Nearly 200 march in Norfolk to protest October police shooting

Let me restate the goal of our march to city hall in order to address your comparison of the “pizza Bandit” to our Mr. James Dennis. WE ARE FIGHTING TO PROVE THAT THOSE TWO OFFICERS ARE NOT TELLING THE TRUTH! They are simply lying to save their jobs. Those two men were called on the scene and encountered what you even called a “STRESSFUL SITUATION” to which they acted irrationally. Now I don’t know if you have ever worked a job, but when hired to work a job you are trained initially to handle all situations whether “stressful or customary.” While on the job you are expected to remember that training and to act accordingly. If you are found unfit for the job then you must answer to your shortcomings. We want the truth not lies, Mr. ApproxAm. That is why I marched to city hall and I will march again if needed!!

It’s obvious that the moment you read “Seven Cities Panthers” you ASS-U-MED that the march had something to do with racism. It’s not your fault though the article was written that way in order to steer your thinking in that direction. The author of this story deserves all the credit for the postings of ANGER, RAGE, and RACISM as he could have taken the high road and presented the facts minus HIS PERSONAL OPINIONS.
Mr. ApproxAm you have a lot of nerve to talk about the NAACP. As a member of the NAACP I can tell you that as an organization we have several education programs and initiatives devoted to schools and families. One troublesome event that was extinguished by the NAACP was a recent attempt to re-segregate public education in Omaha, Nebraska. Following the passage of a law by the Nebraska legislature to separate school districts by race, it was the NAACP who filed a lawsuit which stopped the plan. As far as the NAACP saving that death row inmate, that case involving the airman implicated a cover up. The lawyer revealed that the witness was coached to ensure that the man would receive the death penalty.

Glengatti shines light on a critical problem in today's society in ALL races. He/she says "my mother is in low income housing ... she's barely able to survive off her meager retirement ...". So I ask YOU Glengatti, why aren't YOU helping HER? Why would you let her live in housing you complain she shouldn't? Step up to the plate. Be an adult. Why aren't family members sticking around or sticking together to help each other? In those cultures that do, the wealth is higher. I sure wouldn't let my mom or dad live in subsidized housing in a dangerous neighborhood. I'd give up my bed and sleep on the couch. And if I only had a couch I'd give that up and sleep on the floor. Our communities are breaking down and we keep wanting to point the finger at someone else, when we should be looking at our own families and asking how can we strengthen them. Its YOUR job to house, feed, educate and protect YOUR family. Moms AND DADS, DO IT! Be part of the solution, stop whining and stop being part of the problem.

Group C (European traders) purchased human beings (Group B) from captors in Africa (also Group B), to sell to group A. So what is new about this in the modern age? The Black Panthers, NAACP, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton and the like, are in the business of keeping people of color as victims. Without black victims, these non-profit organizations have no purpose and will close their doors? Non-profit is a bit misleading, when the leaders of such organizations, are wealthy beyond belief. Where then would Jessie and Al continue to generate income to support their lavish lifestyles?

Great points Amy and ApprxAm

Or until the closed minded individuals of both groups who spew this reciprocated hatred die off, this cycle will just continue through eternity.

....but like everything else in life, it was created from a series of events.

- Group A goes to Continent B (home of Group B), puts Group B on a ship and brings them to Continent A.

- Group B is forced to live and work in a foreign land with no monetary compensation.

- To keep Group B "in its place" Group A berates and belittles Group B for years and years

- Members of Group A finally see the wrong of what's going on and eventually puts an end to it.

- Other members of Group A, upset over the "cheap" labor that is no more, lashes out at Group B and decides to berate and oppress them as a way of "getting even" for not having their way. This goes on for many generations.

- Group B angered over the treatment recieved from Group A, develops a hatred for Group A as a result. This also goes on for generations.

- Members of both Group A and Group B decide that the two groups should work together for racial harmony. Unfortunately, remnants of the attitudes that members of both groups shared still remain to this day.

- Until these attitudes get nipped in the bud and not passed on to future generations (or until the Group A and Group B members who spew this reciprocat

Let's cure the underlying problems that lead to neighborhood violence and distrust of police. Could it be that the lack of fathers in a community leads to distrust of the male police (no matter what race) because of the absentee fathers. Quoting Bill Cosby (actor & Doctor of Education) "I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol? And where is the father?". I'd add, where you marching to encourage fathers to stay with their children or were you taking advantage of the single women in your community? Were you marching to support teachers or did you blame the teacher for his bad grades and missing homework, and why weren't marching to keep your children home at night and in bed at 9:00 pm instead of allowing them to roam the streets? Stop wasting times blaming others when your home is in chaos and missing its father.

