Category Archives: action

action, news, US

Free 15-year-old black girl Grace – sent to jail for not doing her homework

Only in America can a black kid get sent to jail for not doing her homework. It’s unbelievable but true.

Your help is urgently required. We reproduce below the email we received from US civil rights organisation The Color of Change.

Have you heard the story about Grace?

15-year-old Grace, a Black girl from Michigan, was sent to jail during the height of the pandemic because she didn’t complete her homework.1 Rather than implementing a humane plan to get her back on track, Judge Mary Ellen Brennan decided to punish her with months in a cage.

How did we get here? And why was jail time the only remedy for a 15-year-old girl?

Simply put, the school to prison pipeline is real

Far too often, schools, prosecutors, and elected officials take a “zero tolerance” approach when dealing with behavioral problems in schools. Minor infractions like cursing, not completing homework, fighting with classmates, and missing class are seen as “criminal offenses” in the eyes of the court. And because Black communities and schools are overpoliced, Black children are disproportionately arrested and sent to juvenile detention for these minor issues.

We shouldn’t have to say this, but here we are: Kids. Do. Not. Belong. In. Cages.

#FreeGrace: Demand Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper drop all charges against Grace immediately.

At a May probation hearing for Grace, Judge Brennan, the presiding judge of the Oakland County Family Court Division, sentenced her to juvenile detention for violating her probation. Judge Brennan argued that Grace was “guilty on failure to submit to any schoolwork and getting up for school.”

Our criminal legal system is hellbent on doling out punishment to Black kids in court — their safety and wellbeing be damned. Even in the height of a deadly pandemic, Grace was separated from her family and sent to a jail facility where she’s now at a higher risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19. And that decision was upheld last week when Judge Brennan denied Grace’s tragic pleas to be released from jail.2

Thousands of Graces across the US

As shocking as her story is, there are thousands of Graces across the country — young Black girls who’ve been arrested, caged, and punished instead of receiving the counseling, mental health treatment, and academic support they need.

Tell Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper: Free Grace Now!

Too often, Black and Brown kids are funneled from their schools to juvenile detention centers for matters that should be handled at school — minor offenses like disciplinary issues, tardiness, and truancy. What Black students actually need are trained professionals who can support them through high-stress environments. That means more counselors, therapists, and mediation experts. 

Judge Brennan and the Oakland County court would rather invest in criminalizing a young Black girl than in her academic success and mental health. 

Add your name now: Stand with us to #FreeGrace. 

The criminal legal system should not have a role in disciplining our children. But because of the lack of investment in schools, teachers, and counselors, overfunded police departments, correctional systems, and jails are used as an intervention for Black kids. And the numbers speak for themselves. Black girls are six times more likely to be suspended than their white counterparts. And in Michigan, Black youth are incarcerated more than four times as often as white youth.3

Elected leaders invest hundreds of millions of dollars into policing our communities — but what would it look like if this money were given to counselors and teachers? What would it look like if resources were spent on investing in the mental health of our kids? We have to stop the systemic criminalization of Black youth starting with releases those who are needlessly incarcerated.

Grace must be released.

Until justice is real, 

Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Erika, Malachi, Marybeth, Madison, Leonard, Ernie, McKayla and the rest of the Color Of Change team

References:

1. “A Teenager Didn’t Do Her Online Schoolwork. So a Judge Sent Her to Juvenile Detention.” ProPublica. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/255754?t=10&akid=44229%2E6328536%2EpC0Xn5

2. “Michigan judge denies release of teenage girl who was jailed after not doing homework.” NBC News. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/256134?t=12&akid=44229%2E6328536%2EpC0Xn5

3. “A Teenager Didn’t Do Her Online Schoolwork. So a Judge Sent Her to Juvenile Detention.” ProPublica. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/255754?t=14&akid=44229%2E6328536%2EpC0Xn5

4. “Cops and No Counselors.” ACLU. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/134841?t=16&akid=44229%2E6328536%2EpC0Xn5

action, news, UK

Support nurse Monisola Abiodun’s fight against discrimination and oppression

Manisola Abiodun sent BLMM this appeal to raise funds to fight a civil case against her employer. She is not able to name the employer, but suffice to say it is a major general hospital in north London. Please give generously.

I am a qualified nurse with 22 years of experience. My passion has always been in cancer nursing (Haematology) I have been subjected to many forms of discrimination. In fact, I don’t remember not ever been treated as ‘less than’ my white colleagues .  Like many black nurses I got used to it (a way of protecting my feelings and to ensure that I am  focused on what was important: Patients’ care).

In the last year, my current NHS hospital employer have subjected me to unimaginableunfair treatment and this has continued. I have chosen to take the matter up legally. In all honesty, my case is not unique, but I have chosen to stand against a huge institution like my place of employment because I am just sick of it. 

I will gratefully appreciate your financial support to fight this case. I have both  a civil case and employment law case. Your financial assistance to fight these cases is most appreciated and I thank you in advance.

Monisola Abiodun fighting virus of Covid and racism

As a  BAME nurses in the NHS, significant numbers of us have been fighting the pandemic of discrimination, racism and all forms of unfair treatment and injustices for as long as we can remember. It is a virus that many of us have developed our own vaccination to combat. 

Many of us have settled for unimaginable unfairness yet the entrenchment of discrimination within the NHS does not know when to stop. The Covid-19 pandemic has shed some light on some of  the discrimination and racism in the NHS yet it appears that hospital Trusts are not taking note of this. 

I am a senior nurse. Like many, I devote my time, love, energy and passion into nursing. I have been subjected to unfair treatment at my place of work. I have been at this for a year now. It is costing me a significant amount in legal fees.

I am seeking financial assistance for legal fees in order to be able to fight the injustices that I have been subjected to. No amount is too small. I thank you for your assistance in advance for supporting me to fight the discrimination and oppression that  I have been subjected to.

action, events

End racist stop and search, scrap Section 60 – protest at Tottenham police station

There’s a protest at Tottenham police station on Saturday against stop and search

Called by Haringey Stand Up To Racism

End Stop & Search
Scrap Section 60
Ban the Taser

Peaceful Protest Saturday 11 July 12 noon – 1.30pm

outside Tottenham police station, High Road N17 9JA

Thanks to all who made last Saturday’s protest in Duckett’s Common a success. This week we take the campaign back to Tottenham Police Station on the High Road. Bring banners and placards – let’s keep up the momentum!

Black Lives Matter
This is a static, socially distanced protest. Wear a mask.

Please share and circulate to your networks.

Facebook event

Instagram here

Twitter here

Emergency protest against Cressida Dick visit on Friday 10 July,

There’s also an emergency protest tomorrow, Friday 10th against Met commissioner Cressida Dick’s visit to Tottenham.

4pm at Tottenham Hotspur Football aground, Tottenham High Road

action, news

BLM: Wales First Minister announces audit into landmarks with slavery links

From the South Wales Argus:

STREET names, statues, and building names across Wales are to be reviewed as part of plans to “challenge” controversial aspects of the nation’s history, including connections with the slave trade.

First minister Mark Drakeford has ordered an urgent “audit” of public landmarks, which will all be reviewed by a group with expert knowledge of the slave trade, the British Empire, and the history of black communities in Wales, a Welsh Government spokesperson said.

“This is not about rewriting the past – it is about reflecting it with the justice it deserves,” Mr Drakeford said in a statement.

The audit has been commissioned following the recent Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, which have brought together activists and members of the public calling for an end to racial injustice and inequality. more

https://www.facebook.com/CardiffLocalTV/videos/548543736050699/
cardiff blm protest
Around 100 people in a sleepy village near Cardiff on Saturday, where artwork was defaced that showed solidarity with the black lives matter movement. First protest in this area I think in its history. Organised by SUTR and local BLM group – report by Hussein
action, events, news, UK

Picket Labour Party NEC over anti-black racism and in solidarity with BLM – Tuesday 7th July

*Reminder: Raise *your* voices*!

Labour Black Socialist & Allies

‘Black Members Matter!’
In Solidarity & Unity with BLM

Come and join our Labour NEC Picket against Institutional & Systematic Racism in the Labour Party

ARE YOU:
ANGRY about the Lack of Opposition to Anti Black Racism (BAME) in Labour Party & Treatment of Black Members?
FRUSTRATED about the Labour Party’s SILENCE on All forms of Racism including Afriphobia, Islamaphobia?
OUTRAGED about Racism in the leaked Labour Report?
WORRIED about a Whitewash Leaked Report Inquiry?
FURIOUS at Starmer’s Dismissal of the BLM Uprising, their demands and Global Historical Importance.

Root out anti-Black racism in Labour

This is OUR MOMENT to Make Our Voices Heard

AT: LABOUR PARTY NEC EQUALITIES MEETING
Labour HQ 105 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 6QT
ON: Tuesday 7th July 2020
AT: 10 am

#BlackLabourMatterMatter #BlackLivesMatter #RootOutRacismInLabour

In Solidarity & Unity with BLM,
Sophia, Liz and Joyce.

If you are interested:

  • Join our Socially Distanced Picket
  • Wear Masks
  • Bring Banners, Flags.

For more info contact Joyce Reid: [email protected]

action

North London says no to Tasers, scrap Section 60 stop and search

Three hundred people came to Turnpike Lane today to protest against the use of Tasers by police and draconian Section 60 stop and search laws.

The protest was organised by Haringey Stand Up To Racism and supported by local Black Lives Matter groups.

Speakers included deputy leader of Haringey Council Seema Chandwani, and Andrew Boateng who’s case was recently reported by the national media after he was stopped with his son and handcuffed while on a charity ride for a community-police relations charity.

The cases of two black men (Millard Scott and Jordan Walker-Brown) tasered by police in Tottenham have come to light in recent weeks.

This follows incidents in the North, particularly in Manchester where Desmond Ziggy Mombeyarara was tasered while holding his 5-year-old child.

A rising number of cases are being recorded as police use Tasers as an offensive weapon, and not for defence as originally intended.

Section 60 is increasingly being used by police to stop and search black youth without having to give a reason. Although most stops are still under PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act), the number is falling because of campaigning against it.

In response however, police are routinely turning to the more severe public order legislation that provides police with more draconian powers.

At the request of senior officers, entire boroughs – often several at the same time – can be put under section 60 and any individual stopped and searched.

These laws are being abused to widen the oppressive overpolicing of black communities – seen most recently in the ongoing unnecessary use of force to shut down block and street parties in London and elsewhere, while allowing sunbathers to congregate in huge numbers unmolested by the authorities.

Protesting at Ducketts Common, Turnpike Lane on 4th July 2020. Pic credits: Dave Gilchrist
Andrew Boateng speaks out about the brutal racial profiling of himself and his 13-year-old son Hugo, who was handcuffed and left bruised and traumatised after the encounter with police