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Hundreds turned out for the funeral of a man Thursday who died at a downtown Milwaukee hotel last week while he was being restrained by hotel security."See, this is a celebration of life," said Pastor Valerie Daniels-Carter Thursday at the start of the funeral for D'Vontaye Mitchell at Holy Redeemer Church in Milwaukee. Family members called the 43-year-old a teddy bear and said his life mattered."It cannot be swept under the rug. I will not let it be swept under the rug," said Mitchell's mother, Brenda Giles. "We're going to do this, and we need everybody all in one. We need to be united to do this."Video shows four hotel workers holding Mitchell face down in the carport area June 30. When police arrived and they moved the men off, Mitchell was no longer breathing. Despite rescue efforts by police and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.Nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented the family of George Floyd, is representing the family. Crump and spoke also spoke at Mitchells funeral while holding a collapsable baton similar to one he said a security guard used to strike Mitchell. "You know, George Floyd, they had their knee on his neck, but they didn't hit and punch and kick George Floyd, and they didn't hit him with a billy club, so in many ways, this is just as egregious as what happened to George Floyd," Crump said.Crump called on civil rights leader, the Rev. Al Sharpton, to deliver Mitchell's eulogy. Sharptons remarks focused on a call for criminal charges, saying firing the workers isn't nearly enough."What they did was a crime. And criminals need to be prosecuted, and criminals need to face the penalty of their actions," Sharpton said. "This wasn't a mistake at the job. This was taking somebody's life, and there's no justice until you've paid for the life you've taken."Sharpton said it's not lost on anyone that this happened just days before the Republican National Convention that begins Monday in Milwaukee."I know you all got a crowd coming to town talk about make America great again. When was it great? When was it great, and who was it great for?" Sharpton asked.Sharpton said people need to think of the consequences before something like Mitchell's death happens again."If you had known these activists were going to stand up and march and get T-shirts, you'd have took your knee off his neck," Sharpton said, as if the Hyatt workers were listening. "If you'd have thought Ben Crump was coming, if you'd have thought I was going to show up at the funeral, you'd have took your knee off his neck."Sharpton announced his National Action Network was covering the cost of funeral expenses and was donating $5,000 to each of Mitchells two children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, to be used for their education."I want us to stand with these two children so they will know that their father meant something," Sharpton said. "I want these children to remember the day that everyone in the community came and remembered their daddy." Milwaukee police confirmed for 12 News Thursday that they are "referring four individuals for felony murder charges."Any determination on charging will be up to the District Attorney's office. They have repeatedly said they'll likely wait on the results of the autopsy report before deciding which charges, if any, to file. The hotels operator, Aimbridge Hospitality, issued a statement late Thursday, saying "several" employees involved have been fired since Mitchells death. The statement goes on to say, "The conduct we saw from several associates on June 30 violated our policies and procedures, and does not reflect our values as an organization or the behaviors we expect from our associates."

Hundreds turned out for the funeral of a man Thursday who died at a downtown Milwaukee hotel last week while he was being restrained by hotel security.

"See, this is a celebration of life," said Pastor Valerie Daniels-Carter Thursday at the start of the funeral for D'Vontaye Mitchell at Holy Redeemer Church in Milwaukee.

Family members called the 43-year-old a teddy bear and said his life mattered.

"It cannot be swept under the rug. I will not let it be swept under the rug," said Mitchell's mother, Brenda Giles. "We're going to do this, and we need everybody all in one. We need to be united to do this."

Video shows four hotel workers holding Mitchell face down in the carport area June 30.

When police arrived and they moved the men off, Mitchell was no longer breathing. Despite rescue efforts by police and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented the family of George Floyd, is representing the family. Crump and spoke also spoke at Mitchells funeral while holding a collapsable baton similar to one he said a security guard used to strike Mitchell.

