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September 11, 2008
Veteran Reggae artists take a stand against police brutality
Popular New York media personality, Michelle ‘Micheboo’ Thompson will be hosting a fund raising event at New York’s SOB Night Club and she’ll be supported by veteran artists like: The Meditations, Johnny Osbourne, Michael Palmer and Ed Robinson in a night titled, “Reggae For Justice.”
Taking a stand against police brutality, the concert will be held on Tuesday, September 16 and it is being organized to directly benefit Isus Thompson, the 24 year-old son of Micheboo, who is now suffering at Ward’s Island Psychiatric Center, from major injuries to his head, neck, back and legs following a savage beating at the hands of New York City police officers who hail from the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills, Queens.
Isus was sitting in a playground on Austin Street in Forest Hills on the evening of June 6th, according to Micheboo who said that as he left the park an officer approached him and ordered him not to leave. Isus obeyed and was escorted to a squad car where he was frisked and searched. At that point the officer called for backup, Micheboo explained; and in a panic, Isus ran after insisting he had done nothing wrong.
Isus told his mother that after being cornered - about 10 police officers proceeded to belt out racial slurs while viciously beating him with their fists and nightsticks. After being taken to Elmhurst Hospital he remains there more than three months later in serious physical and psychological condition.
“It’s destroying me to see my son like this,” Micheboo stated, as she explained that his condition wavers; some days he is good and other days he is in a bad way. Mental instability has been one prognosis, as the blows to his head caused some trauma.
Saying that her son Isus was not a troublemaker, Micheboo laments at the savage steps taken by the New York Police in this instance. “Give him a ticket, write him a summons,” she said instead of damaging him physically for being in the park after curfew.
The fundraiser is for assisting in healthcare issues and for the legal battle that lies ahead against the NYPD. Micheboo said all the artists as well as SOB founder, Larry Gold made no hesitation to jump in to give a helping hand.
Dub poet Ras Atiba, singers Kayla Bliss, Charmaine Dacosta of Worl A Girl fame, Empress Trejah, Shango Trex, and Marcia Davis are also donating their services to the benefit event along with NY's famed Ruff Stuff and Cannabis Cup Reggae bands. The event is being sponsored by Keeling Records, WVIP 93.5FM, Uardmanstle Clothing, The Eye Collection Clothing, Riddim Driven/VP Rcords, Katashes, Bary’s Jerk Delight and Ms. Raine Inc.
A Reggae Market Place will also be mounted with merchandise and food provided by Katashes and Barry’s Jerk Delight, for sale. Donations start at $20, with all proceeds going towards Isus.