Andy Thibault's Blog, page 3
November 24, 2022
ICYMI: Bob Thiesfield Ongoing Exhibit @USJCT
Via USJCT Instagram:
Check out art by #RobertThiesfield on display in the McGovern Lounge. Images of current events will be available for viewing through December. #usjct #visualthoughts
BOB THIESFIELD PHOTO GALLERIES:
Speaker Series,
University of St. Joseph, W. Hartford, CT
https://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2022/01/selected-flashbacks-bob-thiesfield.html
Cool Justice Blog
May 10, 2022
A Walk Is As Good As A Hit – The "Ball Four" of Mob Stories / Latest Louis the Coin Book Review on Amazon:
This book is written as someone would tell you face-to-face … it is descriptive, raw, funny and gives a great feeling about "family" life. Along with "The Sopranos," this is the latest in the annals of mob stories, letting us develop sympathy and longing for very colorful and tough people.https://tinyurl.com/mk8cw4mp
https://www.npr.org/2012/04/26/151457344/ball-four-the-book-that-changed-baseball
Cool Justice Bloghttps://louisthecoinbook.com/
May 6, 2022
NEW / COMPLETE OBITUARY for Bonnie Jean Jackson Cook, Known Widely as Bonnie Foreshaw / She Leaves a Vacant Place in Hearts /2015 Library Audio- Bonnie, In Her Own Words: I Knew I Wasn’t Getting a Fair Trial…
INFO VIA FAMILY
HOME GOING CELEBRATION
FOR BONNIE JEAN JACKSON COOK
Sunrise: August 25, 1947
Sunset: April 28, 2022
Friday, May 28, 2022, 11a.m. New Hope A.M.E. Church
233 Pataula Park Road
Georgetown, Georgia 39851
Keith McIntyre, Pastor
A Time To Be Born
Bonnie Jean Jackson was born on Aug. 25, 1947, in Ft. Gaines, Georgia, to the late Charles B. Jackson and Novella George.
A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven
When she was 6 years old her family moved to Miami, Florida. Bonnie was educated through the Miami Dade County Public School System. She graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior School. She accepted Christ in her life at an earlier age.
A Time To Love
Bonnie was married to Howard Allen Cook (he preceded her in death). She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.
A Time For Celebration
Bonnie was embraced with a lot of friends throughout her life journey who provided much love and care. She was wrongfully convicted and spent [27 ½] years in York Correctional Facility. While serving her time she met Ms. Wally Lamb and Mr. Andy Thibault at a writing class. They held a special place in her heart. They helped her with her writing skills which helped her to express herself during her ordeal. They were instrumental in helping her obtain her freedom and start a new journey towards a successful life. She was successful in writing and publishing several books. She spent the rest of her life helping and mentoring others.
A Time To Embrace
She leaves a vacant place in the hearts of those who loved her two daughters: Sylvia Robinson of Manchester, CT and Debrasharme Jackson-Smart (Benjamin) of Miami, Florida; two sons: Mark Cook of Manchester, CT and Derrick Antonio Jackson of Boston, MA., two brothers: Will Davis (Tawana) of Atlanta, GA and Prest George of Miami, FL; one sister: Martha Brown of Opa Locka, FL., one brother-in-law: Oscar Mathis. Several of her siblings preceded her in death: Annette George Mathis and Shirley Maxwell. She leaves to mourn six grandchildren: Nikea Green, Jauchswann Green, DyNovia Randle, Jamalli Wilson, Lourdes Cook and Mila Cook; eight great grandchildren: Deionte Randle, Quinton Nelson, Saniyya Florence, Serenity Randle, Jauchswann Green, Jr., Jauch Green, Xavier Fort, Xzarion Ortiz and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and sorrowing friends.
A Time To Die
When I have gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day. On Thursday morning, April 28, 2022, Bonnie transitioned from her earthly vessel and passed on to claim her “everlasting life.”
