Showing posts with label NYPD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NYPD. Show all posts

10.01.2024

HANDS OFF MAYOR ERIC ADAMS!! Time for New Yorkers to take a stand for their MAYOR!

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Before I get to the heart of this article – allow me to say that off the top of my head this so called indictment of MAYOR ERIC ADAMS IS Racist through and through. I have been watching carefully the woven web of lies to indict him has been brewing from the day he took the oath of office. 

Eric Adams - Mayor of New York

 

As a New Yorker – and I am a New Yorker no matter where I am on the planet – I am totally aware of the not so subtle racism that goes on on a daily basis – particularly when someone manages to get elected to the upper echelons of power – i.e. the Mayor of New York City – which is second only to President of the US – and the real issue is they don't want them both to be Black!

With Kamala Harris as President, and Eric Adams as Mayor of New York, the earth may actually start turning around in the opposite direction on its axis.

Now if you think my conspiracy theory is off the chart, take a look at the accusations of Mayor Adams getting a kick up from regular to business class on the Turkish airlines – as though there were some serious violation of protocol. Or how about his allowing the Turkish businesses some time to rectify their fire hazard issues, while allowing them to open their doors early. Really?? Is Turkey part of Russia? Last I checked TURKEY IS PART OF NATO AND IN CONCERT WITH THE US IN TERMS OF COALESCING TO WARD OFF ENEMIES.

So what the Sam Hill is going on here?

Let's review some facts:

Eric Adams is a former member of the NYPD (New York City Police Department for the uninitiated) – and served in that capacity for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. During his time as an officer of the law, he has neither broken then law, nor colluded to break the law. Additionally, he was a member of the Grand Council of Guardians, later called The 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care – who not only looked out for those BLACK police officers who faced discrimination within the NYPD, but also Black citizens who ended up being falsely arrested. I'm sure it didn't make him or his cohorts particularly popular amongst the caucasoids who routinely tried to block their progress among the ranks.

Interestingly enough, there was that little scandal where it was discovered that the NYPD tried to block the elevation of the ranks of those who took the officers exams, alleging that the Black officers “cheated” because too many of them aced the test. So there has always been the not to subtle ugly head of racism along the underbelly of the NYPD and the judicial system (not to mention many of the institutions) when it comes to African Americans in and around the law and judicial systems.

Mayor Eric Adams made it plain that he had political aspirations. He felt the call to serve New Yorkers in a greater capacity than just being a part of the police department. So when was later ELECTED TO THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE from 2006-2013 – representing Brooklyn's 20th District, he served with distinction and dedication. Now, mind you, there were some issues that I differed with the State Senator on – especially in the realm of education. However, he later expanded his understanding by doing the requisite research to see where many of our New York City youth – and adults – had been underserved by the system with the deliberated dumbing down of many of the programs in the school system.

He later became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT OF BROOKLYN – for two terms! During his tenure, Brooklyn flourished in ways most people hadn't thought possible.

So when Eric Adams was elected Mayor of New York in 2021, he was an awesome change from his predecessor, Bill DiBlasio. DiBlasio was actually handed a pile of crap from the corrupt Bloomberg administration - who stole a 3rd term - and never really had the chance to get his legs under him.

NOTE: ANY DEMOCRAT WHO COMES INTO OFFICE BEHIND A REPUGLYCON ALWAYS HAS A PILE OF GARBAGE TO CLEAN UP! Not being able rectify many of the problems meant that so many tasks were passed along to Mayor Adams – who has a reputation of getting the job done, and not stopping until he does!

From Day One the hostility came out in full force. Not unexpected. It's also a fact that New Yorkers – especially Democrats - can also throw their own people under the bus! I don't know why but they seem to be more bent on cannibalizing their own, than standing by their man. We really need to look at that penchant for dumping on our own.

However, when Adams became Mayor, he came to the office with a sterling background, and an excellent track record, and a full grasp on the issues facing New York City. However, as per their usual M.O., the detractors began trying to find fault and sniff out, or contrive issues against his tenure.

To say that Eric Adams had more than a passing understanding of the ills that permeated New York, would be an understatement. It is also quite possible that he's not exactly the person you want to mess with if you're trying to do something under the table. And that may be the crux of this little ill advised, cooked up conspiracy to try to get him out before he actually does clean up New York and make a critical difference.

I am laughing myself silly at the statement made by the Southern District of the FBI (or whoever is behind them) about not seeing “color” and only going on the merits of the charges. Just the fact that they had to make that statement means that's exactly what it is. Throwing shade on Eric Adams during a crucial election period, when they need to be focusing on uniting and coalescing with all the voters in the greater New York Metropolitan area smells to high heaven!

The charges are spurious and contrived to cast doubt on what has been – and continues to be – a stable, positive administration.

Complaining about whether or not he received a bump up in status on a Turkish Airline is so petty it's nausiating. It reminds me of when David Dinkins became the first Black mayor. His assistant purchased pink and green furniture for her office – and the news media went wild! (She was a member of the Divine Nine and decorated her office to be reflective of this.) The New York Time, the Post, and Daily News made this their headlines for days!

So now, Mayor Adams is accused of using Turkish Airlines “exclusively!” I has no idea it was a crime. Is it? Does his getting his status upgraded to business class on a Turkish Airlines – so does that mean they would not be upset if he had taken Boeng or one of the other less than stellar airlines? Also, does this mean that none of the American or British planes would give him the respect due him by offering him the same courtesy? In fact, I've often seen that courtesy offered to individuals who either have celebrity status, or have a disability that would have made it difficult to ride in a cramped setting.

In either case, it's not such a big deal unless you're looking at it through the eyes of caucasoids who are now manipulating a situation to make it look worse than it truly is.

This accusation of Adams soliciting contributions from a foreign country is equally hilarious – especially in face of the fact that these morons made T-rump president even after they found that he had conspired with Russia to alter the outcomes of the votes by using Ai in the 2016 election. Not only was it revealed before he was sworn in, and through investigation, they found it to be true, but they still put him in office. This has to be far more serious than any perceived donation from Turkey. Even more spurious is that Turkey is being characterized as though it was an enemy empire – as opposed to an ally of the US – a member of NATO, and working longside with the US to prevent war, as well as assisting those in Ukraine and other countries who are currently under the gun of the Russians perpetrators.

What proof do they of Turkish contributions to Adams fundraising actively being solicited by Adams.

Did he do direct solicitation, or was it one of his fundraisers? The article stated: “For nearly a decade Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel from wealthy foreign business people .” Seriously?? So, are you saying that Eric Adams, with his entire background in law enforcement, state law and as borough president of Brooklyn, suddenly developed convenient amnesia and forgot all the protocols and rules? Not bloody likely.

However, it's not so far fetched to see that the continued and concerted effort to “hang” Eric Adams is mounting – as the election gets closer, and people are more focused on the machinations of T-rump and Vance – fewer people are focused on what's happening in their own city. I suspect collusion on the part of the Southern District – which makes me wonder who is at the back of these accusations. I also wonder why it is that there is an ongoing effort to sabotage the stellar Administration Eric Adams has brought together to remedy the mounting ills New York City suffers from. While I have little to no admiration to this current iteration of Repuglycons, I do admire the fact that they do back each other to the wall – right or wrong. I find it quite off putting that Dems have a bad habit of putting the skids under each other. SMH! Consider the evidence – look at what happened when Senator Menendez was indicted for having gold in his closet – while the orange faced fool walks free for having confidential, classified documents in his private collection.  Somebody should tell Chuck Schumer that you don't have a sufficient majority to allow the right wingnuts to pick off our incumbents.  You should be as vehement about standing with our elected officials as they are for standing with them.  When you don't, we have to do a double take and try to figure out who really is the enemy.  (Which is what we're going through right now with this sham accusation against Mayor Adams.  I wonder who paid Giuliani's way when he was being "America's mayor after the 911 attack - when he was really hiding out in a bunker under NYC). 

T-rump was allowed to spend millions of dollars trying to dispute an election that he lost, allowed to hire an ersatz postmaster general (Dejoy) to destroy the United Postal Service in order to prevent voters from voting by mail in 2020; and packed the subprime court with dissidents (who may or may not have been paid) so that women would be deprived of their right to make decisions about heir own bodies – while Adams is not only trying to get rid of rats in NYC, elevate the education, provide superior housing, make a comeback from the Pandemic, but also trying to make sure others knew that New York City was still the best city in the world.

So why was T-rump being overlooked for something far more serious and egregious than anything Eric Adams could ever have done? And when it comes to taking funds from foreign powers – let's start with Russia, and work your way up.

Let's also look at how they're leaning on those who were brought on board to elevate New York City to the leader in education it once was. It's clear that no one wants to be leaned on by the feds or by the law. Particularly when they can get more things wrong than they do right, and they're slow to rectify a situation once they screw it up. I am particularly focusing on how long it took them to deal with the January 6, 2021 effort to overthrow the government by T-rump, and many of his perpetrators are still walking around, holding office, being paid and protected – the top of the heap being T-rump himself. Somehow they can't seem to bring him into court, bring him to justice, as well as his henchmen.

On balance, let's look at the positive things that have benefited NYC since Eric Adams election:

Mayor Adams determined that a large percentage of NYC students had undiagnosed dyslexia and were being required to learn from methods that were not helpful to their success and their future. He worked with educators and educational specialists to remedy these and other issues – and brought in one of the top experts in education to oversee the process. Children's math and reading scores are up across the city, and teacher morale is up – especially with contracts finally having been negotiated that provides them with salaries and benefits that were long overdue. Additionally, nearly 30,000 new units of affordable homes have been provided under Adam's administration.

Statistically speaking, the crime rate in NYC has been down for the past two years since Adams had taken office; the streets are cleaner, despite the rats, and the lights are even brighter. The subway system is lighter and brighter, though the NYCTA needs to still do some upgrading in terms of their training and some of the stations' appearances.

Even with the governors of Texas and Florida illegally dumping innocent aliens seeking refugee onto New Yok City streets, Mayor Adams and his administration has been working tirelessly to make sure they have a haven, while not depriving New Yorkers of their homes or jobs, or other amenities due them.

BUSINESSES are now experiencing expanded profits for the first time since the pandemic, which hit New York more seriously than any other city (or state). New York now has gotten back to near pre-pandemic tourist levels; and with the assistance of President Biden and VP Harris, have received requisite stimulus funds to rebuild and expand their businesses and entertainment centers.

Of course I could offer more detail, however it's easy to document it in the most recent edition of www.nyc.gov / https://search.app/9rjNK3XJRHxeSVpL7 or call (212) 788.2958 to get the comprehensive information on most definitive turn around since the pandemic.

In the meantime, if you allow them to railroad Mayor Eric Adams with a bogus indictment against him for riding an airplane and getting a bump in status – then you - New Yorkers -  are the biggest losers – not to mention the most stuck on stupid constituents ever. The intimidation of competent professionals who have been instrumental in turning the city's declining system around, shows you yourself are truly the ones who, once again, the biggest losers.  

This is when prosecution really is persecution. When trumped up charges are lobbed together to make it look as they are insurmountable. While they are focusing on Mayor Adams, they are also ignoring even more egregious transgressions, and simultaneously using the meanstream mediocre media to hype the lies.

Trying to force Eric Adams out of office in order to handle these spurious accusations may well backfire – and I hope they do. Because it's looking more and more like conspiracy than accuracy.

I, and hopefully other righteous BLACK JOURALIST, BLOGGERS, AND INVESTIGATORS, will be following closely this web of lies that they are trying to throw up against the wall to see what sticks.

Interestingly enough - given the track record of the subprime court which has made it their focus to rule against the best interest of Americans (especially BLACK AMERICANS) while supporting the most spurious of low life repuglycons; and the mounting practice of people being found guilty before they are innocent - this so called "Federal indictment" has all the earmarks of a new form of legalized lynching.  

In the interim, if Mayor Adams continues to do his duty and help New York City make the turn around it has been doing for the last two years, I truly hope New Yorkers will WTFU and stand with him against the mountain of madness that reeks to high heavens of repuglycon conspiratorial machinations – writ large. It's always amazing that we are supposed to go along with the okey doke, while at the same time we watch the so-called legal system drag their ass when it comes to the egregious transgressions that are routinely kicked down the road, and the culprits get a slap on the wrist - or gets to run for president!

To those of Mayor Adams administration - those experts who were hired because of their expertise, knowledge and dedication, I totally understand your feeling the pressure and dropping away for fear of your freedom.  However, if you stand your ground, persevere and continue to stand on the principle of truth and fortitude (something most of these detractors don't understand); if you can stand up to the bogus intimidation, you will come out on the other side unscathed.  It's asking a lot - I know.  No one wants to have these insensitive, insipid, invidious invaders poking through your life; especially when they know from that you are innocent until otherwise proven guilty.  But if you can, and muster those around you for whom you've likewise dedicated your professional  lives, I think you will come out on the other side complete vindicated. 

There is no trust in this indictment, as long as these and other inequities exists and continue to be practiced on a routine basis against our Black elected officials, then it is equally incumbent on our legal and civil organizations to provide the backing and representation they need to protect them against being railroaded out of their jobs, homes, city.   And, unless they are paper tigers, only giving lip service, but stepping back when the chips are down, they will step up to make sure the truth comes forth.  Likewise, for the Black journalists who can't seem to write the kind of copy BLACK people need to read that counters the invectives that are being promulgated by the rightwingnut media, and meanstream mediocre media, then it's time to understand what BLACK MEDIA truly means.  

We also will be watching closely who really backs Eric Adams as he deals with this effort to re-dismantle New York City, and undermine his efforts to restore it to the "crown city" - the EMPIRE - it's always been.  

FRANKLY, I THINK IT WOULD BE THE HEIGHT OF IGNORANCE (OR IS IT THE DEPTHS OF IGNORANCE) FOR NTO IDLY STAND BY AND ALLOW MAYOR ERIC ADAMS TO BE RAILROADED UNDER SOME SPURIOUS ALLEGATONS.  BLACK AND LATINO NEW YORKERS, AND THOSE WHO ARE SUPPORTIVE OF HIS EFFORTS TO SAVE THE CITY, MUST BAND TOGETHER IN HIS BEHALF AND MAKE SURE THE HAS THE KIND OF REPRESENTATION AND SUPPORT HE NEEDS TO FIGHT THESE ALLEGATIONS. DON'T DRINK THE KOOL-AID! IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STAND.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?


Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson







6.23.2020

Guest Post: Brooklyn Boro President Eric Adams on Police Reform and Policing From Within

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

TODAY IS PRIMARY DAY IN NEW YORK - 
MAKE SURE YOU VOTE - IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY COMPLETED EARLY VOTING OR VOTE BY MAIL 

I have had the honor of knowing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams since the 80s, when he and a stalwart group of fellow Black policemen came together to stand against racist treatment by white police of Black and Latin New Yorkers, as well as racism in the ranks.   I've attended many meetings which he either spearheaded or attended, along with other Black law enforcement officers strategizing and taking action against corrupt police - often himself becoming the target.  
Since the atrocity that has occurred with the heinous murder of George Floyd, as well as other more egregious acts of inhumanity, the cries for defunding the police have become more and more widespread.  Having devoted his life and career to police reform, he is working with the community and leaders to ensure that policing throughout Brooklyn is resonant to the ending of abuse while simultaneously providing for the ongoing safety of the community.   He advocates changing from within - 
 


Borough President Eric Adams took a knee with 88th Precinct police officers on June 1 in solidarity with people protesting over the murder of George Floyd.
The great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, once commented that “Life is not a spectator sport.” You could remain on the sidelines or in the stands, but in order to be an agent for change, you had to be on the field. 
During his career, Robinson endured years of abuse and humiliation due to the color of his skin. He was forced to sleep in separate hotels from his teammates due to Jim Crow laws. Fans and fellow players alike hurled racist invectives at him when he was at bat. At one point, he sustained a major injury while playing first base when an opposing player gave him a seven-inch gash from his shoe spikes on Robinson’s leg. Yet he persevered, and today is credited with paving the way for integration in Major League Baseball.
Despite the progress seen in Robinson’s lifetime, the specter of racism that was so prevalent in his day still haunts many of our institutions in 2020.
The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis ​has unleashed a justified wave of anger throughout the country, and reflects the widespread feeling among Black Americans that this country has had its knee on our necks for too long. Righteous protests have sprung up demanding a  ​comprehensive re-thinking of how we police in America. But the actions of Officer Derek Chauvin and the other officers involved in George Floyd’s murder, along with the excessive use of force used against protesters in the days since, have fed a pernicious view that will ultimately impede positive reform: the idea that police are fundamentally racist, and any person of color who joins is a traitor to their own race.
I know this sentiment well. When I was a 15-year-old living in South Jamaica, Queens, my brother and I were arrested on criminal trespassing charges. Shortly after, we were picked up from school by officers and brought to the 103rd Precinct. Out of the blue, one of the officers — both of them were white — asked us if we felt like a beatdown. They then took us to a room downstairs and kicked us in the groin repeatedly. It was only after a Black officer poked his head in the room and said “that’s enough” that the beating finally stopped. 
For​ a week after, I urinated blood every day. I promised myself repeatedly that if it continued, I’d tell my mother what had happened. Every blare of a siren brought back traumatic memories of the experience, and the glee the officers took in emasculating my brother and me. 
A few years later, I was approached by a group of Black leaders in the community with a proposition that sounded crazy to me at the time, as it probably would to many people of color today: Join the NYPD. Change the department from within.
The more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. So I joined with a clear mission in mind, and that mission sustained me throughout my 22 years on the force. I committed myself to rectifying the systemic issues the department was facing internally, including the lack of diversity in the upper ranks, and externally, including the racially disparate ways policies like stop and frisk were being enforced. 
At times, my task felt like ​Sisyphus rolling the boulder up the hill. The entrenched hierarchy within police departments is often resistant to change — and when it comes, it comes slowly.​ On top of internal resistance, I often faced skepticism and even outright hostility from some in the African-American community, who despite my advocacy saw me as the enemy. But I retired from the NYPD at the rank of captain knowing that I and my fellow reformers had made a positive difference, drawing attention to ​issues like the racially disparate enforcement of stop-and-frisk, and opening the door to fellow change-makers. 
Take Edwin Raymond. A Lieutenant in the NYPD, Raymond joined a group of 11 minority colleagues in 2016 to expose a policy of targeting minorities in a transit patrol unit. He and his fellow plaintiffs allege they were explicitly told to go after Black and Latino people for low-level crimes such as jumping turnstiles, and avoid “soft” targets such as Whites and Asians. When they objected to this clearly unjust policy, they claimed they faced retaliation. They are now suing the department for discrimination, and the issue of quota-based policing​ has been forced ​into public view. 
People like Lieutenant Raymond and his colleagues are carrying the torch for reform. The protesters on the streets now are forcing a long-overdue conversation about racism in policing. But in order to effect meaningful change, we have to dispel this damaging idea that​ Lieutenant Raymond and others like him are Uncle Toms.  Change comes from within.
Case in point: in 1947, Jackie Robinson debuted as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The following year, the Negro National League — a symbol of baseball’s segregation — disbanded. 
Eric Adams is borough president of Brooklyn. He served 22 years in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), retiring at the rank of captain, as well as represented District 20 in the New York State Senate from 2006 until his election as borough president in 2013.

 From the office of the Borough President of Brooklyn

New York is Now in Phase 2 of Post Corona
Today starts Phase 2.
Find out what the means for you and your community here:
• English: brooklyn-usa.org/wp-cont…/uploads/…/06/COVID_Phase2_v2-1.pdf

• Spanish: brooklyn-usa.org/wp-cont…/…/2020/06/COVID_Phase2_Spanish.pdf


Join my PA/PTA Leadership Series with PTAlink to support training for parent leaders throughout Brooklyn.
Join us virtually, tomorrow, June 23rd @ 6PM.
RSVP: jlowell@brooklynbp.nyc.gov












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12.16.2014

Support Color of Change & Sign Credo's Petition: They've Been Supporting Us

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

There is an old saying that "freedom ain't free" - and it is as true now with the demonstrations and movements that are emerging today, as it was Black in the day of brother Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, etc. That said, and with the new year bringing a new set of vultures in Congress, the role of Color of Change is going to be more pivotal and important than ever.
Additionally, CREDO is circulating a petition for Police Reform in New York City, and across the country - please show your support and sign it and pass it on.  If you can't sign it on my blog, please go on line and sign it on their website - everything we do makes a big difference in the final outcomes.

I'm reposting emails I received from them that we all need to resonate to and get behind - as we move forward.  

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 




STAY BLESSED

On Mon, Dec 15, 2014 at 8:13 AM, Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org <info@colorofchange.org> wrote:
2014 has been transformative for the racial justice movement
Cease and Desist Stamp
Contribute
Dear Gloria,
Earlier this month I was at the ColorOfChange annual staff retreat. On the first morning we held four and a half minutes of silence: one minute for every hour Michael Brown lay on the street after being killed by Officer Darren Wilson. It was a powerful reminder of why we fight, and also of the historic time we're in.
There's a sense of pain and anger, but also of possibility as Black folks and our allies have taken to the streets across the country asserting that "Black Lives Matters" and demanding an end to discriminatory, militarized policing.
The moment of silence was also a reminder of the important role that the ColorOfChange community plays in this movement for a just and inclusive America. At the staff retreat we took stock of our work over 2014, and while we've faced hardships, I was blown away by what we've accomplished together this year...
  1. We successfully pressured Saturday Night Live to hire not one, but three Black women. This included Sasheer Zamata, who became the first Black woman cast-member since 2007.
     
  2. We stopped the fight between DMX and George Zimmerman, who was continuing to victimize Trayvon Martin and capitalize on his death.
     
  3. We got racist Clippers-owner Donald Sterling kicked out of the NBA, forcing him to sell the team.
     
  4. We fought back against the telecom corporations attempting to buy the Internet and end Net Neutrality, which has been critical to our 21st-century fights for justice. We made sure our voices were heard in DC, and - in November - President Obama let us know he was listening.
     
  5. More than 1 million people saw our #IfTheySpeakForMe YouTube videos, encouraging folks to get out and vote during the 2014 mid-term elections.
     
  6. We divested nearly $60 million from the private prison industry, which is responsible for some of the most abusive and inhumane conditions in the country.
     
  7. We fought hard for important reforms to New York City's Stop-and-Frisk program, including a city-wide ban on discriminatory policing and an independent monitor to oversee changes.
     
  8. We helped pass California's Prop 47 ballot initiative, reclassifying nonserious, nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies, keeping countless Black folks out prison and giving many a chance to get out.
     
  9. And we brought the campaign for police accountability and systemic reforms to the White House, delivering nearly 1 million petition signatures. During this amplified moment we're continuing to fight for justice for Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Ramarley Graham, John Crawford, and too many others.
Our work is far from done, which is why spent the second half of the retreat hatching plans for 2015. We discussed ways to improve our work so that we can more effectively win real-world change for Black folks. Ultimately, that’s what ColorOfChange is about.
But change takes a community. Our 2014 victories and achievements wouldn’t have happened without you signing petitions, advocating on social media, showing up on the streets, and chipping in your hard-earned money. And now we're looking toward the year ahead.
Our ability to make ambitious plans for 2015 is constrained by what we're able to fundraise this month. If we can raise $100,000 by December 31, we'll have the resources we need to dream big this coming year. We’ve proven that we’re an effective force for change for Black folks and our allies. Click to contribute whatever you’re able to, today.
Thanks and peace,
--Rashad, Arisha, Matt, Bhavik, and the ColorOfChange team


ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and their allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong.
If you're absolutely sure you don't want to hear from ColorOfChange again, click here to unsubscribe.
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All


What New York can do after Eric Garner

Sign the petition

Tell New York Governor Andrew Cuomo:
"Issue a temporary executive order giving Attorney General Eric Schneiderman authority over any police killings of unarmed civilians."
You'll receive periodic updates on offers and activism opportunities.
What New York can do after Eric Garner

Last week, the police officer who choked Eric Garner to death escaped justice when a Staten Island grand jury failed to indict him. The Garner tragedy — coming on the heels of the failure of a grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri to indict the officer who killed MIchael Brown — makes clear not only the need for major changes in policing to protect people of color, especially African American men, but the powerful role that local prosecutors play in protecting police officers who kill unarmed civilians.
This week, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to strip the state’s 62 elected district attorneys of their power to investigate police killings of unarmed civilians and turn it over to the state.
Taking this authority from local prosecutors is a key step to bringing real justice to the victims of police killings and their families.
Tell Governor Cuomo: Give Attorney General Eric Schneiderman authority over police killings of unarmed civilians in New York.
For anyone who watched the video of Garner’s death, or heard his haunting last words of “I can’t breathe,” it was a shock that the Staten Island grand jury failed to indict the officer who killed him. But it’s actually not surprising that district attorneys seem to act more often as defenders of police who kill than as their prosecutors, especially during grand jury proceedings. Not only do district attorneys work closely with the police on a daily basis, they depend on the support of law enforcement unions for reelection. It’s a conflict of interest that lets police kill without consequence.
Attorney General Schneiderman has asked for only temporary authority from the governor, with the hope that the state legislature will pass more systemic reforms. But it’s a critical first step in holding police accountable and offers a major stopgap if the legislature is slow or fails to act.
There’s no reason for Governor Cuomo not to act now to give Attorney General Schneiderman the power to investigate all police killings of unarmed civilians.
Thanks for helping to hold police accountable.

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Now that you know what are you going to do about it? 
Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 

11.18.2014

IS THE NYPD TRYING TO HARASS RACHEL NOERDLINGER OUT OF HER POSITION AS CHIEF OF STAFF TO CHIRLANE McCRAY?

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson  

Hello All: 

For those of you who thought that New York had somehow changed its stripes and become more open, positive, tolerant and sophisticated, now that Bill deBlasio is Mayor, and the first lady is Black, guess again.  It's as much a police state now as it was under Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg.  Case in point is this not so hidden vendetta against my sister/friend and colleague Rachel Noerdlinger. One of the most positive, organized, professional women on the planet - Rachel has proven herself in the field over and over again - however, the NYPD have made her a target of their considerable lopsided vengeance because she has a boyfriend who has a particular gripe against them - one they probably deserve by the way - and have made her the target for removal.

They've piled up bogus evidence that is supposed to show that she is not competent - parking tickets, back taxes, etc  - what they really show is like many of us, prior to coming into this position, Rachel was "broke."    It happens to most Black people in the New York City area who have been routinely underpaid and overcharged for everything.  None of that has anything to do with Rachel's professionalism.  Nor does any opinion that her boyfriend have.  In point of fact, this being a society of free speech, she can hardly be held responsible for his opinions.  

The interesting thing is this is a new form of transparency - it's is crystal clear that the NYPD are harassing Rachel.  It's also crystal clear that Black women need to be much more vocal and supportive and demonstrative about backing her up.  The "minor" infraction of "trespassing" launched against her son Khari, is clearly the NYPD showing her that they can get her or her family and that they are perfectly willing to make her life a living hell.  The arresting officer should be penalized for even having brought the young man in, and demoted or desk dutied to show that these kinds of actions will not be tolerated. 

First lady Chirlane McCray should definitely not allow her to take an unpaid leave of absence, but make sure she has all she needs while she reorders her life; and make sure that she is allowed to return as her chief of staff - after all she's done nothing wrong and has performed admirably in this position.  It's up to both the Mayor and First Lady to nip this in the bud and take a stand against the machinations of the NYPD to make NYC a police state.   The NYPD is full of officers who have committed egregious acts against humanity who have gotten nothing more than a slap on the wrist, a desk job, and a PAID LEAVE of absence while things are being worked out.  Rachel deserves as much consideration, and even more respect. 

Commissioner Bratton, who said he would be a different kind of commissioner this time around, needs to get his boys in blue in check.  Or step down and let someone who is more competent and capable do so.  It's unprofessional on the part of New York's Finest to behave as though they were thugs, not put here to "protect and serve."  

While the National Action Network (NAN) is understandably dealing with other pressing issues, there definitely needs to be some serious attention paid to what is happening to Rachel Noerdlinger, so they can stop any furter incursions to prevent her from doing her job in the fine, professional manner that she's always done.  While rallying for the brothers and sisters in Ferguson is of the utmost importance, so is the rally for Rachel Noerdlinger - one who has worked for and among the organization for years.  Charity and action begins at home. 

In the face of outrageous attitudes and behaviors totally unbefitting the cultural capital of the world, New York City needs to get a grip and get it together, and get RACHEL NOERDLINGER BACK ON THE JOB - post haste.  

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Gloria Dulan-Wilson 

The article and clips from CBS and other venues are below:

Rachel Noerdlinger Announces Leave Of Absence Following Son’s Arrest

 
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) – Rachel Noerdlinger, the embattled chief of staff for First Lady Chirlane McCray, announced she is taking an unpaid leave of absence following the recent arrest of her son.
“I have decided to take a leave of absence to spend more time with my son,” Noerdlinger said in a statement released Monday. “These past two months have been extremely difficult for both of us, and his arrest on Friday heightens the need for me to devote my full attention to Khari, my number one priority.”

Rachel Noerdlinger Decides To Take Leave Of Absence Following Son's Arrest

noerdlinger Rachel Noerdlinger Announces Leave Of Absence Following Sons Arrest
Glenn Schuck reports
Khari Noerdlinger, 17, was arrested on a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge Friday night, the same day as his mother’s 44th birthday. According to a criminal complaint, the teen was in an apartment building Friday and couldn’t tell authorities who he was there to see. Police said there was a sign that read: “No trespassing, this is a building for tenants and their guests only.” They said he had no identification so he was arrested.
The family’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, told 1010 WINS Khari Noerdlinger was immediately given an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal.
“In six months the case is dismissed, the arrest is sealed as if it never even occurred and obviously it’s the best possible outcome to any criminal charge,” Lichtman said. “He’s not happy with being charged with something, but certainly is happy with the result. The prosecutor came to us with the offer, the case is about as minor as it can be and if not for the fact that his mother is someone in the news this would be a completely nondescript, unimportant case.”
Word of Noerdlinger’s leave of absence comes after there were calls for her  to step down following the revelation of her relationship with boyfriend Hassaun McFarlan, a.k.a Hassaun Ackles, who served time for manslaughter and drugs and has let his anti-police feelings spill out on his Facebook page.
“I can handle criticism and scrutiny of me, even when it’s mean-spirited — that comes with the territory when you take on the status quo,” Noerdlinger said. “But increasingly, my son has been subjected to attacks that have nothing to do with the public interest, and everything to do with derailing this administration. I do not want to be a distraction — the work at hand is far too urgent.”
Noerdlinger said she is thankful to the mayor and his wife for their “unwavering support” over the last few months.

Mayor Responds To Rachel Noerdlinger's Leave Of Absence

bdb2 Rachel Noerdlinger Announces Leave Of Absence Following Sons Arrest
Juliet Papa reports
At a press conference Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Noerdlinger was a hardworking public servant, and lamented what he called an over-focus on the private lives of public officials.
“Character assassination happens every day in public life,” he said. “What’s sad is when it goes beyond the boundary of public service — We have to get on with the work and not be putting so much energy into one person’s personal life.”
As CBS2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer explained, De Blasio, who has steadfastly stood by Noerdlinger, also compared what happened to her to 1950s McCarthyism.
“We saw this in the 1950s, we’ve seen this throughout the history of this country, if someone wants to smear people and use that for political purposes there’s a pretty easy playbook for doing it. It’s repulsive, but it’s become quite common,” de Blasio said. “The public doesn’t want to talk about these scandals and gossip and everything else. They want to talk about what will make their lives better and I for one am not going to be distracted.”

Mayor Responds To Rachel Noerdlinger's Leave Of Absence

455491660 Rachel Noerdlinger Announces Leave Of Absence Following Sons Arrest
Rich Lamb reports
The mayor’s office released a statement thanking Noerdlinger for her service.
“She has been a great asset to the administration and the people of New York City over the past year, and everyone wishes her all the best during her leave,” Rebecca Katz, special advisor to the mayor, said.
The Rev. Al Sharpton also released a statement supporting his former spokeswoman’s decision to take a leave of absence.
“National Action Network and I fully support Rachel Noerdlinger in her decision to take a leave of absence at some point from her duties as Chief of Staff to the First Lady of New York, so she can spend time with her son,” Sharpton said. “Rachel has been a valuable asset to the progressive movement, the City of New York, National Action Network and myself; but she has always made it clear that she is a mother first.”
“I spoke with Mayor de Blasio and assured him that I will continue to work with him and the administration on the political progressive agenda we both agree on and will disagree with him when it becomes necessary,” Sharpton added. “I respect he and the First Lady’s sensitivity to Rachel’s parental concern. I in no way was part of Rachel being hired or maintaining her position with the First Lady as some have reported, but knowing her skills I know the tremendous contributions her talents give all New Yorkers.”
Noerdlinger has come under scrutiny for failing to disclose her relationship with a felon prior to taking her $170,000-a-year-job with McCray. There have also been reports that she failed to pay an E-ZPass bill of more than $7,000 and nine parking tickets totaling nearly $900.
Other missteps include McFarlan calling police officers “pigs” on social media and Noerdlinger not reporting more than $28,000 in unpaid federal taxes, CBS2′s Marcia Kramer has previously reported.
Noerdlinger was also reportedly a passenger when McFarlan drove her Mercedes on the wrong side of the street in 2011. Sources said cops smelled marijuana when they stopped the car and that there was an underage minor in the back seat.
Last month, audio was released from inside a courtroom where Noerdlinger’s boyfriend was contesting a parking ticket issued to Noerdlinger’s white Mercedes-Benz.
McFarlan can be heard on the recording letting the judge know the car belongs to the first lady’s chief of staff.
The judge then says, “I don’t care about that.”
McFarlan is also heard on the recording complaining that the NYPD is targeting him for parking violations because he is black.
The parking judge dismissed McFarlan’s claims of racism on the part of the parking ticket officers, pointing out that officers do not know the race or nationality of the owner of a car when giving out tickets.
The tickets were for offenses such as parking near fire hydrants and in a crosswalk, and having an expired meter.
Noerdlinger has been allowed to leave the administration for an unspecified period of time.
“That’s an open-ended dynamic as she works on trying to make sure she can do all she can for her family,” de Blasio said.
Noerdlinger’s position is going to be filled, but the mayor said she’ll be welcome to come back in another position when she decides the time is right, CBS2′s Marcia Kramer reported.
Patrick J. Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, said whoever gets the position should have some understanding of the important role played by police in keeping the city safe.
“Should City Hall decide to fill what is a very questionable position, we hope they can find someone who appreciates the critical role that police have in making this city a viable place to live and who will not bring an anti-police bias to the table,” Lynch said in a statement.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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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6.29.2010

Latrice M. Walker Launches Candidacy for Brownsville Female District Leader

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Latrice Monique Walker, affectionately known as The Beautiful Brown Barrister from Brownsville, made history in Brownsville Saturday, June 26, by announcing her candidacy for District Female Leader in Brownsville’s 55th Assembly District.

Latrice Monique Walker, Esq., right hand to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, of the 11th CD, serving as her Community Development Policy Analyst, proudly threw her hat in the ring, pledging to address the ills that have assailed her community for decades.

True, this is Ms. Walker’s first foray into the political realm as a candidate. But if her passion and enthusiasm for her community and her constituents-to-be -- she’s Brownsville born and bred -- are any indicators, she is definitely the best person for the job!

Using the slogan “WALK WITH WALKER!!” she detailed many of the problems that have assailed her neighborhood, including being the last to be considered for programs, while at the same time the first to suffer cuts; being the community most likely to be targeted and profiled by police for criminal activities; being the community most likely to have underperforming educators and underperforming schools.

Starting out in a relatively soft tone by saying “To God Be The Glory, for Who am I?” she briefly reminisced about her childhood in Brownsville with her father, who succumbed to cancer when she was a child, she stated: “As a young girl my dad used to sit on this very bench right there. One day I was out here, I fell off this very little block; there was a doctor’s office across the street and my dad carried me right across the street to the doctor’s office right there.“

But her voice amped up a couple of decibels as she launched into the body of her speech, and the crowd found themselves totally mesmerized: “Your roots got to be thick in Brownsville if you want to get out here and work in the community! And every one who knows me knows that Brownsville is always on my heart; it’s always on my mind. The other day I said to Assemblyman Boyland, I’m tired of people looking at Brownsville as a hot dog and a hamburger vote! We said we need to put new leadership in Brownsville -- and we are the new leadership! We’ve got homeless issues out here! We’ve got drug abuse out here! We’ve got people who are dying on the street everyday in this community and it’s time to take it back! And it’s starting here with me! We’re out here in this heat. We’re taking it to the street. We are empowering these young people. We’re giving them jobs; we’re going to tell them about the importance of education; we’re going to talk to them about the importance about giving back to their community. Jobs not jails! We have more Black men in Brownsville who are going to jail who would have been in these facilities, but who is trying to keep them from going to jail? I AM! I am out here on the battle field with these people. That’s one thing that I always talk about with people is that you have to be hands on. Politics is a contact sport. When you’re out here and people are saying to you, what are you doing for the community? What can you say you were doing for the community, out here teaching children how to write grants. We need to be a self-sustaining community. We have been dependent on too many outside forces for far too long. You have to be hands on. You got to be out there in the street on a daily basis! So we‘re going to walk with Walker!”

She ended on a crescendo that got even those on walkers up on their feet, applauding her, and smiling at this young woman who might just be able to galvanize the energy and the apathy and forge it into the action that has so long been needed.

Latrice Walker has first hand knowledge of these challenges she spoke of, having grown up in the Glenmore Housing Projects, and received her early childhood education in the New York City Public Schools of Ocean-Hill Brownsville, P.S. 178 and I.S. 55. She obviously had parents and motivators in her life that instilled in her a life long love of learning and achievement. She received the Martin Safran Assistant Principal’s Award on behalf of her school fo having surpassed all other schools in the city. This came as a total surprise, since her school was considered as one of the City’s poorest performers. She attended Brooklyn Technical High School (one of the top high schools in the city) ; and was attended Cornell University in her junior year. She attended SUNY Purchase, and received her Juris Doctorate of Law from Pace University.

Latrice Walker acknowledges there were constant challenges in growing up in a community targeted by economic and sociological racism, but also states that these challenges are not insurmountable. “I’m living proof that you can do anything you put your mind, spirit, will and discipline to. There is nothing you can’t imagine or become, as long as you are not allowing the circumstances to dictate your destiny.”

Dressed in a chic white two piece suit, in a style that is both hip and business, Ms. Walker enthusiastically urged the crowd gathered in the sweltering heat to “WALK WITH WALKER!”

Brownsville will never be the same Latrice Walker at the helm, they’re looking at a hands on, tireless worker, advocate and supporter for the autonomy of a community long suffering under the weight of prejudice and neglect.

Assemblymember William Boyland Jr., who is making a bid for re-election, is supporting Walker’s candidacy, stating, “We have been able to bring new jobs and affordable homes to the community. But with Latrice on board, our arsenal will be complete. We have the will, the strength and the ability to make this a banner decade.”

City Councilmember Letitia James, who served as MC came out in strong support of Latrice‘s candidacy.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who wholeheartedly endorsed the re-election of William Boyland, enthusiastically stated that “Latrice is not new to the community of Brownsville, she’s true to it!” The Congresswoman further stated Brownsville could have no better representation than Latrice to ensure the issues and concerns of the community are rectified.

Speaking of unity in the community, Congresswoman Clarke indicated broad bases interaction between her office, Assemblymember Boyland’s office as well as that of City Councilmember Letitia James. “When things assail our communities, we pledge to get it done together, so that each of us in our capacity works to provide a solution to the problem! So we have joined together in unity to build this community and to provide services that our people have been denied for so long.”

Further commenting on Walker’s candidacy, Congresswoman Clarke stated, “she has not failed Brownsville, and never will, because where Brownsville goes, she goes. We are taking this mission very seriously. We got a lot of challenges. We’re working right now to stop the NYPD on their stop and frisk practices. The New York State legislature just passed a bill to get rid of the stop and frisk data base. And I am in touch with Attorney General Holder’s office to make sure that our civil rights are protected. Our children do not need to be harassed just for walking down the street!”

Despite the heat of the day, Ms. Walker’s campaign kickoff was well attended by community members of all stripes and ages, who came to lend their support to the young woman who has been present at so many events held in their behalves. She’s assisted in legal matters when they had no means to pay or acquire legal assistance; she’s advocated for quality homes and education in a community that has been relegated to the “hot dog and hamburger vote”, working to ensure their inclusion in opportunities that were accorded other, more affluent communities.

I think it’s clear by the tone and tenor of this article that I am totally in support of Latrice Walker’s candidacy. Having had several opportunities to work closely with her in a variety of programs and events, I have been greatly impressed by her knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication, discipline and creativity. While many of us pay lip service to having the “youth” more involved in current issues, rarely has there been a person in this category (I.e. youth) who actually has a grasp on, and respect for the accomplishments of her predecessors (I.e. Civil Rights Activists), and the responsibility incumbent on her and her peers going forward, who is actually making a significant contribution to the community. She’s blazing new paths, while simultaneously learning from the lessons of history.

If you are interested in supporting this dynamic woman in her fight to bring a better quality of life to Brownsville, and hence, to the rest of Brooklyn as well, contact her campaign headquarters at 1747 Pitkin Ave. or call (718) 940-2018. Time to get out there and be a part of the process to progress. Time for Brownsville to WALK WITH WALKER

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson