justice 3 - The Latremie Post

EXCLUSIVE: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Taking ‘Massive Risk’ By Speaking at Sentencing… as Disgraced Sex Beast Faces 20 Years Behind Bars

**Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Risky Move Ahead of Sentencing Could Backfire**

*Published Oct. 2, 2025, 6:57 p.m. ET*

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ decision to address the court just before his sentencing on Friday, October 3, could be a risky gamble, RadarOnline.com can exclusively report. The music mogul is facing the possibility of up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on two felony counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

While Combs passed on the chance to testify during his trial, his lawyers have revealed that he will finally speak at sentencing to plead for leniency. However, legal experts warn that this move might do more harm than good.

### Legal Experts Weigh In

Attorney Tony Buzbee, who previously established a hotline for alleged victims of Combs and received thousands of calls and accusations, told Radar, “What can he say? The conduct we saw at the trial, and the conduct alleged in the civil cases, is reprehensible.”

Buzbee believes the producer is merely “grasping at straws” with this last-minute decision. “I’ve always believed when you are digging yourself a hole, stop digging,” he added.

### The Risk Is Real

Government prosecutors are pushing for a prison sentence of at least 11 years. In contrast, Combs’ defense team is aiming for no more than 14 months, which would mean time served and effectively immediate release.

Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the case, holds the final decision. Brian C. Stewart, a trial attorney at Parker & McConkie, told Radar that the actual sentence will likely fall somewhere in between.

“Fourteen months is probably wishful thinking, and eleven years may be too heavy-handed,” Stewart said. “I would expect it to be somewhere in the middle, around four to six years.”

Stewart also noted the importance of Combs’ statement at sentencing: “This is his one opportunity to influence the judge’s decision, and he should take it with a short, sincere, and remorseful statement. If he stands up and owns it, that can shave years off; if he makes excuses, it could add them.”

### Combs’ Final Attempts at Leniency

Recently, Combs has been urging family and friends to write letters to Judge Subramanian, seeking leniency on his behalf. However, Stewart doubts such letters will have much impact.

“Good behavior and supportive letters can’t hurt, but they seem unlikely to carry much weight with the judge under these circumstances,” he said.

In a last note to the court on Thursday, Combs’ lawyers tried to humanize their client:

> “Like all human beings, Mr. Combs is flawed. But he is the first to admit he has made many serious mistakes, and he has been working very hard to better himself and make the most of his time behind bars.
> We respectfully submit that he deserves a chance to continue his rehabilitation outside the walls of a prison, and ask the Court to be merciful and afford him that opportunity.”

### Charm Offensive in Court

Combs is reportedly confident that he can sway the judge with his personal charm. A source told Hollywood Insider Rob Shuter, who reports on Substack, “He thinks his words can change everything. It’s arrogant, but it’s worked for him before.”

Shuter revealed that Combs’ legal team has requested permission for him to wear street clothes instead of the standard prison jumpsuit during the hearing, aiming to appear more humane and humbled.

Combs has also promised to be “dignified and respectful” in court as he tries to leverage his charisma to buy his freedom.

“He’s empowered,” another insider told Shuter. “He thinks if anyone can flip a judge at the last minute, it’s him.”

—

As Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs prepares to face sentencing, all eyes are on whether his courtroom speech will tip the scales toward leniency or further incarceration. The outcome remains uncertain, but the risks of his decision to speak are clear.
https://radaronline.com/p/sean-diddy-combs-sentencing-speech-judge-big-risk-addressing-court/

EXCLUSIVE: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Taking ‘Massive Risk’ By Speaking at Sentencing… as Disgraced Sex Beast Faces 20 Years Behind Bars

**Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Risky Move Ahead of Sentencing Could Backfire, Experts Say**

*Published Oct. 2, 2025, 6:57 p.m. ET*

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ decision to address the court just before his sentencing on Friday, October 3, could be a risky gamble, RadarOnline.com can exclusively report. The disgraced music mogul faces up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on two felony counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

During his trial, Combs chose not to take the stand or testify on his own behalf. However, as he prepares to beg for leniency, his legal team confirms he will finally speak in court. But according to attorney Tony Buzbee, this could be a mistake.

**Legal Experts Caution Against Speaking**

Buzbee, who has been heavily involved in the case and even set up a hotline for alleged victims to come forward, tells Radar, “What can he say? The conduct we saw at the trial, and the conduct alleged in the civil cases, is reprehensible.” He added that Combs now appears to be “grasping at straws.”

“I’ve always believed when you are digging yourself a hole, stop digging,” Buzbee noted, underscoring the risk involved.

**Sentencing Discrepancies Highlight Situation**

Government prosecutors are pushing for a prison sentence of at least 11 years, while Combs’ defense team is lobbying for no more than 14 months — essentially time served. Judge Arun Subramanian, who presides over the case, holds the final decision.

Brian C. Stewart, a trial attorney at Parker & McConkie, shared with Radar that he expects the sentence will likely fall somewhere in the middle.

“Fourteen months is probably wishful thinking, and eleven years may be too heavy-handed. I would expect it to be somewhere around four to six years,” Stewart said.

He also warned that Combs’ choice to speak in court is a double-edged sword.

“This is his one opportunity to influence the judge’s decision, and he should take it with a short, sincere, and remorseful statement. If he stands up and owns it, that can shave years off; if he makes excuses, it could add them,” Stewart explained.

**Combs Seeks Support from Loved Ones**

Recently, Combs has been urging family and friends to write letters to Judge Subramanian asking for leniency. However, Stewart doubts these letters will significantly influence the judge’s decision.

“Good behavior and supportive letters can’t hurt, but they seem unlikely to carry much weight with the judge under these circumstances,” he added.

In a final statement to the judge on Thursday, Combs’ attorneys aimed to humanize their client:

“Like all human beings, Mr. Combs is flawed. But he is the first to admit he has made many serious mistakes, and he has been working very hard to better himself and make the most of his time behind bars.

We respectfully submit that he deserves a chance to continue his rehabilitation outside the walls of a prison, and ask the Court to be merciful and afford him that opportunity.”

**Charm Offensive Planned for Court Appearance**

Combs is reportedly confident that his charm can sway the judge. A source told Hollywood Insider Rob Shuter, who reports on Substack, “He thinks his words can change everything. It’s arrogant, but it’s worked for him before.”

Furthermore, Combs’ lawyers have requested that he be allowed to wear “street clothes” instead of the standard prison jumpsuit during the hearing — an attempt to appear more humane and humbled.

Combs has also promised to be “dignified and respectful” in court as he tries to buy his freedom with charm.

“He’s empowered,” another insider told Shuter. “He thinks if anyone can flip a judge at the last minute, it’s him.”

—

*Stay tuned for updates as the sentencing unfolds.*
https://radaronline.com/p/sean-diddy-combs-sentencing-speech-judge-big-risk-addressing-court/

Georgia’s highest court sides with slave descendants fighting to protect threatened island community

FILE — Cornelia Bailey sits on the front porch of the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society in the Hog Hammock community of Sapelo Island, Ga., on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

FILE — The new Nathan Deal Judicial Center was dedicated to the former governor that bears its name on February 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

FILE — J.J. Wilson, 9, rides a school bus to catch a ferry to his school on the mainland from his home in the Hog Hammock community of Sapelo Island, Ga., on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

—

**ATLANTA —** Georgia’s highest court on Tuesday sided with Black landowners in a fight over zoning changes that weakened long-standing protections for one of the South’s last Gullah-Geechee communities founded by freed slaves.

The state Supreme Court unanimously reversed a lower court ruling that had stopped a referendum to consider repealing a revised zoning ordinance passed by McIntosh County officials two years ago.

Residents of Sapelo Island opposed the zoning amendments that doubled the size of homes allowed in a tiny enclave called Hog Hammock. Homeowners feared the change would result in one of the nation’s most historically and culturally unique Black communities facing unaffordable tax increases.

Last year, residents and their supporters submitted a petition with more than 2,300 signatures from registered voters seeking a referendum in the coastal county, which lies 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Savannah.

However, McIntosh County commissioners sued to stop the referendum, and a lower court ruled that it would be illegal, halting the vote with less than a week to go before Election Day. Hundreds of people had already cast early ballots in the referendum.

On Tuesday, the high court found that the lower court was wrong to conclude that the zoning ordinance was not subject to referendum procedures provided for in the Georgia Constitution’s Home Rule Provision.

“Nothing in the text of the Zoning Provision in any way restricts a county electorate’s authority to seek repeal of a zoning ordinance,” Supreme Court Justice John Ellington wrote in the opinion.

“We feel vindicated,” said Jazz Watts, a Hog Hammock homeowner who helped organize the referendum effort. “The election should not have been stopped. It was stopping the voice of the people.”

It is not immediately clear when the referendum might be rescheduled. But attorney Dana Braun, who represents the Hog Hammock residents, said the ruling will give county residents “some real say” in whether they support the zoning change.

McIntosh County attorney Ken Jarrard expressed that the county commissioners are “obviously disappointed” by the order but respect the high court’s ruling. Jarrard had asserted during oral arguments at the Supreme Court in April that zoning powers are different from others entrusted to county governments by the state Constitution and, therefore, cannot be challenged by referendum.

Philip Thompson, an attorney representing the Hog Hammock residents, argued that they have a constitutional right to a referendum on the zoning changes so that they can defend a place that’s “a cultural and historical treasure.”

Approximately 30 to 50 Black residents live in Hog Hammock, a community of dirt roads and modest homes founded by their enslaved ancestors who worked the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding. The community is among a dwindling number of small settlements started by emancipated island slaves—known collectively as Gullah, or Geechee, in Georgia—scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida.

Scholars say the island’s separation from the mainland allowed the communities to retain much of their African heritage, from their unique dialect to skills and crafts such as cast-net fishing and weaving baskets.

In 1996, Hog Hammock earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of treasured U.S. historic sites.

Residents depend on the local government in McIntosh County, where 65% of the 11,100 residents are white, to maintain protections that preserve the community.

The state Supreme Court was not weighing whether Hog Hammock deserves special protections. Instead, the justices considered technical questions about whether local zoning laws can be challenged by referendum and whether McIntosh County commissioners had a right to sue to stop the vote last October.

—

*Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW!*

—

**Comment Guidelines**

– Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
– Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
– Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
– Be Nice. No racism, sexism, or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
– Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
– Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/across_america/georgias-highest-court-sides-with-slave-descendants-fighting-to-protect-threatened-island-community/article_89423039-aec7-49c1-b0f1-8a21812a7292.html

‘Dirty Mentality’: Mumbai Sessions Court Sentences 40-Year-Old Man To Life Imprisonment For Brutal Murder Of Wife After Jail Release

**Mumbai Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Wife’s Murder**

A sessions court in Mumbai has sentenced a 40-year-old man, Nasim Ansari, to life imprisonment for killing his wife in February 2020, just a day after his release from prison in a theft case.

**Quarrel Turns Fatal**

According to the prosecution, the incident took place on February 27, 2020, at their hut in Nagpada. Nasim Ansari attacked his wife, Yasminbano, following a quarrel. He accused her of not visiting him during his imprisonment and harbored suspicions about her fidelity.

**Neighbour Witnessed the Murder**

Earlier in the day, neighbours had intervened to stop Ansari from assaulting his wife. However, he returned at night and brutally smashed her head with a heavy stone. A neighbour witnessed the attack and promptly reported it to the police, which led to Ansari’s arrest.

**Prosecution Evidence Stood Strong**

Prosecutor Ramesh Siroya examined 11 witnesses during the trial, including the neighbour who witnessed the assault. The court found the witnesses’ testimonies to be ‘natural,’ with no apparent motive for false deposition, thereby giving their accounts high evidentiary value.

**Court’s Observations**

While awarding life imprisonment, the court condemned the underlying mindset behind the crime. It stated:

*“The incident is an example of dirty mentality and male dominance. Women are still treated like a commodity and not a human being. The accused killed his wife only because of an unfounded suspicion on her fidelity. No doubt, he deserves a deterrent sentence.”*

—

*For details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/).*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/dirty-mentality-mumbai-sessions-court-sentences-40-year-old-man-to-life-imprisonment-for-brutal-murder-of-wife-after-jail-release

Defamation case: Bathinda court directs Kangana to appear in October

The court has ordered Kangana Ranaut to appear physically on October 27. The summons will be served through the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

### Background of the Case

The case dates back to January 2021, when Ranaut allegedly defamed an elderly woman farmer on social media during the farmers’ agitation.

### Allegations and Complainant

The defamation complaint was filed by Mahinder Kaur, a 73-year-old resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda. She alleged that Ranaut had defamed her in a social media post by mistakenly identifying her as Shaheen Bagh protester Bilkis Bano.

Ranaut’s tweet read, “She is the same daadi who featured in Time magazine for being the most powerful Indian. And she is available in 100.”

Feeling harmed by these remarks, Kaur filed the case on January 4, 2021, claiming damage to her reputation.

### Legal Proceedings

In February 2022, the Bathinda court issued summons to Ranaut. Following this, Ranaut approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking relief; however, her petition was dismissed.

She then moved the Supreme Court, which also refused to intervene and upheld the lower court’s order.

Ranaut maintained that she had only reposted a lawyer’s social media post without making any independent remarks. Despite this, the Bathinda court found sufficient grounds to continue the proceedings and rejected her plea for a virtual appearance.

### Supreme Court’s Comments

Earlier this month, Supreme Court Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta commented on the case during proceedings. The bench observed,

*”It was not a simple retweet. You have added spice. What this means is a subject matter of trial. Don’t ask us to comment on what is written in the tweet. It may prejudice your trial.”*

The judges noted that the Member of Parliament from Mandi had not merely shared the tweet but had added her own comment, which is central to the trial.

—

The upcoming court date will be critical in determining the next steps in this ongoing defamation case involving Kangana Ranaut.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bathinda-court-summons-kangana-in-october-in-defamation-case/story

Omaha police ticket boxing champ Crawford for reckless driving, order him out of vehicle at gunpoint

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police ordered champion boxer Terence Bud Crawford out of his vehicle at gunpoint during a traffic stop for reckless driving early Sunday, just hours after his hometown held a parade celebrating his victory over Canelo Alvarez two weeks ago.

A video circulating on social media showed part of the traffic stop, prompting Police Chief Todd Schmaderer to order an internal affairs investigation—a move supported by Mayor John Ewing.

According to a news release, officers working in the downtown area observed a vehicle driving recklessly shortly before 1:30 a.m. While speaking with the driver, an officer noticed a gun on the driver’s side floorboard. All four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

The driver was later identified as Crawford upon verification of his driver’s license. Crawford was ticketed for reckless driving. One passenger, a member of Crawford’s security team, was also found to be carrying a legal firearm. Police confirmed all occupants of the vehicle are legally permitted to carry firearms.

A police supervisor and lieutenant responded to the scene at Crawford’s request. Crawford’s spokeswoman said Sunday night that he had no comment.

Mayor Ewing posted on Facebook that he spoke to Crawford after learning of the traffic stop.

