Derrion Albert (yearbook photo)
For 16-year-old Chicago student Derrion Albert,
The Chicago Tribune reported that three people were arrested in Derrion’s death: Silvonus Shannon, 19, Eugene Riley, 18, and Eric Carson, 16. What is even more surreal is that Derrion Albert the studious overachiever who dreamed of going to college after graduating from High School, had no idea that on this uneventful day a fight which he had nothing to do with would soon end his life. The after school fight that took Derrion’s life was planned and waged between two rival student groups from Christian Fenger High School that were determined to settle a gang-related shooting that occurred earlier in the day. www.chicagonow.com/blogs/message-from-montie/2009/09/innocent-bystander-darrien-albert-killed-chicago-teenagers-need-alternatives-to-violence.html
Although it is not known exactly why Derrion was caught up in the assault, many that were there say that he was merely an innocent bystander, heading to the bus stop after school had ended. Caught between a faction from the
What is equally disturbing is that amid the violence were groups of on looking students who appeared to be more interested in laughing and joking as they video taped the horrific beating on their cell phones.
In lieu of the violent act that occurred, how does a school principle begin to explain to a mother and a father that their child has been beaten to death at a school bus stop? How does a school administration explain to unsuspecting parents that their children while on public school property are being marked by fellow students as targets of terror and possible death?
On
In recognition of the tragedy, President Barack Obama is sending U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who once led Chicago Public Schools, to the city on Wednesday to meet with school officials, students and residents to talk about school violence.
As always, Louisianans, the New Orleans Examiner.Com is interested in what you think. Is school crime that plagues
Until next time Louisianans, Good day, God Bless and Good fishing.
Comments
If there is a school where there are gangs present a parent should be worried. Especially for our young men, because you have gang members constantly pressuring them to join their gangs.
If you value your child you should move immediately from that area or sent them away to live with a relative away from the violence.
The day that story broke and I watched in horror as that young man's life was literally snuffed out by those thugs, I cried. To think that something like that could happen to an innocent young man with a promising future in what we would love to believe is a civilized country, is appalling.
What ever happened to school juvenile officers? You know the 21 jumpstreet kind? Don't think I am just blowing smoke people, but we have to give our children hope. Hope that yes they to can become a prominent member of society by having the means to attain a college education. How do we instill this hope in our black children? For starters convincing them that they are wanted,and needed(PARENTS THIS STARTS AT HOME)and assuring the children that if you at least graduate from high school with a (C) average then a seat in a state school is available for you.
How do we make this happen for our black children? One word folks
REPARATION. WE ARE ENTITLED TO IT. As the only ethnic group forced to come to America, build it(America)and generate wealth for a select few land owners (SLAVERY)then forced to shed our ethnicities and assimilate or conform to (WHITE)cultural norms (MORES)why we even lost our ethnic names. IT IS TIME AMERICA PAID ITS DEBT TO THE TRUE BUILDERS OF THIS GREAT NATION.
IF THE CHILDREN KNOW THAT YES THEIR IS REAL OPPORTUNITY OUT THEIR FOR THEM THEN THIS WOULD MOTIVATE THE MAJORITY TO EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA BECAUSE THEY KNOW COLLEGE IS WITHIN THER REACH WITH A SIMPLE REPARATIONS LAW THAT GURANTEE'S THEM OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A DEGREE WICH INTURN PROVIDES THEM THE UPWARD MOBILITY AND INCOME THEY SEEK AND THE CITIZENS OF THE USA WOULD BENEFIT WITH A MORE CIVIL, EDUCATED BLACK POPULATION THAT CAN BUY INTO THE DREAM ( AMERICA THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY).
that was so sad how that boy died and wat has killed me is that nobody cant stop this but themselves!!! everybody just need to look at themselves and stop tryna be a thug or what not!!! i am enrolled in the chicago public school system!!! when i heard the news about that derrion diein i just cried cuz how could sumbody be so cruel and beat that boy with that big stick!!!! derrion could have been sumbody maybe the next president or sumthing i mean what the heck!!! BLACK PEOPLE JUST NEED TO WORRY BOUT THEM SELVES AND STOP ALL THIS VIOLENCE!!! and as yu all are witnessing most peopla that are getting kilt is KIDS!!! and most of them be innocent!!! and i am a freshman that is attending high school!!! thank you and goodbye
Please pause the original video at 45 seconds and then stop and start video through the 47th second. You will see the murdered boy tries to knock down a white boy running away from a beating behind the car. What could have been a moral lesson that crime does not pay, the media continues to preach “shit happens” with no moral culpability.
