The NYPD is out of controll - protest the police murder of Sean Bell
The International Action Center encourages everyone to come out Wednesday for this emergency protest, called by the December 12th Movement:
NYC Police Are Out Of Control!
City-Wide Demonstration [at] NYPD Headquarters One Police Plaza, Downtown NYC, Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 4:30pm
New York - The November 25th NYPD 50 bullet fusillade, resulting in the murder of unarmed Sean Bell, underscores the urgent need for a fundamental change in the NYC police department. The New York City Police Department has escalated its aggression toward the Black community across the city. Community leaders are mobilizing a grassroots resistance movement to demand Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly rein in their rabid police force.
"Petty incidents like sitting on your front porch; or drinking an open beer or playing your music too loud in your yard at a family barbeque are treated like acts of terrorism. Swarms of police descend on the hapless victim and the situation quickly escalates to police brutality, false arrests and imprisonment," said Kamau Brown of Bedford Stuyvesant. "It`s happening all over the city. We have to back them up and the only way we can is to mobilize and organize against it together. One by one we can`t win, but together we can."
The December 12th Movement, a human rights organization, will lead a protest rally to "Resist Fascism and the Rise of the American Police State," on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 4:30pm at NYPD Headquarters - One Police Plaza, Downtown NYC. Community activists, elected officials, and grassroots community residents will speak out about what is happening `on the ground` in the domestic war zone.
The issues on the agenda include the police profiling of Black youth; NYPD / Homeland Security occupation of the Black community; police aggression, harassment and overkill, as well as President Bush's assault on Habeas Corpus; the erosion of civil rights; and Iraq war for oil.
for more information: 718-398-1766
Also --don't miss these important upcoming events: TUES, Dec 5 Troops OUT Now Coalition meeting at 7 pm at 55 West 17th St, 5th Floor
THUR, Dec 7 at 9 am at Foley Square and 10 am - fill the court room for Leonard Peltier - Demand the release of FBI documents.
SAT, Dec 9 On the 25th Anniversary of Mumia Abu-Jamal's Arrest . 11:30 am Gather at Philadelphia City Hall - 12 pm March to AFSC @15th & Cherry St. For bus info call 212-633-6646 (bus will return in time for Lynne Stewart event - see below).
SAT, Dec 9 Ode to Joy & Struggle 7 pm till ....... Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South , New York City, Speakers include: Lynne Stewart, Pam Africa--International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Robert Meeropol, Executive Director, Rosenberg Fund for Children
HELP on the BIG End-of-the-year Mailing at the IAC EVERY DAY from 2 to 7 pm this week. This is a Holiday Party with food, music and great political discussion
AND on DECEMBER 31 - Join us for the IAC's NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
TONC photos: Monica Moorehead and Deirdre Griswold
Dec. 22—Demonstrators lined the opposite ends of the Brooklyn Bridge tonight to express their solidarity with Transport Workers Union Local 100. The union carried out a heroic three-day strike against the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which had tried to pressure the workers into accepting givebacks during contract talks. The strike ended today as both sides agreed to reopen negotiations.
During the strike, representatives of many community, trade union and political groups formed New Yorkers in Solidarity with Transit Workers. A number of those groups participated in today’s action, which reached out to thousands of people walking across the bridge during the evening rush hour. Their banners, placards and leaflets got a positive response from many of the New Yorkers, who indicated they supported the strike and the demonstration. Even motorists stopped to take leaflets.
The groups included in tonight’s action were CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities, Justice Committee, Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), the Korean organization NODUTDOL, International Action Center, United Federation of Teachers, Audre Lorde Project, al-Awda Right to Return, Million Worker March Movement, December 12 Movement, Jobs with Justice, the youth group Fight Imperialism-Stand Together (FIST), Harlem Tenants Council, Troops Out Now Coalition and Workers World Party.
The demonstrators passed out thousands of leaflets and stickers that explained the important issues behind the strike, including the right to health care and pensions for all workers. Among the many chants heard throughout the solidarity action was: “Transit workers deserve a hug, Bloomberg is a racist thug!” Billionaire Bloomberg had publicly called the strike leaders “thuggish.” TWU President Roger Toussaint, along with Reverends Al Sharpton and Herbert Daughtry, denounced Bloomberg’s statement as racist. Local 100 is predominately made up of workers of color and immigrants.
Support the TWU
Stand in Solidarity with the Transit Worker Strike!
Thursday, December 22 4-6 pm Assemble on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge
NYC Transport Workers Union rally At the union rally outside New York Gov. George Pataki's office on Dec. 19, the day before the TWU strike. Watch Requires Quicktime
We stand in soldarity with the transit workers because we know that this strike represents us too.
For too long the corporate bankers and the government officials that go along with them have been robbing poor and working class people. Join us Thursday to stand with the brave working people of the TWU who have stood up to the corrupt MTA and the billionaire Bloomberg. Bring signs, placards, noise makers, and let's show the TWU that the people of New York are behind them.
How you can help:
1) Call to find local organizing centers where you can pick up flyers, stickers, etc.: 212.633.6646
4) Call Governor Pataki - The TWU is asking supporters to call the MTA (212-878-7274) and Governor Pataki (518-474-7516) - The MTA and the Governor forced the transit strike; it 's time for them to stop it by giving the workers a fair contract.
The Troops Out Now Coalition (TONC) is a national grassroots coalition of antiwar activists, trade unionists, solidarity activists and community organizers.
For more information, or to find out how you can get involved, visit our homepage at TroopsOutNow.org
