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Archie Bunker Award, Focus on RCC Police Brutality, News

Public Condemnation: James Carnell (Boston Police Union) calls Roxbury Youth in RCC Incident "Scumbag"

Public Condemnation of statements made by Jim Carnell of Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association and Editor of The Pax Centurion James W. Carnell Representative, Area A-1 Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, Editor, Pax Centurion We, Concerned Citizens, Community Activists, Voting and Tax Paying Residents of Boston, join together to publicly condemn statements made by James Carnell of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association (BPD Union) and Editor of the Pax Centurion (BPD Union Newspaper). In the current Jan/Feb Edition of the Pax Centurion (Vol. 41 No. 1), Jim Carnell refers to the young 16 yr. old Roxbury boy who was the subject of a much publicized arrest at Roxbury Community College as a “scumbag”, Carnell further goes on to characterize the young woman who filmed the video, as is her right, as an “intellectually bereft dolt”. The entire article is fraught with sentiments that are particularly disturbing as James Carnell is a sworn officer on active duty in the Boston Police Department. Carnell’s statements are not at all helpful to the Boston Police Department which has made recent attempts to repair and strengthen its relationship with Black, Latino & Cape Verdean communities. Carnell’s attitude is indicative of a problem with certain officers that many of us have bore witness to or been victims of for decades. For Carnell to not only be an active duty officer sworn to uphold the law, he seems to display a total lack of respect for it considering the young man who he typified as a “scumbag” hasn’t been through his due process and the investigation of the involved officers conduct is not complete. For a Representative of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association and Editor of a newspaper with a readership of 125,000 to spout these sentiments so freely and without fear of reprimand or public outcry and so consistently over the years use racially charged words and images speaks volumes to the true mentality of many of Boston’s white Police Officers. In almost every edition Carnell shows contempt for Black Politicians; President Obama, Gov. Deval Patrick, Chuck Turner and others.  Carnell issue after issue uses unflattering terms to describe, immigrants, Africans, Mexicans, Arabs, Muslims, “Homeless Bums”, Welfare Recipients and describes US citizens of Boston who dare disagree or question police policy or actions as “cop haters” “nitwits” “hypocrites” “cowards” or “elitists”. Carnell’s comments could easily be classified as racist and while much of it may be protected by free speech, much more of it borders on hate speech and does the Boston Police Department and the City of Boston a disservice and is disrespectful and potentially threatening to the taxpaying citizens Officer Carnell is sworn to protect and serve. Recently, The BPPA endorsed District 7 City Council Candidate Tito Jackson. We are asking Tito Jackson to review the statements made by Carnell which overwhelmingly are targeted at the very residents of District 7 who he is currently campaigning to represent and we ask that Tito Jackson publicly condemn those statements. Further we ask Mr. Jackson to have a discussion with the BPPA regarding its intolerant statements and if he cannot negotiate a retraction or apology for those statements we demand that he refuse the endorsement of the BPPA. To BPD Commissioner Ed Davis: While we understand that the BPD has little to no control over the BPPA union and the Pax Centurion, James Carnell is still an active duty Boston Police Officer. As you have had to deal with outrageous and unhelpful public statements by a BPD Officer recently, we ask that you review the constant statements made by Carnell in the Pax Centurion and we recommend that Carnell should receive Diversity and Sensitivity Training. Further we would like a public statement from your office condemning these remarks and reaffirming the BPD’s commitment to the community and that those sentiments are not shared by the Department as a whole.    Pax Centurion Volume 41, Number 1  •  January/February 2011 http://www.bppa.org/PAX/default.asp “The exhibition was designed after much criticism was heaped upon the department following a “You-tube” video which appeared on-line after the arrest of a young scumbag who resisted arrest at Roxbury Community College last fall.” “In the video, the officers employed simple pain-compliance techniques to force the resisting juvenile thug, who was wildly swinging one handcuff in the air at the officers attempting to arrest him, to stop resisting and comply. Of course, the intellectually-bereft dolt filming the incident with her cell-phone thought she had another Rodney King-style expose and narrated the video for distribution to other like-minded nitwits, who think the police are supposed to put up with this crap and do nothing to protect ourselves.” – James W. Carnell Representative, Area A-1 Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association Editor, Pax Centurion     Here are a list of companies that advertise in the Pax Centurion and contribute to their scholarship fund. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Taurus Investment Holdings, LLC Transwestern Investment Co. The Boston Company Altria Group New Boston Fund AEW People’s United Bank MetLife Mt. Washington Bank Turner Construction Legal Sea Foods Talbot’s State Street Global Advisors Genzyme Blue Line Financial Lincoln Property Company Merck Safety Net Prudential Simmons Copley Place Simon New Balance Please Join us in our Public Condemnation of these statements… check out these links. Blackstonian presents Archie Bunker Award http://www.xtraxtra.com/bostoncom.php/posting/showz/id/3719249  

News

Blackstonian Exclusive: Countdown to NAACP Election

Blackstonian Exclusive:  Countdown to NAACP Election by: Jamarhl Crawford Publisher/Editor The race for the Presidency of the Boston Branch of the NAACP has been heating up considerably in the past several weeks.  The candidates, Sen. Bill Owens and Michael Curry have been sounding the drums to their respective networks which has resulted in a membership boom like no other in the past decade. Several hundred new members have joined the local Boston Branch, including myself, in anticipation of this election. I was asked to join the NAACP by Michael Curry at a Black Men’s Leadership Breakfast at the Boston Foundation attended by approximately 80 Black Men.  Curry appealed to the group for his candidacy and as an organizer of the group I joined later that day as an example and in a show of support.  As a member since April 2010, I had no knowledge that Sen. Bill Owens would join the race in his own bid for the Presidency of the Boston Branch. I have worked with Senator Owens on several projects, most notably 2004’s National Black Agenda Convention, which Sen. Owens convened and organized. My relationship with Sen. Owens is one of elder mentorship and mutual respect and admiration, his entrance into the NAACP campaign for Presidency forced me to pick a side and after weighing all the pros and cons, it became clear that my support had to go to Sen. Owens. Since that time, I have carefully monitored the campaign and all media coverage as I do with most stories that are relevant to Boston’s communities of color. What I want to do here is an analysis of the race thus far, particularly the media coverage of the campaign and a comparison between the two candidates. In all fairness, I am unabashedly a Bill Owens supporter, but as always I will strive to use logic in order to do a critical analysis which you can and should fact check before making your own decision. It is my hope to provide some information and perspective to assist in making a more informed decision.  It is my concern with some of the pervasive recurring themes in this campaign to analyze, address and share a few of my observations. First off, we must remember that ultimately this race is a question of leadership for the Black community in a current vacuum of leadership and with the history of the decline of the Boston NAACP’s relevance and activity.  We must all agree that this race should not be a popularity or beauty contest, but rather a hard look at two men in order to determine who is in fact the “Best Man for the Job”.  To do anything less is to cheat the community and further deprive all of us from the best suited leadership and voice to address the myriad of issues we are facing.    Media coverage: We will use 3 examples of print media coverage. Many of you saw the video footage from Basic Black with Callie Crossley featuring both candidates. The WGBH produced show I thought was fair, balanced and gave an accurate portrayal of both candidates. Both candidates were well spoken and this was the first time I felt the public got a sense of the two men and their attitudes and personalities. Melvin Miller, Bay State Banner Editorial“Curry for President” Thursday November 24, 2010 Melvin Miller Bay State Banner Editor said “This is clearly a job for a young man with young legs” However, I think there would be a strong protest from Mr. Miller if there was a young man who wanted to take the helm of the Banner. If Mr. Miller truly feels this way, I wish there was a way to examine how many times he has been in support of a younger person taking a leadership position. There is no Melvin Miller mentee to speak of, and after his much publicized about-face on all Menino coverage for a paltry $250,000 ethically questionable loan, his editorials don’t hold as much weight as they used to. His endorsement of Curry, with no supporting evidence other than age, and no mention of Curry’s qualifications, seems more like a “dis” of Senator Owens rather than a heartfelt, well thought out endorsement. Adrian Walker, Boston Globe Column“NAACP, time ripe for change” Monday November 15, 2010 Adrian Walker in his column stated “Unofficially, it pits an old guard that has run the branch for years against a younger generation that believes its predecessors’ day is done.” I would submit that Curry has a closer proximity to the NAACP’s old guard than does Owens, considering his lengthy membership, branch participation and mentee relationship with former Branch President Lenny Alkins. Once again, Walker seems to assert that the major component of this race is age, rather than track record and who is better fit for the job. There is again NOTHING in this column that speaks to Michael Curry’s experience or qualifications. Bridget Brown, Bay State Banner Article“Curry, Owens vie to lead NAACP Boston” Thursday November 24, 2010 In this article Curry is once again visibly favored and bolstered with anecdotal references of life lessons and describes the impact of his relationship with 10 yr. former President Lenny Alkins. Overall the article is biographic, but neglects to mention specific references to accomplishments in order to establish qualifications. Promotional Materials: All of the promotional materials do the same thing, they endorse Michael Curry and allude to years of community service and work, but neglect to mention what those things are and provide examples. Curry has been involved with many community endeavors, mentoring, meetings, board meetings and work related events. None of this gives a clear picture of self-initiated programs or leadershi p; these examples speak to participation, but not creation, organization or implementation. They often speak of vision, but never tell you what that vision is or how it will be achieved. The promotional materials and website are all expertly graphically designed and have all the slick polish

Focus on RCC Police Brutality, News, Youth

Viral justice? The media might have moved on, but RCC students won't let a case of potential police brutality on campus fade without a fight

Viral justice?The media might have moved on, but RCC students won’t let a case of potential police brutality on campus fade without a fight AFTER-SCHOOL PROJECT: When video of Boston Police using force to restrain a 16-year-old boy at Roxbury Community College was posted online, RCC students protested near campus and pressed the BPD for answers. The matter is now under investigation by the Suffolk County DA’s office.By CHRIS FARAONE  |  November 23, 2010 The seven-minute YouTube clip begins with five Boston police officers, crowding a Roxbury Community College entranceway, restraining a face-down suspect. Before it’s clear what’s happening, a plainclothes cop in jeans and work boots pins the boy’s left calf, throws four hammer punches to the back, then switches to southpaw and delivers three uppercuts. Moving a uniformed colleague out of the way, the same officer then assumes a runner’s stance, secures his grip, and follows up with three knees to the chest. The suspect is instructed to put his hands behind his back, and responds in evident agony: “My hands are behind my back . . . Who the fuck keeps stepping on me?” That’s just from one angle. A shorter video shot by another witness begins moments earlier, and shows the plainclothes officer connecting with seven blows to the torso, while another cop is swinging on the suspect’s rib cage. Through the ordeal, it’s hard to see the victim’s face, though blood leaks from underneath his green hood and smears the metal grate scraping his nose, as well as the left pant leg of an officer who’s straddling his neck. The video went viral four days after the October 22 incident. Community outrage was fueled by the revelation that the suspect — a fugitive fleeing from Department of Youth Services custody — was only 16 years old, and by a police report that did not appear to match the video. In the days after, RCC students protested near campus, and marched down Columbus Avenue to picket Boston Police Department headquarters. Faith leaders and local activists joined the cause, as did a handful of Boston elected officials. City Councilor Ayanna Pressley tweeted that she was “deeply troubled,” while her colleague, Council President Mike Ross, gave his own condemnation of what he called “an unmeasured use of force.” Ross’s comments drew the ire of an attorney for the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, who suggested that Ross “spend the day at the police academy, learning how police officers are trained.” Mayor Tom Menino had a more cautious response. “We don’t tolerate this in Boston,” he told reporters. “If we have to bring action, we will bring action, but what you see [in the videos] might not be the whole story.” Under increasing public pressure, BPD Commissioner Ed Davis turned the investigation over to the office of Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley. The DA’s office described the request as unusual in the case of a non-fatal arrest. Other than the police report, which is at odds with what the videos show by claiming the victim violently resisted arrest, there have been few explanations provided by the city — let alone apologies offered. The events of October 22 inflicted lasting wounds, as the images of that juvenile being held down and assaulted remain stuck in the minds of those who witnessed the struggle first-hand, and also on the conscience of many more RCC students who have since taken up the fight against police brutality. Their message: this is not going to blow over. “For this to take place on campus, it means that it can happen to everyone here,” says Tajudeen Akinbode, a second-semester biological-science major and outspoken student rep. “This would not have happened at Boston University. Some people around here don’t want to talk about it, but I’m not keeping quiet. Considering that some students feel insecure and unsafe, this is what we’re supposed to talk about. We have to.” ‘We’re being ignored’At first, the RCC community was divided on how far to pursue the issue — given that the victim was not one of its own. But it now seems determined, as a whole, to get some answers. School president Dr. Terrence Gomes upset some students and faculty with an October 28 e-mail labeling the incident a “police matter,” since the arrested party is not enrolled at RCC. But Gomes has come to sympathize with the RCC’ community’s outrage over cops engaging in what the videos present as violent actions. He says he’d been unaware of the arrest before it hit the Web, and regrets his initial reaction to dismiss the school’s role in healing the resulting wounds. This week, Gomes told the Phoenix he shares the prevailing worry about students’ sense of safety, and is working to support those who are questioning the incident that split their school and shocked the city. “The students are well within their right to protest however they feel they need to,” says Gomes. “Upon watching the video, I observed what in my opinion was excessive force . . . Despite what may go on nearby, this has always been a safe haven, and I don’t want students to ever feel like they have to worry about those kinds of things happening here.” Like her school president, protest organizer India Cox didn’t know about the arrest until she heard about it on the morning news. She’s in her second year at RCC, and a criminal-justice major, yet no one in her circle knew about the melee prior to it making headlines. So when she learned that a teenager had endured such treatment — in plain sight, no less — Cox jumped into action, helping organize two demonstrations in as many days. She had no trouble finding support; others — including Eusida Blidgen, who posted the bombshell videos on YouTube — were also rounding up troops. “We felt then and still feel like we’re being ignored,” says Cox. “The officers have not been fired, so it’s our belief that there’s not

News, Youth

Investigation of Boston police officer Michael McManus causes Southwick parents of David Woodman to relive anger, pain from son's death

Investigation of Boston police officer Michael McManus causes Southwick parents of David Woodman to relive anger, pain from son’s death Manon Mirabellihttp://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/investigation_of_boston_police.html Manon Mirabelli photoCathy and Jeffrey Woodman, of Southwick, with photos of their son, David, who died after sustaining injuries during an arrest while celebrating the Boston Celtics 2008 NBA championship. SOUTHWICK – The same Boston police officer investigated for his role in the 2008 death of David J. Woodman was captured on video last month allegedly using excessive force in the arrest of a 16-year-old Roxbury boy. Cathy and Jeffrey Woodman say this latest incident is an insult to their son’s memory and a blow to their fragile attempts to move on with their lives in the two years since David’s death. David Woodman was a 22-year-old Emmanuel College student on June 18, 2008, when he had a confrontation with police during a celebration of the Boston Celtics’ NBA championship. His heart stopped during the incident as police took him into custody on a public drinking charge, and he was dead 11 days later. “I hoped that they had learned something, but it happened again,” Cathy Woodman said. “The police officer who initiated the attack that took my son’s life is at it again. He didn’t learn anything, and he is not humbled. He doesn’t care that he killed someone. We will always hold him responsible for our son’s death.”Michael T. McManus, 32, a patrol officer assigned to the district that covers Roxbury, is on administrative desk duty while the internal affairs division of the Boston Police Department investigates the Oct. 22 arrest of a 16-year-old Roxbury boy. He is among at least six officers who were captured on cell phone video by a witness who then posted that video on YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXDJvBaTTDQ&feature=player_embedded Boston police officers attempt to subdue a 16-year-old suspect at Roxbury Community College. “Nothing hurts more than to know he’s at it again,” said Cathy Woodman. “This has reignited all the feelings we have, all the anger and pain, to know it’s happening again.” Boston Police spokesperson Eddy Crispin said Wednesday that McManus, who joined the force in 2007, a year before his encounter with Woodman, “is on administrative duty pending the outcome of this latest incident.” “This incident is still under investigation,” Crispin said. “The other one was fully investigated and resolved.” A witness to the arrest of the Roxbury juvenile, whose name has not been released, used a cell phone camera to record McManus and at least five other officers punching and kicking the teen while he was on the ground at an entrance of Roxbury Community College. “When Jeff and I heard about this, we looked and saw the same officer who was so aggressive with David go after this kid with a mob of officers on top of him,” Cathy Woodman said. According to police, the officers struggled to hold down the suspect and struck him after he swung a handcuff at them, then tried to hit and kick them. The suspect has a pending charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. “The police overreact, then demonize the suspect,” said Cathy Woodman. “Instead of just owning up to it and taking responsibility, they cover it up then put the families through hell to defend their children.” Woodman said a private investigation initiated by Boston civil rights attorney Howard Friedman found that it was McManus who made initial physical contact with her son as David walked down a street near Fenway Park with a cup of beer in his hand after being told to stop by police. “ I hoped that they had learned something, but it happened again. The police officer who initiated the attack that took my son’s life is at it again. He didn’t learn anything, and he is not humbled. He doesn’t care that he killed someone. We will always hold him responsible for our son’s death.”– Cathy Woodman, mother The ensuing struggle resulted in Woodman being handcuffed on the ground, but sometime during the altercation he stopped breathing, according to reports of the incident. His mother says David Woodman was deprived of oxygen for four to 10 minutes and suffered brain damage. He lived for 11 days before dying in the hospital. “He woke up five days later, and the first thing he said was, ‘Hi Mom,’” Cathy Woodman recalled. The last time she spoke with him was by phone, she said, when he said, “I love you, Mom.” Police maintain Woodman’s death was caused by a pre-existing heart condition, but Cathy Woodman said the condition as not responsible for her son’s death. “He had a heart condition, but he was not at risk for dying,” she said. “Our medical expert said his condition was not the cause of death,” Cathy Woodman added. “Even the Boston medical examiner put on the death certificate the cause of death was fatal arrhythmia due to brain damage” caused by the lack of oxygen. Both Woodman and Friedman say witness statements from the 2008 altercation revealed police did not attempt to revive David after he collapsed. Police refuted that account and said one of the officers on the scene tried to give David Woodman mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, while McManus performed chest compressions. “The key thing is that when the paramedics arrived and asked what happened, what the police told them simply wasn’t true,” Friedman said. “They said he collapsed and that they did not try to arrest him. It’s shocking, just shocking, that they would not tell the truth when someone was seriously injured.” An independent panel ruled there was a “lack of supervision” and other “missteps” by Boston police and concluded that Woodman may have stopped breathing for several minutes before officers realized his condition. The panel concluded, though, that none of the mistakes contributed to Woodman’s death. The city paid the Woodman family a $3 million out-of-court settlement in a civil lawsuit in June. The late David Woodman, center, is seen in this undated family photograph with his

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