updates
May 14, 2012
The Good Jobs Fairy Tale
The New York State Senate sits in twilight as it readies their decision to raise the state’s minimum wage rate. With the Senate’s blessing, in the blink of an eye, minimum wage could go from $7.25 an hour to about $8.50 an hour. And, while this might not seem like much, to a nation (and state) going through economic turmoil, it’s a lifeline.
I remember my grandfather telling me that by the time my generation comes of age, we will experience many problems unlike any other generation. They could have added him to the New Testament, because his words were prophetic. In his day, a person could walk right out of high school and find a great paying job. He told me of a time when, “All a man needed was two legs, two arms, and one eye to find work,” and an employment landscape in which, “You could quit one job and literally walk across the street to find another one that paid better” – and these weren’t $7 or $8 an hour gigs, either. These were jobs that paid well and included a full benefits and retirement package.
How times have changed.
For most Americans, these stories of “good jobs past” seem like fairy tales. Take the married woman who works two minimum (or below minimum) wage jobs just to pay the rent and a portion of her utilities. When you combine her pay with her husband’s, a man who is most likely working the same type of job, they will still barely have enough left over to pay for food, clothes or transportation.
Or, what about the recent college graduate who can’t find anything that pays enough for him to start his life? He is desperate and will most likely take any type of job, regardless of the pay. He has a life to live and college loans that accrue interest every minute of every day.
This is their reality.
Whenever talk of the golden era of the American worker comes up, you usually get stares of disbelief. People will even say things like, “Wow, really, unbelievable,” or, my personal favorite, “I wish we had jobs like those today.” For most Americans, the fairytale life of having a job that pays enough to survive sits right up there with tales like Snow White, the Frog Prince, or Rumpelstiltskin.
We are told that inflation is “natural,” and that it directly coincides with an average business cycle. I wonder why leading economists haven’t factored in a living rate of pay as being a natural part of the business cycle? Why aren’t people put first, instead of big businesses and money? A society in which the infrastructure for survival (i.e. a family sustaining, living wage job) is quickly imploding and will soon cease to exist.
You can blame the current situation on deregulation, the stock market, foreign labor, corporate greed or whatever else you’d like. But, people aren’t working. And, if they are then they are working for pretty much next to nothing.
So what’s next?
VOICE Buffalo, with help from us over at PUSH Buffalo, has been one of the organizations shedding light on the minimum wage issue for years. We are held a press conference at 65 Court St. in Downtown Buffalo this past Friday (May 11, 2012), and we went down the block to Buffalo City Hall (inside the Common Council Chambers) for a public hearing, from noon-4pm, to speak with state lawmakers on the current proposal to raise the state’s minimum wage.
And, while raising the state’s minimum wage is not a final solution, it will hopefully send the message that leaders see the jobs/cash flow situation as one of the greater ills facing our society. The rate of pay must keep up with the rate of inflation if future generations of Americans are to survive. If more people can begin to stand up and take some action, the good jobs fairy tale is one story that may rain true again.
I remember my grandfather telling me that by the time my generation comes of age, we will experience many problems unlike any other generation. They could have added him to the New Testament, because his words were prophetic. In his day, a person could walk right out of high school and find a great paying job. He told me of a time when, “All a man needed was two legs, two arms, and one eye to find work,” and an employment landscape in which, “You could quit one job and literally walk across the street to find another one that paid better” – and these weren’t $7 or $8 an hour gigs, either. These were jobs that paid well and included a full benefits and retirement package.
How times have changed.
For most Americans, these stories of “good jobs past” seem like fairy tales. Take the married woman who works two minimum (or below minimum) wage jobs just to pay the rent and a portion of her utilities. When you combine her pay with her husband’s, a man who is most likely working the same type of job, they will still barely have enough left over to pay for food, clothes or transportation.
Or, what about the recent college graduate who can’t find anything that pays enough for him to start his life? He is desperate and will most likely take any type of job, regardless of the pay. He has a life to live and college loans that accrue interest every minute of every day.
This is their reality.
Whenever talk of the golden era of the American worker comes up, you usually get stares of disbelief. People will even say things like, “Wow, really, unbelievable,” or, my personal favorite, “I wish we had jobs like those today.” For most Americans, the fairytale life of having a job that pays enough to survive sits right up there with tales like Snow White, the Frog Prince, or Rumpelstiltskin.
We are told that inflation is “natural,” and that it directly coincides with an average business cycle. I wonder why leading economists haven’t factored in a living rate of pay as being a natural part of the business cycle? Why aren’t people put first, instead of big businesses and money? A society in which the infrastructure for survival (i.e. a family sustaining, living wage job) is quickly imploding and will soon cease to exist.
