Understanding the Complex Relationship Between the Black Community & Law Enforcement
cbr, 2025 - #nowplaying, The New Respects, YBA (Young Black American)
The New Respects: Band Biography
Band Composition
The New Respects is a unique musical group consisting of:
Darius Fitzgerald
Alexandria (Zandy) Fitzgerald
Jasmine Mullen (cousin)
Originally included Lexi Hill (Zandy’s sister)
Musical Background
The band emerged from a distinctive musical heritage:
Tennessee-bred musicians
Children of homeschooled preacher’s kids
Influenced by contemporary Christian music and Motown
Jasmine’s mother, Nicole C. Mullen, was a prominent contemporary Christian artist
Musical Style
The New Respects blend multiple genres:
Folk-rock foundation
Throwback rock ‘n’ roll
Blues and soul influences
Pop-calibrated sound
Philosophical Approach
The band defines themselves through key principles:
“Freedom and fun and family”
Identifying as “a band of Christians, not a Christian band”
Committed to creating music that bridges cultural divides
Recent Work: “Young Black American (YBA)”
Their single “YBA” represents a powerful statement of Black identity:
A love letter to their inner child and community
Celebrates Black joy and resilience
Inspired by James Brown’s “I’m Black and I’m Proud”
Aims to challenge stereotypical narratives of Black experience
Band Philosophy
Jasmine Mullen notes: “We have enough people writing songs about what each one believes, but not enough people willing to say, ‘Hey, you know something that I don’t. I know something that you don’t. Let’s tell each other that.’”
Artistic Vision
The band seeks to:
Create inclusive musical spaces
Challenge genre and cultural boundaries
Celebrate diversity and mutual understanding
A bridge between cultures, a voice of joy and resilience
Compassionate Perspective on Community and Policing
Historical Context of Systemic Injustice
The relationship between the Black community & law enforcement is deeply rooted in a painful historical narrative of:
Systemic racism
Institutional oppression
Generational trauma
Unequal treatment under the law
Roots of Fear & Mistrust
The fear experienced by individuals like Mitchell Abbott is not arbitrary, but a product of:
Historical Oppression
Slavery
Segregation
Ongoing systemic racism
Documented patterns of police violence
Psychological Impact
Generational trauma
Persistent threat of:
Unwarranted surveillance
Disproportionate use of force
Racial profiling
Contemporary Manifestations
The ongoing challenges include:
Disproportionate arrest rates
Higher rates of police encounters
Increased risk of fatal interactions
Systemic bias in law enforcement practices
Understanding Fear - Nuanced Perspective
For Mitchell Abbott, and many in the Black community, fear of police represents:
A survival mechanism
A response to historical and contemporary injustices
A rational reaction to systemic inequalities
Psychological Burden
Fear of law enforcement is not paranoia, but a learned response shaped by:
Personal experiences
Community narratives
Documented patterns of racial discrimination
Ongoing systemic challenges
Call for Transformation
True healing requires:
Comprehensive police reform
Accountability
Cultural competency training
Dismantling systemic racist structures
The fear is real. The pain is valid. The need for change is urgent.
Respectfully submitted,
With Profound Empathy & Commitment to Justice
P.S
LAPD Topanga Community Police Station
Organizational Details
Contact Information
Address: 21501 Schoenborn Street, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Non-Emergency Phone: (818) 756-4800
Website: http://www.lapdonline.org
Operational Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Extended Hours on Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Community Responsibilities
The Topanga Community Police Station serves as a critical local law enforcement resource, responsible for:
Community Safety
Protecting residents of Topanga Canyon
Responding to local emergency and non-emergency calls
Maintaining public order and security
Crime Prevention
Conducting neighborhood patrols
Implementing community-based crime prevention strategies
Engaging with local residents to enhance community safety
Community Engagement
Providing local law enforcement support
Offering resources and information to community members
Building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents
Jurisdictional Coverage
Serves:
Topanga Canyon
Woodland Hills
Surrounding metropolitan areas
Additional Resources
Residents can contact the station for:
Non-emergency assistance
Community safety inquiries
Local law enforcement support
Respectfully documented,
Community Service Information Division