EVENT ALERT: PEOPLE COME TOGETHER FOR A POLICE BRUTALITY PROTEST RALLY IN DC DEC. 13

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

December is now stacking up to be the month for massive demonstrations - the largest of which will take place this coming Saturday, December 13, in Washington, DC.  

In the growing and glaring wake of police atrocities that appear to be at pandemic levels - and new reports daily are coming in of other egregious acts of depraved indifference when it comes to Black lives - a massive rally is scheduled this week end in the support of the families of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and other Black young men who have lost their lives at the hands of policemen, either through gun shot or excessive force using illegal procedures - such as the choke hold, which killed Eric Garner.

Buses are being sponsored from New York City.  Those interested can contact Reggie Wells or the National Action Network

Reggie Wells: "Athletes, celebrities and general public around the nation are coming together SATURDAY Dec 13th in Washington DC to Join the families of Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Akai Gurley as we march & protest to police brutality on our people. Have Buses leaving from Harlem State Building @ 5AM ROUNDTRIP IS $50 If you like go PLEASE REPOND ASAP!!!! Call 917-297-1487. Let's make a change. Please spread the word!!!!!!"

 Buses leaving from Harlem State Building @ 5AM ROUNDTRIP IS $50 If you like go PLEASE REPOND ASAP!!!! Call 917-297-1487. Let's make a change. Please spread the word!!!!!!"


There are many who think they can squeak through this holiday and just wish or pray this away - not become involved, or rationalize that somehow these Black men must have done something wrong to have had this happen to them.  And if being born Black is a crime - which apparently it is as far as white cops in America are concerned - then they're guilty as charged.

But while you sit on the sidelines, go to the shops we are boycotting, and spend your dollars as if it doesn't matter, just remember, in a racist society, where the color of your skin is already a subliminal criminal act, you have an equal opportunity of being blown away by a copy for walking, shopping, living, breathing or talking while Black. 

It's time to put a stop to the abuse and brutality at the hands of those who have been given a license to kill.  I frankly think that in the realm of new technology, police should no longer be allowed to have guns - but tasers.  But that's not practical when there are so many guns circulating among the real criminals - and notice I emphasized "REAL CRIMINALS."  While the police are going after people who either have committed no crime or petty crimes - i.e. non injury or non violent acts, those who are really operating from a standpoint of violence, murder, etc., are not apprehended.  

President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder are both examining the possibilities of making it a requirement for all policemen to wear body cameras - and that's a good think.  Eric Holder is also considering bringing federal charges against the perpetrators as well.  

But we, the Black people of the United States also have a role and responsibility in this - we must make our voices heard; we must stand together from this point forward, not only when some one is gunned down, but in proactive measures as well - because we are the primary target of police brutality, poverty, injustice, miseducation, substandard housing, unemployment and health - this march is only a beginning - a first salvo - but a major one, sending the signal across the nation and the world, that Black people are coming together in solidarity for our own progress and success.  We're moving forward, not turning back, until we completely eradicate these scourges from our lives.  VICTORS - NOT VICTIMS!

Buses leaving from Harlem State Building @ 5AM ROUNDTRIP IS $50 If you like go PLEASE REPOND ASAP!!!! Call 917-297-1487. Let's make a change. Please spread the word!!!!!!"

In addition to the demonstrations, we are urging all Black people and people of consciousness to withhold your money from the corporate Christmas conglomerates - if you do any shopping, make your dollars count in the Black communities and with the Black businesses - BUY BLACK OR NOT AT ALL! 

Together we stand, divided we remain victims of the prison, military industrial complex that is the US.  So contact Reggie Wells, or any of the other organizations involved, and get on the bus.


Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS












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Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks on the Ferguson Travesty

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

STAY BLESSED

 Hello All:

Attorney General Eric Holder recently released this information in reference to the recent decision in Ferguson to not indict Darren Wilson for cold blooded murder of an unarmed teen, Michael Brown, and the violent response on the part of the residents of Ferguson.  

I'm posting it here so that you can be apprised of the efforts being made on the Attorney General's and the President's part to ensure that, going forward, there were be a serious reduction in police brutality and unwarranted (and unpunished) police shootings.  Of course, the key question on most people's lips is will the Attorney General try this as a civil rights or wrongful death; and will there be an investigation of the members of the Ferguson grand jury?