You can blame the current situation on deregulation, the stock market, foreign labor, corporate greed or whatever else you’d like. But, people aren’t working. And, if they are then they are working for pretty much next to nothing.
So what’s next?
VOICE Buffalo, with help from us over at PUSH Buffalo, has been one of the organizations shedding light on the minimum wage issue for years. We are held a press conference at 65 Court St. in Downtown Buffalo this past Friday (May 11, 2012), and we went down the block to Buffalo City Hall (inside the Common Council Chambers) for a public hearing, from noon-4pm, to speak with state lawmakers on the current proposal to raise the state’s minimum wage.
And, while raising the state’s minimum wage is not a final solution, it will hopefully send the message that leaders see the jobs/cash flow situation as one of the greater ills facing our society. The rate of pay must keep up with the rate of inflation if future generations of Americans are to survive. If more people can begin to stand up and take some action, the good jobs fairy tale is one story that may rain true again.
read more
updates
May 5, 2012
99% Spring Non-Violent Day of Action Set for May 12th
“Mayday, mayday, mayday. Can anyone out there hear me? This is captain John Q. Public Commander of flight NYS. It appears that our systems are failing. Due to the overwhelming amounts of big gas company campaign dollars going into our fuel tanks we are losing power; our confidence in the public election process has faded. Our already depleted job supply is in danger of taking another hit, and our water supply has been hydrofracked. The weatherization in our low-income cabin is inadequate; we have lost many personnel to frostbite. We require immediate assistance and an emergency landing. We repeat, we require immediate assistance – now.”
“Flight NYS, this is the command center we are here to give assistance. We will guide you through the troubleshooting process. Have you tried auxiliary power?”
“Command center, it appears that no such apparatus was installed on this model. This fact has assured that these big gas companies will keep all the power while regular working people use contaminated drinking water, and low-income customers pay the highest costs to fly in the coldest cabins. We estimate that regular power will only last for the next 45 minutes.”
“Flight NYS, have you considered substituting other materials for your job supply?”
“Command center, these job substitutes are made of extremely substandard materials and they don’t pay a living wage. Services on the flight have been cut. At the same time, CEOs, i.e. job supply providers, have taken the only parachutes on the flight. They have seen a significant increase in pay and profits. If this process persists, we estimate that many will not survive for very long.”
“Flight NYS, the closest emergency landing area is in Buffalo, NY, its coordinates are 0716. This area is located about an hour from your current location. After your power fails, you will have approximately 10 to 12 minutes before gravity directs your plane into the ground.”
“Command center, this estimate doesn’t leave us with enough time.”
“Captain John Q, you will have to manually guide the plane to the landing coordinates upon power failure. From this point on you are on your own. May God be with you.”
On Saturday, May 12th, we are making our call to the world; our plane is in need of emergency assistance and we are going down. We must save ourselves – now. The plane was meant to malfunction mid-travel, thus ensuring our ultimate demise. The State of New York is in similar disarray.
Big corporations consider political campaign donations a part of the cost of doing business in New York State. They skirt public scrutiny because of their “deep pockets.” Regular folks, folks like you and I who don’t have the cash, are left out in the cold. In many cases, this lack of extreme financial wherewithal leaves residents powerless in defending their natural resources, like water. Low-income gas customers will receive little if any help in keeping their gas bills low. In a city and state in desperate need of living wage jobs, some companies only look out for themselves. While getting fat they use and throw away loyal domestic workers like an old pack of Lifestyle magazines.
As part of a statewide effort to shed light on what’s happening, PUSH Buffalo and the Coalition for Economic Justice will host a May Non-Violent Day of direct action in Buffalo. This event is part of the 99% Spring, a non-violent movement that directly confronts big corporations (i.e. the 1 percent) who refuse to work with the 99 percent on the issues we face. We’re asking everyone to meet us (very promptly) at 11 a.m. at 271 Grant Street (PUSH Buffalo headquarters) in Buffalo on Saturday, May 12th. We will have much to say and do. We hope to see you all soon!
“Flight NYS, this is the command center we are here to give assistance. We will guide you through the troubleshooting process. Have you tried auxiliary power?”
“Command center, it appears that no such apparatus was installed on this model. This fact has assured that these big gas companies will keep all the power while regular working people use contaminated drinking water, and low-income customers pay the highest costs to fly in the coldest cabins. We estimate that regular power will only last for the next 45 minutes.”
“Flight NYS, have you considered substituting other materials for your job supply?”
