Shakespeare’s original line is actually “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” spoken by King Henry as he struggled to sleep while dealing with an impending rebellion and the burdens of his reign.
Vaun Mayes is no King Henry. He was given “the crown” by outsiders who do not understand Mayes’ past criminal history. His only burden is trying to stay paid as a community activist instead of getting a real job. He is also a musician/rapper of course! He definitely doesn’t deserve a documentary that promotes his community-organizing grift!
The documentary is called “Heavy is the Crown.” It is directed by Sean Kafer, and it examines how Vaun Mayes navigates in Milwaukee as a “violence-prevention specialist.” The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s documentary media center, doc|UWM produced the film. Mayes is also listed as a producer for the film. The documentary will premiere at the Oriental Theatre on Sept. 27.
Will the documentary cover when Vaun Mayes and others planned to firebomb the District 7 police station with Molotov cocktails during the Sherman Park riots? The fire bomb plan followed the justified police shooting and killing of Sylville Smith.
During the civil unrest in Sherman Park in August 2016, several nearby businesses and properties, including a BP gas station at Sherman and Burleigh, were looted and burned down. While the feds could not pin the surrounding riots on Mayes, they did arrest other individuals.
“July 2, 2018, Van L. Mayes (a/k/a Vaun L. Mayes) (age 31) of Milwaukee was arrested and charged by a criminal complaint with attempted arson, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(i), 922(g), and 924(c)(1)(B)(ii).”
Mayes pleaded guilty to one single count of using a cellphone (or a facility of interstate commerce) to organize, promote, encourage, participate in, or carry on a riot related to the 2016 Sherman Park unrest. U.S. Chief District Judge Pamela Pepper dismissed all other charges and let Mayes go with time served and no extended supervision.
“I haven’t been able to address a lot in my personal life. This situation has held me back from a lot of opportunities, and I need to figure those things out,” Mayes said. “The charge I did plead to, again, I will accept responsibility for it. Back then, I was a troll. I really felt like I was getting back at them.” Vaun Mays said after his federal case concluded.
While Mayes has been a pillar of the community since the feds let him off the hook. He has done questionable crowdfunding that has been unaccounted for financially.
One also wonders why Mayes was only charged with one crime when he unsuccessfully tried to get people to burn down the District 7 Police Station. Has Mayes turned into an informant? What deal did he make to get out of serious jail time? How was he let go with no supervision? Why hasn’t anyone gone through Vaun Mayes’ finances?
The documentary will avoid or ignore many questions. They are too invested in making Vaun Mayes a saint and ghetto hero. There are real heroes in the hood that should get noticed. Vaun Mayes is not a hero or king.
