October 22, 2000, the 5th annual National Day of Protest (NDP)to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation, was a big success. Events marking October 22 were held in over 70 areas across the country, and over 12,000 people participated in these events. These were people of different races and from different backgrounds, women and men, immigrant and native born, coming together to say in a loud, unified voice: STOP POLICE BRUTALITY! Many more people wore black in solidarity with the protests and in memory of the victims of brutal, murdering cops. Also, 2000 blue triangles with the names of people killed on the US - Mexico border were distributed to people to wear as part of marking October 22nd. Hundreds of these triangles were worn in Southern California. They were also distributed to people in different parts of the US, and some were worn in Tijuana, Mexico.
On October 22, we continued and built on our tradition of providing a powerful platform for family members of police murder victims and survivors of police brutality to testify about how brutal, murdering cops had devastated their lives. We also continued and built on a tradition of bringing the criminalized generation, the youth, into the streets to express their rage at how they're treated by law enforcement. And we also built on another Oct 22nd tradition--bringing forward allies from different sections of society to stand with and support those forced to live their lives under the gun of police brutality. We did accomplish to varying degrees all the goals our coalition set for itself this year.
In some cases, we accomplished this in the face of serious attacks. In Los Angeles, police attacked the October 22nd march of 2500, firing rubber bullets at the marchers and coming at them with billy clubs and mounted cops. At least 12 people, including an 8 year old child and several reporters covering the march, were injured by rubber bullets. Eighteen others were injured by police billy clubs or cops on horseback, and at least 4 people were arrested. But this attempt to stop October 22 NDP in Los Angeles failed. The marchers stood their ground. People risked life and limb to protect others from rubber bullets and attacking police, and the October 22nd rally in LA was able to continue until its end. This attack by the LAPD became more proof of the nationwide epidemic of police brutality that October 22nd Coalition exists to stop.
On 10/19 in New York, police broke into an apartment in the same building where the NYPD murdered Malcolm Ferguson less than a year ago. Cops arrested members of the RCYB (Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade) and residents of the Bronx as they prepared to turn out people to represent the anger of that community at police brutality. And at 6:30 AM on 10/22, police arrested Nicholas Heyward Sr., a family member of a police murder victim who has been prominent in the effort to organize for October 22nd in New York, for an unpaid ticket for walking a dog without a leash! In the face of these blatant attempts at intimidation, New York turned out 1700 strong on Oct ober 22nd. Members of the RCYB and residents from the Bronx neighborhood where the arrests went down marched carrying a banner that had been signed by dozens of people that area, and Nicholas Heyward Sr. helped emcee the rally.
It is important to note that the success of October 22nd NDP 2000 took place in the context of a year that was marked both by continuing and escalating police brutality and a sharper atmosphere of repression and criminalizing the youth and heightened resistance to all this. In just the past year, we saw the criminal injustice system set free the murderers of Amadou Diallo. On the heels of this travesty of justice, the NYPD gunned down five Black men within less than a month and even attacked mourners at the funeral of one of their victims! Nationwide the epidemic of police brutality and police murder also continued. This past year also saw police attacks on youth who took to the streets to protest globalization and its economic consequences for the poor around the world in Seattle and Washington, DC, and on youth protesting at the Republican and Democratic national conventions. And we cannot forget the execution of Shaka Sankofa in spite of mountains of evidence of his innocence and the continuing attempts to legally murder Mumia Abu Jamal.
This was also a year of resistance. The acquittal of Amadou Diallo's murderers was met with mass protest, and thousands marched at the funeral of Patrick Dorismond, one of the five Black men killed by the NYPD in the wake of this acquittal. The youth who took to the streets in Seattle, Washington,DC, Philadelphia and Los Angeles didn't back down in the face of police state clamp downs aimed at shutting down their protests but continued to fight back. People took to the streets in Texas and nationwide in outrage at the legal lynching of Shaka Sankofa. Tens of thousands of people attended the Redeem the Dream rally that targeted police brutality and racial profiling.
It was in the context of these sharpened attacks and the heightened resistance that our coalition set out to mobilize for a 5th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation that surpassed the power of previous years. Our goals this year included: 1) continuing and building on our strengths from previous years of strong participation from family members and youth; 2) having more involvement from the Faith Community, especially since Oct 22nd fell on Sunday this year; 3) involving more immigrants and immigrants' rights forces in NDP 2000; 4) publishing a Spanish language edition of Stolen Lives in the spring of 2001 and using the promotional effort for that edition to strengthen the diversity of the forces involved in NDP 2000; 5) airing more PSA's for Oct 22nd earlier than in past years; 6) exceeding the 60 cities and 10,000 total participants that marked NDP 1999; and 7) having materials like the Call and national leaflet in Spanish as well as English. Our assessment is that we succeeded to varying degrees on all these efforts.
The role of family members of police murder victims and survivors of police brutality was even stronger this year than ever before. In many areas, they were among the main organizers for NDP 2000. They led the marches in a number of cities. The powerful exposure their testimony gave to the day made our message of "STOP POLICE BRUTALITY" resonate strongly with even more people. In areas like Salt Lake City,UT, Cherokee, NC, Jacksonville, FL, Wichita, KS, and Hendersonville, NC, family members of police murder victims and survivors of police brutality were the main or even sole organizers of the events on NDP. And in some cases, this was the first time they had organized an event like this.
Again this year, most of the participants in the marches and rallies on Oct 22nd were youth--the generation the authorities are trying to criminalize. In Houston, Los Angeles and New York, youth honor guards proudly escorted the parents in the marches. In many areas, youth who had protested globalization and the political conventions in the face of police attacks were also out in the streets on NDP. An article promoting NDP on the web site of the band Rage Against The Machine helped get the word out to many more young people. Our coalition launched a major effort to involve people from the faith community in NDP 2000. A national letter calling on faith leaders to mark Oct 22nd in a variety of ways was issued in September. This letter was endorsed by at least twenty-five clergy nationwide. A statement of conscience was circulated from Chicago. The dozens of signatories to this statement included an array of clergy and laity and social action committees. Local clergy and interfaith groups developed letters in New York, Greenville, SC, and San Francisco. A faith initiative meeting attended by clergy and lay people in Greensboro, NC, wrote a religious leaflet for distribution to the congregations of churches. In a number of places, there was more participation from the faith community on October 22nd than in previous years, with religious institutions ringing bells at 10:22 am, speaking to the problem of police brutality in their services and even holding special Oct ober 22nd services. At the rallies in several areas, the speakers included representatives of major religious institutions.or representatives of religious coalitions fighting police brutality In Detroit, NDP organized a gospel fest as part of the NDP Faith Initiative.
Local Oct 22nd coalitions participated in the demonstrations on 10/14 calling for amnesty for immigrants and raising other immigrants' rights issues in cities around the country. In turn, many immigrants' rights forces participated in October 22nd events. La Resistencia issued a call for people to wear blue triangles in memory of immigrants killed on the US-Mexico border, and 2000 of the triangles were distributed to people to wear on Oct 22nd in cities across the US, and even to Tijuana, Mexico.
In the weeks leading up to October 22nd, a promotional packet for the Spanish language edition of Stolen Lives was produced. Many areas distributed this to the press and used it to involve more forces in October 22nd this year and to get people involved in the effort to publish this edition in 2001. Opposition to the government's attempt to execute Mumia Abu Jamal was a theme in most of the rallies and other events on Oct 22nd. In addition, a statement from political prisoner Leonard Peltier was read in many areas. Outrage at the execution of Shaka Sankofa was also brought out in cities across the country. Many Oct 22nd events addressed the fact that there are many unjustly incarcerated people in the US. And a statement was read at a number of the rallies from Will Harrell, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Texas, condemning a horrific incident of racial profiling--a drug sting run by a cop with a history of corruption that has put a large section of the Black population of Tulia, Texas, in jail.
We also were able to reach many, many people who weren't at the Oct 22nd events with our message this year. In the days leading up to October 22nd, our PSA's (public service announcements) were shown nationally on BET (Black Entertainment Television) and on many local TV stations, resulting in our National Office getting calls from across the country. Calls also came in from youth who saw the article on the Rage Against The Machine website! In many cities, the Oct 22nd events were covered in a variety of media. Much of the coverage included mention of the fact that Oct 22nd was a National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality. Again this year, Black, Spanish language and alternative media gave particularly good coverage to the activities of our coalition, as did the Independent Media Center website (www.indymedia.org). Oct ober 22, 2000, was a big success, but we cannot and will not rest on our accomplishments. We will continue and escalate our resistance because the other side isn't going to stop. Already since Oct ober 22nd, our coalition has had to respond to police killings in Chicago and New York. We will take up the attacks that came down on October 22nd in Los Angeles and New York. We will use the momentum generated by NDP 2000 to go forward to getting the Spanish language abridged edition of Stolen Lives published in the spring of 2001 and as a result involve even more diverse groups of people, including especially immigrants, in the efforts of our coalition.