"You know, George Floyd, they had their knee on his neck, but they didn't hit and punch and kick George Floyd, and they didn't hit him with a billy club, so in many ways, this is just as egregious as what happened to George Floyd," Crump said.

Crump called on civil rights leader, the Rev. Al Sharpton, to deliver Mitchell's eulogy. Sharptons remarks focused on a call for criminal charges, saying firing the workers isn't nearly enough.

"What they did was a crime. And criminals need to be prosecuted, and criminals need to face the penalty of their actions," Sharpton said. "This wasn't a mistake at the job. This was taking somebody's life, and there's no justice until you've paid for the life you've taken."

Sharpton said it's not lost on anyone that this happened just days before the Republican National Convention that begins Monday in Milwaukee.

"I know you all got a crowd coming to town talk about make America great again. When was it great? When was it great, and who was it great for?" Sharpton asked.

Sharpton said people need to think of the consequences before something like Mitchell's death happens again.

"If you had known these activists were going to stand up and march and get T-shirts, you'd have took your knee off his neck," Sharpton said, as if the Hyatt workers were listening. "If you'd have thought Ben Crump was coming, if you'd have thought I was going to show up at the funeral, you'd have took your knee off his neck."

Sharpton announced his National Action Network was covering the cost of funeral expenses and was donating $5,000 to each of Mitchells two children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, to be used for their education.

"I want us to stand with these two children so they will know that their father meant something," Sharpton said. "I want these children to remember the day that everyone in the community came and remembered their daddy."

Milwaukee police confirmed for 12 News Thursday that they are "referring four individuals for felony murder charges."

Any determination on charging will be up to the District Attorney's office. They have repeatedly said they'll likely wait on the results of the autopsy report before deciding which charges, if any, to file.

The hotels operator, Aimbridge Hospitality, issued a statement late Thursday, saying "several" employees involved have been fired since Mitchells death. The statement goes on to say, "The conduct we saw from several associates on June 30 violated our policies and procedures, and does not reflect our values as an organization or the behaviors we expect from our associates."

Here is the original post:
The Rev. Al Sharpton gives eulogy for Milwaukee man who died at Hyatt - WISN Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE The Rev. Al Sharpton is scheduled deliver a eulogy for a Black man who died last month after being pinned to the ground by hotel security guards in Milwaukee, his office said Tuesday.

The death of D'Vontaye Mitchell has drawn comparisons to themurder of George Floyd, a Black man killed in 2020 after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck.

It has been nearly a week since DvontayeMitchell died after security guards tried to restrain him outside a downtown Milwaukee hotel.

Sharpton, a longtime activist and leader who serves on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, said in a news release that he'll speak at Mitchell's funeral Thursday. TheRepublican National Conventionopens just days later, on July 15, and law enforcement agencies arebracing for political protestsaround the convention arena in Wisconsins biggest city.

Sharpton said convention-goers need to know about Mitchells death.

We cannot watch D'Vontaye Mitchells murder be washed out by the RNC coming to town, where they will solidify a nominee whose view of justice is pure brute force, Sharpton said, referring to former President Donald Trump.

Mitchell, 43, died on June 30 at the Hyatt Regency after four security guards held him down on his stomach, media outlets have reported. Police have said Mitchell entered the hotel, caused a disturbance and fought with the guards as they were escorting him out.

Mitchells family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented Floyd's family. His death spurred worldwide protests against racial violence and police brutality.

It's unclear why Mitchell was at the hotel or what happened before the guards pinned him down. The Milwaukee County medical examiner's initial report said Mitchell was homeless, but his familytold the Milwaukee Journal Sentinelthat's not correct. Sharpton said in a news release announcing his Milwaukee visit that Mitchell's mother said her son was suffering a "mental health episode."

Al Sharpton waits for Vice President Kamala Harris to speak before walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday voting rights march in 1965, March 3, 2024, in Selma, Alabama.