I applaud your victory and spirit! Please pass it on.

A_LADY_to_KNOW & MSTYN....Stop it!

IT's obvious that the moment someone calls it like it is, they're either a racist or "Uncle Tom" and it is clear that objectivity rubs you two the wrong way. Mr. Dennis was unjustified in his actions as was the "pizza Bandit" in VA Bch. In both cases the police involved shot armed men during stressful situations, how would you do better under those conditions. Even though those that knew them are in pain and morning, we, as a people, can no longer champion men like these.

The NAACP has done nothing to improve the lives of law abiding black children in poor neighborhoods and poor performing schools. So as an organization, they have no more credibility than those Panthers walking and chantting for the imfamous. These fellows are enimies to hard working and troubled black citizen and they need help from the NAACP and are not getting it. The last time I heard ffrom the NAACP was when they were defending the legal rights of that deathrow imate who killed an American airman who serves this country and by extention, black people.

So ladies, please.

I am so sick to death of hearing the whole race issue. It will be difficult to fix. There are too many blacks who feel that they have a right to have a chip on their shoulder because their people were enslaved. Too many people who feel that black on white racism doesn't exist and the only racism exists is white vs. black. I'm tired of being treated like a second class citizen by many of the blacks that live in this area because I'm white!!! It happens EVERYWHERE in NORFOLK? I don't care what color your skin is, if you feel the need to snub me because of my skin color, you are a racist. I don't care how you slice it. BET, NAACP, Black Panthers, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton all need to just disappear. These things only serve to deepen the divide. There is no need for an all black only t.v. channel, why? What makes them so special that they need their own channel. If there were white only channels, they'd have our heads on a platter. Get rid of the divide, treat your fellow man with respect and own up to your actions. It's that simple.

Very well said Mstynitty. Hats off to you for not allowing a system which does tie people and make them dependant in exchange for votes didn't grab hold of you, and I'm sure the since of pride you have in what you have accomplished is an everyday award for you. You know there are some great people, the majority are, here in America. Not Black Americans, White Americans, or German Americans, etc, etc, but Americans period. Would be so nice to do away with politicians that give only to get votes to people who are capable of work, that groups such as the Klu Klux Klan and it's counter part groups such as the Black Panthers even exist. This is where so much hate originates, and not just from these groups but "leaders" ( and I use the term loosely) who only show in the time of race tension. Do they want it to end, no. What would they do? Who would they be without it? Think the average person with half a brain get's tired of these types of things and only want the truth to come out as to which of these Americans regardless of color acted in an unacceptable way.

The word "they" may not connote hatred at all, or racism for that matter. Take for instance the word marcher. These are the synonyms for march.. just add "er" to any of these words Synonyms: advance, boot, boot it, debouch, drill, file, forge ahead, go on, hoof it*, journey, mount, move, move out, pace, parade, patrol, pound, proceed, progress, promenade, range, space, stalk, step, step out, stomp, stride, strut, stump it, traipse, tramp, tread . The story was about marchers, none of these words are suitable to use, so "they" would be acceptable, if you were trying to convey the word marchers, twice in the same paragraph, without using the word twice. Furthermore, "we" would not apply unless one was a marcher their self. lol

I wasn't there when the young man was shot. I have seen people in neighborhoods lie about the police, and I have seen police lie about what really happened. Either way a soul was lost, and if you direspect he who was made in God's image and likeness then you disrepsect God. Does this excuse bad behavior? No! I just wish you would say the truth; you hate and are filled with it. You sure didn't take the time to point out any positive examples of blacks in the Tidewater community (community= a common human unity). This whiteboy could show you amazing things about people working together to improve this community, if your hate will alllow you to see. Tell the truth, your not mad about blacks on welfare, your'e just mad you don't get a check (comdey Mr. and Mrs. serious, just ending with humor).

Why is it that the whites who cry the loudest against blacks offer no solutions or help themselves? If your so aware of the problem then bring on the solution and get involved. Of course whites in our country's history did terrible things, and of course blacks can't afford to live not taking personal responsibility and moving on. If, however, you raise an American flag and support only your race then you don't deserve to live here. America was founded by many people, regardless of how they got here. Anyone can point out the problem, even the most wretched. It takes people of character to move into solution.

