I read this, and I just wanted to share. http://freedomtweet.net/?p=203
Tag: community
Injustice – Once Again
The verdict of the Johannes Mehserle trial came in. He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Guilty – yes. Involuntary manslaughter – no.
For those of you who may not know, Johannes Mehserle is a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer who shot Oscar Grant in the back while lying face-down on the Oakland subway platform. How is that involuntary? Where is the justice? Did the jury really believe this trained police officer’s story that he thought he had pulled his taser? Even if it was a mistake (which I don’t buy), why would he have even needed a taser?
At some point, police brutality and misconduct needs to be addressed. I firmly believe that police officers should live in the communities they protect and serve. They should be community stakeholders and invested in the wellbeing of the communities. They should not be people who react and respond out of malice or even fear because they aren’t in tune with those areas.
Now I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding Mehserle and his employment with BART. I do know, however, that it’s a downright shame that a police officer can be caught on video shooting an unarmed man who is lying face-down on the floor in the back and not be charged or convicted of murder. This crime was indeed NOT involuntary. It was reckless, unnecessary, and senseless.
I hope that in the aftermath of the Mehserle verdict, the riots cease and that community leaders, along with community members, start really considering strategic implementation of efforts to prevent such travesties. We have to protect, not destroy, our communities. Reactionary, unproductive violence is definitely not the answer.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Are you ready for the primary?
One of my favorite sets of childhood memories is riding down to the neighborhood fire station with my mom to vote. Several of my family members were poll workers, so it was always a friendly experience that I looked forward to. The best part of the going to the poll was fake voting. 🙂 There were child-size voting machines there, so I got to click down the old school pegs and “cast” my vote as well. I’m sure this is one reason I’m civically engaged as an adult.
On Saturday, July 10, 2010, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Fulton County is hosting its first Family Voting Day. Serving a dual purpose, this event will allow yet another opportunity to cast ballots for the primary election early, and it encourages families to vote together (and expose kids to the duty of being heard through voting).
It’s important to vote–but it’s imperative to be an educated voter. If you’re a Fulton County resident, below are some links to help you prepare for the Tuesday, July 20 primary. If you’re not a Fulton County resident, please visit your state’s Secretary of State website and your county government website to find information on registering to vote (deadlines and rules), poll locations, and candidates. Be engaged in your community.
- It’s too late to register to vote in the upcoming primary, but here is the link to future registration deadlines and election dates. You can still register to vote in future elections.
- Here’s a great guide to voting regulations in GA.
- Need to check your voter registration status or find out where your poll is? Click here.
- Are you not able to vote on the 20th or attend Family Voting Day? Here are the locations for early voting.
- Don’t know what we’re voting for in this election? Here are sample ballots: Democratic and Republican.
- Interested in upcoming debates? Go here. (Also, stay tuned for more information on the gubernatorial debate hosted Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
- Finally, for more information about the candidates, visit this site.
Get involved. Remember that local politics are just as, if not more, important as national politics. Don’t just complain–identify your issues and make your voice heard. Voting is your bare minimum civic responsibility. Do your part.
Raisin’ Cane – Part One
On Sunday, a friend and I went to the Southwest Fulton Arts Center for Raisin’ Cane, a superb production that featured the talented Jasmine Guy and Avery Sharpe Trio.
With charm, wit, various accents, and dance, Jasmine Guy led us on a journey to witness the Harlem Renaissance from the eyes of Jean Toomer, author of Cane (which has definitely been added to my reading list), and from many other perspectives of greats. Ms. Guy shared with us the philosophies and legacies of New Negroes and others who played imperative roles in the cultural explosion that was the Harlem Renaissance. Folks like W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, and of course, Jean Toomer. As I was travelling over time, I was also reminded of a trip a couple of years or so ago to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where I fell in love with the works of Aaron Douglas. Douglas’ works captivated me–they illustrate black struggle and determination so elegantly. Not only was the music cleverly entwined with Jasmine Guy’s oratorical chronicle, but the visual props, pictures, and mementos were also engaging.
Raisin’ Cane not only excited me as it reinforced what I have already learned about black historical figures, their works, their ideas, and their hopes and dreams–it also inspired me to delve into more research, to find out more, to ignite that (huge) part of me that longs to make a substantial difference in our communities. I’ll be back with nuggets of the experience that really struck cords with me throughout the production.
Until then, as Ms. Guy ended the production, I will end my blog post:
Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America.
Jitney
This afternoon, a friend of mine and I went to the Alliance Theatre and enjoyed a great production written by the great August Wilson called Jitney.
Set in 1977 in a jitney stop (car service) in Pittsburgh, this production explored a range of topics still relevant to the black community, including the disconnect between generations, alcoholism, the role of men in households and families, love and forgiveness, the importance of communication between romantic partners, the effects of war on young soldiers, the lack of support for small businesses in some cities, and the list goes on. This would have made for a great Reads and Reels discussion!
In addition to the great music played between scenes (classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up”), I really enjoyed the light banter and surefire black lingo infused into the script. The characters were real to me because I could definitely hear my daddy talking like these guys were. Although the plot was very heavy overall, the production made good use of comic relief.
It made me smile to see so many black folk at the theatre, supporting the arts. If you haven’t seen it, make sure to put this on your list of things to do this month. Jitney runs through June 27.
Another reason to volunteer
As you know, I love voluntarism. I enjoy being hands on in the community, making a difference in lives in hopes of making an impact on the world around me. And if the satisfaction of helping someone wasn’t enough to get you out there doing volunteer work, SponsorChange.org is giving us yet another reason!
Who out there has student loans that just won’t go away? Well, through this program, non-profits are given access to skilled college graduates who want to pay down their student loans. Volunteer work for student loan payments. Sounds good to me. So if you love volunteering like I do or if you haven’t ever volunteered before, I encourage you to sign up for this program if you’d like some student loan help. Lend a helping hand and get a helping hand.
Still not convinced? Ok, then go check out their Five Worst Reasons Not to Volunteer. Until next time!
Real Middle School Mom of Atlanta 