Police officials were still investigating Mitchell's death on Tuesday, the Journal Sentinel reported. The police department responded to an Associated Press request for an update by emailing a statement saying that an unidentified individual had fought with security guards at the hotel on June 30 and was unresponsive when officers arrived.

The medical examiner's office has said the preliminary cause of death was homicide but the cause remains under investigation. No one had been charged criminally as of Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Aimbridge Hospitality, which runs the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee,told the Washington Postthat the company extends its condolences to Mitchell's family and supports the ongoing investigation.

This story corrects the spelling of the first name of a Black man who died after being pinned to the ground by hotel security guards. He is DVontaye Mitchell, not Dvontaye.

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Al Sharpton to deliver eulogy for Black man who died after being held down by Milwaukee hotel guards - Madison.com

MILWAUKEE, Wis. On Thursday, dozens of Milwaukee community members, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, gathered at the Holy Redeemer Institutional Church Of God In Christ to remember the life of DVontaye Mitchell.

Mitchell died on June 30th after being pinned to the ground by security guards at the Hyatt Regency.

Mitchells funeral service started with an open casket visitation for friends and family and was followed by statements from his loved ones as they said their final goodbyes.

I am just saying, I am going to miss my brother. I am going to miss him, everything about him, said Mitchells sister.

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

Rev. Al Sharpton traveled from New York to attend Mitchells funeral. He delivered a eulogy, demanding justice be served and announced he will be donating money to Mitchells family for what they are going through.

If I can come and give ten thousand dollars to these kids, then Hyatt needs to come up with a whole lot more than that, said Sharpton.

Rev. Sharpton said Mitchells death had close comparisons to George Floyds death.

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

I thought after George Floyd, and we fought until three cops went to jail, I thought you all learned you cant put your knee on our necks, said Sharpton.

On Thursday, several employees involved in Mitchell's death were fired by the company that manages the hotel.

Mitchells mother, Brenda Giles said she was happy to hear employees were fired in connection to Mitchells death but she said the fight is not over.

We are going to fight and we are going to fight and we're going to fight, said Giles. We have to do this, and we want the community to stay behind this and were going to do this.

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

Mitchells family hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented Floyds family and has been in Milwaukee this week advocating for them.

Crump said he called Sharpton asking him to come to Mitchells funeral and he promise to fight for justice for DVontayes family.

We are going to help all of your families because when they kick him and they punch him and beat him with this metal baton, it was like they was beating us all, said Crump.

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Dozens of community members attend DVontaye Mitchell's funeral - Spectrum News 1

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Pastor Frank E. Coleman, Jr. and Messiah Baptist Church will host a landmark service at Messiah Baptist Church, 76 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, New York at 6:00 pm in celebration of The New York State Board for Historic Preservation including Messiah Baptist Church as a site to be recommended for inclusion on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. In addition, The New York Landmarks Conservancy has awarded Messiah Baptist Church with funds to restore the historic church. This service will be an inspirational experience with a message delivered by Reverend Al Sharpton, which will be spiritually enriching to all in attendance. Please send information pertaining to your media organizations participation to Ms. Katina Williams(taaja41@gmail.com) or (914.523.2770).

The church building dates to 1888 and was built as the Westminster Presbyterian Church. It was designed by Lawrence B. Valk, and the land was originally owned by the family that founded the Otis Elevator Company. In 1964, Messiah Baptist Church members acquired the building. One year later, a historic moment occurred. On May 28, 1965, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., visited with several civil rights leaders to address the Negro American Labor Councils Fifth Convention at the church. Messiah Baptist Church is the oldest African American church in the City of Yonkers and has been a beacon of light and hope. Messiah has a rich history which provided both community and religious support to residents. Many influential persons and programs were birthed from its ministry, including a blossoming youth church/daycare center, college scholarship programs along with home ownership and housing programs that served the needs of the low to moderate income community.

Messiah Baptist Church has stood as the pinnacle of faith, activism, and advocacy for the city of Yonkers and the faith community. Being called as their Pastor during this season of notoriety is both honoring and humbling. It is my hope that the legacy of Messiah will always be the testament of what faith in action is. Rev. Frank E. Coleman, Jr.-Senior Pastor

Deacon Matthew Walker, Messiah Baptist Church Diaconate Ministry, remembered Dr. Kings visit to Messiah and added, it was an honor to stand right next to him. Deacon Walker is proud of the positive impact the church has on the entire City of Yonkers and is prayerful that the history of this great church will forever be acknowledged and appreciated.

Messiah Baptist Church is an honored faith institution. The designation as a historical fixture in the City of Yonkers and the county of Westchester is a significant achievement of its longevity, dedication and commitment in serving our members and community. Messiah has led and continues to lead as a church of love, faith and grace. Rev. Margaret Fountain Coleman, MBC Landmark Chairperson.

Link:
Rev. Al Sharpton Coming to Yonkers May 28 to Celebrate Messiah Baptist Church's 150th Anniversary & Landmark ... - Yonkers Times

Aisha McShaw Al Sharpton photo via ActumLLC.com

*Civil rights leader and MSNBC host/commentator Rev. Al Sharpton, 69, has been dating fashion designer Aisha McShaw, 42, since 2017. Despite their seven-year relationship, Sharpton has remained private about their romance, while McShaw openly acknowledged their status.

Im his girlfriend, McShaw said when asked by the NY Daily News to define their relationship. Sharpton, however, refused to elaborate on their dealings and avoided questions about the length of their relationship.

Sharpton separated from his wife, Kathy, in 2004 after 24 years of marriage. A publicist at the time explained that the couple had simply grown apart.

Recently, McShaws fashion prowess was on full display at The Met Gala, where she unveiled her mens line, worn by Sharpton himself. McShaw, too, turned heads in a timeless gown of her own design. Their appearance garnered significant media attention, with major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, ESSENCE, and W Magazine highlighting their looks.

Ebony magazine praised the couple as among the best dressed, noting McShaw as one of the few Black designers on the red carpet. This moment has solidified McShaws reputation as a designer to watch in 2024.

Sharpton, who promised the late fashion legend Andre Leon Talley that he would champion diversity in the fashion industry, praised McShaw for her artistry and creative acumen. He described her as one of the leading designers in the country.

I was inspired by the enchanting theme Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion at the Met Gala, McShaw shared. I set out to craft a gown that seamlessly fuses timeless elegance with modern, daring essence. The flowing silhouette, adorned with meticulous rose cabbage appliques on luxurious celery green fabric, embodies an exquisite blend of delicate beauty and bold allure. My endeavor was to infuse new life into the alluring spirit of fashion and inspire young girls, like me, who aspire to grace the hallowed halls of the Met Gala. Through my creation, I aimed to convey the message that dreams are not only valid but also within reach, igniting a flame of hope and inspiration for those who dare to dream, especially for young girls who look like me.

McShaw, originally from Mount Vernon, NY, burst onto the fashion scene in 2018, making headlines during New York Fashion Week with her debut collection from Aisha McShaw Designs. After an 11-year career in the financial industry, she followed her passion for fashion, creating made-to-order items for A-list celebrities. Her designs have been featured in numerous high-profile events and publications.

McShaws contributions to fashion extend beyond the runway. She was honored at The Essence Festival for her work and featured in Ebony Magazine for her creative designs for HBCU STEM Queens sponsored by Olay. Her designs have also appeared in films and Broadway productions, showcasing her versatility and creative vision.

Aisha McShaw Designs continues to captivate the fashion world, with McShaw emerging as a powerful voice and inspiring figure for aspiring designers.

For more on Aisha McShaws designs, go to http://www.AishaMcShaw.com

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Rev. Al Sharpton and Aisha McShaw Dazzle at Met Gala - eurweb.com