Latest news with #Bethea
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Springfield Pride Parade steps off this year in support of city's LGBTQIA+ youth
SPRINGFIELD — Show up, stand proud and let's make history together. That's the message of the fourth annual Springfield Pride Parade, which steps off next weekend amid a time that is tense and uncertain for the LGBTQIA+ community. 'Being a Black man of the community, those are two things that are truly under attack, people of color and the LGBTQ community,' Taurean Bethea, who is executive director and founder of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization, said. 'Springfield has just an array of different backgrounds and all types of people. We want to make sure that our youth feel seen and supported, especially in this time.' President Trump's second administration has set forth a flurry of executive orders, largely aimed at the LGBTQIA+ population, including the restriction of gender-affirming care and the removal of federal funding from organizations that support 'gender ideology.' The American Civil Liberties Union has reported a total of 588 anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States as of May. While Massachusetts only accounts for five of those bills, the political atmosphere has many in the LGBTQIA+ community feeling tense and uncertain about the future. 'This is not the time for us to cower or be victims,' Bethea said. 'We need to stand up and be loud and proud and really hold our elected officials to account and make sure that they're taking care of our needs.' Bethea is a gay man. The idea for the first Springfield Pride Parade came from a hate comment that was posted his social media in 2017 about his sexual orientation. At the time, he was closeted. Now, he's loud and proud about who he is, and he wants to spread that message and encourage everyone to live who they are unapologetically. And this weekend in Springfield, there will only be joy, acceptance and above all, pride. The Springfield Pride Parade is not just a one-day event, but a weekend-long celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in the region. It begins on Thursday, June 5, with a flag raising ceremony at Springfield City Hall at 10:30 a.m. and a youth community panel at Springfield Technical Community College from 1-3 p.m., featuring Springfield Pride Parade DJ Kenneth Kyrell. The You Ball gala will be held in MGM Springfield's Aria Ballroom the following night, June 6, starting at 6 p.m. The gala's theme is inspired by Studio 54, a former nightclub in Manhattan, and true to its name, the night will be full of sparkles, sequins and all things disco. General admission tickets are $200 and can be purchased on Springfield Pride Parade's website. Funds raised from the You Ball gala will support the Pride Parade organization's Safe Space program, an afterschool initiative to empower and provide a safe community for LGBTQIA+ youth in grades 6 to 12 in Springfield schools. 'It almost feels like we have to shield them to make sure that they still have their head held high and are confident, even in these very trying times,' Bethea explained. 'We really want to make sure that they know that they are our next generation, because there is going to be a lot of work to do.' The Safe Space program offers a combination of both summer and after-school programs year-round for LGBTQIA+ youth, including guest speakers, internships and leadership opportunities, advocacy workshops and more. Pride weekend culminates with the Pride Parade and downtown block party on Saturday, June 7. This is the fourth parade – the first parade was expected to have a turnout of 'around 500 people,' Bethea said, and they ended up welcoming more than 6,000 people into the city in that first year. The number has only grown since then, he said. 'This year is a little different because we are actually trying to take our messaging more national, so we're reaching out and expanding our reach overall,' Bethea said. 'So, we're reaching into Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and really just trying to gather everybody within the region to come and celebrate and support.' The result of which, Bethea hopes, will be an even bigger celebration this year. The parade steps off from Springfield Technical Community College at noon sharp, but if you're participating in the parade, plan to be there by 10 a.m. 'I'm very adamant about the 12 o'clock [step-off],' Bethea said with a laugh. Those interested in marching in the Springfield Pride Parade can register on the organization's website, Students interested in marching can reach out directly to their schools and programs. Everyone is encouraged to line the streets to Stearns Square and be 'loud and proud,' Bethea said. 'Everyone is welcome to march with us,' he said. 'We need as many people as possible because we have to make a statement this year.' Following the parade, a free block party will be held in Stearns Square from 1:30 to 6 p.m. The party will include food, vendors, live music by DJ Kenneth, and special guest Dawn Richards of Danity Kane, a 2000's R&B/pop group best known for songs like 'Damaged,' 'Show Stopper' and 'Ride for You.' 'Come out and let's make our pride loud a-f,' Bethea said. 'That's our theme this year. It's a pretty edgy kind of hashtag we're using, but I think now is the time for us to be loud.' For more information about Springfield Pride Parade events, visit Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘I'm scared:' Family seeks answers after missing pregnant woman walks away from Atlanta hospital
Atlanta police and the family are asking for help in locating 25-year-old Victoria Harris. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Harris has been missing ever since she was discharged from Piedmont Hospital on May 16. 'My sister is like my first friend, and we are really close,' Brittaney Bethea said. For years, Bethea has had a built-in best friend. However, shortly before 2020, doctors diagnosed Harris with schizoaffective disorder. 'On top of that, she has hallucinations and delusions,' Bethea told Channel 2's Michael Doudna. Bethea says on May 13, Harris, who is 20 weeks pregnant, was involuntarily committed to Piedmont Hospital over concerns she might be a danger to herself. TRENDING STORIES: Pinky Cole Hayes says her Bentley was stolen in front of new restaurant on opening weekend Mother, daughter murdered in middle GA Man accused of gunning down Georgia Tech student in targeted shooting has turned himself in Bethea, who has medical power of attorney, brought her sister clothes and shoes. She expected the stay would lead to her sister receiving some longer-term care. However, on May 16, Harris was reportedly discharged. 'I don't think a person who came into a hospital barefoot on the 13th, who was considered an imminent danger to herself, who is 20 weeks pregnant, without a phone should have been released,' Bethea said. Piedmont Hospital has not responded to a request for comment. Over the past 10 days, Bethea has searched morning and night, chasing reported sightings of her sister. 'It's like a wild goose chase,' Bethea said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] So far, there have been sightings at some MARTA stations and a picture taken by a Kroger security guard. However, Harris is still missing, leaving her sister desperate to find her. 'I'm scared, I'm scared for her. I'm upset, I'm disappointed, I'm frustrated,' Bethea said. Anyone who sees the missing woman is requested to call APD.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Clayton County deputy indicted after allegedly slamming inmate's head into wall, tasing him
In a Channel 2 Action News exclusive, we spoke to the Clayton County sheriff about a violent incident involving a former deputy. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen says in May of last year, then-Dep. Jabin Bethea was supposed to be taking an inmate to a disciplinary unit, and things started going south when Bethea appeared to run the inmate into a door. Then, seconds later, Bethea opened the door to big problems for himself, ultimately leading to termination and Bethea's federal indictment. Sheriff Levon indicates that, for some reason, Bethea took the inmate's handcuffs off. 'It never should have happened, and that's just something that ultimately he would have to answer to in his day of court on why he did the actions that he did,' Levon said. Allen says the incident can be seen on Bethea's bodycam and another deputy tried to intervene and calm things down, but Bethea brushed him aside and ultimately that deputy alerted a superior An alert that went up through the chain of command led to the sheriff contacting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The sheriff says things got worse after they got off the elevator and Bethea then had to cope with the fact that the inmate was not wearing cuffs. TRENDING STORIES: Woman loses almost $200,000 to computer popup alert; police urge vigilance NFL Draft 2025: Which Georgia, Georgia Tech players could hear their names called? Caregiver accused of buying Shein outfits, paying bills with Alzheimer's patient's credit card Allen says there is no question the inmate baited Bethea with repeated profanity and repeated use of a racial slur, but a professional should be trained to expect that kind of behavior and rise above it. The federal indictment refers to 'individual 1' as a pretrial detainee at the Clayton County jail, and one count says 'Bethea without legal justification repeatedly tased individual 1' and refers to resulting bodily injury. The second count suggests Bethea wrote an incident report that falsely described his interaction with and use of force against the detainee, including stating he deployed his Taser only twice when he fired it at the detainee twice and used it to 'drive stun' the detainee six times. Channel 2 Action News pulled an online Peace Officer Standards and Training Council record, which appears to suggest that just months before Bethea started at the Clayton County Sheriff's Office, his employment ended with DeKalb County police by being terminated. Allen says his office had investigated what led to Bethea's termination from the DeKalb County Police Department when CCSO hired him. The sheriff acknowledged manpower shortages and a limited pool of applicants sometimes lead to taking a chance on an officer he normally would not. 'Where we are with the pay scale compared to other departments, you know, sometimes... the applicant pool of what you have is based on what you have to offer,' Allen said. Allen says people deserve second chances, but if the federal allegations prove true, Bethea blew his second chance. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Bethea's lawyer, Wes Bryant, emailed Channel 2 Action News. He believes Bethea is innocent. He said Bethea, 'was called to the jail to assist with and help control violent inmates who were out of control. The Clayton County jail houses inmates who are charged with the most serious and violent crimes'. He suggested in some situations, 'law enforcement officers are required to assess threats that an inmate may pose and the best method of minimize that threat. Mr. Bethea acted to gain control of a threatening situation.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of stealing car from dealership while being shown vehicle
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – When one acquires a new car, it's typically customary for an employee of the dealership to accompany you on a test drive. One St. Louis man decided he didn't want or need a test drive or someone from the dealership when he took a vehicle off the lot. According to Sgt. Tracy Panus, a spokeswoman for the St. Louis County Police Department, the theft took place April 14 at the Lou Fusz dealership in the 10900 block of Page Avenue. Police said that Terrance A. Bethea, 51, drove off in a black 2025 GMC Acadia while employees were showing him the vehicle. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Officers tracked the Acadia and found Bethea walking from the vehicle. Police said Bethea admitted taking the Acadia from the dealership. Lou Fusz surveillance video showed a man matching Bethea's description and wearing the same clothing at the time of his arrest. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged Bethea with stealing a motor vehicle. Bethea is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Alabama's transfer portal class ranks following Jalil Bethea commitment
Where Alabama's transfer portal class ranks following Jalil Bethea commitment Across the entire landscape of college basketball, there are few programs nationally who have seen more success in the transfer portal up to this point in the offseason than the Alabama Crimson Tide. As of Monday, April 7, Alabama has already added a total of three players via the transfer portal, each of which are set to make immediate impacts with the Crimson Tide next season. As to what those impacts could be, it certainly feels likely that each will play significant minutes, with one-to-two potentially even projecting as starters. Following the latest commitment Sunday of Jalil Bethea as well, just where does Alabama's transfer portal class rank at the moment among all of college basketball? According to the 247Sports Transfer Portal Team Rankings, Alabama's class currently ranks at the No. 8 nationally with three commitments, as well as third in the SEC. In the conference, Alabama trails only LSU and Ole Miss, with the Tigers holding five transfer portal commitments. In terms of where Alabama's commits currently rank, Bethea is the highest-ranking member of the Crimson Tide's transfer portal class, sitting at No. 37 overall according to 247Sports at the time of writing. Taylor Bol Bowen, who transferred from Florida State, sits at No. 81 overall nationally, while Noah Williamson, a transfer from Bucknell, is the No. 126 player in the portal. Will the Crimson Tide continue to add through the transfer portal going forward to this already strong trio? Time will only tell. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
