EMERGENCY EVENT ALERT! Friday, July 17, 2015 Vigil for Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin in Brooklyn & Manhattan

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:
 

Having just returned from the 4-day NAACP Convention, where topmost on their minds was the subject of Criminal Justice; and having heard both President Obama and Attorney General Loretta Lynch detail their concerns about and reforms for the broken criminal justice system in this country, I consider this upcoming vigil orchestrated by the Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network, HIGH PRIORITY for us all!  

And, if you cannot be there physically, make it your business to stop whatever you are doing, where ever you are, and take time to meditate on justice for us and the families who've had their sons and daughters so tragically snatched away from them at the hands of violence. 

FROM:  <Membership@nationalactionnetwork.net> 

Tomorrow: Vigil for Eric Garner, Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin,  Tamir Rice. 

ERIC GARNER

National Action Network, mothers of police killing victims and the Garner, McFadden and Fulton families 

ERIC GARNER DIED AT THE HANDS OF NYPD FOR SELLING 3 LOOSIE CIGARETTES!

 One Year since the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, no federal charges have been filed against the officer who killed Mr. Garner in Staten Island; the Garner family has yet to see justice. Tomorrow, President and founder of National Action Network (NAN), Reverend Al Sharpton, and the families of the victims will lead vigils for Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and others killed.

TAMIR RICE GUNNED DOWN FOR HAVING A TOY GUN

TRAYVON MARTIN KILLED BY A MANIAC

MICHAEL BROWN PUMPED FULL OF BULLETS FOR JAY WALKING

THE REV. AL SHARPTON ALWAYS IN THE FOREFRONT AGAINST INJUSTICES TOWARDS BLACK PEOPLE

 

The Family of police chokehold victim Eric Garner, including Gwen Carr, his mother, his children and wife Esaw Garner; the mothers of national police-killing cases Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon Martin), Lesley McFadden (Michael Brown), National Action Network (NAN) and more

Friday, July 17, 2015

7:30 p.m.

The Mothers and families of police killing victims Gwen Carr, Leslie McFadden, Sybrina Fulton and others

7:30 p.m.

Vigil for Eric Garner hosted by the family of Eric Garner

WHAT:  Vigil for Eric Garner, Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin hosted by the Garner, McFadden and Fulton families

WHERE:

House of the Lord Church

415 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

And

Caanan Baptist Church of Christ

116^th and Lenox, Harlem, NY

Paid for by National Action Network

106 w. 145th street
New York, NY 10039

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

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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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 Chip in to make 2015 even bigger

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

Credo Action

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."

Name

Email*

Street address*

Zipcode*

You'll receive periodic updates on offers and activism opportunities.

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.

CREDO Action is a publication of Working Assets | credomobile.com

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

Renisha McBride's Killer found GUILTY OF MURDER in Wayne County, Michigan

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

In case you missed the news:

On Thu, Aug 7, 2014 at 8:50 PM, Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org <info@colorofchange.org> wrote:

Renisha McBride's killer — Theodore Wafer — was just convicted of murder. Honor Renisha's life and memory by sharing this powerful image and helping us fight back against racial profiling and violence against Black women:

Dear Gloria,

Today, Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy brought Renisha McBride's murderer — Theodore Wafer — to justice. A Michigan jury convicted Wafer of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and possession of a firearm while committing of a felony.¹

The guilty verdict brings relief and hope to those who feared the criminal justice system would fail to hold Renisha's killer accountable — as it has for so many other Black victims of violence. And while a murder conviction could never bring Renisha back, this is an incredibly important step forward and a rare moment of accountability in our fight against racial profiling and violence against Black women.

Today is a day to remember Renisha and honor her life, and to renew our commitment to stopping violence against Black women and youth. Please join us by sharing this powerful image far and wide. It only takes a moment.

Thousands of ColorOfChange members raised our voices and demanded that Renisha's killer be held fully accountable for his deadly actions. We sent a clear message to the Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy that we expected her to deliver justice in this case and that's exactly what she did. We applaud Prosecutor Worthy for holding Renisha's killer fully accountable, as prosecutors often fail to deliver justice when the victim is Black and the killer is white.²

Renisha and all of the other young Black women and men that have been murdered because of the color of their skin deserve to be alive today to fulfill their hopes and dreams. And while a murder conviction could never bring any of them back, we can turn our outrage over these tragedies into action. After the verdict Renisha's mother — Monica McBride — said, "her life mattered and we showed that."³ She's right. But our fight to end racial profiling and violence against Black women doesn't just stop with one verdict. We have much more work to do.

After Renisha was shot last year, thousands of ColorOfChange members sprang into action — supporting incredible local organizing efforts, demanding justice, and helping to raise awareness about Renisha's death to ensure that tragic incidents like this don't happen again. As a result of this sustained pressure, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy filed charges against Wafer.⁴ But even after charges were filed, we did not sit silent; we continued organizing to shine a national spotlight on this tragic case and fight back against irresponsible attempts to smear the victim. Together, we made it clear that failure to hold Wafer accountable for his deadly actions would send a horrifying message to the public that Black women have no worth and they can be killed without consequence.

Share this powerful image to honor Renisha and help grow the movement to end violence against Black women. And when you do, please ask your friends and family to do the same.

Thanks and Peace,

—Rashad, Matt, Arisha, Jamar, Lyla and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
August 8th, 2014

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way.

References

1. "Detroit homeowner found guilty of murder in Renisha McBride case," Los Angeles Times, 08-07-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3730?t=7&akid=3551.1818854.SgrHYo

2. "The monsterization of Trayvon Martin," The Nation, 07-31-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3735?t=9&akid=3551.1818854.SgrHYo

3. "Michigan man convicted of murdering Renisha McBride," Washington Post, 08-07-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3733?t=11&akid=3551.1818854.SgrHYo

4. "Renisha McBride's killer Theodore Wafer charged with 2nd degree murder, other felonies; free on bond," Voice of Detroit, 11-16-13
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3731?t=13&akid=3551.1818854.SgrHYo

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JUSTICE??? NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF WHITENESS: The Travesty and Tragedy of the Trayvon Martin - uh, Zimmerman - Trial

--> By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Trayvon Martin

Hello All: 

I'm soooo sorry brothers and sisters, to inform you that there was a trial held in florida and they had the wrong person as the defendant.  I thought the trial was about a guy who had a gun and deliberately stalked a young innocent unarmed kid, and shot him for no specific reason other than he was Black.  But, somehow they seemed to be prosecuting (persecuting) the kid who was killed, instead of the maniac who killed him.  Is that right? Did you get that same indication? Or was I misinterpreting this whole thing?

Young Trayvon Martin

Anyway, I was down in DC celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., when I heard this collective gasp from almost all 40,000 of us at the same time:  the "jury" had found Zimmerman "not guilty" - he was free to go home.  It was like the shot heard round the convention center, response ranged from shock and disbelief to outrage.   No one apparently was prepared for florida's all white female, miss ann jury to be exactly who they are - the female versions of their male counterparts - racists to the core.

So the verdict is in folks.  Zimmerman, the murderer of young Trayvon Martin found "not guilty" by reason of whiteness (a/k/a insanity).

Did you really expect otherwise?  Really!
Did you expect justice in florida - Really!!!

The old saying that a leopard cannot change its spots - a proverb straight out of Africa - is as true now as when our wise ancestors first coined it.  Trayvon Martin was killed for walking while Black, eating Skittles while Black, wearing a hoodie while Black - for just being Black - PERIOD.

Face it, Black people:  We are living in a racist country.  It was designed FWO (for whites only) - If you find that hard to believe, just ask our Indian ("native" Americans) brothers and sisters.  By the way, where are they now - oh, yes, still trying to get at least one treaty to work, "as long as the grass is green and the waters flow..." They are all too aware of the escape clauses used by whites against people of color.

The "redneck Miss Annes" were no more going to find Zimmerman guilty than Paula Deen being able to prove she didn't say what she said about Black people.  They're both guilty; both culpable, and both racist.  

"Not guilty by reason of whiteness." The Trayvon Martin trial - oops there I go again - the Zimmerman trial made for some good TV, didn't it?  It probably had the highest ratings ever - almost as bit as the OJ Simpson Trial.  Only this time you didn't have Johnnie Cochrane who could really take care of business.  I couldn't and didn't watch any of it.  It would have been even angrier than I am now, had I done so.  You see, the fix was already in.  After all, the trial did take place in florida - land of the hanging chads, Jeb Bush, alligators, crocodiles, swamps, and all that murky stuff.  (No aspersions on my Sorors from florida; if you were running things, it would be infinitely different).   

I doubt seriously that Zimmerman would have walked had we had a Cochrane in the courtroom.  So my brothers and sisters, where are they now - those lawyers, legal minds, legal eagles that we need to make sure that we get a "fair shake" if that even exists in this day and age in the US (guess we'd better start grooming them, because we are certainly going to need them; not just to chase ambulances, but to chase justice and wrestle it to the ground, from the cold hands of the whites who have it by the throat).

As a kid from Oklahoma, I used to watch a fair amount of cowboy movies.  There was always some point where the white guys had killed an innocent Indian, and they were outraged, and prepared to dispense justice swiftly in accordance with their cultural imperatives (and rightly so).  And some "hero" in the white hat would come and negotiate with the chief, promising that the "white man's justice" was even swifter and much more severe; and that they would handle it to make an example to the rest of white folks about what happens when you do something heinous.  The "good guy" usually ended up conning the Indian brother out of righteously meting out justice and exercising their right to punish the guilty; usurping their power.  Justice was not served then - turkey usually got a slap on the wrist, and was assigned elsewhere to terrorize other Indian nations.  

The same scenario was repeated every where whites have set foot - Japan, China, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, India - the "white man's justice" was more "powerful" than that of the "indigenous" people.  So here we are today - July 2013 - and it's the sos (same old shit) different day.  Floridians - the white ones - think they have gotten Zimmerman off.  They think they have thumbed their noses at Black people; put us in our "places".  Interesting isn't it how things devolve because people never learned to read the handwriting on the wall.

Listen up, white folks, because you always seem to get this wrong:  When God gives you a chance to redeem yourselves, and you don't take it, there's a reckoning - and it's coming for florida, the jury, Zimmerman, the lawyer and his wife; the so-called prosecution; the defense - the whole lot.  You guys just keep piling it on,  and, because you have no soul, you can't sense (or feel) when you've taken one step too far into the land of iniquity.  You've just stepped in the afundisi (ah-fun-dee-see/ = shit), up to your knee caps, and you're sinking fast.  You think you can continue to come up with different angles and you'll escape the consequences. 

You may be saying at this moment that you have no fear of Black boycotts, marches, investigations, or other means by which we make you understand our displeasure - but what you failed to realize is that we do really really really have a God who sits high and looks low and observes everything that transpires - and a leveling of the playing field, part II, is about to jump off.  This is not just about florida - it's any and all places in the US of A where repression, jimcrowism, discrimination and outright racism has re-reared its ugly head, and is looking to re-establish yet another strangle hold on our lives.  I.e.  stuff like evisceration of the voting rights acts; gerrymandering Black neighborhoods; taking peoples homes thru bogus foreclosures; closing down schools in Black communities under the guise of low performance; sterilizing Black women; etc., etc., etc. You get my drift?

Emmett Till was an innocent who was murdered by white racists in Mississippi.  His mother made sure the entire nation saw what they had done to her son.  I remember, I was 9 and it was on the cover of Jet and Ebony magazines on our coffee table.  I met Ms. Maymie Till Irving years later, when she was doing a speaking engagement at the Schomberg Library in Harlem.  She spoke of how people, seeing his picture, were catalyzed into action who would never have taken a stand before. 

There is a reckoning when the guilty are set free and the innocent continue to suffer.  "Not guilty by reason of whiteness" has long been your escape clause, but it's about to be eviscerated as well.  Many have called the recent events a white backlash -  Be that as it may, backlashes have been known to backfire.  Look for a conflagration.  By the way, the reckoning works both ways - for those of deeper melanin who walk lock step with these miscreants, you can't escape the consequences of your action - or inaction - as the case may be.  

I don't know what the Almighty has planned.  I'm not privy to that information; but I do know that 2007-2008 was a prelude to something even bigger; you had  an opportunity to get it right; make a midcourse correction.  You got part of the way when President Obama was elected.  Too bad you shot yourselves in the foot by letting your racism override the possibility of transforming this into a country for all the people.  

So look out for part II.  And remember you started it; you had a chance to redeem yourselves and you didn't.  "Not guilty by reason of whiteness," the means by which Zimmerman was able to walk free for premeditated, cold blooded murder - will haunt you in the world arena for the rest of your existence.  

For the rest of my Black family, I've included an article by Terrie M. Williams, the Diva of PR and author of "Black Pain" that may help many of you get through this, because we have a lot of work to do TOGETHER.  Enjoy!

STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Terrie Williams Agency <tmwms@terriewilliams.com> wrote:

By Terrie M. Williams Author/Mental Health Advocate BLACK PAIN: 10 Ways to Heal Your Broken Heart

The death of Trayvon-and the acquittal of his killer-has devastated many of us. Terrie M. Williams offers ways to cope With the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin, we once again find ourselves mourning a young Black spirit taken from us far too soon. As survivors, we are charged with honoring Martin and the countless others we've lost by standing strong, supporting one another and taking time to consider both our individual well-being and the collective well-being of our community.   At every turn in our lives, we learn that no matter our credentials, we are often treated as "less than" our White counterparts. Taught that we have to be twice as good to get comparable compensation. Treated as if we are at once both invisible and highly conspicuous-ignored when we are in need and profiled when we are simply proceeding. That a self-appointed neighborhood patrolman targeted Martin because he looked "suspicious" speaks volumes about the experiences we have in communities across the country each and every day. The trauma of racism is accompanied by post-traumatic stress disorder for many and a great, hidden sense of pain for most. For those who have been following the events that occurred after the killing of Trayvon Martin last year, this weekend's not guilty verdict has been particularly soul crushing-bringing all that pain, that Black pain, to the surface.So how do we address our heartbreak? Here are some practices/steps we can all take in the service of our individual and collective healing. 1) Look Away: You may need to take a break from the TV/radio/Internet/newspaper in order to protect yourself. The Zimmerman verdict will undoubtedly dominate the airwaves for the foreseeable future; taking a pause from the 24-hour-news cycle does not mean that you are less vested in justice for Trayvon-but it may be critical for your self-care.    2) Write About It:  Start to keep a journal-pour your heart, feelings, emotions into it. Include powerful quotes, clippings from magazines and even pictures that help you express the range of your feelings, including anger. Read a blog post that summed up your feelings about Trayvon better than you can? Print out a copy and include it in your journal.    3) Let Your Feelings Out:  Unspoken grief and pain are toxic to our bodies and minds. They keep us from being our best selves. Men, women and children should all feel safe shedding tears when they come-and the senseless murder of a teen is certainly worth crying over.    4) Seek Help: Consider reaching out to a professional counselor or therapist to help you process what you feel. There is no shame in getting help. I find that therapy is the gift that keeps on giving. It helps me to clarify my thoughts and process heartbreaking situations like this. Counseling can be a necessary lifeline. We cannot be or breathe properly if we don't release the unresolved pain, wounds, scars and trauma of our childhoods. We cannot be all that God has called us to be. The trauma of racism is accompanied by post-traumatic stress disorder for many and a great, hidden sense of pain for most. 5) Redefine "Strength": We often confuse being "strong" with being silent. True strength lies in knowing when to ask for help, when to let the tears flow, when you are overwhelmed. The death of Trayvon Martin is one that has taken a great toll on our collective psyches... no time for silence. Be strong enough to be proactive in healing your heart as you work to seek justice.    6) Get Moving:  Go to the gym or for a run/walk. Exercise releases tension and helps turn frustration into feeling constructive. A friend of mine just walked 10 miles to process her emotions about Trayvon. She left her house feeling angry and returned feeling renewed and resolved.    7) Shake a Hand, Make a Friend:  Make eye contact with someone passing by, smile and say "hello"... you may be the first person who made such a gesture towards them today. Many of us are walking around in need of love, support and communion with our fellow man and tragedies make that even more critical.  8) Give Back: Honor Trayvon's memory by committing a few hours a week to volunteer with teens in your neighborhood. Affirm the worth of the young people in your community and let them know that they are valuable, loved and supported.  9) Fight the Power: Channel your rage and anguish over the verdict effectively and get involved with local/national efforts to fight for justice for Trayvon Martin. Participating in rallies/protests will allow you to connect with others who are feeling the same way as you, but don't stop there. If you aren't already, get politically engaged! Hold politicians accountable and help your friends/family do the same.  10) Say "I Love You": Tomorrow is never promised and there are two grieving parents in the spotlight who will never have the chance to put their arms around their beloved son again. In the midst of our anguish over the loss of a child most of us never met, we must remember to show love to the people in our lives right now, while we can.  Terrie M. Williams Read more at EBONY http://www.ebony.com/wellness-empowerment/black-pain-10-ways-to-heal-your-broken-heart-304#ixzz2Z8yjTZ00 P.S. Check out Terrie speaking about The Personal Touch to 500 college graduates at Metropolitan College of New York's  College Commencement in June 2013.  You Will Be Inspired! Terrie M Williams, 2013 Commencement Keynote Speaker Author Bio Terrie M. Williams is a mental health activist and  the author of "Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting" . You can follow her on Facebook and  Twitter @terriewilliams Quick Links www.terriewilliams.com www.storiesthatheal.samhsa.gov To book Terrie for speaking engagements, please email your comments/requests to tmwms@terriewilliams.com The Terrie Williams Agency   382 Central Park West, Suite 17U New York, New York 10025

 

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NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF WHITENESS: The Travesty and Tragedy of the Trayvon Martin - uh, Zimmerman - Trial

--> By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Trayvon Martin

I'm soooo sorry brothers and sisters, to inform you that there was a trial held in florida and they had the wrong person as the defendant.  I thought the trial was about a guy who had a gun and deliberately stalked a young innocent unarmed kid, and shot him for no specific reason other than he was Black.  But, somehow they seemed to be prosecuting (persecuting) the kid who was killed, instead of the maniac who killed him.  Is that right? Did you get that same indication? Or was I misinterpreting this whole thing?

Young Trayvon Martin

Anyway, I was down in DC celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., when I heard this collective gasp from almost all 40,000 of us at the same time:  the "jury" had found Zimmerman "not guilty" - he was free to go home.  It was like the shot heard round the convention center, response ranged from shock and disbelief to outrage.   No one apparently was prepared for florida's all white female, miss ann jury to be exactly who they are - the female versions of their male counterparts - racists to the core.

So the verdict is in folks.  Zimmerman, the murderer of young Trayvon Martin found "not guilty" by reason of whiteness (a/k/a insanity).

Did you really expect otherwise?  Really!
Did you expect justice in florida - Really!!!

The old saying that a leopard cannot change its spots - a proverb straight out of Africa - is as true now as when our wise ancestors first coined it.

Face it, Black people:  We are living in a racist country.  It was designed FWO (for whites only) - If you find that hard to believe, just ask our Indian ("native" Americans) brothers and sisters.  By the way, where are they now - oh, yes, still trying to get at least one treaty to work, "as long as the grass is green and the waters flow..." They are all too aware of the escape clauses used by whites against people of color.

The "redneck miss annes" were no more going to find Zimmerman guilty than Paula Deen being able to prove she didn't say what she said about Black people.  They're both guilty; both culpable, and both racist.  

"Not guilty by reason of whiteness." The Trayvon Martin trial - oops there I go again - the Zimmerman trial made for some good TV, didn't it?  It probably had the highest ratings ever - almost as bit as the OJ Simpson Trial.  Only this time you didn't have Johnnie Cochrane who could really take care of business.  I couldn't and didn't watch any of it.  It would have been even angrier than I am now, had I done so.  You see, the fix was already in.  After all, the trial did take place in florida - land of the hanging chads, Jeb Bush, alligators, crocodiles, swamps, and all that murky stuff.  (No aspersions on my Sorors from florida; if you were running things, it would be infinitely different).   

I doubt seriously that Zimmerman would have walked had we had a Cochrane in the courtroom.  So my brothers and sisters, where are they now - those lawyers, legal minds, legal eagles that we need to make sure that we get a "fair shake" if that even exists in this day and age in the US (guess we'd better start grooming them, because we are certainly going to need them; not just to chase ambulances, but to chase justice and wrestle it to the ground, from the cold hands of the whites who have it by the throat).

As a kid from Oklahoma, I used to watch a fair amount of cowboy movies.  There was always some point where the white guys had killed an innocent Indian, and they were outraged, and prepared to dispense justice swiftly in accordance with their cultural imperatives (and rightly so).  And some "hero" in the white hat would come and negotiate with the chief, promising that the "white man's justice" was even swifter and much more severe; and that they would handle it to make an example to the rest of white folks about what happens when you do something heinous.  The "good guy" usually ended up conning the Indian brother out of righteously meting out justice and exercising their right to punish the guilty; usurping their power.  Justice was not served then - turkey usually got a slap on the wrist, and was assigned elsewhere to terrorize other Indian nations.  

The same scenario was repeated every where whites have set foot - Japan, China, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, India - the "white man's justice" was more "powerful" than that of the "indigenous" people.  So here we are today - July 2013 - and it's the sos (same old shit) different day.  Floridians - the white ones - think they have gotten Zimmerman off.  They think they have thumbed their noses at Black people; put us in our "places".  Interesting isn't it how things devolve because people never learned to read the handwriting on the wall.

When God gives you a chance to redeem yourselves, and you don't take it, there's a reckoning - and it's coming for florida, the jury, Zimmerman, the lawyer and his wife; the so-called prosecution; the defense - the whole lot.  You guys just keep piling it on,  and, because you have no soul, you can't sense (or feel) when you've taken one step too far into the land of iniquity.  You've just stepped in the afundisi (ah-fun-dee-see/ = shit), up to your knee caps, and you're sinking fast.  You think you can continue to come up with different angles and you'll escape the consequences. 

You may be saying at this moment that you have no fear of Black boycotts, marches, investigations, or other means by which we make you understand our displeasure - but what you failed to realize is that we do really really really have a God who sits high and looks low and observes everything that transpires - and a leveling of the playing field, part II, is about to jump off.  This is not just about florida - it's any and all places in the US of A where repression, jimcrowism, discrimination and outright racism has re-reared its ugly head, and is looking to re-establish yet another strangle hold on our lives.  I.e.  stuff like evisceration of the voting rights acts; gerrymandering Black neighborhoods; taking peoples homes thru bogus foreclosures; closing down schools in Black communities under the guise of low performance; sterilizing Black women; etc., etc., etc. You get my drift?

Emmett Till was an innocent who was murdered by white racists in Mississippi.  His mother made sure the entire nation saw what they had done to her son.  I remember, I was 9 and it was on the cover of Jet and Ebony magazines on our coffee table.  I met Ms. Maymie Till Irving years later, when she was doing a speaking engagement at the Schomberg Library in Harlem.  She spoke of how people, seeing his picture, were catalyzed into action who would never have taken a stand before. 

There is a reckoning when the guilty are set free and the innocent continue to suffer.  "Not guilty by reason of whiteness" has long been your escape clause, but it's about to be eviscerated as well.  Many have called the recent events a white backlash -  Be that as it may, backlashes have been known to backfire.  Look for a conflagration.  By the way, the reckoning works both ways - for those of deeper melanin who walk lock step with these miscreants, you can't escape the consequences of your action - or inaction - as the case may be.  

I don't know what the Almighty has planned.  I'm not privy to that information; but I do know that 2007-2008 was a prelude to something even bigger; you had  an opportunity to get it right; make a midcourse correction.  You got part of the way when President Obama was elected.  Too bad you shot yourselves in the foot by letting your racism override the possibility of transforming this into a country for all the people.  

So look out for part II.  And remember you started it; you had a chance to redeem yourselves and you didn't.  "Not guilty by reason of whiteness," the means by which Zimmerman was able to walk free for premeditated, cold blooded murder - will haunt you in the world arena for the rest of your existence.  

For the rest of my Black family, I've included an article by Terrie M. Williams, the Diva of PR and author of "Black Pain" that may help many of you get through this, because we have a lot of work to do TOGETHER.  Enjoy!

STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Terrie Williams Agency <tmwms@terriewilliams.com> wrote:

By Terrie M. Williams Author/Mental Health Advocate BLACK PAIN: 10 Ways to Heal Your Broken Heart The death of Trayvon-and the acquittal of his killer-has devastated many of us. Terrie M. Williams offers ways to cope With the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin, we once again find ourselves mourning a young Black spirit taken from us far too soon. As survivors, we are charged with honoring Martin and the countless others we've lost by standing strong, supporting one another and taking time to consider both our individual well-being and the collective well-being of our community.   At every turn in our lives, we learn that no matter our credentials, we are often treated as "less than" our White counterparts. Taught that we have to be twice as good to get comparable compensation. Treated as if we are at once both invisible and highly conspicuous-ignored when we are in need and profiled when we are simply proceeding. That a self-appointed neighborhood patrolman targeted Martin because he looked "suspicious" speaks volumes about the experiences we have in communities across the country each and every day. The trauma of racism is accompanied by post-traumatic stress disorder for many and a great, hidden sense of pain for most. For those who have been following the events that occurred after the killing of Trayvon Martin last year, this weekend's not guilty verdict has been particularly soul crushing-bringing all that pain, that Black pain, to the surface.So how do we address our heartbreak? Here are some practices/steps we can all take in the service of our individual and collective healing. 1) Look Away: You may need to take a break from the TV/radio/Internet/newspaper in order to protect yourself. The Zimmerman verdict will undoubtedly dominate the airwaves for the foreseeable future; taking a pause from the 24-hour-news cycle does not mean that you are less vested in justice for Trayvon-but it may be critical for your self-care.    2) Write About It:  Start to keep a journal-pour your heart, feelings, emotions into it. Include powerful quotes, clippings from magazines and even pictures that help you express the range of your feelings, including anger. Read a blog post that summed up your feelings about Trayvon better than you can? Print out a copy and include it in your journal.    3) Let Your Feelings Out:  Unspoken grief and pain are toxic to our bodies and minds. They keep us from being our best selves. Men, women and children should all feel safe shedding tears when they come-and the senseless murder of a teen is certainly worth crying over.    4) Seek Help: Consider reaching out to a professional counselor or therapist to help you process what you feel. There is no shame in getting help. I find that therapy is the gift that keeps on giving. It helps me to clarify my thoughts and process heartbreaking situations like this. Counseling can be a necessary lifeline. We cannot be or breathe properly if we don't release the unresolved pain, wounds, scars and trauma of our childhoods. We cannot be all that God has called us to be. The trauma of racism is accompanied by post-traumatic stress disorder for many and a great, hidden sense of pain for most. 5) Redefine "Strength": We often confuse being "strong" with being silent. True strength lies in knowing when to ask for help, when to let the tears flow, when you are overwhelmed. The death of Trayvon Martin is one that has taken a great toll on our collective psyches... no time for silence. Be strong enough to be proactive in healing your heart as you work to seek justice.    6) Get Moving:  Go to the gym or for a run/walk. Exercise releases tension and helps turn frustration into feeling constructive. A friend of mine just walked 10 miles to process her emotions about Trayvon. She left her house feeling angry and returned feeling renewed and resolved.    7) Shake a Hand, Make a Friend:  Make eye contact with someone passing by, smile and say "hello"... you may be the first person who made such a gesture towards them today. Many of us are walking around in need of love, support and communion with our fellow man and tragedies make that even more critical.  8) Give Back: Honor Trayvon's memory by committing a few hours a week to volunteer with teens in your neighborhood. Affirm the worth of the young people in your community and let them know that they are valuable, loved and supported.  9) Fight the Power: Channel your rage and anguish over the verdict effectively and get involved with local/national efforts to fight for justice for Trayvon Martin. Participating in rallies/protests will allow you to connect with others who are feeling the same way as you, but don't stop there. If you aren't already, get politically engaged! Hold politicians accountable and help your friends/family do the same.  10) Say "I Love You": Tomorrow is never promised and there are two grieving parents in the spotlight who will never have the chance to put their arms around their beloved son again. In the midst of our anguish over the loss of a child most of us never met, we must remember to show love to the people in our lives right now, while we can.  Terrie M. Williams Read more at EBONY http://www.ebony.com/wellness-empowerment/black-pain-10-ways-to-heal-your-broken-heart-304#ixzz2Z8yjTZ00 P.S. Check out Terrie speaking about The Personal Touch to 500 college graduates at Metropolitan College of New York's  College Commencement in June 2013.  You Will Be Inspired! Terrie M Williams, 2013 Commencement Keynote Speaker Author Bio Terrie M. Williams is a mental health activist and  the author of "Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting" . You can follow her on Facebook and  Twitter @terriewilliams Quick Links www.terriewilliams.com www.storiesthatheal.samhsa.gov To book Terrie for speaking engagements, please email your comments/requests to tmwms@terriewilliams.com The Terrie Williams Agency   382 Central Park West, Suite 17U New York, New York 10025