Although Betty Shelby was found not guilty of killing Terrence Crutcher, that doesn’t mean she is an effective police officer. For now, Tulsa’s Chief of Police has indicated that Shelby will not return to patrol duty. But that is simply not enough.

See full Rapid Response Alert

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with the family of Jayson Negron and the Bridgeport community, who are seeking justice as they face the tragedy of another young life, Jayson Negron, taken too soon; killed when a Bridgeport police officer fired his or her weapon at a moving vehicle being driven by Jayson. We are demanding that the Bridgeport police department and the state police department respond swiftly and transparently to this tragedy.

See full Rapid Response Alert

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change acknowledges that with the arrest of Officer Roy Oliver, the first steps toward justice for Jordan Edwards are being taken. However, we continue to demand a swift prosecution of Oliver.

See full Rapid Response Alert

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is calling members to contact the city of Grand Rapids Michigan to urge them to do a close review of the police department's policies and procedures after a recent incident where, on March 24th on their way home from a basketball game, five unarmed black children were profiled by police and confronted at gunpoint by the police

See full Rapid Response Alert

MOBB United for Social Change demands action from the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Police Department. 

Although Betty Shelby was found not guilty of killing Terrence Crutcher, that doesn’t mean she is an effective police officer. For now, Tulsa’s Chief of Police has indicated that Shelby will not return to patrol duty. But that is simply not enough.

Shelby’s judgment when under pressure is questionable and she likely violated departmental policies. Shelby’s own statements during her recent trial for the manslaughter of Terrence Crutcher demonstrate this.  Shelby testified that she was “the most scared she’s ever been in her life” during the encounter with Crutcher – broad daylight, surrounded by fellow officers, where the victim had his arms up and was walking backwards in plain view.  

The Tulsa Police Department should consider her termination. In addition, the department should immediately initiate comprehensive reforms of the department, including mandatory training on implicit bias and de-escalation practices.

As MOBB United for Social Change we must continue to fight for justice and reform to protect our sons.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding action from the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Police Department.

Please contact Chief Chuck Jordan and Mayor G.T. Bynum and request the following:

• Immediate termination of Officer Betty Shelby’s employment
• Initiation of comprehensive reforms of Tulsa’s policing practices, including implementing mandatory training in implicit bias and de-escalation

Mayor G.T. Bynum
[email protected]
(918) 596-7411

Chief of Police Chuck Jordan
[email protected]
(918) 596-9378
(Hit 7 for police chief extension.)

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change Alarmed at Habitual Use of Force by Troy PD

In Troy, AL, police officers have again displayed unnecessary use of force in issuing an arrest. On Dec. 23, 2017, 17 year old Ulysses Wilkerson was chased by police and seriously injured after police say he went for his waistband. The teenager was seen coming from behind a business in downtown Troy when approached by officers. He fled in fear and the officers gave chase. Despite Mr. Wilkerson complying with officers once apprehended, he suffered a cracked eye socket and a severe brain injury at the hands of the officers.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change commends Mayor Jason Reeves and Chief of Police Randall Barr for promptly calling for an outside, independent investigation of the incident. We demand that the investigation be thorough and transparent with results released to the public upon completion. We also want to acknowledge that Pike County District Attorney Tom Anderson removed himself from the investigation to allow an independent prosecutor to take over the investigation.

However, we are concerned that the officer involved in this case, Brandon Hicks, already has a Civil Rights case pending against him for use of force in the Troy jail. It is questionable judgment on the part of the Troy Police Department to continue to allow an officer involved in an excessive use of force case to continue to patrol the streets. Perhaps the arrest of Mr. Wilkerson would have been completed without such significant injury had Officer Hicks not been on patrol.

To ensure transparency in this investigation, we ask that the Troy police department immediately release the officers' body and dash camera footage to the family of Mr. Wilkerson and their attorneys. M.O.B.B. United for Social Change will closely monitor this case to hold the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation accountable for a thorough investigation of this incident.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by commending the Mayor, Chief of Police and District Attorney for a swift response and by demanding release of body and dash cam video to the family of Mr. Wilkerson and their attorney Benjamin Crump.

Please contact the officials below and state the following:

• • Mayor Jason Reeves, [email protected], and Police Chief Randal Barr, [email protected]
    • Thank him for quickly calling for an independent investigation in this case and request that he ensure the dash and body cam video be released to Mr. Wilkerson’s family and their attorney
    • Also demand that Officer Brandon Hicks be terminated from duty as an officer with the Troy PD

• • Attorney General Steve Marshall 1-334-242-7300 or 1-334-242-7491 and Twitter @AGSteveMarshall Tweet
    • Demand that the Attorney General ensure the release of the dash and body camera footage to Mr. Wilkerson’s family and attorney

• • Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson 1-334-874-2540 or [email protected]
    • Request a thorough and independent investigation of this incident

• Supernumerary District Attorney Tommy Smith 1-205-394-8021 or [email protected]
  • Request a thorough and independent investigation of this incident

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Justice from Topeka, KS for Dominique White

On Sept. 28, 2017, Dominique White was shot by Topeka police officers while he was in a park with a friend. Officers had been called to Ripley Park after a report of shots fired. Topeka police claim that he struggled with officers and reached for a gun in a pocket when he was shot at least once in the chest. However, White’s death certificate¹ listed “gunshot wounds of back” as the immediate cause of death.

The Lawrence, KS police department is investigating the case and neither this agency nor the Topeka, KS police department have provided any information on the case. To add to the list of causes for concern, neither the Topeka nor the Lawrence police departments drew up an incident report until last week², after it was picked up in the news that none existed.

Despite requests from local media, via the Kansas Open Records Act, the police department refuses to name the officers and will state only that they have been put on administrative leave. The department continues to shroud their investigation in secrecy, not releasing body camera footage or any details about the progress of their investigation³.

Once again, law enforcement officers have shot and killed a fleeing man.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding the City of Topeka, KS ensure justice is provided for Dominique White.

Please contact the city officials listed below and demand the following:

• The body camera footage from the Topeka police officers must be immediately released to Mr. White’s family and their attorney.
• The investigation by the Lawrence, KS police department should be thorough and transparent
• Demand that the City of Topeka create a Civilian Review Board to provide independent oversight of the Topeka PD and to provide independent, transparent investigations of all cases of police misconduct.

Bill Cochran,Topeka Chief of Police
1-785-368-9209

Larry Wolgast, Mayor of the City of Topeka
1-785-368-3895
[email protected]

Gregory Burns, Jr.,, Lawrence Chief of Police
1-785-832-7501

Notes:

1 http://www.wibw.com/content/news/More-questions-arise-after-Dominique-White-Death-Certificate-is-released-455290663.html

2 https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/police-release-reports-related-to-shooting-of-topeka-man/

3 https://www.theroot.com/city-of-topeka-kan-trying-to-bar-black-mans-parents-f-1820437697

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change demands action from the City of San Diego, CA and the San Diego Police Department.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with the family of Karond Cheatum who was viciously mauled by a canine while handcuffed and lying on the ground. We are seeking justice and demand changes to policy and transparency within the San Diego Police Department Canine Unit and with how the department interacts with individuals suffering from a perceived mental health crisis.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change would like to see a full transparent investigation of these policies. We are demanding that the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego City Attorney’s office and the San Diego City Council maintain transparency throughout the duration of the investigation.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding the City of San Diego change its canine and mental health policies!

Please call the city officials listed below and the Police Department and request the following:

• An immediate, transparent investigation of the incident to determine if any department policies were violated.
• Revision of the police department’s policy on Police Service Dogs (policy number 6.16) to reduce unnecessary and violent engagement between police service dogs and suspects
• Enhanced training of officers in recognizing and interacting with individuals who are in a potential mental health crisis
• Improvement in police department protocols to ensure the safety of people who are in a potential mental health crisis

Contacts:

San Diego Chief of Police
Shelley Zimmerman
619-531-2777

San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliot
(via Vita Johnson, Executive Assistant)
[email protected]

Please call Allen Young and ask for this September Agenda item:

• Prepare and submit the items requested in the memorandum from San Diego Council President Myrtle Cole's office to appear on the September agenda of the Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee

Contact:

Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee Consultant
Allen Young
619-236-7038
[email protected]

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands the Utah Attorney General Investigate the Death of Patrick Harmon

On August 13, 2017, Patrick Harmon was riding his bike when he was detained by Salt Lake City police for riding without a rear light. Mr. Harmon fled the scene. Video tape shows Officer Clinton Fox shooting Mr. Harmon in the back as he was running away. District Attorney Sam Gill cleared the officer of any wrong doing stating they feared for their lives because Mr. Harmon issued a verbal threat and had a knife. The video evidence clearly shows that Mr. Harmon never issued a verbal threat nor can a knife be seen in Mr. Harmon’s possession. Despite clear evidence that Mr. Harmon did not pose a threat to the officer, the district attorney has chosen not to investigate the incident. In addition, the Civilian Review Board for the City of Salt Lake does not have the power to continue the investigation of this case.

For justice to be served for Mr. Harmon and his family, the state of Utah must conduct a thorough, independent investigation of this clear instance of police brutality. An officer who fears for his life as a man is running away from him should not be in law enforcement. MOBB United for Social Change is demanding that Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General, immediately conduct an independent review of this case.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding the Utah Attorney General investigate the death of Patrick Harmon.

Please contact the Attorney General below:

• State that the Salt Lake City police department and the local district attorney are failing to protect the public by allowing the death of Patrick Harmon to go uninvestigated.
• Demand that the Attorney General conduct an independent, transparent investigation of Clinton Fox and any other officers involved in the death of Mr. Harmon.

Sean Reyes,Attorney General
1-800-244-4636
[email protected]

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

Safe in their own backyards: MOBB United for Social Change demands justice for Stephon Clark

On Sunday night, March 18, 22-year-old Stephon “Zoe” Clark was shot 20 times by Sacramento police officers in his own backyard. The officers on the scene were responding to a report of a suspect breaking windows of vehicles. The officers confronted Mr. Clark in the backyard of his grandmother’s home, where he lived. Responding to officers’ commands, he raised both hands above his head and was executed. Officers on the scene said they thought Stephon had a gun; the only item recovered at the scene was Stephon’s cell phone.

Video evidence confirms that the officer on the scene were the initial aggressors; they did not identify themselves as police officers and began shooting within moments of encountering Stephon. Additionally, in recent days evidence shows dubious actions on the part of the officers on the scene. All officers present conspired to mute their microphones but are shown on camera to be speaking to each other.

If our sons are not safe in their own backyard, they are not safe anywhere. M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands immediate justice for Zoe.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action and reforms of the Sacramento Police Department.

Please contact the officials below and state the following:

• Request the immediate identification of the two officers involved in the shooting of Zoe
• Demand that Sacramento District Attorney Anne Marie Shubert indict the officers responsible immediately. Charges must be brought against Sacramento Law Enforcement Officers
• Demand an installation of a permanent, independent auditor for the Sacramento police department
• Call for review and reforms of the Sacramento police department’s policies on use of force, use of investigatory stops,use of racial profiling and request the initiation of implicit bias and de-escalation training for all officers

Anne Marie Shubert, Sacramento County, District Attorney 1-916-874-6218

Darrell Steinberg, Mayor, Sacramento 1-916-808-5300

Daniel Hahn, Chief of Police, Sacramento 1-916-808-0800

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Justice for Daniel Prude

Daniel Prude was suffering a mental health crisis on March 23 when his brother contacted the police for assistance. Seven officers responded and as a result of their brutality, when Daniel arrived at the hospital to which he was transported, he was brain dead and he passed away a week later. Police treated the death as an overdose and cleared all officers of wrongdoing despite an autopsy report which determined the death to be the result of complications of asphyxia. As in countless other cases, no proper investigation was undertaken until Daniel’s family released the officers’ bodycam footage showing what happened when the police arrived at the scene. In the video, Daniel is naked, kneeling, handcuffed, hooded by the police officers, and then further restrained face down until he is no longer breathing. In response to this information being made public, Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary and the entire command staff stepped down from their posts, announcing their retirements. In addition, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office will set up a grand jury to investigate the case further.

Black men are three times more likely to be killed in an encounter with police officers than their white counterparts and people with mental illness are sixteen times more likely to be killed in such encounters, leaving Black families and communities in the tragic position of risking the lives of the very loved ones for whom they seek emergency assistance. It should be acknowledged that doctors, nurses, prison guards, and mental health counselors frequently encounter people behaving erratically and never have to rely on murder to address the situation.

As recently as May 23, Maurice Gordon, another Black man experiencing mental health problems, was shot six times and killed by a State Trooper in New Jersey while he was waiting on the side of the highway for a tow truck. Pervasive systemic racism leads law enforcement to regard Black men as more of a threat and to treat them with greater aggression and less humanity. Combined with lack of expertise in the management of mental health crises and gaps in the delivery of mental health services, this is all too often a lethal scenario, and indicates the need for a reallocation of funding in addition to reform measures.

