Monday, April 19, 2010

IN SORROW: The passing of Gloria Swanson | Coalition to Save Harlem Member

IN SORROW: The passing of Gloria Swanson | Coalition to Save Harlem Member

Ms. Swanson testified at the United Nation Special Housing Rapporteur's Town Hall on October 22, 2010
The Coalition to Save Harlem is sad to announce the passing of Gloria Swanson. Ms. Swanson was one of the original founders of the Coalition to Save Harlem.  Ms. Swanson also shared the first Co-Chairmanship of the Coalition with Sikhulu Shange (of the Record Shack) . As an active member of the Coalition, Ms. Swanson fought tirelessly for the interests of the Village of Harlem and against City Planning's 125th Street Rezoning plans. The Coalition will miss her dearly. We give our condolences to her family.

In the image above, Ms. Swanson is testifying at the United Nation Special Housing Rapporteur's Town Hall on October 22, 2010 about housing problems at Delano Village located in the Village of Harlem.

Ms. Swanson will be reposed at
Unity Funeral Home
2352 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
(On 8th Ave. between West 126 St. & 127 St.)
New York, NY 10027-3638
Telephone: 212-666-8300
Travel Directions: Can be found here

Viewing:
Unity Funeral Home
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 | 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Home Going Service:
Unity Funeral Home
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 | 10 a.m.

She will be interred at:
Rosehill Cemetery
Linden, NJ
Travel Direction: To be provided at the funeral home.

Rest in peace Gloria.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

COMMENT: Who will Stand for Dr. Sanford on Friday? by Alton H. Maddox

Alton Maddox, Esq
COMMENT: Who will Stand for Dr. Sanford on Friday?
By: Alton H. Maddox, Jr.| Chairman, United African Movement &the Peoples Lawyer

Dr. Adelaide Sanford is a nationally-recognized educator, at the very least, and countless people pretend to be her friends. Yet, those pretenders will be absent from the battlefield when I put a list of demands on the table of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo on Friday at 11:00 a.m.

With police terrorism running amuck in New York City, it should not be surprising that Black elected officials and leading Blacks have been afraid to put demands on Cuomo's table despite this teaching of Frederick Douglass: "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." We must honor our revered ancestors. Otherwise, we will remain chattel slaves.

On March 14, 2010, storm troopers of the NYPD unmercifully beat and punched Dr. Sandford's son and grandson in the Bronx. Her son is Dean David Sanford of Benjamin Banneker High School and his son is a college student in Buffalo, NY. They are now exposed to criminal records.

The NYPD must be put in judicial receivership. In addition, Gov. David Paterson has the constitutional authority to remove Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly from their offices. New York successfully sued Town of Walkill which was put in receivership.

Someone in New York must have the guts to confront Andrew Cuomo. By default, this responsibility has been put on my shoulders even though I am not a Black elected official nor a leading Black. In fact, the Black colony has turned its back on me for taking uncompromising positions.

On Friday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m., I will be at the offices of the New York State Attorney General, 120 Broadway in Manhattan. Someone, who is not scared nor bought off, must take a stand in New York for more than two million Blacks. Scared Blacks are always looking for a sacrificial lamb.

UAM Business Meeting:  March 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the Cotton Club, 656 West 125th Street in Harlem.

UNITED AFRICAN MOVEMENT
Alton H. Maddox, Jr, Chairman
P.O. Box 35
Bronx, NY 10471
Tel: 718-834-9034
Fax: 718-884-8241

ACTION & NEWS RELEASE: Son and Grandson of Vice Chancellor Emerita, Adelaide Sanford Brutalized by the Police

Regent Adelaide Sanford
ACTION: Visit 52nd Precinct in the Bronx
Time: 3:00 P.M.
Day & Date: Sunday, March 28, 2010

Location:
52nd Precinct
3016 Webster Ave
Bronx, N. Y.

Contact: 917- 282-8932 for additional information


NEWS RELEASE: Son and Grandson of Vice Chancellor Emerita, Adelaide Sanford Brutalized by the Police

When David Sanford, Dean at Benjamin Banneker High School in Brooklyn, accompanied the school basketball team to Lehman College in the Bronx,on March 14 to a playoff game, he had no idea that he would end up being beaten handcuffed, arrested and jailed in the 52nd precinct, located at 3016 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY. His crime was attempting to get his students safely to the bus to return back to Brooklyn. “Following the end of the game students from the winning team, Bedford Academy were taunting my students. Apparently the school safety officers became overly excited and began pushing everyone out of the area. The incident did not require such harsh action” Sanford said.

Dean Sanford, the son of Dr. Adelaide Sanford, Vice Chancellor Emerita of the New York State Board of Regents, was punched in the face by an irate cop as he attempted to safe guard his students. Said Sanford, "I asked the cop did you punch me, and he said "you damn right I did" The next thing that I knew I was slammed to the ground, beaten and kneed as several cops piled on top of me. I was unable to breathe and asked that they get off of me. I was then thrown into the back of the police car and driven to the 52 pct." he continued. Sanford's son who accompanied the group also sustained an injury to his face.

Sandford said that the efforts by the principal and the students fell on deaf ears as they attempted to convince the police that he, Sanford, was trying to bring the excitement level under control. In spite of never having had any brush with the law throughout his life, Sanford indicated that he was more concerned with the safety of his students than for himself.

Many of the students were traumatized by the incident. Sanford indicated that "my son was supposed to return to his university in Buffalo, New York, later that night, but could not do so for several days because he was so upset.

Sanford who was charged with disorderly conduct. explained “I was fearful for my life. I know what often happens to Black men who are arrested in a precinct, many end up dead.” Friends and supporters will visit the 52nd pct. located at 3016 Webster Ave Bronx, N. Y. on Sunday, March 28th at 3:P.M. The community is urged to join with them. "It is apparent that this kind of police behavior is common in the Bronx," said Betty Dopson, CEMOTAP co-chair, “after hearing Dean Sanford’s story , If there was disorderly conduct, it was on the part of the police."

Call: 917 282-8932 for additional information.

Monday, March 8, 2010

PROJECT: Put People Before Prisons

PROJECT: Put People Before Prisons

Background:
The Correctional Association's Public Policy Project's current principal goal is to reduce overincarceration in New York State. To achieve this objective, the Project coordinates the Drop the Rock Coalition, which advocates for policies that reduce incarceration rates, including repealing the vestiges of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

Through education, organizing and advocacy, Drop the Rock aims to decrease the number of people who are incarcerated in New York and reduce the bed capacity of the state prison system.

Our grassroots campaign promotes full repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws and constructive reforms to parole and work release policies, which cause the unnecessary imprisonment of thousands of people each year. In addition we strongly advocate for reinvestment in alternative, prevention, and in-prison rehabilitation programs to prepare people for successful reentry.

NOTE: Download campaign brochure and petition and poster

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DroptheRock
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/DroptheRock?v=info
Drop the Rock Web Site:  DropTheRock.org/

Sponsor: Correctional Association of New York

Event: Drop the Rock Advocacy Day

Event: Drop the Rock Advocacy Day

Time: Daylong
Day & Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Registration: Register as soon as possible by downloading and filling out the registration form here

Transportation:
  • Buses to Albany will leave from locations in New York City including downtown Brooklyn and Harlem.  Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided to all participants.
  • If your organization is interested in participating, contact Caitlin Dunklee, Drop the Rock Coordinator at 212-254-5700 or cdunklee@correctionalassociation.org.
Background
On this day hundreds of New Yorkers will unite in Albany to call for criminal justice reforms including prison closures, full repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, and reinvestment in our communities.  Read about DTR's downsizing campaign here.

Contact:
Caitlin Dunklee, Drop the Rock Coordinator
212-254-5700 or cdunklee@correctionalassociation.org.
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DroptheRock
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/DroptheRock?v=infoWeb Site: DropTheRock.org

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Event: World Read Aloud Day at Polo Grounds Towers

Event: World Read Aloud Day at Polo Grounds Towers

Author: Kwame Alexander

Food: Dinner will be served

Time: 4:30–6:30 pm
Day & Date: Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Flyer: You can download a flyer from the CSH Flyer Depot here.

Location:
Polo Grounds Community Center
West 157th Street & Frederick Douglass Blvd.

NOTE:
We request ALL parents to attend.
We would like ALL students to come dressed up.

More Information:
Come and join us as the children share their original stories and meet author Kwame Alexander

Sponsored By: The Children's Village

Contact:
Tonyna D. McGhee, MSW
Assistant Vice President of the Polo Grounds Project
The Children’s Village, Harlem NY 10039
Phone: 212-932-9009 ext. 7231
Cell: 917-587-5973
Fax: 212-932-1756

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Public Hearing: MTA Manhattan Public Hearing on the proposed transportation cuts

Public Hearing: MTA Manhattan Public Hearing on the proposed transportation cuts

Time: 6:00 pm (Registration Closes - 9:00 pm)
Day & Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010.

Location
Fashion Institute of Technology
Haft Auditorium

Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
Manhattan

How will Harlem be affected?
For more information about the transportation budget cuts that will affect Harlem download from here and look at page 2.
You can also go to the following link to check out specific public modes of transportation in Harlem.,
http://mta.info/news/stories/?story=24

Want to make some COMMENTS about the MTA Service Cuts?
Want training on how to testify at the MTA Town Hall?
Event: Training - Prepare residents for the upcoming MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-training-prepare-residents-for.html

Want to sign a petition about the MTA Service Cuts?
Petition: Against MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/petition-against-mta-budget-cuts.html

Want to attend a forum about the MTA Service Cuts?
Event: F.I.T. Money Magazine, in conjunction with Community Board 10, presents Harlem Speaks Out On The MTA
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-fit-money-magazine-in-conjunction.html

Want to Rally and March about the MTA Service Cuts?
Event: March 4 - National Day of Action to Defend Public Education - Ralley & March
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-march-4-national-day-of-action-to.html

Want a "free" bus ride to with return from the MTA Hearing?
Event: Get on the Bus! MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-get-on-bus-mta-public-hearing-on.html

Petition: Against MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts

Petition: Against MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts

Purpose: To demonstrate opposition (by way of signatures) against the MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts.

Letter/Petition: You can download a copy of the Letter/Petition from here:

Response Deadline: 12 midnight, Wednesday, March 3, 2010

How to Respond:
  • By Email
    • Create an email contating the following phrase,
      "I support the Letter/Petition of  the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
    • Place your name(s) under the statement
    • Send back an email to Fialka Semenuik at fialka_s@yahoo.com
  • By "Drop-Off"
    • Create a letter/document containing the following phrase,
      "I support the Letter/Petition of  the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
    • Sign and clearly print your name(s) under the statement
    • Not necessary to place contact information (but helpful for follow-up) under signature (Address and/or Email and/or Telephone Number)
    • Date Letter/Document
    • Drop-Off letter/document with signature response to:
      Community Pride
      Attn: Fernando Lorence
      157 W. 122nd St.
      NY NY 10027
  • By Fax
    • Create a letter/document containing the following phrase
      "I support the Letter/Petition of the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
    • Sign and type/clearly print your name(s) under the statement
    • Not necessary to place contact information (but helpful for follow-up) under signature (Address and/or Email and/or Telephone Number)
    • Date Letter/Document
    • Fax to the attention of Fernando Lorence at fax number 212-663-2590
  • By Snal Mail (Mail As Soon As Possible)
    • Create a letter containing the following phrase,
      "I support the Letter/Petition of  the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
    • Sign and clearly print your name(s) under the statemen
    • Not necessary to place contact information (but helpful for follow-up) under signature (Address and/or Email and/or Telephone Number)
    • Date Letter
    • Send the letter with signature response to:
      The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem & The Residents of Greater Harlem
      c/o Community Pride
      157 W. 122nd St.NY NY 10027
Sponsors: 
  • Block Association 122 Inc
  • The Ad Hoc Leaders of Harlem

Monday, March 1, 2010

Panel: Justice Dep't Refuses to Prosecute Cops Who Murdered Sean Bell- "50 Shots, Government Whitewashes and the Real Way Out of This Madness!

Panel: Justice Dep't Refuses to Prosecute Cops Who Murdered Sean Bell- "50 Shots, Government Whitewashes and the Real Way Out of This Madness!

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Day & Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Registration: The link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=365579832872&mid=1f48260G417cd85eG176ecd4G7

Location:
Revolution Books
146 W 26th Street
(Near 6th Ave.)

Purpose: Informational Meeting

Additional Information:
Do enjoin and hear from the Warrior Mother - Juanita Young - speaking!

More Details:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=365579832872&mid=1f48260G417cd85eG176ecd4G7

Event: Get on the Bus! MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Event: Get on the Bus! MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Time: 4:30 pm (Pick Up)[Return at 9 pm] 
Date & Time: Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Reserve Space: RSVP your place NOW and contact
James Burke @ burke@weact.org or 347-465-8488 OR
Charles Callaway @ charles@weact.org or 347-465-8492

Background:
Bus to take Harlem residents to the MTA hearing on March 4th

Sponsored By: WE ACT and the TWU Local 100

Location
Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building
(163 west 125 Street on the Plaza)

More Information:
Room on the bus for 50 passengers

Contact:
James Burke
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Telephone: 347-465-8488
Email: burke@weact.org

Charles CallawayCommunity
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Telephone: 347-465-8492
Email: charles@weact.org

Website: WeAct.org