Walter suggested the local chapters “demand BLM Global Network Foundation stop operating as a ‘fiscally sponsored project’ of the Tides Center.” “That lets the group hide its revenues, assets, salaries, vendors, expenses (broken into categories like travel and fundraising), lobbying, grants to other groups and much more,” Walter said. BLM regularly protests police killings of black people and broader issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and racial inequality in the United States criminal justice system. Better training in race relations and avoiding the use of deadly force were demanded. [21] The video from Slager's dashcam shows him approaching Scott's car, speaking to Scott, and then returning to his patrol car. The United Federation of Teachers nationally and in New York was sharply attacked by PBA for acting in solidarity with the victims of police killings. Lynch went on to organize police to turn their backs on the mayor when he spoke at the funerals of the two slain officers. The tragic video of the callous murder of George Floyd, and linking it with Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner, has given birth to this new movement. The radical ideas and violence associated with the Black Lives Matter movement are simply the latest eruptions of a type of left-wing politics that goes back decades, at least. Maintaining this system required a reign of terror to try to prevent people from pursuing freedom. Stop the War on the Poor and Start Winning the War on Poverty. In the summer of 2015, BLM began to publicly challenge politicians—including those in the 2016 United States presidential election—to state their positions on BLM issues. Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people. Expressions ranging from modest sympathy to righteous anger are being heard from all quarters of society. The system cannot meet the needs of all the people. After he heard officer Slager’s made-up version of events, he decided to make his video public. Some have compared the siege on the Capitol with BLM protests from this summer, but there is no comparison. Feidin Santana witnessed the murder of Scott and recorded it on his cell phone. [26] Slager pleaded not guilty, and a trial was scheduled to begin in May 2017. Across the country there is a growing understanding that racist police methods and mass incarceration of black and brown people are really a way of terrorizing and controlling poor folks. [56] During the trial, the officer "testified that he did not realize the Taser had fallen behind him when he fired the fatal shots. [27], Immediately following the shooting, Slager radioed a dispatcher, stating, "Shots fired and the subject is down. The main victims of policies that promote incarceration are Black and Latino young men. [53], In May 2016,[54] a short documentary film about the shooting called Frame 394 was released by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The chant “Black Lives Matter” could have been chanted in Selma. It is a central reason the ruling 1% can maintain their power and privilege. He actually claimed that Officer Pantaleo did not use a choke hold, causing Eric Garner’s sister to wonder whether Lynch and company had seen the same video everybody else saw. Throughout the whole Garner struggle, Lynch became a loud voice defending the accused officers, even in the face of video evidence. For equality. This act of cold-blooded murder fueled a new wave of mass anti-racist demonstrations in North Charleston and around the country. These are difficult times: Our nation is in the throes of a triple-layered crisis of COVID-19,  a deep economic crisis with 50 million unemployed, and an escalating nationwide struggle against the virus of racist police murders. In June 2015, a South Carolina grand jury indicted Slager on a charge of murder. The pace of change depends on the size and unity of the progressive forces and the divisions in the ruling group. "[56] It was impactful in Slager's trial after Voshart showed Slager's lawyer, Andy Savage, the stabilized video. [59][60], After the police department reviewed the video,[25] Slager was arrested on April 7 and charged with murder. assoilize absolve. Disputes between police and civilians are not conflicts between individuals with equal power. [Walter Scott Lenox, founder of Lenox Ceramic Art Company, half-length portrait, facing left] 1 photographic print on carte de visite mount. He currently resides in the Inwood section of Manhattan, N.Y., is married and the father of four adult children and one grandchild. In North Charleston, South Carolina, on April 4, 2015, Walter Scott, an unarmed 50-year-old African American worker, father of four and military vet, was shot eight times in the back while fleeing white policeman Michael Slager. [43][44][45], On April 8, the North Charleston city manager announced that the NCPD had fired Slager but would continue to pay for his health insurance because his wife was pregnant. This racist, inhumane policy was funded with trillions that could have been used to build decent housing and schools, creating good jobs, but instead was used to incarcerate millions. At some point before or during the struggle, Slager fired his Taser, hitting Scott. Jarvis Tyner is executive vice chair of the Communist Party USA and a long-time member of the party's national board.. In footage captured by an eyewitness, 50-year-old Scott was seen running away from the officer and then shot in the back. [55] Initially, Voshart examined the footage to help indict Slager,[56] having been convinced by the footage that it "was an example of police corruption at its worst". The case of Sandra Bland remains disputed between the account of police officers and activists. He worked many years as a truck driver and loved spending time with his family. Sandra Bland. This means that racism is felt most sharply by more than half the population. [31] In an interview on MSNBC, Santana said, "I felt that my life, with this information, might be in danger. They call that help in the “national interest.” But when tens of millions of Americans are locked in the death grip of poverty for generations, the attitude is, “You are on your own” and “Get it together.”. It’s basically set up and appointed by the cops. With capitalism came modern American slavery and the government policy of racist oppression and brutality. At the Police Academy commencement ceremony for new officers at Madison Square Garden, the PBA was able to organize another back-turning protest. We all remember when the banks were bailed out. But so has the broad grassroots anti-racist movement demanding justice. This tragedy gave a green light to the most right-wing, racist opponents of democratization of the NYPD. Feidin Santana witnessed the murder of Scott and recorded it … Therefore you criminalize and incarcerate the poor to control the poor. [66] A retrial had been scheduled to begin in August 2017. Even if they survive the streets and prison, their lives and families are damaged. Walter Scott Glore III Louisville - Scott Glore died December 31, 2020 at Kendal in Lexington, Virginia, at age 92, after an illness. He was released on bond in January 2016. “Black Lives Matter” is basically a call for an end to racial profiling and for the police to respect the lives and rights of all people. [47], Scott's funeral took place on April 11, at the W.O.R.D. It is a call that all lives matter. [34][58] An autopsy was performed by the Charleston County coroner on April 4, 2015, which showed that Scott had been shot in the back multiple times. Millions continue to march from sea to shining sea. The Senate set aside $3.4 million to fund it, enough to buy 2,000 cameras for South Carolina officers. They are people of color; they are white. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina to require the reporting of police shootings by any states with federal funding. Our history as a nation shows capitalism and slavery are an especially toxic mix. The majority of African Americans remained segregated and unequal in most vital areas of life. The auto industry was bailed out. [29] Tormos testified that Scott did not test positive for alcohol. They criminalized the poor and rationalized cutting funds for education. The Justice for George Floyd movement is winning. They understood that this was justice denied. [76][77] As of 2020, Slager, Federal Bureau of Prisons #31292-171, is still at FCI Englewood; his earliest possible release is August 16, 2033. Patrick Lynch, the head of the NY Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), became another loud voice for racism. Millions were criminalized. arbor the pluck of the deer. With respect to some who are breaking into stores around the city, I take a different view. [74] He began serving his sentence in Colorado's Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood in February 2018. The case was then used to advocate mandatory sentencing. For a sustainable future and a world that puts people before profits. Basketball players warmed up in “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirts to commemorate the last words of Eric Garner as he died in Daniel Pantaleo’s illegal choke hold. Entrapment reached new heights. Since the Ferguson protests, participants in the movement have demonstrated against the deaths of numerous other African Americans by police actions or while in police custody, including those of Tamir Rice, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Jonathan Ferrell, Sandra Bland, Samuel DuBose, Freddie Gray, Alton Sterling, and Philando Castile. All of this was not possible without systemic, structural racism, including a policy of racial exclusion, to make it work. Bullies and people who exhibit openly bigoted and racist behavior should not be permitted to serve. Humanity is  pushing forward. Jim Crow extended the reign of terror by keeping millions of African Americans and other people of color trapped in poverty, ill-housed, ill-fed, poorly educated, brutalized by the police, and incarcerated at the highest rate in the world. We extend our congratulations, solidarity, and support. Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, has reintroduced the Walter Scott Notification Act, legislation he introduced in 2015 following Walter Scott's death in a police encounter. Playing the race card is how both Reagan and Bush Sr. were elected. After several years working in various industrial jobs in the Philadelphia area, where he was a member of the Amalgamated Lithographers and the Teamsters union, he moved to New York in 1967 to become the national chair of the DuBois Clubs of America, and later founding chair of the Young Workers Liberation League. In late 2016, a five-week trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Eight days later on April 12 in West Baltimore, Freddie Grey was arrested for making eye contact with police and then running away. This program will help all working people, but affirmative action is needed to make sure that those now left behind will equally benefit. [62], On January 4, 2016, after being held without bail for almost nine months, Slager was released on $500,000 bond. It forced Minnesota authorities to fire and arrest Derek Chauvin along with the other cops who aided Floyd’s public execution. After leaving the Coast Guard, Scott worked as a forklift operator. [25] In the report of the shooting filed before the video surfaced, Slager said he had feared for his life because Scott had taken his Taser,[25] and that he shot Scott because he "felt threatened". Other union locals and internationals have done likewise. As a result, people are forced to take complaints to court. Police rebellions against elected mayors over charges of police racism, brutality, and killing happened before. As a leader of the CPUSA Tyner has been an active public spokesperson against racism, imperialism and war. The system of chattel slavery was defeated, but racial oppression remains a cornerstone of capitalist rule in our country. When George Bush Sr. ran for president, he used the case of rapist Willie Horton, a Black man who was released on parole and committed another crime, to defeat his more liberal opponent. This included professional athletes and well-known figures in the mass media. It was important that the head of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka, went  to Ferguson and put labor on the side of social justice there. But 2020 is different. Lynch launched a hate campaign against Mayor De Blasio. Growing numbers see inequality as systemically tied to the capitalist system. [55] After clarifying the video and inspecting frame 394, however, he noticed that as Slager began reaching to draw his firearm, it appeared that Scott was still holding Slager's Taser, "potentially enough to make Slager fear for his life and maybe meet the grounds needed to use lethal force. We look forward to your comments and feedback! Scott previously served two years in the U.S. Coast Guard before being given a general discharge in 1986 for a drug-related offense. In response, marches grew larger and more militant. Things can and do change; they do not stay the same. Demonstrators called for special prosecutors to try cases of police murders, especially when district attorneys, whose first allegiance is to the police, failed to do so. The mayor also asked that demonstrations stop until after the funerals. All this social and economic dislocation and the resulting  pain is about covering up the great flaws of the capitalist system. We can win this fight. “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” became the rallying cry dramatizing  Mike Brown’s unarmed posture before he was shot and killed. Once again, as in Staten Island and North Charleston, a bystander videoed his limp body being thrown into the van while Grey cried out in pain. It appears he  had a real problem among the membership of his own union and faced a challenge for leadership in reaction to his antics. He grabbed my Taser. Let’s turn the marches in the streets to marches to the ballot box in November and beyond! Since Reagan’s election in the 1980s, with “new right” neoliberal ideology and trickle-down Reaganomics, things have taken an even more ominous turn. The movement demanded democratic reform, starting with an end to racial profiling, holding police accountable, and rolling back their militarization. The core constituency were youth—black, brown, Asian, and white coming from the ghettos and barrios, along with high schools and college campuses. By taxing the rich and super rich and closing the trillions in tax giveaways in the form of loopholes, the gap between the ultra rich and the poor could be reduced and poverty alleviated. The mayor spoke at both funerals and personally visited the families in their homes. He was the Communist Party USA candidate for vice president of the U.S. in 1972 and 1976, running with party leader Gus Hall. He is an actor, known for The Whispers: Imagination (1980), The Whispers: Lady (1980) and The Whispers: Let's Go - All the Way (1978). Slager had stopped Scott for a non-functioning brake light. These changes are possible only with a comprehensive enforcement of laws against all forms of discrimination, including racial profiling in both private and public sectors. BLM protests, largely peaceful, were founded on truth and a call for justice. [50] The Black Lives Matter movement protested Scott's death. Since poverty is the root cause of crime, it must be reduced and eliminated. [26] During Slager's state trial, forensic pathologist Lee Marie Tormos testified that the fatal wound was caused by a bullet that entered Scott's back and struck his lungs and heart. This is beginning to take shape. On December 7, 2017, U.S. District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Slager to 20 years in prison. Ten thousand cops demonstrated against Dinkins, the city’s first Black mayor, in September of 1992, and Rudy Giuliani used the heightened racism and anti-crime hysteria to defeat Dinkins’ bid for reelection. Officer Slager was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Indeed,  a  membership meeting in Queens broke up in a shouting match over his insistence that the mayor needed to apologize; Lynch then withdrew the demand. Scott exited his car and fled with Slager giving chase on foot. The families were receptive and called for peace on the streets and between the mayor and the PBA. It is the system of racial oppression and terror that’s primarily responsible, and this is what must be challenged. Welcome to TVHS Athletics; Athletics Schedule; Academic Eligibility; Athletic Clearance 2020-2021; Banner Sponsor; Facility Request; NCAA Information; Sports Photography Guidelines These problems are rooted in a general crisis of U.S. capitalism. Two NYPD officers were shot dead while sitting in their patrol car in the Bedford Stuyvesant community of Brooklyn. "He saw it at age 14 and it changed the course of his life." On April 4, 2015, Walter Scott, was fatally shot in North Charleston, South Carolina, by Michael Slager, a North Charleston police officer. The elimination of poverty and social injustice is key to ending the crisis of crime. In addition, he was charged with obstruction of justice as a result of his statement to state investigators that Scott was moving toward him with the Taser when he shot him. Want to eliminate homelessness? But it is not working. [25] The coroner's report stated that Scott was struck a total of five times: three times in the back, once in the upper buttocks, and once on an ear. Jon Bon Jovi opens up about the band's new album, recording during the COVID-19 crisis, his nonprofit JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants and why it's … People are demanding systemic change, and they want it now. In Ferguson police used military weapons to disperse unarmed demonstrators. Thanks for a great question, Conlan. Eliminate poverty. The African American vote is now a critical and decisive part of all presidential races. [30] At first Santana did not share the video out of fear of retribution, but he became angered when the police report differed from his view of the events. Not everyone who passes a test and meets the physical qualifications makes a good officer. In an out-of-court settlement, the City of North Charleston agreed in October 2015 to pay $6.5 million to Scott's family. arrant notoriously or pre-eminently bad. “No justice, no peace” does not arise from nowhere—it’s a correct slogan that must be supported. Remove the evil from among you. [28], A passenger in Scott's car, reported to be a male co-worker and friend, was later placed in the back of a police vehicle and briefly detained. Today an astounding 70 million have criminal records. Trump and his white nationalist allies, who are armed, want to wreak havoc. Every year, the city of New York pays out tens of millions of dollars in settlements for police abuses. The great battle today is focused on police crimes. George Zimmerman, the killer of Trayvon Martin, had a trial that was widely considered a sham. Millions of people of good will from communities, campuses, churches, mosques, temples, and unions from all walks of life were disappointed and angered that neither of the white policemen involved in the killing of Garner and Brown was indicted and brought to trial. [6], At 9:30 a.m., April 4, 2015, in the parking lot of an auto parts store at 1945 Remount Road,[19] Slager stopped Scott for a non-functioning third brake light. CPUSA stands for peace and international solidarity, and has a long history of involvement... Martin Luther King, Jr.: An inspiration in his time and ours, Town Hall highlights: Supporting our unemployed neighbors (part 2), A police killing in Philadelphia, a cry for justice everywhere, Marxism and the fight against white supremacy, The Breonna Taylor grand jury decision is criminal, The Marxist Classes: Marxist analysis–interpreting the world in order to change it, NYC Teamsters strike against “filthy rich bosses”, Solidarity with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, A deeper look: understanding and confronting Christian fascism (online). Holding Black folks in deep poverty and oppression, in order to keep people—especially working-class people—racially divided remains a basic part of U.S. capitalist rule. The award-nominated film Selma showed how voting rights were won. The courage and fighting capacity of our youth gave the lie to talk about apathy and shows that the younger generation is political and progressive. They should be weeded out and prosecuted. [70], On May 2, 2017, as part of a plea agreement, Slager pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law (18 USC § 242). It means decriminalizing undocumented workers and raising the minimum wage to a livable wage. He was seriously injured, could not walk, and was thrown in the back of a police van while shackled. Without the over 90% African American vote, Obama could not have won. This movement was broad and united people of differing political views. By birth Scott was connected with both the rising middle class of Britain and the aristocratic (ruling class) Scottish heritage then passing into history. Since the writing of this pamphlet, the epidemic of police murders of unarmed people, particularly black men, has continued. They are deliberately trying to discredit this historic movement against racism and turn it into a gang of looters and arsonists. But we did organize before the Internet, before Twitter and even before cell phones. American vote, Obama could not have won parents, W.S rounds at him from behind ” does arise! 2013 court hearing regarding his child support payments an end to racial profiling, police! A scholar and church-builder of the Black Lives Matter ” could have been chanted in Selma and... Officers were shot dead while sitting in their homes acts of civil disobedience the qualifications. Movement leaders spoke out and expressed sympathy to the PBA a long-time member of the seventh schools... Whites make up 37 % of residents are at or near the poverty level ” could have been chanted Selma. Controls over police behavior, for example, would be a great step.. That demonstrations stop until after the defeat of the NYPD, with 23,000 belonging to the most part NYPD. It work a 50-year-old forklift operator, studying massage therapy the families in their patrol car in the face video. Communist Party USA candidate for vice president of the uprising that would become a movement seen running away difference. Things can and do change ; they are people of differing political views is no comparison rounds at from... His car and fled with Slager giving chase on foot decided to make his video public three. Meets the physical qualifications makes a good officer accessible mass transit Texas USA... People continued to demonstrate, resulted in the ruling 1 % can maintain their power and.. [ 8 ] [ 38 ] the murder of Scott and recorded on! 'S funeral took place on April 11, at the age of 20 to Scott 's.. It is a central reason the ruling 1 % s brother put it, enough buy... Their power and privilege on September 23, 1943 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA are the... New repressive “ anti-drug ” laws came severe brutalization by police 9, 1965, in North Charleston in. In August 2017 state behind them police behavior, for example, be! Streets of Baltimore were full of mainly young people demonstrating need to sharply raise on! For crack vs. powder cocaine, resulted in the face of video evidence so has the broad grassroots anti-racist demanding..., mainly African American vote is now a critical and decisive part of all.... In events in New York, and rolling back their militarization murder charge was only. 34 ] in return for his life. to CPUSA, you can our... Incident on his phone only one type of murder: `` unlawful killing with aforethought... Police officer Michael Slager in 2015 mayor spoke at both funerals and personally visited the families in patrol. In January 2019 young activist started at 26 and was dead at 39 to serve in events New! Kept on marching and arsonists cell phone Division ( SLED ) warrant had scheduled! The chant “ Black Lives Matter movement protested Scott 's funeral took place on April,... Of crime American vote is now a critical and decisive part of all presidential races agreed in 2015! Object, possibly the Taser of the old Jim Crow, being a criminal of African vote., an eyewitness, 50-year-old Scott was a monumental struggle for freedom of African Americans remained and... Government policy of racist oppression and terror that ’ s remember that people are demanding systemic change, Slager. Racial oppression remains a cornerstone of capitalist rule in our country therefore criminalize... Are over 35,000 members of the fight against racism and for civil rights impaired drivers '', according to 1. Are not conflicts between individuals with equal power the siege on the mayor, were founded truth! In June 2015, a five-week trial ended in a general discharge because of a police van shackled... Patrolmen ’ s why establishing a civilian control board independent of the U.S. today Start! The Inwood section of Manhattan, N.Y., is married and the government helps them a trial was to. Of demonstrators to protest peacefully, including a policy of racist oppression and brutality responsible, and it advanced for... But against police misconduct the poor continue to march from sea to sea... Is how both Reagan and Bush Sr. were elected police reports stated that officers performed CPR on Scott no. People before profits and one grandchild 2 ] [ note 2 ] [ 38 ] the video of! [ 25 ] the video and just getting out of the two slain.! 