“I acknowledge the seriousness of what occurred and how trust between law enforcement and our community is important and shows the need to be continuously vigilant about building relationships,” Ewing said. “Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has pledged an internal investigation, which I support and want to be full and thorough. We will gather all the facts and be transparent with the public about our findings.”

Crawford became the unified super middleweight champion with his unanimous decision victory over Alvarez in Las Vegas. He is the first male boxer to capture three unified division titles and currently holds a record of 42-0 with 31 knockouts.

The city held a parade through downtown in Crawford’s honor during the day, and a party celebrating his 38th birthday was held at a live music venue near where the traffic stop occurred.

“Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion,” Ewing said. “Omaha needs to remember this important day as a good one while we seek answers to how it ended. Meanwhile, we must ensure that every resident, no matter who they are, feels safe and respected in Omaha.”

___

AP Boxing
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/2025/09/28/omaha-police-ticket-boxing-champ-crawford-for-reckless-driving-order-him-out-of-vehicle-at-gunpoint

Crime that unsettles

Netflix has released the second chapter of its *Monsters* anthology, *The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*, a dramatization that revisits a case that has remained part of American popular culture for more than three decades. The series focuses on the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their two sons, Lyle and Erik, and the subsequent trials that became a national spectacle.

The production raises uncomfortable questions about privilege, secrecy, and abuse, concentrating not only on the violence itself but also on the social environment that shaped the brothers. Across nine episodes, the story unfolds in a strictly chronological order. It uses alternating perspectives, shifting between the courtroom, the family home, and the media frenzy that surrounded the brothers. This approach keeps the narrative tense while reflecting the fragmented way the public encountered the case during the early 1990s.

By doing so, viewers are constantly reminded that the truth is both layered and contested, heightening the unease that defines the series from start to finish.

At the center of the production are the performances of Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez and Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez. Chavez captures the intensity and defiance of the elder brother, while Koch conveys the fragility and self-doubt of the younger sibling. Together, they create a portrait of two young men deeply tied to one another yet burdened with conflicting emotions about their parents and themselves. The bond between the brothers—carrying both tenderness and despair—feels authentic, making the story resonate on a deeply human level.

What sets this production apart from other true crime dramatizations is its refusal to offer clear answers. The series does not suggest whether the brothers should be viewed as cold-blooded killers or victims of long-term abuse. Instead, it presents evidence, perspectives, and memories, leaving viewers to wrestle with the contradictions. This openness invites a more thoughtful engagement, acknowledging the complexity of the case rather than simplifying it.

Javier Bardem delivers a commanding performance as Jose Menendez, portraying him as a man driven by ambition and a desire for control. His presence dominates the household scenes, embodying both the promise of success and the fear it instilled in his children. Chloe Sevigny plays Kitty Menendez with a mix of vulnerability and volatility, suggesting a woman caught between dependence and resentment.

Their portrayals ensure that the parents are seen not merely as victims but as flawed individuals with their own contradictions. This nuance prevents the narrative from descending into moral simplicity.

The dialogue throughout the series is precise and effective. Courtroom exchanges are brisk yet intense, while domestic scenes often rely on silences and hesitations that carry as much weight as spoken words. This balance allows viewers to experience both the noise of public spectacle and the quiet pain of private life, building tension through subtlety rather than melodrama. The resulting atmosphere is deeply unsettling and compelling.

One of the show’s most challenging aspects is its depiction of abuse. The series neither sensationalizes nor obscures it. By presenting detailed accounts, the show forces viewers to confront the disturbing claims that shaped the brothers’ defense. Whether or not these accounts are accurate matters less than the impact they have on the viewer. The series effectively conveys how trauma can remain hidden in families that outwardly appear secure and successful. This thematic choice makes the series difficult to watch but also contributes to its lasting impression.

The supporting cast enriches the production further. Ari Graynor as defense attorney Leslie Abramson demonstrates both empathy and strategic determination, while Nathan Lane as journalist Dominick Dunne highlights the media’s role in shaping public perception of the case. Their performances add important dimensions, reminding viewers that the Menendez story was never just about the family but became part of a larger conversation about wealth, justice, and the spectacle of televised trials.

