POLICE STORMED THE CHURCH

Moral Monday CT: A great description of the police entering Christ Church without an invitation in pursuit of organizers this afternoon. Many thanks to Bishop John Selders, Pamela Moore Selders, and Cornell Lewis for their leadership, and Osagyefo Sekou for his support of today's action.

Osagyefo Sekou

In a bizarre turn of events, nearly a dozen police officers stormed Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, CT after the first Moral Monday CT event--which included a die-in at City Hall and an unpermitted march in downtown. As we marched back to the church, officers blocked the street in front of the church, came in and demanded to speak to me. Bishop John Selders--leader of Moral Mondays CT and my elder brother--intervened. The Vicar of the church stood next to me and said, "If you take him you have to take me." As police attempted to isolate Bishop Selders clergy gathered around him. The Assistant Chief of Police of Hartford was dispatched. As the Dean of the Catherdal and Vicar along with Bishop Selders and Pamela Moore Selders met with the Assistant Chief, I lead a crowd of about 50 folks gathered in the hall in freedom songs. Linda E Kelly andGretchen Honnold of the Fellowship of Reconciliation and Lizzy Jean of Deep Abiding Love Project were on hand as support saw it all. We are all stunned by the fact that they came into a church and at the fact that I seemed to be targeted. But to be sure the Hartford Police know now, they have not authority in the House of God! It is just not a slogan: Ferguson is Everywhere.

COMMUNITY AND POLICE COHESION AS ILLUSION, LIE, BETRAYAL

 

The deaths of black men in America by law enforcement officials has historically been problematic and frightening. High profile deaths of black men like Michael Brown and Eric Garner by police officers caused activists to engage in protests nationwide. In Hartford certain activists tried to highlight the tension between police and community after the tasering of 18 year old Luis Anglero by Hartford Police [ August 2014 ] over a minor incident. Over 100 people went inside the Hartford Police Department [ Sept. 2014 ] and read a manifesto statement. However three days later black leaders decided to stand on the outside steps of City Hall and attempt to portray that community people were really on the side of police while the Hartford Police Chief stood nearby in silence. On February 23, 2015 at least 70 people held a die-in at City Hall in solidarity with people claiming #blacklivesmatter is valid as a movement. Within several days, again  certain moderate forces within the black community were engaged in some scenario where conservative thinking community members interacted with police. This included role acting by community members pretending to be police officers in possible tense scenarios.

There is war being waged in Hartford’s black community by black moderate leaders and militant activists about how to engage police. However this mantra of community police cohesion is nothing but illusion, foisted on the rabble in order to remove any hope of galvanizing real dissent against HPD. Those ruling forces in the City of Hartford handpicked willing leadership for promotion of the greatest illusion since Houdini escaped handcuffed / upside down while immersed in some large glass enclosed water tank. The ruling elite desperately want people to believe there are themes of commonality between Hartford residents and police. Let me be clear. HPD along with city leaders are using certain Negro and white activists  [ the latter flown in from out of town for this specific purpose ]  to make it seem as if dialogue is happening to iron out any difference existing with angry residents over insensitive cops who oppress the common people.

 

While all of this is going on black leaders are being manipulated like puppets on television simulating how it feels to react like police in certain scenarios. When asked about the television appearance the black puppet remarked, “ I didn’t know what was really going on. I had no idea my involvement would be portrayed in this manner.” So let me get this right. The highly touted black leader got lured into a situation, then depicted unfairly by television cameras for the world to see. Is that your story Negro leader? Well. How can you be duped into doing the bidding of old Massa so easily and without knowledge of what is going on around you ? Hey man, please call this what it is, a plain betrayal by black leaders and collusion by imported white activists to guide the rage of people about Michael Brown / Eric Garner into more sedate forms of interaction i.e. “talk issues to death."

 

At every turn there are attempts to undermine or nullify actions by the true vanguard to hold HPD accountable for their actions of oppression against black and brown people  in Hartford. And the charge up this new public relations San Juan Hill is led by those same black leaders who for years have been concerned with getting their pictures in the paper, or like Simon the Magician of biblical times – “ claiming to be great” due to the appearance of performing illusions before the people.

 

 

 

 

 

REFLECTIONS ON MORAL MONDAY CT FROM A WHITE FEMALE

Moral Monday CT

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Debra

Monday, February 23, 2015

Today was a turning point for me. I acted on what I’ve been saying I respect for a long time while watching from a distance. I know that many people whose opinions and approval are important to me may disagree with what I did. The best I can hope for is their understanding of my need to act on what my gut tells me is right. Here’s the story…

I’ve been fortunate to meet some pretty amazing people in the months following Ferguson. Some of those people are White, most are Black. All of them are sympathetic to “Black Lives Matter” but most know the truth of that slogan from a lifetime of personal experience. I am doing my best to listen when they talk of White privilege. I am doing my best to untangle my emotional reactions to that concept from the reality of its truth. I am doing my best to identify ways to make a difference in a meaningful rather than merely a rhetorical way. So, after much thought, I decided to attend the first Moral Monday in CT, set to address the urgency of “Black Lives Matter”. I knew we’d be meeting at a church and that following some speakers we’d be marching to City Hall. After that, I didn’t know what to expect. (Debra, you can walk away at anytime if your comfort level is challenged beyond tolerance) Some call that ability White privilege.

Walking into the church I found tables and chairs, a hospitality table offering drinks and cookies and a stage, all in a stately old building that I’m sure has seen significant history. My first thoughts went to how it must have felt years ago when the first Labor organizers met, not knowing what the consequences of their efforts would be but believing in their hearts that their cause was a just one and worthy of all risk. I thought about the people who met clandestinely in the early and not-so-early days of the Civil Rights movement, knowing they were coming together for something more important than their individual considerations. No fancy surroundings but a community of like minded people. And the constant question… what have I gotten myself into? Do I have the strength of my convictions? What if…?

We were a diverse crowd in a multitude of ways: race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief and certainly life experience. Several speakers addressed the important reasons we were all there. Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, a powerful representative from the Moral Monday movement’s North Carolina roots and Ferguson was among the speakers. When he mentioned our religious diversity I called out to add Pagans to the list and his response was “Yes, Pagans too!” Following the speakers came the plan for the afternoon. We would march to City Hall, enter the building and participate in a “die-in” in the main lobby. We would lie down in silence for 4 ½ minutes, representing the 4 plus hours that Michael Brown lay in the streets of Ferguson after having been killed by a Ferguson cop. No one needs to be reminded that Michael Brown’s killer has faced no consequences. (Okay, it’s time to get going. Put your coat on, Debra. There’s still time to back out. You aren’t at City Hall yet)

The march to City Hall was a march as usual: chants, signs, a huge sense of solidarity with my marching community and approving recognition from many of the pedestrians we passed along the way. City Hall was about three blocks away, now two, now one, now across the street. Now we are there. (Debra, you can turn around. There is still time)

We walked in to City Hall. Proclamations that Black lives matter announced our arrival and continued until everyone was in. I didn’t know what to expect in terms of how we would be greeted. Many of the City Hall employees came out to see what was going on and stayed in approval. I wasn’t aware of any disapproving responses to our presence. We formed a circle – the universal symbol of unity, precious solidarity. Bishop John Selders read the names of many who have paid the ultimate price of being Black in a White world. And then….it was time for the die-in. We didn’t know if the police had been called or if they would come in while we were lying down and announce our imminent arrest if we didn’t leave. I began to feel fear that I might be caught up in that possibility but then perspective kicked in. What was that fear compared to the fear faced by countless generations of American citizens who faced far worse all the time? What was that fear compared to the people who gathered in Selma who knew exactly what was on the line as they met, marched, sat in?

The 4 ½ minutes passed with no incident save my new perspective. Someone near me seemed to be softly singing and I thought about how song has been such an important motivator and healer throughout all social struggles. I looked up past the glass roof panels to the sky above and thought, “Daddy, I hope I’m doing you proud.”

It was time to return to the church. We started down the sidewalk, chants and bull horn amplification at work. A police car pulled along side us and the man leading the chants with the bull horn was approached. A quiet, private conversation occurred between him and an officer. The bull horn was deactivated for reasons I’m not aware of but we continued to move along with voices raised. At an important intersection, our route ceased to be the sidewalk and we literally took to the middle of the street. Behind us we could hear the police announcement, “Move to the sidewalk immediately or you will be subject to arrest. Move to the sidewalk immediately or you will be subject to arrest.” (Debra, you can move to the side walk and reduce your risk) We linked arms and continued marching as the police warning kept up behind us. I will admit to some relief when we arrived back at the church with no arrests, not even a scuffle. Imagine our disbelief when, several minutes later as we were settling down and getting ready for a review of the afternoon, an estimated half dozen police officers entered the church uninvited and demanded to see Bishop Selders whom they identified as one of the leaders of our action. Not knowing what to expect, we followed the Bishop and our uninvited guests into the church lobby to witness whatever was going to happen. Greater alarm was raised when the Bishop and the officers moved to a room behind a closed door with several of the cops remaining in the lobby with us. I recall feeling the possibility of being corralled first at Occupy’s 2012 anniversary march in New York and again in New York at the 2012 silent march in protest of that state’s “Stop and Frisk” law. In both cases we were on the street. This was in a church! My thoughts again went back to activists over the years who have been herded into inescapable positions, not only politically but physically. Did these cops think we would even consider trying to leave? Did they not know we were, at that moment, family?????? As a family, we sang under Rev. Sekou’s leadership. We raised our voices. Some prayed.