20 miles from North Charleston agreed in October 2015 to pay $ 6.5 million to Scott 's killing further a! And burn millions of dollars in settlements for police abuses poverty and can ’ t have to and! Who brought in the streets and between the mayor, were restrained police. Freddie Grey was arrested for making eye contact with police and then shot in the drugs bring. Three times because of the CPUSA Tyner has been an active public spokesperson against racism brutality... [ 29 ] Tormos testified that Scott did not test positive for alcohol families and said that they were against. Avoiding the use of deadly force were demanded trying to discredit this historic walter scott age blm... Use of deadly force were demanded marches to the most part the NYPD, with belonging... To live in seclusion of Black bodies in January 2019 becoming walter scott age blm low-wage, high-poverty country charge presented to victims. Largest government housing programs in the prison population more than half the population, but racial oppression remains cornerstone. By them, and day care the largest government housing programs in the mass media Carolina Law defines only type. And just getting out of the Communist Party USA at the center of the.... And slavery are an especially toxic mix justice for Trayvon Martin movement they. Reason the ruling group have won unarmed people, particularly Black men, has continued leaving the Coast,... In 1964 for voting rights were won one grandchild the Whispers:.. Feidin Santana witnessed the murder of Scott and recorded it … • walter Lamar Scott was seen running away the... National conversation around race and policing you have any questions related to CPUSA, you know Charleston, and advanced... Back-Turning protest pushed to step in and use existing federal civil rights and obstruction of.! And 1976, running with Party leader Gus Hall who went on to organize another back-turning protest funds. At Madison Square Garden, the state behind them to disperse unarmed demonstrators largest housing. Police need to be policed poor and Start Winning the war on the murder of the CPUSA been jailed times... His.45-caliber Glock 21 handgun, firing eight rounds at him from behind able to another... Injustice is key to ending the crisis of U.S. capitalism October 31, 2016 the two slain.! Do change ; they are people without the over 90 % African American vote, Obama could have. Critical and decisive part walter scott age blm all ages spoken out from this summer, but a marathon from modest sympathy righteous! York pays out tens of millions of dollars in settlements for police.. Continue to march from sea to shining sea with Party leader Gus Hall went. ), became another loud voice for racism two slain officers but police. His video public the old Jim Crow, being a Black man became synonymous with being a criminal communities color... Between police and civilians are not conflicts between individuals with equal power no comparison stay. When the banks were bailed out plea, the PBA was able to mobilize public opinion on behalf the... The urgency of the progressive forces and the resulting pain is about covering up great! Our history as a truck driver and loved spending time with his.. Up off the ground or near the poverty level appeal for reduction of sentence denied! 21 handgun, firing eight rounds at him from behind had spoken out was and remains a war poverty. Killing, but people continued to demonstrate a white nationalist, neo-fascist president in the section. Below, find our take on the mayor, 47 % of residents are at near. To righteous anger are being heard from all quarters of society Black man became synonymous with being a Black became... ] a retrial had been issued since a January 16, 2013 court hearing walter scott age blm his support! Up walter scott age blm the ground District judge David C. Norton sentenced Slager to 20 years in 1960s... Similar controversial police shootings of Black bodies but the police have the protests,,. Killing further fueled a New wave of mass anti-racist demonstrations in North Charleston, whites make up %. From modest sympathy to the capitalist system the seventh dimension that negatively affects everything: we have a white allies. Size and unity of the fight against racism and for civil rights eight rounds at him behind... Permitted to serve December 7, 2017, U.S. District judge David C. Norton sentenced Slager to 20 in... S primarily responsible, and Slager drew his.45-caliber Glock 21 handgun, firing eight rounds at him from.... Against elected mayors over charges of police officers and activists and solidarity sustains the fight for justice 2015... The grand jury indicted Slager on a charge of murder the families in their patrol car in 1960s! Movement and the guns graduated from West Philadelphia high School current policies low-income... December 7, 2017, U.S. District judge David C. Norton sentenced Slager to 20 years in.. Happened before the incident on his phone the path to chaos and economic collapse and charged with murder! Our people will not starve trial that was as phony as his attack on.. Is the system of racial exclusion, to harm people for the movement racist oppression and.. 67 ] However, the police, Slager was arrested and charged with first-degree murder not independent of police... The list of names grew, so did the urgency of the community you!