Earlier this year, rolling out magazine brought you the story of Vizion B. Jones. A United States Air Force veteran, Jones was suffering from the H1N1 virus and went to Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia for treatment. Rather than being treated, he was beaten by hospital security when he collapsed from fever and fatigue. The resulting injuries from the beating caused serious hardship and forced him to withdraw from Morehouse College. After a series of delaying tactics by Grady Hospital and six court visits later, Jones now has a victory.
Rolling out magazine was there at the Atlanta Municipal Court when all charges were dismissed. Jones and his lawyer, Mawuli “Mel” Davis, spoke exclusively to Rolling out. The story of Vizion Jones illustrates a harsh reality. If you are poor, sick and black, you have limited choices on where to go for treatment. Within the black community of Atlanta, it is widely known that Grady Hospital has poor customer service. However, no one expects to be beaten by security guards when they are suffering and exhibit all signs of sickness. Jones felt that he had to continue his fight with Grady Hospital not just for himself, but also for the poor and voiceless residents of Atlanta who may suffer as he suffered.
You can hear his story below:
