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Progressive Action Roundtable: A forum for progressive groups in the Greater New Haven Area where actions and ideas may be publicized so that others are aware of peace, health, justice, energy, environmental and other issues for the common good.

Archive for category Human Rights

Reclaiming the Struggle in 2012

Jan 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Human Rights | No Comments

By Joelle Fishman, People’s World

This year’s 38th annual African American History Month Celebration hosted by the People’s World will highlight the theme, “‘We who believe in freedom cannot rest’ – Reclaiming the Struggle in 2012.”  The event will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Peoples Center, 37 Howe St. The program will include awards and recognition to all participants in the high school arts and writing competition. Deadline for entries is Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.

Guest speaker Raglan George, Executive Director of AFSCME District Council 1707 in New York which represents home health care and child care workers, will address the challenges of extreme inequality in our nation, the rising fight back and the 2012 elections.

He will also share recollections of Henry Winston on his 100th birth year. Winston, who grew up in a sharecropping family, organized African American youth in the South in the 1930s and later served for 20 years as national Chair of the Communist Party USA. He was among the national CPUSA leaders jailed for their ideas in the 1950s who were later exonerated. Winston lost his eyesight while in prison, unable to get health care due to racism. He declared, “they have taken my sight, but they can never take my vision.”

Pictures drawn by children on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday celebration at Peabody Museum will also be on exhibit. Donation is $5, with buffet included. For more information call (203) 624-8664.

The People’s World is also sponsoring a coach bus to New York on Sunday, Feb. 19, for a special Henry Winston centennial program including Angela Davis, Jarvis Tyner and more.

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Promoting Enduring Peace on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

Jan 29

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By Augusta Girard, Program Coordinator, Promoting Enduring Peace

PEP spent the day on Monday, January 16 at the Peabody Museum. As a video of Martin Luther King and the causes he fought for played on my laptop I tried to show the children what he did to fight for equality and freedom and how it isn’t much different today. People are still fighting for what they believe in; for things that still need to change. I asked them to make a protest sign as if they were going to march as MLK started over 50 years ago. I asked them what was important to them. The ages ranged from approximately 5 to 11. Overwhelmingly most wanted peace.

The following quotes (word for word) were taken from signs made by a handful of the children:

“Give Peace a Chance” “World Peace is Important” “We should have peace to the environment, the world. And it does not matter about your skin color and don’t let that get in your way” “Your gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do!! I’m different and so you are to. Don’t abuse other people just because they are different”  “NO DISCRIMINATION We are all equal” “Save the Earth”  “Animal Abuse is Wrong” “We want people to be friends” “Stop all Racism in the world.”

In the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., we should all champion the diversity we find around us, by increasing our knowledge about different groups. “Fear, begot by ignorance, can be overcome, because ignorance can be remedied.”

At the end of his legacy, Dr. King was looking not just at issues of race, but he also became more broadly concerned about social justice. Environmental justice is social justice. Although the Environmental Justice movement was not directly conceived by Dr. King, it embodies his spirit. Promoting Enduring Peace has taken on the task of joining the Peace, Social Justice and Environmental movements.

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”  ? Martin Luther King Jr.

To see the presentation go to http://www.pepeace.org/ (Click on Sliderocket presentation)

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Justice for Jewu!

Jan 29

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By Deb Malatesta, ANSWER, CT

On Jan. 16, 2010, Jewu Richardson fought for his life after being brutally shot just inches from his heart by a New Haven police officer while he was sitting in his car, unarmed with his hands raised in submission.

At the time of the shooting, Jewu was awaiting the start of a highly publicized Federal lawsuit against the City of New Haven after he served time for drugs planted on him by the federally-indicted NHPD Narcotics Task Force under Billy White.

In January 2006, New Haven Police Department Narcotics Task force planted drugs on Jewu and arrested him. For 13 months, Jewu sat in jail.  The day before his jury trial was to begin, Billy White and his thugs were arrested by the FBI on charges of bribery, theft of government funds, criminal conspiracy to name a few.  When Jewu arrived at the courthouse the prosecutor had filed a 30 day continuance. The prosecutor knew he had no case when the officers who accused Jewu were in jail on federal charges of conspiracy. Two days later, the prosecutor, judge and Jewu’s attorney met secretly and nollied the case without consulting him.  After Jewu spent thirteen months in jail, they claimed there is not enough evidence to prosecute. In response, Jewu filed a motion for complete dismissal of all charges. And in 2008, Jewu filed a Federal lawsuit against the City of New Haven, New Haven Police Department, Chief of Police and the officers involved.

In 2009, cops began harassing and intimidating Jewu. On January 16th, 2010, they shot him in the chest through the windshield of his car to silence him for good.
The NHPD is now charging him with 1st degree assault of a police officer, an attempt by the NHPD to justify his near-fatal shooting.  He’s facing 20 years in jail. But as Jewu says, “They tried to kill me and I should be dead, but they messed up.  They messed up big time.”

Jewu is a father, a psychology student, and a community activist. Don’t let him go to jail for a crime that he did not commit.  Justice for Jewu!   For more information contact www.justiceforjewu.com.

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‘Breach of Peace’ march in New Haven goes off without a hitch

Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Environment, General, Human Rights | No Comments

– Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor, New Haven Register

NEW HAVEN ? Communities came together Saturday afternoon under the banner of a “Breach of Peace” march against police brutality. Members of Occupy New Haven met with representatives from People Against Police Brutality, Blacks and Latinos United, Unidad Latina en Accion and Frontline Soldiers at Chapel and Day streets and then moved the protest to the detention center on Whalley Avenue. About 50 people participated, according to Jewu Richardson of New Haven, a speaker against brutality.

While the relationship between New Haven police and occupiers on the Green has been positive, Occupy movements across the country have experienced mistreatment from police, “so we’re standing in solidarity with them,” and other local issues, Richardson said.

“We’re standing strong with the     community. We’re standing up for people’s rights,” said Jennifer, a part-time occupier from Hamden.

Read the complete article online at:

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/12/17/news/new_haven/doc4eed5bd8a7b47596766917.txt

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Possibly wrongful conviction of Ronald Taylor will never be overturned

Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Human Rights | No Comments

– Gregory B. Hladky, CT.com/news/advocates

Even if it’s eventually proven that Ronald Taylor never took part in the 1993 New Haven murder of Eugenio Deleon Vega, he will never be vindicated in Connecticut courts because he died too soon. That was the ruling last week by state Superior Court Judge Samuel J. Sferrazza, who told Taylor’s wife and lawyer that the only way to overturn Taylor’s conviction was a new trial and that’s impossible now. Taylor, 52, succumbed to colon cancer in late October.

He and George Gould spent nearly 16 years in state prison for the killing of that New Haven bodega owner. Read the complete article at:

http://www.ct.com/news/advocates/latest-news/nm-ff52upfront-briefgouldtaylor-20111221,0,7486059.story

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New Haven/Leon Sister City Project for 2012: An Invitation to Make a Difference

Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, Human Rights | No Comments

– Chris Schweitzer, NHLSCP

New Haven/Leon Sister City Project is launching a new campaign in 2012…WalkBikeTransit…which will educate people about the links between food insecurity in rural communities around the world, climate change and their transportation choices, in particular, car use. Go to www.newhavenleon.org to learn more or get involved, or to take the WalkBikeTransit pledge to help create a healthier world in 2012.

Support Food Security work in Goyena, Nicaragua, including pilot projects and community education led by the Environmental Youth Brigade. Make a year-end tax deductible donation to expand this important work. Volun-teer with these or other efforts at New Haven/Leon SCP.

New Haven/Leon Sister City Project works to promote social justice in Nicaragua and Connecticut.  For more information call (203) 562-1607 or see: www.newhavenleon.org;  nh@newhavenleon.org;  www.facebook.com/newhavenleon.

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Save Jeju — Island Of World Peace

Dec 1

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Human Rights, Peace | No Comments

— Mary Compton, Greater New Haven Peace Council

On Saturday, October 29, during the Autumn Nor’easter, at the New Haven Public Library, Ms. Youn Ae Park spoke with a strong voice of optimism about the fierce non-violent struggles of the people of Gangjeong Village, to save Jeju Island.  Citizens are risking their lives to stop the construction of a Korean Naval Base which will “become part of the U.S. missile defense system to contain China.” The base is being built on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve and a Geological Park.  UNESCO staff is working relentlessly in Jeju to publicly speak out on this issue.  Citizens claim their consent was not obtained in a fair democratic process.  The Mayor of Gangjeong Village has been imprisoned for over 70 days along with two of his colleagues.

It is so important for you to write to your representative and senator, the U.S. Korean Ambassador Sung Kim, and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. One letter does make a difference, when we all do it. If we are to succeed in saving the unique places on earth and the livelihood of people living in these places, we must work hard together to do all that we can. The treasured places of beauty on the earth are being destroyed by forces of militarism; once they are gone, we will not be able to replace them. We must do all we can to prevent the destruction of places where the earth breathes beauty.

Those imprisoned will welcome your kind words of support. Please write them. Mayor Kang Dong Kyun, Kang Dong-Kyunb, Prisoner #161, Jeju Prison, 161 Ora-2dong , Jeju City, Jeju Island, South Korea, 690-162,  Kim Dong-Won, Prisoner #156 and Kim Jong Hwan, Prisoner # 315.  Visit the website www.savejejuisland.org and http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/nonavalbase  to deepen your awareness and understanding of this current nonviolent struggle. This event was hosted by the Greater New Haven Peace Council and co-sponsored by War Resisters League/New England and Promoting Enduring Peace.  Information: (203) 230-1312.

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Ron Taylor Couldn’t Wait For His Exoneration

Dec 1

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— Sally Joughin, People Against Injustice

Ron Taylor hoped to live long enough to win a 100% exoneration in his battle with Connecticut prosecutors.  Unfortunately, Ron lost his 2-year battle with colon cancer on October 25. Taylor’s last wish was to have his attorney Peter Tsimbidaros continue his work to clear his name in the 1993 murder of a Fair Haven shopkeeper.

When Ron was accused of the murder, it might have been possible for him to avoid a life sentence by blaming co-defendant George Gould. But Ron was too honest for that.  He and George both insisted on their innocence for the over 16 years they spent in prison. Finally in 2010, a Habeas judge ruled that these two men not only should not have been convicted, but should never have even been arrested by police—as it was New Haven police officers who fabricated the “witness” testimony that brought about their conviction. Four years of outstanding investigation by private investigator Gerald O’Donnell produced the evidence that brought about Ron and George’s freedom.

People Against Injustice sponsored a wonderful event in April 2011, at which Ron, George, Attorney Tsimbidaros and Investigator O’Donnell were guest speakers.

But freedom was only temporary because CT prosecutors appealed the decision. And in July 2011 the CT Supreme Court agreed that it wasn’t enough to show that the witness wasn’t there and had been coerced by police to lie at the trial; Ron and George still had to “prove” that they were innocent of murdering the Fair Haven shopkeeper!

Because he was so ill, Ron was allowed to stay at home while awaiting Habeas trial #2. Three and a half months later he passed away at home with his wife Mary, who had stuck by him all those years he was in prison.

The second Habeas trial is scheduled for January 23 at the Superior Court, 20 Park Street, Rockville,. Hopefully People Against Injustice and many others will be there to support Ron and George. Hopefully, with the skill of two lawyers and Investigator O’Donnell, George (now waiting in prison) will fulfill Ron’s last wish, for both of them.

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Jobs, Not Jails! March and Rally Jan. 14, 2012

Dec 1

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, Human Rights | No Comments

— Submitted by ANSWER CT

On Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. there will be a march and rally for Jobs, Not Jails! in Washingon, D.C., part of a nationally coordinated day of local actions. Planned are a Prisoner rights march, a march to end the drug war now, to release all non-violent drug offenders, to end exploitation of prisoners’ families and to end inhumane living conditions in the prisons. Join us in a rally against mass incarceration in Washington, D.C. or in events in your city. On Martin Luther King weekend 2012, we want to raise the voices of thousands of people around the country demanding Jobs, not Jails!

The United States, with 2 million people locked behind bars, holds 25 percent of the world’s prisoners despite having only 5 percent of the world’s population. Although African Americans represent roughly 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for over 35 percent of those in prison. Under the so-called “War on Drugs,” the mass incarceration has been disproportionately aimed at poor and working-class people, particularly Black communities.

More than 21 percent of those incarcerated in the United States are there for non-violent drug offenses. Many non-violent offenders are addicts who are criminalized rather than treated for their addiction. We want the release of non-violent drug offenders as well as provisions to make treatment available for those suffering from substance abuse.

The recent hunger strikes by California prisoners brought attention to the 513 prisoners who had spent a decade or more in Pelican Bay’s solitary confinement units. The number of prisoners subjected to prolonged isolation has rapidly increased along with the fast proliferation of “supermax” prisons around the country. Trapping prisoners in tiny cells for 20 to 24 hours a day, long-term isolation is widely considered akin to torture. We demand an immediate end to isolation policies and long-term solitary confinement.

Jobs, Not Jails! Meaningful employment must be provided to prisoners returning to society. The economy would have to create 18 million new jobs just to return to the same rate of employment that existed in 2000. This underscores the massive scale of the employment crisis for society as a whole, not to mention the extra restrictions and hurdles placed on former prisoners. As such, we demand jobs for all with special protections against the abuse of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Endorsed by: ANSWER Coalition; Ceasefire: Don’t Smoke the Brothers and Sisters; Political Education and Action Committee-Howard University; New Jim Crow Movement; Party for Socialism and Liberation (list still in formation)

For more information: JobsNotJails@gmail.com

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Are You Looking for a Cause to Be Involved In? Leonard Peltier Needs Your Help

Oct 29

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–PAR Planning Committee

Native American activist Leonard Peltier has been unjustly imprisoned since 1977. In 1975, two FBI agents were killed in a shoot-out at Wounded Knee, a reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Leonard was accused of being involved in the killing.

Federal agents manufactured evidence, hid proof of his innocence and lied to the judge. Constitutional violations abound. He did not receive a fair trial and continues to maintain his innocence.

Please see this website for background information and updates: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/

If you are interested in helping win freedom for Leonard, the PAR Planning Committee wants to help you become an organizer. You can learn how to plan activities, do  media outreach and work with others to build the struggle for Leonard’s freedom.

Interested? Plan on coming to our Nov. 1 meeting. Leonard’s case will be the first item on the agenda. We will discuss ways you can be involved. Call Paula at (203) 562-2798 for the time and location.

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Dramatic Portrayal Of Abolitionist John Brown, Sept. 23, SCSU

Aug 31

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– The Amistad Committee, Inc.

The Amistad Committee, Inc. is sponsoring a free public performance of the nationally acclaimed play “Sword of the Spirit,” a dramatic portrayal of the famed abolitionist John Brown, while in jail awaiting his execution, with his wife, Mary, on Friday, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Engleman Hall, Rm. C112, SCSU, Crescent Street in New Haven. This professional production has been critically acclaimed as a cultural contribution to the examination of the role John Brown played in the struggle against slavery prior to the Civil War. Brown, whose homestead is on the Connecticut Freedom Trail in Torrington, has been a contentious historic figure.

“Since this is the beginning of a four year commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the Amistad Committee wishes to make this contribution to the discussion. It is our purpose to show that the struggle against the inhumane institution of slavery had a long and heroic history prior to the Civil War. Slavery was brutally enforced by the federal government and institutions. It is against this background we hope an understanding of John Brown will emerge,” Alfred Marder, President, Amistad Committee and Chairman, State of Connecticut Freedom Trail, declared. Along with the Amistad Committee, the following organizations are co-sponsoring the performance: Multicultural Center, State of Connecticut Freedom Trail Committee, Office of Public Affairs, with support from the History Department of SCSU and the SCSU Student Chapter, NAACP.

The play will also be shown on Friday morning to the Social Studies classes of the New Haven Public Schools at the James Hillhouse High School. The Amistad Committee noted that James Hillhouse was a leading New Haven Abolitionist and, as a Senator of the US Senate, offered legislation against slavery.

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People Against Injustice Annual Meeting 2-4 p.m. Sept. 17, New Haven

Aug 31

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– Mary Johnson, PAI

People Against Injustice (PAI) invites you to attend and participate in our annual meeting, which will be held on Saturday, September 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the New Haven Main Library, corner of Elm and Temple Streets, on the lower level.

We hope to have panelists from a variety of criminal justice groups who will outline their goals and activities. There will be ample time for questions and we hope it will not only be a learning experience for everyone, but will also lead to more cooperation among groups and more support from everyone.

We hope to increase PAI’s membership and that of the other groups as well. As many of you may have noted, local justice problems have certainly increased recently.

Please join us on Sept. 17. For more info call Mary at (203) 387-7858.

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