Eventually, all parties emerged from the room unscathed and the police left. We returned to the main room for a debriefing. The main charge was violation of the noise ordinance and using a bull horn without a permit. In the past two years, I have planned and helped to lead marches and rallies in Hartford where we used bull horns without a permit. I was never sought out by the police. Oh wait; I’m a white post-middle aged woman. Our leaders today were Black men and women. It was also suggested that the next time such an event was planned it would be prudent to give a heads up to the police. Would anyone like to place a bet on that happening? I will be filing a Freedom of Information request later this week for the written noise / bull horn ordinance.

As we talked more about the experience, we were asked how we felt. How could I articulate why my tears began, why I needed to put my head in my hands and hide my reaction, embarrassed because I knew that ultimately the day wasn’t about me? I felt suddenly released from fear, proud of having participated, relieved that no one was hauled off to jail or hurt. I felt honored to be among the people in that room. A young Black pastor who was sitting next to me noticed my tears. His hand reaching out to rest on my shoulder, with no words exchanged between us, was appreciated beyond description and will be remembered for a long time to come. Perhaps he understood that a White talker is becoming a White walker.

Here’s to Peace, Justice and Solidarity…

P.S. This morning I was introduced to a song from the play Ragtime. It is titled “Make Them Hear You.” The line that struck a chord with me says, “Your sword can be a sermon or the power of the pen…..” Thanks to Pagan Activist for providing a safe place to tell our stories.

USE OF THE WORD NIGGER BY STAFF AND MANAGEMENT IS OFFENSIVE

February is Black History Month in America and people of color et al., celebrate the occasion. However at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School there seems to be some sort of strange happening and to some it is offensive. Sources at CJTS have reported how incarcerated residents refer to each other by using the word Nigger. This word seems to be a mainstay of youth at this facility and other locations. In many respects youth are among the primary abusers of such a historically negative word. That is until the word nigger started rolling off the lips of staff and white management on the plantation.

Reports from CJTS state how staff [ black, white, Hispanic ] are calling each other Niggers while talking in social settings. The use of this word in front of residents does not set any type of good example for youth one has to assume. Youth Service Officers are suppose to be models of integrity, at least while working in public at CJTS Plantation- after work is another matter. But how can white staff or management even presume to utter the N word ? As granddaddy would say " how you gone fix yo' mouth to say dat?"  Indeed, the fact that white staff / management feel comfortable enough to say such words as Nigger openly, only highlight what has been pointed out for months on this blog i.e. CJTS is not being managed by strong leadership. Several incidents of racism, bias, gender discrimination and homophobia are well documented. Now it comes to light how the historically offensive word Nigger is a mainstay in the vocabulary of full grown adults who are in charge of young residents. So what is the solution to such an offensive remark by whites who believe they are entitled to use the word Nigger ?

Better yet, what is the solution for people of color allowing the word Nigger to be used in their presence by management ? Historically these same people using the offensive word have terminated / disciplined YSOs of color more harshly than other ethnic groups.

And to add insult to injury all this came to public attention during Black History Month.

THE DRAMA INCREASES ON THE PLANTATION AS AN EMPLOYEE GOES WILD

There is a saying that some things are stranger than fiction. If that saying is deemed as true, then there certainly is reason for people to worry about new developments at Connecticut Juvenile Training School. Sources report how a Youth Service Officer is running all over the facility like a Banshee on the Moors of Scotland creating trouble. The issue stems from the fact this particular YSO is bitter about being fired then rehired, and not being voted in as AFSCME Union Steward. In the mind of this disgruntled employee there are people at CJTS that pose problems. Ergo, the YSO is going to every Unit at the facility and informing residents how to write grievances against staff. Now this is being done under the guise of protecting residents rights, but in reality the YSO is using residents to get even. The YSO lodged complaints about certain Unit Leaders and staff and this caused angst in the visceral region of a lot of co-workers.

When a person has real or imagined grievances swirling inside of their head and then these slights morph into bitterness that can be a volatile concoction indeed. Such feelings might cause a person to lose sight of what is real or imaginary; such deviations from factual truth leads to acting out behaviors such as the YSO is doing at CJTS Plantation. In one scenario the YSO goes to scheduling planners at CJTS to complain about how someone is working and getting overtime during visiting hours. Well what generally happens is people are asked if they would work 4-6 hour visiting time shifts- in some cases there is often 2 hour shifts generally remaining ( very few people want to only get paid for two hours ). A few YSOs are not shy about working only 2 hours and accept the overtime. However the Mad Hatter YSO went to the agency scheduler and complained how a fellow employee gets ALL the overtime each week. Say What ? The YSO in question named Soto would only work 4 hours total if he accepted the positions on Saturday and Sunday. So what the hell is the problem ? If we peer deeply into the thinking of the employee making this allegation it is part of a master plan to strike at perceived enemies.

Now the same animus aimed at YSO Soto has been directed toward YSO Riddle. Sources report that YSO Riddle is under investigation due to the machinations of the rehired YSO, who went behind  the scenes to make sure residents et al., wrote proper complaints about Riddle. Many employees believe allegations against Riddle is bunkum. Meanwhile back at the ranch Key Stone Cops management stands looking up in the sky with thumbs stuck in their behinds, and wondering what to do about the problem on the plantation as an employee goes wild.

Stay tuned for the latest weather report !!

APPLYING FOR WORK ON THE PLANTATION, TWO REJECTED BUT ONE ACCEPTED

The racial games continue to be played at Connecticut Juvenile Training School when it comes to hiring qualified people for Youth Service Officers. It has been reported that recently three people [ two people of color and a white male ] applied for jobs as YSOs at the CJTS plantation. Well, reliable sources state that the first applicant was a black female with a degree in law, second applicant [ black male ] had experience in correction / detention facilities. When the third applicant [white male ] submitted his credentials it was noted he cited experience as pharmacist.

Now as they would say in the movies "the plot thickens" in this tale of racial hiring practices at CJTS Plantation.  Someone at that Juvenile Training School made decisions to exclude two qualified black people from obtaining jobs where residents of color make up the majority of the population. Say what ?

Some people reading these words might be surprised at an organization for making such decisions: remember all the negative press about this facility over a five year period concerning racial problems with staff and predominately white management. A white female YSO calls residents of color "porch monkeys" while in 2010 five people of color file discrimination lawsuits. Then former YSO Cornell Lewis went on this hunger strike for eight days to highlight racism / bias. Media sources wrote extensively about racial turmoil at CJTS. However it appears as if games are still being played by Key Stone Cop management when it comes to hiring "the other."

Can any justifiable reason be given for hiring someone with experience in pharmacy over people with law degrees and corrections backgrounds ? Maybe the more glaring question is how people running the Department of Children and Families allow such trickery to continue.

In conclusion what can be cited with certainty is while applying for work on the plantation, two got rejected but one accepted.

Have mercy !!

IT IS A TIME BOMB WAITING TO EXPLODE

The drums are beating loud at Connecticut Juvenile Training School. The DCF Plantation Blog recently reported how a Youth Services Officer at CJTS is causing havoc by running to Human Resources making claims that  a Unit Leader in building # 5 is not effective. This same YSO ( in the past ) made comments about employees of color by posting sticky notes on the Unit in building # 5 walls. Now there are other disturbing reports about how this entire situation is a time bomb waiting to explode.

Some people speculate that the YSO in question is angry over not being voted in for the position of AFSCME Union Steward; other YSOs took notice of past actions of the erratic YSO, then decided to not reward someone who spewed racial animus toward peers / uses management to cover nefarious plans for obfuscation. Now this blog writer learns other YSOs have put in transfer slips to other Units on the CJTS Plantation in order to escape foolishness currently taking place in building # 5. However what is being overlooked [ maybe purposely being ignored ] by management is how this certain YSO continues to be the focal point of peer distrust as well as a tool of white management .... in order to neutralize any form of employee dissent. But it has been documented that the YSO in question operates on a short fuse and capable of unexpected acts; yet he is listened to by CJTS management.

When YSOs of color tried to get white management to talk about racial issues at CJTS they were met with silence and hostility. Now this same management is listening to an employee [ and forming policy around those comments ] recently rehired for conduct unbecoming a state employee. Why is management allowing access to this problematic YSO ? Does it have to do with the fact the YSO is white?  Hmmmmmm 

DRIFTING FURTHER AND FURTHER FROM SANITY

The definition of words can often be helpful in critical analysis of people or situations. Take for instance the second definition of sanity "soundness of judgment or reason" and apply it to leadership at Connecticut Juvenile Training School. On February 5, 2015 a large Human Resources meeting was held in building # 1 at CJTS among Key Stone Cops leadership and Youth Service Officers. A certain YSO complained about building # 5 Unit Supervisor in very unflattering terms. What is interesting is how the person pointing fingers [ "let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone" ] at this conclave has long been highlighted as making statements that create havoc among peers / others.

Management types must be drifting further and further from sanity to listen to words from this YSO who has been reprimanded for egregious action against residents and staff at CJTS Plantation. In the past this YSO made comments about how staff were using the brunch offered to residents as means to keep them secluded in rooms until feeding time. Due to the above mentioned YSOs tirade Superintendent William Rosenbeck suspended brunch at CJTS. What is alarming --and shows a lack of sanity from management [ if there ever was any ] -- is how leadership at this particular facility allows those with the loudest voice to dictate policy. Other YSOs contacted DCF Plantation blog by email to state " how can someone recently given their job back after being fired be so influential with management that a Unit Supervisor in building # 5 is thrown under the bus by a loose cannon's words."

In the past this blog has posted numerous stories about the ineptness and erratic behavior of CJTS leadership esp. in terminations of males employees of color. Now this latest development only confirms how management is drifting further and further from sanity.

THE NEXT PHASE OF THIS BLACK LIVES MATTER ISSUE IN CONNECTICUT

In recent weeks there has been a rush to march in the streets of Hartford over deaths of black men [ Eric Gardner.. Michael Brown ] at the hands of law enforcement officials. Moderate Negro leaders and their allies made sure the media saw them marching, singing, praying and leading a patriarchal event that literally contained the rage of people seeking justice. However why have these self proclaimed leaders not taken the initiative to really strike at the heart of an established bastion of white supremacy in Greater Hartford ? For years the Department of Children and Families has faced lawsuits, protests, petition campaigns, and lawsuits over covert and overt racism toward employee of color; 66% of all DCF terminations are aimed at black or Latino men. Yet these ethnic groups only account for forty five per cent of DCF's employment base.

It goes without saying that there is no need to look for injustices against people of color other than DCF or it's satellite Connecticut Juvenile Training School in Middletown, CT. For at least five years stories emanated from CJTS about white employees calling residents of color " porch monkeys" or activists launching a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against CJTS. However moderate Negro leaders march all around the issue of whether to target DCF or CJTS for militant social action. Seems to this writer there is plenty of racial animus at the two facilities named above : members of the press certainly weighed in on what racism / bias going on in such facilities. Yet no hue or cry from those Negroes -preaching about a Beloved Community as espoused by Martin Luther King- about how to address racism within DCF and CJTS.

Why wait for more black and brown bodies to die at the hands of police officials or over zealous men like George Zimmerman before Negroes decide to protest. What goes on daily at the DCF Plantation certainly targets men of color plus destroys black lives spiritually, economically, mentally and socially. And still we wait on the moderate marching religious leaders and allies to see something odious right before their eyes.

It well could be these leaders do not want to acknowledge racism within the DCF Plantation. If leaders see it they might have to confront it, and at this juncture that is not something they want to do.

PEOPLE SEEK JUSTICE THROUGH MILTANT ACTIONS

Bishop John Selders 4:57pm Jan 31 List Of Demands/Underpinning Framework for Moral Monday CT WE CALL FOR: AN IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM ON SHOOT TO KILL AND AN END TO POLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST BLACK PEOPLE Every 28 hours a black person is killed by someone employed or protected by the government of the United States. Black people are targeted, denied due process and murdered because of dehumanizing/superhumanizing police practices. We want an immediate end to state sanctioned killings and violence against our communities. FULL EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR PEOPLE Every individual has the right to employment and a living wage. Inability to access employment and fair pay continues to marginalize our communities, ready us for imprisonment and deny us of our right to a life with dignity. QUALITY HOUSING Our communities have a right to access housing that protects our families and allows for our children to be free from harm. AN END TO THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE AND QUALITY EDUCATION We want an end to policies that criminalize our young people as well as discriminatory discipline practices that bar access to quality education. Furthermore, we want our children to be able to access free, quality education including free or affordable public university. FREEDOM FROM MASS INCARCERATION AND AN END TO THE PRISION INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX We want an end to over policing and surveillance of our communities. Policing historically enforces racist laws, policies and norms. Black and brown people, as a result, are criminalized, hyper-incarcerated, and a massive prison industrial complex built on the warehousing of black and brown people developed. We call for the cessation of mass incarceration and the eradication of the prison industrial complex. Moral Monday is a movement seeking justice through militant non violent action. This movement seeks to end the loss of black lives through law enforcement aggression and force because #blacklivesmatter.