The Echo's Afternoon Tea W/KBritt!: From Tragedy to Action: Ke'Torrius Starkes Jr.'s Legacy, Celebrating Black Voices in Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson’s Podcast, + NJ's Community Safety Challenges
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- Jul 29
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 29
July 29, 2025
Echoed News & NJ Updates
Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old Ke'Torrius Starkes Jr. Highlights
Severe Negligence in State Care
Bessemer, Alabama – Per an report shared by Benjamin Crump Esq. and New York Times Reporter Christine Hauser titled "Outrage After Alabama 3-Year-Old Dies in Hot Car While in State’s Care" on July 25, 2025 in concern of the devastating death of 3-year-old Ke'Torrius Starkes Jr. , affectionately known as KJ, has sparked outrage and calls for systemic reform after the child was left in a hot vehicle for approximately five hours while under the care of a contractor for Alabama’s Department of Human Resources (DHR). The incident underscores the critical need for heightened oversight and accountability in child welfare services.
Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates of Jefferson County emphasized the severity of the conditions that led to KJ’s death. "The child was found in a car with the ignition off, doors closed, and windows up. It was extremely hot inside the vehicle," Yates stated. Preliminary findings suggest no competing cause of death, with the coroner attributing the tragedy to the child being left in a dangerously overheated environment. Temperatures in the Birmingham area that day reached the mid-to-high 90s, with a heat index peaking at 103 degrees.
KJ, who was in foster care, had been picked up around 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday following a supervised visit with his father. Instead of being transported to a daycare program as planned, the contracted worker reportedly ran personal errands, including visiting a tobacco shop and returning home, leaving the child strapped in the backseat of a parked sedan with tinted windows. It wasn’t until 5:30 P.M., when the daycare center called to inquire about KJ’s whereabouts, that the worker realized the child was still in the vehicle. By then, it was too late.
Emergency responders pronounced KJ dead at the scene. The Department of Human Resources confirmed the incident and stated that the employee responsible had been terminated. However, the tragedy has raised urgent questions about the department’s oversight of contracted workers.
State lawmakers have expressed their grief and determination to prevent such incidents in the future. "We need answers, and we may need to examine state law to ensure this never happens again," said State Senator Merika Coleman. State Representative Ontario Tillman echoed the sentiment, describing his reaction as one of "shock and confusion."
This heartbreaking incident marks the 16th pediatric vehicular heatstroke death in the United States this year, according to Kids and Car Safety, a nonprofit advocating for vehicle safety. On average, 37 children die annually from being left in hot cars, with many cases involving children forgotten during transportation or not being dropped off at childcare facilities.
The tragedy of KJ’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children in vehicles, particularly in extreme heat. It also highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of children in state care.
Call to Action: Addressing Systemic Neglect and Racial Disparities
in Foster Care – A Fight for Justice for Black Youth
Call to Action: The tragic death of 3-year-old Ke'Torrius Starkes Jr., affectionately known as KJ, has brought to light the urgent need for systemic reform in the child welfare system. KJ, an African American child in foster care, died after being left in a sweltering vehicle for five hours by a contracted driver for the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). The driver, tasked with transporting KJ to daycare following a supervised visit with his father and aunt, instead left him in a car with no air conditioning and windows up, where temperatures soared to 95 degrees. KJ was found unresponsive at 5:00 P.M., marking a devastating failure of the system meant to protect him.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the systemic neglect and racial disparities that disproportionately impact Black children in state care. According to the November 2022 report, "Black Foster Youth Matter and So Do Their Black Families: A Resource Guide to Improving Outcomes for Black Youth in Foster Care," authored by Tashia Roberson-Wing, a John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellow, Black youth and families are overrepresented and underserved in child welfare systems across the United States. The report highlights that racism and racial bias are the primary drivers of this overrepresentation, with Black children making up 22% of the foster care population despite representing only 13.6% of the U.S. population. Click to learn more: https://www.cbcfinc.org/capstones/child-welfare/black-foster-youth-matter-and-so-do-their-black-families-a-resource-guide-to-improving-outcome-for-black-youth-in-foster-care/
The report further reveals that Black youth, compared to their white counterparts, spend more time in foster care and face heightened risks of poor outcomes in adulthood, including homelessness, incarceration, and teen pregnancy. These challenges are compounded by systemic injustices such as disproportionate school disciplinary actions and criminalization, creating a cycle of vulnerability and inequity. The latest data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) shows that as of September 30, 2021, 391,098 children were in the U.S. foster care system, with 86,645 of them being African American. This stark overrepresentation demands immediate attention and action.
Roberson-Wing’s capstone serves as a critical resource for policymakers, industry professionals, and community members, offering tools and insights to better serve Black youth in foster care. It explores the historical and legislative factors contributing to these disparities and provides actionable resources, including literature, podcasts, and educational materials, to drive meaningful change. https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-is-a-capstone-project/
A Call for Justice and Reform
The death of KJ is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeply flawed system that fails to protect its most vulnerable. It is a call to action for all of us—policymakers, advocates, and community members—to demand accountability, address systemic racism, and implement reforms that prioritize the safety, well-being, and dignity of Black children in foster care.
We must honor KJ’s memory by ensuring no child suffers such preventable neglect again. This includes advocating for stricter oversight of contracted workers, comprehensive training, and policies that address the root causes of racial disparities in child welfare. Together, we can fight for a system that truly serves and uplifts all children, especially those who have been historically marginalized. https://www.cbcfinc.org/capstones/child-welfare/black-foster-youth-matter-and-so-do-their-black-families-a-resource-guide-to-improving-outcome-for-black-youth-in-foster-care/
Celebrating Black Excellence: Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s
Inspiring Podcast, IMO
First Lady Michelle Obama and her beloved big brother, Craig Robinson, are bringing their wisdom, humor, and authentic voices to the forefront with their dynamic podcast, IMO. This vibrant duo, rooted in the strength and resilience of their shared Afro-American heritage, offers listeners heartfelt advice and relatable stories that resonate deeply with the Black community and beyond.
Each week, Michelle and Craig tackle life’s challenges—big and small—with grace, humor, and a touch of sibling banter. From navigating relationships and parenting to mastering financial planning and self-care, their candid conversations are infused with practical insights and cultural pride. Joined by special guests, they create a space where laughter, reflection, and empowerment thrive.
IMO showcases Michelle Obama at her most relaxed and authentic, offering a rare glimpse into her down-to-earth wisdom and the unbreakable bond she shares with her brother. This podcast is more than just advice—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the joy of tackling life’s journey together. Tune in, laugh out loud, and feel inspired to face life’s challenges with confidence and pride. Join the fun and let Michelle and Craig remind you of the power of family, culture, and soulful connections.
Urgent Report: Newark Airport Faces Federal Investigation
Amid Mounting Delays and Cancellations
Newark NJ -- Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the nation's busiest hubs, is under federal scrutiny following a surge in delays and cancellations, according to a News 12 NJ report by Kimberly Bukowiec. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is being audited after relocating Newark's air traffic control operations from Long Island to Philadelphia last July—a move now linked to operational disruptions.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has called for an investigation after alarming statistics emerged: over 400 delays and 80 cancellations were reported on Monday alone, with more than 800 delays and 180 cancellations over the weekend, per FlightAware.
Compounding the crisis, air traffic controllers experienced two critical blackouts earlier this year, losing radio and radar contact for 90 seconds due to infrastructure failures, including a burnt copper wire.
A memo from the inspector general raises concerns about the FAA's management of the relocation, citing issues with systems, staffing, training, and operations. The audit is set to commence in August, aiming to uncover the root causes of these systemic failures.
Urgent Safety Alert: Fallen Wires Cause Vehicle Damage in Wall Township – Prevention Tips to Stay Safe
Wall Township, NJ – A hazardous incident on Route 138 Monday night left over a dozen vehicles damaged after a dump truck reportedly snagged low-hanging communication wires, triggering a chain reaction that brought down utility poles and live electrical wires. The event, near East Hurley Pond Road, caused significant damage, including shattered windshields, and left one driver trapped in her car with a live wire on top. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
The exact cause remains under investigation, as Wall Township police noted no witnesses reported seeing a dump truck in the area. JCP&L urges the public to remain vigilant around downed wires, which can be deceptively dangerous and often still energized.
Prevention Awareness: What to Do When Encountering Downed Wires
Downed power lines pose a severe risk to public safety. Here are essential tips to protect yourself and others:
Stay at Least 30 Feet Away: Always maintain a safe distance (at least two full pole spans) from any downed wires. Keep others away and call 911 or PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 immediately. Provide the nearest cross street or an undamaged pole number for precise reporting.
Assume All Wires Are Live: Treat every downed wire, including telephone and cable wires, as if it is energized. Wires entangled with electric lines may also carry electricity.
Never Drive Over or Park Near Downed Wires: Avoid driving over or parking close to wires on streets, curbs, or sidewalks. Even if they appear inactive, they can become entangled in your vehicle.
If a Wire Lands on Your Car, Stay Inside: Remain in your vehicle with windows closed until help arrives. If you must exit due to a life-threatening situation, jump out with both feet together, ensuring no contact with the car, and hop or shuffle at least 30 feet away. Do not run, as electricity can form voltage rings that may cause a shock.
Avoid Water Near Downed Wires: Water conducts electricity, increasing the risk of electrocution. Never attempt to extinguish a fire or clean up near downed wires with water.
Do Not Use Poles or Sticks to Help Others: Extending objects toward someone in contact with a live wire can create a dangerous electrical path. Call 911 immediately for professional assistance.
Leave Tree Removal to Professionals: If a tree is entangled with power lines, contact PSE&G and wait for trained crews to handle the situation.
Be Aware of Power Lines During Outdoor Activities: Always check your surroundings for power lines before starting any outdoor work. Avoid throwing objects into power lines, as this can cause dangerous short circuits.
Teach Children About Electrical Safety: Educate children to never play near electrical equipment or touch power lines, as this can result in severe injury or death.
Stay Informed and Report Hazards
Downed wires are a critical safety threat. If you encounter one, immediately report it to PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or through MyAccount. Your vigilance can prevent accidents and save lives.
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