“Command center, these job substitutes are made of extremely substandard materials and they don’t pay a living wage. Services on the flight have been cut. At the same time, CEOs, i.e. job supply providers, have taken the only parachutes on the flight. They have seen a significant increase in pay and profits. If this process persists, we estimate that many will not survive for very long.”
“Flight NYS, the closest emergency landing area is in Buffalo, NY, its coordinates are 0716. This area is located about an hour from your current location. After your power fails, you will have approximately 10 to 12 minutes before gravity directs your plane into the ground.”
“Command center, this estimate doesn’t leave us with enough time.”
“Captain John Q, you will have to manually guide the plane to the landing coordinates upon power failure. From this point on you are on your own. May God be with you.”
On Saturday, May 12th, we are making our call to the world; our plane is in need of emergency assistance and we are going down. We must save ourselves – now. The plane was meant to malfunction mid-travel, thus ensuring our ultimate demise. The State of New York is in similar disarray.
Big corporations consider political campaign donations a part of the cost of doing business in New York State. They skirt public scrutiny because of their “deep pockets.” Regular folks, folks like you and I who don’t have the cash, are left out in the cold. In many cases, this lack of extreme financial wherewithal leaves residents powerless in defending their natural resources, like water. Low-income gas customers will receive little if any help in keeping their gas bills low. In a city and state in desperate need of living wage jobs, some companies only look out for themselves. While getting fat they use and throw away loyal domestic workers like an old pack of Lifestyle magazines.
As part of a statewide effort to shed light on what’s happening, PUSH Buffalo and the Coalition for Economic Justice will host a May Non-Violent Day of direct action in Buffalo. This event is part of the 99% Spring, a non-violent movement that directly confronts big corporations (i.e. the 1 percent) who refuse to work with the 99 percent on the issues we face. We’re asking everyone to meet us (very promptly) at 11 a.m. at 271 Grant Street (PUSH Buffalo headquarters) in Buffalo on Saturday, May 12th. We will have much to say and do. We hope to see you all soon!
read more
updates
April 29, 2012
Notes from Community Development Campaign Kickoff
If we just talk to each other, we’ll find out that we’re not that much different from one another. Remember that bald white guy you thought was with the Aryan Nation? After talking with him, you found out he was a public defender who is a huge Nas fan. What about that young black guy with the trendy clothes you thought was a gang member? It turns out he is a unionized construction worker who owns a sleek Harley Davidson. How about the Arab-looking woman who you thought was some type of suicide bomber? After speaking with her, you find out that she is originally from Nepal and teaches underprivileged youth in a public school, and she loves Lady GaGa. And, oh yeah, that older Hispanic woman up the block who you thought was some type of welfare mom, thanks to the 17 children that you see come in and out of her house, actually runs a pretty popular daycare. “The Closer” is her favorite TV show and after further conversation, you find out that you live in the same area and that you have so much more in common.
Many of the barriers that we place upon ourselves are mainly superficial and based on television stereotypes. At the end of the day, we are all human beings who essentially want the same things: food, clothes, shelter, and good neighborhoods. The best way for people to get past their preconceived differences is by talking to each other.
“The lot across the street is very dirty and unsafe. Individually, we can’t afford it, but let’s find out how we can acquire it and turn it into something better. Perhaps we could turn it into a small playground for our kids, or even a garden.”
“That dilapidated old city firehouse would make a great community youth center. Where can we get started?”
“My son just lost his job. Will the new grocery store hire people from the neighborhood?”
“You’re a great drummer. I write poetry. There are many others like us in this community. The area could really use a place for small performances.”
“We could use more lighting on that busy street corner after dark.”
“My bike repair business has outgrown its current location, I was thinking about expanding into one of those larger old commercial buildings around the corner.”
“There are many mothers with younger children in our neighborhood who would love a pediatric care center close by.”
Well, the call went out and the community responded. On April 18th, PUSH Buffalo launched their Community Development Campaign Kickoff at the Butler-Mitchell Boys & Girls Club as a way to listen to and engage the community on what they felt they needed in the community. The conversation was between community members (specifically on Buffalo’s West Side) and the topics of conversation ranged from community gardens, to vacant housing and lot preservation, to commercial space management, to small businesses development.
We are all about building power through community involvement and that’s exactly what our Campaign Kickoff displayed.
For those of you who don’t know, the West Side consists largely of working class people. Many of us are low-income individuals of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. In the past, access to power is something that has not been available.
Keeping this in mind, we wanted to make residents aware that we want to put together a plan that truly encompasses the community on many different levels.
So, why do we need a community development plan? Well, some of us budget our finances. Some of us have been saving for small purchases. Others among us plan the outfits we’ll wear tomorrow. A good coach prepares his team before every game and that’s exactly what we are doing. Why not plan for the things that will work best for everybody in our neighborhood?