I fell that, they could have stop this fight it shouldn't have happen, when they hit the young boy the first thime someone shoud have stop it then, but everyone keep looking like bum people. but the people driving in the cars did not try to say a thing to stop the fight or get out there cars and stop it but all they could do was look and drive away. if that was there kid they would want someone to stop the fright.
i fell that is crazy and sad how our black people killing our blacks kids we wont 2 grow
@patrick What is the point you are making? Are you saying his death is justified because a white person was there?
To Merido: I don't can't speak for Patrick, but this story isn't a story about race. It's a story of how tragic conditions have become in our public schools. I think that the writer of the story is trying to hightlight that (1st) Some Parents are failing to properly mentor their children and teach them that violence is evil and wrong, (2nd) Public Schools are becoming arenas of violence and (3) for various reasons, some children have become desensitized to the point that they no longer give a...well you know the word.
I want to know why we haven't heard about the first 34!!! students killed in public schools in chicago, this year alone! I can't imagine if 34 students had been killed in San Diego schools that people wouldn't have heard about it.
I read these comments and just think how stupid people are. Give me a break! I feel real bad for the family this is a very very sad story. (wrong place at the wrong time) my ass. As you can see by the video these kids had this planned. Derrion might not of been in the gang, but these kids knew what they were doing before hand. In the video people are just watching and cheering on the other people who are hitting eachother. Just stupid! I agree that they didn't have to do Derrion like that, but on the other hand he could of walked away from the crowd. This just makes me think of how that old saying goes (never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups)and that is so true . And I'm glad they have found(4) of the kids in the video. They should get premeditated murder not 1st, not 2nd cause this was planned. Forget prision these lil basterds need to get the chair, so all the future wanna be thugs learn a lesson from this. R.I.P DERRION. And the Albert family, I'm soo sorry.
To Wayne: I agree with 90% of what you said so strongly sir. I only disagree with how you described Derrion. What 16 year old from "Anywhere U.S.A." isn't drawn to see what all the "hype" is as it pertains to his envirnonment. This is why PARENTS MUST do a better job of teaching their children exactly what you insinuated that Derrion was lacking and that is - COMMON SENSE which in this case equates to "knowing when to get the freak out the way of an ugly scene". I like your passion and your sincerity as you expressed your sorrow to seeing another young man needlessly dying. Stay strong sir. I shall try to write the stories that will keep the readers aware of what's happening in our "world". GB
To San Diego: Sir, getting the word out is the job of the media. The media is motivated by profit. Someone decided that other stories were more important for the "bottom line". This is why I WRITE. In the words of the fictional character XXX played by Vin Diesel...."I live for this Sh@! I shall, God Willing, continue to keep the readers informed to many issues that I think and pray are important to most people. Stay focused and stay strong. GB
DHATZ KRAZZI HOW KUDD YOU KILL SOMEBODY FOR NO REASON I JUST HOPE HIS IN A BETTA PLACE BECAUSE HE RELLI LIVED A SMALL LIFE ND 2MA NOT PROMISED 2DAI.I JUST WANNA TELL THE FAMILY THAT JUST KEEP YALL HEAD UP ND STAY STRONG.TODDLEZ
To the person who wants to be known as Chantia: You are a fraud. Black Americans do not speak in the manner that you wrote your comment.
It is great to hear a general consensus from most of you, that parents should be more involved in there child's lives. I agree 100%!!! We must all take action to ENLIGHTEN our youth. Be a Big Brother, or a Big Sister. SHOW some guidance to these young folks. THey have no idea what a wonderful life there is awaiting for them out there.
In response to Craig's rant. I have to object to your views on how we should change the landscape for our children through reparations. The worst thing we could do is give people money for NO REASON!!! These children had nothing to do with slavery, and neither did anyone who is alive today. Point in case, My grandfather and 4 of his brothers were imprisoned in Nazzi concentration camps. My grandfather was the only one who survived, but you don't here me CRYING ABOUT $$$$ that I DESERVE!!! BULLSHTTTTTT!!! I have made a great life for myself & my family through hard work & dedication. THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD BE TEACHING THESE KIDS, NOT HOW TO MILK MORE MONEY FROM HARDWORKING PEOPLE!! As a 1st generation american I can attest to the value of HARD WORK!!! I watched my mother create a great life for us, after enduring what seemed as insurmountable odds. As I digress, Craig your ignorance is only surpassed by jaded views. Please consider the sewage that you spew, and keep it from our youth!!!
