DOCUMENTARY: The G-Code: Black Silence TRAILER

PRODUCERS: Christian Allen & Ramzey Smith (Videographer/Reporter)

No March for Robert Champion

Christian Allen, News 20 at Five

FAMU has implemented new rules in the wake of Robert Champion’s death. But students are remaining proactive, primarily in the case for Trayvon Martin. For almost two months, FAMU students, alongside other colleges and universities, have rallied and marched for justice in the case of Trayvon Martin.

“When I went to Sanford, it just felt good that all the Black people were there together at one time focusing on another child,” said FAMU student LaTalia Seidner.

No arrests have been made in the Martin case, nor have there been any arrests in the Robert Champion hazing case. Champion was a Marching 100 drum major that lost his life during a hazing ritual last November.

Following Champion’s death, there was a student movement to reinstate ousted band director Dr. Julian White. Students also protested at the governor’s mansion to have Governor Rick Scott take back his call to have FAMU President James Ammons temporarily removed.

While there has been organized efforts by FAMU to address hazing, organized marches for Champion have been few and far between.

“I feel like we rally for everything and we march for everything, we march to the capitol. How come Robert Champion didn’t get a march or anything like that? Since you guys want to rally for everything else, march for everything else but Robert Champion is just like swept underneath the rug now,” Seidner stated.

Champion’s family says they are struggling to deal with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their son’s death. The next grand jury is set to meet on April 25th.

According to the state attorney’s office, there has been no arrest made and students seem to have forgotten about a fallen rattler.

“Well, I think it’s pretty sad. But, as a rattler and about to graduate, I want us to actually have a memorial for Robert Champion and I think that will benefit us,” said FAMU student Antonio Duncan.

Trayvon Martin: Look Live

Uptown Cafe Investigation

Christian Allen, News 20 at Five

The Midtown Uptown Cafe and Catering is a well-known Tallahassee restaurant, at the intersection of Magnolia Drive and Miccosukee Road.

"I come down often when I have a break to buy some ice tea or lunch. Their great business partners with us. Fred one of the owners treats us very, very well. They make great food, you know it's like you make it fresh at home and it always has a great taste. So that's why we keep coming back," said customer Pam Stephens.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation inspects nearly a million businesses throughout the state of Florida. An inspect performed at the Midtown Uptown Cafe on February 28th of this year recorded 13 violations, 9 of which were critical.

None were an immediate threat to the public according to state officials.

One critical violation was the presence of 30 hard rodent droppings that were found in the cabinet underneath the prep table. This is a repeat violation. Rodent droppings were also noted in a report from November 15th of last year.

Other violations have to do with food temperatures and improper notifications of ready-to-eat food marked with no date. We wanted to speak with the restaurant management for their side of the story.

"I'm confused as to why you guys are here right now! I mean yeah, of course we're doing things to fix that. I mean it's a restaurant, we have the doors open because we like the outside. They're going to be attracted to food at any point and time," said manager Nic Tedio.

"If you go and look underneath every piece of furniture and equipment here chances are if you do that, in almost every restaurant you're going to get that," Tedio commented.

Manager Nic Tedio said they were doing everything in their power to correct the violations. Many of which were repeats from the November inspection.

"Again, you have food in the open that's where they're going to go you know. We are doing everything in our ability to fix that, so yes; we are doing everything in our capability to fix that, said Tedio.

To read the full inspection report visit: www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr