Chittlin's and Chopsticks

Writer and mother, Terris McMahan Grimes, the Mother From Another Continent, an her friends share their slighty off kilter parenting views and their takes on a whole lot of other things.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Free Shaquanda Cotton: Leave Shaquanda Notes of Love!

Free Shaquanda Cotton: Leave Shaquanda Notes of Love!

36 Comments:

At 3/16/2007 6:30 PM , Blogger Shelley said...

Shaquanda,
Don't give up hope. This is a clear abuse of discretion by this judge. I know things seem grim today, but there are numerous civil rights organizations, children's rights advocates and other interested parents and teens who will want to help once they hear your story. I have already contacted one group which may want to get involved in your case. I will also forward your story to everyone I know across the country, until it's common knowledge and we get you home! I will stay in touch with you and I will fight personally to get your case the attention it deserves. I am an attorney and I have a lot of experience with juvenile cases. There are things we can do. Just hang in there and don't give up! What you've experienced is an attrocity that our community can not afford to ignore and won't ignore. There are lots of kids out there who will need to hear your story, once you're released . . . so I need you to be strong and stay prayed up so that you can become an advocate for change to ensure that this doesn't happen to another child in Paris, TX or anywhere else in the country. It may not feel like it today, but know that you are a role model and hero for standing up for your rights and maintaining your innocence, just like Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many other civil rights activists who were wrongfully imprisoned in violation of their civil and human rights. Justice will come. We love you and we'll be here for you as long as you need us. God Bless!

 
At 3/16/2007 9:04 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda I couldnt believe my eyes when I read your story but then again I guess I could because racism is still alive and being practiced in this country. Even though it is wrong to put our hands on others the punishment DID NOT fit the crime in your case. Hopefully something will be done to get you out of prison very soon. Help yourself by being on your best behavior and stay strong.

 
At 3/22/2007 5:30 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know this must be hard on you but ALWAYS ALWAYS remember that GOD is with you. He is the controller of all things. He is the only one that can judge you. I just heard your story a few hours ago on my local radio station. We are all praying for you. Do not let these evil people claim the life of such a beautiful soul as yours. This is not the end for you. You have such a loving family behind you as well as many friends and many many strangers that are continuously praying for you and doing all that they can to help see that justice is served. I know this because I am one of those people. I know you don't deserve to be there just like everyone else knows it and so does that judge. Don't let them get you down because you are so so much better then they are. You are truely loved by God and many other people. You are on this earth for a purpose and God will do everything in his power to see that his purpose is served. GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME! He is the ALMIGHTY! I will keep praying for you Shaquanda! We all will. Trust in God for He is good!

 
At 3/22/2007 9:01 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

My Sister in Christ just keep the faith alive and pray to God for health and strength. The good Lord promise us that He will never leave us nor forsake us and that He will make our enemies become our foot stool for HE is the Almighty One who is alive and well and sits high up above us all. He said Vengance is mine!!!! so just have faith in Him and He will reward you and those that unjustly punish you.

Love and Pease

 
At 3/22/2007 10:13 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda, I just read your story and I am so hurt for you. I know this is difficult for you and your mom but know this: there are legions of people who are looking out for you. I am going to make sure that I do all I can to help you. Keep your head up, you are bigger than this. I am praying earnestly that this will make you stronger and not break you.

 
At 3/23/2007 5:56 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Dear Shaquanda,
Sovereigns and slaves, oppressors and mediators, hypocrites and the truthful, this world is passing, but the hereafter infinite. Strive therefore for the Lord alone. Attain to piety and purify your hearts. Save yourselves; do not be held back from divine mercy. The path of adoration may render the body weak and fill the heart with sorrow, but all sorrow departs the instant He touches the heart, awakening it to an abounding freedom.
Know we love you, we're praying for you and we're waiting to see you return home very soon.

 
At 3/23/2007 10:19 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was just emailed your story and even though I admit that I don't know you. I do know that you were not punished correctly. I'm not saying that what you done was right but we all make mistakes and act without thinking things through. That's why we live and learn! The important thing is that we learn and do not repeat our mistakes. I also know from my own experiences with the justice system, that it is very often unfair! ( No matter what your skin color!)But that is also life! Just pray to God for forgiveness and help because He is the only one that can bring us miracles! And never forget He sees everything and everyone and we ALL have to answer to him!!!! May God Bless You!

 
At 3/24/2007 12:38 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda,,im sorry what happend 2 you ,,its not faer;;;lest all together and pray for you ,,there is only GOD that he can hope US to do this GOD bless you now and for ver.Hector from california

 
At 3/24/2007 5:18 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shanquanda,
This workd is still in turmoil, out keaders have forgotten God, don't hate just pray and God will see you through. This judge is making an example of you, but God will deal with him. The Teaching assistance should ge ashamed for presssing the issue.

 
At 3/24/2007 7:07 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Young lady you will get good comments and bad ones, But know that God knows all and sees all. And remember HE will never leave you alone. I am praying with you and for you. I have already wrote the governor of your state, but I am also going to write my governor so he can do what he can to get this injustice overturn. These people we elect must judge all people with fair justice. No what you did was not right, but neither was the punishment. Keep you head up snd know that God will take care of you and the battle is not yours it is the LORDS, AND JUDGE chuckies ARMS ARE TO SHORT TO BOX WITH HIM. But do write everything down so you can spread the bad and the good news to everyone when God brings you out of this VICTORIOUSLY, Because you will have a story to tell. God Bless and know that you are not alone. Read Ps 18:1-6; 17-22 everyday it will give you strength.

Love Ya Mama Tina

 
At 3/26/2007 7:14 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda,

I herd your story last week and again today. This is like natemare that we all think something like this could never happened to us. Let alone to happen to one of our kids. Baby please hang in there help is on its way. You have communities from all over the world pulling that this whole thing will be corrected and you sent home. I have kids and I don't know what state of mind I would be in at this time, pelase don't let go and keep your head up and pray night and day. To your mother she loves and and is your biggest supporter and inspiration. You both please stay positive and pray together. I have 3 childern and myself and husband will continue to pray for you until your are out. You have people in the community that love you. Never forgte that we are all praying for you and your mother.

 
At 3/26/2007 8:20 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Little Sister:

Be encouraged. People are rallying on your behalf but even more than that - God hears faintest cry -- know that He knows of your situation and will come to your rescue. I am praying for you.

 
At 3/26/2007 9:46 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

i cann't say any words that may help your case, but i can say the Lord will not let anything happen to you. you are a child of God and when wrong has been brought against one of his children he takes over. so you keep praying and no matter what keep your head up, for the Lord is on his way.... AMEN

 
At 3/26/2007 11:09 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep your head up, Shaquanda! Be strong little sister and don't lose your faith in God.

Psalms Chapter 16:1-11 reads:

1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. 5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

 
At 3/26/2007 12:32 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just want to let you know to keep your faith and God and he will see you threw...

 
At 3/26/2007 1:26 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I read your story and I want you to know that my heart goes out to you. We are living in the 21st century and it's a shame to know that racism is still prevelant in the United States of America! This is an outrage and innocent individuals are being put away for basically nothing when there are rapists as well as murders and pedophiles running the streets commiting crimes everyday. Something has to be done.
But please know that you are in my prayers and letters are being written to all that are involved and will continue to be forwarded.
Keep you head up and pray. Keep God first and he will see you through.

God Bless!

 
At 3/26/2007 9:23 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

DEAR SHAQUANDA I AM PRAYING FOR YOU TO BE SAFELY BACK IN YOUR MOTHERS ARMS. DON'T GIVE UP WITH ALL THE PRAYERS PEOPLE ARE SENDING UP FOR YOU JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL MUCH LOVE TO YOU

 
At 3/27/2007 6:48 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP BABY GIRL, BECAUSE FOR YEARS WE HAVE SEEN HOW THE SYSTEM IS DESIGN TO KEEP US DOWN IM NOT A ACTIVIST OR ANYTHING, BUT I HAVE BEEN IN A LITTLE TROUBLE IN MY DAY THE THING IS TO GET THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE AND KEEP THEM OUT. BUT NEVER GIVE UP HOPE BECAUSE IF YOU DO THATS WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE US MOST WHEN WE GIVE UP ON OURSELF. SHOW THEM THAT THEY WERE WRONG FOR DOING WHAT THEY DID AND KEEP ON MOVING THATS WHEN THEY HATE US THE MOST WHEN THEY CANT TOUCH US. SO LETS STOP GIVING THEM THE INCH THEY NEED TO GET THEIR MILE.

 
At 3/27/2007 5:44 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

This too will pass....Many of the people who wrote are sad....I am mad.....Hopefully the outrage which the society members have when contacting you will translate into some meaningful action....But I do know for sure that without a plan you can plan to fail....Your page is an excellent start....I understand that you would like people to contact the governor of Texas (I did this regarding blatant discrimination in Crockett in 2004 - he did nothing). Also what good will it do to contact a judge we know to be against blacks.

I sent your article to Bill O'Reilly at CNN to see if it would get a response - America needs to know about small Racist Towns in Texas. The citizens of these small towns have been quiet too long. It is time for another change for our race if we are to survive.

 
At 3/28/2007 8:40 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

hello ,

i know u dont know me but i want to let u know to keep your head up and that there are people out here that are praying for you to be free , and for u to be strong , u must know that God is there with u always and he will never put more on u than u can bare , so keep that is your heart. i have much love for u . God Bless u , love u

 
At 3/28/2007 1:03 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

In the darkest of times the light seems so very dim but that light never goes out. Please never give up believing that Gods light never goes out. I will continue to keep you in my prayers with my children and look forward to you release.
love from another mother you loves you

 
At 3/29/2007 2:46 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Shaqunda,
I am sorry that you had this experience. I hope that as painful and unfair as it appears to be, you will ultimately be able to use it for your growth.
You do that by becoming a young woman of character. A young woman who does well in school and makes good moral choices.

I hope you will use this experience to encourage others to THINK of the consequences before reacting physically.

I sincerely hope you will gain the intellectual depth and agility to KNOW that your ego is not so fragile as to have to react physically toward those who have hurt your feelings.

