Who I Am
I am Starlene Joyner Burns, founder of SJB Ministries LLC, wife, visual artist, animal lover and activist.
On December 12, 2019, a swat team from the Prince George’s County Police / Sheriff Departments were at my door demanding that I open it up.
They had no reason to be at my house, other than to ask me a question about my car alarm going off. Drawn guns was unnecessary. This encounter with law enforcement officers was the most NEGATIVE experience I ever had with cops.
My husband and I had a traumatizing, nonviolent experience with 2 Prince George’s County police. Since it didn’t end in death or physical harm; our experience was diminish to a slap on the wrist for the 2 officers.
No “high-profile” lawyer wanted to take our case. And the cost to fight for justice was too high.
So justice for now, is to raise awareness by sharing my story, protesting, using my voice, voting for change, creating art, and always lighting a candle in honor of all victims of police misconduct.
Social Media Sharing
Around 3:30 am that morning, I posted a brief synopsis of what transpired on a site called Next-door. I was looking for help, I needed answers. But instead, I was attack by a victim blaming lynch mob. Prince George’s County has lots of cop supporters. And they will support bad behavior with teeth and claws.
As I read their replies and emails, I saw each of them as potential jurors. They were very unsympathetic, unapologetic, and cruel. Many were urging me not to file a complaint against the officers.
See My Police Complaint and View Videos
While this was being played out, their records were being modified. When I called to get the officers names from District II and the Sheriff office, no record was found.
This encounter left my husband and I without representation. Here’s why. We don’t have $100K to fight against injustice like this.
We were frightened, horrified, and traumatize at gun point. But that means nothing in PG County and nothing to its citizens. Too many people here think what happened to us, would never happen to them.
Raising Awareness
I built this site to raise awareness about traumatizing nonviolent police encounters. It is my hope that others (nationwide) will learn from my experience and take the right action.
We need to constantly remind ourselves of our constitutional rights, so we can exercise them promptly.
As a reminder, I created a product line to keep the Constitutional Amendments fresh in our mines.
Our Products
Jumping Broom Candles