Call To Action

The moms of MOBB United are aggrieved by the death of another son, Daniel Prude, and we demand the following:

• All officers involved must be arrested, charged with a crime and lose their certification, making them ineligible to ever work in law enforcement again.
• Lying on a police report must be made a fireable offense.
• Law enforcement officers must report misconduct and corruption and be provided with protection from any backlash or retribution.
• Training procedures must be amended so that no person in custody is ever restrained in such a way that leads to asphyxia.
• Police training must be reviewed by an independent citizens review board.
• All deaths while in police custody must be immediately investigated by the state's Attorney General.
• Funding must be redirected to mental health, housing, and other areas of community development.

In addition, we call on Rochester public officials, including Mayor Lovely Warren, to ensure that peaceful protestors are protected. One of MOBB United’s leaders attended a protest in Rochester to speak out on the death of Daniel Prude and was shocked by the absence of police presence to protect protestors along the way. Based on her personal account, police only met protestors at the end of the peaceful march, at which point they pelted rubber bullets at families made up of parents, children and elderly people without warning. Officers also sprayed the peaceful protestors with tear gas and brought out loud, barking dogs to scare them. This is shameful. Peaceful protesting is a first amendment right that must be protected to preserve civil society and our democracy.

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York
1-518-474-8390
Contact form link: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Letitia James, Attorney General of New York
1-800-771-7755 When prompted press 1, at next prompt press 2, leave message
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

Lovely Warren, Rochester, NY; Mayor
1-585-428-7045
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

Rochester Police Chief
1-585-428-7033
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement and others against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Reforms of the Pasadena, CA Police Department Based on a History of Deadly Force

On November 9, 2017, Christopher Ballew, a 21 year-old male, was violently assaulted by two police officers in Pasadena, CA. The November incident was the fifth incident of police brutality in Pasadena in as many years. Clearly, the Pasadena police department has a pattern and practice of use of excessive force that has resulted in death and serious bodily injury; it is in dire need of reform.

Pasadena police officers claim they were pulling Mr. Ballew over for numerous traffic violations. Mr. Ballew claims he was pulling into a gas station parking lot, unaware that the officers were directing him to pull over. A bystander at the gas station recorded the incident on a cell phone. The video shows a struggle between Mr. Ballew and a police officer over a police baton. A second officer then strikes Mr. Ballew with his fist and continues punching even after Mr. Ballew is knocked to ground. As he covers his head, prone on the ground, the first officer repeatedly strikes his leg with a baton. Mr. Ballew’s leg was broken during the encounter.

Mr. Ballew’s case is reprehensible but it is only the most recent incident of the Pasadena police department using excessive force. College student Kendrec McDade was killed by police officers in 2012 followed by the shooting of Paris Holloway in 2013. In 2016, police officers killed Reginald Thomas, a father of 8 who struggled with Bipolar Disorder and was well known to law enforcement as facing mental health challenges. Mr. Thomas called for help but instead was tased twice, restrained and died while being restrained. Mr. Thomas’ family are still seeking justice for his unjust killing.Then, in 2017, prior to the incident with Mr. Ballew, officers shot Matthew Hurtado.

After the killing of Mr. Thomas, the Pasadena police department opened an administrative investigation but given the history of incidents and now the brutal beating of Mr. Ballew, such an investigation is simply too little, too late. While we commend the Pasadena City Manager, Steve Mermell, for stating his intention to publicly release any video from the body and vehicle cameras, the city of Pasadena must immediately address this disturbing pattern of violence and reform its police department.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding reforms of the Pasadena Police Department.