Sweetie, please stand corrected. I have no situation. I have worked & still do for everything I have. I owe everything I have with money that i earn by working 40+ hours a week. When I had my daughter as a teen, I decided then , I wouldnt be a statistic, least of all, would I put myself in a position to be labeled or looked down on, & these values I put in my daughter everyday when she sees mommy get up & go to work. I never have nor will I expect a handout, but tat is not to say that people dont need a helping hand in life. They do. It's just that the govenment has allowed people of all races to abuse the system, so I say dont make the people suffer by snatching the rug from under them, put into affect some kind of guideline where these people have no choice but to become self sufficient. If the government had never enabled some of these people to fall back & settle, then we wouldnt be debating this issue now. but as for me, I have no situation Baby. I have earned every dime Since the age of 16. Signed A STRONG BLACK MOTHER

Any time there is a story in the Pilot that deals with race,there is a huge number of comments posted. People ae very opinionated,whether it's the Blacks thinking that they are still opressed or the Whites fed up with the racism double standard, its clear that the overall issue of "race" is alive and well and not going away anytime soon. Especially with this seven black cities club perpetuating the matter.

Anyone out there tempted to amuse themselves by lending an ear to Mr. Johnc10593 UNDERSTAND that James will have his day in court. UNDERSTAND that the witnesses will have a chance to speak up and the truth is in the evidence. The crime scene does not match up with the police reports given by those two officers, therefore those two will no longer be able to hide behind their badges.
Many times in the past and in the present it has been proven that “THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT” and try as they might no man can stop the truth from shining though. Those two officers will be held accountable!
This fight is NOT about RACE it is about being responsible for your personal actions. PLEASE STOP ARGUING AND GIVING UP YOUR RACE OPINIONS. I praise and applaud all good work however if when an issue of injustice arises we must all raise an eyebrow in search of the truth!

Have you considered helping yourself to overcome your situation rather than relying on others and the government to do it for you? Pull yourself up, and take a neighbor with you on the way up, so you can do your best at making the best life you can for yourself and your family. Your neighbor would also appreciate the company on the trip to success. I wish you both well!

Its alright for black people to be racist but not white. You can have an all black beauty pageant or all black tv station, and an all black hate white party known as the black panthers. Now if someone white comes out with an opinion that is generally a stereo type of anyone he is cancer and must be dealt with. Im tired of the double standard in this country. Here we are another case of someone getting killed and becoming the greatest thing since sliced bread. Its funny how white or black criminals or idiots become the best person in the world when they are killed by someone else. Their parents get on tv and tell the world how great their son or daughter was and they have a rap sheet as tall as me. Come on get a grip your son or daughter was a dirt bag and pulled a dumb move. If you point a gun in my direction I WILL SHOOT YOU. I do not care what your intent is you are getting shot. Yes I am white and its not just black people. Example you ask? John Lennon yes the greatest musician ever. Yeah right this guy was a drug addict dirt bag and he gets killed and becomes the greatest thing ever known to man. Lets call it what it is bad people making bad decisions. But im probably wrong thi

I'd like to know a couple of things and if anyone here can answer fine, if not I plan to contact our local Senators, Congressmen, Mayors, and other city officials (with the exception of Mr. Riddick, we all know he's a racist) and would encourage everyone else to also, black, white, yellow, or green and ask.

1.) Why does the NAACP promote racist?

2.) Why do the Black panthers even exist and promote racist?

Do these two organizations enjoy stirring the pot and seeing how much divide they can cause between blacks and whites? I am a white man who has lived here all of my life, I work hard, play hard, pay my taxes, and try to obey the law. I have many black friends but I DO NOT tolerate ignorance very well from anyone doesn't matter what color their skin.

Honestly folks, whether your black, white, or green; have you heard the head of the local Black Panthers speak? This is a non-issue. Everything to him and his group is racism. They don't care about police oversight, they care about exposure. It's a joke.

Both are hate filled racist organizations that have no place in civil society. I as a white person find no meaningful purpose for the Klan and I dare say that a huge majority of whites feel the same. That being said, I think the huge majority of blacks feel the same way about the Panthers. Both groups are nothing but a bunch of immature idiots that will never learn that most of us are too busy trying to make a living and raise a good family by being good examples, to spend our time on foolish hate filled organizations such as them. If the investigation reveals that the young man did indeed point a gun at the officers, then they made the right move.

You haven't been to "the hood" lately, have you?? getting out of the "ghetto mind state" is a lot easier said then done, buddy...also, not everyone in "the hood" is a parasite sucking the economy dry courtesy of welfare....sometimes people have to deal with problems that are out of their reach.....my mother is in low income housing due to 2 failed spine surgeries, in Hampton Roads' finest hospitals, that left her partially paralyzed....she was forced to retire and can barely walk to this day....she had to sell the $225,000 house in VA Beach and begin renting in a lower income area....thanks to her 20+ decorated years in the Chesapeake School System, (nominated for Teacher of the Year numerous times), she's barely able to survive off her meager retirement check that is around $1300 a month, without insurance i might add...my point is this, if it wasn't for her service to the City of Chesapeake, its possible that she could've been working somewhere else and forced to resign without benefits, thus forcing her to be on some type of welfare/gov't assistance (happens more often than you think, and not just to black people).....don't generalize people who are receiving aid from the gov't

We are not "whining" Oh no sir... not by a long shot.