PUSH Buffalo, with the help of the community, is developing a plan for the development of our neighborhood. And, our greatest resource is you! The development, or redevelopment, of our area will depend on having broad community participation. And, our kickoff is only the beginning – to get involved, stay tuned here and at www.thegoodneighborhood.com for upcoming events, or contact us at 716-884-0356 or info@pushbuffalo.org.
Many of the barriers that we place upon ourselves are mainly superficial and based on television stereotypes. At the end of the day, we are all human beings who essentially want the same things: food, clothes, shelter, and good neighborhoods. The best way for people to get past their preconceived differences is by talking to each other.
“The lot across the street is very dirty and unsafe. Individually, we can’t afford it, but let’s find out how we can acquire it and turn it into something better. Perhaps we could turn it into a small playground for our kids, or even a garden.”
“That dilapidated old city firehouse would make a great community youth center. Where can we get started?”
“My son just lost his job. Will the new grocery store hire people from the neighborhood?”
“You’re a great drummer. I write poetry. There are many others like us in this community. The area could really use a place for small performances.”
“We could use more lighting on that busy street corner after dark.”
“My bike repair business has outgrown its current location, I was thinking about expanding into one of those larger old commercial buildings around the corner.”
“There are many mothers with younger children in our neighborhood who would love a pediatric care center close by.”
Well, the call went out and the community responded. On April 18th, PUSH Buffalo launched their Community Development Campaign Kickoff at the Butler-Mitchell Boys & Girls Club as a way to listen to and engage the community on what they felt they needed in the community. The conversation was between community members (specifically on Buffalo’s West Side) and the topics of conversation ranged from community gardens, to vacant housing and lot preservation, to commercial space management, to small businesses development.
We are all about building power through community involvement and that’s exactly what our Campaign Kickoff displayed.
For those of you who don’t know, the West Side consists largely of working class people. Many of us are low-income individuals of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. In the past, access to power is something that has not been available.
Keeping this in mind, we wanted to make residents aware that we want to put together a plan that truly encompasses the community on many different levels.
So, why do we need a community development plan? Well, some of us budget our finances. Some of us have been saving for small purchases. Others among us plan the outfits we’ll wear tomorrow. A good coach prepares his team before every game and that’s exactly what we are doing. Why not plan for the things that will work best for everybody in our neighborhood?
PUSH Buffalo, with the help of the community, is developing a plan for the development of our neighborhood. And, our greatest resource is you! The development, or redevelopment, of our area will depend on having broad community participation. And, our kickoff is only the beginning – to get involved, stay tuned here and at www.thegoodneighborhood.com for upcoming events, or contact us at 716-884-0356 or info@pushbuffalo.org.
read more
updates
April 23, 2012
99% Spring Training Recap and Upcoming Events
What is the 99% Spring and what the heck are they talking about?
Activism has become such a dirty word. Nowadays, activists are often portrayed in the news and movies as an angry mob. True, activism is a form of confrontation, but this confrontation usually occurs when communication between two opposing sides has broken down.
Many successful reforms throughout history have come about through activism. These reforms, whether political or economical, took place because people came together to fight for the betterment of society. These folks peacefully, and at times, loudly, confronted large powers that, individually, they could not battle themselves.
Yes, there have been demonstrations in the past in which things have gotten out of control and people used violence as a way to “solve” the problem. Inevitably, people got hurt (on both sides) and the chasm widened.
This, along with several other reasons, is why we at PUSH believe wholeheartedly in having a plan. Fighting for the betterment of your community or town is great; but it’s completely pointless when you don’t have a plan. Confronting an issue without one is disastrous, especially when you lack the proper training or education.
In the U.S., activism is a vehicle that people use to collectively attain what their big city governments cannot. And, sometimes you have to become the loudest person in the room to do this. For many of us, the power to get noticed, collectively, can mean the difference between life and death.
Hence, the creation of the 99% Spring.
The 99% Spring was conceived by members of NPA – National People’s Action – as a way to non-violently end the rise of the one percent. The first 99% Spring training was held in New York City. Members from community groups from across the country, such as PUSH Buffalo, Citizen Action of Western New York (CA), and the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), attended this training to learn the right way to be an activist.
Empowered by what we learned at the 99% Spring training, PUSH Buffalo, CA, and CEJ hosted a training of our own on April 10th. The turnout was beyond our expectations. In a packed room, people from all walks of life attentively took part. Everyone learned something new.
As one of the local 99% Spring training facilitators, we are urging people who attended this training or may be attending similar trainings to use this knowledge to become noticed by those in power. We have to collectively speak up to keep and improve upon what we’ve worked so hard for. There are many struggles that affect us here locally. We ask that you find one that speaks to you and join in.
Here are some upcoming 99% Spring Actions that you can get involved in locally:
Fair Elections Public Hearing
Campaign to get 1% $$$ out of Politics
Thursday, May 3rd – 5:30-7pm
SEIU 1199 Office — 2421 Main St, Buffalo NY 14214
Sign Up here
Direct Action Planning Session
Help Prepare the May 12th Action
Tuesday, April 24th – 5:30-7pm
PUSH Buffalo Office — 271 Grant St., Buffalo NY 14213
99% Spring Direct Action
Confront National Fuel and Verizon
Saturday, May 12th – 11am-1pm
PUSH Buffalo Office — 271 Grant St., Buffalo NY 14213
Sign Up here
Spring is here and we have a lot of cleaning to do!
Activism has become such a dirty word. Nowadays, activists are often portrayed in the news and movies as an angry mob. True, activism is a form of confrontation, but this confrontation usually occurs when communication between two opposing sides has broken down.
Many successful reforms throughout history have come about through activism. These reforms, whether political or economical, took place because people came together to fight for the betterment of society. These folks peacefully, and at times, loudly, confronted large powers that, individually, they could not battle themselves.
Yes, there have been demonstrations in the past in which things have gotten out of control and people used violence as a way to “solve” the problem. Inevitably, people got hurt (on both sides) and the chasm widened.
This, along with several other reasons, is why we at PUSH believe wholeheartedly in having a plan. Fighting for the betterment of your community or town is great; but it’s completely pointless when you don’t have a plan. Confronting an issue without one is disastrous, especially when you lack the proper training or education.
In the U.S., activism is a vehicle that people use to collectively attain what their big city governments cannot. And, sometimes you have to become the loudest person in the room to do this. For many of us, the power to get noticed, collectively, can mean the difference between life and death.
Hence, the creation of the 99% Spring.
The 99% Spring was conceived by members of NPA – National People’s Action – as a way to non-violently end the rise of the one percent. The first 99% Spring training was held in New York City. Members from community groups from across the country, such as PUSH Buffalo, Citizen Action of Western New York (CA), and the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), attended this training to learn the right way to be an activist.
Empowered by what we learned at the 99% Spring training, PUSH Buffalo, CA, and CEJ hosted a training of our own on April 10th. The turnout was beyond our expectations. In a packed room, people from all walks of life attentively took part. Everyone learned something new.
As one of the local 99% Spring training facilitators, we are urging people who attended this training or may be attending similar trainings to use this knowledge to become noticed by those in power. We have to collectively speak up to keep and improve upon what we’ve worked so hard for. There are many struggles that affect us here locally. We ask that you find one that speaks to you and join in.
Here are some upcoming 99% Spring Actions that you can get involved in locally:
Fair Elections Public Hearing
Campaign to get 1% $$$ out of Politics
Thursday, May 3rd – 5:30-7pm
SEIU 1199 Office — 2421 Main St, Buffalo NY 14214
Sign Up here
Direct Action Planning Session
Help Prepare the May 12th Action
Tuesday, April 24th – 5:30-7pm
PUSH Buffalo Office — 271 Grant St., Buffalo NY 14213
99% Spring Direct Action
Confront National Fuel and Verizon
Saturday, May 12th – 11am-1pm
PUSH Buffalo Office — 271 Grant St., Buffalo NY 14213
Sign Up here
Spring is here and we have a lot of cleaning to do!
read more
updates
April 3, 2012
Who the Hell Left the Gate Open? Trayvon Martin, racial profiling and the gated community
As the apparent (or not so apparent) accidental death of 17-year old Trayvon Martin in a gated, Florida community ignites a firestorm of controversy across the nation; stereotypes surrounding race and class are once again on the forefront of people’s minds.
As we now know, Trayvon Martin, black, was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, who is, white. Zimmerman has confessed to shooting Martin. He has given the “I thought he had a gun reason” for pulling the trigger that tragically ended this young man’s life.
Now as an investigation is underway and facts surrounding that night’s tragic incident are being gathered, a few things remain clear; a man who was armed shot an unarmed African American male in a predominately white neighborhood. Zimmerman thought Martin was carrying a gun (a gun that included snacks, soda and a cell phone). When Martin was shot, it was at night and raining outside. Zimmerman was patrolling the neighborhood in his car when he spotted Martin, who was on his way back to his mother’s house, walking through the neighborhood. Upon initially seeing Martin, Zimmerman notified authorities (thank God for 911) based solely on the fact that Martin “looked suspicious.” After being told by a 911 dispatcher to stand down, Zimmerman for some reason decided to leave his vehicle and “apprehend” Martin before the police arrived. The result, as we all now know, was the death of teenage Martin. Over the last few days, (thanks to Geraldo Rivera), it has been revealed that Martin was wearing a “hoodie” (slang for hooded sweat shirt). Since this hooded revelation, Zimmerman has gone on record stating that his community has seen a rise in crime in recent months and that because of this; his actions were warranted in order to protect his community.
A gated community is well, just that, a gated community. A community with its own homes, streets and parks built inside gates with controlled entrances for the people who reside there. These distinct communities are different from traditional communities, in that most of the properties are not only expensive but also, secluded (and, for kicks, they come with there very own security team!). For the most part, most people tend to live in gated communities because of there exclusiveness – and, I mean, we all know how great exclusivity is, right? Right! (For those of you wondering what this might look like in Buffalo, think Spaulding Lake, or Selby Court.)
So in a sense, to some Trayvon Martin’s presence would not be a typical sight in a gated community. But, it is. In 2012 there are African Americans who reside in these types of places. (And no, it’s not a “here comes the neighborhood” moment. Blacks can (and do) live in gated communities – hell some might even live in yours.)
I am not a mind reader but one wonders what was going through the mind of Zimmerman upon observing Martin (a young black man), walking through his gated community in a hooded sweat shirt, with “stuff,” or a gun in his pocket. Zimmerman might’ve been thinking, “Who in the hell left the gate open? How did this one breach our defense systems? Oh well, no matter I shall save us from the barbarian invasion.” I wonder if Martin had been of another race (and wearing a hoodie), let’s say white, if Zimmerman would’ve still considered him suspicious? Would he have acted so hastily in the situation and rushed to judgment? We don’t know the answer to these questions. It is known however that when one is consumed by fear and bigotry, all reasonable sense goes out the window.
As thousands of people take to the streets in various demonstrations around the country calling for an arrest (and for the prosecution of Zimmerman), I feel as if we are still missing the larger issue.
Racial profiling (or the close observation of certain individuals based upon their racial makeup) of black people, particularly young black males, is something that unfortunately is an everyday occurrence in many communities throughout America. I say unfortunately because the profiling usually occurs for all the wrong reasons. For example, the police “stretches” the writer of this piece, who is a young black male with no arrest record, at least three to four times a year. And, for those of you who don’t know what being “stretched” is all about, please let me explain. Being stretched is different than being stopped by police. When the police “stretches” someone, you are submitted to the complete song and dance. So instead of being asked for your ID, given an appearance ticket and sent on your way, you will be submitted to a thorough, often times humiliating search – a search that includes going through your trunk, glove compartments, shoes, socks, and maybe even your underwear. I mean after all, the guns and the drugs, have got to be hidden somewhere.
What makes Trayvon Martin’s situation so unfortunate is due in large part to where and how it happened. Taking this situation and holding it up as a litmus test only shows how far we as a country still need to go. Racial and class equality have a long road ahead of them before we, as a country, can get to a place where these things no longer matter. It’s a place where a young, black boy can walk down the street of a gated community (or any community for that matter) and not be accosted by the police because he looks suspicious.
The greatest tragedy about Trayvon Martin is that it took his death to get people in this country (at least in large numbers) to revisit the problems that we have with class and race. Who is a criminal? What does a criminal look like? What does a criminal wear? That depends on who’s doing the looking.
As we now know, Trayvon Martin, black, was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, who is, white. Zimmerman has confessed to shooting Martin. He has given the “I thought he had a gun reason” for pulling the trigger that tragically ended this young man’s life.
Now as an investigation is underway and facts surrounding that night’s tragic incident are being gathered, a few things remain clear; a man who was armed shot an unarmed African American male in a predominately white neighborhood. Zimmerman thought Martin was carrying a gun (a gun that included snacks, soda and a cell phone). When Martin was shot, it was at night and raining outside. Zimmerman was patrolling the neighborhood in his car when he spotted Martin, who was on his way back to his mother’s house, walking through the neighborhood. Upon initially seeing Martin, Zimmerman notified authorities (thank God for 911) based solely on the fact that Martin “looked suspicious.” After being told by a 911 dispatcher to stand down, Zimmerman for some reason decided to leave his vehicle and “apprehend” Martin before the police arrived. The result, as we all now know, was the death of teenage Martin. Over the last few days, (thanks to Geraldo Rivera), it has been revealed that Martin was wearing a “hoodie” (slang for hooded sweat shirt). Since this hooded revelation, Zimmerman has gone on record stating that his community has seen a rise in crime in recent months and that because of this; his actions were warranted in order to protect his community.
