'Twas Trending

It seems as though today, it matters if you're black or white. Many are mourning the slain lives of the fallen in the USA. We have highlights of that and more in this week's 'Twas Trending.

 

#BlackLivesMatter

 

The United States of America was on the watch list last week, not for its pending presidential election, but for the bloodshed from its fallen African Americans, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, due to the violent actions of white police officers. The events took place one day apart, and graphic video footage showed the alleged injustice displayed on the part of the officers. Outrage and sadness followed from members of the public, who were blown away by the recordings, and expressed hopes that the officers would be punished. Now, more than ever, #BlackLivesMatter. #RIPAltonSterling #RIPPhilandoCastile

 

Sniper in Texas

 

Dallas was in for a rude awakening last Thursday when a peaceful protest in the city went awry. A sniper, later identified as Micah Xavier Johnson, opened fire on police officers, killing five and injuring seven others - two civilians were also wounded. Johnson, an African American, told police that he was upset about black lives matter, and wanted kill white people, especially white officers. He later met his fate with death when the police used an explosive delivered by a robot to kill the assassin. Could this be the beginning of World War III? Our prayers go out to those affected by this traumatic experience.

 

Meet the Wilsons

 

Singing sensation Ciara was an absolute vision as she 'one-two stepped' all the way up the aisle and said 'I Do' to the love of her life, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson last week. The two, who made headlines for openly taking a vow of celibacy until marriage, shared a blissful photo of the after effects of their wedding on their social media pages. Many reshared the photo, basking in their happily ever after. Congrats, Wilsons!

 

Wendy Williams flip-flop

 

Sometimes honesty is not the best policy, especially when race has become a touchy topic. Last week, television talkshow host Wendy Williams learned this the hard way and came under fire for what she said about actor and activist Jesse Williams' acceptance speech at the recently held BET Awards. Many were angry at her remarks, with some even referring to her as a 'house slave' who crossed over and betrayed the field slave, Jesse, and black people overall. Well, you know what they say: if you have nothing good to say, then it's best you don't say anything at all.

 

Petty petition

 

While Jesse Williams' words have continued to ring true, Erin Smith has decided to fight a losing battle, drafting a petition to get Williams booted off Grey's Anatomy for his "racial slurs" on television. So far, she has received a little over half of the required signatures, but Grey's Anatomy creator, head writer, executive producer, and shot caller, Shonda Rhimes, is not the least bit perturbed by this, tweeting, "Boo don't need a petition. #shondalandrules" Enough said.

 

Alpha girl out of intensive care

 

The Alpha student who was shot after being in a taxi in downtown Kingston of an unfortunate run-in with the local police, sparking much debate, was released from intensive care last week. Let's pray she makes a speedy recovery.