We are merely “Fiddling while Rome BURNS!” Rome in this case is the Norfolk Police Department. You see your quick comparison of our James Dennis to that young man who robbed a pizza place is a profoundly inept remark stated only to cast a shadow upon the truth.

Mr. Johnc10593 there is no need to assign a “SPECIAL GRAND JURY” to the pizza place robbery because a crime really did occur, and it took no time to figure that out. HOWEVER my friend was killed in October and the truth is still being hidden. That is why we are inflected with this unwavering need to fight for the truth.

You don’t understand because you didn’t have the opportunity to watch this “kid” as you stated grow into the man to be killed on MY block. Let me describe James to you. He was a homeowner, who worked for Haynes furniture store, he was enrolled and attending TCC as a business major, he had one steady girlfriend and no children.

So to anyone out there tempted to amuse themselves by lending an ear to Mr. Johnc10593 UNDERSTAND that James will have his day in court. UNDERSTAND that the witnesses will have a chance to spea

This "protest" was organized by a group whose web presence states they monitor "ANY THREAT TO THE 30+ MILLION AFRICANS IN AMERIKKKA. WE CONTINUOUSLY NOTIFY OUR MEMBERS AND UPDATE OUR SPACE WITH ALL THE LATEST REPORTS, STUDIES, VIDEOS, MUSIC AND BOOKS OBTAINED ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, ZIONIST INDUSTRIES, SECRET SOCIETIES AND WHITE SUPREMACY GROUPS IN THE UNITED SNAKES OF AMERIKKKA".

Note the spelling of America to include a reference to the klan, the reference to governmental figures in the U.S. as snakes and white supremists, and the moronic idea of the secret Jewish conspiracy?

Any self respecting resident of Norfolk, no matter their race, should tell these racist, anti-semetic, hate-mongers that their bigotry has no place in our city.

Shame on the Virginia Pilot for giving an illusion of legitimacy to a hate group! This wasn't a rally, it was a hate group recruiting session. You should show the same amount of contempt you gave the neo-nazi's when they marched in Yorktown last year.

In case you're interested, below is the web link for Officer Stanley Reeves' Police Memorial:

http://www.odmp.org/officer/17939-police-officer-stanley-cornell-reaves

I wish i could say that there werent as many black racist as there are white racist in the city, but unfortunately, i can't. It's probably more racists of color than whites right about now. So that brings us here, right now, today. What do we do?; because it's only getting worse & our children are growing up, they have to live in this mess that we are leaving behind. As far as the freeloaders, those of any race, yes, it makes me upset,because i have to do this alone & I am no different then anyone else, but snatching people out of their homes is not the answer, because then you have unleashed those with no skills, no education, low self esteem into a community that is already ridden with crime, thus increasing the possibilty of more crime. The city let families move into these low income housing without any timelines. So now you want to rip them out of their homes, No. Make it mandatory that these mothers work instead of getting a check, instead of foodstamps, make them earn their meals at the foodbank by working. Not only blacks, but all races. Make the parents attend school with these kids.

oh boy here we go Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton ought to be coming into town any day now.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, and again, and again - if your kid is out on the streets at 2 a.m. looking for trouble then they're probably going to find it. Parents need to start being held accountable for their children’s actions. It's the simple lack of parenting and discipline. So when your kid takes a bullet then these parents had better take a look in the mirror and ask themselves did I do all that I could to teach them right from wrong ? I'm thinking probably not if they're roaming the streets in the middle of the night.

I don't understand why Pilot Online allows posts to remain that are clearly from racist individuals, like Steven, and do nothing but incite anger and a never-ending racial debate, but when someone attempts to dispel the myths and stereotypes that these people choose to perpetuate, and also warn others to avoid such people, his or her comment cannot remain. People walk out of their homes and report what they see as if it were fact. If you see a black man on the news or in the street commiting a murder, then all black men become murderers, and all black parents have failed at raising these potential murderers. I think it's time for people who stereotype against any racial group to understand that there is more that exists in the world than what they encounter daily. No one here probably knows anything about this young man, but you're quick to judge, and then get offended when someone calls you out for judging. But hey, if this newspaper thinks it's fine to allow this type of racial stereotyping when it only fuels rage, what can I do about it.