A gated community is well, just that, a gated community. A community with its own homes, streets and parks built inside gates with controlled entrances for the people who reside there. These distinct communities are different from traditional communities, in that most of the properties are not only expensive but also, secluded (and, for kicks, they come with there very own security team!). For the most part, most people tend to live in gated communities because of there exclusiveness – and, I mean, we all know how great exclusivity is, right? Right! (For those of you wondering what this might look like in Buffalo, think Spaulding Lake, or Selby Court.)
So in a sense, to some Trayvon Martin’s presence would not be a typical sight in a gated community. But, it is. In 2012 there are African Americans who reside in these types of places. (And no, it’s not a “here comes the neighborhood” moment. Blacks can (and do) live in gated communities – hell some might even live in yours.)
I am not a mind reader but one wonders what was going through the mind of Zimmerman upon observing Martin (a young black man), walking through his gated community in a hooded sweat shirt, with “stuff,” or a gun in his pocket. Zimmerman might’ve been thinking, “Who in the hell left the gate open? How did this one breach our defense systems? Oh well, no matter I shall save us from the barbarian invasion.” I wonder if Martin had been of another race (and wearing a hoodie), let’s say white, if Zimmerman would’ve still considered him suspicious? Would he have acted so hastily in the situation and rushed to judgment? We don’t know the answer to these questions. It is known however that when one is consumed by fear and bigotry, all reasonable sense goes out the window.
As thousands of people take to the streets in various demonstrations around the country calling for an arrest (and for the prosecution of Zimmerman), I feel as if we are still missing the larger issue.
Racial profiling (or the close observation of certain individuals based upon their racial makeup) of black people, particularly young black males, is something that unfortunately is an everyday occurrence in many communities throughout America. I say unfortunately because the profiling usually occurs for all the wrong reasons. For example, the police “stretches” the writer of this piece, who is a young black male with no arrest record, at least three to four times a year. And, for those of you who don’t know what being “stretched” is all about, please let me explain. Being stretched is different than being stopped by police. When the police “stretches” someone, you are submitted to the complete song and dance. So instead of being asked for your ID, given an appearance ticket and sent on your way, you will be submitted to a thorough, often times humiliating search – a search that includes going through your trunk, glove compartments, shoes, socks, and maybe even your underwear. I mean after all, the guns and the drugs, have got to be hidden somewhere.
What makes Trayvon Martin’s situation so unfortunate is due in large part to where and how it happened. Taking this situation and holding it up as a litmus test only shows how far we as a country still need to go. Racial and class equality have a long road ahead of them before we, as a country, can get to a place where these things no longer matter. It’s a place where a young, black boy can walk down the street of a gated community (or any community for that matter) and not be accosted by the police because he looks suspicious.
The greatest tragedy about Trayvon Martin is that it took his death to get people in this country (at least in large numbers) to revisit the problems that we have with class and race. Who is a criminal? What does a criminal look like? What does a criminal wear? That depends on who’s doing the looking.
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updates
March 20, 2012
PUSH Buffalo Members Attend NPA Leadership Conference 2012
On March 5 and 6, 2012, members of PUSH Buffalo were in the presence of leaders from around the country. The National People's Action or NPA, held its annual Leadership Conference this year in Washington DC. PUSH Buffalo members Cariol Horn, and George Toledo represented PUSH at this year's conference.
NPA is a network of community based organizations from around the country who work feverishly (on local and national stages), to help construct an American society that works for everyone (and not just for those who have the money to buy access to power). Much of PUSH's work in bringing big parasitic entities (like National Fuel gas, and big banks) down to the layman's level, coincides with our NPA partners.
The NPA leadership conference is meant as a forum where NPA member organizations (such as PUSH Buffalo) can share their individual victories from the past year with each other. NPA requests that the various member organizations send a couple of members who have been highly active in their organizations work to this conference. The total number of delegates (from around the nation) each year is usually somewhere around 100 people.
Cariol and George shared with leaders from other organizations the work that PUSH Buffalo has been doing. Cariol and George also learned what other progressive groups are doing, and have done in their perspective communities.
NPA, as well as PUSH Buffalo believes that this process of victory/idea sharing makes everyone involved in the confrontation against corporate power stronger. It's almost like that 1980's cartoon Voltron (or Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), each NPA member organization forms an important part of the warriors body. So Voltron without his head, an arm, or his blazing sword would be much prone to defeat by the ro-beast (in this case corporate power).
NPA is a network of community based organizations from around the country who work feverishly (on local and national stages), to help construct an American society that works for everyone (and not just for those who have the money to buy access to power). Much of PUSH's work in bringing big parasitic entities (like National Fuel gas, and big banks) down to the layman's level, coincides with our NPA partners.
The NPA leadership conference is meant as a forum where NPA member organizations (such as PUSH Buffalo) can share their individual victories from the past year with each other. NPA requests that the various member organizations send a couple of members who have been highly active in their organizations work to this conference. The total number of delegates (from around the nation) each year is usually somewhere around 100 people.
Cariol and George shared with leaders from other organizations the work that PUSH Buffalo has been doing. Cariol and George also learned what other progressive groups are doing, and have done in their perspective communities.
NPA, as well as PUSH Buffalo believes that this process of victory/idea sharing makes everyone involved in the confrontation against corporate power stronger. It's almost like that 1980's cartoon Voltron (or Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), each NPA member organization forms an important part of the warriors body. So Voltron without his head, an arm, or his blazing sword would be much prone to defeat by the ro-beast (in this case corporate power).
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updates
March 14, 2012
The First Ever West Side Open Mic @ GSNC
The first ever West Side Open Mic, was a rousing success. Held Friday February 24, 2012 inside the Grant Street Neighborhood Center (GSNC), the community appreciated this event (judging by the many happy faces in attendance), by blessing us with their attendance. Organizers estimate that as many as 150-175 people attended the event. People and performers alike just had a good, ole time.
More than just giving young people something to do, the open mic was first conceived by young people (who use the GSNC on a daily basis), as a way of creatively using the space to engage the surrounding community. What could be better than neighbors getting together to appreciate the young talent in their own back yard?
The types performances ran the gamut of artistic creativity. Included in the line up of the 18 artists who performed were; poets, MC's (some may refer to them as rappers), gospel hip hoppers, acoustic guitarists, violin players, singers, dance performances, an art painting performance, and some essay readings.
Performers who especially went in, and did their thing were; Mariah Tirado (poetry), Jamar Crump (dancing), Desinty and Ambilique Sierra (singing separate songs), and Eddie Bristow (accompanying guitar).
A special shout out of appreciation goes out to all volunteers for this event. These volunteers included students from several high schools through the Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World literary journal (Elizabeth Borngraber). Students/volunteers from Buffalo State College, Houghton College, the GSNC (Megan Little), and PUSH Buffalo members also helped out. Students from these colleges, Buffalo city common council member David Rivera (who has been a supporter of GSNC since day one), as well as many people from outside the immediate neighborhood were in the audience. The sound system for the event was donated for the evening by Ismail & Company.
Community control of resources, or the control of something by the community. This is what PUSH Buffalo has been preaching since first forming. When the people who live in a neighborhood can control what goes on (in this case a key building/community center) on their block, only good things can happen for them. Just imagine what would've happened if the library (GSNC) was left mothballed. Community building events like the West Side Open Mic would never have been conceived, let alone happen. The only thing that would've been celebrated in that location on February 24, would have been blight.
More than just giving young people something to do, the open mic was first conceived by young people (who use the GSNC on a daily basis), as a way of creatively using the space to engage the surrounding community. What could be better than neighbors getting together to appreciate the young talent in their own back yard?
The types performances ran the gamut of artistic creativity. Included in the line up of the 18 artists who performed were; poets, MC's (some may refer to them as rappers), gospel hip hoppers, acoustic guitarists, violin players, singers, dance performances, an art painting performance, and some essay readings.
Performers who especially went in, and did their thing were; Mariah Tirado (poetry), Jamar Crump (dancing), Desinty and Ambilique Sierra (singing separate songs), and Eddie Bristow (accompanying guitar).
A special shout out of appreciation goes out to all volunteers for this event. These volunteers included students from several high schools through the Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World literary journal (Elizabeth Borngraber). Students/volunteers from Buffalo State College, Houghton College, the GSNC (Megan Little), and PUSH Buffalo members also helped out. Students from these colleges, Buffalo city common council member David Rivera (who has been a supporter of GSNC since day one), as well as many people from outside the immediate neighborhood were in the audience. The sound system for the event was donated for the evening by Ismail & Company.
Community control of resources, or the control of something by the community. This is what PUSH Buffalo has been preaching since first forming. When the people who live in a neighborhood can control what goes on (in this case a key building/community center) on their block, only good things can happen for them. Just imagine what would've happened if the library (GSNC) was left mothballed. Community building events like the West Side Open Mic would never have been conceived, let alone happen. The only thing that would've been celebrated in that location on February 24, would have been blight.
read more