The Neighborhood Newsroom

    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...

  Author: Raven Morgan @lovelymelinatedairgoddess Happy Monday aka Moon Day as well as Solar Eclipse! I want to leave this disclaimer for everyone interested in the solar eclipse especially to go watch it. It's considered bad luck to watch the solar eclipse people are recommending y'all to stay at home and just watch it there. But if you cannot because you have to work just be mindful of looking to the sky while driving to work or leaving work.  This solar eclipse is very important because we have a new moon in Aries making conjunction with the solar eclipse. This ain't the time to manifest especially since we have Mercury retrograde going on right now. This is a perfect time to reflect on your life and do heavy shadow work during this time. We currently have six planets in Aries right at this moment this will affect cardinal placements ( Aries and Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) this also goes for the personal planets in your birth chart as well as your ascendant (rising). The r...

  Author: Aly Bates @alytheeactivist                                                                                       Full Image Gallery Here Yesterday afternoon a group of determined community members flooded the streets of downtown Grand Rapids united in the name of justice for Patrick Lyoya. A 26 year old Congolese refugee who lost his life at the hands of former Grand Rapids Police Officer, Christopher Schurr. The march organized by the Comrades Collective began at Fish Ladder Park around 2:30 PM, drawing a crowd of a little over 50 people, including Patrick’s parents and brothers.  Before taking to the streets organizers made sure to hold a moment of silence to honor not only Patrick Lyoya but also Tiffany Parnell, a local activist and revolutionary who t...

  Author: Aly Bates/ Aly Thee Activist Last night, on what marked the two year anniversary of Patrick Lyoya’s tragic murder, a group of around 30 community members gathered in front of the 61st district courthouse for a candlelight vigil to honor a life taken far too soon. On April 4th, 2022 Patrick Lyoya, who was just 26 years old at the time, was fatally shot by former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr, sparking outrage from the community and calls for accountability that are echoed to this day. The event was organized by the local organization Comrades Collective , with the location specifically selected as a form of protest against prolonged court proceedings in the case of the State of Michigan Vs Christopher Paul Schurr where the former officer is currently facing a second degree murder charge. Despite the cold and rainy weather conditions making it difficult to keep candles lit, the passion of the attendees burned brighter than any flame. Throughout the vigil t...