First of all, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Derrion Albert. I'm tired of two groups: 1) the African-Americans who continue to blame [insert blamee of the day] and demand "reparations" (e.g., Craig, below), and 2) the elitist liberals who still think that African American persons cannot achieve positive goals without Affirmative Action or some welfare handouts. The urban Black culture is destructive, period. Seventy percent of African American babies are born out of wedlock, 23% to teens, 10% of African American males are in prison, and 20% are unemployed. And what's the solution? MORE welfare handouts to undwed mothers, MORE scholarships based on race and not acheivement, and MORE references to Blacks as victims. It's time to consider the negative aspects of the African American culture--that as a whole, children are not taught kindness, respect, honesty, integrity, etc. Instead, "Bruthas" like Craig teach them to be angry victims, demanding their entitlements.
How much more money and opportunities do you want. It seems to me, that when the afro Americans have fame and fortune that they squander it on gold teeth and large gold chains along with promoting the gang life in crap (I mean) rap music.
There are douche bags in all races not just the blacks, it’s sad that people just stand around and let this happen then laugh about it.
Take back the schools and towns from these thugs and hold the accountable. Get the death penalty back and start showing the thugs that we mean business - you do the crime, you move to the front of the line and die? I guarantee crime with slow down...
It is sad that this kid lost his life and my heart goes out to the family.
Roger
Thank you Patrick for pointing out what everyone seems to be missing here. Derrion Albert might well have been an honor student, but the cause of his death was his own stupidity. Who knows if he would have been one of the "animals" who helped stomp to death some other participant in the melee, had his first punch connected with it's intended target? Mr. Albert could just as easily be on trial for 1st degree murder as his assailants are.
It's unfortunate that a true innocent victim couldn't be championed here, someone who was standing on a stoop and got hit with a bullet.
I've been in plenty of fist fights in my day, and you never, EVER, kick a person when he's down. Head stomping? Beating an unconscious person with a two by four? In my opinion, charging all 4 teenagers with 1st degree murder is just wrong. The first two boys who hit Derrion were no more at fault than Derrion was himself. It's the wild pack of animals who encountered him while helpless that are culpable.
This makes me so sick, that an innoccent child could lose his life over such a ruthless crime, this young man was only 16 years old 16, he hasnt even seen half of his life. I hope each one of those discusting people deserve what they get and rot in their jail cells, their is no forgiving in thisa situation, theirs no excuse he should still be here, breathing smiling seeing his mother and grandfather. My prayers are deeply within your hearts, i know it hurts right now but they pain shall go away, He is in a better place and her will always be in your hearts. I am so happy someone captured that video on their phone and turned it in, because if they didn't no one would have spoke, but someone was grand enough to do it for Derrion and his family, i say thank you..... I may not have known him but when I saw this brutality i just busted into tears it hurt my heart so bad........ I mean he tried to make it he tried, unfortunally he couldn't pull throgh but all my love is with you Derrion
I sit a read some of your comments and it makes me very angy that some of you would imply Derrion play a role in his death and his stupidity got him killed! He did what all teens do when they see a fight after school they watch the fight. Maybe he should have walked away, but the fact that he did't doesn't mean he should die for it. He was hit from behind and never had a chance to see the first hit comming and he did try to walk away after that but being dazed from the hit he fell to the ground only to be beaten TO DEATH! One of you said he was not hit by a str bullet from a gang shooting so he not a innocent victim of gang violence. Well an innocent bystander is an innocent by standered rather they are shot or beaten he was not in the gang and was not fighting anyone just watching. The only thing stupid I see is some of the lack of sympathy for the situation and the comments some of you have made!
I FEEL THAT YOUNG MAN DID NOT HAVE TO LOSE HIS LIFE OVER IT. HE WAS AN INNOCENT BY STANDER AND THEY STRUCK HIM FROM BEHIND. IT IS ALWAYS GOOD FOR ANOTHER CREEP TO BUT HTE BLAME ON ANOTHER. THAT CHILD DID NOT HAVE TO DIE. MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY. FORGET EVERYTHING THAT ALL OF THOSE STUPID PEOPLE SAY. HE DIDNT DESERVE TO DIE ONLY COWARDS HIT SOMEONE WHEN THEY ARE NOT LOOKING. THOSE KIDS NEED NOT TO SEE THE STREETS EVER. WHAT THEY NEED TO DO IS SEND ALL OF THOSE THUGS AND GANG BANGERS TO THE WAR TO FIGHT THEY LIKE TO FIGHT SEND THEM THERE THAT COULD AS WELL BEEN ONE OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS. AND FOR ALL OF THOSE RACIST PEOPLE OUT THE TO CALLED BLACK CHILDREN ANIMALS IT HAPPENS IN YOUR HOOD AS WELL BUT THEY ALWAYS COVER IT UP IN UR HOOD. THAT WASNT FAIR TO DERRION THEY SEEN HIM DOWN AND THEY KEPT BEATIN HIS LIFELESS BODY. AND FOR THAT IDOT THAT SAID THAT DERRION CAUSE HIS OWN DEATH YOU ARE CRAZY. YOU NEED TO PRAY AS A MATTER OF FACT IM GOING TO PRAY FOR U AND ALL THE PREJUDICE PEOPL
Oh my god this is so sad what is wrong with people these days the world is going mad its just like that song where is the love At least we know that God is watching over him. I hope that who ever beat him up perish in Hell
