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In September, Pittsburgh's police consent decree was repealed after nearly five years of relative progess in police behavior.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Three black men have been killed by Pittsburgh police since the decree was repealed.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!"

add your comments

enemies of the state
by redpredator Friday, Mar. 21, 2003 at 7:04 AM
redpredator@blackvault.com

I read this website in the spirit of "know thy enemy". Those who adopt the rhetoric of America's enemies and those who stand with the "hate America first" crowd I label you enemies of the state and you WILL be treated as such by loyal Americans. RED PREDATOR

add your comments

Congratulations R.P.
by Wheatpaster Friday, Mar. 21, 2003 at 2:00 PM

I want to extend congratulations to this last poster. Although this person was unable to address the subject and content of the actual article in the least, R.P. refrained from racism, sexism, homophobia, agism, and (to a certain degree) name-calling.

This website was actually a news source last week. Freelance journalists were able to write articles, and organizers could post press releases. Now, it is a disgusting display of right-wing angst.

If anyone would like to comment on the actual CONTENT of the article, go for it.

For myself, I think it is more important than ever to examine the consent decree, and how repealing it has led to inappropriate police behavior.

Last night I saw teenagers follow police orders and remain on the sidewalk. For this, they were beaten by those same officers. I saw police taunt those protesters who dispersed in a legal fashion (including myself) calling us wimps for dispersing. Such mixed directions from police caused the violent scenes I saw on the 11 o'clock news. The tired protesters, who for the most part were trying to go home, did march unpermitted. They knew the risk. However, to arrest people afterward when they were trying to follow the police's wishes is unethical.

Bring back the police consent decree.

add your comments

answer to Wheatpaster
by red predator Friday, Mar. 21, 2003 at 3:24 PM

To Wheatpaster: I wrote a comment on this article because it was one that your ilk would go to for the latest instructions from your handlers, not to opine on its content. This site is so infested with anti-Americanism it makes me ill. Right-wing angst? You must be blind, in addition to being a deluded, manipulated, "useful idiot". Red Predator

add your comments