Author Archives: William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

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About William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

William Eric Waters is an award-winning poet, fiction writer, essayist, educator, criminal-justice scholar, and nonprofit executive. Writing as William E. Waters, he is the author of the epic poem Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass and three poetry collections: Sometimes Blue Knights Wear Black Hats, The Black Feminine Mystique, and The Black Blood of Poetry. Under the pen name Easy Waters, he is the author of the novel Streets of Rage and the short-story collection Conundrums: Stories of Law & Justice. His work explores Black history, race, law, punishment, institutional power, accountability, redemption, and resilience.

Remembering Les Payne — FAKE NEWS, Tweets, and Ftweets*

In this moment of “FAKE NEWS,” often decried by its most ardent propagater-in-chief, it is worth nothing what recently deceased Les Payne, Black Journalist Extraordinare, gave as advice to young reporters: “Journalism begins when somone says no.”  Most importantly, the … Continue reading

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This day in history — March 30, 2018 — No Bloody Friday!

On this day in history, the Equal Racial Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 Calendar, does not report an incident….  I wonder if racist whites ceased their Reign of Terror against Black people because it was Good Friday?  … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 9, 1892

Ida B. Wells’ friends Thomas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and Henry Steward are lynched in Memphis, Tennessee, sparking Wells’ lifelong crusade against lynching. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 Calendar. “The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 8, 1655

Virginia Colony court rules against John Casor, a black indentured servant who sued for his freedom after being forced to work past his term, and declares him a slave for life. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 7, 1965

Supporters of black voting rights marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, are attacked by police with tear gas, whips, and clubs; dozens are hospitalized on what becomes known as “Bloody Sunday.” From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 6, 1857

U.S. Supreme Court in Dred Scott v. Sandford rules that people of African descent cannot be U.S. citizens, are not protected by the Constitution, and have no standing to sue in federal courts. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 5, 1842

This week, Maryland law provides for punishment of up to 20 years in prison for any African American found with an antislavery publication in his or her possession. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 3, 1991

Severe beating of black motorist Rodney King by Los Angeles police is caught on tape. 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 … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 4, 2015

U.S. Department of Justice finds pervasive racial bias within police department and municipal court in Ferguson, Missouri, including targeting black people for stops, arrests, and uses of force. From the Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice – 2018 … Continue reading

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On this day in history – March 3, 1819

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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