Warning: Video is very disturbing. The "N" word is used repeatedly.
Canton Estates Apartments sued to evict the parent of a participant in a very disturbing rap video posted on Youtube. The lawsuit was filed in Madison County Court in November against the parent of a participant in a very disturbing rap video seen on Youtube. The video included the frequent use of firearms and several small children were present in the video. The apartment complex filed several eviction actions in Madison County Justice Court in October but withdrew the lawsuits.
The video is rather shocking in nature, as 25-30 black youths and children lip-synced "Welcome to my Hood". Guns repeatedly brandished. Small children always present throughout the video. Roughly half the youths in the video are shirtless. The song uses the word "nigga" over and over. Canton Estates is owned by North Mart Corporation, which is in turn operated by Bruce and Carol Kirkland. The same Bruce Kirkland who owns Baymeadow Apartments in Ridgeland. Canton Estates is also listed by HUD as a recipient of Section 8 payments.
The complaint names Jennifer Williams and her son Clyde Jones as the defendants. It states they produced a video that used the Canton Estates signs, repeatedly waved deadly weapons in the air in a "threatening manner", used vulgar and abusive language in the video, and the "use of intimidation". The complaint states their lease was terminated but they refuse to vacate the premises.
This correspondent obtained through a public records request copies of emails between HUD and Canton Estates (See documents posted below). HUD inquired about the video in an email to Canton Estates on June 16:
"A Youtube video is circulating around town that was filmed at Canton Estates- rather disturbing that it was staged with guns withe the large clips in the video. Please review the video and lets talk. Thanks"
Canton Estates replied:
"I have spoken with the Manager of the complex who was not aware of the video and who is appalled that it occurred. ... It appears that the police cars used in the video were actually called to the complex to break up the loitering. We are in touch with the Madison County Sheriff Department and other residents to continue our investigation. Management will take immediate action to those residents involved in this disturbance."
Local attorney Damon Stevenson represented the defendants and told several tv stations police were present to "supervise". It would appear Mr. Stevenson is not telling the truth as sources at the Madison County Sheriff Department have confirmed the information provided to HUD by Canton Estates. HUD sent another email on June 28:
"Management has asked me for an update on your investigation. I would appreciate any information that you have."
Canton Estates replied it had "identified eight residents in the video" and was preparing "termination notices." Canton did file termination notices but the sweet and innocent residents lawyered up as Mr. Stephenson sent a letter to the manager on July 25, 2011:
"As you should be aware, my clients received a 30 day notice of lease termination on June 30, 2011. The letter stated my clients and/or members of their household violated the lease agreement due to certain members of their household being identified in a video titled "Welcome to my Hood."
While my clients and their family members deny any wrongdoing, my office is interested in knowing why only certain individuals received lease termination letters when the video featured "an exorbitant number of individuals." Additionally, my office has seen no proof that "weapons" were real and not props. Your letter states the video was filmed without the knowledge or permission of management. However, nothing in the lease agreement states that the use of recording equipment requires prior management approval..."
My office is only attempting to put you on notice that we do not believe any of my clients have committed a substantial breach of their lease agreement and therefore my clients do not intend to vacate their apartment units or increase their monthly rents. Please understand that ANY attempt to prevent my clients from exercising their lawful right to enjoy the use and possession of their apartment units without a valid court order will result in immediate legal action from my office against Canton Estates Apartments...."
The hearing is set for January 11 at 9:00 AM. Judge Ratcliffe will preside.
Justice Court complaints. Withdrawn.
Part II of earlier complaints.
Editorial comment: The media covered this story after it was posted on this website but lets just say the coverage was not exactly critical in nature. Here is one reporter who contemplates auditioning for groupie: WAPT story. David Kenney over at WLBT was not much better. Funny how they didn't ask the yewts to reproduce the "fake" guns. I'll say it right now, Mr. Stevenson is lying and those were real guns in the video. They also couldn't wait to report they were no longer facing eviction.
9 comments:
Civilization is just a veneer here. America is something of a narco-state. The weapons are a right for citizens and we manufacture a lot of them. The trouble in Canton is that the gods have fled that place. In Jackson we have the many federal agents along with the state and local police, to give us a measure of protection. Its possible that your former sheriff might get one of the open state police jobs.
You mean they have actual reporters at WAPT? When did that happen?
Another evidence-based investigation.
Thanks Kingfish.
If anyone wishes to be the local stand up comedian on New year's Eve, say two words.... Canton , Mississippi.
Belly laughs should follow .
Toy guns have been required to have a red plug in the barrel since 1992. Those thugs were carrying the real thing.
Even if they were toys, they would have had to cover up or remove the required red plug to give the impression the gun was real. That itself would constitute a "threatening" action since the intent is to cause the viewer/victim to believe they are in imminent danger.
There is plenty of proof beyond a reasonable doubt that those guns were either real or were deliberately modified in a way to make a reasonable person believe they were real. Maybe the DA can throw brandishing charges at them too.
What's the big whoopi-goldberg-ta-doo? I thought that was a very welcoming melody. My feeling is that if I should move to, or drive near Canton Estates, not only will I be protected by each and every cocked-gun toting tenant, but,,,even if I did something untoward, no one would tattle on me. At least, no female dogs would.
Without endorsement, I am reminded of the paternalistic nether regions. Is that bad?
"I am reminded of the paternalistic nether regions. "
huh?
Bear creek runs deep, muddy, and dangerous here. When Mississippi was young we became a wild place with most of the rebels filtering down the river. Our poverty, violence, and laziness are part of our biological inheritance. The bad slaves got sold down the river and the highwaymen like the debtor came here because it was the frontier. The welfare state is just the ready excuse.
Canton....... nothing else to say .
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