Contact the city officials below and state the following:

• Request the immediate firing of the two officers involved in the beating of Mr. Ballew
• Insist the LA County DA bring charges against Law Enforcement Officers (LEO), particularly the identified LEO who was responsible for Mr. Thomas' death in 2016
• Demand installation of a permanent, independent auditor for the Pasadena police department
• Call for review and reforms of the Pasadena police department’s policies on use of force, use of investigatory stops,use of racial profiling and request the initiation of implicit bias and de-escalation training for all officers
• Institute a new policy requiring the city seek an outside, independent investigation of uses of force by officers whenever those incidents result in injury or death

Steve Mermell, Pasadena City Manager
1-626-744-4333
[email protected]

Phillip Sanchez, Pasadena Police Chief
1-626-744-3831

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands President Trump Retract Statements Promoting Police Brutality

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change calls on Congress to denounce president Trump's recent statements about roughing up persons in police custody and to demand that he retract those statements.   President Trump encouraged behavior that is illegal, and which violates constitutional protections against police mistreatment.  These remarks are reprehensible and dangerous.  What we need from the president and his administration is encouragement and leadership to stamp out brutality and excessive force that can erode the relationship between officers and the people they police.

Call your Congressional Representative NOW and let them know that you are a concerned mom who wants to protect her son. 

FIND AND CALL YOUR FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE:

Here are talking points for a conversation with your representative:

• My name is  _____________________  I'm calling from MOBB United for Social Change
  MOBB United has brought together over 177,000 concerned mothers who want to change the perceptions of black men and black boys and impact policies that negatively affect our sons - black boys and black men.
• As a mom of _#_____  Black boy(s) growing up in America, I find the president's recent remarks to police officers extremely disturbing and dangerous. 
• It threatens to exacerbate a growing problem of police brutality and racist practices carried out by the criminal justice system. 
• This system disproportionately impacts black men and boys who are racially profiled by law enforcement.
• Please contact the president and ask him to retract his statement

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

NYPD Must Be Held Accountable for Inequitable Policing of Black Communities During COVID-19

On May 3, 2020, New York City witnessed in absolute horror the video of  33-year old Donni Wright, an innocent bystander who witnessed the physically aggressive arrest of a Black man and woman accused of violating social distancing ordinances while in conversation outside of a store. Wright was wrestled to the ground by Undercover Police Officer Francisco Garcia who after drawing his taser gun, dragged Wright, threw him on the ground and repeatedly slapped and punched him in the head while another officer attempted to handcuff the helpless young Black man.  Officer Garcia was not wearing a mask, gloves, or any other protective equipment during the time of the attack, putting Mr. Wright at potential risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus.

The bogus assault charges against Donni Wright have been dropped, Officer Garcia has been confined to desk duty, and his gun has been confiscated. Still, his salary continues to be paid by taxpayers of New York City after this heinous attack and breach of civil rights of a young Black man. 

In other examples, in East New York, Brooklyn, an officer viciously punched one man in the face while enforcing social distancing rules at a nighttime cookout. Another dispute in the same neighborhood resulted in a man being knocked unconscious. 

The violent attacks on people in the Black community by officers who have sworn to serve and protect must end now. 

Members of M.O.B.B. United for Social Change have also witnessed and reported stark differences in how NYPD is addressing social distancing in White communities as opposed to Black communities. In Brooklyn alone, since the social distancing ordinance was put into effect, 40 people have been arrested for disobeying social distancing ordinances; 35 of them were Black and from Black neighborhoods.  (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/nyregion/nypd-social-distancing-race-coronavirus.html)

On Staten Island, there are reports that NYPD officers are demanding Black drivers “take off their masks and gloves” because they do not need them while driving.  Whereas in Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn, droves of White people have gathered in parks without proper social distancing or masks, and NYPD has responded by ignoring the violations or by passing out free masks.

Call To Action

Make no mistake, we hold NYPD leadership, namely NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea and Mayor Bill DeBlasio, responsible for the violent, unsafe actions of their subordinates and demand immediate change.  M.O.B.B. United For Social Change is outraged with the indisputable contrast in treatment between Black and White citizens of New York City during this horrific pandemic.

• We demand that NYPD implement a social distancing internal policy that has a built-in equity component, which uniformly holds all citizens accountable for breaking social distancing rules and which provides penalties for officers who violate the policy.
• Due to the large number of cases of COVID-19 in NYC and the more than 7,000 NYPD employees who have called in sick due to COVID-19, M.O.B.B. United For Social Change also demands that all officers be REQUIRED to wear protective masks and gloves when patrolling neighborhoods or answering 911 calls, both for their own safety and for that of citizens.
• We are also calling for the termination of Officer Francisco Garcia, who violated the civil rights of Donni Wright, an innocent bystander, and broke the ethical code he swore to uphold as a servant of the community.
• Additionally, we demand leaders who have the authority and influence to make change do so now, without delay, or be removed from their office of authority and relieved of their duties -- specifically NYPD Chief Terence A. Monahan, NYPD Commissioner Dermot F. Shea and Mayor Bill DeBlasio. This is a problem we will continue to face if our leaders don’t forcefully demand better from officers who patrol our communities.

We encourage moms and all concerned citizens to join us at the NY Civilian Complaint Review Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 13 from 6:30-8:30pm to stand together and raise our voices collectively about the inequities in New York City policing. Please use this link to register.

We also urge you to contact NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea directly to express your concerns by using this link: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/about-nypd/email-the-commissioner.page

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement and others against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change demands accountability from National City Police Department for the death of Earl McNeil

There is no greater tragedy than putting oneself into the custody of those who have sworn to maintain and protect the peace; only to have them perceive you as a threat and kill you. This is the fate that met Earl McNeil this spring when during the early morning hours of May 26, 2018, Earl McNeil became mentally distressed. He went to the National City Police Department (NCPD) for help. There, he picked up a red emergency telephone mounted to the wall outside the building and without knowing it, sealed his tragic fate.

It is unknown exactly what happened after officers responded, but what is known is that McNeil was arrested and placed in a full body restraint, known as “The Wrap” - a contraption that binds an individual’s full body, hands, arms, legs and feet. While in the Wrap, McNeil was loaded into a police vehicle and transported to county jail. It was there, the NCPD claims, he became unresponsive and was later that morning admitted to UC San Diego’s hospital with bruising and contusions on his head, as well as abrasions on his face. According to family spokesperson Tasha Williamson, he was missing several teeth and clumps of hair; his wrists, hands and arms were swollen. By the time Earl McNeil arrived to the hospital, he also had spinal cord injuries and severe brain damage. He was placed on life support, only to be taken off on June 7, 2018. Within a few days, he died.

Suffering a mental health crisis should not result in a death sentence. Law enforcement officers are often called to help individuals suffering from mental illness. When someone peacefully seeks out help from the police while in a crisis, and is unarmed, how is it that they end up dead?

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for Earl McNeil and for drastic improvements in the ability of law enforcement to help those in critical mental health emergencies.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for justice for Earl McNeil.

Please contact the officials below and state the following:

• Ask them to release video records and reports on Earl McNeil’s death.
• Demand the Medical Examiner’s office to release McNeil’s autopsy report
• Demand the release of the body camera footage from the incident.

Manuel Rodriguez, National City, Police Chief
1-619-336-4411
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

Summer Stephan, San Diego County, District Attorney
1-619-531-4040
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

Ron Morrison, National City, Mayor
1-619-336-4236
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Justice for George Floyd 

UPDATE: It's been a week since the country, and the world as a whole, has been protesting to demand the arrests of ALL of the police officers involved in the George Floyd murder. Since then only ONE has been arrested.
 
As our nation is in the midst of an epic upheaval as a result of the public murder of George Floyd, it’s important to note that this is not the first time we’ve seen misconduct from the Minneapolis Police Department:

Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old Black man, was shot in the head and died in 2015 after a confrontation with two white officers responding to a reported assault. A county prosecutor declined to prosecute the officers and said Clark was struggling for one of the officers´ guns when he was shot.

Contrast that result with the police shooting of a white woman, Justine Rusczcyk Damond, who died in 2017 when she was shot in the stomach by a Minneapolis officer responding to her 911 call. That officer, who is Black, was convicted of manslaughter and murder and is serving a 12-year prison sentence.

And of course, there is the 2016 case of Philando Castile, in the neighboring town of St. Anthony, Minnesota, who was murdered by a police officer in his car after being pulled over for a broken taillight.  His girlfriend, who was in the passenger seat, broadcast the gruesome aftermath live on Facebook. That officer was never charged.

These injustices prove that great change is needed in Minneapolis. The first step is the arrest of the remaining three officers who killed George Floyd.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for George.

We urge you to join us in making our voices heard by contacting the following local officials with these demands:

• Demand that Attorney General Keith Ellison arrest and charge the remaining three officers involved in the murder of George Floyd immediately.
• Demand that Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey continue to work against the culture of racism and police brutality by putting firm policies and practices in place to end it.  These include:
  1. Prohibiting or banning excessive use of force tactics such as chokeholds and neck restraints in the arrest of unarmed suspects.
  2. Any officer involved in the death of an unarmed citizen should be arrested for excessive use of force within 72 hours of the incident. 
  3. An independent investigation of officer-involved fatalities should be conducted by the state's Attorney General's office in conjunction with the Civilian Review board.