Local Area Reports from October 22nd, 2000
Albany, NY
Several participants in the Critical Mass Bike Ride wore black and stopped at sites were people were beaten or killed by cops. They drew chalk outlines of bodies. The ride started at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave.
Albuquerque, NM
On October 23rd, at 3 p.m.,30-40 people, mostly dressed in black, gathered at City Hall around 3pm for the protest. People were especially outraged by the Jane Gonzalez case. On June 15, 1999, Jane shot her father - she said by accident, the cops said murder. She was arrested by a SWAT team, abducted and questioned without her mother or a lawyer present. A judge later dismissed the case, citing "shocking, outrageous, intolerable violations of the law." Around 4pm, about half the crowd went up to meet with the Mayor's assistant. When the people who went upstairs came back, people marched to the Albuquerque Police Department and held a protest there, where they demanded the resignation of the police chief and all the officers involved in the Jane Gonzalez incident. People called for Zero Tolerance for civil rights violations by cops. The march was co-sponsored by Vecinos United and the Progressive Student Allaince. Others participating included the Tenants Rights Organization, COPA (a prison rights organization), New Mexicans for Compassionate Use (which favors decriminalizing marijuana), Food Not Bombs, and Refuse & Resist! It was covered on Hemp TV and in the UNM Lobo (the newspaper at the University of New Mexico). The following morning, the mayor called Vecinos United, saying he recognized their concerns and would get back to them in two weeks. Organizers declared the protest a huge success.
Anaheim,CA
Sixty five people had a short rally at Pearson Park with four to five speakers. They then marched to the police station, where they read the police officer's code of ethics to highlight the fact that the police aren't following their own code. They received a lot of positive response from onlookers along the way.
Anderson College, IN
Student Peace Initiative had an information table, a speaker about international violence, and a prayer vigil on October 23rd for Stop the Hate.
Armarillo,TX
ACLU Lawyer Will Harrell and the representative from the William Kunstler Fund, Randy Credico, held a press conference regarding the central focus the Tulia crisis was playing in October 22nd events around thecountry. It was televised and reported in the local media.
Atlanta, GA
A crowd of close to 90 people. attended a rally in Little Five Points Plaza. Representatives from the October 22nd Coalition, the Atlanta chapter of Refuse & Resist , Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade, the Green Party, and School of Americas Watch spoke and Food Not Bombs served food throughout the rally. Two standout speakers at the rally included an R&R Atlanta rep who connected police brutality with domestic violence, and an immigrant who spoke in Spanish about immigrant rights. The scene was without a cop. Instead Mumia posters decorated the plaza, a huge banner read Zero Tolerance: No More Stolen Lives! Above that was the Refuse & Resist banner reminding the crowd "it s all one attack." The mixed crowd of youth, homeless people, nationalists, political party members, organization reps, and activists watched an artistic performance by an activist and participated in chants. Some of the other ceremonies included the reading of 13 cards, one for every person killed since January 2000 at the hands of the police. The names of the victims were read, their story told, and their cards placed in a homemade coffin along with a flower. The coffin was then carried to the local police station with a placard. Intending to leave the placard at the steps of the police station, the police threatened to arrest everyone for littering. Instead the black clad marchers showed it to passers-by and wrapped up their day of grievance and protest. Media coverage was the local ABC television news.
Austin, TX
About 75 people braved the rain in front of the Austin Police Department headquarters to say OEEnough to police brutality and to call for greater civilian oversight and control. The Austin protest opened with a song, "Lament for Cedar Avenue," which urged listeners to remember the infamous Cedar Avenue Police Riot in 1995 where more than 30 children were maced, beaten and terrorized by up to 87 Austin police officers who responded to an OEofficer down call. Soon the rain restarted but the crowd jammed in under the overhang in front of the police station and continued. Other speakers demanded accountability in death-in-custody cases, decried the postponement of trial for alleged rapist cop. Samuel Ramirez, documented and criticized racial profiling in Austin, gave updates on local police accountability mechanisms presently being negotiated, and discussed possible action at the Legislature that would further the cause. Organizers passed the hat for Austin CopWatch, whose benefit had been rained out the day before. The ACLU, Austin CopWatch, and the Sunshine Project for Police Accountability organized the rally, but other groups expressing support for the protest included El Concilio, PODER, East Side Social Action Coalition, East Austin Pastor s Conference, Tank-farm Area Neighborhoods Kouncil (TANK), Coordinadora, and Disciples of the Cross.
Bar Harbor, ME
Students at the College of the Atlantic organized a discussion on police brutality, using the PSA tape and the Stolen Lives book.
Boston, MA
About 30-40 youth all dressed in black came to a 2 p.m. speakout at Harvard Square (The Pit) Lot of signs and Banners and Mumia posters were there. Revolution Books, the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade (RCYB) and members of R&R! spoke. Leonard Peltier's statement about October 22nd was read. After the speakout, participants went to Revolution Books, where they showed videos about past October 22nd events and held a discussion about what will it take to stop police brutality.
Cherokee, NC
About 75 family, friends and general public gathered at the Cherokee Ceremonial Grounds in a memorial service on October 22nd to remember Charlie Biello, the 17 year old killed by the Cherokee Police Department on Sunday morning, October 1, 2000 after his mother made a call to the police department asking for help because Charlie was attempting to kill himself. Rev. Jim Parks spoke, Phyllis Shell sang, and Charlie's mother, Brenda Bustos, shared her fears for other kids in the community, saying that she did not want this same thing happening to them and that if we did not do something, what happened to Charlie would happen again to other children. Several people shared their thoughts and feelings including Charlie's Uncle Alfred Lossiah. Darlene Bradley, a family friend, talked of the criminalization of a whole generation and not allowing teenagers room for mistakes or errors. Robert Wolfe, a local musician and his band provided the sound system. Cherokee Behaviorial Health and Swain/Qualla SAFE, Inc. provided information on teen suicide and other materials relating to teen issues.Many left the memorial vowing to keep Charlie in their hearts and minds. WLOS, Channel 13 from Asheville, NC covered the services and aired extensive coverage on the 6:00 p.m. news this evening, interviewing both parents. Charlie's dad, Don Biello, brought home a real point in this murder... why did they have to kill him. Where was their mace, pepper spray or batons?
Chicago, IL
On October 20th about 600 people marched through the Loop and rallied at Federal Plaza to show their opposition to the nationwide epidemic of police brutality and murder. This was the main event in a "weekend of resistance and remembrance". Families of people killed by law enforcement and the unjustly incarcerated were the heart of the day's actions. The march stopped at several points to rename streets after people killed by Chicago police: Robert Russ, LaTanya Haggerty, Kevin Morris, Leroy Reed, and others. The march was lively and spirited, with chants like "2,000 Stolen Lives! We Refuse to Close our Eyes!", "No Justice? No Peace! No Racist Police!", "Killer Cops, You can't hide, We're risin' up nationwide!", and "L.A., Chicago, New York City--Killer Cops Deserve No Pity!" Surprisingly, the police allowed the march to take the streets along the entire route, even up and down State Street, which according to city officials simply isn't done. After the march, the demonstrators returned to Federal Plaza for an intense rally. Families who have lost loved ones to police bullets and the parents of people framed by corrupt cops told heart-wrenching stories of what happens when those who claim to "serve and protect" brutalize, kill, and/or frame your loved ones for crimes they didn't commit. Performers entertained the crowd with dance, drumming, and hip-hop between speeches from community activists. Civil rights attorney Standish E. Willis spoke on the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal; Arriba presented the Revolutionary Communist Party's ideas about what it will take to put an end to police brutality for good; Andy Thayer of the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network talked about the brutal rape with a police baton inflicted on Freddie Mason, and how police brutality affects the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community; and a representative of Centro Sin Fronteras spoke about the attacks coming down on immigrants. While the families of Stolen Lives were the heart of this demonstration, the youth--the generation which is being criminalized and is the most under the gun of state repression--were the backbone. During their segment of the rally, the October 22nd Youth & Student Network placed all the police in every city under citizen's arrest. They read from a long list of charges including: Impersonating a "peace" officer, Home Invasion, Assault & Battery, Kidnapping, Excessive Force,Torture, Intimidation of Witnesses, Fabrication of Evidence, Perjury, Entrapment, Racial Profiling, Trespassing, Mob Action, First Degree Murder, and Accessory to Murder. For each charge they read, they asked the "jury" of those assembled how they found the accused, to which the crowd of 600 shouted "GUILTY!" on every charge. After the official rally ended, some people burned a killer cop in effigy, and then the youth took off for their own march to city hall and elsewhere.
On Saturday , 90 people attended a forum on "The State, Repression and The Movement: What to Expect, How to Resist", 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hot House 31 East Balbo , and 75 youth attended an Act Your Rage event at the Agape House, presented by the Refuse and Resist! youth network.
On Sunday, 200 people attended a rally at Cook County Jail for people unjustly incarcerated. Twenty-five to thirty families of people unjustly incarcerated participated. The march visited every unit of the large complex. At times, prisoners out in the exercise yard or the hallways could see and hear the march, with its loud drummers and chants. Rows of raised fists glimpsed through all the barbed wire gave marchers a lot of heart. Apparently this was too much for the prison guards, who pulled their SUV's up to block the view, but they still couldn't block the noise.
Cleveland, OH
A powerful demonstration of 200-250 people at the 4th District Police Station, notorious for the cops being so brutal and murderous marched with big banners and pictures of victims of police murder from a recreation center to the 4th district police station. People were chanting, "Stop Police Brutality", "Hey, Hey, 4th District Police, How many kids have you killed today?" and more. There were drums and huge banners against police brutality and one to free Mumia Abu Jamal. As people assembled, almost half being youth, markers of those killed by the police in Cleveland over the last 12 years were put into the ground. Then families and friends of those killed by the police spoke about their loved ones and the stories of how they were killed by the police. Poems and statements were read. A representative from a homeless organization here spoke about the police brutality against the homeless. For those killed in the precinct, people put red carnations into the ground next to the marker and then a candle was lit. After the rally, people marched with drums, and chants right up to the door of the precinct. Marchers stopped and shouted, "Murderers, Murderers, Murderers!!" at the many cops at the door and the sharpshooters on the roof. They then marched back to the cars and drove to 3 sites where people were killed, put signs up with the name of the person. Many carnations were put around the signs and a candle was lit. We had moments of silence to show our respect for those killed and our determination to speak out and fight for them. Everyone who was there loved the day and felt inspired. One youth said, "We need to have this more than once a year."
Colorado Springs, CO
Students organized to go to the march in Denver, Colorado. They are organizing a local chapter of COPWATCH. They also attended concerts in Fort Collins, Colorado, against police brutality.
Columbus, OH
Monday, Oct. 23: About 70 people protesting police disrupted a council meeting Members of the October 22nd Coalition chanted outside Columbus police headquarters before the council meeting. The group, which included students from Upper Arlington High School walked to City Hall and into the council chambers, quietly draping their banners from the balcony. Then one speaker addressing council was interrupted by a protester shouting, "What are you going to do about police brutality?'' Council took a recess while police officers confronted the protesters in the balcony. Eventually, the group walked downstairs and congregated on the west steps of City Hall, where Safety Director Mitchell J. Brown addressed the group. When a protestor tried to re-enter City Hall, officers stopped him at the door, then let him inside, then ordered him to leave as three officers wrestled him to the ground to handcuff him. He was charged with disrupting a public meeting, criminal trespass and resisting arrest.
Denton/Dallas, TX
Denton, Tx had its first Oct.22 event. It was a great turn out for a first time event! At one point I counted 65 protesters. We marched about a mile to the courthouse/police station. Police brutality has not been an epidemic here in Denton like it is in many parts of this country, but racial profiling is. This protest came at a wonderful time, the Dallas Morning Star newspaper had recently released a ranking of its suburbs on racial profiling. 80% of the cars ticketed for minor traffic violation are either African American or Hispanic and they make up 24% of the cities population. We chanted "Hey, Hey, Ho,Ho, Racial Profilings Got to Go" and "It should not be reality, Stop police brutality" We had asked the chief of police to meet us outside of the police station that evening to listen and address our concerns. We stood on the steps of the police station for an hour waiting while demonstrators spoke out on thier encounters with racial profiling and police brutality. Of course, the chief of police never came out of his cozy little office and into the rain outside. We then lit candles and marched back.
Dallas/Grand Prairie, TX
At a Health fair at Traders Village in Grand Prairie,Texas hosted by Radio Unica and Los Barrios Unidos Clinic, Ixachilan Cultural Center presented all the names of persons who have been brutalized and killed by police brutality. Violet L. Ramirez also read a story about an immigrant crossing the border, who is killed by vigilantes. The crowd clapped and gave a standing ovation in support of observing the National Day of Resistance. It was aired on AM radio.
Denver, CO
End the Politics of Cruelty, 302 742 9928 Despite a pouring rain, over 60 people, including Black Bloc anarchist youth, Chicano activists and members of End the Politics of Cruelty--which is now in its fourth year of a police accountability campaign--and the recently formed Denver Copwatch turned out for a demonstration. Starting at Skyline Park, a downtown park where homeless youth hang out and are often hassled by police, we marched down the 16th Street mall, a downtown pedestrian mall, to Denver Police Department Headquarters, chanting "No Justice, No Peace, Control the Police" and, a local favorite, "Bad Cop, No Donut." Protestors were joined at the police HQ by members of the Colorado American Indian Movement, including nationally known indigenous activist Russel Means. A few Black Bloc people pulled open the doors to the police station so they could hear the chant "Racist, Fascist, Anti-Gay, DPD Go Away." This went on for several minutes before a couple of plainclothes cops ordered the group to close the doors and leave, which they did. Several local TV stations covered the event, and a small article appeared Monday in the Denver Post.
Detroit, MI:
The Detroit Coaltion Against Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of A Generation planned a "Weekend of Resistance". It began with a powerful march and rally of 125-150 people in the downtown area. Speakers included the father and sister of Errol Shaw, an African American man who was deaf and mute, shot and killed by Detroit police officer David Kapinski in September. They spoke angrily of how they had called police to help calm Errol when he became emotional, and how he was coldly gunned down, despite family members screaming that he was deaf and could not hear police orders. Police justified the murder by saying Errol was threatening them with a rake! The Shaw family brought a large contingent of people, including several youth, all wearing black "Justice for Errol Shaw" teeshirts. Herman Vallery, the father of Lamar Grable, spoke. Lamar was murdered in 1996 by the infamous Detroit Police officer Eugene Brown, who killed 3 people in less than 5 years and has shot 6 others. Despite exposure of his crimes in the media and even by individuals within the police department, Brown remains uncharged and still on the force. Mr. Vallery spoke of his work with anti-police brutality and immigrant rights organizations in California. Jamellah Sombai, the mother of Rahaab White, murdered by Detroit police officer Thomas Phillips in 1995, also spoke. Other speakers came from the Shrine of the Black Madonna, the Black Autonomous Network of Community Organizations (BANCO) and the Revolutionary Communist Party. Ron Scott, of the TV Talk Show "For My People," emceed. Participants then took off on a march through downtown. It was led by youth from Errol Shaw's family, carrying a coffin, South Africa style. They were followed by a large group of anarchist and anti-globalization youth, with drums and colorful costumes, puppets and banners. One pair of marchers were dressed as a pig and the Grim Reaper! Many people on the streets took flyers and clapped and cheered or honked their horns in support. A second rally was held on the steps of the District Court, Frank Murphy Hall of (In)Justice, facing the County Jail, the new Youth Detention Center, and Police Headquarters,all within a couple of blocks. At this rally, Errol Shaw's wife, Veronica, who is also deaf, spoke. Many in the crowd were in tears as she spoke through an interpreter, demanding to know why police had to kill her husband, and vowing to fight to see his killer (who has been charged with manslaughter) in jail. Arnetta Grable Jr.(A.J.), Lamar Grable's 13 year old sister, of the October 22 Youth Network, spoke of how Lamar's life was stolen at age 20, and how the fight must continue to jail his killer, Eugene Brown, and all killer cops. A woman who had only joined the Coalition days ago, whose son was framed up and imprisoned, said she saw the fight not only for her son, but for all victims of police brutality and wrongful convictions.There were also speakers from the Coalition to Stop the Execution of Mumia Abu Jamal and the National Lawyers Guild. Drummers kept up a loud and steady beat to bring the rally to prisoners in the jails across the street. On the way back to the orginal rally site, marchers took the streets in busy rush hour traffic. The rally ended with a powerful speech, by Arnetta Grable, mother of Lamar Grable, who is also on the Executive Board of the October 22 Coalition, indicting local and Federal authorities in the murder of her son and the epidemic of police brutality nationwide. On Saturday, October 21st, the Detroit Coaltion Against Police Brutality and the October 22 Youth Network held a Hip Hop Against Police Brutality event in which 5 local hip hop acts participated, some with powerful pieces against police brutality. About 30 people attended. Later that night, a Rock Against Police Brutality Concert drew another 30 people. On Sunday, as part of the Faith Initiatve, A Gospel Fest was held at the 1st Holy Temple (C.O.G.I.C.). Bonnie Najea, the godmother of Lamar Grable, spoke and sang, and a beautiful poem she wrote for Lamar was read. A woman who had lost 2 family members to police killings spoke quietly but very movingly about her terrible loss.The Minister, Rev. David Murray, with a gospel band behind him, gave a powerful sermon excoriating all those in power responsible for police brutality and oppression of the poor, and urging more people to get involved in the fight aginst injustice, saying "Faith without works is dead."
