I remember getting the call about Heather's case when no one was helping; even our calls to the Missouri state NAACP were not being returned. Through the determined efforts of my assistant, though, as well as Dr. Christopher Metzler, Dr. Wilmer Leon, Elliot Millner, King Downing and others, the case found its way to the top news section of CNN and every other major-media outlet.
This work was worthwhile, because it shined a light on the problems in our justice system: overcharging defendants, intimidation, racial profiling and other important issues that get swept under the rug in small towns such as Kennett, Mo. It also sent a message to the town's attorney, Stephen Sokoloff, that he is not all powerful and cannot destroy human lives with the stroke of a pen.
Heather Ellis reached out to Your Black World and AOL Black Voices for an exclusive interview. You must listen to her story; it is quite compelling. The audio is below:
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here. 
Comments: (8)
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By: mkljnh on 11/22/2009 8:46AM
HTTP://www.vipshops.org
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By: Militant Poet on 11/24/2009 4:44PM
Dis' B#*CH sold OUT!? I was behind her all the way?!!!....If U listen to the case she would have won cut and DRY! But because her fiance is a pig he probably talked her out of it.
I actually went 2 Klanmart all militant, ready 2 fight for HER! and behind her! ...She's Ignorant (Listen 2 her speak)and depressing she just told them that its' OKAY 2 treat us like that.....
She IS NOT, AND WAS NOT, WORTH THE EFFORT...sellout.
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By: mlg73 on 11/24/2009 6:18PM
Ok, after listening to Ellis' give both a total recount of both the events leading to her arrest and what happened at trial, this case should have been thrown out! This trial was a total shame and I hope that the news of this travels far and wide
inorder to showcase the travesty that this young woman experienced.
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By: mike on 11/25/2009 2:07PM
Heather is now wondering how much money she is going to make with her lawsuit. I just hope people don't get any crazy ideas by going to a dept. store causing a riot and hoping to get arrested all to make a quick buck in the matter.
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By: kisses on 11/25/2009 1:52PM
She should had got the 15 years for acting silly in a store. I cant stand people lke her. Just looking at her, you can tell she got a mouth on her.She should had got in line the right way. Plese move on from this chick.She is a NOBODY !
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By: wouldy on 11/25/2009 9:41PM
A complete waste of time. She should have taken that plea a long time ago. Her own explanation describes that she cut in line. We got much bigger issues to address than defending this so called educated sister acting a fool in public.
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By: Dee on 11/30/2009 1:49PM
She is not stupid. She simply has a southern accent. If you guys would bother to listen to the whole interview, you'd understand why she took the plea bargain. It was a waste of time. All these efforts brought this important story to light and will most likely lead to investigations within the police dept, Walmart, and the DA's offices. The interview was enlightening.
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By: D Dunbar on 11/30/2009 1:50PM
Oops...I meant to say that it was NOT a waste of time.
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