First and foremost I would like to make it abundantly clear that as a writer I can appreciate the fundamentals of free speech as well as the right of others to exercise their constitutionally protected freedom of expression. This process will most assuredly develop resistance and in many cases a variant of opposition from glaring postures of thought, ideas, and understanding from premises that may derive from contrasting mindsets of others. However, given the nature of human behaviorism even in post civilization, we must at least attempt to approach this process with objectivity in the hopes that a fair medium will be obtained by granting an equilibrium for all while maintaining absolute civility at all times. Many times as a society we have faltered in achieving this, especially in highly sensitive arenas such as politics, religion, and crime. Here on the “People’s Champion Blog” I must take the reigns and send a clear and decisive message related to the standard in which participants interact.
Janice Sallis-Mustafa under fire on the "People's Champion Blog" by posers who question the grieving mother's judgement, and even blame her in a pathetic rant for her child's death, claiming young Phylicia wanted freedom from her wrath.
Justice still eludes the beautiful and promising Honor Teen from Monroe, NC. Phylicia Barnes was killed while visiting family in Baltimore over the Christmas Holiday in 2010.
With that being said, I must address some of the comments that were posted regarding Ms. Janice Sallis-Mustafa and her late daughter, the unforgotten Phylicia Barnes. Being a native Baltimorean I have a firm understanding of the culture that exist within the African American Community, and the deplorable manner in which many adults living in the city choose to conduct themselves when their conflict resolution skills are called upon. So, I will grab the bull by it’s horn here and spare no punches while meting out my complete displeasure regarding the poor and insensitive dialogue that has occurred. In the wake of this tragedy, I am sure that many may have expressed their personal feelings regarding Ms. Sallis allowing her daughter to visit her Barnes extended family in Baltimore, the carelessness and culture of Deena Barnes’ lifestyle, and all other pertinent factors in this case. We can’t possibly conclude that Janice Sallis knowingly and irresponsibly sent her beautiful daughter into harms way. In fact, she has admittedly stated her initial gut feeling regarding this and how she battled within herself prior to making the decision to allow Phylicia to go. If you are a parent who can say with complete conviction that you never made a decision related to your child that you don’t regret, then you are kidding yourself. Also, Phylicia had been to Baltimore several times prior without incident. I am not understanding the foolish banter that criticizes her in this regard. She isn’t from Baltimore and lacks the knowledge and practicality of the trifling viciousness of the likes of Baltimoreans. One poster asked her directly if she had actually talked with Deena Barnes. I wonder where this person has been all this time, if they even watched any of the news reports related to this case, and how they would feel if some one took such a cheap shot at them in the wake of their daughter’s disappearance and subsequent murder? Media has run a clip repeatedly that depicts Janice Sallis expressing that she had discussed in explicit detail her expectation of supervision while Phylicia visited Baltimore. Might I remind you that young Phylicia Barnes was in fact a straight A Student, that she was preparing to attend College a year early, and that she was well liked and respected among her peers. These factual details speaks volumes about the standard of living that Phylicia Barnes was accustomed too, as well as the direction of her mother’s parenthood. Please miss me with the neanderthal mentality. Furthermore, to infer that Phylicia’s death occurred as a result of her wanting to get away from her mother is absurd, heartless, cowardice, and just simply a very cruel thing to say during the darkest hour of this family. Those of us from Baltimore know and understand the nature of the beast. It is understood that compassion, understanding, and empathy doesn’t exist in a city with a predominantly African American Population that leads our nation in adult illiteracy and violence against other people of color. We cannot allow such sub standards to cloud our vision and focus in this case. This case is about finding the parties responsible for taking such a promising and intelligent  child from our midst. This case isn’t about name dropping or informing others of the alleged prominence of your family or their association with other notable public figures. More importantly, this case isn’t about your personal feelings or your distaste of others perception of your comments in an open and public forum. When we offer our support regarding the tragedy and suffering of others it should be extended without condition, without regard for who gave what, and done from the sincerest depths of our spirituality and understanding that this too could have been my family. Somewhere along the way it seems that we have forgotten why we all have come to this Blog Post. We have forgotten that a child was killed. A child deprived of life should be a matter of concern for all within humanity. We have forgotten that it’s alarming to find our beautiful daughters unclothed floating in a river. We have forgotten that the perpetrators remain at large. I am also remindful that those responsible are also more than likely following our discussions here, a fact that we all must consider when posting comment. This could very well be the cause of such obvious counterproductive dialogue regarding this senseless murder. If your intent here is to cause disruption or exact more grief upon the family and supporters of Phylicia Barnes, then your efforts are not only sickening, but poorly misguided as we are here for Justice, understanding, and healing. Please let us be in this forum or be involuntarily removed. Moreover, though I welcome all comments, I also reserve the right to terminate participation of those who refuse to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for the mother of this child. Janice Sallis did her job raising Phylicia and she should be treated with the compassion and understanding befitting the fruit that bares our creed. There will be zero tolerance of further discourse of this nature. Justice for Phylicia Barnes must prevail. Mother Sallis you remain in our prayers!
David B. Adams is a journalist, crime writer, and founder of The People's Champion, a platform built on truth, justice, and advocacy for the overlooked. For over a decade, Adams has investigated wrongful convictions, missing and exploited children, homelessness, and the political forces that shape marginalized communities' lives.
What sets his work apart is a refusal to sensationalize. Adams treats crime reporting as human storytelling — pushing past headlines to examine the systemic failures in law enforcement, the courts, and government that so often go unexamined. He's built a reputation among activists and advocates for combining deep research, personal narrative, and unflinching commentary.
The People's Champion began as a personal outlet and has grown into a respected independent voice in crime and justice journalism, read by audiences nationwide who care about accountability and the people too often left out of the story.
