PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

March Against Police Violence on the 22nd
by Dan Kyle Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2003 at 3:15 PM

People Against Police Violence will gather Saturday, March 22nd at Freedom Corner in the Hill District at 1pm to march in memory of those killed by area police since September.

People Against Police Violence will be demonstrating in a permitted march and rally on March 22nd. Anyone who is willing to take a stand against racial injustice is invited to participate by meeting at Freedom Corner, Centre and Crawford St. above Mellon Arena, at 1pm and march to the Allegheny Courthouse at Fifth and Grant St.

Participants of all races and ages are invited to bring thier family and friends to illustrate the strength and unity our community can build when civil rights are violated. Anyone with instruments and noisemakers, from whistles to bucket drums, are invited to march with PAPV and shake the streets to action.

In September, Pittsburgh's police consent decree was repealed after nearly five years of relative progess in police behavior. Ending the consent decree between the city and the U.S. Justice Department freed police from monitoring requirements pertaining to police operations, like officer performance assessments, use-of-force reporting and civil rights training. Patterned behavior by Pittsburgh Police cited by the Justice Department that led to the consent decree included excessive force, false arrests, and inadequate discipline, among others.

Three black men have been killed by Pittsburgh police since the decree was repealed. Considering the local police deparment has a longstanding policy for placing thier most overzealous and aggressive police officers in the most economically downtrodden neighborhoods, more fatalities can be expected unless a strong message is sent. Michael Hunter was killed on September 7th at the age of 24. Bernard Rogers was killed November 15th at the age of 26. Charles Dixon was killed at the age of 43 on December 21. Just three days after Mr. Dixon was killed, Pennsylvania State Police killed 12 year old Michael Ellerbe. Family and friends of all four victims will be present this weekend gathering strength from and sharing thier stories with the crowd.

Two additional examples of police brutality in Pittsburgh will also be a featured subject during the rally: After over three years of lobbying, the police killing of Damian Jordan at the hands of Mt. Oliver police will finally be reviewed in a court of law.

Monty Clay was beaten by police, and is lucky to live to share his story. Beaten up by the police without even being arrested for anything. They told him "Nigger, don't you know we'll kill you?", and that they didn't care that he was a champion boxer. Their beating took away more than half the movement in his spine. Now that he's suing them, local police are harassing him.

Organizers from PAPV issued a call to action: "We want justice. We want truth. We want what is right! Police officers who break the law should have to pay the price. The policies of the police statewide must change. Come march with us!"

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