Ignoring environmental issues equals ignoring Black communities

Brandi Collins, ColorOfChange.org

The GOP is blocking the way to a cleaner, healthier, & more sustainable way of life for Black communities.  It’s time to let them know: get out of the way of progress on climate change and environmental racism.  http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/GOP-obstruction-environmental-justice/?t=3&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

No matter how you measure it, the obstructionist behavior of the Republican party has reached new heights in preventing policy from addressing the needs of the American people.¹ Presidential candidates have even suggested that racism plays an overt factor in the Republican refusal to work with President Obama’s administration.² Nowhere is this more evident than in the wholesale opposition of the GOP to any attempt to strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Even as climate change, pollution, and other environmental hazards continue to disproportionately impact the lives of Black people, the Republican party has stood in the way of every attempt by the Obama administration to address those issues.³ Republican members of Congress were elected to contribute to the governance of this country, not stand in the way of that process.

Tell the GOP: Do your job. Stop standing in the way of environmental justice.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/GOP-obstruction-environmental-justice/?t=3&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

Republicans have done everything in their power to stand in the way of environmental policy put forth by the Obama administration. They have refused to vote on important environmental regulations, or outright opposed them. They have advised states to refuse to take part in EPA efforts to improve air quality and prevent pollution.⁴ The Clean Power Plan is supported by most Americans and, while not perfect or comprehensive, offers a clear step forward that benefits black communities.⁵ Yet Republican leadership like Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has taken steps to craft legislation that would prevent the Federal government from enforcing the very rules the Clean Power Plan would create.⁶ And now they are blocking nomination proceedings for the Supreme Court vacancy, in full disrespect of Congressional precedent and routine, to ensure that the government remain gridlocked until Republicans are in power.⁷

The Clean Power Plan and other environmental policies are more than just laws. They’re stepping stones towards better environmental outcomes for Black communities.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/GOP-obstruction-environmental-justice/?t=3&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

Republican refusal to do their jobs has crippled the process of crafting legislation that serves legitimate needs of the American people.⁸ Their hidden additions or addendums have caused otherwise productive laws to be vetoed.⁹ Yet their empty grandstanding and political opportunism only prolongs the dangers that Black communities face from environmental racism. Black children suffer disproportionately from asthma, and are seven to eight times more likely to die of asthma as white children.¹⁰ Communities of color face nearly 40% more exposure to toxic air pollution than white communities.¹¹ Environmental racism continues to place minorities in close proximity to pollution and other environmental hazards.¹² As long as GOP obstruction rules the day, the government can’t act to protect Black communities from climate change, pollution, and other environmental hazards. We can’t allow this to continue.

Will you stand with us to insist that elected officials serve the American people?

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/GOP-obstruction-environmental-justice/?t=3&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

Until justice is real,

–Brandi, Rashad, Arisha, Bernard, Evan, and the rest of the ColorOfChange team

References:

1. „Yes, Republicans Really Are Unprecedented in Their Obstructionism“ Mother Jones, 08-25-2014. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6257?t=7&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

2. „Sanders Suggests Obama’s Race Is A Factor In GOP ‚Obstructionism'“ Talking Points Memo, 02-23-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6258?t=9&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

3. „Amid record global temperatures, Senate votes to block Obama’s Clean Power Plan“ The Washington Post, 11-17-2015. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/6259?t=11&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

4. „McConnell Is Now Telling States To Ignore Obama’s Carbon Emission Rules“ ThinkProgress, 03-05-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6260?t=13&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

5. „The House Just Voted To Kill A Plan That Most Americans Support“ ThinkProgress, 12-02-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6261?t=15&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

6. „What’s McConnell’s Next Move on the EPA’s Clean Power Plan?“ Roll Call, 08-03-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6262?t=17&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

7. „McConnell: Blocking Supreme Court Nomination ‚About A Principle, Not A Person'“ NPR, 03-16-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6263?t=19&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

8. „Senate Attacks on Clean Power Plan Going Nowhere“ Huffington Post, 11-17-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6264?t=21&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

9. „Obama vetoes GOP push to kill climate rules“ The Hill, 12-19-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6265?t=23&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

10. „Clinton accurately says black children with asthma have 500% higher mortality rate“ PolitiFact, 08-11-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6266?t=25&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

11. „‚Environmental Injustice‘: Minorities Face Nearly 40% More Exposure to Toxic Air Pollution“ Common Dreams, 04-16-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6267?t=27&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

12. „Pollution is segregated, too“ The Washington Post, 04-15-2014. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/5877?t=29&akid=5786.2073393.W8HmfS

***

ICH  BIN  LUISE

Arisha Michelle Hatch, ColorOfChange.org

LINCOLN VILLAGE ABUSES CHILDREN

Tell Gov Bevin: Shut it down!

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforgynnya-shut-down-lincoln-village-dentention-center/

It’s been three months of stressful days and sleepless nights for Gynnya McMillen’s family and community as they continue to grieve her death. Frustration grows as reports continue to expose the neglect and abuse Gynnya and other children were exposed to at Lincoln Village Juvenile Detention Center, where Black youth are four times more likely to be detained.¹

Tell Governor Matt Bevin to shut down Lincoln Village Juvenile Detention Center now.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforgynnya-shut-down-lincoln-village-dentention-center/

Two detention staffers, Reginald Windham and Victor Holt have been indicted for falsifying records detailing how often they checked on Gynnya while she was in their care, but no one is being held responsible for her death. At most, Windham and Holt’s charges could result in a small $250 fee and only 90 days in jail. Gynnya’s life is worth more than these measly, slap on the wrist charges.²

The state is being lackadaisical in their investigation into her death and are refusing to give the simple justice of admitting what her family and community know – that the lying, violence, and lack of oversight at the detention center contributed to Gynnya’s death.³ With several Lincoln Village staff under investigation, suspension or indictment and Governor Bevin’s refusal to fire center Superintendent Michele Grady, we must call for the center’s full shut down.

Governor Bevin must immediately close Lincoln Village to ensure that the lives of more children are not put at risk!

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforgynnya-shut-down-lincoln-village-dentention-center/

Gynnya was one of too many girls arrested for behavior linked to domestic abuse. She needed services, not jail. She fell victim to the abuse to prison pipeline, where girls, particularly Black girls, are funneled into the juvenile justice system as a result of abuse. Instead of being treated as victims, girls are too often criminalized for responding to their trauma. Once in the system, these girls risk further traumatization, and in Gynnya’s case—her life.

Will you join over 145,000 ColorOfChange members and allies to demand justice for Gynnya?

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforgynnya-shut-down-lincoln-village-dentention-center/

In Peace and Solidarity,

Arisha, Scott, Enchanta and the rest of the ColorOfChange team

Kentucky is Endangering Black Kids

Arisha Michelle Hatch, ColorOfChange.org

Kentucky’s Juvenile Detention Center is not fit to house children Tell Gov Bevin: It’s Time to Clean House! http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Gov_Bevin_Fire_Michelle/?t=4&akid=5563.2073393.Z8WPKN Since January, there have been several empty attempts to provide justice for 16-year-old Gynnya McMillen, who was placed in isolation at Kentucky’s Lincoln Village Juvenile Detention Center and died from a heart condition shortly after five staffers placed her in a martial arts Aikido restraint.1 While investigating Gynnya’s death, disturbing revelations about abusive, neglectful and incompetent facility staff have come to light. It’s time to clean house! Tell Governor Matt Bevin that Lincoln Village Detention Center Superintendent Michelle Grady and all staff under investigation for misconduct must go! http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Gov_Bevin_Fire_Michelle/?t=4&akid=5563.2073393.Z8WPKN After reviewing surveillance footage of Gynnya’s stay at the detention center, the Kentucky Public Safety Commissioner admitted to an appalling level of falsified reports, failed supervision and “outright indifference” on the part of detention center staff. Staff violated numerous requirements as they did not check on Gynnya regularly or thoroughly enough to even notice her health complications and ignored her young, lifeless body lying in the isolated cell.2 The investigation also exposed a broken surveillance camera that failed to capture key footage of the martial arts hold that may have triggered Gynnya’s death as well as the lack of vital training amongst staff.3 Even the facility’s nurse admitted during a taped 911 call that she was unfamiliar with the center’s required CPR protocol, causing a delay in potentially life-saving efforts.4 More than 10% of the Lincoln Village Detention Center Staff are now facing disciplinary action based on their actions during Gynnya’s time there.5 Superintendent Michelle Grady is responsible for creating a culture of safety for youth in the detention center. There is no indication that she will be held responsible for staff failures that may have cost Gynnya her life. Michelle Grady and all staff implicated in misconduct in the Gynnya McMillen investigation must go! Demand Governor Matt Bevin fire Grady and all staff involved NOW before another child is put in danger. http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Gov_Bevin_Fire_Michelle/?t=4&akid=5563.2073393.Z8WPKN In peace and solidarity, Arisha, Rashad, Scott, Enchanta and the rest of the ColorOfChange team References: „Gynnya McMillen Died Of Medical Condition In Juvenile Detention Center, State Says,“ 03.16.2016 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6005?t=6&akid=5563.2073393.Z8WPKN „Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Department Press Conference: GynnyaMcMillen,“ WHAS11 ABC 03.16.2016 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/6008?t=8&akid=5563.2073393.Z8WPKN See reference 2 „Audio: CPR started 11 minutes after staff found Gynnya McMillen,“ CBS News 01.30.2016 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5802?t=10&akid=5563.2073393.Z8WPKN See reference 2 ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong. *** ICH  BIN  LUISE

Why are we locking up people for being poor?

Arisha Michelle Hatch, ColorOfChange.org

GREAT NEWS: A law ending money bail has been introduced!

Tell your member of Congress to co-sponsor the End Money Bail Act

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/BailBonds/?t=2&referring_akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

On any given night in America, half a million people will sleep in a jail cell because they are just too poor to pay even small bail amounts. Money bail punishes people for being poor and and can cause people with even the most minor offenses to lose jobs, housing or even their children. The first piece of federal bail reform legislation, the „No More Money Bail Act“ was introduced by Congressman Ted Lieu last week. This bill will address the financial and psychological harm money bail has on Black inmates and their families.

Will you join our End Money Bail campaign and call on other members of Congress to co-sponsor the „No More Money Bail Act“?

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/BailBonds/?t=2&referring_akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

Criminal justice reform is one of the defining moral issues of our day. In the worst cases, like those of Sandra Bland and Kalief Browder, being incarcerated solely due to money bail has cost Black people their lives. Kalief and Sandra are the faces of money bail in America. Both had a bright future ahead of them and a deep passion for exposing injustice. Both would be alive today were it not for the corrupt, exploitative, and discriminatory system of money bail.

The average bail amount is $90,000. What’s worse is that Black people face 35% higher bail than white people for the same charge.¹ For low-income and working class folks, bail costs can be so impossible that it forces them into unfair plea deals just to be released, further contributing to mass incarceration. We must stop being a nation that locks up our citizens based on their inability to pay monetary bail.

We Didn’t Get Here by Accident

In the past 20 years, the average bail amount and the number of for-profit bail bond companies have exploded due to the American Bail Coalition’s lobbying efforts within the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the same organization that pushed for voter suppression legislation and Stand Your Ground Laws.² Together, legislators and corporations have passed bills that require judges to use money bail instead of more effective pre-trial services, such as notifying individuals facing charges of an up and coming court date by mail. Money bail doesn’t make communities safer, but it does pillage the wealth and incomes of millions of Black people. It’s time for our country to stop forcing people to pay for their freedom. As Congressman Gallego stated, „Bail should be based on risk, not resources.“³ Tell your member of Congress that it’s time to end money bail!

