adams - Blogs - TheBlackList Pub2024-03-28T19:30:38Zhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/adamsOklahoma ex-cop guilty of rape in sex abuse case involving 13 womenhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/oklahoma-ex-cop-guilty-of-rape-in-sex-abuse-case-involving-132015-12-11T18:00:00.000Z2015-12-11T18:00:00.000ZNana Baakan Agyiriwahhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/NanaBaakanAgyiriwah<div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"><h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"><b><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmyHe3FROkM/VmsKBgc-CiI/AAAAAAACUEs/Y9ySWVQ7Mk8/s400/Daniel%2BHoltzclaw-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmyHe3FROkM/VmsKBgc-CiI/AAAAAAACUEs/Y9ySWVQ7Mk8/s400/Daniel%2BHoltzclaw-2.jpg" class="align-full" alt="Daniel%2BHoltzclaw-2.jpg" /></a>NB Commentary:</i></b></span> <span style="font-size:14pt;">It boggles the mind that people fall apart when the gavel comes down on their heads, when they had no compunction when bringing the gavel down on another's. This happens over and over again. The serial killer doesn't want to die... the serial rapist fears being raped.. What is it and where is the disconnect? How do you explain this in any logical terms? One guilty verdict is enough.....to send this man whirling into the path of destruction..... there were too many to count in this case. And while he may suffer the punishment of his crimes, the women whom he hurt will have a lifetime of recovery from it. Cause punishing him will only be like a band aide on cancer. I hope these women can get the help they need over the long term.</span></h2></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"><div style="font-family:Cambria;margin:0in;"><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"><strong>And then you have <i>THIS GUY</i>. I can't help but wonder where do they find these people. Who remembers the black friend who defended Zimmerman?? Strange indeed.</strong></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;text-align:center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZprfFtnIpRc/VmsFhSruAiI/AAAAAAACUEk/ml1T0eDleJo/s1600/Black%2Bfriend%2Bdefends%2BHoltzclaw.PNG" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZprfFtnIpRc/VmsFhSruAiI/AAAAAAACUEk/ml1T0eDleJo/s400/Black%2Bfriend%2Bdefends%2BHoltzclaw.PNG" width="400" alt="Black%2Bfriend%2Bdefends%2BHoltzclaw.PNG" /></a></div><div style="margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:11pt;margin:0in;"></div><br /><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;font-weight:bold;margin:0in;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.koco.com/news/friend-cant-fathom-that-accusations-against-daniel-holtzclaw-are-true/36415828">Source Video Here</a> </div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;font-weight:bold;margin:0in;text-align:center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wbZGjMckHw/U1DGC-hE4aI/AAAAAAABo1k/XVC0urawS5E/s1600/banner%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wbZGjMckHw/U1DGC-hE4aI/AAAAAAABo1k/XVC0urawS5E/s320/banner%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" alt="banner%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></div></div></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;text-align:center;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;text-align:center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ImX003hG54?wmode=opaque"></iframe></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;text-align:center;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Daniel Holtzclaw, a former Oklahoma City police officer, sobs as the verdict is read on Thursday.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Holtzclaw was convicted of 18 of the 36 counts he faced, including four counts of first-degree rape, related to accusations that he victimized 13 black women.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"><br /> A former Oklahoma City police officer was convicted Thursday of raping and sexually victimizing eight women on his police beat in a minority, low-income neighborhood.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Daniel Holtzclaw, who turned 29 Thursday, sobbed as the verdict was read aloud. Jurors convicted him on 18 counts involving eight of the 13 women who had accused him; the jury acquitted him on another 18 counts.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">He could spend the rest of his life in prison based on the jury's recommendation that he serve a total of 263 years, including a 30-year sentence on each of four first-degree rape convictions. He was also convicted of forcible oral sodomy, sexual battery, procuring lewd exhibition and second-degree rape.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The jury deliberated for about 45 hours over four days. Holtzclaw's sentencing is set for Jan. 21. A judge will decide whether he will have to serve the sentences consecutively.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Holtzclaw's father — a police officer in Enid, about 100 miles northwest of Oklahoma City — his mother and sister were in the courtroom as the verdict was read. At least one accuser was present, as well as several black community leaders. Seven armed deputies were stationed around the room.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Holtzclaw's defense attorney, Scott Adams, declined to comment after the verdict was read.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">"Justice was done today, and a criminal wearing a uniform is going to prison now," Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said. "In those counts where the not guilty verdicts came back, they determined that we didn't prove those cases beyond a reasonable doubt. It doesn't mean they didn't believe the victims."</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The lead detective in the case, Kim Davis, said after the verdict: "I feel horrible for his family. It's brutal, but I think justice was served."</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The allegations against Holtzclaw brought new attention to the problem of sexual misconduct committed by law enforcement officers, something police chiefs have studied for years.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">During a monthlong trial, jurors heard from 13 women who said Holtzclaw sexually victimized them. Most of them said Holtzclaw stopped them while out on patrol, searched them for outstanding warrants or checked to see if they were carrying drug paraphernalia, then forced himself on them.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Holtzclaw's attorney, meanwhile, described him as a model police officer whose attempts to help the drug addicts and prostitutes he came in contact with were distorted.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Among the eight women Holtzclaw was convicted of attacking was a grandmother in her 50s, who launched the police investigation and who was in the courtroom Thursday. She said she was driving home after 2 a.m. when Holtzclaw pulled her over. He first asked her if she had been drinking, then ordered her out of the car and into the backseat of his squad car. He then stood over her and ordered her to perform oral sex.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The woman was tearful after the verdict and prayed with supporters outside the courtroom.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmyHe3FROkM/VmsKBgc-CiI/AAAAAAACUEs/Y9ySWVQ7Mk8/s1600/Daniel%2BHoltzclaw-2.jpg" style="margin-left:1em;margin-right:1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmyHe3FROkM/VmsKBgc-CiI/AAAAAAACUEs/Y9ySWVQ7Mk8/s400/Daniel%2BHoltzclaw-2.jpg" width="400" alt="Daniel%2BHoltzclaw-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;text-align:center;"></div><div style="margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"><span style="font-size:14pt;">She was the first victim to testify. The last was a teenager who was 17 when Holtzclaw attacked her. Holtzclaw was convicted of three charges related to her case: first-degree rape, second-degree rape and sexual battery.</span></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The teenager recalled Holtzclaw pulling up in his police car as she walked home one night in June 2014. Holtzclaw drove her home and walked her to her door, where he told her he had to search her. She said he grabbed her breasts, then pulled down her shorts before forcing them off and raping her.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Despite the number of victims, the case presented prosecutors with several challenges.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Many of the women had arrest records or histories of drug abuse. Holtzclaw's attorney made those issues a cornerstone of his defense strategy. Adams questioned several women at length about whether they were high when they allegedly encountered Holtzclaw. He also pointed out that most did not come forward until police identified them as possible victims after launching their investigation.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Ultimately, that approach did not sway the jury to dismiss all the women's stories.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Holtzclaw was convicted of one of two charges related to a woman who testified he gave her a ride home, then followed her into her bedroom where he forced himself on her and raped her, telling her, "This is better than county jail."</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">That woman testified in orange scrubs and handcuffs because she had been jailed on drug charges hours before appearing in court. But the jury still convicted Holtzclaw of forcible oral sodomy in her case.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">All of the accusers were black. Holtzclaw is half-white, half-Japanese. The jury appeared to all be white, though Oklahoma court officials said they did not have race information for jurors. Some supporters of the women questioned whether the jury would fairly judge their allegations.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">A former college football star, Holtzclaw joined law enforcement after a brief attempt at pursuing an NFL career. Oklahoma City police chief Bill Citty fired Holtzclaw before the trial began.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Citty said in a statement Thursday night that the department was satisfied with the outcome of the "long and difficult trial and deliberation process."</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">"We are satisfied with the jury's decision and firmly believe justice was served," the statement said.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">Holtzclaw's case was among those examined in an Associated Press investigation of sexual misconduct by law enforcement. The AP's yearlong probe revealed about 1,000 officers had lost their licenses for sex crimes or other sexual misconduct over a six-year period. Holtzclaw was not included in that count because he has not yet lost his license.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The AP's finding is undoubtedly an undercount of the problem of sexual abuse in law enforcement. Not every state has a process for banning problem officers from re-entering law enforcement, known as decertification. And of those states that do, great variations exist in whether officers are prosecuted or reported to their state licensing boards.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The mother of the 17-year-old victim told The Associated Press on Thursday night that she feels like justice has been served. The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of sex crimes and is not using the mother's name so as not to identify her daughter.</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;">The mother said she believes the type of police crime brought to light by the Holtzclaw case "isn't just a problem in Oklahoma — it's a problem for the nation."</div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;font-style:italic;margin:0in;"><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-oklahoma-officer-daniel-holtzclaw-trial-20151210-story.html">Associated Press</a></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div><div style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:14pt;margin:0in;"></div></div></div>Brooklyn Poll Site Changes After Hurricane Sandy from State Senator Eric Adamshttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/brooklyn-poll-site-changes-after-hurricane-sandy-from-state2012-11-06T11:00:00.000Z2012-11-06T11:00:00.000ZGloria Dulan-Wilsonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/GloriaDulanWilson<div><p><span style="color:#993300;"><strong><span class="font-size-4"><span class="font-size-3">by Gloria Dulan-Wilson<br /></span></span></strong></span></p><div id="rootDiv"><div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding-bottom:10px;" align="center"><div style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:8pt;color:#000000;width:600px;" align="left"></div></div><div align="center"><table style="background-color:#ffffff;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><table style="width:600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="600"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="100%" align="left"><table id="content_LETTER.BLOCK1" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.9" alt="From the Desk of NYS Senator Eric Adams . . ." vspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs025/1105463481923/img/9.jpg" width="596" id="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.9" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color:#4d82aa;padding:1px;" bgcolor="#4D82AA" valign="top" align="left"><table style="background-color:#a9c5e2;" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" bgcolor="#A9C5E2"><tbody><tr><td class="HeaderBG" valign="top" width="100%" colspan="2" align="left"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="100%" colspan="2"><table style="background-color:#ffffff;border-color:#000000;border-width:5px;border-style:solid;" id="content_LETTER.BLOCK3" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align:left;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#3d3d3d;" valign="top" align="left"><img border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.243" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs133/1105463481923/img/243.jpg" width="568" id="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.243" alt="243.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="width:400px;padding:5px;" valign="top" width="400" align="left"></td><td style="width:200px;padding:5px;" valign="top" width="200" align="left"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td height="10" valign="top" width="100%" colspan="3" align="left"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="background-color:#ffffff;" align="center"><table style="text-align:left;" id="footerPanelWrap" border="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><div><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif">NYS Senator Eric Adams <span style="color:#bababa;">|</span> 1669 Bedford Avenue <span style="color:#bababa;">|</span> 2nd Floor <span style="color:#bababa;">|</span> Brooklyn <span style="color:#bababa;">|</span> NY <span style="color:#bababa;">|</span> 11225</font><div style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:12px;" align="left"><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif"> </font></div><br /><div style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:12px;" align="left"><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif"><br /><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Beatrice DuPont</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Subject: Obama Election Info, Tomorrow</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"><strong><span class="font-size-3"> </span></strong></span><br /><br />Obama Election Info:<br /><br />The Republican Record of bills put forth by Obama and the Democratic Party that were designed to help the majority of people in our country as well as small business owners:<br />Tax companies that ship jobs overseas –BLOCKED<br />The Dream Act – BLOCKED<br />Political Ad disclosure Bill – BLOCKED 2x<br />Small Business Jobs Act – BLOCKED 2x<br />Anti- Rape Amendment – BLOCKED<br />Benefits for Homeless Veterans – BLOCKED<br />Affordable Healthcare for America – Voted 33x to Repeal Healthcare for the 9/11 First Responders – BLOCKED<br />The Jobs Bill – BLOCKED<br />Wall Street Reform – BLOCKED<br />Oil Spill Liability – BLOCKED<br />Immigration Reform – BLOCKED<br />Fair Pay Act of 2009 – BLOCKED and DEFEATED<br />Unemployment Extension Bill – BLOCKED<br />========================<br /><br />Could REPUBLICANS hate Obama because he has been able to do what they failed to do?:<br />1. Affordable Care Act<br />2. $789B economic stimulus package<br />3. U.S. auto industry bail out (GM and Chrysler)<br />4. Cash for clunkers<br />5. Incentives for buyers of hybrid automobiles<br />6. Housing rescue plan and incentives for first time home buyers<br />7. Credits for purchasers of energy efficient appliances<br />8. Equal pay for women<br />9. $716B MEDICARE savings over next 10 years to keep program solvent<br />10. Lower drug costs for seniors and elimination of donut hole<br />11. Ended policy forbidding Medicare from negotiating for cheaper drugs.<br />12. Limited lobbyist’s access to the White House<br />13. Ended the war in Iraq<br />14. Closed secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and ended renditions<br />15. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell and biomedical research<br />16. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect<br />17. Funded high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools<br />18. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children<br />19. Expanded Pell grant program and implemented easier loan repayment policy<br />20. Phased out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems<br />21. The Guantanamo prison camp is being phased out<br />22. Torture banned. U.S. now in compliance with the Geneva Convention<br />23. Better body armor provided to our troops<br />24. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear inspection talks<br />25. Increased pay and benefits for military personnel<br />26. Improved housing for military personnel and veterans benefits<br />27. Proposed a Veterans Jobs Act (filibustered by the GOP 3 weeks ago)<br />28. Ended no-bid defense contract policy<br />29. Closed offshore tax havens (sorry Mitt)<br />30. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to allow US government access to records of tax evaders and criminals<br />31. Ended tax benefits to corporations that outsource American jobs<br />32. Championed credit card consumer protection legislation<br />33. Expanded loans and tax credits to small businesses<br />34. Appointed the first Latina to the Supreme Court<br />35. Limited salaries of senior White House aides to $100,000<br />36. Renewed loan guarantees for IsraelOrdered the raid that killed Osama bin Laden and authorized drone strikes against Al Qaeda targets in Pakistan, Yemen and other countries<br /><br />Bea<br /><br /><br />---------- Forwarded message ----------<br />From: <b class="yiv1926282729gmail_sendername">Joe Biden</b> <span dir="ltr"><<a>info@barackobama.com</a>></span><br />Date: Mon, Nov 5, 2012 at 6:03 PM<br />Subject: Tomorrow<br />To: Beatrice DuPont <<a>bdpnt104a@gmail.com</a>></font></div><div style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:12px;" align="left"><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif"> </font></div><div style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:12px;" align="left"><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif"> </font></div><div style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:12px;" align="left"><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif"> </font></div><div style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:12px;" align="left"><font style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;" color="#000000" size="1" face="tahoma,sans-serif"> </font></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><img src="http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?t=1111471518611.0.1105463481923.21453&ts=S0839&o=http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif" width="1" height="1" alt="p1x1.gif" /></div></div>Medgar Evers Coalition for Academic Excellence Makes a Big Showing at the Black, Puerto Rican & Asian Caucushttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/medgar-evers-coalition-for2011-03-01T04:31:23.000Z2011-03-01T04:31:23.000ZTheBlackListhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/TheBlackList<div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10697937958373924179" target="_blank"><img alt="My Photo" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HiRqRhD2pk/S5rhtBSaC9I/AAAAAAAAAC8/AUlXfdUVyGo/S220/Gloria+Dulan-Wilson" height="60" width="80" /></a> <br /><span><span> </span></span></div>
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<div><div><div><div><h2><span>Monday, February 28, 2011</span></h2>
<div><div><div><a></a><div>By <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="http://gmail.com" target="_blank">Gloria Dulan-Wilson</a></span><br /><br />Well now that I've recouped from one of the busiest weekends of Black History Month, I have finally gathered up the strength and energy to write this article. <br /><br />The MEC Coalition took its concerns to Albany last weekend, during the 40th Annual Black and Puerto Rican and Asian Legislative Caucus and placed it squarely on the plates of the elected officials. <br /><br />Armed with petitions, flyers, parent, student and educator support, they spoke individually and collectively with the elected officials in regards to the egregious acts that have been lodged against New York's only predominantly Black college.<br /><br />The center of the controversy, William Pollard, newly selected president chosen to replace the outgoing Edison Jackson, who retired after 20 years of successfully leading and expanding the college from a near failure to one of immeasurable success; closely followed by his hand-picked provost Howard Johnson, appeared to have had the same idea. They sponsored a bus with students from Medgar Evers, in an effort to put on a dog and pony show, to persuade the officials that they were doing a positive job. <br /><br />However, their efforts fell far short of their mark, despite a well crafted speech delivered by State Senator Eric Adams. His support of academic excellence, is of course, laudable. Something all can agree to. However, his speech, eloquent though it was, does not assuage the fact that Pollard and Johnson have eviscerated several essential programs that were part and parcel of what made Medgar Evers such a great success: The Center for NU Leadership, started by Dr. Divine Pryor, and recruited on to the campus as an integral part of their outreach by Dr. Jackson; and the DuBois Bunche Institute, founded and fostered by former Assemblymember Roger Green, Congressman Major Owens, among others, were both ousted from the campus - for what purpose? And what did the termination of these programs have to do with academic excellence? Additionally, MEC had the only Black Think Tank on campus, comprised of historical figures, entrepreneurs, political leaders, formerly elected officials, all of whom were drawing cards for other programs and funding sources. (It should also be noted that the program ended abruptly after Senator Adams' speech, and members of the audience were not afforded the opportunity of asking questions or making comments).<br /><br />But back on the subject of academic excellence: One wonders what the rationale could have been for curtailing open enrollment for students who were aspiring to new career goals? Congressman Owens, who was part of the originating members who supported the establishment of Medgar Evers reminded us all that the premise of the school was based on the concept of <span style="font-weight:bold;">COMMUNIVERSITY<span style="font-style:italic;"> </span></span>. And that there were several contracts drawn between the community and the CUNY bigwigs have been thrown under the bus. <br /><br />It's clear that things are very much amiss at the college. In fact, anyone walking through the corridors, which were once alive with engaged students, will readily notice the ghost-town like appearance of the halls. Gone are the encouraging bulletin boards, the announcements of opportunities for student participation and achievements that used to populate the walls.<br /><br />Albany became the line drawn in the sand. At a meeting held Saturday, February 19, caucus members came to hear the concerns of the MEC Coalition, and left determined that there would be no additional funding or other concessions until things were rectified at the campus.<br /><br />Chancellor Goldstein, who backs Pollard and Johnson, has taken out full page ads in predominantly African American papers trying to thwart the growing discontent among the faculty, staff, and community. The Amsterdam News recently ran a headline stating the students at MEC were "clueless" about what was transpiring at the campus. The facts, however, are that the student organizations have been threatened with funding cuts if they participate in, or evidence any concern about the new regime. A regime that has largely targeted them for extinction, while simultaneously looking to replace them with students outside the boundaries of the Brooklyn community from which a large majority of the student body originates. <br /><br />Actually, the more telling problem is that they are actually looking to supplant the New York student body completely by giving priority to foreign students who are coming in from other countries, paying high prices to attend CUNY Schools while the neighborhood gets priced out of the market. As it is, prices have crept up for education at our city "owned" university over the past few decades, with students who would otherwise have the right to a free education, paying almost as much as they would to go to a private college or university. In spite of that factor, the CUNY system is constantly crying broke - wonder who is monitoring their budgets? <br /><br />Medgar Evers was, for all intents and purposes, not supposed to succeed. In fact the first four presidents, prior to the hiring of Edison Jackson, were major disasters. It was as if the CUNY higher ups were deliberately picking miscreants, who were clueless about the mission and intent of the college, which was named after slain Civil Rights leader, Medgar Wiley Evers. The appointment of the current president, is reminiscient of the earlier selections, who had no understanding or concern for the community; had little respect for or alliegience to the faculty and staff, and were largely there as place holders while the school slowly declined. <br /><br />Such a decline would open the door for the CUNY higher ups to step in conveniently and take over the school, reshaping it so that it no longer serves the purpose of providing a quality educational millieu for African/African American/Caribbean students who have found success in a school that has been the underpinning of their success over the past two decades. (Pollard is alleged to have made threats to curtail financial assistance for several Caribbean-American students, stating they were receiving the assistance illegally).<br /><br />When compared to other HBCUs, Medgar Evers existence is a drop in the bucket, having only been here a mere 26 years. But their progress has been meteoric. That is until the 2009. <br /><br />The upshot of the Caucus weekend, however, is that the efforts to make it appear as if all was well at MEC, may well have backfired. Several of the pols who attended the meeting with the coalition, most notably Senator Kevin Parker, and Assemblymember Inez Barron, have vowed not to provide any additional funds to CUNY in general and Medgar Evers in particular until the problems are rectified, the programs are reinstated, and person more in keeping with the mission of Medgar Evers is brought on board to lead the college. This time a full fledged search must be launched to make sure that the right one is appointed- no more hastily selected individuals of questionable backgrounds. <br /><br />Assemblymember Jeffries, and other elected officials are planning to hold hearings into the circumstances under which the current president was selected, as well as to the recent discontinuations of programs that had been beneficial to the campus, and the blocking of grants that would have enhanced several programs that had been in existence for quite some time. (Still don't understand why Carver Bank's ATMs were taken out and replaced by CitiBank. It may not be in the purview of the elected officials, but inquiring minds want to know.)<br /><br />The New York State Panhellenic Council (comprised of the major Black Fraternities and Sororities) have likewise agreed to look into what is happening with Medgar Evers' students, and the policies that appear to be aimed at undermining its status as the only Black college in New York. It should be remembered that prior to her untimely, tragic death, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Director of Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs, was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Former President, Edison Jackson, was an active member of Phi Beta Sigma, hosting many student orient programs and scholarship award ceremonies at the campus. Irregardless of whether there are active faternities or sororities at Medgar Evers, the Pan Hellenic Council deem it important to take an active interest in the preservation of Medgar Evers as a predominantly Black college. This is refreshing, since Pollard has claimed that he was not brought to Medgar Evers to head a Black college. <br /><br />Rev. Al Sharpton stated in his address to the Caucus church goers at the Wilborn Temple in Albany, we have far too many among us who have title without responsibility; who are in positions of power, but are not standing for those made it possible for them to be in that position. Who serve more as a blockage to progress, than a conduit.<br /><br />It appears that Pollard has been brought into this situation for that purpose; in a which he is not suited- at least not by our standards of quality (though he may well be serving the purposes of the chancellor). And since he was not brought here to be the president of a Black college; it may well have been a case of mistaken identity. He does look a lot like us. But there the similarity ends sharply: <span style="font-weight:bold;">MEDGAR EVERS IS A BLACK COLLEGE.</span> It was from the inception, and will continue to be so, despite his or Johnson's or Goldstein's efforts to the contrary. <br /><br />Academic excellence is not born of destroying programs; it comes from bringing in quality faculty; it comes from providing a millieu of growth, exploration, creativity, and progressive programs. It does not come via demoralization an0d intimidation, inuendos and reprisals. It comes through attracting the brightest and the best via those who are already a beacon for the school; not undermining that beacon, and engendering the ire of an entire community.<br /><br />A series of television broadcasts via Manhattan Neighborhood Network, (MNN), will further discuss these and other concerns roiling around Medgar Evers College. Check your satellite and cable listings for dates and times. (Of course I will post it as part of my even alert as soon as I have additional information.)<br /><br />But the main point is this -- to Brooklynites, and all residents of New York, whether or not you have or ever plan to attend Medgar Evers College - this is yet another attack on a Black institution. This is another incursion into our community, with the aim and goal of decimating us, demoralizing us, and depriving us of something that we have worked hard for and built with blood, sweat, tears, pride and respect. <br /><br />My question to you is this: <span style="font-weight:bold;">NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?</span> <br /><br />To lend your support contact the <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="mailto:meccoalitation@gmail.com" target="_blank">meccoalitation@gmail.com</a>,</span> contact your churches, elected officials, community based organizations, and make yourselves a committee of one to demand the cessation of the dismantling of Medgar Evers and the reinstatement of programs that have been unfairly curtailed; and the reinstatement of open enrollment for students in the Brooklyn community. You are the people with the power; this is your community; Medgar Evers came about as the result of your efforts. Stand up, be seen, be heard, be counted, be respected. <br /><br />STAY BLESSED &<br />ECLECTICALLY BLACK<br />Gloria Dulan-Wilson</div>
<div><div><span>Posted by <span>Gloria Dulan-Wilson</span></span> <span>at <a title="permanent link" href="http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/2011/02/medgar-evers-coalitiion-for-academic.html" target="_blank"><abbr title="2011-02-28T20:13:00-05:00">8:13 PM</abbr></a></span> <span><span><a title="Email Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=8661755859413500477&postID=7795356431109351128" target="_blank"><img src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif" height="13" width="18" alt="icon18_email.gif" /></a></span> <span><a title="Edit Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8661755859413500477&postID=7795356431109351128" target="_blank"><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" height="18" width="18" alt="icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" /></a></span></span></div>
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