Light 'Em Up

Thank you for tuning in!  Our global footprint has now reached 111 countries!On this expanded, investigative episode we shine the antiseptic light of the truth on a 2019 murder case out of the state of Michigan.  The People v Cabrera.We are honored to sit down with Sarah Cintron, the mother of Juan Cabrera.Juan was convicted of premeditated intentional murder at the age of 18 by a jury that only took 120 minutes to decide on a charge that mandated him by statute to serve Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) for a murder where the actual video evidence in the case did not in any way, shape or form show the face, clothing, nor any single, solitary identifying physical characteristic of the shooter. (View the video that the jury used in its deliberations here for yourself.) How do you reach a unanimous determination of “beyond a reasonable doubt” with “evidence” such as this?Material witnesses perjured themselves in statements given to police prior to trial and on the witness stand.  Two material witnesses identified two totally different suspects other than Juan as being the shooter.Two other key witnesses were given ENORMOUS sentence reductions, ultimately receiving probation on serious other felonies for their “alleged truthful testimony and cooperation” against Juan.Stemming from the lying and colluding witness statements of party attendees, law enforcement put out a “BOLO” looking for a man named Claudio Estrada Jr., who wasn’t even in the state of Michigan when this crime took place.One witness was permitted to communicate with other witnesses via Facebook Messenger during her police interview – in front of a female member of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.Juan’s defense trial attorney (Chris Kessel, now the Michigan assistant attorney general) admitted under oath that he “reviewed the video evidence submitted by the prosecutor but did not conduct a frame-by-frame review of the video”.When your client is on trial for his life, why not do so?There were serious questions and concerns about a “conflict of interest” on the part of Juan's attorney, due to the fact that during his trial he took on another extremely high-profile case (the Flint, MI Contaminated Water Cases) working for the same State of Michigan that was trying to put his client away for life.What do you do when the police immediately suffer from “tunnel vision” and “lock on” to a suspect who they think and believe committed a crime?  When this occurs — it's close to impossible to get them to look at or pursue any other suspects.States across the nation generally have laws prohibiting people from making false police reports — with our special guest, we ask and examine — the question:What do you do if the police are the ones furthering the false claims and advancing those claims with shoddy investigatory practices that have produced nothing but lies from liars — from the witness stand and in their sworn affidavits and official reports?Sarah provides tremendously helpful insight and important awareness as to how you can navigate such choppy waters.Just after midnight on February 16, 2019, a group of teens gathered at a hotel to celebrate the belated birthday of a mutual friend.Two of the party attendees have a verbal altercation in the hallway right outside of the room.  A fight ensued.  All hell breaks loose, and lives are changed forever.Tune in to hear the rest of the shocking details. Follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:Note well:  All persons are innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

We’re honored that you’ve joined us!  Thank you!We’re currently being downloaded in 111 countries!We deliver the facts … not fiction, covering every story with integrity and passion.In this explosive, follow-up, investigative interview, we further shine the light of the truth and drill deeper, farther and wider with Jana Guyewski Latigar (the sister of Crystal McCrory Jones).♦ We have word that KNOE News Channel 8 has a team of investigators actively working this case and will soon have an investigative report on the fact pattern regarding Crystal’s mysterious, untimely and shocking death.♦ We've uncovered shocking details regarding the Forensic Pathologist in this case — and devastating errors that led to the exoneration of the West Memphis Three.On February 9th, 2023 in the sleepy town of Oak Grove, Louisiana, (population: ~2,275), Crystal was found dead in her home from what was reported to be a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound to the head.The West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office (WCPSO) had this case “solved” in 105 minutes — less time than it takes to drive from Oak Grove to Shreveport, LA.From the initial deputy being notified by WCPSO to perform a “welfare check on the deceased” — law enforcement would've had to find Crystal’s body; secure the crime scene, gathering, bagging and tagging all relevant evidence; canvass the neighborhood; track down any and all investigatory leads; interview any/all relevant suspects; complete all investigative written reports, while preserving the chain of custody … in under 2 hours!This would be amazing if it happened.  In fact, it DID NOT happen this way!  Police reports were strewn with misspelled words and inaccuracies, timelines of the spouse that don’t match up.  Premortem bruising was ignored and overlooked — which is a clear indication of a pre-death vicious struggle.♦ What was the hurry?   Why the rush to judgement?♦ Why the hostile, combative responses from the Sheriff when family members of the deceased simply sought information into the death of their loved one?   Isn’t it normal for a devastated family to have questions, to seek answers?In this exclusive interview Jana sheds personal insight from her trauma-informed experience on courageously, (slowly) working her way through the life-altering grief stemming from her sister’s death.  She shares insightful coping strategies for anyone dealing with similar traumas. Also:♦ We talk about Complicated Grief, which can occur as a result of the traumatic and unexpected death of a loved one. We explore the Cycle of Grief.  Everyone experiences grief — it is part of our human experience.♦ Other residents of West Carroll Parish have shared their concerns that there’ve been other cases that were quickly ruled a “suicide” when the facts weren't so clear.Follow Justice for Crystal McCrory Jones (the Facebook Group honoring Crystal’s life and memory) and sign the Change.org petition which seeks to press law enforcement officials to re-open an investigation surrounding her mysterious death.Tune in and be educated and empowered! 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐲!Note well:  All persons are innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.Follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:

Welcome to this explosive episode of “Light ‘Em Up” — actively being downloaded in 108 countries!Thank you so much for your enormous response to our previous multiple record-setting episode!As we continue to speak truth to power and shine an intense spotlight on the error-filled autopsy report and the unsubstantiated claims of the coroner, as well as the shoddy, crooked, backwoods investigational practices of the West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Department and the shady, collusive actions on the part of the 5th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ms. Penny Douciere — we offer this brand new fact-based, investigatory episode to you.We submit that those involved in the “investigation” of this case willfully have chosen to look the other way.  THAT is a text-book definition of corruption and a dereliction of official duty under the color of authority.  We ask, why?  Why wouldn’t the Louisiana State Police open an investigation?  Why the rush to judgement on the part of the coroner?On February 9, 2023 in Oak Grove, Louisiana (population 1,441), Crystal McCrory Jones was found dead in her home from what was reported to be a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound to the head.Her husband, Tony Jones (who reportedly at one time was an employee with the same W. Carroll Sheriff’s Department charged with “investigating” the case) was reported to be the last person who saw her alive, at or around 8 am on the day of her death.Within 1 hour and 45 minutes of the knowledge of Crystal’s death, the case was ruled to be a suicide.The fact pattern shows that there was extensive bruising on her hands, inner thighs, and a fingernail was broken off of her left hand: evidence of a pre-mortem struggle.Bruising is bleeding into the surrounding tissue and there's no bleeding if the heart isn't pumping. Bruising is indicative of clear signs that there was an intense struggle, before she died — as once the heart stops pumping blood --- there can be no bruising.As education is always a foundational pillar of Light ‘Em Up, in this fact-packed episode we drill down on:♦ What is a medico-legal death investigation — and why it is of the utmost importance that it takes place in a timely, professional and painstakingly thorough manner.  It didn’t!We define:♦ What an autopsy and autopsy report are, the cause and manner of death and criteria for determining a suicide. We ask:♦ Who called in a “welfare check” on Crystal in her home, and why? Were they trying to establish an alibi? We investigate:♦ The difference between a suicide and a homicide.We highlight:♦ specific Louisiana laws governing coroners’ duties, autopsies and investigations — which expose officials as derelict in their duty.We clarify:♦ the 4 major problems in conducting death investigations.♦ And we instruct on the 5 objectives of an autopsy and a ton of other compelling aspects of this mysterious case.How is it that every aspect of the criminal justice system and those officials charged with honoring their oath to protect and serve and do their sworn duty failed Crystal?Crystal loved life — her presence blessed everyone who encountered her.The sad truth is that if this can happen to her — it can happen to you!We’re in this fight!  We’ll continue with this case until we see some form of “justice” delivered to Crystal's surviving family members.Follow this link to the Change.org petition for Crystal as well as the Facebook page remembering her here.All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.Visit our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot

Thank you for joining us!  We’ve now penetrated 108 countries globally, 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 because of YOU!This case stunk from its inception.Tonight, we explore the death of Crystal McCrory Jones, a sweet mother of 2 and a friend to all who were blessed to know her.You’ve heard of homicide, defined as the unlawful killing of one human being by another. We’re betting you may not have heard as much about uxoricide.  The killing of one’s wife. You’ll have to determine for yourself, but there are very suspicious details. We were very fortunate to sit down with Jana Guyewski-Latigar (the sister of the deceased).On February 9, 2023, in the sleepy town of Oak Grove, Louisiana, (2020 Census population: 1,441), Crystal was found dead in her home from what was reported to be a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound to the head.Within 1 hour & 45 minutes, cause of death was ruled a suicide.Here are just a few more of the highly suspicious facts:♦ Two days prior to Crystal’s death, the Ring Doorbell Camera to her home was cut off. Coincidence, or evidence of pre-planning or conspiracy?♦ Fact: Her husband, Tony Joe Jones, was an employee of the West Carroll Parrish Sheriff’s Department — the department charged with “investigating” the case.♦ No matter who you are or what you do in life, if your spouse is dead in your home, under any questionable circumstances you can expect to be considered a suspect.  That never happened in this case. Why not?♦ There is argument that Tony changed his story as to his whereabouts and specific location on the day Crystal died.  ♦ Google Location Data place him near the home, consistent with and in conjunction to the time of death initially listed on Crystal’s Death Certificate.♦ The Parish Coroner initially changed the time of death from 10:35 AM to 5:05 PM, why?♦ Shortly following his wife’s death, Tony vigorously pursued efforts to collect on a $63K group life insurance policy.  ♦ Soon thereafter, facts show that the husband had Crystal’s body cremated. Was this evidence of a “guilty mind”, establishing the necessary legal “mens rea” in an effort to destroy any physical evidence or prevent any hope of a 3rd party, independent forensic exam of the body?♦ Upon Crystal’s death Jana and Crystal’s surviving family members were denied an investigation into her sister’s death by the Louisiana State Police Department. Why?♦ Why the rush to judgement with so little, if any, investigation?Help to give her life and legacy a voice. Help to solve Crystal’s murder. Tune in and hear the rest of the salacious details.I’ve witnessed a lot of examples of bad policing throughout my career— having spent many years as an investigator.  THIS case may very well be the worst example of unprofessional, shoddy, backwoods, good ol’ boy, overt and intentionally corrupt actions on the part of law enforcement to cover up a murder that evidence suggests that perhaps one of their own may have been involved in — that I have ever heard of in my life.Note:  All persons are innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.Follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:

Happy New Year! We’re excited to be launching Season 5 of Light ‘Em Up!With brutal wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine — and allegations of “conflict zone sexual violence” being lodged by all parties involved in these conflicts, we turn our intensive journalistic spotlight on and focus the “heat of the truth” on the Secret War Crime — that isn’t secret at all: One of the most shameful consequences of conflict and war, “Gender Based Violence”, also referred to as GBV.The practice of raping the women of a conquered group in war has remained a feature of warfare from the earliest records to the present.GBV refers to any harm or suffering inflicted on a person because of their gender. It is used as a weapon of war designed to create fear, terrorize and humiliate populations, and undermine and destroy the social fabric and cohesion of communities.Just like domestic violence, GBV can take many forms such as physical, sexual or psychological abuse and can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. GBV happens to men and boys as well as women and girls.This type of victimization is known to impact tremendously on the psyche of survivors and carries with it grave risk factors for emotional, mental, physical, and psycho-social wellbeing.GBV can also increase the risk of:HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseasesunwanted pregnanciesunsafe abortionsmaternal mortality and many other devastating outcomes.The Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court recognizes that “rape and other forms of sexual violence by combatants in the conduct of armed conflict are war crimes and can constitute genocide when it is committed with the intent to destroy in whole or in part, a targeted group”.A boisterous Op-ed in the New York Times declared that the “Gender Based Violence of October 7th Must Not Be Ignored” and it is incumbent upon all of us to use our voices to ensure that it isn’t ignored, not only in Israel, but globally.Rape is a serious violation of human rights and a war crime.As our mission is to always be “true to the truth” we’ve tunneled deep and investigated two specific conflict war zone cases of GBV for this episode.The first is the grotesquely brutal, terror-filled story of Mary, who was forced to witness the vicious killing of her husband and two sons -- ages 5 and 7 -- by the rebel soldiers in South Sudan. She thought nothing could be worse than seeing that. Then, the soldiers yanked her 10-year-old daughter Nyalaat from her arms and turned their perverted, deviant, sexual behaviors on the little girl.When the soldiers were done, all she could see was blood.  Nyalaat died shortly thereafter.  Mary immediately wanted to die as well after witnessing this cruel sight.  The soldiers attacked Mary, taking turns with her.  She said it happened to all of those in the camp:  little girls, women, grandmothers, they didn’t care.The intimate nature of sexual assault (especially during war and conflict) often means that horrors such as this often go undocumented, sanitized out of history books and glossed over in news accounts that focus solely on casualties and refugee numbers.Rape is a weapon even more powerful than a bomb or a bullet. Rape victims may appear to the community like someone who is cursed.  After rape, no one will talk to you; no man will see you as being a human being.  It has been likened to a living death.Tune in as we bring you this fact-based, educational account of the brutality and reality of gender-based violence that occurs in global conflict and war zones.Follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot

As we close out another fantastic year filled with one accomplishment after another for “Light ‘Em Up” … which included new sponsorships … and new underwriters -- we wanted to focus on what is most important to us other than searching out the truth.We wanted to take some special time to recognize you, our listeners for your TSL (time spent listening) to us throughout this past year.We thank you for another fantastic year of growth and achievements and express our appreciation for your wonderful engagement and your role in helping us grow to 107 countries globally as we close out Season 4.We never thought this kind of success would be something that we could attain, and we never were concerned about our growth at the inception of this project.Initially we set out to tell the truth about topics of importance in the U.S. criminal justice system --- and look what it has become!We have been able to advocate for so many people.The corporate plan is to take the remainder of the year off in order to rest for a week or so, recover and enjoy some quality time with our families.We then will begin the process for Season 5 of Light ‘Em Up where we strive to achieve new goals and break even more records with the reach of our podcast.Also, to add more sponsors and underwriters.The truth is under attack – and the truth is worth defending!We have labored tirelessly to dig deep, vast and wide to bring you a special insight that you really won’t find anywhere else regarding the U.S. criminal justice system.We are loyal, consistent and dedicated to you, our listeners.  We are truly here for you and because of you!Our commitment to you here on Light ‘Em Up is that we’ve endeavored to tackle topics that have a real impact in your daily lives.We’ve worked tirelessly to try to be the “Voice of the people”. Please consider joining our Criminal Justice Foundation Justice Rolls Down and its page found on Facebook as well as our worldwide presence on YouTube at:  Rizzo's Protective Group.Here is our complete catalogue.  Here is our last full episode of the year regarding the war that is presently raging in Gaza.This advocacy piece irritated a lot of people but was wildly popular and downloaded at a record (for us) and at a tremendous rate/amount.Thank you to Feedspot — online at Feedspot.com as we are featured in their top 60 poll of the 60 Best Criminal Justice Podcasts.  Visit their blog at www.Feedspot.com or simply follow this link:  Best 60 Criminal Justice Podcasts You Follow in 2023 (feedspot.com)And for all your news and current affairs check out our friends at Newsly by visiting https://newsly.me.  Use the promo code L1GHTEMUP to launch your 10% savings.We thank you and we look forward to you joining us in 2024!Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale & Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to each and every one of our listeners.You'll hear from us early on in January 2024.   Thank you!Phil RizzoExecutive Producer 

Welcome to the 70th episode of Light ‘Em Up! We’re excited and honored that you’ve joined us!  We know your podcasting options are vast.As we air our final full-length, explosive episode of 2023, just like the 3 Wise Men — we come bearing very exciting news.  Light ‘Em Up is actively being downloaded in 107 countries globally!Tonight, as the war continues to rage on in Gaza — we provide an intense, investigative journalistic focus on “Terrorism and the Terroristic Threat” — with a special focus on the war in Gaza and the barbaric October 7th terror attack in Israel — which caught its citizenry, the Israeli government, its defense forces (the IDF) completely and utterly by surprise, unaware and ill prepared as was the case with the terror attacks here, in the U.S., on 9/11/2001.Hamas leaders say they launched the attack on Israel because they believed the “Palestinian cause was slipping away, and that only violence could revive it”.In an assault without recent precedent in its complexity and scale, the militants crossed into Israel by land, sea and air, according to the Israeli military, leading to some of the first pitched battles.  The attack, which was clearly meticulously planned — used rockets, paragliders, boats, motorcycles, other vehicles, and whatever other means they could use.The armed militants infiltrated the Jewish state and murdered around 1,200 people, including 30 Americans — injured over 5,400, and captured and fled with some 230+ hostages back deep into Gaza (more than 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip have since been released).It’s been said that “the only thing we learn from history … is that we do not learn from it”.In this episode we challenge you to think critically as we delve into and unpack:♦ The concept and phrase: One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.♦Some myths about terrorism (stemming from our usage of the Global Terrorism Database).♦ We highlight examples of designated terrorist organizations.♦ We ask: Does it help to label a person or a group as being terrorists?  “Terrorism” is a contested and politicized term that may be applied or rejected by different actors depending on their interests and perspectives.♦ We’ll drill down on the main challenges of negotiating with terrorists and share some historic examples of successful negotiations that built trust through diplomacy and effective communication.This episode proved to be one of our most challenging and ambitious episodes of the year.  I’m very proud of our team and the research behind it.Don’t forget to follow our sponsors Newsly &  Feedspot here:Merry Christmas!  Feliz Navidad!  Buon’ Natale! Happy Hannukah!Thank you so much for being a loyal listener and a fan of Light ‘Em Up.

On this in-depth, investigative edition of Light ‘Em Up we expose what we maintain is an illegal invasion of your personal privacy and an illegal search and seizure in violation of the 4th Amendment.Picture this:  During your annual physical checkup — your doctor draws near to you with the stethoscope and asks you to perform a few deep breaths — is she really listening to your lungs or is she looking for signs of extensive drug use or smelling for the use of alcohol?This is a very odd dilemma.  The doctor writes a prescription for you, and has been doing so for years. Suddenly, without advanced notice, she has an “issue” with doing so. She says, “We need to run a toxicology screen on you”.   A what?You may have no clue whatsoever that your rights are even being violated — by, of all people, your primary care physician and local hospital. In an extension of the “War on Drugs” — as it continues to target the poor and the neediest among us, many hospitals across the country have begun drug testing their patients, especially Medicaid recipients, through urinalysis.The 4th Amendment has been hotly debated since its ratification in 1791.  How much do you know about the rights granted to you by the 4th Amendment?Subjecting patients, especially poor patients, seeking medication for a health condition to an intrusive seizure of his/her bodily fluids is an intentional act of intimidation. Threatening to withhold essential medications from patients — the use of condescending and coercive, bullying tactics through the use of a “pain contract” or a “controlled substance agreement” — serves only to further damage the quality of care that has already been compromised due to the way insurance companies have rigged the system in their favor.This bullying and forced compliance are completely contrary to the “do no harm” motto that has served as the foundational pillar of the medical profession since its inception.Who wants to have a medical doctor who in reality is a “narc” — eager to “report” anything she observes?  What benefit is it to have a “doctor” that violates the doctor-patient trust that is essential and at the core of quality, comprehensive care?If patients distrust their physician, or feel stigmatized or distrusted by them, this will impact greatly upon the therapeutic relationship and deeply compromise care.Lacking sufficient financial means should not be a criminal offense — nor should a course of action apply to only one group of people as a “suspect class”, treating them as if they are not  “worthy” to be afforded the same Constitutional rights as others.At Light ‘Em Up — we have always fought against THIS kind of disparate treatment.In this episode as we lobby for justice and speak truth to power, we shall:♦ Dissect the 4th amendment and provide analysis of what the U.S. Supreme Court says about this process as we delve into what a “pain contract” is.♦ Examine “controlled-substance agreements” for patients on chronic opioid therapy, with a keen eye on “indifferent enforcement” from a criminal justice perspective. Are they binding, or enforceable in a court of law?♦ Dig into our case study:  Rivers vs The Administration of Children Services (ACS) for the City of New York.It’s easy to turn a blind eye when the violation of rights applies to someone else. What happens when it happens to you?Tune in - be empowered!  Check here for bonus content. Follow our sponsors Newsly &  Feedspot here:

Tonight, on this provocative, incendiary and investigatory episode of Light ‘Em Up. We return to the scene of the crime!  Your response was overwhelmingly favorable regarding our first episode with our special guest, the high-ranking police administrator, so we invited him back to the witness stand for another episode. With you in mind, we deliver another exclusive, in-depth, behind the scenes, “truth tellin’” session with the Assistant Chief of a small, rural police department in the “Magnolia State”.To be clear, he's speaking on the promise of his anonymity, identified only by his title. The municipality that he serves has approximately 8,500 people with not a lot of “pass through” traffic in the jurisdiction.  It is staffed by approximately 30 accredited officers.Throughout his dedicated career in law enforcement, he’s always thought critically about racial disparities, especially stemming from his own personal experiences as early back as being a patrolman and from the training he was given.He researched and authored a rigorous in-depth white paper study entitled: “Seeing Color in Police Discretion”.His study interrogates the question ultimately of “what kind of a society do we want to live in”?  It examines unconscious bias and how it may impact officer discretion and decision making. This analysis forces officers to self-reflect on why they are reacting in the style and manner that they do.  This ultimately aides police to sit with and realize the consequences of their actions.We roll up our sleeves and dig deep on:♦ Conscious and unconscious bias and we examine how this is more so a human problem and not necessarily solely a law enforcement problem.♦ How police officers and administrators react to claims like selective enforcement and racial profiling, and he corrects and refocuses our thinking on the fact that racial profiling is pursued under the 14th amendment, not the 4th amendment.♦His in-depth analysis of several landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases that directly impact upon law enforcement and how it is constitutionally bound to carry out its duties on a daily basis with a focus on:Whren v US — which held that “Any stop as long as it is based on a valid law or justification is a legal stop even if the reason(s) given for the stop is not the true motivation”.  Thus, paving the way for “pretextual stops”.♦ Terry v Ohio, Delaware v Prouse & Graham v Connor et al.,♦ The contentious topic of “qualified immunity.”In 1967, the Supreme Court recognized qualified immunity as a defense to §1983 claims. In 1982, the Supreme Court adopted the current test for the doctrine. Qualified immunity is generally available if the law a government official violated isn't “clearly established.”From time to time, it is imperative that you pinch yourself —reminding you that this is a high-ranking law enforcement administrator sharing these hard hitting, impacting truths that the majority of officers would stay silent on. He is a man of integrity, and it shows.Because we think the world of you, our listeners, and you’ve helped us grow to date to 104 countries globally, we’ve included additional in-depth analysis and an expansion of the specific methodology used in the rigorous white paper study for you.  You can use this link to access this exclusive, bonus content.Note well: Email me at prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.com in order to receive a copy of the white paper statistical study.  In your request, we ask that you share with us one fact from this specific episode.Follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:All this y mucho, mucho más on this edition of Light ‘Em Up.

Welcome to this incendiary edition of Light ‘Em Up.  We’re now being heard in 104 countries!We have an exclusive in-depth interview with a high-ranking police administrator with a small police department in the “Magnolia State”.Speaking on the promise of his anonymity, identified only by his title (Assistant Chief of Police), the municipality that he serves has about 8,500 people, staffed by about 30 accredited officers.The Assistant Chief mentioned that “working in a small town brings to focus the importance of the development of relationships. The good news is — is that at the present crime is low and it is getting lower” in this growing town.In this fact-laden episode we explore:♦ The never-ending challenges of 21st century policing in a small town, including budgeting and the struggle to pay its personnel a competitive wage.♦ Police “culture” & how retaining staff is a constant struggle.♦ The findings following a comprehensive, in-depth study on the importance of prioritizing and reducing unconscious bias among officers entitled Seeing Color in Police Discretion.♦ Unconscious bias and how this can affect officer discretion, views, and perceptions.♦ The importance of discretion in law enforcement & the wide latitude officers have in their use of that discretion and how this can be relevant to non-law enforcement industries that you may serve.♦ Systems and standards: The foundational set of good management practices, methods, systems, requirements that must be established to produce high-caliber, top quality, constitutional policing that the citizenry deserves.♦ How policing changed in his municipality following the killing of George Floyd.  He emphatically stated that, “The presence of the Black Lives Matter movement absolutely raised the bar for police officers and police leaders to know what they are talking about when it comes to equal protection and racial disparities.  It no longer cuts it to say, ‘Hey we’re out here doing our jobs — leave us alone’”.He went on to say, “We really have to have real answers for why things look the way that they do and to me it really raised the bar for accountability. It really raised the bar for us — just because you’re not being held accountable internally — doesn’t mean that it’s not going to come externally … so, it is comin’ one way or another. We need to be competent in order to be able to explain ourselves and serve in a responsible manner.”While mistakes and errors soak up the bulk of media attention locally and nationally, it is imperative to pause and remember that police officers are people too and the vast majority of them serve with dignity, honor and often times in a heroic and valorous manner.Through many of the direct efforts of the Assistant Chief of Police, it is clear that his department has put a lot of work in internally which clearly shows on the external side of police management and administration into doing an excellent job at serving the good people of the Magnolia State.Tune in and be empowered and find out about the footballs in each trunk of every patrol car in their fleet and the awesome news about the police department sponsored youth football league.Share your thoughts with us on this episode and any of our episodes that you’ve listened to.  Email us at:  prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comFollow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here:Note well:  Email me at prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.com in order to receive a copy of the white paper statistical study.  In your request, we ask that you share with us one fact from this specific episode.

On this educational and explosive edition of Light ‘Em Up, we’re excited to announce that we are being actively downloaded in 103 countries! All thanks to you!Ripped straight from the headlines from the Atlanta Fulton County Superior Courthouse where Donald J. Trump and 18 of his co-defendants have been indicted under the Georgia Racketeering Act — we’ll take an in-depth, investigative look at the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).RICO was designed by the U.S. Congress in order to “whack” the mob — to be the ultimate “hit man”.The Act has extremely sharp legal teeth in order to accomplish that task.This legislation was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon on October 15, 1970, as Title IX of the Organized Crime Control Act (OCCA) as a means by which the federal government could combat organized crime. The Act today is covered in 18 USC §§ 1961-1968 and provides the legal means by which prosecutors can identify and convict those who operate illegal businesses.The roots of RICO, however, extend as far back as 1950, when the problem of criminal infiltration of legitimate business was first documented.  The U.S. was a very different place then than it is today.  Organized crime was a highly sophisticated, diversified and widespread activity that annually drained billions of dollars from America’s economy by the illegal use of force, fraud and corruption.Congress found that organized crime had extensively infiltrated and exercised corrupt influence over numerous legitimate businesses and labor unions throughout the U.S. and posed a “new threat to the American economic system”.  Congress further established that organized crime derived a major portion of its power through money obtained from crimes such as gambling, loan sharking, theft and fencing of property, the drug trade, and other forms of social exploitation.While in prison together at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, the then Genovese Crime Family Mob Boss Vito Genevese -- mistakenly thinking that Joseph Valachi was a “rat” -- gave Valachi the “kiss of death”.That solitary action sent a chilling message to Valachi, putting the fear of death in his heart, mind and soul.  Valachi sought revenge, choosing to “rat out” the mob before the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs, the FBI, the DOJ and the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation. Valachi’s testimony would prove crucial in the government’s efforts to combat organized crime, which would eventually lead to RICO.As we set the scene — we dive headfirst into:♦ Defining the purpose, scope and breadth of RICO as well as provide its contextual and historical background and legislative origins. ♦ Comparing, contrasting and highlighting another high-profile RICO case currently underway in the very same courthouse as the former president’s (that case involves the rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams).♦ The specific crimes that fall under the vast “umbrella” of RICO.♦ How a person violates the RICO statute.♦ The length of sentences for those found guilty of violating RICO.♦ Important terms and relevant vocabulary words.We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts with us on this episode and any of our episodes that you’ve listened to.  Email us at:  prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comThe pursuit of justice is a slow and methodical process. There are costs involved with seeking justice!Tune in and be empowered, and follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here: We are here for you and because of you!All this y mucho mucho más on this explosive, investigatory edition of Light ‘Em Up.

With this comprehensive, investigatory edition of “Light ‘Em Up” we examine the hotly debated subject of consent decrees, pattern and practice investigations and the role the federal government has in trying to bring about just, equitable and constitutional policing.What appears to be a never-ending national crisis has exposed deep chasms in the relationships between local police departments and the communities they’re charged with “protecting and serving” all across the U.S.Unfortunately, the facts bear out that the police have a long and checkered track record of not being very good at policing themselves.When the police can’t or won’t police themselves — who then shall police the police?In Latin, the phrase “Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes” means exactly that:Who will guard the guards, themselves?In 1994 Congress gave the federal government unprecedented power to intervene against police misconduct among state and local law enforcement agencies.§14141 of the Violent Crime Control & Law Enforcement Act, commonly referred to as the 1994 Crime Bill, declares it unlawful for law enforcement agencies to engage in a pattern or practice that deprives a person of rights, privileges, or immunities protected by U.S. law.The U.S. Department of Justice is the governmental agency responsible for enforcing the Constitution and the laws of the federal government.The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ was created in 1957 by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. During those tumultuous times in our nation’s history, the Civil Rights Division focused on protecting the vote.The DOJ has a number of tools that are effective in bringing about lawful and fair policing. One process is a “pattern-or-practice” investigation.  The first step in this very detailed legal process is to conduct a thorough and independent investigation to bring to light any persistent patterns of misconduct within a given police department.George Floyd’s death in May 2020 reignited a national conversation about how to reduce unconstitutional policing harms, especially the disproportionate unconstitutional harm some styles of policing can cause and impact upon minorities.Our learning objectives for this episode will be to:♦ Define what a consent decree is.♦ Challenge you to think critically on how the federal government might play an effective role in reining in police excesses and abuses and work to reshape policing.♦ Examine the role and purpose that consent decrees serve in 21st century policing.♦ Provide the historic background on why The U.S. Congress gave the DOJ authority to address systemic police misconduct.♦ Explore the details on how the DOJ opens a pattern or practice investigation and what exactly do such investigations involve?♦ Shed light on the role of a “monitor” and their duties and expectations as they oversee the consent decree process.♦ Highlight arguments of a vociferous group of nay-sayers and detractors of the DOJ — who with their conspiracy-filled rhetoric foment and further hatred for the Federal Government just as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers do. They not only want to halt the practice of consent decrees — but their venomous ramblings sound as if they want to hurt career professionals within the DOJ — which is clearly against the law.The truth is essential to our democracy!These cities and entities are currently under consent decrees.Tune in and be empowered, and follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here:Thanks and enjoy!

Tonight, on this intensively focused, informative, investigative journalistic edition of Light ‘Em Up we focus our spotlight on a problem that is often described as an unfortunate, intractable, unavoidable and daily reality among the members of law enforcement in the criminal justice system.We reveal the story behind the story on “Testi-lying”— when police lie.Blue Lies Matter!It’s unfortunate, but law enforcement officers lie.One of the most notorious lies told by police took place just a few years ago, when the Minneapolis Police Department initially described George Floyd’s death as resulting from a “medical incident during police interaction”.  Police departments all over the world have engaged in and been caught in illegal lying to bolster their conviction rate.A Brooklyn, NY District Attorney has publicly named 7 blacklisted officers whom have been found to NOT be credible.  Evidence suggests that police officers commit perjury or other forms of testimonial deception more often than the public and juries have realized.The term “testilying” was coined by police officers in New York City. It usually refers to perjury committed by a police officer; however, it has also been used to describe other forms of in-court deception.The lies of the police hurt people. Such lies have the potential to ruin a person’s life — by putting them in prison for a long, long time or by even taking their life.Law enforcement officers are bound by an oath to protect all citizens equally.  Doing so requires consistency, compassion and respect for the dignity of all people and the adherence to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.An officer dishonors the badge by using excessive force, lying under oath, falsifying their paperwork.  The investigator who lies about evidence loses credibility, risks false confessions and undermines the appearance of fairness in court. Trust is essential to police-community relations and public safety. The use of deceptive tactics can only serve to undermine these relationships, bringing us to the present-day reality where cops who were once revered are now held in contempt and treated with suspicion due to the damage that they themselves have done to their reputations and the profession as a whole. The fact of the matter is that the reputation of the entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when one single solitary officer betrays their oath to protect and serve in accordance with the laws that govern our great nation, not extrajudicially.In this explosive episode we dig deep and deliver on:♦ The 4 Big Lies that police often tell. ♦ What the legal term “habeas corpus” means.♦ What is a suppression hearing and the purpose it serves in the criminal justice process.And as education is always a key component of Light ‘Em Up … ♦ We examine another Supreme Court landmark case, Frazier v Cupp 394 U.S. 731 (1969). In this case the court held that “On its own, police deception in interrogations did not automatically constitute misconduct.”  This case pretty much gave law enforcement the green light to lie and use deception. The truth is certainly under attack! The truth is well worth fighting for!Truth is something to be leveraged; not concealed.We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts with us on this episode and any of our episodes that you’ve listened to.  Email us at:  prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.com Tune in and be empowered, and follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here:We are here for you and because of you!Thanks much! Phil Rizzo Executive Producer

