NGA NEWZ: Rest In Power Rodney King by CraftWorks

Rodney Glen King-www.news.nationalpost.com

Rodney Glen King, best known for the video taped beating from the LA Police Department was reportedly found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool by his fiancé Cynthia Kelly, about 5:30 a.m this Sunday morning. After several attempts to revive him, he was announced dead at a close-by hospital. Rodney was known for the video taped beating that subsequently gave everyone a reality check about police brutality here in America. His brutal 1991 beating included tasering, 56 baton blows, 6 kicks and being dragged on stomach. Although video taped by bystander and released for the world to see, the Police Officers involved were all initially charged and acquitted.

 That acquittal enraged the black community which consequently lead to what is now known as the “Los Angeles riots of 1992”. In my opinion, these riots were more like an uprising as the black community has been complaining about LAPD’s police brutality and abuse long before the video of Rodney’s beating. Rodney incident was the catalyst of a situation that was brewing for decades in Los Angeles California. According to some sources, the “Rioting” caused 53 deaths, 2,383 injuries, more than 7,000 fires, damages to 3,100 businesses, and nearly $1 billion in financial losses before the Armed Forces “restored order”. One infamous scene during the riots was the beating of truck Driver Reginald Denny who was pulled from his truck and assaulted. That was also caught on video.

Video of the beating. <Be careful if you are sensitive>

Another famous moment was Rodney plea to the calm to community where he stated,“Can’t we all get along”. That phrase is still used accordingly to this day. Although Rodney’s victimizers were acquitted, Rodney reportedly received millions of dollars from a civil law suit against the City Of Los Angeles. After the riots, the feds stepped in to do another investigation, which sentenced 2 officers to 32 months in prison while 2 walked free. A small victory; some would say but the whole ordeal left a bad taste in the mouth of the world about the justice system in America. Rumors of Rodney's drug abuse surfaced through-out the years and Rodney recently surfaced to speak about the Trayvon Martin incident.

LA Riots with armed soldiers...-newblackman.blogspot.com

Rest In Power Mr. King… As I look for any positivity in all of this, it would be in hopes that many more people wake-up and recognize the injustices that many still endure in the hands of the authority that is paid by us to protect and serve... us. Prayerfully, you were at peace with self and had a chance to enjoy the rest of your physical life after that traumatic experience. In my book, your name will down with other legendary warriors in this battle for freedom from the oppressor. Peace King.

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