The Neighborhood Newsroom

  Author: Aly Bates // Riley Doggett Image courtesy of the family          In a horrific turn of events, the family of 17 year old Riley Doggett has announced his passing after spending over a month in critical condition at the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital after being hit by a Deputy of the Kent County Sheriff during a pursuit on April 8th, 2024.  The incident that took Riley’s life unfolded when he was sitting as a passenger in a car when the Kent County Sheriff made an attempt to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle was allegedly stolen and linked to multiple crimes that took place in the area. As the situation escalated, Riley exited the vehicle and fled the scene. During his attempt to escape, a deputy chased and ran him over, landing him in the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital where his family was told he wasn’t expected to recover.       From the very beginning, Riley’s family has been very outspoken about the lack of transpa...

    Author: Raven Morgan          I wholeheartedly believe Saturn in Aquarius rules Black people. I know, I know y'all don't see it or believe it but I do let me explain why. Aquarius is a sign of revelation and community who often is criticized for better changes, and questions the status quo as you can see the effects from Saturn being in Aquarius back in 2021 still having significant impact in the community. However, Pluto is in Aquarius now in the second house of the United State's birth chart but it's also the USA’s Pluto return. The second house in astrology represents our work ethics such as how we make money, our values, and our self-worth. This explains why our job market is in shambles right now because the USA is going through its karma right now. People are waking up and knowing their worth and utilizing their talents which is why they banned TikTok for control because they know they messed up with their sense of community if it even was a ...

              Author: Aly Bates // Family of Samuel Dajon Sterling during Saturday's rally Full event gallery      Yesterday evening a somber yet powerful rally took place outside the Burger King on 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue, as community members stood in solidarity with the family of Samuel Dajon Sterling . A 25 year old father and rapper who tragically lost his life at the hands of an unknown Detective Sergeant of the Michigan State police this past Wednesday. In an outpour of grief and an unwavering demand for justice, nearly 100 community members gathered just feet away from the area where Sterling’s life was cut short. The feeling of collective grief hovered over the event like a dark cloud, with many tears shed especially as family members bravely addressed the crowd. “I never could imagine losing my baby brother. Because now I don’t know how to go on. I don’t know how to live life without him, because we planned to liv...

Author: Aly Bates A signal one has been issued for 1st, 5th and 6th district police officers in the state of Michigan ahead of today’s rally and march for Samuel Dajon Sterling. A 25 year old father and rapper who was killed by a Sergeant Detective of the Michigan State Police. According to the broadcast from Allegan County the signal one, which means mayday/ emergency, has been issued “based upon potential for civil unrest against all law enforcement in the Grand Rapids area.” The advisory is in effect from Friday, April 19th at 5:00PM to Monday, April 22nd at 8:00AM. All community members planning on attending today’s march have been advised to keep their heads on a swivel and stay safe during today’s action. Justice for Samuel Dajon Sterling.

       Author: Aly Bates A community member has died after sustaining injuries from being struck by an unmarked police car late Wednesday morning.  According to initial reports, the incident occurred near 52nd st and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood Michigan when Michigan State Police officers were in pursuit of a man who was believed to have outstanding warrants for his arrest. It has been alleged that the man began running away when officers attempted to make contact and during the chase the man was hit and pinned to the wall at a nearby Burger King by an unmarked MSP fugitive team vehicle. The victim was then brought to the hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The victim, who has only been identified as Samuel Sterling 25, more commonly known by his middle name, Dajon, has been described by those who knew him as someone who always had something encouraging to say and an overall genuine and solid person. He leaves behind his children, siblings ...

  Author: Aly Bates   Image Courtesy of Su Dav via facebook/ Suriya Davenport being held at gunpoint by Kent County Deputies In a preliminary court hearing held this past Wednesday, April 10th, at the 63rd District Court, Suriya and Majer Davenport, a Black father and son, faced Judge Jeffery O’Hara on charges of assault and resisting arrest following a confrontation with their neighbor, Brett Butler.  The beginning of the conflict dates back to Sunday, March 10th, 2024 ,  when Brett Butler, a man who owns the property located behind the Davenport’s, contacted the Kent County Sheriff’s office seeking supervision as he planned to remove landscaping rocks from the Davenport’s driveway so he could retrieve a broken down vehicle that belonged to one of his sons. Butler, has an easement on the Davenport’s property that allows him to access the two track driveway that leads to his property. Despite being advised to wait until police arrived for assistance, Butler proceeded...