Author Archives: William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

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About William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Award-winning poet, playwright, and essayist. Author of three books of poetry, "Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass: Remembrance of Things Past and Present"; "Sometimes Blue Knights Wear Black Hats"; "The Black Feminine Mystique," and a novel, "Streets of Rage," written under his pen name Easy Waters. All four books are available on Amazon.com. Waters has over 25 years of experience in the criminal legal system. He is a change agent for a just society and a catalyst for change.

On this day in history – March 3, 1819

Posted on March 3, 2018 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Congress creates federal program to “civilize” Native Americans.” From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 Calendar. “The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is proud to present A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 Calendar.  America’s history … Continue reading →

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On this day in history – March 2, 1807

Posted on March 2, 2018 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Congress bans importation of slaves, effective January 1, 1808, but establishes no remedy for Africans illegally smuggled into the country after enactment of the ban. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 Calendar. “The Equal … Continue reading →

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On this day in history – March 1, 1921

Posted on March 1, 2018 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Idaho bans marriage between black and white people even though the state’s population is less than .02% African American. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 Calendar. “The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is proud to … Continue reading →

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He Looks Good in Death?

Posted on February 21, 2018 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Today, I look at a friend, A colleague, Hopefully resting in peace, Waiting, To be taken To his final resting place.   We are taught Not to speak ill of the dead. I have no “ill words” for my friend, … Continue reading →

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Willie Lynch, On Language

Posted on December 28, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

I am a self-styled language cop, especially as it relates to criminal justice language, how it has been used not only to dehumanize and stigmatize people with criminal justice involvement, but also to control the narrative, how such people with … Continue reading →

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An Open Letter to Our Friends on the Question of Language, by Eddie Ellis, President, NuLeadership on Urban Solutions

Posted on December 17, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Dear Friends: The Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions is a human justice policy, advocacy and training center founded, directed and staffed by academics and activists who were formerly incarcerated.  It is the first and only one of its kind … Continue reading →

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Words Matter: Another Look at the Question of Language, by Eddie Ellis, President, Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions

Posted on December 17, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

We need to be constantly reminded about this language: Words matter.  They shape perceptions and understanding, both of past and present events and of future possibilities and, therefore, future events.  Semantic and public acceptance of terms like “formerly incarcerated” or … Continue reading →

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Zarafa

Posted on November 9, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

On my early morning ride on the #4 train the other morning, a young woman in Muslim garb, including a hijab covering her head, enters the train at Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn and stands by the door. She’s holding a … Continue reading →

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Remembering 9/11/

Posted on September 11, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

Almost everyone has a 9/11 memory.  On that fateful day, I was on an uptown #4 train, heading to work.  When the first plane struck the first tower at 8:46 AM, I was still underground, in a tunnel, riding the … Continue reading →

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Bill Cosby v. Jeronimo Yanez

Posted on June 23, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

On its face, there doesn’t appear to be any connection between the bill Cosby sexual assault case and that of former Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez, who shot and killed Philando Castile on July 6, 2016; but if we look … Continue reading →

Posted in crime, Justice Chronicles, police involved shooting, police-involved killing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment