An Elaboration
The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Randy Sylvester, Jr and sister Denim led to some very interesting happenstance:
1. This story was the lead story every day except Thursday, when there was someone killed as the result of a very quick moving storm that developed Thurs. evening.
2. Over 25,000 volunteers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds assembled every day to canvass the area and search the nearby ponds.
3. Quanell X was involved. His involvement led to some major progress and, this morning, the discovery of the children's bodies. Yesterday morning, on a local news program, a caller called in questioning his involvement and bringing up his controversial past (He is a former crack dealer from 3rd Ward who has been involved in many controversial cases...the first one I remember [from way back in 1992-93-ish) was the case of death row inmate Gary Graham aka Shaka Sankofa). The responder, HPD's lead investigator on the case responded that while Quanell X was controversial, his involvement had been crucial and, regardless of his politics, they were thankful for his assistance.
4. At a candlelight vigil for the children, Quanell X was holding hands and praying with a White pastor who was also volunteering in the search efforts. He did. I saw it!
While I am still disappointed that I did not even see this story on CNN (I looked today to see if it was mentioned...it wasn't), I was very glad to see that my city cares about Black babies, too. As they did for Laura Smithers several years ago, they coordinated, cooperated and, unfortunately, found the same tragic closure for Jerilynn St Cyr that they had for Mr. and Mrs. Smithers. I am glad to see the acknowledgment of a man who, while very controversial, has repeatedly stood up for the Black community in Houston and many other parts of the state as well....when there isn't enough money or attention for Jesse or Al to get involved. Especially one who is non-Christian and a vocal dissident and has a history as a rabblerouser. I am glad to see the cooperation of so many from all over the city.
As horrified as I am that a father could murder and burn his own babies...on Father's Day, no less, I am proud of my city's response to this tragedy.
1. This story was the lead story every day except Thursday, when there was someone killed as the result of a very quick moving storm that developed Thurs. evening.
2. Over 25,000 volunteers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds assembled every day to canvass the area and search the nearby ponds.
3. Quanell X was involved. His involvement led to some major progress and, this morning, the discovery of the children's bodies. Yesterday morning, on a local news program, a caller called in questioning his involvement and bringing up his controversial past (He is a former crack dealer from 3rd Ward who has been involved in many controversial cases...the first one I remember [from way back in 1992-93-ish) was the case of death row inmate Gary Graham aka Shaka Sankofa). The responder, HPD's lead investigator on the case responded that while Quanell X was controversial, his involvement had been crucial and, regardless of his politics, they were thankful for his assistance.
4. At a candlelight vigil for the children, Quanell X was holding hands and praying with a White pastor who was also volunteering in the search efforts. He did. I saw it!
While I am still disappointed that I did not even see this story on CNN (I looked today to see if it was mentioned...it wasn't), I was very glad to see that my city cares about Black babies, too. As they did for Laura Smithers several years ago, they coordinated, cooperated and, unfortunately, found the same tragic closure for Jerilynn St Cyr that they had for Mr. and Mrs. Smithers. I am glad to see the acknowledgment of a man who, while very controversial, has repeatedly stood up for the Black community in Houston and many other parts of the state as well....when there isn't enough money or attention for Jesse or Al to get involved. Especially one who is non-Christian and a vocal dissident and has a history as a rabblerouser. I am glad to see the cooperation of so many from all over the city.
As horrified as I am that a father could murder and burn his own babies...on Father's Day, no less, I am proud of my city's response to this tragedy.