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/BailBonds/?t=2&referring_akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

„No More Money Bail Act“ Overview 

The „No More Money Bail Act“ will counter America’s current money bail system that incarcerates the unconvicted in spite of the fundamental principle that the accused are innocent until proven guilty. The bill will prohibit the use of money payment, „as a condition of pretrial release in any criminal case“ and incentivize these efforts by making states that fail to end money bail ineligible for certain federal grant funding.⁴ Currently, congressional co-sponsors of the „No More Money Bail Act“ include Barbara Lee, Emanuel Cleaver, Keith Ellison, Elijah Cummings, Karen Bass, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Brenda Lawrence, Ruben Gallego, Tony Cárdenas, Mike Honda and Jerry Nadler.

Join our fight to end money bail and demand for your member of Congress to co-sponsor the „No More Money Bail Act“.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/BailBonds/?t=2&referring_akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

In Peace and Solidarity,

Arisha, Scott, Enchanta, Josh and the rest of the ColorOfChange team

References:

1. „Illegal Globally, Bail for Profit Remains in U.S.,“ New York Times 01-28-2008

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5889?t=7&akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

2. „Race and Prison,“ Drug War Facts 12-31-2013

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5910?t=9&akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

3. „Congressman Ted W. Lieu Introduces the „No Money Bail Act of 2016,“ United States Representative Ted Lie 02.24.2016

https://act.colorofchange.org/go/5912?t=11&akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

4. H.R. 4611 – 114th Congress (2015 – 2016), 02.24.2016

https://act.colorofchange.org/go/5911?t=13&akid=5554.2073393.YMN_kp

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ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong.

***

ICH  BIN  LUISE

Lifeline

Lillian Tillman via ColorOfChange

Lillian Tillman just started a petition to the Federal Communications Commission stating: http://iam.colorofchange.org/petitions/help-close-the-digital-divide?akid=5548.2073393.aYM1K4&bucket=COC&rd=1&source=mailing&t=1 Please vote to expand the Lifeline Program to include affordable broadband services. Currently more than 100 million people live without equal access, and the expansion would deliver an affordable broadband choice to millions of low-income Americans. Affordable broadband is key to democracy in that it addresses deepening racial and economic disparities. Right now we are facing a 16-to-1 wealth gap between Black and white Americans and a Black unemployment rate that is twice as high as the rest of the country. Modernizing the Lifeline program and extending it to include broadband ensures that our communities can access jobs, education and other essential needs. Urge the FCC to expand the Lifeline Program today! http://iam.colorofchange.org/petitions/help-close-the-digital-divide?akid=5548.2073393.aYM1K4&bucket=COC&rd=1&source=mailing&t=1 Sign now →

Dear Sylvia, I just started a petition titled „Urge the FCC to Close the Digital Divide“ http://iam.colorofchange.org/petitions/help-close-the-digital-divide?akid=5548.2073393.aYM1K4&bucket=COC&rd=1&source=mailing&t=1 Why is this important? In a society where it has become a requirement that job applicants, employees, students, patients, bank customers, and consumers use the Internet for basic services, broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity. That’s why we’re calling on the FCC to treat it as such and ensure that low-income families have access to this vital service through updated Lifeline rules. As a Lifeline subscriber, I know how important this program is to helping connect people to the tools they need to communicate. I live in New Orleans, LA and have a son who is incarcerated in Texas a 10-hour-drive away from me. The only way I can communicate with him is through a landline telephone in my home. He can’t call my cell phone because the prison telephone operator won’t allow it. With my other expenses, affording an additional telephone was going to be a challenge but then I heard about the Lifeline program. Lifeline helps low-income families by subsidizing a portion of their telephone or cell phone bill. It helped me be able to afford a landline in my home. The Lifeline program is now being expanded to help families connect to the Internet. For me this is important because I use the Internet everyday for school. I’m currently taking online courses and pursuing a degree in criminal justice. The Internet is also a place where I find resources to send to my son. As a mother and a student, the Internet is so important but it is also expensive. I know the Lifeline program can help people like me who need the extra help to get ahead. Please consider supporting this petition because the Federal Communications Commission will soon vote on whether to reform the Lifeline program. Peace and Justice, Lillian Tillam Sign now → http://iam.colorofchange.org/petitions/help-close-the-digital-divide?akid=5548.2073393.aYM1K4&bucket=COC&rd=1&source=mailing&t=1 *** ICH  BIN  LUISE

