Massachusetts
Trial starts in alleged Obama-inspired church fire
A federal court jury in Massachusetts will be hearing opening arguments in the trial of a man charged with burning down a predominantly black church in Springfield because he was upset that Barack Obama was elected president. Opening arguments are set for Monday in the trial of Michael Jacques (JAKES’) at U.S. District Court in [...]
Victory! Boston Club Apologizes for Shutting Down Black Ivy League Event
change.org – Late last year, a Boston nightclub ended an event for black Harvard and Yale alumni for fear that the long line of African Americans outside the club would attract ‘gangbangers’. Now, after months of legal wrangling, the club owner has agreed to apologize! It all began just before Thanksgiving, when a black Ivy [...]
Mass. church arson suspect wants confession tossed
One of three white men accused of burning down a predominantly black church in western Massachusetts just hours after the election of Barack Obama has told a judge he played no role in setting the blaze. Michael Jacques Jr. told a federal judge Thursday that investigators bullied him into confessing while he was going through [...]
Mass. Gov. Patrick swears in Roderick Ireland; 1st black chief justice of state Supreme Court
Gov. Deval Patrick has sworn in the first black chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Roderick Ireland replaces Margaret Marshall. As chief, Ireland will oversee the state’s sprawling court system, which has been plagued by high caseloads, budget challenges and allegations of political favoritism. Gov. Patrick, the state’s first black chief executive, says [...]
Race, politics complicate vote on Boston council member Turner
Boston Globe – The core facts are irrefutable: A jury convicted Boston City Council member Chuck Turner of pocketing a $1,000 bribe from an FBI witness for help with a liquor license. Most elected officials who refuse to resign after a conviction would be thrown out of office, a destiny that may well await Turner [...]