El Cenizo, TX
This is the small town east of Laredo that took the stand that they would carry on business in Spanish, since Spanish was the first language of most of the population! They have also voted that no one employed by the city can ask anyone about their legal status. Unidad de Firmeza is a group of mainly women, recently formed against the intense harassment that the Migra has put down as "pay back" for the stand taken by the city government of El Cenizo regarding the Migra and their heritage. The news is finally breaking with stories of the"occupied territory" atmosphere that the Border Patrol especially has imposed. They board school buses to check "papers" of little kids; they haul people off city buses, forcing them to stand with hands in the air like criminals, and frisk women to determine their "residency rights". They have terrorized paper distributors at the point of a gun, and keptat least one young man in jail for over a year for the "crime" of not having papers. But on Oct 22, things took a sweet turn in the other direction. Unidad de Firmeza had less than two weeks to organize for the day. But in that short time the word spread quickly through the barrios. The call had been for a gathering in front of city hall, with placards and speeches. Dozens and dozens of people came, and they came to speak themselves of the abuses they are suffering. Especially vocal were the youth that have been dubbed "gang members". They talked not only of their own mistreatment, but what has happened to friends and family members. Many people came dressed in black, and were handed blue triangles naming other immigrants who have died at the hands of the police and BorderPatrol. A young woman who was one of the organizers was especially struck at how widespread the abuse was. So this coming together of the community was very important - and many also spoke determinedly of the need to continue to act. Again, the youth were very clear about this. It has presented the organizers, and everyone present with the challenge of how to take this struggle forward.
El Paso, TX
Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe, Inc. joined the fifth annual "NationalDay of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and theCriminilization of a Generation" by hosting an event at the corner of Sixth and Florence Streets. The mission of the event was to emphasize the ugly scenario that is occurring along the U.S. - Mexico border in which hundreds of immigrants are dying each year. Three hundred crosses were put up to symbolize the number of deaths that occurred in 1998. Some of these deaths have been at the hands of the Border Patrol and other law enforcement and military agents, but many others have been a result of immigrants being forced to implement extremely dangerous methods of crossing. The event began with a procession, lead at the rhythm of a shell rattler in which the participants carried the crosses and then formed a circle. There were several speakers and poetry readings that followed. The speakers spoke about the epidemic of discrimination that is occurring against immigrants and how we hold the responsibility to stop this. Several organizations, such as the Asociacion de Trabajadores, Union de Trabajadores Agricolas, Sin Fronteras, Consejo Regional Cuidadano, Border Rights Coalition,M.E.Ch.A. and other participants of all ages joined this event demonstrating their support by saying "No More" to the type of attacksthat have occurred against immigrants.
Emory University, GA
In collaboration with O22, Empty the Shelters Emory University Collective in Atlanta decided to do our own Police Brutality Week starting October 29th. Our week consisted of putting up about 60 names from the Stolen Lives Project on crosses, and putting them all over the campus. Also, we made chalk body outlines with names of those that have fallen victim to police brutality. There was a central info table consisting of a zine/booklet of information concerning "Know Your Rights" if you are ever pulled over or stopped by an officer. The final project that we did was a Mumia movie showing, followed by a discussion on Tuesday Oct 31at 7pm in Callaway Hall.
Eugene, OR
One hundred people attended a speakout held at the University of Oregon. About 3 dozen people spoke, with poetry, rap, first person stories of witnessing brutality, and discussion around solutions. There also was a video presentation about historical brutality, especially targetting political activists.
Fort Collins, CO
One hundred to one hundred fifty people attended a "Pimp or Die" concert from 9:30pm - 2am at the Surf Side Seven Bar at 150 North College Ave. The band passed out literature about October 22nd and Mumia Abu Jamal. A local student group who are starting up a Copwatch in Colorado Springs attended the concert.
Fort Worth, TX
Thirty people attended a rally at Veteran's Park at l600 Thomas St. at Camp Bowie from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fresno, CA
About 80 of us showed up at 5 p.m. in front of the Fresno County Main Library. All colors, all ages, several languages, most dressed in black. I began by reading Leonard Peltier's greeting in English and translating it into Spanish and then we walked to the police station, around the Sheriff's office and the jail. We walked back and made a circle at the park located in front of the library and invited people to speak. The sister of one of the men that got killed this week in jail, began, tears running, asking why? If the police are suppose to protect us, why did he die in their hands? why? A father whose son was shot in Sept. of this year at least 20 times surrounded in his car by police, spoke about thanking us for organizing the event and promised to be there next year. Others began questioning us. Why only us why weren't there more? I answered, we are not alone, In 60+ other cities, our brothers and sisters are with us. We explained we have been working here locally for about a year trying to get a police review commission. We also told them we had also held a Police Profiling public forum and will continue by bringing the exhibit Stolen Lives hopefully around MLK day in Jan. A brother (whose friend got shot about 40 times in front of a church) yelled that this has been happening since the 50's and nothing was being done about it. I explained that there was much being done, the fact that they were there with little publicity showed that something was being done. But that we need to support the efforts even if it means to just show up and support those of us who are in the front lines. Sra. Rangel spoke about her struggle continuing. Its been 15 years since the police killed her son. She has remained active in seeking accountability for all police abuses. I asked Angelito Noregia (age 11) to speak to show that the young too are learing quickly that not all police are our friends. And to show that educating our youth and not violence will bring change. We lit candles and walked back to stand in front of the jail and sang "we shall not be moved". Many tears were shed, a Latino brother said a prayer for all who have had their lives stolen, for those in pain and for the police to be more compassionate. We then encouraged people to sign up to be on the phone tree for the next action.
Georgetown University
SPAN students organized an October 22nd event at Georgetown University.
Grambling State University, LA
Starting at 9 a.m. in the courtyard on campus, several activists passed out l00 October 22nd buttons and hundreds of the October 22nd Call, and talked with students all day long.
Greensboro, NC
About 100 people took part in the protest which took place at 2 p.m. at Police Plaza on Washington St.in downtown Greensboro Church people were very prominent.There was a memorial at which people read 2000 names. An Amnesty International contingent from UNC Greensboro came to the rally. Families were represented. Many of the people who came were college youth. Street youth had come to the hip hop concert the night before There was also a Critical Mass bike ride on Friday night. Press coverage on the event was very poor.
Greenville, SC
The month of October 2000 was declared a month of BIG Rage given the scheduled start of the Waffle House 2 Trial and the 5th anniversary of O22 NDP. Many people participated in one of several activities and others continue to report wearing Black on October 20th and 22nd. There are continuing reports of persons having worn Black to church and explaining the day to others. On Oct. 10, participants in a press conference included the Greater Greenville Ministerial Fellowship, Greenville Faith Communities United, Nation of Islam, Amnesty International, Malcolm X Grassroots Mvmt, and Sheppard Family Spokesperson On October 15th, a Waffle House 2 (Cory Harris and Larry Anderson) Pre-Trial Rally expressed solidarity with Cory Harris, Larry Anderson, and their families. It also aimed at tearing down the Blue Wall of Silence and the Veil of Jury Ignorance. On October 20th, the 2nd WAKE-UP GREENVILLE, Make Som Noiz! was held 7:00 a.m at the Greenville County Courthouse. The courthouse entrance was roped off with crime tape and a small but enthusiatic group brought signs, noise-makers, whistles, friends, relatives. Signs demanded the release of the WAFFLE HOUSE 2, PROSECUTION of KILLER/VIOLENT COPS, an END to RACIAL PROFILING, ARREST, and PROSECUTION. A wreath was carried to the Law Enforcement Center. It was taped to the Center's sign along with a Stolen Lives Banner and a picture of the local sheriff being labelled the "Don of Death."
Grinnell College, IA
SPAN students organized an event at Grinnell College (IA).
Hendersonville, NC
On October 21, 30 people marched in a town where 4 people were killed by cops in the last year. There were picket signs, crime tape, speeches, and some brought flowers and placed them in front of the courthouse in memory of all the Stolen Lives. Efia Nwangaza, representing the National Exec. Committee of October 22nd Coalition , was there to conduct a ceremony where we read names, prayed, and joined in a Swahili tradition of HARAMBEE. All who attended will attest to the great power of love and commitment for a positive change. Tears were shed as we parted and remembered what caused us all to be there in the first place. Unfortunately it has to be through our pain that we must all join together to end the injustices that are forced upon us by our government and handed out by our law enforcement. We were joined through both pain and hope by many activist group leaders and supporters who understand that police brutality does not affect us as individuals but as a society as a whole. After our demonstration a few concerned citizens grouped to discuss our next steps in forming a citizens review board. Positive steps were taken and a new avenue opened to stop police brutality.
Houston, TX
On Friday, 200-250 people attended a rally downtown starting at 4 p.m. at Market Square Park (Travis and Preston) and marched to the police station. The Stolen Lives banner led the march. There was a youth honor guard for the families of people murdered by police. Five families and ll-15 people representing families attended. The march was about 80% youth, very spirited, from at least four different high schools, two suburban and two inner city schools. Coffins representing people whose lives had been stolen were carried on poles, and there was a drum corps and puppets. The march downtown was joined by some businessmen in black suits, shirts, ties, and shoes. A number of different groups participated in the march: American Indian Movement, Nation of Islam, Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade, Mecha, Anarchist Black Cross, Green Party, Amnesty International, Familias Unidos, Peace and Justice Coalition. The program was bilingual, in English and Spanish. On Saturday, the Youth Student Network had a drum circle with about 50 people. They played music and talked about, what is it going to take to stop police brutality?