To Uncle Tom and "let it go craig" You people really have no idea of what it is like growing up in America with dark brown skin.Do you really think that the playing field of education, employment,healthcare,and acsess to civil liberties and individuality are equal? I fear not. What are you descendants of immigrants from a european nation? Just remember IMMIGRANTS COME BY THEIR OWN VOLITION (CHOICE). My ancestors were ENSLAVED
brought to this country against their will. You may not want to think it but yes we do have entitlement. You guys probably think that all is well because they have their person of color in the white house and that should make every brown skinned american happy well folks that is just plain wrong. The black vote didn't get Obama in the white house people and that is not what this is about. What this is about is creating HOPE for all. During WWII Japanese americans forced to report to prison (camps) and held against their will up to 24 months. This was wrong-
and America compensated them with cash. So slavery was right? We do not deserve compensation? How great would America be today without its FREE slave labor. Would the south have been king cotton! For every one succesful black american you see today, Their success originated from the hard work and diligence and sacrifice of their parents. The parents pushed the individual as a child to excel in all they do because the parents are very well aware that being a succesful black in America requires that you work three times as hard as any white. We have to assimilate to white clothing,speech,hairstyles, names and activities to enter and maintain in the corporate world. No other culture has to do such in America. Every other culture is accepted even to the point of requiring Americans to learn their language in primary education, Spanish,French,German are basically required studies in America. 40 years ago we were fighting for basic human rights in this country Black people were forced to
live in squalor. So now many blacks whose parents left the south to pursue manufacturing jobs in the north were able to improve their conditions with a steady income could afford to send that one bright child to a post secondary education. What about the rest of the children, get a job in manufacturing like their parents? Some did and prospered but now were are those jobs?
It boils down to this we are the only people in america that did not come to this country of their own free will seeking a better life. We were enslaved to make the founders of this nation prosperous and not ourselves. Reparations are due. The Jewish population of Germany is still fighting for their temporary enslavement and holocaust. How many blacks were raped, hanged, and burned or worked to death in this country? You don't know America and don't want any one else to know. You want to keep this America's dirty little secret. You can't even find a history book in any american school that even approaches the subjec
A wonderful way for America to acknowledge the fact that slave blood and sweat built this nation is some form of reparation. What would be more acceptable? to see the black youth of this nation self destruct because of the lack of necessity of attaining a primary education(because there are no jobs available that produce a living wage with H.S. diploma, and my family cannot afford to send me to university,)so why should I work hard at school. Mentality. Or, I am going to work hard in school because if I maintain at least a C average and stay out of legal trouble, when I graduate from H.S. I can go to college on the reparations bill, get a decent education become a productive member of society and raise a productive family to be members of American society. We do not want hand outs we want what is our right to pursue that american dream that your people immigrated to this country for. You cannot take a race of people that were enslaved and expect them to succeed because you think it!
People need to grow up and get over themselves. Now I'm black and white and i don't agree with some of the things u guys are saying. It is not just black people that are doing this. It is also white people too. Now I'm not trying to be racist because I'm half and half but seriously people to take another person life because you are having a bad day is messed up if you ask me. Also apart of the problem is that we Americans do NOT take credit for the things that we do wrong. We like blame it on science like there is something wrong will us. Now if you have a disability or you mentally have prolem then yea there is something wrong with you. Just stop blaming your problems on other people and man up to it. Thank-you. Rest in peace Derrion
I live in this Great Nation called the United States of America and I am embarassed for so many of us. Those "kids", if I can call them that, have not been taught what it means to be a person who cares about the life of another. They literally do not know any better! Think about it. If the parents of these kids had learned how to be "real parents" themselves: parents who are responsible,who do not allow the televsion to raise their kids, who show a child love, who live by example and then pass those qualities on to their children, killing another individual out of depravity, is something that would never even cross their minds. They don't fear because no one gave a damn about what they did. Those parents were probably out trying to "get their groove on" rather than making sure they reared a loving, caring, responsible member of this great society we call the United States of America. Keep writing Cuz!
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that the parents of these kids are responsible for the actions of those kids. Those kids made a choice to take the life of that young man and that is truly sad.
I would like to have the trib reporter or a senior councellor from Fenger give me a call; I have an idea that could have a lasting impact and change some of the problems at Fenger and other local areas.
312-372-STOP
No need to reply to me on this post, I don't have time to check responses. thank you
11-13-9
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!