Social Justice
Woman says she was removed from American Airlines flight for ‘flying while black’
A woman claims she was thrown off a flight in an experience she calls discrimination because of her race.
Imani Cezanne claims she was thrown off a flight in an experience she calls discrimination because of her race.
What happened to Imani Cezanne?
Cezanne, a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, took to Twitter to claim that she was removed from an American Airlines flight and banned from flying with the airline in the future for “flying black.”
“Flying while Black”
The series of tweets claim that Cezanne was kicked off the plane because a flight attendant felt “threatened” by the Black Lives Matter shirt she was wearing.
Today I was escorted off of a plane by two armed caucasian male officers. I have never believed so strongly that I could die at any moment.
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016
Ejected from an aircraft. Considered a threat to safety. For doing nothing more than existing in this Black body. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
After boarding my flight I sit in an exit row. The couple across the aisle from me does not speak English. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
They are removed from their seats because “If you don’t speak english you can’t sit in an exit row.” I ask why. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
Fligh Attendant says that if she is unable to explain procedure, she must seat someone else in the exit row. Understood. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
While speaking with the woman next to me about my concernsI was *interrupted* by FA and asked “Are you going to be a problem?” @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
Why would she ask me that? Is that an appropriate way to speak to a customer who is calmly having a conversation with someone? @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
What about me seemed potentially problematic? I was seated, legs crossed, hands in lap. Using my “inside voice.” @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
I respond with “Are you going to be a problem? Why would you ask me that?” Then storms off to get a manager. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
The manager comes to escort me off of the plane. I ask why. She says “because my flight attendant feels threatened. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
What I was wearing when I was unnecessarily ejected from my flight because the FA felt “threatened.” Coincidence? pic.twitter.com/j5BDNo3rKf
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016
Nothing about my voice, tone, body language etc. communicated “threatening.” Other than, of course, this Black body. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
So now I’m stuck in Charlotte. Banned from AA. And no, I do not have $400-$500 to get back home or to my destination today. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
This is how you can literally be walking away from an officer and be shot dead. Because he “felt threatened.” @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
Oh and btw my stuff was still sent to ATL. So I’m in Charlotte. My things are in ATL and I have no money to get anywhere. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
Just spoke with an @AmericanAir rep on the phone who says “there is nothing we can do for you.”
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
I have done nothing wrong. @AmericanAir
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
To those who have asked, yes I am very serious about getting a lawyer and any contacts would be greatly appreciated.
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016
This support is so needed and appreciated. To all the people who offered to buy flights or drop dimes in my paypal, you are love personified
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016
Currently on a bus to ATL. Thank so much to everyone for reaching out. I have yet to be contacted by @AmericanAir.
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016
The American Airlines Twitter account later contacted Cezanne by direct message.
@imanicezanne Our crew is expected to always provide a friendly and professional service. Please follow and DM us your record locator.
— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) March 25, 2016
But Cezanne complained that the process had taken hours…
@AmericanAir Just got a response from @AmericanAir at 10:57 pm. They were contacted at 5:21 pm.
— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016
American Airlines have since stated that they have reached out to Cezanne to resolve the issue. In January, American Airlines was sued for $9 million for a different racial discrimination claim when a group of men were kicked off the plane after a flight attendant felt “uneasy.”
Twitter users criticized American Airline with the hashtag #FlyingWhileBlack.
#FlyingWhileBlack I don’t think @AmericanAir is racist, they’re employees and service is just awful.
— Say Say (@smc_1023) March 26, 2016
To think, @AmericanAir used to be my favorite airline…poor customer service and people skills get you NOWHERE. #boycott #flyingwhileblack
— lo-QUI•tâ (@QuiLovaa) March 26, 2016
Social Justice
Family of Black teen shot in head after ringing doorbell of wrong home sues gunman and HOA
The family of the Ralph Yarl, the Black teenager who was shot in the head after ringing the doorbell of the wrong home in Kansas City, Missouri, last year, has filed a lawsuit against the White man who shot him and the residential homeowners association where the house is located.
The family of Ralph Yarl has filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew Lester, the 85-year-old white man who shot the teen last year on his doorstep, along with Lester’s homeowners association.
Ralph Yarl family sues
The lawsuit, filed by Yarl’s mother Cleo Nagbe in the circuit court of Clay County, Missouri, accuses Lester and the Highland Acres Homes Association, Inc. of “careless and negligent conduct.”
“At all times relevant, Plaintiff (Ralph Yarl) never posed or issued a threat to Defendant, Andrew Lester,” the lawsuit states, adding the Highland Acres Homes Association “was aware of or should have been aware of Defendant, Andrew Lester’s, propensity for violence, access to dangerous weapons and racial animus.”
Yarl’s mother said in a news release that the case is not just about seeking justice for her son. By including the Highland Acres Homes Association, Inc., Nagbe said the lawsuit “underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding our communities.”
“Their knowledge of a potentially dangerous individual in the neighborhood without taking adequate precautions is unacceptable,” Nagbe wrote. “This case is not just about seeking justice for Ralph but about advocating for systemic changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of all children.”
Nagbe said she also hopes the civil suit will create a conversation about the “importance of responsible gun ownership and community safety measures of using words, not weapons.”
Suspect
Lester has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
He was released on $200,000 bond and his trial is set to begin October 7.
Ralph Yarl shooting incident
On April 13, 2023, Ralph Yarl, now 17, went to the wrong home while trying to pick up his younger siblings. After ringing the doorbell, Ralph was shot in the head and arm.
Lester was detained the night of the shooting but released two hours later. After a public outcry, he was arrested and charged nearly a week later.
The 85-year-old claims he was scared to death of the boy’s size. Meanwhile, Yarl is 5ft8in and 140 pounds.
Yarl survived the shooting with serious injuries. Those close to the family said he had a prognosis of a full recovery, but may possibly suffer long-term brain issues.
According to the civil lawsuit, the teenager “suffered and sustained permanent injuries, endured pain and suffering of a temporary and permanent nature, experienced disability and losses of normal life activities, was obligated to spend large sums of money for medical and attention and suffered other losses and damages.”
Crime & Justice
Paramedic involved in Elijah McClain’s death sentenced to probation, work release and community service
Jeremy Cooper, a former paramedic who injected Elijah McClain with a fatal dose of ketamine, has been sentenced to probation and community service.
Jeremy Cooper, a former paramedic who injected Elijah McClain with a fatal dose of ketamine, has been sentenced to probation and community service.
Paramedic Jeremy Cooper sentenced
He had faced up to three years in prison but was sentenced to four years probation, 14 months of work release and 100 hours of community service.
Cooper and another paramedic, Peter Cichuniec, were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in December in the death of McClain, 23, who was subdued by police and injected with ketamine on August 24, 2019.
Both paramedics had pleaded not guilty to the felony charges. Cichuniec was sentenced in March to five years in prison, the minimum.
Police stop turns fatal
McClain was walking home in August 2019 when the 23-year-old Black man was confronted by police officers who forcibly restrained him. When Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec arrived, they injected him with ketamine.
He went into cardiac arrest in an ambulance a few minutes later and died three days after that.
The McClain family sued the city of Aurora for Elijah’s wrongful death and received a $15 million settlement.
Social Justice
Former high school athletic director arrested and charged with using AI to frame principal
A former athletic director of a high school was arrested by Baltimore County Police after allegedly using new technology to impersonate a principal.
A former athletic director of a high school was arrested by police in Maryland after allegedly using new technology to impersonate a principal.
Maryland principal incident
In January of this year, we reported that an audio was circulating on social media accusing Pikesville High School principal Eric Eisworth of making racist and antisemitic comments.
After an investigation, authorities concluded the audio was artificial intelligence.
Suspect arrested
Dazhon Darien, 31, was charged with disrupting school activities, after investigators determined Darien faked Eiswert’s voice and circulated the audio on social media in January, according to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office. Darien’s nickname, DJ, was among the names mentioned in the audio clips he allegedly faked.
Maryland principal accused audio
In the audio, Eisworth allegedly claimed Black students were unable to “test their way out of a paper bag” and made “disparaging comments” about Jewish individuals and two teachers, the charging document said
“The audio clip … had profound repercussions,” police wrote in charging documents. “It not only led to Eiswert’s temporary removal from the school but also triggered a wave of hate-filled messages on social media and numerous calls to the school. The recording also caused significant disruptions for the PHS staff and students.”
Retaliation
Police say Darien made the recording in retaliation after Eisworth initiated an investigation into improper payments he made to a school athletics coach who was also his roommate. Darien is also charged with theft and retaliating against a witness.
Darien was released on $5,000 bond and waived an attorney at an initial court appearance, according to court records.
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