poetry – Jogo Corpo Fechado

A message from The Proffessor… On THANKSGIVING

Followup Report: The Gingles Triple Homicide and the Shadow of Law Enforcement Failure

This report serves as a continued investigation into the harrowing events surrounding Nathan Gingles, who currently faces charges for the premeditated and brutal murders of three innocent victims: his estranged wife, his father-in-law, and an unrelated neighbor. The depth of this unimaginable tragedy is further compounded by the chilling fact that Gingles’ four-year-old daughter was not merely a survivor, but a direct, vulnerable witness to the entire gruesome and protracted sequence of events. The psychological trauma inflicted upon this child is an atrocity parallel to the physical crimes committed.

The Critical Shift: Focus on the Institutional Response

The focus of this continued investigation has shifted significantly from the perpetrator’s actions to the deeply troubling response—or profound lack thereof—from local law enforcement. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) was compelled to launch an internal affairs inquiry aimed at meticulously determining the whereabouts, communications, and decisive actions (or inactions) of its deputies while the triple homicide was actively in progress.

The core question central to this comprehensive inquiry is one of institutional competence and accountability: How could such a sustained, multiple-victim massacre occur over an extended period of time without an immediate, coordinated, and effective intervention from the BSO, the agency sworn to protect the community? Witnesses report a time lag that allowed the violence to escalate from a domestic disturbance into a fatal, three-part execution.-

—-The Internal Investigation’s Unfolding Conclusions

The findings of the Sheriff’s internal investigation into the deputies’ conduct and the unacceptable delay in response are now systematically coming to light. For those within the community and those familiar with the department’s checkered history of crisis management, the anticipated conclusion is not only expected to be deeply disappointing but perhaps tragically unsurprising.

Sources close to the inquiry suggest the results will offer a bleak portrait of systemic failures within the BSO. These failures appear to have included:

Communication Breakdown: Initial 911 calls were allegedly mishandled, leading to a fragmented and slow dissemination of critical threat information to responding units.
Protocol Deviation: Deputies on the scene failed to adhere to established active shooter/homicide protocols that mandate immediate engagement to neutralize a threat, instead reportedly setting up an ineffective perimeter or waiting for specialized units.
Leadership Vacuum: A failure of on-scene command staff to take decisive control and direct an immediate, forced entry, thereby sacrificing precious time while the victims were still vulnerable.

The final report promises to shed light on these lapses, detailing the internal mechanisms that allowed a known volatile situation to escalate to this fatal and unconscionable degree, thereby exposing the systemic rot that prioritized officer safety over the immediate defense of civilian lives. The public awaits a reckoning, fearing that the official conclusion will merely confirm a culture of institutional apathy.

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“I can’t save you from the fire, but I can save you from the pain.” That’s the power of friendship.

Anne Askew, a figure of extraordinary fortitude and conviction, remains a powerful symbol of resistance against religious persecution in Tudor England. A staunch Protestant during the reign of Henry VIII, a period marked by violent shifts in doctrine and political maneuvering, she refused to recant her beliefs or betray her co-religionists, even in the face of the most barbaric state-sanctioned cruelty.

Her steadfast refusal led to her being taken to the Tower of London. There, she was subjected to the rack—an agonizing instrument of torture that systematically pulled the victim’s joints from their sockets. This act of torturing a woman was itself a gross violation of English law, underscoring the desperation and brutality of her interrogators, led by Chancellor Thomas Wriothesley and Richard Rich, who were obsessed with uncovering a network of high-ranking Protestant sympathizers at court, including Queen Katherine Parr.

Despite the excruciating pain of having her limbs dislocated—a suffering few can comprehend, let alone endure—Askew remained utterly silent regarding the names of anyone else involved in the Protestant movement. Her refusal to yield stood in stark contrast to the response of many others, such as Guy Fawkes centuries later, who, under similar duress, often gave their captors whatever information was demanded merely to hasten the end of their torment. Askew’s physical and mental endurance was truly exceptional.

Having failed to break her spirit through the rack, the authorities condemned her for heresy. On July 16, 1546, a frail Anne Askew, unable to walk due to her injuries, was carried on a chair to her execution. She was burned at the stake in Smithfield, London, alongside three other Protestants. Her final moments were marked by the same incredible bravery and unwavering faith she displayed throughout her ordeal. Her testimony, later documented and smuggled out of the country, cemented her legacy as a courageous martyr and a woman of immense strength.

BLACK MAN, YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS OUT!

I woke up, and this video popped up on my feed, and I knew I had to share this with you.

Rather than posting up some limited commentary, I’ve decided to just post the original YouTube description:

From a grainy 1954 filmstrip to the sharp wit of animated satire, from verses spoken in dim-lit poetry lounges to the piercing honesty of hip hop and candid interviews — this is the story of an unbroken thread.

Selling to the Negro. The Boondocks. Kanye West on Def Poetry Jam. Jay-Z’s The Story of O.J. Tupac Shakur speaking truth in 1992 about greed, power, and the American dream.

Across seventy years, these moments echo each other — each one revealing how race, wealth, identity, and image are braided into the fabric of America’s imagination. We see how ads once courted Black consumers with a smile, how satire stripped fame to its bones, how music and poetry wrestled with the cost of success, and how artists have fought — and sometimes surrendered — to the very systems they question.

This isn’t just history. It’s the same story retold in different tongues, from the polished pitch of Madison Avenue to the raw beats of the block.

The past and present stand face to face here, leaving us with one lingering question: has anything truly changed?

You know what’s really scary? Some of the things that was taught in that old film about negro spending habits are some of the same things my mother would teach me about buying things.

NO BALANCO D’ ANGOLA 10 ANOS

Greetings!

This is one of my favorite videos of MESTRE MORAES.

In this video, he, along with Mestres João Grande, Cobra Mansa, Mestre Themba, and Mestre Nego Gato, performed at the Center for Research in Black Culture in Schoemberg, New York, in 1990 in a wonderful display of skill, dexterity, and respect. This event marked a significant milestone as it was one of the 1st public demonstrations of Capoeira Angola here in the U.S.A., a style rich in history and cultural significance. FOR 45 YEARS NOW, he has dedicated his life to spreading this beautiful art of Capoeira Angola all over the world, inspiring countless practitioners and enthusiasts alike. His relentless passion has not only increased awareness of Capoeira but has also fostered a deeper appreciation for its roots and traditions.

Here he is below, in his first visit to the island nation of Japan, where he shared the rhythms and teachings of Capoeira,planting seeds, and creating connections with a new generation of students eager to learn about this vibrant martial art form and its philosophical underpinnings.

And speaking of new generations…

The man playing with Metsre moraes in this video, who is also featured in the previous video, is named Kenji Shibata, who is now recognized as MESTRE KENJI.

For over 20 years, he’s been holding it down for GCAP, helping to establish and grow Capoeira angola in his nation of Japan. With a deep commitment to the art form, Kenji has dedicated himself not only to mastering the skills inherent to Capoeira but also to teaching and nurturing a new generation of practitioners, instilling in them the values of discipline, respect, and community that are fundamental to this unique martial art.

Through his relentless efforts, Kenji has played an instrumental role in bridging cultural gaps and promoting the rich traditions of Capoeira angola in Japan, solidifying its place within the global Capoeira community and ensuring that its teachings and heritage are preserved for future generations. His dedication goes beyond mere practice, as he tirelessly organizes workshops, cultural exchanges, and community events that foster understanding and appreciation for this vibrant art form.

As he continues to inspire those around him, Kenji remains a beacon of passion and perseverance, championing the art that has transformed not only his life but also the lives of countless others in his country. His influence is felt in the hearts of many, as he imparts the values of discipline, creativity, and respect that Capoeira embodies, encouraging his students to embrace the dance as a means of personal growth and cultural pride. By creating a supportive environment, Kenji empowers individuals to express themselves and connect with their roots, ensuring that the spirit of Capoeira angola thrives in Japan for years to come.

So, you may be asking me, “Why bring these 2 amazing mestres up now, John?”

Yeah, like I really need a reason to blog about 2 AMAZING Capoeira Angola Mestres on my blog about CAPOEIRA ANGOLA.

However, the reason I’m blogging about them now is because on the weekend of May 30th – June 1st, BOTH mestres are coming to the Bay Area for Grupo No Balanco D’Angola’s 10th year celebration, and I’m gonna be there!

It will be a full weekend of Capoeira Angola, where you will have the unique opportunity to learn from renowned Mestres Moraes and Kenji. This event promises to be an immersive experience, filled with workshops, performances, and community gatherings that honor the rich history and cultural significance of Capoeira.

We will be celebrating not only 10 years of No Balanço D’Angola but also the dedication and passion that our community has shown in keeping this beloved tradition alive for future generations. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable journey filled with unforgettable moments, extraordinary performances, and a deep sense of unity among practitioners and supporters alike. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved, from their talented instructors like Contramestre Sergio Ferreira, to their enthusiastic students. Their growth is not merely quantitative; it reflects an ever-deepening connection to our roots and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant celebration that showcases the spirit and artistry of Capoeira Angola! Join us as we honor the rich cultural heritage of our art form, immersing ourselves in the rhythms, movements, and values that define us, all while inspiring a new generation to carry on the legacy that has brought us all together. Your participation is not just welcomed; it is essential as we forge ahead, ensuring that the flame of our passion continues to burn brightly for years to come.

I hope to see you there!!!