HUD regulations are failing to protect families from lead poisoning

Brandi Collins, ColorOfChange.org

The health and safety of all our children should be valued and protected.

Tell HUD to change their regulations and protect families from lead exposure and poisoning in their homes.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-hud-identify-lead-hazards-families-move/?t=2&akid=5503.2073393.E-SKfM

Support Chicago Protestors Now

Dear Sylvia,

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the amazing work of young activists in Chicago shutting down Donald Trump’s racist campaign. We are working with many of the same young people who helped lead Friday’s protest to oust Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez this Tuesday and we need your help.

Anita Alvarez is in one of the worst prosecutors in America and we have a real chance to defeat her this week. Over and over again, we have seen prosecutors failing to hold police accountable for violence against Black People. Anita Alvarez failed Laquan McDonald, Rekia Boyd and many more. We created ByeAnita.com to help local organizers educate voters about Alvarez’s record.

Like most elections, this one will be about turnout. We need people all over the country to help get out the vote in Cook County. Here’s three things you can do to make a difference:

1) Join the National Phone Bank for Chicago.

http://act.colorofchange.org/signup/phone-bank-chicago/?t=1&akid=5497.2073393.IT9Nfb

2) Share the Social Media Voter Guide from our Facebook Page.

https://m.facebook.com/login.php?next=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Fcolorofchange%2Falbums%2F10153927669646067%2F&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fderef-web.de%2Fmail%2Fclient%2Fdereferrer%2F&_rdr

3) Share Anita’s record at ByeAnita.com.

Check out my email from earlier this week below for more about the #ByeAnita movement.

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Dear Sylvia,

One week from today, Chicago voters can oust of one of the worst prosecutors in America. For two terms, Anita Alvarez has held the position of Cook County State’s Attorney, maintaining a record of misconduct and over-prosecuting Black communities, leading to numerous wrongful convictions.

Anita waited more than a year to release the video of a cop fatally shooting 17-year old Laquan McDonald¹ — a decision that she defended saying, “I didn’t think any mistakes were made”.² It took a judge’s ruling to release the video, after it was determined city officials could no longer withhold it from the public.

Anita let the police officer who murdered Rekia Boyd walk free. She’s been accused of deliberately setting up the prosecution to fail, leading the killer cop to be dismissed of all charges.³

This week, as Chicago voters head to the polls leading up to next Tuesday’s primary election, Color of Change is joining with allies to uplift the efforts by activists in Chicago. We created a tool that allows anyone to play a role in this critical election both online and offline. With your help, we’ll ensure the message on the ground reaches the national stage.

Join the #ByeAnita movement, a grassroots effort confronting Alvarez begun by grassroots organizers in Chicago. We’ll share breaking updates and opportunities to get involved between now and the election.

http://www.byeanita.com/

Image courtesy of alvarezmustgo.wordpress.com

We know our efforts are working — Anita recently lost the backing of the Democratic Party who publicly endorsed her opponent Kim Foxx, a Chicago native and advocate for criminal justice reform.⁴

It’s time to hold the system accountable by denying to one of its strongest defenders the opportunity to repeat the harm done to too many Chicago families and communities, specifically, Black families and communities due to a lack of accountability and oversight of the Chicago Police Department.

Support organizers in Chicago working to oust Anita Alvarez. Join the #ByeAnita movement now!

http://www.byeanita.com/

Peace,

— Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Enchanta and the rest of the ColorOfChange team.

P.S. I love it when our community comes together during moments like this. Since we’re less than a week out, will you volunteer a few minutes to make some calls to Chicago voters remind them to vote in this important election? Click here to get started.

References:

1. “The horrifying behavior of Anita Alvarez, Chicago’s head prosecutor” DailyKos, 11-24-2015.  http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5945?t=8&akid=5497.2073393.IT9Nfb

2. “Anita Alvarez Denies Mistakes Were Made In Laquan McDonald Investigation” ThinkProgress, 2-5-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5816?t=10&akid=5497.2073393.IT9Nfb

3. “Alvarez accused of deliberately filing wrong charge against police detective” Chicago Sun Times, 2-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5946?t=12&akid=5497.2073393.IT9Nfb

4. “Endorsement could enhance Foxx’s name recognition in state’s attorney bid” Chicago Tribune, 1-14-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5948?t=14&akid=5497.2073393.IT9Nfb

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ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong.

***

ICH  BIN  LUISE

Get these killer cops off the street

Scott Roberts, ColorOfChange.org

Dear Sylvia,

In the year 2012, the number of young Black men that were victim of stop and frisk searches in New York nearly exceeded the city’s population of young Black men.¹ Unsurprisingly, at least twenty-one people were killed by the NYPD that year, including 18-year-old Ramarley Graham, who was stalked and gunned down by NYPD Officer Richard Haste.² A judge threw out the grand jury’s indictment of Officer Haste, and after two years of investigating, the Department of Justice has just ended their investigation by deciding not to file any charges.

After four years of fighting for Ramarley, his family must now accept that no one will ever be held accountable in a court of law. However, they are not giving up on holding the officers involved accountable. Outrageously, Officers Haste and others who tried to cover up the killing are still employed by the NYPD. Join Ramarley’s family in demanding they be fired.

Demand New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio fire NYPD Officer Richard Haste and all the officers responsible for killing Ramarley as well as those that tried to obscure the case and abused his family.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-mayor-de-blasio-fire-officer-richard-haste/?t=3&referring_akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

Over the last two years, local officials have claimed they could not act until the conclusion of the DOJ investigation, delaying any discipline for Officer Haste or others.³ It has now been four years since Ramarley was murdered. How much longer will his family have to wait for justice?

Murdered in what should have been the safety of his own home, Ramarley was fatally shot by Officer Haste in front of his grandmother and 6-year-old brother after the officer entered their residence without a warrant. Following the unjust shooting, police officers quickly began covering their tracks by promoting false statements about the incident, some of which were later retracted. Officers even tried to intimidate Ramarley’s family, interrogating his grandmother for 7 hours and even assaulting his mother at the precinct⁴.

Join us in calling for Mayor de Blasio’s administration to hold NYPD Officer Richard Haste and all the officers responsible for killing Ramarley, as well as those involved in obscuring the case and intimidating the Graham family.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-mayor-de-blasio-fire-officer-richard-haste/?t=3&referring_akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

The local justice system and the Department of Justice have failed Ramarley Graham and his family. Mayor de Blasio and NYC Police Commissioner William Bratton claim to be reforming the NYPD but they need to demonstrate that their commitment goes beyond press releases and PR announcements.

The killing of young Black men who pose no threat to officers or public safety — like Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, and now, Ramarley Graham — are anecdotes of the long history of NYPD inflicting brutality and violence on Black people. In 1999, officers fired 41 shots at Amadou Diallo, killing him in his Bronx apartment. In 2006, police fired 50 shots at Sean Bell, killing him on his wedding day in Queens. In both of these horrifying cases, the district attorney’s office was unable to secure a guilty verdict. A lack of police accountability is what perpetuates these deadly police shootings in Black communities.

The officers who were involved in the killing of Ramarley and the attempted cover up should never be allowed to put on a police uniform again. Don’t let them do what they did to Ramarley and his family to anyone else.