This explosive edition of “Light ‘Em Up” — which is currently being downloaded in 100 countries — is packed from the beginning to end with rock solid information to enlighten, educate and empower you!Our intense investigative journalistic focus is on recently breaking news items from the Jayland Walker case.  At the airing of this episode, it will have marked 1 year since Jayland Walker was gunned down in a hail of bullets, in Akron, Ohio.Walker, a young unarmed black man, was shot at 94 times by 8 Akron Police Officers — struck 45 times and killed in a parking lot in downtown Akron on July 27, 2022 — after what was an unnecessary police pursuit that resulted from a cracked taillight and an inoperable license plate light.Through counsel, the surviving family members of Jayland Walker have filed a 32-page federal civil rights action in the U.S. District Court for The Northeastern District of Ohio, Eastern Division on behalf of the estate of Jayland Walker.It submits that the unlawful use of excessive force by Akron law enforcement officers violated Jayland’s Fourth Amendment rights, among other things. The civil rights lawsuit is against The City of Akron, its mayor, chief of police, and individual officers involved (directly and indirectly) in the shooting which took Jayland Walker’s life.The prayer for “judgement for relief” in the lawsuit against the defendants jointly and severally is for not less than $45 million. $1 million for each bullet that struck Jayland.Along those lines, as education is always a crucial aspect of Light ‘Em Up — as a case study we’ll showcase and share with you the fact pattern in Tennessee v Garner — as we feel that case is highly relevant to the case of Jayland Walker.Tennessee v Garner is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case from 1984 which required the high court to determine the constitutionality of the use of deadly force to prevent the escape of an apparently unarmed suspected felon.In this exclusive episode we’ll:♦ Highlight the details of the lawsuit filed.♦ Explore and investigate the issue of excessive force and drill deep to see if the civil rights of Jayland Walker were violated under the color of authority by members of the Akron Police Department.♦ Disclose more details from the BCI Report.♦ Discuss aspects of The Civil Rights Act of 1871— which is a federal statute, 42 U.S.C. §1983—that allows people to sue the government for civil rights violations.♦ And, we are very excited to be able to share exclusive audio from the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Tennessee v Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985) with Chief Justice Earl Warren presiding.Much of our listenership comes from people just like yourself who know the value of fact-based, well-researched reporting that demands transparency from the most powerful people and institutions in our country.You can enjoy our podcast at work, home or at play. You don’t want to miss this educational opportunity to learn more about this explosive case that has further divided many of the city’s residents from the Akron Police Department and City government.Facts matter! Tune in and hear them!We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts with us on this episode and any of our episodes that you’ve listened to.  Email us at:  prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comTune in and be empowered, and follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here:We are here for you and because of you!“The truth is the burden and duty of leadership” and the truth is under attack!The truth is worth defending and we are here to do so!

Thank you for tuning in!  On this revealing, exclusive and brand-new episode of Light ‘Em Up — our hope is that we enlighten, educate and empower you with knowledge that you previously didn’t have.Keep ever-present in mind, learning can be fun!As education is always a key component of Light ‘Em Up — we expose those things that many would wish to cover-up. The truth forces growth and shines bright light into dark spaces, holding people in power to account.At the release of this episode, we hear on every channel discussion regarding “when will the trial of former President Donald J. Trump take place”?Raise your hand if you know a lot about your 6th Amendment constitutional rights.We examine this crucial constitutional amendment, which confers rights that aren’t often discussed outside of a courtroom, yet they are of vital importance in defending, protecting and preserving cherished liberties in everyday society.Ratified on December 15th, 1791, the 6th Amendment guarantees a cluster of rights designed to make criminal prosecutions more accurate, fair and legitimate.Rights such as:♦ a speedy and public trial♦ an impartial jury consisting of jurors from the state and district in which the crime was alleged to have been committed♦ to be informed of the charges♦ to confront and call witnesses♦ and to have an attorney present with you. Did you know that it wasn’t until 1967 in Klopfer v North Carolina that the U.S. Supreme Court held that the speedy trial clause was applicable to the states through the 14th Amendment?Certainly, all of your rights are important, but the 6th Amendment is crucial, especially should you find yourself thrusted into the midst of the criminal justice system having to defend your life and liberty.The 6th Amendment has been described as the central feature of our adversarial system, but because the Supreme Court has so rarely articulated its meaning, the definition of a “speedy trial” has almost entirely been left to lower courts.Our learning objectives will be to define, discuss and think critically as we dissect the elements that form the foundation of the 6th Amendment, with a special focus on the right to a speedy trial. We shine our investigative journalistic spotlight on:♦ The verbatim language of the 6th Amendment♦ The Federal Speedy Trial Act of 1974♦ Guideposts, milestones and time limits set by the Act♦ As Ter’Rion Dunn celebrated a recent birthday, again, incarcerated, reaching the milestone of 1,281 days held in pre-trial detention, we re-focus the light of the truth on Alabama v Ter’Rion Dunn and the tragic story of Kalif Browder in the state of New York.♦ Rule 48 (b) of the Federal Rules of Criminal ProcedureAnd we are very excited to be able to share exclusive audio from the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Barker v Wingo, 407 U.S. 514 (1972) with Chief Justice Earl Warren presiding.Much of our listenership comes from people just like yourself who know the value of fact-based, well-researched reporting that demands transparency from the most powerful people and institutions in our country.You can enjoy our podcast at work, home or at play. You don’t want to miss this educational opportunity to learn more about your 6th Amendment rights and how to keep yourself safe.Facts matter the most in a time of crisis.  Sadly, we are living in a constant state of crisis.We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts with us on this episode and any of our episodes that you’ve listened to.  Email us at:  prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comFollow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here:

Peace be with you on this reflective and somber Memorial Day.  Thank you very much for joining us!   We are excited to share this investigative and educational brand-new episode with you!We currently are being downloaded in 100 countries, globally!On this incendiary edition of Light ‘Em Up, ripped straight from the headlines — we examine the New York City Subway choking death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old, unhoused black man who after the tragic death of his mother suffered and struggled extensively with mental illness.Jordan’s death on May 1st came on the dirty floor of a northbound F Train at the hands of Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old, white subway rider, from Queens, NY, described as a former decorated U.S. Marine. We ask the question outright, is Daniel Penny a Gotham City “hero” or a “man-slaughtering-menace”?  A GiveSendGo Account has raised close to $3 million for Perry’s legal defense fund.Can you think of a worse way to be killed, than by being asphyxiated?  This is precisely what happened to George Floyd at the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.Like a laser-beam we’re focused on this case and the breaking news surrounding it!Our learning objectives will examine:♦ The role race played in this case, if any.Many people have considerable doubt and question if the roles were reversed — if a black man choked to death a white man — there would certainly be hell to pay!♦ The fact that Mr. Penny was granted bail ($100K) and released.♦ We review the 5 M.O.D.’s (Manners of Death).♦ We probe if the criminal charge is correct or should this incident merit a more serious charge such as murder?♦ If there was a “duty to intervene” for the riders on the subway car? ♦ How a “reasonable person” is expected to act under the law.♦ An up-close analysis of NY Penal Law §125.15, Manslaughter in the Second Degree.♦ And we reflect on our relationship towards our fellow man — especially those who are most in need and perhaps spiraling downward in the grips of a mental health crisis.  We so often give “lip-service” as to how mental health “matters” — yet we do little to nothing to help those in the most need.Jordan Neely was on the City’s “radar” for years before his death on the Subway — yet he continued to slip through the cracks and wasn’t able to get lasting and impacting help.This was a preventable tragedy.From coast to coast our country seems to be gripped by fear.  We’re reminded of the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt assuming the Presidency at the depth of the Great Depression.  He helped the American people regain faith in themselves. He brought hope as he promised prompt, vigorous action, and asserted in his Inaugural Address, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”.We have exclusive audio from a press conference we attended during pre-production of and in preparation for this episode with The Office of The NY Public Advocate Mr. Jumaane Williams, as we have boots on the ground in the Big Apple.In a time of uncertainty, facts provide calm, reassurance and clarity! The truth must be investigated and defended at all costs!We pride ourselves on asking the tough questions — so that you’ll be informed going forward.We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts with us on this episode and any of our episodes that you’ve listened to.  Email us at:  prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comTune in and be empowered and simultaneously follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot  here:We are here for you and because of you!Thanks!Executive Producer— Phil Rizzo

Thank you so much for helping us achieve our goal of being actively downloaded in 100 countries, globally!On this explosive edition of Light ‘Em Up, ripped straight from the headlines — like a laser, we re-focus our attention on the breaking news in the killing of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old, unarmed black man, in Akron, Ohio, our hometown.  None of this story is foreign to us, we live here, we work here, we’ve raised our families here, we broadcast from here.After what seemed like an eternity — the 10-month investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Office within the office of the Attorney General for the State of Ohio — the investigators concluded their report of all actions taken in this use-of-force investigation.On Monday, April 17th a Special Summit County Grand Jury that was empaneled to hear the case of the 8 Akron Police Officers who shot 94 rounds, hitting Jayland Walker 46 times, returned a “no bill” verdict and none of the officers will be indicted on any charges stemming from their actions in gunning down Walker in a hail of bullets in an empty parking lot of the Bridgestone Center for Research & Technology at approximately 12:40 am on June 27th, 2022.Rhetorically we ask, “who gets shot 46 times and lives”?  These 8 officers of the Akron Police Department, once they decided to fire upon Jayland Walker, they were determined to shoot until he was dead.  Sadly, it has become more and more apparent that “contempt of cop” can easily get you killed in 2023.The police have very little tolerance for those who don’t immediately “comply”.  “Comply or die” sadly, has become more of a standard versus an anomaly or aberration.While there is no way that we can adequately cover the entire story in 1 episode, in this episode, our learning objectives are itemized below, as we endeavor to educate and empower you with facts that explain:♦ What is a Grand Jury?♦ What does a Grand Jury consist of?♦ What is the Grand Jury’s role in the judicial process?♦ The State of Ohio’s BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s) Official Report.♦ The evidence, sifting through and combing-over the detailed fact-pattern in this case.♦Separating the facts from fiction and the truth from innuendo.The truth is difficult to hear for those who would wish to cover it up!The truth has no agenda and is very much worth fighting for!This case has E-X-P-L-O-D-E-D with breaking news!  We’re on the scene with members of our team with boots on the ground in order to keep you up to the minute and informed.You’ll also hear:♦ The original police radio transmission of the chase as it unfolded.♦ A portion of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s press conference.♦ And Akron’s Chief of Police, Steven Mylett, regarding the aftermath of his department shooting tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd that had been peaceful for two previous hours marching and protesting in accordance with their 1st amendment sanctioned constitutional rights.Note well: We advise you ahead of time — regarding the audio of the original chase you will hear coarse language and you will hear multiple gunshots; anticipate them and be forewarned, some may be disturbed by this content.We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts at prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comTune in and be empowered and at the same time follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:Thanks!Executive ProducerPhil Rizzo

Welcome to this incendiary episode of Light ‘Em Up!Tonight, on this explosive investigative edition we examine the death of Leevon Smith.We’re certain that his name won’t ring a bell.BANG!  BANG! BANG!  On January 18th, 2023 Smith was shot 3 times at point-blank range on a sidewalk near the 1300 block of West 90th Street in Chicago by off-duty Chicago police officer Precious Dunn.Levon Smith grabbed Precious Dunn. Were his intentions to rob her or assault her?  He shouldn’t have grabbed her.  Beyond that we can’t speak for him, nor can he – he is dead.You will see on video, suddenly, and without warning, Leevon Smith grabs Dunn around her upper body.  Is he trying to take her gun?  Did he even know she had a gun?  He certainly found out quickly that she was armed.You can audibly hear him call her a b*tch.  The video will show a life and death struggle ensued.BANG!  Dunn shouts, “I’ll kill you, watch this”! 2 more shots ring out.  In this episode – we deliver the exclusive raw, agony-filled audio of Leevon Smith after each individual shot – as he lay on the ground bleeding out. We’ll provide a link so you can have an eyewitness view of the video of the shooting taken from a nearby surveillance camera.Many people commenting on this case on social media have expressed that “Leevon Smith got what he deserved.” Others feel what the off-duty female cop delivered went beyond self-defense and in a blink of an eye became “street justice” – stepping over the line from being proportional and justifiable force.As a case study we will examine not only the specific fact pattern in this case, but also, we hope to educate you, (our listeners), on crucial facts that you need to know.We’ll unpack what exactly are the “3 prongs” of Graham v Conner as they apply to the lawful use of force by law enforcement officers. We endeavor to clarify the narrow and very limited prohibitions imposed on police and the use of force.We challenge you to think critically about the myriad of legal questions that this unique case poses as you listen in:  We want to involve you actively and directly.● Was Precious Dunn acting as a private citizen or in her capacity as a police officer?● Will the fact that she failed to render any aid to her victim expose her to any criminal liability?● Will this shooting be ruled as a justifiable homicide?● Will she or should she be indicted?● Was the use of force necessary, objectively reasonable, proportional and lawful?● Was this an overt act of self-defense protected within the framework of the current law or did the off-duty Chicago Police Officer step over the legal boundaries for what is permitted by law and commit 2nd degree murder, exposing herself to criminal liability?We examine what exactly is the “reasonableness standard” of the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that influences police behavior today.  This is a must listen for ALL, especially for individuals of color, as the 6th leading cause of death among black men comes at the hands of a law enforcement officer.We advise you ahead of time, you will hear coarse language and you will hear gunshots in the audio clip that are extremely loud; anticipate them and be forewarned.This investigation is currently on-going and it may take as much as 18 months in order to complete.Please send this episode to a friend.  We want to hear from you!  Share your thoughts at prizzo@rpgconsultingltd.comTune in and be empowered and at the same time follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:

We're proud to announce that we're being downloaded in 99 countries!In this explosive episode we share our final installation of an incredibly informative and intense 3-part series of conversations with our most downloaded special guest, Dr. Sandy Womack, Jr., the Region 3 area superintendent of the Columbus, Ohio school district and a lifelong educator with 30+ years of experience.He’s the author of two books which are a must for every educator and leader:●"Even the best of plans go astray" and●"Creating Successful Urban Schools: The Urban Educators Month by Month Guide to School Improvement”.In our hard-hitting, truth-telling and daring conversations, we’ve covered topics that very few others have the courage to unpack, speaking truth to power on the topics of:● Effective 21st Century Policing● The truth about Critical Race Theory (CRT), and● We set the record straight on the current state of affairs in Ohio regarding charter schools and voucher programs (under Governor Mike DeWine’s budget proposals) and how this will impact public education and ultimately the school to prison pipeline.Dr. Womack says, “25% of the state budget appears to be set aside for charter and voucher schools,” which he says is “significant” because “only about 11% of the students in Ohio will attend charter schools. “It sets the agenda, because you truly put your money where your mouth is.”● We look back on the 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop music and how it has impacted urban education and beyond.  He stresses the impacting force of an education and knowledge of self.  Dr. Womack mentioned that he “came up in the era where you had ‘conscious rap’ from artists like KRS-One, Public Enemy, The Pharcyde and De La Soul”, just to mention a few.Dr. Womack shares that, “Hip hop has made a tremendous impact because it gave a lot of young African Americans the ability to see themselves in a positive light – through music and the ability to use their vocabulary and true to life story-telling.” ● The importance of celebrating “the firsts” (first black pioneers and significant role models of color) in a world that goes out of its way to try to devalue these accomplishments.  Dr. Womack says, “recognizing and identifying ‘firsts’ is very important to do, because so many people today are trying to strip people of color of their history.” We drilled down on the de-regulation of educational certification (something that is not a new phenomenon), and discussed the rarely-mentioned fact that hundreds of thousands of Black educators lost their jobs when Brown v Board of Education was implemented in 1954.  A case argued by the great legal scholar and pioneer Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall exposed the fact that unqualified white milkmen were used to replace qualified black educators when Brown v Board was implemented.  These educators were leading professionals in education and in their communities.In the decisive leadership of Dr. Womack, Jr., which has led many young people back onto the path to progress, “truth” is at the root of his essential core.  The truth “cultivates”.  It “digs up” … it “reveals”.  His dear grandmother, Alice Womack once said, "the difference between a lie and the truth is normally just half of the story.”Tune in and get your truths!  Follow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here:

As we promised, this is a continuation of our intensive discussion during Black History Month, a “Light ‘Em Up” “After-dark Special Edition”.In this empowering episode, our returning special guest, Dr. Sandy Womack Jr., the Region 3 area Superintendent of the Columbus City School District (the largest district in the State of Ohio) defines for us exactly what Critical Race Theory (CRT) is.He shares that CRT is an academic and legal framework that denotes that systemic racism is part of American society — from education and housing to employment and healthcare.  It recognizes that racism is more than the result of individual bias and prejudice. It is embedded in laws, policies and institutions that uphold and reproduce racial inequalities. According to CRT, societal issues like Black Americans’ higher mortality rate, outsized exposure to police violence, the school-to-prison pipeline, denial of affordable housing, and the rates of the death of Black women in childbirth are not unrelated anomalies”.“CRT is a doctoral epistemology, no one is teaching that outside of graduate and doctorate level courses.  Kids in K-12 are not doing anything on that level,” Womack said.Faithful Fox News watchers, tele-prompter-readers such as Tucker Carlson, political hacks like Marjorie Taylor Greene & QAnon conspiracists who don’t read have co-opted the term “critical race theory” and use it as talking points and as a catch-all and rallying cry to silence any discussions about systemic racism, ban the truthful teaching of American history, and reverse progress toward racial justice.Dr. Womack rhetorically asks, “Who benefits from not telling the truth?”The term CRT has been unjustifiably used to include all diversity and inclusion efforts, race-conscious policies, and education about racism, whether or not they draw from CRT. Attempts to ban CRT are really attacks on free speech, on discussions about the truthful history of race and racism in the U.S., and the lived experiences of Black people and other people of color.Lawmakers and proponents of the bans insist they are advocating for a balanced and “patriotic” education. In reality, these bans do the exact opposite: deny the truth about our nation’s history, silence dissent, and punish those who speak the truth to counter whitewashed falsehoods.For 30+ years Dr. Womack has labored tirelessly to destroy the “deficit mindset” that plagues so many of our inner-city youth.He shared unequivocal truths with us regarding how “in the U.S. we have laws, rules and policies that have been set in place that have impacted African American people economically, politically and legally — policies that have impacted the ability of certain indigenous and marginalized people to improve economically, educationally and have access to better and affordable health care … etc., cannot move forward unless these facts are acknowledged”.   He spoke eloquently and convincingly how “So many people have fought and lost their lives for the right to vote and to be enfranchised” and the importance of being an educated, informed voter.He expressed that, “until we embrace everybody that’s here (in the U.S.) and let everybody have a chance to tell their truth … then we as a people become weaker”.Tune in and be exposed to the truth which always disturbs, divides but ultimately delivers right here on “Light ‘Em Up” - now being downloaded in 99 countries.You can find a wealth of resources and more detailed information about Dr. Womack, Jr. by following this link:  www.urbanschooleducation.comFollow our sponsors Newsly & Feedspot here: