communities, that's usually where the poorest end up and it's no coincidence that it's mainly African American's in that community. Also, diversity in the police force doesn't change anything. They get about as much power as the white officers. And there is a "Quota." I was totally disappointed in how Ray Kelly handled and contributed to that conversation.
Chescaleigh, what happened after the cameras were turned off? Did everyone that was part of this discussion get a chance to talk as Katie Couric suggested?
It seems like the solution has to come from a collective effort. It's not just one simple answer. Everyone needs to approach the situation with a clear open mind(not overly emotional and or dismissive) and play their part vs putting the pressure on a select few. Also, it is extremely important that we all listen and fully acknowledge the severity of this situation and take accountability for our actions and or positions within the system and our communities. No one group can fix it alone, we all need each other in order for there to be a solution. Let each of us do our part while encouraging and or demanding others to do the same.
Latoya, Katie and I had a really great conversation afterwards. Ray Kelly dipped immediately and Kamau and Dion both had other appointments and left right after. I'm not sure I agree that it's a collective effort though. There are a lot of things that need to change, but I don't think the black community is responsible for any of those changes. The media needs to be more responsible about how they talk about black victims and report on crimes. If a black person is the victim, media shouldn't focus on blaming them "did he do drugs? had he ever been arrested? what kind of family was he from?" because it perpetuates the idea that black people are somehow responsible for their oppression and mistreatment. Police officers need to be trained to de-escalate situations instead of jumping to shooting and using physical force. We need serious consequences in place for police misconduct and brutality to discourage other officers from behaving so callously and we need special district attorneys in place that don't have relationships with police officers to conduct grand juries so they remain impartial. None of those changes are going to come from within the black community and frankly I was annoyed that it was even suggested that the onus should be placed on us.
Overly emotional? People are dying.
xKineticSparks This is why having important discussions like this over the internet can be tricky. Things can be read the wrong way. I am not dismissive of the heavy emotions that we as humans are suppose to feel. There is a time and place for everything. I am saying that when in a position to make a difference, in seeking solutions, to make life changing decisions, it would help that one is objective in their approach. Done with a clear state of mind.
chescaleigh I totally agree and that's what I am saying, certain groups should be held responsible depending on their roles within their communities for specific task. And the issues you've mentioned are definitely not changes that the black community should be held responsible for. But at the same time there needs to be a collective effort for change to occur because it's bigger than what we think it is. I really believe that we can see great progress as long as everyone is taking accountability for their actions and how they contribute to society.
ThisOwl thanks for clarifying.
Yes! This is why I appreciate you so much, Chescaleigh. You didn't hold back! Fuck respectability politics, that hasn't worked for anyone except those who use it as a tactic to silence us.
Thank you Franchesca for standing up, and tell us the story! Truly!
Love, Louise.
Glad to see you awake sister! Been watching your videos for years with my wife. I love this video.
I am so appreciative of your position in social media, Chesca. After watching the news the past few weeks with the likes of Don Lemon and others like him play respectability politics and not saying what needs to be said, I am so happy you did. Thank you!
I wish I was there so at the end of Franchesca's "read" I could yell "YAAASSSSSS!"
Oh my god, I love you! Thank you for saying what needs to be said. You Are awesome!
YAASS CHESCA. SPILLING THAT TRUTH T EVERYWHERE. UGH. You are the biggest rockstar!!!
Yes!! Preach it. I just love that lady's face at the end of the video. Shes too serious and four out of six people are laughing. Lol.
chescalocs sis. you had me standing in my chair in my onsie cheering you on. wow. thank you. i don't know what else to say but thank you for this. keep doing what you do.
I'll check this out as soon as I get a chance. You're doing great things. Keep up the good works.
Absolutely fantastic! I'm going to watch the whole discussion.
OMG this is awesome, I'm going the description box right now!
I absolutely love and adore you for your way of thinking and the way you use your platform to speak up for us. Thank you!
HELL YES! I love your verbal ass-kicking. People SHOULD be angry about this nonsense. People are literally being killed as a result of the embedded racism in this country and it needs to stop.
Oh my God chesca you are so powerful and necessary and I am so here for you right now
I am just at the end of your Audiobook, and you mentioned this interview, so I had to see it... And yes Girl you look spent! And wow sooooo Brave honest and Brutal. Thank you for all you do.
thank you!
this is amazing, you are amazing. thank you for continually speaking out, adding to the conversation, and refusing to accept bullshit for an answer.
Yes. You go girl. You make me proud. I watched the full hour and I was wondering when they where going to add you both back into the conversation because you both made a lot of relevant points. It's so refreshing to see young black people who talk with so much passion knowledge and power, which I think we all need in our communities to make a change and difference.
You did a wonderful job! I so admire your passion and fiery spirit for equality for all people. Thank you for sharing this. Why were those brothers laughing when you were speaking? I'm so confused, because you're trying to protect men like them in particular and nothing was funny. That seems very disrespectful. And Katie Couric has shown time and time again that she can be on the disrespectful side as well in interviews. Thank you for standing up for what is right.
I hate their laughing at the end. Its so patronizing. You speak your thoughts so well even when you're upset, major props. I'd be so mad I'd probably make no sense. People like this are so aggravating and ignorant.
Fran, I'm proud of you. You are standing up to a system that wants to do business as usual. What cops are doing to Black people is modern day lynching. A lot of people are turning a blind eye to it and it's just not acceptable. It's got to stop and things have got to change. Thank you Fran for all you do.
Love it.... good job Chescaleigh. I would like to see more of you on issues like this.
Let him finish so that he can continue to invalidate people's feelings and fears. I didn't watch the rest of the news segment, but he wasn't listening to you Ms. Fran.
WOW! Sis went hard!!!!!! Thank you sis for being as straight forward as you were. May seem awkward coming from a random viewer but I can say I sincerely felt proud watching you here. I appreciate your efforts, truly.
I gotta go check the full Round Table discussion.
I need to find the whole interview now. You went in on Ray Kelly, and I can tell by Kamau's body language, he was thoroughly done with him also.
link in description box!
chescaleigh I found it right after I made this comment. Thank You. I don't know how Kamau didn't just walk out..it must have been like being next to Lucifer himself.
Woah it's weird seeing you this angry, but I'm very proud of seeing you advocating for something so very important. I shall watch the whole thing asap, keep it up dear !
NovaRoris ha! yeah, i realize ya'll don't see this side of me often (well, on tumblr and twitter maybe...) but i think it's important. anger can be part of one's education, and in this instance it was necessary.
chescaleigh Yes I agree, and I hate the "anger invalidates your argument kind of mentality" because I think it's really not true and that you were on point on this one?
Basically it's really important, thank you for standing up. And btw, you have a tumblr? I'd love to have your url, I can't believe I don't follow you !
I need to do a video on tone policing, thanks for the reminder! Yes, of course I'm on tumblr! Links to all my social platforms in the description box!
Haha you're most welcome, looking forward to it ! It's so good to follow a sj youtuber, specially someone as on point as you :D Found the blog, followed and can't wait to see you on my dash ! Keep it up dear
i hate when people say "don't argue with your emotions" cause it's topics like these that ONLY affect our emotions so yeah we're gonna be emotional and irritated because of how many times we have to repeat ourselves about many many hate crimes. to not argue with emotions is to take out the essential part of the argument that is IT AFFECTS US DEEPLY AND TERRIBLY
You're amazing. You absolutely killed it.
That was so intense and great, WHY WERE THEY LAUGHING THOUGH maaan you were so good and i just wanted to soak in what you were saying without their laughter
I'm dead. You went in!
I missed your part of the feed and will go back and watch it. Clearly things got very crazy.
Fantastic work. Keep spreading correct information and standing tall. @chescaleigh
If you are not understanding why Franchesca Ramsey or Kamau Bell were so frustrated you need to watch the entirety of this conversation. Ray Kelly said on at least 3 separate points, What about the high levels of crime in black communities. It was condescending. On top of that the man said the police don't have quotas but "productivity goals". I wanted to throw my computer right there and then. His responses are an example of a person who knows he is wrong and instead of admitting that tries to redirect the conversation.
The problem with the police and their supporters is that they think it's ok that the police are acting as judge, juror and executioner to a certain group of people. People like Ray Kelly are so dismissive of that. But what to expect of someone who supported stop and frisk
Way to be, Chescaleigh. This isn't the kind of reaction white America is comfortable with, but it's the one that it needs to hear. Couple hundred years of oppression, tragedy and pain, and we expect black folks not to get emotional about it. Really??? An emotional reaction to injustice is more than legitimate.
Damn girl you went in on my city's old Commissioner of the police! Love it!!!!!
YYAS YOU TELL THEM. This things are not isolated incidents. The things that we are hearing about are just the ones that made it to the news. It's ridiculous how these things are happening on the daily. And we are in a system where certain people can get away killing people scot-free because the color of their skins or the title of their job.
You are my role model and I'm so glad that I found you on UA-cam :)
I love the way you went in at the end of the video Chesca! You are my shero!
Man you two were great. *standing ovation*