Planned actions following the acquittal of the 3 officers in the killing of Sean Bell continue to grow. Acts of civil disobedience yesterday, led to hundreds of arrests as Sean Bell supporters blocked bridge and tunnel entrances demanding federal charges against the officers and systemic change in the policing of communities of color. Sights are now set on the Mother’s Day Boycott and Remembrance Walk. On May 1st, a Mother’s day Boycott and Remembrance Walk was called by Black Women Against Racism Empowered (BWARE) along with the Sean Bell Coordinating Committee and other organizations. 40 Organizers in the Boycott Committee have vowed that this will be the first of a series of boycotts until reforms occur to bring about an end to police brutality as well as equity in the judicial system for the black community. There will be no “trust-me-I-feel-your-pain” meetings with captains of Community Affairs. The police in our communities must be put on notice, that our children have a right to the same protections as the children residing in privileged landscapes of the city. The police harassment, the “stop and frisk”, constant intimidation on trains, in the schools, and on the street must stop immediately. Momentum for this action has grown with pledged support from organizations, churches, and individuals across the city and surrounding areas.
Those in support of the boycott are being asked not to participate in the commercialism of Mother’s Day, the second largest gift giving holiday in the U.S. The call has been made not to purchase cards, flowers, candy, clothing, jewelry, or other gift items. Additionally, supporters have been asked not to dine out on May 11th as such adds significantly to the profits of the day. We honor Mrs. Bell request that we spend the time with our family, at home, with a family cooked dinner for Mothers. We want change and we want our collective dollars to move that change forward.
Organizers are planning Mother’s Day Remembrance Walks on Sunday, May 11, 2008 in Harlem, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens in support of mothers who have lost their children as a result of police brutality. These walks will be in keeping with the First Mother’s Day where Julia Ward Howe along with other mothers protested the lost of their sons in the Civil War. The day was a call to women to unite against wars. We will make that call to all Women to unite against the war waged on our children. Men are also invited to participate. Gathering for the walks will begin at 1:30 p.m and the walks will start at all sites at 2 p.m. For site location or additional information on the Boycott, you may call 973 -754-8271 or e-mail HYPERLINK “mailto:b_ware_2007@ yahoo.com” Those outside of NYC are being asked to support the Boycott and organize walks in their area.
