Torres takes flak for 'racist' Halloween costume. Dressed like Jay-Z and Beyonce.

Torres takes flak for 'racist' Halloween costume | Hockey | Sports | Toronto Sun:

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UPDATE: RALLY TO BE HELD TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT POLICE BRUTALITY IN LIGHT OF TOP TORONTO RAPPER KAMA'S HOME AND STUDIO RAID JUNE 1ST!

On Sunday, June 1, 2008 at approx. 11:30 pm more than 50 members of the Toronto Metro Police & S.W.A.T. unit raided the studio/home of Hip-Hop artist, record company owner and community leader Kama (aka Kamikaze) The police departed at approximately 1:30 am without confiscating any items from the premises and did not press charges against Kama or his partner, Kanine, who was also present.

"We had just wrapped an editing section in the studio with a client before the raid," recalls Kama. "Next thing I know, my door is being knocked down, smoke bombs are going off and I'm being told to get down on the ground by masked officers."

While Kama, who founded EZAKIMAK Inc. in 2000, does not want to blame racism on the raid, he fears it may be a serious factor. Many people in the mostly black community, says Kama, have felt under attack by authorities lately. "The area is developing into Toronto's black business/entertainment district, and there are those who do not want us to succeed," notes Kama, whose given name is Kevin Clarke. "Another business, right across the street, was raided a few days later." Kama's home-based business is located in the Vaughn & Oakwood/ West area of Toronto, often referred to as "Little Jamaica." The residents are primarily of Caribbean descent. Kama, who is of Trinidadian ancestry, was born and raised in the area.

As a means to address the issue, Kama has teamed up with Black Action Defense Committee (BADC)'s Freedom Cipher Program for a rally on June 19th (6:30-8:30 pm) Because of the weather, it has been postponed and we would let you know the new date against human rights violations in the community. The event will also mark the official launch of Kama's non-profit organization, HoodNet. Speakers include: BADC's Shawn Kent, who will talk about BADC's Hip Hop Program (Freedom Cipher) and the need for local youth to be involved in the community by joining HoodNet; Kama will discuss Ez-Mak Entertainment and HoodNet (By Youth For Youth); and Wasun of BADC will speak about the ongoing struggle against police brutality and human rights violations in the Vaughn & Oakwood area. Wassun will also encourage the community to become organized in order to prevent further unnecessary raids on the area's residents. The event will include live performances by Ez-Mak recording artist Quanche, other local acts as well as an open mic.

For Kama, he doesn't want what happened to him to happen to one of his neighbors. "I'm thankful there were no children present at the time of the raid," says Kama. "We often have kids around." Kama rewards local children who stay in school and out of trouble by teaching them the inner workings of a recording studio and the entertainment business. "I'm giving back to the community," says Kama, who also owns a merchandising business and is venturing into real estate. "When the kids see me, they don't see someone on the corner selling drugs or involved in gang activity. They see someone who has his own incorporated, legitimate business." EZ-MAK Records & Entertainment has created subsidiaries specifically for entertainment-related activities known as EZ-Mak Films, EzMakTV, EZ-MAK.com EZ-Gear & HoodNet Academy.

Kama is considering legal action against the police for civil right violations.

According to Police Constable Tony Vella of the Toronto Police Service, Public Information Unit, a raid was carried out at the location in search of firearms. None were found and the search was concluded. According to Kama, neither the police who conducted the raid nor the warrant stated it was a search for weapons. Additionally, Kama does not own a gun, nor did anyone else at the location. Several of his videos have been shown on MuchVibe and MTV2 and is well known and respected in the music community. He has also worked with U.S artists like Doug-E Fresh and more.

Currently, Kama is finishing up a documentary based on his life struggles and successes called The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Kama's debut album, Independence Day and Balance (the book and the movie) are also slated for release soon. Add to this Coming To America: The Mix-tape and the EZ-Mak merchandise flagship store. Kama has also partnered with American Hip-Hop magazine Don Diva to bring the publication to Canada beginning July 2008.

BREAKING NEWS: Several AMERICANS are demanding justice for RENOWNED U.S Journalist/Hip-Hop Photojournalist brutalized by Toronto Police!!!!

