top of page
Writer's pictureKaren Brittingham-Edmond

K Britt's Afternoon Tea: Frankie Beverly Philly's Favorite Son; The Story of 21-Year-Old Javion Magee; Phil Lewis's 'What I'm Reading' Diddy Report; NJ Hot Lottery & More

Updated: Sep 20

September 19, 2024

Echoed News & Updates



PHILADELPHIA'S FAVORITE SON: REMEMBERING THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF FRANKIE BEVERLY


Gif Source: Wix GIF Media


Frankie Beverly's musical journey began at a young age, as a soloist in his local church in Philadelphia's East Germantown neighborhood. During his teenage years, he was a part of "The Silhouettes" ensemble before forming his own doo-wop group, "The Blenders."

In 1970, he established the "Raw Soul" group in Philadelphia, which later evolved into "Frankie Beverly and Maze." After relocating to San Francisco, Beverly collaborated with the legendary Marvin Gaye.

Gaye took the group under his wing and suggested a name change, leading to the birth of Frankie Beverly and Maze, as stated on Beverly's website. Beverly not only served as the band's lead vocalist but also as its primary songwriter, producer, and the visionary behind Frankie Beverly and Maze. In May 2024, a street dedication ceremony was held in honor of Beverly's musical contributions and philanthropic endeavors, attended by Beverly, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Cindy Bass, and community members. Our thoughts are with Beverly's family and loved ones during this difficult time.


The family has chosen to keep Beverly's passing private and has requested privacy during this challenging time. Beverly's musical legacy and impact will continue to inspire and uplift many for years to come.

AWE DIDDY!


Per an article shared by Phil Lewis of "What I'm Reading" titled The media mogul was arrested Monday evening after he was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury. That on September 17, 2024. Music extraordinaire Sean "Diddy" Combs has been arrested in New York City after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Federal agents carried out the arrest based on a sealed indictment filed by the Southern District of New York. He is expected to appear before a federal judge on Tuesday. Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean 'Diddy' Combs, stated that Combs is not a criminal but an imperfect person. Agnifilo expressed disappointment at the decision to prosecute Combs, emphasizing his accomplishments as a music icon, entrepreneur, family man, and philanthropist. He also mentioned that Combs had relocated to New York to cooperate with authorities. Additionally, Combs was previously sued by his longtime girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, for alleged years of abuse. Please note that an indictment does not imply guilt but signifies that the prosecution has enough evidence to go to trial. Gif Source: Wix GIF Media


TRAGIC DISCOVERY: YOUNG BLACK TRUCKER FOUND DEAD IN NORTH CAROLINA WOODS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN LYNCHED AFTER WALMART DELIVERY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH


Please remember the following details: In an appendix to the September 19, 2024, report featured on TYT's Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey, additional information about Magee's activities was shared. Magee was observed walking at 4:53 P.M., and again at 6:11 P.M. At 6:11 P.M., he entered the Walmart at North Cooper Rd, where he purchased a thick blue rope. Subsequently, at 6:28 P.M., he returned to his hotel room, conversing with the clerk before leaving in his semi-truck at 6:34 P.M. Shortly before 7:00 P.M., surveillance footage captured Magee parking in a dirt lot on Vanco Mill Road. He exited his vehicle and was seen walking towards the woods carrying an object at 7:30 P.M. There is no footage of him returning to the truck. The next day, at 10:00 A.M., a 911 call was made when a lawn service team discovered Magee's body.

Additionally, Raleigh NC Press provided more information about Magee's actions. Walmart security footage showed Magee giving $228 to a homeless person after purchasing the rope. The homeless witness later confirmed that Magee wished to give more before leaving the store with the rope.


In psychology, suicidal behavior encompasses preparatory acts, which are actions or preparations leading up to a suicide attempt, but before the potential for harm has begun. This can involve more than just verbalizing or thinking about it, such as gathering a method (e.g., collecting pills) or getting ready for one's Suicide (e.g., writing a suicide note or giving away belongings). Per a report published by the University of Georgia Today news report written by Leigh Hataway on March 26, 2024, "Suicide is the second leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is particularly prevalent among Black men, who die by Suicide at a rate more than four times that of Black women." Please consider these potential factors in concern of young Magee's passing because childhood trauma, plus racism, takes a heavy toll on young Black men's mental health. Kindly, Karen Brittingham-Edmond Echo News T.V. L.L.C.


The family of Javion Magee and their attorneys met with investigators to discuss the 21-year-old truck driver's death. Magee was found dead on Sept. 11, with a rope around his neck. The Vance County Sheriff stated that there was no evidence of lynching, and preliminary information suggested a possible suicide. However, Magee's family, who stated he had no history of suicidal thoughts, sought to ensure a thorough and fair investigation. The family's attorneys emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident.


Magee's family, many of whom live in Illinois, were concerned to learn their beloved son was found hanging from a tree. They said he never had any history of suicidal thoughts or depression. He was a trucker who took up that job following in his father's footsteps, possibly looking to establish a family legacy and successful business. He also had plans in the coming days to travel to Texas to hang out with some of his cousins. Because they were concerned about Magee's death not being a suicide but investigators jumping to that conclusion, the family reached out to attorneys to "help make sure the investigation was completed thoroughly and fairly," they said.


A week after Magee's death, his family was able to speak with investigators in person. Attorney Lee Merrit said the discussion took about two hours and went through all the evidence gathered so far. Per an article written by Tom George of ABC 11 titled Black man found dead against tree with rope around his neck in NC: 'Not a lynching,' sheriff says from Friday Sept 13, 2024 shares; "We're investigating the lynching of a young man in 2024. It would be a misnomer to say that kind of thing does not happen anymore," Merrit said.

Per a story written Deneen Brown of The Washington Post titled "Lynchings in Missippi Never Stopped," on August 8, 2021; Shares that since the year 2000, there have been at least eight suspected lynchings of Black men and teenagers in Mississippi, according to court records and police reports. https://abc11.com/post/javion-magee-death-henderson-nc-investigation-not-lynching-vance-county-sheriff-says-despite-reports-hanging/15299573/


The history of lynching Black citizens in the United States.

Per Jill Collen Jefferson, a lawyer and founder of "Julian," a civil rights organization named after the late civil rights leader Julian Bond, pointed out that "The last recorded lynching in the United States was in 1981. But the thing is, lynchings never stopped in the United States. Lynchings in Mississippi never stopped. The evil bastards stopped taking photographs and passing them around like baseball cards." Picture Source: Wix Media About the Juliian Group https://www.julianfreedom.org/


Jefferson, who was born in Jones County, Miss., emphasized the deep-rooted history of racial violence in the region, stating, "Coming from Mississippi and seeing stuff intersect, talking about this stuff is like talking about what happened down the road." Jefferson, a Harvard Law School graduate trained as a civil justice investigator with Bond, has been compiling records of Black people found hanging or mutilated across the country since 2017, with a focus on Mississippi since 2019. Despite law enforcement officials ruling the deaths as suicides in each case she investigated, the families of the victims believe they had been lynched.


HOT NEW JERSEY!


In the recent lottery drawings, several winning tickets were sold in New Jersey. A $10,000 Mega Millions ticket was sold at a Shoprite in Hazlet, Monmouth County. Additionally, there were four other winning tickets: a $20,000 Mega Millions ticket sold at a 7-Eleven in Medford, a $10,000 Mega Millions ticket sold at EZ Chek in Sayreville, another $10,000 Mega Millions ticket sold at Mr. Mike's Convenience Store in Vauxhall, and a $50,000 Powerball ticket sold at In & Out Convenience Store in Phillipsburg. Picture Source: Wix Media https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/iz74n/10k-mega-millions-ticket-sold-in-hazlet?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert 


TRAGIC HIT AND RUN IN GALLOWAY NJ


Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run in Galloway NJ that resulted in the death of a woman from Barnegat. The incident occurred on White Horse Pike (Route 30) westbound near Seventh Avenue. Angeletta Sheppard, 33, was the victim of the fatal crash. The vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or submit a tip anonymously on the Prosecutor’s Office website at ACPO.Tips. Picture Source: Wix Media


DRIVER ACCUSED OF KILLING NHL STAR AND HIS BROTHER WHILE DRIVING DRUNK TO REMAIN IN JAIL


A judge ruled on Friday that the man accused of striking and killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, while driving drunk will remain in jail. Sean M. Higgins has been in custody since the incident, and he faces two counts of death by auto. Prosecutors argued that Higgins was impaired and drove aggressively when he struck the victims. They also mentioned that Higgins had developed a habit of driving with road rage and impatience due to the adverse effects of drinking, which he took up while working from home. If convicted, Higgins faces up to 20 years in prison. Picture Gif Source of Gaudreau & family provided: Wix Gif Media




Comments


  • Facebook
  • Instagram

HELP KEEP THE ECHO PRESS RUNNING

Your donation is greatly appreciated!

bottom of page