On Sunday, about 60 people, including l0 families, came to the Stolen Lives Event in the Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 3-6 PM.
Honolulu, HI
On October 20, fifty people attended a forum on police brutality from 11:30 - 1 at the University of Hawaii organized by the Student Peace Action network, Refuse & Resist!, the Revolutionary Communist Party and others. The entire campus center was covered with literature tables, banners, and pictures of victims of police brutality. On October 22nd, R&R's truck caravan against police brutality rolled out of a downtown beach park for a four-hour route to sites of police murders and to beach parks where youth are routinely harassed by cops. The trucks were filled with thirty youth in black, who charged the atmosphere with their enormous energy. The lead truck featured black banners that read "No More Stolen Lives" above the pictures of more than100 victims of police brutality mounted on the sides. Huge "Stop Police Brutality" flags flew along with smaller black flags with the NDP slogan and logo. Pictures of local victims were featured prominently. Agitators announced the day, chants echoed from truck to truck over soundsystems. A trumpet, sax, and other noisemakers beat out the rhythm and CD's took over when voices went hoarse. Support was especially good at a beach park where local family groups and organizations regularly picnic,and at the housing development where Rodney Laulusa was murdered. It was an amazing event that got great coverage on a major local TV station. This was followed by a march of about 65 people, mainly youth, who went from the police station through Waikiki Beach. The response from the crowd was excellent.
Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Fifty students came to a workshop on police brtuality. Twenty of them wore black.
Jacksonville, FL
A survivor of police brutality and her sister held signs and leafletted cars going by, and got a good response.
Kansas City, MO
Thirty-seven people rallied from 12 to 2 at the Freedom Fountain at 47 and Brush Creek (behind Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center). They read all the names of Stolen Lives in Kansas. The family of Dimitris Davis was there. The group held up signs and passed out leaflets to passing cars. News coverage: Talk of the Top, Channel 4
Kent State, OH
Students from Amnesty International, Anti-Death Penalty, and Black United Students organized a discussion on police brutality on October l8th, and organized buses to go to the demonstration in Cleveland on the 22nd.
Knoxville, TN
Fifty (50) to seventy-five (75) people rallied at Alex Haley Park, from 3-5 p.m. and marched to the City County Building. The Knoxville News-Sentinel covered the event.
Lafayette, LA
Leroy Vallot spoke about the October 22nd events on his radio show.
Lake Worth, FL
A group of people gathered at 5:30 p.m. at Villa de la Vulva, corner of Lake Avenue and B. Street, to watch a movie followed by discussion of current police repression happening around the world. Money was collected to send to the Philadelphia Legal defense for RNC protests.
Laredo, TX
Students did a poetry reading against police brutality at a local coffee shop
Lansing, MI
On October 23, Arnetta Grable Sr. from Detroit October 22nd Coalition spoke to a gathering of students about the issue of police brutality.
Louisville, KY
One hundred to one hundred fifty activists in Louisville and Lexington held rallies to draw attention to Adrians death and to protest police brutality accross the country. Citizens Againt Police Abuse (a coalition of 30 organizations), Progressive Students League (PSL) and Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (a grass roots citizens organization coordinated two rallies one with hip-hop, poets, and music and one to announce that we will be monitering the trial of Tim Barnes that was moved from Louisville (33% African American) to Lexington (13% African American) in order to white wash justice according to the organizing community. Across the state Revolutionaries like Ricky Jones of the Black Radical Congress, Anarchists from the Anti Imperialist Network and Taskforce (AINT), the Leftist Student Union and others joined CAPA and KFTC in calling for a total systemic change in treating Drug Addiction as a disease and not a crime.
Los Angeles, CA
More than 2,500 participated at the National Day of Protest march in Los Angeles this October 22. The action successfully built on the determined NDP protests of past years! NDP5 attracted and especially unleashed the new generation of police brutality fighters, as many hundreds came ready to deliver a powerful and unmistakable message that police brutality and the criminalization of their generation must stop. As hundreds of youthful protestors continued on the march that went around the side of Parker Center, LAPD Headquarters, protesters amassed at the site of the police s "staging area" and called out LAPD brutality. The LAPD launched a violent attack on the demonstrators, using clubs, rubber bullets and mounted horseback units in an attempt to intimidate the youth and others and to break up and stop NDP5 in L.A. After pushing the protesters back to the rally site, the police fired rubber bullets at protesters again and even at the rally stage itself ? hitting at least one family member who was shielding the young children of the girlfriend of a man murdered by police last year. Their attempts to scatter the event were completely unsuccessful! The youth, families, organizations, legal observers and everyone else showed true bravery and determination and through their efforts achieved a significant victory for our movement. Controversy is now raging in the pages of the local newspapers and on TV news programs. Debate has broken out amongst L.A. city authorities about the unjustified police violence at the NDP demonstration. The day began with 2,000 people marching down Broadway in downtown LA ? heading to Parker Center, LAPD headquarters. In front of the march were the Aztec Dancers dancing to the beat of drums and a beautiful Stolen Lives truck decorated with carnations, photographs of victims of police murder and very large posters displaying the Stolen Lives book in English and Spanish. There were youth of all nationalities and student contingents from Black Student Unions, MEChAs and Amnesty International chapters from several colleges. The SLP truck was followed by families of victims of police murder and an honor guard, including activists from LA Catholic Worker. There were dozens of contingents, including the Watts Committee Against Police Brutality, the LA Coalition to Stop the Execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Critical mass environmentalist bike riders and others from the anti-globalization movement, Queers United for Action Committee and anarchist youth formations. A large banner from the Pico Union district (where Rampart police station is located) read in Spanish "Pico Union Under Rampart, Stolen Lives, Ruined Lives, We ll Never Forgive, We ll Never Forget." It was covered with handwritten testimonies from residents of Pico-Union and carried by Pico-Union neighborhood residents and youth activists. On Broadway, immigrants from Mexico, Central and Couth America and others enthusiastically greeted this large mass of people wearing black. Hundreds of on-lookers received the October 22nd Coalition statement on the Rampart Scandal: "Stop LAPD-CRASH Brutality and the Criminalization of Our Youth." At Parker Center, protesters immediately took to the streets to march around police headquarters. On the side of Parker Center, protesters had stopped at the police s "command post" where they had amassed their horses, cars, motorcycles, trucks and hundreds of cops in riot gear. Without warning the police began firing rubber bullets point blank at protestors, clubbing marchers, and attacking people with mounted horseback units in an attempt to stampede and scatter the demonstration. The youth, undeterred, resisted this brutal assault. In front of Parker Center, the police fired volleys of rubber bullets indiscriminately into the rally and at the stage itself, wounding family members who were shielding children, including a 7 month old infant from police fire. Reverend Richard Meri Ka Ra Byrd spoke over the noise of exploding concussion grenades and rubber bullet blasts and declared the demonstrators refusal to be silenced. The people held their ground and refused to be stampeded or scattered. The rally went forward in this intense situation, surrounded by mounted police on horseback and hundreds of police in riot gear. The rally featured family members of those killed by brutal law enforcement, including Brian Smith, brother of Danny Ray Smith; Gloria Santos, mother of Julio Castillo; Greg Jordan, father of John Jordan; Burnell Butler, uncle of Tyisha Miller; and Rita Rangel, mother of Samuel Rangel. The families of Dion Goodloe and Juan Saldana, both killed by LAPD, participated. Herman Atkins, recently released after more than 13 years in jail through DNA testing and the work of the Innocence Project, spoke. Speakers also included representatives from the Black Student Unions, October 22nd Coalition Youth/Student Network, Joey Johnson, a supporter of the Revolutionary Communist Party and James Lafferty, Executive Director of the National Lawyers Guild who spoke for the LA Coalition to Stop the Execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Atzlan Underground and poet Jerry Quickly also performed. The rally concluded with shout-outs to the courageous families of victims of police brutality and the many organizations who helped to build and plan for the day. After the rally, police helicopters, scores of riot and motorcycle cops, and dozens of heavily armed police on special trucks followed and harassed a triumphant march of hundreds back down Broadway to where the march started earlier that day. In the days following NDP, the Coalition has been on the political offensive, exposing the police attack, organizing support and contending with the authorities. Dozens of people are known to have been shot, including reporters from the Spanish-language daily La Opinion, the LA Weekly and other people with video cameras. Children as young as 13 were shot and one UCLA student was shot directly in the eye and was taken to the hospital. A front cover Metro section LA Times article the next day features a picture showing police taking dead aim and firing on protestors heads from 20 feet away. The official videographer of the event was clubbed in the chin, requiring 8 stitches. When he approached police officers for medical assistance, he was arrested on the spot. This year, police in riot gear blocked a pedestrian bridge going over the march so photographers and camera people from the news and protest were unable to get the best vantage point of the march, showing its size and the different contingents. There were at least four arrests, 3 misdemeanors and one felony assault with a deadly weapon. All are out of jail, but charges remain.
