**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 23, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS USING HATEFUL LANGUAGE ON FACEBOOK
New York, NY— In December 2011, Council Member Letitia James and colleagues expressed outrage at the offensive and disrespectful comments made by some individuals affiliated with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on the social-networking website “Facebook”.
Commenters on the Facebook group entitled “No More West Indian Day Detail” were found referring to parade participants as “animals”, “savages”, and “filth”; and the parade overall as a “scheduled riot”. Today, the New York Daily News reported that 17 officers were disciplined for their remarks— with 4 officers facing departmental trials on misconduct charges, 6 officers facing command disciplines, and 7 officers receiving lower levels of punishment.
“These comments were deeply offensive, specifically to the elected officials who every year work with the NYPD to address safety concerns related to the West Indian Day Parade,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I commend the NYPD for addressing this unacceptable behavior.”
The 2011 West Indian American Day Parade saw a total of nine shooting victims, with four of those victims shot along the parade’s route. Those who lost their life include Denise Gay, 56, who was shot while sitting on a stoop with her daughter.
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Showing posts with label hate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hate. Show all posts
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
CM James Comments On Charges Against George Zimmerman
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Charges Against George Zimmerman
(New York, NY)— On April 11, 2012, Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the state’s intention to charge George Zimmerman for murder in the second degree, in relation to the shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman recently surrendered to the Florida State Department of Law Enforcement. Previously, elected officials and social justice advocates nationwide criticized the fact that Mr. Zimmerman remained outside of police custody, with no criminal charges laid against him despite overwhelming evidence.
The tragic murder of Trayvon Martin has struck a chord with many Americans. On March 28, 2012, Council Members Letitia James and Melissa Mark Viverito held a press conference on the steps of City Hall calling for justice for Trayvon, and harsh criticism of ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws nationwide. That same day, the City Council put forth a resolution condemning the senseless shooting of Trayvon, and the inadequate investigation that followed. There have also been a number of similar demonstrations in New York City churches and public parks in the past month.
“What happened to Trayvon was a senseless tragedy,” said Council Member Letitia James. “However, it has begun a national conversation around gun control, racism, and the many faces of violence. The overt and covert ways in which we as a society label young Black men as ‘threatening’ must stop. It is important to recognize that reckless vigilantism is a threat to the safety of us all, and we must adopt a no-tolerance approach. I again extend my condolences to Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton over the loss of their son, and I commend the Florida state special prosecutors on their handling of the case.”
The wearing of a hooded sweatshirt (in reference to the clothing Trayvon was wearing when he died) has become a symbol of anti-violence and social justice; and a call for the end of the demonization of young men of color.
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April 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Charges Against George Zimmerman
(New York, NY)— On April 11, 2012, Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the state’s intention to charge George Zimmerman for murder in the second degree, in relation to the shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman recently surrendered to the Florida State Department of Law Enforcement. Previously, elected officials and social justice advocates nationwide criticized the fact that Mr. Zimmerman remained outside of police custody, with no criminal charges laid against him despite overwhelming evidence.
The tragic murder of Trayvon Martin has struck a chord with many Americans. On March 28, 2012, Council Members Letitia James and Melissa Mark Viverito held a press conference on the steps of City Hall calling for justice for Trayvon, and harsh criticism of ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws nationwide. That same day, the City Council put forth a resolution condemning the senseless shooting of Trayvon, and the inadequate investigation that followed. There have also been a number of similar demonstrations in New York City churches and public parks in the past month.
“What happened to Trayvon was a senseless tragedy,” said Council Member Letitia James. “However, it has begun a national conversation around gun control, racism, and the many faces of violence. The overt and covert ways in which we as a society label young Black men as ‘threatening’ must stop. It is important to recognize that reckless vigilantism is a threat to the safety of us all, and we must adopt a no-tolerance approach. I again extend my condolences to Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton over the loss of their son, and I commend the Florida state special prosecutors on their handling of the case.”
The wearing of a hooded sweatshirt (in reference to the clothing Trayvon was wearing when he died) has become a symbol of anti-violence and social justice; and a call for the end of the demonization of young men of color.
###
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Elected Officials Speak Out Against Hateful Language By NYPD Officers Exposed On Facebook
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 6, 2011
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Elected Officials Speak Out Against Hateful Language By NYPD Officers Exposed On Facebook
Outrage Follows Police Officers Found Making Disparaging Comments Concerning West Indian American Day Parade, Community
New York, NY— Individuals affiliated with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) have been found making offensive and disrespectful comments on the social networking website Facebook regarding the West Indian American Day Parade in Central Brooklyn, an annual multiday event that unfolds over the Labor Day weekend.
In the Facebook group, entitled “No More West Indian Day Detail”, posters were found referring to parade participants as “animals”, “savages”, and “filth”, and the parade overall as a “scheduled riot”. In fact, the language was so inflammatory that some posters sent out the warning that it could be exposed to the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau.
In early November 2011, Council Member Letitia James joined State Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, and Council Member Jumaane Williams to urge Mayor Bloomberg to appoint an independent commission to investigate corruption within the NYPD. This request followed a number of recent well-publicized scandals involving New York City police officers including ticket-fixing, evidence tampering, and drug-planting; as well as overall policies such as unlawful surveillance activity and discriminatory stop and frisk tactics.
“These comments are deeply bigoted, and suggest that these officers view their duty as some kind of war against the communities they have sworn to protect,” said Council Member Letitia James. “This attitude mars the integrity of the department and is reminiscent of a time before community policing was established as NYPD policy. When officers suggest ‘dropping a bomb’ on a community, I have to question not only their commitment to their duties, but the degree to which they value basic human life.”
“Such deeply offensive remarks don’t belong anywhere, anytime in our City,” said Comptroller John C. Liu. “The Officers who were responsible for these comments don’t represent the NYPD, but do reinforce concerns about biased policing. The NYPD needs to get the bottom of this.”
“The comments made by these police officers are disgraceful and need to be investigated immediately,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I know that these views do not represent the entirety of the police force, but unfortunately, this only serves to reinforce distrust of the police among communities of color.”
“I cannot say that today's report surprises me, based on the growing avalanche of these stories coming from every corner of New York City,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams. “Yet, Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly have maintained their deafening silence towards this issue. These comments come out in the wake of other concerning statements from NYPD officers, including a racially motivated arrest on Staten Island in April where an officer said he ‘fried another n-----’, as well as racist language captured in wiretaps during the ticket-fixing investigation in the Bronx.”
The 2011 West Indian American Day Parade saw a total of nine shooting victims, with four of those victims shot along the parade’s route. Those who lost their life include Denise Gay, 56, who was shot while sitting on a stoop with her daughter. Mayor Michael Bloomberg blamed the violence on gun-accessibility.
WHO: Council Member Letitia James
NYC Comptroller John Liu
Public Advocate Bill De Blasio (Representative Kirsten Foy)
Representative Yvette Clarke (Representative Latrice Walker)
Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito
Council Member Jumaane Williams
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
Council Member Robert Jackson
Council Member Brad Lander
WHEN: December 7, 2011
1:00 PM
WHERE: steps of City Hall
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
PA de Blasio and CM James Join MoveOn.Org Demand Target To Stop Donating To Anti-LGBT Election
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2010
PUBLIC ADVOCATE DE BLASIO, COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, AND MOVEON.ORG DEMAND TARGET STOP SPENDING CORPORATE DOLLARS IN ELECTIONS
Protest comes following retailer’s $150,000 donation to anti-LGBT gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota
NEW YORK – Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Council Member Letitia James and MoveOn.org held a rally today in front of Target’s flagship Brooklyn store to protest the retailer’s recent use of corporate funds to influence elections. Target is one of the first American corporations to take advantage of Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, which rolled back long standing restrictions on corporate spending in elections.
The retailer gave $150,000 to an independent organization backing Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer who is a fierce opponent of same-sex marriage, is a supporter of Arizona’s new immigration laws, and has introduced legislation that would result in sex offenders being chemically castrated.
“We have a very simple message for corporations like Target when it comes to our democracy: hands off,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “With 85 days until the November election, we need to build a movement to prevent corporate money from dominating our elections. I commend MoveOn for working here and in Washington to clean up our political system.”
“Today I stand with Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, MoveOn.org and others to call on corporations to refrain from unrestricted spending on elections,” said Council Member Letitia James. “We hold corporations such as Target accountable, and we expect businesses in our community to fight against corruption when making donations to political campaigns. The community’s voice will be heard.”
“MoveOn and other progressive organizations are joining together as the Other 98% to invigorate a large grassroots movement across the country to Fight Washington Corruption and restore our Democracy,” said Shawn Marie Walsh, Council Coordinator of MoveOn Brooklyn.
After weeks of negotiations with the Public Advocate’s office, financial powerhouse Goldman Sachs last week agreed to amend its political contribution policy and not spend money in elections. Building on this success, the Public Advocate has also launched a campaign demanding Google live up to its self-professed policy of transparency and join its technology company peers by fully disclosing its political spending.
More than one hundred protestors gathered outside the retailer to call on Target to refrain from the unrestricted spending on elections made possible by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. Organizers from the Public Advocate office staged a phone-a-thon in front of the Brooklyn store, helping shoppers call Target’s corporate headquarters from the street to protest the recent political spending. MoveOn.org gathered support for its Fight Washington Corruption pledge (fightwashingtoncorruption.com), which the Public Advocate endorsed.
Contact: Wiley Norvell, Office of the Public Advocate, (212) 669-4813 Shawn Marie Walsh, MoveOn.org Brooklyn, (917) 783-9431
###
PUBLIC ADVOCATE DE BLASIO, COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, AND MOVEON.ORG DEMAND TARGET STOP SPENDING CORPORATE DOLLARS IN ELECTIONS
Protest comes following retailer’s $150,000 donation to anti-LGBT gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota
NEW YORK – Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Council Member Letitia James and MoveOn.org held a rally today in front of Target’s flagship Brooklyn store to protest the retailer’s recent use of corporate funds to influence elections. Target is one of the first American corporations to take advantage of Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, which rolled back long standing restrictions on corporate spending in elections.
The retailer gave $150,000 to an independent organization backing Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer who is a fierce opponent of same-sex marriage, is a supporter of Arizona’s new immigration laws, and has introduced legislation that would result in sex offenders being chemically castrated.
“We have a very simple message for corporations like Target when it comes to our democracy: hands off,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “With 85 days until the November election, we need to build a movement to prevent corporate money from dominating our elections. I commend MoveOn for working here and in Washington to clean up our political system.”
“Today I stand with Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, MoveOn.org and others to call on corporations to refrain from unrestricted spending on elections,” said Council Member Letitia James. “We hold corporations such as Target accountable, and we expect businesses in our community to fight against corruption when making donations to political campaigns. The community’s voice will be heard.”
“MoveOn and other progressive organizations are joining together as the Other 98% to invigorate a large grassroots movement across the country to Fight Washington Corruption and restore our Democracy,” said Shawn Marie Walsh, Council Coordinator of MoveOn Brooklyn.
After weeks of negotiations with the Public Advocate’s office, financial powerhouse Goldman Sachs last week agreed to amend its political contribution policy and not spend money in elections. Building on this success, the Public Advocate has also launched a campaign demanding Google live up to its self-professed policy of transparency and join its technology company peers by fully disclosing its political spending.
More than one hundred protestors gathered outside the retailer to call on Target to refrain from the unrestricted spending on elections made possible by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. Organizers from the Public Advocate office staged a phone-a-thon in front of the Brooklyn store, helping shoppers call Target’s corporate headquarters from the street to protest the recent political spending. MoveOn.org gathered support for its Fight Washington Corruption pledge (fightwashingtoncorruption.com), which the Public Advocate endorsed.
Contact: Wiley Norvell, Office of the Public Advocate, (212) 669-4813 Shawn Marie Walsh, MoveOn.org Brooklyn, (917) 783-9431
###
Friday, March 12, 2010
Things We May Have Neglected To Mention
State Senator Adams 2010 Census Rally
State Senator Eric Adams is hosting a 2010 Census Rally on Sunday, March 14, 2010, 4PM at Medgar Evers College.
Diversity Lens Encourages Students To Embrace Diversity Through Art
Diversity Lens is a pilot program in partnership with the NYC Department of Education placed in seven high schools around New York City. This program, designed to broaden student's eyes to the diversity within themselves and around them, will allow for them to better express the diversity within their communities and cultures through photography and text. The program will culminate with an exhibit exploring the beautiful diversity of New York City. Diversity Lens is part of a larger campaign, Hate Hurts-NY, which was created to encourage to New York City youth to embrace inclusiveness, and understand the negative impact of seemingly harmless hate speech and other acts of hate. For more information, place contact the Jewish Community Relations Council of NY at (212) 983-4800.
City Point Holds MWBE Info Session
Downtown Brooklyn's City Point, a project of the Albee Development, will bring hundreds of
apartments and a large shopping center to the eastern end of the Fulton Mall. The development is in Phase 1A of the overall plan, and will consist of a 50,000 square feet, and four-story retail development along Fulton Avenue (the site of the old Albee Square Mall). The upcoming information session will provide the Minority and Women Owned Business (MWBE) contracting community, local workforce and community leaders a briefing on opportunities related to this project and the qualification process. Those interested in bidding on the City Point project are strongly encouraged to attend. RSVP by registering at www.crescentconsult.com.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
CM James, Students, Residents Say: 'Intolerance Unwelcome in BK'
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2009
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James, students and residents say: intolerant views of Westboro not welcome in Brooklyn
(Brooklyn, NY) On September 24, 2009, five members of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), based in Topeka, Kansas picketed behind Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
WBC is headed by Fred Phelps and is known for picketing at public events and funerals, often those peripherally related to the LGBTQ community, or organizations and bodies they feel are sympathetic to LGBTQ-related issues. This has included, in the past, the funerals of fallen soldiers. WBC is not affiliated with any known Baptist sects, and in addition to being condemned by countless organizations, Mr. Phelps and his daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper have been banned from entering the United Kingdom due to their hateful rhetoric in frequent appearances in British media.
The US-based Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified WBC as a hate group. A small group of WBC members picketed at Brooklyn Technical at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and S. Elliott Place, and met with protesting residents and Brooklyn Technical students. The WBC picketers held signs that read “G-d Hates You” and “G-d is Your Enemy.” Many protesting students were seen wearing stickers that read “Love Don’t Hate.”
“Fort Greene is a community known for its diversity, and the divisive and outrageous rhetoric of the Westboro Baptist Church could not be more unwelcome. Wherever they go throughout Brooklyn, they will be met by residents ready to reject their message of hate. Homophobia will not be tolerated.” said Council Member James. “Sadly, these church members are getting exactly what they seek, more attention; yet and still, we must continue to protest their extreme religious views and antics.”
The Westboro Baptist Church, who has also displayed hate towards the Jewish community, has placed their picketing schedule on their website- www.g-dhatesfags.com. The church plans to picket synagogues Beth Elohim in Park Slope, and Union Temple in Prospect Heights for Yom Kippur. Fortunately, many Brooklyn residents stand opposed to the fanatical, narrow-minded opinions of this church.
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The NYT-Local's coverage.
The BK Paper's coverage.
September 25, 2009
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James, students and residents say: intolerant views of Westboro not welcome in Brooklyn
(Brooklyn, NY) On September 24, 2009, five members of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), based in Topeka, Kansas picketed behind Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
WBC is headed by Fred Phelps and is known for picketing at public events and funerals, often those peripherally related to the LGBTQ community, or organizations and bodies they feel are sympathetic to LGBTQ-related issues. This has included, in the past, the funerals of fallen soldiers. WBC is not affiliated with any known Baptist sects, and in addition to being condemned by countless organizations, Mr. Phelps and his daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper have been banned from entering the United Kingdom due to their hateful rhetoric in frequent appearances in British media.
The US-based Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified WBC as a hate group. A small group of WBC members picketed at Brooklyn Technical at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and S. Elliott Place, and met with protesting residents and Brooklyn Technical students. The WBC picketers held signs that read “G-d Hates You” and “G-d is Your Enemy.” Many protesting students were seen wearing stickers that read “Love Don’t Hate.”
“Fort Greene is a community known for its diversity, and the divisive and outrageous rhetoric of the Westboro Baptist Church could not be more unwelcome. Wherever they go throughout Brooklyn, they will be met by residents ready to reject their message of hate. Homophobia will not be tolerated.” said Council Member James. “Sadly, these church members are getting exactly what they seek, more attention; yet and still, we must continue to protest their extreme religious views and antics.”
The Westboro Baptist Church, who has also displayed hate towards the Jewish community, has placed their picketing schedule on their website- www.g-dhatesfags.com. The church plans to picket synagogues Beth Elohim in Park Slope, and Union Temple in Prospect Heights for Yom Kippur. Fortunately, many Brooklyn residents stand opposed to the fanatical, narrow-minded opinions of this church.
###
The NYT-Local's coverage.
The BK Paper's coverage.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hate Crime- Attack on Sucuzhanay Brothers
* On Sunday, December 14, 2008, Council Member James joined her fellow Members in the Council, and many Bushwick community members in mourning the senseless hate crime against Ecuadorian brothers Jose and Romel Sucuzhanay. Jose, the owner of a real estate agency, was declared brain-dead on December 10, 2008, a day after the brothers were attacked with baseball bats and broken bottles. He passed on December 14, 2008.
Witnesses were said to overhear anti-gay as well as anti-Latino sentiments hurled at the brothers during the attack, which suggests that the attackers may have been spurred-on by an assumption that the men were together.
Council Member James is deeply saddened by these events, and hopes that they will draw the attention of all New Yorkers to the continuing work we all have to conquer hate and violence within our own communities. Tish has always acted with strong support for both the LGBT community and people of color, and her prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Sucuzhanay family.
The individuals who committed these heinous crimes are still at-large, and a flyer containing sketches may be found on the New York City Council website here: http://council.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml
Please call 1-800-577-TIPS(8477) if you have any further information.
*Photo courtesy of William Alatriste.
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