On Tue, Dec 2, 2014 at 6:19 PM, Attorney General Eric Holder <info@mail.whitehouse.gov> wrote:

Following Michael Brown's tragic death, millions of people across the nation and around the world have focused their attention on unfolding events in Ferguson, both grieving together and making their voices heard. In recent days, many have been captivated by ongoing developments, anguished emotions, peaceful protests -- and, too often, deeply unfortunate images of unnecessary destruction. And this tragic incident has sparked a necessary, national conversation about the need to ensure trust and build strong relationships between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve. Events in Ferguson have revealed a deep distrust between a community and its police force. But this reality is not limited to one location. Other communities around this country know this struggle all too well. And it's abundantly clear that every single one of us has a role to play in tackling this problem together, as a nation -- to identify those things that bind us, and to be honest with one another about the things that continue to divide us. In August, President Obama ordered a review of federal funding and programs that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Administration released that review's findings -- and announced key next steps to strengthen the trust in and effectiveness of the policing of our communities. Learn more about yesterday's announcements, and the findings of the Administration's review. Here are the next steps we're taking: Creating a new task force to promote the expansion of 21st century community-oriented policing. Reforming how the federal government equips local law enforcement, particularly with military-style equipment. Advancing the use of body-worn cameras and promoting proven community policing initiatives. I know this has been a difficult time for people in Ferguson, and for many others across the country. It will take time for things to get better. But as I assured Ferguson residents during my visit there, in August, the Obama administration is firmly committed to making the progress we need -- and that all of our citizens deserve. The changes that the President announced yesterday are exactly the sorts of programmatic steps that will bring the right people together to engage in a constructive, national conversation -- so we can build trust, address persistent concerns, and protect public safety while respecting the rights of every American. Last Tuesday, addressing the public, the President said, "[to] those who are prepared to work constructively, your President will work with you." I am committed to answering the President's call to see this through -- as are the men and women of the United States Department of Justice. Learn more about yesterday's announcements here -- and spread the word to anyone who wants to know how we're moving forward as a nation. Thank you, Eric H. Holder, Jr. This email was sent to gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com. Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy Please do not reply to this email. Contact the White House The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

Building Trust Between Communities and Local Police

David Hudson

December 01, 2014
08:25 PM EST

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Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and around the country have grabbed the attention of the nation and the world, and have highlighted the importance of strong, collaborative relationships between local police and the communities that they protect.
Today, the Administration announced new steps we’re taking to strengthen the relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they are obligated to protect and serve, including:

• Advancing the use of body worn cameras and promoting proven community policing initiatives
• Creating a new task force to promote expansion of the community-oriented policing model, which encourages strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities that they serve as a proven method of fighting crime
• Reforming how the federal government equips state and local law enforcement – particularly with military-style equipment

Get more details about these new actions below.

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Increasing the use of body worn cameras, and improving community policing

The President has proposed a three-year, $263 million investment package that will:

• Increase police officers’ use of body worn cameras
• Expand training for law enforcement agencies (LEAs)
• Add more resources for police department reform
• Multiply the number of cities where the Department of Justice facilitates community and local LEA engagement

Part of the proposal is a new Body Worn Camera Partnership Program, which would provide a 50 percent match to states and localities that purchase body worn cameras and requisite storage. In fact, the proposed $75 million, three-year investment could help purchase 50,000 body worn cameras.
As noted in a recent report released by Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), evidence shows that body worn cameras help strengthen accountability and transparency, and that officers and civilians both act in a more positive manner when they're aware that a camera is present. 

 

 

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with elected officials, community and faith leaders, and law enforcement officials to discuss how communities and law enforcement can work together to build trust to strengthen neighborhoods across the country. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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Building public trust while keeping crime rates down

The President is planning to create a Task Force on 21st Century Policing, chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, who also serves as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association; and Laurie Robinson, professor at George Mason University and former Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs.
The task force – which will include law enforcement representatives and community leaders, among others – has a threefold purpose:

• Build on the extensive research that’s being conducted by DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Examine how to promote effective crime reduction while building public trust
• Prepare a report and recommendations within 90 days of the task force’s creation

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Reforming how the federal government equips local law enforcement

In August, the President ordered a review of federal funding and programs that help equip state and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Over the course of the review, the White House explored whether existing federal programs:

• Provide LEAs with equipment that is appropriate for what their communities need
• Ensure that LEAs have adequate policies in place for use of the equipment, and that their personnel are trained and certified on how to use this equipment
• Encourage LEAs to employ practices and standards that prevent misuse or abuse of this equipment

The final report, released today, finds inconsistencies in how these federal programs are structured, implemented, and audited. The report also identifies four areas of further focus that could help ensure that these programs help maximize the safety and security of both police officers and their communities:

1. Local community engagement
2. Federal coordination and oversight
3. Training requirements
4. The community-policing model

In light of this review, President Obama is planning to issue an Executive Order directing relevant agencies to work together and with law enforcement and civil rights and civil liberties organizations to develop specific recommendations within four months.

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Learn more:

• FACT SHEET: Strengthening Community Policing
• Review: Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition

Related Topics: Civil Rights, Missouri

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Now that you know, what are you going to do about it?

 

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS 

 

 

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Ferguson not so "grand" jury renders it's expected racist decision - reaps the expected reaction

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Well, this has been an eventful four days - Marion Barry, friend and former Mayor of DC passes; Lincoln University finally kicks ersatz president Robert Jennings to the curb, and is in the throes of regrouping and recouping from his despotic two years; and the people of Ferguson hear the expected bad news: the not-so-grand jury renders the racist verdict in favor of ersatz police officer Darren Wilson, who because of a license to kill, thought he could shoot an unarmed teenager, Michael Brown, in the back and get a way with it scott-free - and he pretty much did.

VICTIM MICHAEL BROWN

After much "deliberation," more bordering on procrastination, the jury viewed stacked and altered evidence that had probably been tampered with in so many ways by the time it got to them that it looked as if Darren Wilson was some sort of "angel" and Mike Brown and evil spirit.  

MURDERER DARREN WILSON

Distortion after distortion, lie after lie, paid expert after paid expert testified in front of the predominantly white grand jury, selected from a predominantly Black community, and the inevitable decision was handed down.  With the make up of the jury stacked 9 to 3 in the favor of whiteness, there was no other way it was going to come down.  With the fact that Ferguson is 67% Black, it is obviously deliberate that they kept the jury predominantly white in order to make sure that the decision turned out exactly the way they wanted it to - Wilson's acquittal. 

Now, did anyone expect it to be otherwise?  At what point?  How long has Ferguson been predominantly Black with a white superstructure?  How many times have they elected the same people over and over again to positions of authority over the Black community?  

But my bigger question is this:  just who thought that the reaction of the people of Ferguson, MO, was going to be peaceful?  Who thought people were just going to have a cumbaya moment and go home and shake their heads and say, "the rule of law has spoken?"  

Though he said it, I don't think even President Obama though it either.  I am sure, given the reaction that took place in August, he, the National Action Network, NAACP, and other organizations knew in their heart of hearts that the people of Ferguson weren't going to peacefully abide by this travesty.

As Malcolm X used to say, "suffer peacefully."  No! the Novacaine of TV shows, and all the efforts to assuage the people differently went totally by the wayside the moment the foot dragging, disrespectful, racist and racially stacked grand (grunge) jury handed down its decision.  The governor of the state of Missouri (a state which fought on the side of the Confederacy) had already warned that he was going to bring out the National Guard - and that was because he knew a week in advance that they were going to make the racist decision they made.

It was also why President Obama, who called for calm, appeared to be somewhat subdued - one person said he gave the most boring speech ever - really?  He could see the handwriting on the wall - the grand jury in their racist composition had spoken.  (That did not indicate that he was powerless, but that there are some other things coming down the pike which he can't reveal at the present time). 

Frankly, I don't approve of looting or pillaging unless you're doing it in the enemy's territory - since they're the cause of the problem to begin with.  So unless they're on Darren Wilson's front lawn, I see no reason to burn down businesses in the community.  But that's obvious just my little old opinion - one which does not have currency in Ferguson.

In point of fact, other opinions and orders to maintain peaceful demonstrations likewise had no currency in Ferguson - people who gathered for peaceful demonstration, were clearly in the minority; and the not so silent majority eventually showed up and expressed their extreme displeasure in the outcome.  It was clear that they were not listening.  They would have been perfectly content to come out and demonstrate peacefully, had the racist jurors returned an indictment verdict. It would mean that Ferguson was making progress, and making an effort to correct an egregious wrong.  But when they showed total disregard for the life of Michael Brown and the residents of Ferguson - a suburb of St. Louis - then all bets were off - the people who really do carry the day for Ferguson came out in droves and made it clear that it wasn't going to swallow that line of guff.

And, in case you didn't notice - the protesters from throughout the US came out en masse to express their displeasure at the verdict: California, Philadelphia, New York, DC, Maryland, Connecticut, and throughout the US, people showed up on the steps of their courthouses and city halls to stand in solidarity with the people of Ferguson.  

A NATIONAL BOYCOTT OF ALL MERCHANTS ACROSS THE US IS BEING CALLED FOR GOOD FRIDAY,  and to ensue throughout the Christmas Holidays.

As Black people of consciounsess, I urge you to stand together on this effort and make sure that the white powerstructures that routinely, and silently, finance these racist communities don't get a dime of your hard earned money - whether it's on Black Friday, or beyond - in fact it should be renamed BUY BLACK FRIDAY - so that you spend money with Black owned businesses - or not at all.

Having been involved in civil rights since the age of 10, I can say that I've seen some mean spirited behaviors and communities in my life time; but Ferguson makes them look like paradise.  If we don't start walking our talk, standing together, and turning to each other for the interaction, empowerment and support we need, we will be no further than when we started out 50 years ago.  We will continue to be target practice for bored police officers trying to get notches on their gun barrel; we will become the lifelong tenants of the prison military complex; we will make funeral directors rich; and we will still have the highest numbers of families with absentee fathers - due to death, drugs, and incarceration.

It must stop here and now - and Ferguson is a signal that we have a lot to do if we want to make it happen in our own lifetimes.

My prayers are with the family of Michael Brown, the people of Ferguson; Black people everywhere as we begin to do a long overdue reality check and deal with what it is that we really must do to end this long history of violence perpetrated upon us.  

VICTIM'S PARENTS: LESLEY McSPADDEN & MICHAEL BROWN, SR

 
Since we didn't do it in the election booth, which is where we should have been, it appears that we need to come up with some alternative measures that reside in us and in or own communities.  

It is apparent that those who did not go to the election booths, are now the same ones rioting in the streets.  It could have been a much simpler solution had we taken the time and the responsibility to vote when we should have.  These actions, reactionary to the core, are the aftermaths of our not pulling together in the first place to ensure that we had the political muscle to go along with our rights.  

So here we are, reverting to actions that took place in the bad old days of the sixties in the 21st century.  With all the technology and social media we have at our disposal, this is where we are.  We've got to do better, immediately, if not sooner.  

We now have to find ways despite of and because of the incumbent racist superstructure we allowed to remain in place (that has actually expanded because we didn't do our part) and the new ones who will be ushered into congress in January, that will use all their nefarious ways to nullify President Obama, further oppress Black people, and destroy any progress we may have made over the past 50 years.

And don't think that they're not getting their "jollies" off of this - they can't wait until they have the reigns tightly in their hands and around our necks.  We've given them the impetus to start martial law everywhere, and increase the jail and prison cell populations with even more Black men and women - a piece of real estate that they are heavily vested in.  

Ferguson was just the beginning.  And since we can't protest every day - we could, but it's not feasible - we had better come up with some bold, long term, comprehensive strategies that we can impart to Black people, have them buy into it, and inculcate it in a way that we are bullet proof, both physically and collectively.  It's going to take more than politics, elected officials, ministers, to make this happen - we need our educators, community leaders, and rank and file members of the community, along with our artists, celebrities to begin now developing our own personal, comprehensive paradigm shift - Black empowerment and autonomy writ large.  


NOW THAT YOU KNOW - WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
I'm praying for all of us. 
Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS


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