As a viewing experience, *The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* is demanding. It is not casual entertainment—it requires attention, patience, and a willingness to endure disturbing material. However, it rewards that effort with a portrayal that is both emotionally powerful and intellectually engaging.

Combining strong performances with thoughtful storytelling, the series unsettles rather than comforts and questions rather than simplifies. It succeeds precisely because it avoids sensational shortcuts, presenting a disturbing family tragedy with honesty and care. The show creates a complex picture rather than a caricature.

For viewers prepared to sit with discomfort, *The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* offers an absorbing portrayal of one of the most notorious cases in American criminal history and serves as a reminder that beneath the public spectacle often lies private pain.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346827-crime-that-unsettles-in-1989-two-brothers

FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, sources say

WASHINGTON — The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington following the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, three people familiar with the matter said Friday.

The bureau had reassigned the agents last spring but has since terminated their employment, according to the sources who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press due to the sensitive nature of personnel matters. While the exact number of employees fired remains unclear, two sources estimated it to be roughly 20.

The photographs in question showed a group of FBI agents taking a knee in apparent solidarity during one of the demonstrations sparked by Floyd’s May 2020 killing. The death led to a national reckoning over policing and racial injustice, igniting widespread anger after millions of people viewed the arrest on video.

An FBI spokesman declined to comment on the firings Friday.

These terminations come amid a broader personnel purge at the bureau as Director Kash Patel seeks to reshape the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency. Last month, five agents and top-level executives were summarily fired in a wave of ousters that current and former officials say has contributed to declining morale within the bureau.

Among those dismissed was Steve Jensen, who helped oversee investigations into the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Another, Brian Driscoll, served as acting FBI director during the early days of the Trump administration and resisted demands from the Justice Department to provide the names of agents involved in the January 6 investigations.

Chris Meyer, also fired, was the subject of incorrect social media rumors alleging his involvement in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Walter Giardina, another ousted agent, participated in high-profile probes including the investigation into Trump adviser Peter Navarro.

A lawsuit filed by Jensen, Driscoll, and another fired FBI supervisor, Spencer Evans, alleged that Patel acknowledged the likely illegality of firing agents based on the cases they worked but felt powerless to intervene because the White House and Justice Department were determined to remove all agents who investigated Trump.

At a congressional hearing last week, Patel denied receiving orders from the White House regarding personnel decisions and stated that anyone who has been fired simply failed to meet the FBI’s standards.
https://abc7.com/post/fbi-fires-agents-photographed-kneeling-during-2020-racial-justice-protest-following-death-george-floyd-sources-say/17889760/

‘Healing and justice’: Stevenson brothers talk hidden hurts, hostilities in today’s political climate

Two brothers, psychologist and educator Howard Stevenson and civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, held a compelling conversation on race and justice on Thursday at the Fitler Club in Center City.

The discussion, titled “Healing & Justice: A Journey Through Story, Conflict, & Collective Care,” centered around the power of storytelling to address hidden hurts and hostilities in order to unite communities in America’s current political climate. The event was moderated by Robin Smith, a psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, and SiriusXM host.

Howard Stevenson, currently the Constance E. Clayton Professor of Urban Education and director of the Resilience Empowerment Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the urgency of the moment. “People in this country are stunned and paralyzed about what to do with all their hate that’s coming at them,” he told The Tribune. “We’ve been working for quite a long time at Lion’s Story trying to help people get out of that paralysis.”

Howard added, “When you want to do something, you have a purpose, but you can’t find the courage. We think about healing as a way to get you unstuck. We’re a place where they can start to use their voice and instead of just watching, the hate just wins.”

The event was a part of a fundraiser for Lion’s Story, the nonprofit co-founded by the Stevenson brothers to help individuals and organizations manage identity-based stress and conflict.

Robin Smith stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for truth-telling, especially for Black communities. “The reason I say that so much of truth-telling is being stripped from our communities, and it is being stripped from our country,” she said.

Lisa Nelson-Haynes, executive director of Lion’s Story who joined the organization last spring, highlighted the significance of community voices in the healing process. “You need to get into communities, and really allow them to tell their own story, and all of that, and that they are experts of their own experience,” she explained. “I don’t need to tell their story. If you don’t have racial literacy, you don’t understand what these microaggressions or biases are and don’t have the language for it.”

Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and Legacy Museum and author of the New York Times best-selling book *Just Mercy*, reminded the audience of the courage Black people showed during Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement. He reflected on the new challenges faced during integration. “That was a whole new thing, and we were going into spaces where we knew people didn’t want us. That was a whole different kind of courage that we need to tap into,” he said.

Moderator Robin Smith shared her hopes for the evening. “What I hope most is an inner discomfort with the status quo, that we are not helpless. And that when we believe that we are helpless, we are speaking that into existence.”

The Fitler Club event space was filled to capacity as attendees engaged in this vital conversation aimed at healing and justice through storytelling, conflict resolution, and collective care.

—

**About Lion’s Story**

Lion’s Story is a nonprofit organization co-founded by Howard and Bryan Stevenson. The group’s mission is to help individuals and organizations address identity-based stress and conflict by fostering racial literacy and empowering communities to share their truths.

—

**Stay Informed**

Stay connected and informed by subscribing to *The Philadelphia Tribune* [here].

—

**Community Guidelines**

– Keep it Clean: Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– Please Turn Off Your Caps Lock.
– Don’t Threaten: Threats of harm toward others will not be tolerated.
– Be Truthful: Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
– Be Nice: No racism, sexism, or any degrading -isms.
– Be Proactive: Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to flag abusive posts.
– Share with Us: We welcome eyewitness accounts and stories behind the articles.

—

On Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, *The Philadelphia Tribune* also hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event — a celebration honoring Black Philadelphians making significant impacts across the region.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/healing-and-justice-stevenson-brothers-talk-hidden-hurts-hostilities-in-todays-political-climate/article_6acb7b5e-ff7c-4722-99fd-c5842103c9b0.html

1984 riots case: Sajjan Kumar’s appeal listed for hearing in SC after Diwali

Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, while hearing the matter, asked the counsel for the parties to specify the allegations, testimony of witnesses, and findings by the trial court and the high court in the case. “When the reversal was made, what persuaded the high court to make a reversal,” the bench inquired.

The high court had set aside the trial court’s 2010 verdict, which acquitted Kumar in the case. Senior advocate R S Cheema appeared for the CBI, while senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan represented Kumar in the top court.

Besides Kumar’s appeal, the pleas of co-convicts Balwan Khokhar and Girdhari Lal were also listed for hearing in the apex court.

The case relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment’s Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and the burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. The anti-Sikh riots broke out after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.

Kumar surrendered before a trial court in the capital on December 31, 2018, to serve the sentence following the high court’s December 17, 2018 judgment awarding him life imprisonment for the “remainder of his natural life.” After his conviction, Kumar resigned from the Congress party.

The high court convicted and sentenced Kumar to spend the remainder of his life in jail for the offences of criminal conspiracy and abetment in the commission of crimes including murder, promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, acts prejudicial to the maintenance of communal harmony, and defiling and destruction of a Gurdwara.

It also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to five others, including Khokhar and Lal.

The high court’s verdict noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the national capital during the 1984 riots, describing the event as a “carnage of unbelievable proportions.” The court labeled the riots a “crime against humanity” perpetrated by those who enjoyed “political patronage” and were aided by an “indifferent” law enforcement agency.

*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/1984-anti-sikh-riots-sc-to-hear-sajjan-kumars-plea-against-conviction-post-diwali-break-23595748