A person of intellect and character walks away from even perceived injustices.
A person who instead
CHOOSES to use their brains and ability to reason.

In a few years I hope you will attend college, and delay parenthood until you are married.

I truly hope your life's choices take you far and wide Shaquanda, becoming a young woman who is well versed,read, travelled, and mannerable.

I am praying that you will prove the forces that imprisoned you wrong.
Your life is of innate dignity and value.

With all my best wishes,
MB

 
At 3/29/2007 7:06 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't give up hope Shaquanda. We, hear your voice and God heard your cry.

Believe in God and pray every night....

We will get you home......

 
At 3/29/2007 7:32 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Shaquanda,

I just want to remind you to stay prayerful and faithful. Know that God will take care of you and you leave the rest to him...EVERYONE involved in this injustice will have to answer to him in the end. I'm praying for you and i'm faithful that MY GOD/OUR GOD will see you through.

Take care my sister,

Will LOVE and CONCERN

Niambi

 
At 3/29/2007 9:23 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Shaquanda,

I'm just hearing about the situation you're in. Keep your head up. Remember, the ancestors are looking out for you and there are a lot of people out here working to get you out of this jam. Stay strong, we're working for you. Deborah Cox

 
At 3/29/2007 4:13 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda, your strength comes from God and He will never leave you to face this INJUSTICE alone. Stay strong and positive. I have faith in time things will change. I will keep you in my prayers.

 
At 3/29/2007 5:14 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please teel her.....

In history most of the people we recognize as heroes never set out to be that. Their actions promoted the winds of change! Some young ....some old. Rosa Parks never thought her refusal to give up her seat would cause such a stir! A simple action but nontheless she chaged multitudes!!!

Although u may not understand why, who, what, where, when or how...know that WE are watching. God has a plan for you.

In my Prayers,
A. Barnes

 
At 3/30/2007 6:13 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda

Girl i just wanted to tell u to hold ya head up..and u will make it through just keep praying in believe in God and he will help u through this time of trouble....

 
At 3/30/2007 12:34 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda-I am disgusted by this story you do not deserve such harsh treatment, I hope that you will be released early and that you will not be bitter from this awful experience.

 
At 3/30/2007 12:46 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hun,

I simply don't know what to say but you are in my prayers. The Lord will never forsake you or give you anything you can not handle. Your purpose, in due time, will be revealed. Please continue seeking the Lord and his word. God's speed........

 
At 3/30/2007 5:13 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everything will be ok. Just remember to always think positive. you will be alright. just pray, and do your best. god has something in store for you.

 
At 3/30/2007 5:15 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquanda my heart goes out to you I have spread the word to everyone I know.I can not imagine what you may be going through and I know words can not even scratch the surface but my heart hurts for you. I am angry by the injustice you have recieved Stay strong there are so many people that are shouting your name and when you come home we expect nothing but great things from you because you are our Hero. May god bless you my sister.

 
At 4/01/2007 12:36 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just read on the Chicago Tribune site of your release. I am so very glad for you and your family.

Enjoy your freedom, thank the heavens!!

Remember as you live the rest of your life that one does have to take responsibility for one's actions.

Battle your weaknesses even as you learn, strech and grow!
Read, travel, master another language.

Vow to build upon all of your ancestors who with their own bondage, tears and faith and prayers came before you!

Own who you are and as painful as the reality may intially be realize it does not have to completely define or contain you.


Acknowleging your deficits is the first step to overcoming them.

If you need help at any given time ask a trusted source.

Shaquanda your life is of infinite value and dignity.

"No one can ever make you feel inferior without your consent, never give it" Eleanor Roosevelt

hugs,

Welcome Home

 
At 4/05/2007 1:04 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Believe this or not, but God has you here for a reason. You are a spokeswoman for all the men and women who have been wrongly imprisoned in our country. I know right now it may seem and rightly so that you have been unjustly palce in this positon. however, you will be redeemed and all will be made correct by Jesus. This is a lesson to all as blacks and monorities that it doesn't matter who we have in the White House, the Senate, or Congress people will find a way to try to bring us down. But, those who try have forgotten that the last shall be first! Live by charecter and integrity, never being misled by the money you make,the car you drive, the house you live in. Young lady, you and others like you will live on and prove to others that we shall overcome and by doing so bring others to the mountain top. My prayers are with you. God Bless.
Keith D. Pontiflet

 
At 4/20/2007 7:59 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

hello sha - we are your relatives from kansas city and unfortunantly just found out about your situation a month ago...all i have to say is god is truely good and we are all so happy to know that you have been reuninted with your family and friends...just know that you had prayers from kansas city also going out for you.... mcafee,styles,ashley families of kc

 
At 7/09/2007 1:51 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shaquandra,keep your head up and know that I'll be praying deeply with all my heart and soul for you sweetheart.I'm in the military so me going back in forth to Iraq,I know what it feels like to do something that can either teach you a lesson or discourage you in an unbearable way.I would like to encourage you to think positive and if should you need anything you can contact me at stephenmixon@gmail.com.We love you little sister,and don't let them take your job because God will never ever put you through anything you can't bear little sister.

 

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