BLACK IN AMERICA…JUST ASK CHARLES GATES

On July 16, 2009, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., 58, the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor of Harvard University, was headed from Logan airport to his home at 17 Ware St. in Cambridge after spending a week in China, where he was filming his new PBS documentary entitled “Faces of America." Professor Gates was driven to his home by a driver for a local car company. Professor Gates attempted to enter his front door, but the door was damaged. Professor Gates then entered his rear door with his key, turned off his alarm, and again attempted to open the front door. With the help of his driver they were able to force the front door open, and then the driver carried Professor Gates’ luggage into his home.

After receiving a call about two black males forcing entry into a home, the police arrived. At this point Gates was already inside and later displayed his ID upon request. After accusing the officer of racial profiling he was arrested by the Cambridge police for exhibiting “loud and tumultuous behavior”.

President Barack Obama weighed in on the arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr. “…I think it's fair to say, number one, any of us would be pretty angry; number two, that the Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof that they were in their own home."

It’s amazing to me that in 2009 and even after having a Black President we are still being racially profiled.  The kicker is that this cop, Sgt. James Crowley is refusing to apologize even though all the charges have been dropped against Gates.

I must admit I am glad Gates got arrested…why? This is could be a Seminole moment in the United States.  Just like when the North saw the dogs and water hoses in the South. When the world saw the beat down that Rodney King took.  This too is a wake up call to America.  I know all too well as a lawyer and Black man that we as a people are charged with false claims every single day.  Thousands of young African men get arrested all over this country and plead guilty for charges they didn’t commit. 

It is big money in locking up Americans, especially Blacks in this country. 2 million Americans are locked up in this country.   1 million yes, I said 1 million…half are Black.  Professor Gates, although highly educated has been treated just like the rest of Blacks in this country.  Black in America to me simply means it’s just a matter of time before you will be arrested or profiled too. Just think, if this can happen to a Harvard professor what about you and me?

Warren Ballentine Esq

Warren Ballentine is a lawyer and a nationally syndicated radio host. Ballentine is a regular on Sunday nights on CNN and has appeared on The O’Reilly Factor, Black Enterprise Television and more. The Warren Ballentine Show can be heard weekdays from 10AM-1PM. (check local market listings) or visit www.truthfighters.tv.