A TIME TO BE RECEIVED BY THE LORD
SAFELY HOME
I am home in Heaven, dear ones; All’s so happy, all’s so bright
There’s perfect joy and beauty; In this everlasting light
All the pain and grief is over; every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever; Safely home in Heaven at last;
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the Valley of the Shade?
Old! But Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread;
And Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray t trust our Father’s will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idle stand;
Do your work while life remainth, you shall rest in Jesus’ hand.
When that work is all complete, He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of the morning? Oh, the joy to see you come!
ORDER OF SERVICE
A graveside memorial service will be held at New Hope A.M.E. Church
233 Pataula Park Road
Georgetown, Georgia 39851
Officiating: Rev. Keith McIntyre, Pastor
PROCESSIONAL / EARTH’S FINAL GLANCE
Invocation
Scripture Readings:
Old Testament / New Testament
Reflections by Family
PLEASE LIMIT RESPONSE TO 2 MINUTES
Acknowledgements
The Staff of Hopkins Mortuary
COMMITTAL SENTENCES/ CLOSING PRAYER
RECESSIONAL
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Onassis George, Quinton Nelson, Andy Thibault, Jamalli Wilson, Mark Cook, Jauchswann Green.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We express our sincere thanks, gratitude and appreciation to all of our family, friends and members of the various congregations. It was healing knowing that you all were here for us. Thank God for you and may His blessings be with you forever.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mr. Andy Thibault, for all your love, help, and understanding throughout this entire process. But most of all thank you for the help you gave our mother which help to enjoy and taste FREEDOM.
Ms. Natalie Molden; thank you for everything you did in assisting us with the funeral arrangements. Your generosity will not be forgotten, God Bless.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO:
Hopkins Mortuary 1318 W. Jackson Street Thomasville, Georgia 31792
Hopkins Mortuary, GA https://www.hopkinsmortuary.com/listings
Bonnie Foreshaw, in her own words: EDITOR'S NOTE:
Bonnie Foreshaw starts around the 20-minute mark ...
HIGHLIGHTS:
I took writing as a way to help deal w/ the reality of being incarcerated
Writing was therapeutic for me … it helped purge me of the secrets …
Our family & our culture was something that women didn’t talk about ...
Saturday & Sunday you’re running for your life or you’re getting battered
I left home to take a friend home and never got back for like 27 years …
It took me at least 5 years to come to terms with being incarcerated
While I was there I was sexually abused …
I knew I wasn’t getting a fair trialNo one answers any of my questions …
My coming home was so surreal
[After 3 years as a hospice volunteer] I began to suffer from burnout
I was released without anything except a piece of paper
I went to DMV 6 times to get ID
The system isn’t set up for us to be successful …
It’s set up for us to fail
Inmates are the modern-day commodity
I feel for the ladies left behind…mold, mildew, the deterioration of the buildings…They are breathing mold…
It’s not a place where you rehabilitate unless you take it upon yourself
The Buddhist monks used to come – and DOC would lock us up…
They would do anything to keep the outside from coming in and seeing how we was actually living …
The mildew is so well known…[guards] don’t even want to work there …
I know in this world you can’t make it by yourself
Faith kept me going
I was surrounded by good women
Wally Lamb came in because…the suicide rate was high…
He helped the women to be more realistic…instead of taking that way out
-
On the accidental & fatal shooting of Joyce Amos:
It’s something I live with every day
It was harder for me to forgive myself than it was for me to ask for forgiveness
It’s just that recently, before I came home, that I gave myself permission to forgive myself for what I did because it wasn’t no intentions on my behalf … that’s what gives me the motivation to help others less fortunate than me …
-
State of Connecticut's Dirty HandsThe Blue Note
Cool Justice BlogServices set for Bonnie Jean Cook, known widely as Bonnie Foreshaw; obituary to follow … 2015 audio: Bonnie, in her own words ...
