A Phone Call for Justice - Can you do it?
The Justice for Isaiah Group is asking you to call the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison.
Who: Jennifer Korn (Director) or Julie Warren (Associate Director)
What: Express why you think it is important that they further investigate the death of Isaiah Simmons III at the Bowling Brook Preparatory School. Express your outrage that Isaiah murders were only charged with reckless endangerment even though the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide. Further more all charges have been dismissed against the counselors responsible for his death.
In your own words, we want everyone calling Korn and Warren strongly encouraging the United States Department of Justice to immediately get involved in the Isaiah Simmons Homicide case of January 2007. Let her know that we understand that they are waiting for a resolution on the Maryland State level, but it has been over a year and more children’s lives are being jeopardized the longer we do not address the injustice of this case.
When: NOW
Where to call: 202 514-3456
Or you can write to:
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Suite 1629
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001
Why: Our goal is to flood their telephone lines and mail boxes so that it is understood that citizens/ taxpayers are concerned about this matter.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:16 am
I just called and was told by whoever answered the phone that Julie Warren is not in the office today (2/21) – I was able to leave my name and number and just a brief (really really brief) message –
I will try my call again tomorrow morning.
Kimberly
February 21st, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I don’t mean to disparage any individual in any way from phoning the Justice Department.
Another action step that ought to be considered is for the black community to solve this and every other crime itself. The Rev is a powerful advocate of black vigilantism. Ibelieve that we need to create our criminal justice system. We cannot sit by and watch our communities as they continue to erode as a result of criminal activity.
At a talk given at Mills College just over a week ago by Professor Angela Davis, her topic (The Criminal Justice System) only confirmed my feelings.
I would encourage the black community in your area to get together and find those in the community who are competent in the areas of investigation, and solve this crime yourselves. If you do not have individuals within the community who can solve this crime, go outside of the community and bring in competent black individuals who will solve this crime It’s your community!
February 21st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Much that has been expressed is very much understood. To be simple, I will say that a phone call shall be made and letter shall be sent in regards to this issue. Justice, Peace & Blessings!
February 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Niambi A. Murray,
I’m not sure what has been misunderstood…, or by whom?
However, I do know that nothing ever came about as a result of the marches and rallies that many of us participated in, that were led by the Reverend Jackson, Al Sharpton and others at the Justice Department in Washington D.C. recently! And even if something were to come of it, should blacks always run to the other side to ask it to do its job, or to solve our problems?
The code word at the Los Angeles Police Department among some officers and the dispatchers some years ago for crimes that took place in black communities was N.H.I., which stands for ‘no humans involved’. The LAPD is part of the American Criminal Justice System, the same disinterested Criminal Justice System that we have relied on all to often for help. Why do they always have to be forced into action!
If any assistance can be derived from the political Justice Department, great. However, the systemic problem will still be in place. Think about it, if the Justice Department worked, you wouldn’t have to call them in the first place, would you?. It would be prudent to, along with your phone calls, to organize the black community around self-help criminal justice. Someone likely within the the black community itself, knows who commited this crime! Telling black criminal justice officials that are members of the black would not be considered ’snitching’!
Way off topic but these sniipets have some relevance. Years ago when the Ebola crisis became unmanagable in Rwanda, do you know how the Rwanda’s attempted to solve the crisis? The Rwandans, who spent years fighting to liberate themselves from the Belgians, turned around and called the Belgians back begging them to solve their problems.
In a session with representatives from the Congo, I challenged them, asking how could a nation of people with their own resources, still come to America to pursue western paternalism, from a nation that gave the final word to have Patrice Lamumba put to death? We fought in the auditorium that day, however, in private they confessed that the Rev was right!
Again, blacks might not ever divulge what they know about criminal activities that have taken place in their communities to the criminal justice system, however, I suspect that there would be a 190 degree turnaround, if the black community had its own just, criminal justice system!
Again, someone in the black community likeley knows what happened to this young man, the Head of the Justice Department does not know!
And BTW, here is a discussion topic that ought to be considered. Should black churches persist in conducting Amnesty programs at the church, as opposed to ….?
February 21st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hey Rev - this case is actually in the courts now. Staffers at a juvenile prep school killed Isaiah Simmons, III. Though the state’s medical examiner ruled Isaiah’s death a homicide, Judge Michael Gallagher cleared everyone of all charges. Here’s a press release by the NAACP on the matter.
http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2008-02-01b/index.htm
That’s why there is a call to press the Department of Justice. Carroll County courts have dropped the ball. While there is an appeal underway, people are being asked to provide further pressure being that the judge has revealed his unwillingness to do justice in this matter.
However, in other cases where a crime has been committed as in the case of Zachariah Hallback - the Algebra Project Student who was killed at a bus stop robbery…in the alley of a church! - is one that I believe should consider your wise words related to policing ourselves.
And I think Niambi said much as been “understood” - not “misunderstood”.
February 21st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Information is the basis for making decisions–
Thank you for providing me with more information. Then I am the one who misunderstood and I stand corrected. Sorry Niambi!
However, I still believe that we ought to work on our own ‘black criminal justice vigilante system’!
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
My Dear Reverends,
I have just taken a moment to get my Baltimore City (noncommercial) community update! Thank you for your clarification Heber and Rev. C. Solomon thank you for your apology. My apologies for any confusion.
It is my recent decision to keep my words brief, as in my passion on issues my point may get lost. More importantly for me is the desire to speak less and seek to do more.
I try to listen and understand when people are speaking. In reading words, people are speaking their hearts and minds, which need to be understood. Thus, as I learn to listen even in reading, my first desire is to understand what is being said and then see what I can do. Thank you for all that you both continue to do.
Justice, Peace and Blessings!
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Oh yes! Heber, I know your information goes beyond just Baltimore City. Just had to make that note. See, I’m talking too much again:)