Montclair State, NJ
Students came to a discussion on Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation
New Haven, CT
Sixty (60) people converged on the green to raise public awareness about police brutality. "It's breaking down out neighborhoods and it's destroying our families," said Shelton Tucker, protestor. People, including the family of inmate David Tracy, stood on the New Haven green. Tracy's family believes he was murdered at a Virginia prison at the hands of prison guards."It's not isolated incidents, it actually happens all the time. There's police brutality, racial profiling," said Dave Bonan, protestor.
New York, NY
Thursday, 10/19, 10:00 p.m., organizers for October 22, including members of the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade, visited some folks in the Bronx building where Malcolm Ferguson was killed by police, two blocks from the spot where Amadou Diallo lived and was killed by police, five days after that verdict, on March 1, 2000. Five minutes after the organizers entered the apartment, police broke in the door, held everyone at gunpoint including a one year old infant, arrested everyone in the apartment, and charged the residents with misdemeanor charges. October 22 hosted a press conference Saturday morning.
Sunday, October 22: 6:30 a.m., police woke Nicholas Heyward Sr. at his home. A housing cop killed Nicholas Heyward Jr. in 1994, at 13 years of age. Nicholas Sr. is the author of the letter that went out to families around the country urging them to continue to play the powerful role they have, mobilizing so many others in this fight. This day they arrested Nicholas Sr., claiming they had a warrant on a ticket he received for walking his dog without a leash. Nicholas was scheduled to be an MC for the protest. After initiating the "Nicholas Task Force", lawyers and others tracking him down and ready to make a very big deal out of this, Nicholas was released at 10:30 a.m. Members of Refuse & Resist! escorted him the rest of the day.
Sunday, October 22: The arrestees from the Bronx were present with a banner signed by other residents. The banner said "Amadou, Malcolm, PRESENTE. South Bronx Against Police Brutality." Nicholas Heyward Sr. was there, with many other parents and family of Stolen Lives. At 12:00 noon, Women In Mourning and Outrage began the day. Dressed in black, with black veils over their faces, they formed a circle and called out names of Stolen Lives, emphasizing each one with a gong. Parents arrived and stood beside the brand new Stolen Lives banner, with flowers in each post. Saikou Diallo walked, with members of an Amnesty International chapter and the Refuse & Resist! Youth Network, from two blocks away, from where his son Amadou worked to join the other families. The march took off at 2 p.m. with the families at the lead, surrounded by a beautiful Youth Honor Guard. The march up 6th Avenue was joined by immigrant Rights forces at 14th Street, the AntiViolence Project at 23rd Street (a group that defends victims of violence against gays and lesbians), and more members of Refuse & Resist! Youth Network at 45th Street who carried a large Mumia Abu-Jamal banner. Coming down through Times Square, the Youth Contingent charged ahead, building energy. The march of 1700 people arrived at Times Square, meeting hundreds of other people who were already waiting. (Many news accounts reported 2000 for the event). The parents took the stage to a live version of "The Greatest Love of All". They started off the rally, speaking powerfully for over an hour about the epidemic we face, and the complete lack of justice for their cases, followed by speakers from another wide variety of organizations: forces in the fight against police brutality in New York, including clergy from the newly formed Religious Coalition Against Police Brutality. A member of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights helped MC, along with a minister and a youth from Refuse & Resist! Youth Network. Security for the event included prominently people from the December 12th Movement and the Vieques Support Campaign. Legal observers were organized by the National Lawyers Guild, who also successfully represented the day for the permit. At least three churches held services to mark the day. The event was written about in New York Daily News, Newsday, New York Post, El Diario, Noticias del Mundo, and shown on NY1, Channels 4,7, and ll.
North Carolina State University
Students organized an event.
Oakland, CA
At 10 a.m. people gathered at the W. Oakland BART on 7th st. to ride BART together to the San Francisco rally
Peoria, IL
Bradley University Peace Network set up an information table in front of the major classroom building
Philadelphia, PA
On October 22 this year there was a coalition pulled together for the first time. It included MOAPT (Mothers Organized Against Police Terror), Third World Coalition of the American Friends Service Committee, Anarchist Black Cross, Wooden Shoe Bookstore, R&R Youth Network, Intern*l. Concerned Family & Friends of MAJ, Tony Monteiro, the Phila. Direct Action Group (PDAG), R2K Legal committee, and Fight for Lifers & Mary Mother of Captives (prisoner support groups), Spiral Q puppeteers. The Coalition called for a town hall meeting from 2 to 4:30 pm at the American Friends Service Committee Center, followed by a candlelight procession to Market Street. About 150 to 200 attended the meeting and marched afterwards. This was a good turnout, given that the coalition only formed one month before the event and publicity was very late in getting out. It was a very diverse mix of people. The
significant thing this year was the participation of families of victims of police brutality (Ella Forbes, mother of Erin Forbes, killed in Jan. of this year, co-mc*d and brought her husband, her other son, her sister, and several faculty members and friends/colleagues from Temple University and elsewhere; Theresa Choice, mother of Bar-Rae Choice spoke, and her brother Tsombe Choice co-mc*d (we had 4 mc*s!); Doris Griffin, mother of James Griffin, railroaded by the 12th & 18th St. District PPD, attended and brought a son and her neighbor, a young woman named Tawana who spoke for the family; Rose Holbrook, mother of Robert Holbrook, sentenced at age 16 to life in prison for being outside a building where a murder occurred, has been in prison for 10 years now; Consuela Africa, mother of 2 of the MOVE children murdered in the 1985 bombing and who spent 16 years in prison. The town hall meeting opened with the dramatic reading of 41 names of victims of police brutality to the piercing beat of a drum before each name, representing the 41 times the police shot at Amadou Diallo. This set a very dramatic and serious, angry tone to the event. The march was spirited and took the streets for the whole route, led by the coalition banner with the main slogan, everyone had candles and signs with pictures of victims from Philly and around the country. Mumia was in the house, on a truck driven by Ernst of F&F, which followed the march with a powerful sound system. The march was led by the Korean drummers doing traditional Korean protest beats and the puppets. The mothers at first were hesitant to march and didn*t want to march in front,nor in the streets, but followed the youth, and soon were in the streets too! the marchwound through Chinatown, and then went to Market Street. As the march went on, the families got bolder. Family members held up the signs of the loved ones as high as they could reach. At the front of the march, the youth would stop, get down on the ground and draw chalk outlines of bodies on the ground, and write the names of victims and No More Stolen Lives! on the street; after a while, family members joined in writing the names on the street as traffic was blocked; then the march would move on. At one point one bicycle cop who had bumped one of the family members earlier, was seen spitting on the outline of one of the victims on the ground. Right then a family member grabbed the bullhorn and called out this cop, saying we have a right to march and a right not to be spit at!" The youth all came over and shouted "SHAME" at this cop, and then the mothers, 3 of them, were right in their face, yelling and letting out a lot of pent up outrage! The civil affairs cops quickly advised this cop to leave! The march went on. At Market Street, the marched stopped traffic and some family members sat down; the march took over half of Market Street and then returned to the Friends Center. The event ended with the Korean drummers running in a circle around part of the crowd in front of the Friends Center, joined by many of the youth. So everyone seemed to feel this was a very successful event.
Phoenix, AZ
Around 75 activists marched against police brutality in Phoenix. The group included members from Phoenix Copwatch, Phoenix Anarchist Coalition, the Black United Fund as well as student groups from Arizona State University. The police were present, but no arrests were made. The group started marching at about 4:30 through downtown Phoenix. There were stops for speeches given by various local activists in different locals, including in front of the Phoenix Police Department. After the march, there was a free "Know Your Rights" forum, hosted by Phoenix Copwatch. Eleanor Eisenburg, Executive Director for the Arizona ACLU gave a presentation to the standing-room-only audience about the importance of knowing your rights, as well as answering general legal questions.
Pittsburgh, PA
About 150 people attended a Pittsburgh Community Forum held at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Pitt University, Pittsburgh, PA
At a women's conference called Sisterhood: Empowerment Now! on the Pitt campus on October 22, one of the workshops was called "Lock Her Up or Give Her a Book?" It was facilitated by two women from Citizens for Police Accountability and one student from United States Student Association, who mentioned October 22. Several facilitators were wearing all black or a black ribbon for the whole day. About 40 people came to the entire conference and eight people came to the workshop on police brutality.
Providence, RI
Over 200 people gathered in downtown providence on Fri. Oct. 20 in Kennedy Plaza to commemorate the the national day of action against police brutality, repression and the criminalization of a generation. Protestors held signs that read "End the War on Youth, Pigs," "Rodney King Diskovered Amerika," "Assist the Police: Torture Yourself," and "Community Controlled Police Now!" and listened as victim after victim of police brutality took the mic and told their story. Interspersed between the stories, kids rapped and cyphered about police, prisons, schools and other forms of racist repression. At the same time, about 20 members of Brown University's Third World Action (wearing all black) distributed flyers to the hundreds of kids and workers assembled near the event at the downtown bus terminal. A graveyard with signs displaying the wounds of victims and the officers who caused them were left as a reminder that people do not die when the police kill them.
Portland, OR
For a city marred by two eruptions of police violence against demonstrators and a 30-year history of police brutality and racial profiling, 300 people carrying out a peaceful march to the Northeast Precinct and on to a community center was a sight to behold. At the precinct, Oregon state Rep. JoAnn Bowman gave a moving speech but before we left, a spontaneous speech arose from the crowd and inspired half dozen activists to bare their backsides--yes, to moon-- the overbearing police force and local "Red Squad" whose excessive surveillance was discouraging greater community participation.The March was organized by a coalition of groups including The Police Accountability Campaign, Portland Copwatch, Peace and Justice Works, Sisters in Action for Power, _The Portland Alliance_, _The Skanner_, _street roots_, The Portland GMB of the IWW, and others, for the purpose of highlighting the problems recent and ongoing of police violence, racial profiling, and the criminalization of youth, and calling for civilian control and independent oversight of the police.
Rio Grande Valley, TX
On Oct. 20, memorial services were held at several community centers in the colonias and at a United Farmworkers organizing hall.
Salt Lake City, UT
Twenty-five people wearing black rallied at the Governor's Mansion, 603 East South Temple from 2-4 p.m., on October 22. The event was organized by Debbie Walker whose son, David, was murdered by police in front of their home in rural Utah. Several other families of police brutality victims attended, including the family of Glen Lutz, who was hog-tied and asphixiated by sheriff's deputies during a traffic stop; the family of an 11-year-old boy who was run down by a police car while riding his bicycle; and the family of Dana de Hertoghe, who was beaten to death by police in Southern California. The protest received front-page coverage in several Utah newspapers, and the articles mentioned that this was part of a "National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality and Repression." Organizers vowed to be back again.
San Antonio, TX
Forty to fifty youth rallied outside the main police station at 4 p.m. on October 20. Activists from El Comite en Solidaridadcon El Pueblo de Mexico, Fuerza Unida and Esperanza Peace and Justice Center spoke to us and we ended with the Cesar Chavez clap (power clap) and a grito: Que viva laRaza. Spanish stations 60 & 41,channel 60 and KSAT12 covered the event. The unity of different organizations and age groups was really felt - and people commented that this is how it should be all the time! Most people came in black and also put on the blue triangles with names of immigrants murdered by police and INS. Another thing that had an impact was the reading of the names from Stolen Lives and lists of immigrants dead because of Operation Gatekeeper.
Santa Barbara, CA
There were about 30 people in attendance at a 1 p.m. workshop held at Eternal Flame between Buchanan Hall and the Library. We had a speaker discussing her first-hand experience w/ police brutality, a speaker relating police brutality to the Mumia Abu-Jamal case, another speaker analyzing the methodology behind brutality - what kind of a society we live in which one would find this appropriate or justifiable behaviour and then, we had the External Vice President of Statewide Affairs of UCSB (Associated Students) read an excerpt from Stolen Lives.
Santa Cruz, CA
A group of people met at 8:30 a.m. at the clock tower to decorate vehicles for a car caravan to San Francisco
San Diego, CA
One hundred fifty to two hundred (150-200) people came out to East San Diego to demonstrate against the repression and criminalization of a generation. Various speakers from organizations such as the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee/American Indian Movement, the San Diego Chapter to Stop the Execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal, La Resistencia, San Diego's Committee Against Police Brutality, Peace and Freedom Party and the California Coalition for Women Prisoners made compassionate and moving speeches and solidarity statements. Other reflections came from family members who lost loved ones to law enforcement abuse and murder. Family members who spoke representing their children who are no longer with us included: FEDERICO ADAME, III - beaten and pepper sprayed to death by the Sheriff's Department in Imperial Beach, and SONSERRA HOLLOWAY - a 20 year old African American woman who was five months pregnant shot by the Border Patrol in probably what was a joint operation with the San Diego Police Department. Other representatives included Tanika Finley speaking about the killing of DEMETRIUS DUBOSE and a Committee Against Police Brutality member speaking about the killing of JUAN JOSE AGUILERA. Props need to go out to FOOD NOT BOMBS for taking care of the people and to the chant organizers. Additional recognition goes to the youth for stopping traffic on University and Fairmount Avenue and bringing the cause to the front steps of the Police Department. The dedication and organization of the youth including Anti-Racist Action and Rrriot Girl was unbelievable!
San Francisco, CA
A powerful march and rally of nearly 1000 people was held in San Francisco. The rally at the march staging area very much represented the culture and language of the Mission District, but was also translated into English. Speakers included the Day Laborers, INS Watch, two Spanish speaking families whose loved ones had been killed by the police, a speaker on the Border Wars, and TransAction -- an anti-police brutality group of transgender persons. The loud, chanting march wound through the Mission, led by the women drummers of Sista' Boom. Contingents were present from Copwatch, the International Longshore and Warehousemen Union, the Labor Action Coalition for Mumia, PUEBLO and many carloads from the state MeChA convention. Car carvans came in from SanJose, Santa Cruz, Concord and Sonoma County. The march slowed down as it passed the Mission Police Station. From the back of the lead truck carrying the Stolen Lives Wall, Dan Garcia (Brother of Mark, killed by cops from the Mission station) and a young Oct22 Youth and Student Network member whose brother was killed by police in Colorado, called out the cops for murder and brutality. As they went past, the marchers chalked names of 100's of victims from the Stolen Lives Book on the street and sidewalk in front of the Station The main rally opened with the gathering of family members of those killed or brutalized on stage. At least 20 families were represented and spoke. One family member sent out his heart to the families who were losing loved ones in Palestine to the Israeli police. A statement was read from the Mother and Father of 11 year old Alberto Sepuleda, murdered in bed in his family's Modesto home during a no-knock raid. The family was prevented from coming to the rally by a court order, restricting them from leaving the county. LaTonya Dykes whose husband Verlon was killed by one of the West Oakland police gang known as the "riders", spoke about her fight for justice. Most of the families' testimony, as well as the statement for Leonard Peltier and the Oct 22nd statement, was translated into Spanish. A young woman whose brother and cousin were killed by police talked about why family members are fighting to save the life of Mumia Abu-Jamal. A spokeswoman from the Racial Justice Coalition talked about Racial Profiling and how its effects can be seen by looking at the names on the Stolen Lives Wall. The rally had a strong element of culture, which drew together the crowd's emotions and determination into a tight knot. Rap, poetry, R 'n B, and Punk combined with the stories from the victims drew diverse groups into a common culture of resistance. Robina Jackson,whose son Quincy was murdered by the San Jose Police,sang two powerful pieces she had written-- "StolenLives" and "Quincy"-- while new names were added to theStolen Lives Wall. Everyone was cheering and crying at the same time. El Teatro Campesino, who brought a dozen people from San Jaun Bautista, performed an original "street" theater piece that they had written for the day. It was a high spirited and magnificent"acto", which tied together the battles against police brutality and the attacks on immigrants, and spoke to the common interests of all people in all countries to unite to defeat the war waged on the people of theworld by Global Capitalism. El Teatro had only finished rehearsing the play at 4 am, and had driven 150 miles to perform it before a wildly enthusiastic crowd.
San Jose, CA
A group of people met at 8:30 a.m.at the Tamien Light Rail Station at Alma to decorate vehicles for a car caravan to San Francisco; another carpool left at 9 a.m. from in front of Hugh Gillis Hall on 5th and San Fernando
Santa Rosa, CA
A group of people met at 8:30 a.m. at the JC parking lot to car pool to the rally in San Francisco
Sarah Lawrence College, NY
SPAN students organized an event at Sarah Lawrence College (NY).
Seattle, WA
Over 200 people attended a 2 mile march which started at 2 p.m. with a rally at Ebenezer A.M.E. Zion Church, the church of Mrs. Ophelia Ealy whose son Michael Ealy was murdered by police. She and several other families that had members murdered by police spoke out from there, and played a major role in leading the march. We marched to downtown and stopped at two police precincts for more speeches The march ended at the block where David Walker was shot and killed by Seattle police. The participants at october 22nd were mostly youth and people of color. There was a lot of unity between everyone, especially the families and the october 22nd coalition. Many of the families repeatedly thanked all who came out to support them. Press coverage was very good, including the Seattle Times and Channel 5.
Springfield, MA
On Sunday, October 22, about 75 people (community members and students from up and down the Pioneer Valley) gathered at Springfield Technical Community College to hear speakers talk about police brutality in Springfield and elsewhere. The day started with watching "Showdown in Seattle," which vividly demonstrated the violent reaction of police to people exercising their right to demonstrate.Ann Leavenworth of the Human Relations Commission, a mayor-appointed (and ignored) body of civilians, spoke about the most recent incidents reported to them, and the commission s struggle to get a civilian review board for the city. Michaelann Bewsee from Arise for Social Justice gave an overview of organizing efforts to hold police accountable. Tuck Young of MassAction talked about violent police repression in Seattle, Washington, DC and Philadelphia. A young woman spoke a recent incident where a woman was raped by two Springfield police officers, and how, although the officers were fired (they are appealing), the grand jury failed to indict them for rape. Min. Yusuf Muhammed of Mosque No. 13 exhorted the people present not only to take action against police brutality but to take every opportunity to undo the mentality of racism that helps make police brutality possible. Those present signed a pledge to mobilize and demonstrate at the next reported incident of brutality. About 40 people then joined the organizers at a demonstration in front of the Springfield Police Department.This week the U.S. Justice department released a report they d been working on since the unarmed shooting and killing of Ben Schoolfield in 1995. The Justice Department determined that everything s just hunky-dory in Springfield and that no evidence of racial profiling had been found in the actions of the police. The Justice Department made some minor suggestions to improve "people s perceptions of the police" rather than how to improve the police department! This is the same Justice Department that recently gave ITSELF a clean bill of health while acknowledging that people of color are 80% of the death penalty cases that the feds have pursued.
St. Louis, MO
Oct.22: A Rally for Justice at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, l4th and Park, was attended by about 120 people. This was the culmination of our Clergy Initiative. Different denominations were represented throughout the program, with a Christian minister doing the opening prayer, speakers from the Hebrew Isreaelite Community and the Nation of Islam, and a traditional Muslim imam doing the closing prayer. Our other speakers were the Green Party candidate for governor and our co-chair, Zaki Baruti, and a prosecuting attorney from St. Louis. This attorney had just lost in a very close primary to become Circuit Attorney in St. Louis andhad run as a candidate from the African community attempting to make the office truly just. Oct 23: A march from 4-6 p.m. outside Police Headquarters was attended by about 150-175 people. We drew chalk outlines and held crosses with the names ofSt. Louis' victims. We created a canvas on which victims could expressthemselves. We heard a powerful poem from one of our sisters and heard brief descriptions of the Coalition's work. Green Party people spoke as did the presidential candidate from the Socialist Workers' Party.
SUNY Stonybrook, NY
A group of students met at l0 a.m. at Stonybrook station at LIRR, Port Jefferson line, to go in to New York demonstration, taking the 10:30 train to city
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
The family of Oscar Velez Cordoba, who was murdered by the border patrol on Sept. 26, 1998, took blue triangles, issued by La Resistencia, with Oscar's name to wear. People who work at immigrant shelters in Tijuana also took triangles for themselves and others. The blue triangle stickers were made by La Resistencia to wear with the black on October 22nd. Each sticker has a name and vital information about someone who died because of US government border enforcement and was directly killed by the border patrol.
Tulia, TX
Representatives from Friends of Justice, the William Kunstler Fund for Racial Justice, the ACLU, and the newly formed Tulia Branch of the NAACP met with Will Harrell who gave a presentation of the history and meaning of the October 22nd Coalition. Harrell read the statement he wrote which was being read throughout the country. The Tulia community was deeply grateful for the statewide and national solidarity they were receiving on that occasion.
Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul), MN
About 80 people were present at Zion Baptist Church in North Minneapolis on Sunday, Oct. 22. The vigil started with a processional and funeral march where pictures of over 50 victims of police brutality were carried into the church, their names were read and pictures displayed around the church. Most poignant was the reading of the names of fifteen victims from Minnesota. This ceremony set the tone for the rest of the evening. Mrs. Orpah Keaton whose son, Artis Graham, was killed by St. Paul police gave a stirring account of her son's life and of the pain police brutality had caused her family. We heard from survivors of police brutality and their families. Carlotta Madison spoke about her brother Andre, who was severely injured in a botched drug raid in which police shot over 500 rounds into the house Andre was visiting, hitting Andre in the neck and arm. Police then tried to cover their actions by prosecuting Andre for attacking them! The evening included powerful poetry and music. Chris Spotted Eagle, representing the National Lawyers Guild and the ACLU, spoke, encouraging people to get active to stem the epidemic of police brutality. A support statement from Leonard Peltier was read, as was a statement about the situation in Tulia, Texas.
Oct 23: rally and march The rally met at 5:00 p.m. at the Hennepin County Government Center, across from the notorious downtown police headquarters and jail. A diverse crowd of over 150 people came to demand an end to police brutality, repression and the criminalization of a generation. We remembered people killed locally by police by reading their names and stories off a banner we made for the occasion. We then heard from family members of people killed and from survivors of police brutality. The speakers revved up the crowd with a good energy. We then took off on a spirited march to City Center, a shopping mall which has a long and sordid history of incidents of brutality and racial profiling by rent-a-cops. The march was lead by our local drum corps, who added a lively beat to the chants. Security and legal observers kept the swarms of cops at bay. We arrived at City Center and heard from some additional speakers, who urged us to take action to stop police brutality. We also had some lively chanting. People were invited to our follow up action at the next Civilian Review Board meeting and to attend our next meeting. The event was covered by two TV stations and one newspaper.
Virginia Beach, VA
One hundred forty-five (145) people attended a concert, lectures, community speak out & picnic at Lafayette Park, 35th & Granby Streets, Norfolk, VA.
From 11 am - 4 pm there was a special release party of the book, "THE TABLES HAVE TURNED: A Street Guide to Guerrilla Lawfare" by kwami k. kwami, ISBN:
0-9704554-0-2, $20 donation (10% of all proceeds will be donated to the National October 22nd Coalition) The speakers were: kwami k. kwami (October 22nd Coalition), David Nason (International Concerned Family & Friends for Mumia), Dan Tres OMi (Universal Zulu Nation), Kevin White (Food Not Bombs). Several members of the community spoke about personal experiences with police brutality and corruption. Artists UBC (hip hop) and Family Tree (ska punk/acid jazz) performed.
Nine hundred twenty-four (924) people attended a 3-day, 3-campus Concert, Lectures, & Workshops conference titled WHO'S CELLING AMERIKKKA???: A LOOK AT THE PRISON INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX LOCATION, held at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, and Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA on October 24, 25, and 26, held in conjunction and solidarity with the October 22nd protests. SPEAKERS were Sean Heller (Drug Reform Coordination Network), Steve Silverman (DRCnet Student Action), Gus Smith (Kemba N. Smith Youth Foundation), kwami k. kwami (National October 22nd Coalition), John Bowes (Families Against Mandatory Minimums), David Nason (International Concerned Family & Friends for Mumia), Min. Albert Muhammad (Nation of Islam Adopt-a-Prisoner Program), Miranda Barker (International Bannister Association) and Jeree Brown (Prison Moratorium Project). Artists included UBC (hip hop), El Battalion (hip hop), and Seeds of Wisdom (hip hop)
Washington, DC
About 55 people gathered near the White House and held a drum circle for an hour or so. Terri Williams, whose son Antonio was murdered by police in 1995 spoke as well. Next we marched, through downtown to the DC Police Headquaters, drumming and passing out flyers on police brutality. At the police HQ, we drummed some more and had a speak out, where everyone present was able to tell of their experiences with police brutality. We finished with a march back through downtown, in the streets. The police took notice of use the whole time, especially marching there, and followed us for a bit, but all in all things went smoothly. We plan to meet soon to discuss further anti police brutality actions for next year.
Wesleyan University, CT
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, over 600 people visited the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery exhibition: Black and Blue: Examining Police Violence. On Sunday, about 150 Wesleyan University students marched to the Middletown Police Department urging officers to stop racial profiling and brutality. The Black and Latino Brotherhood at Wesleyan, a campus group of Black and Latino male students, came out with 30 people and marched in formation, 2 by 2, with everyone dressed in black. In a case that drew national attention in 1995, four Wesleyan students were stopped for looking suspicious and arrested after refusing to show identification. In June, the students settled a racial discrimination lawsuit against the city. As the march wound its way down leaf-lined streets, the protestors chanted, "Hey, Ho. Police Brutality Has Got To Go!" But as they turned the corner, the crowd went silent, simply raising their fists and their signs in the air as a tribute to those whose lives have been stolen.
Wichita, KS
A small group of protestors marched in front of City Hall The group consisted of 2 adults and 2 children. We held signs and walked peacefully. There was no police harassment. No media. The day was overcast and rainy, and we marched from 3-4pm (no rain then), in spite of us having 102 degree fevers (we were feeling ill that day).
Call the National Office of the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a Generation if you know of October 22nd events which are not listed in this document.
1-888-NO BRUTALITY or 212-477-8062
Fax: 212-477-8015
Oct22@unstoppable.com
http://www.october22.org
[posted 11/20/00]
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