Tell Mayor de Blasio to Fire Officer Richard Haste and all the officers responsible for killing Ramarley and the subsequent cover up NOW!

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-mayor-de-blasio-fire-officer-richard-haste/?t=3&referring_akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

In peace and solidarity,

Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Enchanta and the rest of the ColorOfChange team

References

1. „Analysis Finds Racial Disparities, Ineffectiveness in NYPD Stop-and-Frisk Program; Links Tactic to Soaring Marijuana Arrest Rate,“ NYCLU, 05-22-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3414?t=6&akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

2. „Will There Be Justice for NYPD Victim Ramarley Graham,“ The Nation, 08-21-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5950?t=8&akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

3. “Why Ramarley Graham’s Parents Just Slept On The DOJ’s Steps,” Huffington Post, 02-03-2016 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5951?t=10&akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

4. „Ramarley Graham’s Family Sues NYPD,“ The Guardian, 02-03-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5952?t=12&akid=5475.2073393.YwXysz

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ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong.

***

ICH  BIN  LUISE

Chicago Deserves Better Than This

Scott Roberts, ColorOfChange.org

One week from today, Chicago voters can oust of one of the worst prosecutors in America. For two terms, Anita Alvarez has held the position of Cook County State’s Attorney, maintaining a record of misconduct and over-prosecuting Black communities, leading to numerous wrongful convictions.

Anita waited more than a year to release the video of a cop fatally shooting 17-year old Laquan McDonald¹ — a decision that she defended saying, “I didn’t think any mistakes were made”.² It took a judge’s ruling to release the video, after it was determined city officials could no longer withhold it from the public.

Anita let the police officer who murdered Rekia Boyd walk free. She’s been accused of deliberately setting up the prosecution to fail, leading the killer cop to be dismissed of all charges.³

This week, as Chicago voters head to the polls leading up to next Tuesday’s primary election, Color of Change is joining with allies to uplift the efforts by activists in Chicago. We created a tool that allows anyone to play a role in this critical election both online and offline. With your help, we’ll ensure the message on the ground reaches the national stage.

Join the #ByeAnita movement, a grassroots effort confronting Alvarez begun by grassroots organizers in Chicago. We’ll share breaking updates and opportunities to get involved between now and the election.

http://www.byeanita.com/

Image courtesy of alvarezmustgo.wordpress.com

We know our efforts are working — Anita recently lost the backing of the Democratic Party who publicly endorsed her opponent Kim Foxx, a Chicago native and advocate for criminal justice reform.⁴

It’s time to hold the system accountable by denying to one of its strongest defenders the opportunity to repeat the harm done to too many Chicago families and communities, specifically, Black families and communities due to a lack of accountability and oversight of the Chicago Police Department.

Support organizers in Chicago working to oust Anita Alvarez. Join the #ByeAnita movement now!

http://www.byeanita.com/

Peace,

— Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Enchanta and the rest of the ColorOfChange team.

P.S. I love it when our community comes together during moments like this. Since we’re less than a week out, will you volunteer a few minutes to make some calls to Chicago voters remind them to vote in this important election? Click here to get started.

References:

1. “The horrifying behavior of Anita Alvarez, Chicago’s head prosecutor” DailyKos, 11-24-2015.  http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5945?t=6&akid=5466.2073393.6eKoZl

2. “Anita Alvarez Denies Mistakes Were Made In Laquan McDonald Investigation” ThinkProgress, 2-5-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5816?t=8&akid=5466.2073393.6eKoZl

3. “Alvarez accused of deliberately filing wrong charge against police detective” Chicago Sun Times, 2-2015. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5946?t=10&akid=5466.2073393.6eKoZl

4. “Endorsement could enhance Foxx’s name recognition in state’s attorney bid” Chicago Tribune, 1-14-2016. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5948?t=12&akid=5466.2073393.6eKoZl

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ColorOfChange is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong.

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ICH  BIN  LUISE

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