Photo by Tonye Allen

Tonye Allen has taken some of the most memorable hip-hop pictures you have seen. Remember this one with Biggie (Chis Wallace) in a suit holding a cane with Puff? Allen took this historical picture. I must admit, I LOVE his work. Mr. Allen is a photojournalist who works professionally under the name "TRILOBITE." His work has appeared in: Essence, Vibe, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, LA Weekly , and The Source Magazine. He has worked for Sony Music, PolyGram Records, Def Jam Records, and Interscope Records, among others.
Please read this entire post!

I-N-N-O-C-E-N-T!

INNOCENT AMERICAN FOUND GUILTY IN TORONTO:
POLICE FABRICATE STORIES; APPEAL UNDERWAY

AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHOTOJOURNALIST BEATEN BY TORONTO POLICE;
FIGHTING TO HAVE FALSE ASSAULT CHARGES DROPPED

HOW YOU CAN HELP!!!

PLEASE SIGN PETITION : http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/946246942


VISIT TONYE ALLEN'S BLOG AND COMMENT: www.tonyeallenandannbrown.blogspot.com


TELL TORONTO TO DROP THE CHARGES
Mayor: David Miller mayor_miller@toronto.ca
416-397-CITY (2489)/ Fax:416-696-3687

Police Chief:Bill Blair william.blair@torontopolice.on.ca
416 808-2222
Det. Moyer: 51 Division
416-808-5100

BOYCOTT TORONTO AND TELL THEM WHY
Toronto Tourism dept.
Justine Palinska 416-987-1739
jpalinska@torcvb.com

Police Brutality on the rise in Toronto!

Toronto police force needs cleanup: veteran officer: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/05/05/toronto-po lice-misconduct.html

Here's one of the latest cases:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
http://tonyeallenandannbrown.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/nyclagirl

TORONTO, CANADA...One day prior to trial date African-American tourist attacked by the Toronto police outside his hotel by Toronto police and falsely charged with assault may lose his lawyer due to lack of additional legal funds. Jason Bogle, Jason Bogle Law Office (www.bogleslawoffice.com), had been the counsel on record, but informed Mr. Allen on Nov. 16th he may no longer proceed due to outstanding legal fees (although Mr. Allen had already paid a significant portion of the fees).

October 16, 2006, at approximately 1:40 pm after checking out of the Econolodge Hotel (335 Jarvis Street) and while in the process of hailing a taxi, Black Americans Tonye Allen and his fiancee, Ann Brown, were assaulted by several Downtown Toronto policemen from the 51st division. Mr. Allen, who did not resist, was beaten and pepper sprayed several times while handcuffed and in police custody. Ms. Brown was choked, shoved, and threatened with arrest as well.
Mr. Allen was never told why he was being detained. The arresting police refused to tell Ms. Brown where they were taking Mr. Allen. After locating the correct police station, Ms. Brown spoke with a "Det. Moyer," who said he "hadn't decided" what he was going to charge Mr. Allen with. Ultimately, Mr. Allen was charged with assault of two policemen and resisting arrest, times two. After Ms. Brown posted cash bail of $1,000, Mr. Allen's passport was taken by "Det. Moyer." Mr. Allen was unarmed. He had never been arrested. He had no criminal history. He has no history of drug/alcohol abuse.

Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown are seeking publicity and legal references to help fight these false charges. Mr. Allen is a photojournalist who works professionally under the name "TRILOBITE." His work has appeared in: Essence, Vibe, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, LA Weekly , and The Source Magazine. He has worked for Sony Music, PolyGram Records, Def Jam Records, and Interscope Records, among others.

Ms. Brown is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Essence, Black Enterprise, Upscale Magazine, The Source , and various other publications.

Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown were in Toronto on their way to South Africa.

Mr. Allen sustained the following injuries:
Head abrasions and bruises
Ear abrasions and bruises
Possible concussion
Right eye: deep cut on eyelid
Black left/right eyes
Damaged left eye, loss of sight (previous 20-20+ vision)
Left ear loss of hearing
Lip bruised
Dislocated jaw
Abrasions/bruises on right cheek
Right and left shoulders contusions and bruises
Left wrist: deep cuts, ligature marks, nerve damage
Right wrist: cuts, ligature marks, nerve damage
Left and right hands: abrasions, nerve damage
Right ring finger dislocated
Bruised ribs
Abrasions on torso
Bruised thoracic vertebrae
Left and right knees: abrasions and bruises


*This is not a full medical assessment/photos taken 10-20-06