Compliments to Tennessean reporter Kate Howard for reporting on the outrageous treatment of Cordell Sykes by Metro Nashville Police and focusing on the credible and courageous advocacy of the Rev. Enoch Fuzz.
Fuzz has been battling for justice in the Sykes case and too many others involving African-American citizens in Nashville. He has gone to the police chief and district attorney with his concerns for justice and fair treatment under the law. Little if anything has come from these meetings.
Sykes' case involved his use of his and Fuzz's church -- Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in west Nashville -- to surrender himself to authorities for alleged crimes. The young man emptying his pockets of his belongings during church service and gave them to his mother.
Rev. Fuzz, his pastor, then accompanied the young man to police headquarters. He thought the matter was settled, but then Fuzz got a summons to appear at a court hearing. What?
Police said the young man had drugs on him. Fuzz was incredulous and rightly so.
This blog has called for a civilian review board of the police department. No public entity should be allowed to police itself, particularly the police. Lawkeepers cannot be allowed to be lawbreakers. The only safeguard for the people are the people.
Until then, a free and vigorous press is the only defense ... particularly with reporters such as Kate Howard.
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