Bonnie Foreshaw, in her own words: EDITOR'S NOTE:
Bonnie Foreshaw starts around the 20-minute mark ...
HIGHLIGHTS:
I took writing as a way to help deal w/ the reality of being incarcerated
Writing was therapeutic for me … it helped purge me of the secrets …
Our family & our culture was something that women didn’t talk about ...
Saturday & Sunday you’re running for your life or you’re getting battered
I left home to take a friend home and never got back for like 27 years …
It took me at least 5 years to come to terms with being incarcerated
While I was there I was sexually abused …
I knew I wasn’t getting a fair trial
... No one answers any of my questions …
My coming home was so surreal
[After 3 years as a hospice volunteer] I began to suffer from burnout
I was released without anything except a piece of paper
I went to DMV 6 times to get ID
The system isn’t set up for us to be successful …
It’s set up for us to fail
Inmates are the modern-day commodity
I feel for the ladies left behind…mold, mildew, the deterioration of the buildings…They are breathing mold…
It’s not a place where you rehabilitate unless you take it upon yourself
The Buddhist monks used to come – and DOC would lock us up…
They would do anything to keep the outside from coming in and seeing how we was actually living …
The mildew is so well known…[guards] don’t even want to work there …
I know in this world you can’t make it by yourself
Faith kept me going
I was surrounded by good women
Wally Lamb came in because…the suicide rate was high…
He helped the women to be more realistic…instead of taking that way out
On the accidental & fatal shooting of Joyce Amos:
It’s something I live with every day
It was harder for me to forgive myself than it was for me to ask for forgiveness
It’s just that recently, before I came home, that I gave myself permission to forgive myself for what I did because it wasn’t no intentions on my behalf … that’s what gives me the motivation to help others less fortunate than me …
April 25, 2022
Selected Highlights, The #ColorofJustice @USJCT
Reception Medley, 4-19-22,
Including Warmup ...
STRANGE FRUIT
https://anchor.fm/andy-thibault/episodes/Linda-Ransom--STRANGE-FRUIT-The-Jen-Allen--Matt-Dwonszyk-Ensemble--aka-The-Cool-Justice-Band-The-ColorofJustice-Part-2-USJCT-e1hib5rFREEDOM
https://anchor.fm/andy-thibault/episodes/FREEDOM--The-Color-of-Justice--Part-2--USJCT-4-19-22-e1hfbd4STAND BY ME https://anchor.fm/andy-thibault/episodes/Stand-By-Me-The-ColorofJustice-Part-2-USJCT-e1hi953
SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY,Ken Barone, of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, The #ColorofJustice @USJCT:
“What we have found consistently, over seven studies, looking at 32 agencies, is that we have found no evidence that Black or Hispanic motorists are more likely to be driving around with equipment or administrative offenses compared their white counterparts. But police are significantly more likely to look for those violations in areas where Black and and Hispanic motorists are more likely to be traveling.”
DELIBERATE INDIFFERENCE
Many Hartford cops had a virtual blank check for beatdowns, and when there was trouble – as in a modicum of court accountability – the legal department helped the culprits disappear ... https://anchor.fm/andy-thibault/episodes/Many-Hartford-cops-had-a-virtual-blank-check-for-beatdowns--and-when-there-was-trouble-e1hg3m4
SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE
https://anchor.fm/andy-thibault/episodes/Tiana-Hercules-Something-Has-To-Change-e1hkmtj
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BACKGROUND https://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2022/02/official-announcement-via-usjct-2022.html
Cool Justice Blog
April 15, 2022
#ColorofJustice Speaker Series @USJCT FINALE Apr 19 Live Jazz/ Blues/Latin/Fusion Reception 6:15 PM
ICYMI
In performance @USJCT Apr 12 Reception #ColorofJustice Speaker Series:
Jen Allen / Matt Dwonszyk
-Bob Thiesfield Video
RETURNING Apr 19, 6:15 pm
w/ FULL ENSEMBLE
Crystal Room, Mercy Hall Capacity: 116
Fewer Than 50 Seats Remain Open
REGISTER NOW
https://www.usj.edu/colorofjustice
The April 19 event kicks off at 6:15 p.m. in Mercy Hall. Music will be performed by vocalist Linda Ransom, along with Rick Reyes (guitar/vocals), Asher Delerme (percussion), Josh Bruneau (trumpet), Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jen Allen (piano). The speaking portion is set to begin at 7 p.m.
SET LIST NOTED:
BACKGOUND, Bios / Complete LineupOf Speakers / Performers... [via links] https://tinyurl.com/yc6w6d2m
https://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2022/02/official-announcement-via-usjct-2022.html
Cool Justice Blog
April 3, 2022
THANK YOU SPONSORS, Live Jazz Receptions April 12 & 19 @USJCT The Color of Justice :
Ken Slater, Halloran Sage
Philip Russell, law office of Philip Russell
Leander Dolphin, Shipman & Goodwin
A. Paul Spinella, Spinella & Associates
Jim Bergenn, Shipman & Goodwin
Draft SET LIST, April 19
https://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2022/03/strange-fruit.html
RESERVE NOW,
Seating Limited
https://app.mobilecause.com/form/zU77tw?vid=r3zsy
Cool Justice Blog
March 30, 2022
Strange Fruit
Strange Fruit
Southern trees bear strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees
Pastoral scene of the gallant south
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh
Here is fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop
In 1999, Time magazine named "Strange Fruit" the "song of the century"https://www.npr.org/2012/09/05/158933012/the-strange-story-of-the-man-behind-strange-fruit
MEET LINDA RANSOM:
See Linda April 19 at the University of St. Joseph in W. Hartford, CT with the Jen Allen / Matt Dwonszyk Ensemble. Set list includes Billy Holiday’s Strange Fruit, Richie Havens’ FREEDOM, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Goin On …
https://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2022/03/meet-linda-ransom-they-say-her-voice-is.html
The song “is going to be relevant until cops start getting convicted for murdering Black people,” Michael Meeropol, one of Abel Meeropol’s sons, told “CBS This Morning” before Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted of murdering Mr. Floydhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/25/arts/music/strange-fruit-united-states-v-billie-holiday.html
Cool Justice BlogMarch 26, 2022
MEET LINDA RANSOM: They say her voice is like butter ...
Linda has performed in London, Paris and in New York at venues including The Blue Note, Smalls and Tavern on the Green. Linda performed in the spring of 2019 in a tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in Middletown, CT. She also is fond of Gladys Knight.
See Linda April 19 at the University of St. Joseph in W. Hartford, CT with the Jen Allen / Matt Dwonszyk Ensemble. Set list includes Billy Holiday’s Strange Fruit, Richie Havens' FREEDOM, Marvin Gaye's What's Goin On ...
But, first:
CT Chief Justice Robinson
Kicks Off 2022 USJ Speaker Series
With Implicit Bias Presentation
COMPLETE
LINEUP, bios / photos ...
https://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2022/02/official-announcement-via-usjct-2022.html
Cool Justice BlogFebruary 20, 2022
AUDIO via friends of ours @VegasNvrSleeps: They totally dig #YouThoughtItWasMore
Louis the Coin the Book
https://louisthecoinbook.com/
Amazon
https://tinyurl.com/mk8cw4mp
B&N:
https://tinyurl.com/2p8sb6ks
Louis the Coin’s Place in History
https://tinyurl.com/ycksjt4y
King Louis de la Provvidenzahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoZWH-86-NI
Screenplay by @JackChaucer
Louis the Coin -- The Poem
Poet Ravi Shankar's Homage
To World's Greatest Counterfeiter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw7fIGUKfyc&t=10s
Cool Justice Blog