Leadership must take a clear stand in enforcing the rules and guidelines set forth for proper conduct within the police force to put an end to this abuse of power.  We applaud the Mayor and Police Chief for actions taken and statements made to date in this case and expect to see further, ongoing action from them on this issue.

Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
1-800-657-3787

Medaria Arradondo, Minneapolis Police Chief
1-612-673-3559

Jacob Frye, Minneapolis Mayor
1-612-673-2100

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement and others against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Justice for George Floyd 

I always say I won’t watch the video. I can’t watch. I’ve seen too many of them already and know the impact it will have. The rising stress levels. The vicarious grief that ensues. The elevated fear for my sons.

I still remember watching the brutal street murder in broad daylight of Eric Garner six years ago at the hands of NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo. It played repeatedly on TV for weeks, months, then years afterwards as we all fought for and awaited justice that never came. We all watched as Eric Garner was literally choked to death for the nonviolent crime of allegedly selling illegal loose cigarettes. We couldn’t believe that after seeing THAT video that those in power wouldn’t take action. That there would be no trial. That Officer Pantaleo would remain on the police force for five more years, until after unrelenting public pressure he eventually was fired by NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill -- who then had to resign because his fellow officers were so outraged that he had the audacity to fire an officer who choked a man to death in broad daylight as he yelled “I Can’t Breathe” 11 times.

Though there have been multiple police killings since Eric Garner, mostly by gunfire, I never thought I would again see anything so brutal, so heartless, so casually callous as his murder. This week, I was proven wrong. George Floyd, accused of the very non-violent crime of forgery, was brutally murdered as a crowd watched in broad daylight when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin decided to restrain him on the ground by pressing his knee into his neck as he held him for arrest. At the time that the viral video begins, Floyd is crying out for help. He can’t breathe. His neck hurts. His stomach hurts. The crowd begs the officer to stop, to simply stand up. He’s already handcuffed with his hands behind his back. Why not place him in the police car? Why not let him breathe? As Floyd’s nose begins to bleed, the crowd becomes more agitated, more demanding. Fellow officers standing by, including an officer identified as Tou Thao, did nothing but try to calm down the people in the crowd who were all witnessing a live murder. Eventually, Floyd became lifeless. He stopped breathing. 

Officer Derek Chauvin never moved his knee or even looked down to check on him. It seems clear that in his eyes, George Floyd wasn’t a human being worthy of any consideration. That he was inhuman and unequal. Even worse, the image that will be forever seared in my memory is that the officer kept his hands casually resting in both pockets the whole time. He seemed relaxed, not agitated or escalated. Not angry, threatened or in fear of his life. Just a cool, casual murder on a Spring afternoon, for no apparent reason at all.

Unlike Officer Pantaleo in the Eric Garner case, four officers have already been fired in connection with the death of George Floyd. For this, we applaud Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo for taking this swift action. We also acknowledge the quick response of state and federal law enforcement agents who are now investigating this case.

It’s important to note that this is not the first time we’ve seen misconduct from the Minneapolis Police Department. 

Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old Black man, was shot in the head and died in 2015 after a confrontation with two white officers responding to a reported assault. A county prosecutor declined to prosecute the officers and said Clark was struggling for one of the officers´ guns when he was shot.

Contrast that result with the police shooting of a white woman, Justine Rusczcyk Damond, who died in 2017 when she was shot in the stomach by a Minneapolis officer responding to her 911 call. That officer, who is Black, was convicted of manslaughter and murder and is serving a 12-year prison sentence.

And of course, there is the 2016 case of Philando Castile, in the neighboring town of St. Anthony, Minnesota, who was murdered by a police officer in his car after being pulled over for a broken taillight.  His girlfriend, who was in the backseat with her 4-year-old daughter, broadcast the gruesome aftermath live on Facebook. That officer was never charged.

These injustices prove that great change is needed in Minneapolis. The first step is the arrest of the four officers who killed George Floyd.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for George.

We urge you to join M.O.B.B. United for Social Change in making our voices heard by contacting the following local official with these demands:

• Demand that the four officers, and especially Officer Derek Chauvin, be arrested and charged with murder immediately. 
• Demand that Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey denounce racism and police brutality in the city of Minneapolis and work toward putting firm policies and practices in place to end it. The presumption of danger and guilt that follows Black boys and men for their whole lives has caused countless unnecessary deaths and despair in our families and communities. Leadership must take a clear stand to put an end to it. We applaud the Mayor and Police Chief for actions taken and statements made to date in this case and expect to see further, ongoing action from them on this issue.

Mike Freeman, Hennipen County Attorney
1-612-348-5550
[email protected] (You can email Freeman simply by clicking on this link, which will auto- populate a pre-scripted email. Feel free to customize it by adding your name.)

Medaria Arradondo, Minneapolis Police Chief
1-612-673-3559

Jacob Frye, Minneapolis Mayor
1-612-673-2100

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement and others against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change demands action from the Village of Lansing, Illinois and the Lansing Police Department.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with the family of fifteen year old Jordan Brunson who was abused, threatened and unlawfully detained by an off duty police officer in Lansing, Illinois. We are seeking justice for Jordan. We demand a full transparent, independent investigation regarding the assault of this teen. Both the off-duty police officer and the woman aiding him in the unlawful detention of Jordan should be charged with assault, battery, child abuse, and making a terrorist threat. 

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by calling the officials in Village of Lansing and demanding that they:

• Conduct a full transparent and independent investigation of the abuse and threats suffered by Jordan on June 24th;
• Charge the police officer and the woman aiding him in the June 24th video to the fullest extent of the law
• Urge the District Attorney to prosecute both parties to the fullest extent of the law;

Village of Lansing Police Department 
Detective Lieutenant Steven Roberts
708-895-7119
[email protected]

Village of Lansing Chief of Police
Dennis Murrin Jr. 
[email protected]

Village of Lansing Mayor
Patty Eidam
(708) 895-7208
[email protected]

Cook County State’s Attorney
Kimberly Foxx
(312) 603-1880

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change Believes Katy ISD and Local Law Enforcement Has Failed to Keep Student A. Jay Alexander Safe

On October 10, 2017, A. Jay Alexander, age 11, was assaulted in a boys restroom at Morton Ranch Middle School. A larger boy grabbed A. Jay, threw him against the floor and punched him multiple times as other students looked on. Police were called to the school and A. Jay’s parents were notified. The perpetrator remained at school, on in-school suspension, and was subsequently returned to the general student population. The investigating police officer classified the incident as a fight rather than an assault and Alexander was described as the aggressor. Alexander is a special needs student with eosinophilic esophagitis. A physical assault, such as what Alexander suffered, can cause severe injury to individuals with this condition.

Katy ISD and local law enforcement officers have consistently failed to protect this student. The perpetrator continues to harass A. Jay and he continues to feel unsafe in his school. A. Jay’s mother has asked for a more comprehensive response from the school district and has been offered little help or support.

Our sons deserve to attend school without fearing for their safety. Katy ISD has failed and continues to fail in providing a safe learning environment for A. Jay.

Call To Action

Contact the following officials with the Katy ISD and demand they create a safer environment for their students. MOBB United for Social Change is demanding the Katy ISD take the following actions to ensure the safety of its students:

• Katy ISD should review the officer’s rationale for classifying the incident as a fight rather than as an assault
• Katy ISD should provide an opportunity for conversation between the students, parents and school staff, specifically to allow A. Jay to express himself about the incident and to voice his anxiety about his safety since the incident

Ashley Vann,President, Katy ISD School Board
[email protected]

Dr. Lance Hindt, Superintendent
[email protected]

Dr. Saneel Bell, Principal, Mortons Ranch Middle School
[email protected]

Robert E. Jinks, LCC, Chief of Police, Katy ISD
1-281-396-6000

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

MOBB United for Social Change demands justice for Danny Ray Thomas, Killed While in a Mental Health Crisis

On March 22nd, Danny Ray Thomas was killed by a Harris County Sheriff’s deputy in Houston TX. Mr. Thomas was behaving erratically in an intersection, with his pants at his ankles and foaming at the mouth, clearly in a severe mental health crisis. Officer Cameron Brewer approached Mr. Thomas with his gun drawn and fired within seconds, killing Mr. Thomas. No weapon of any kind was found on Mr. Thomas and video of the incident shows him to clearly be confused but behaving in a non-threatening manner.

Suffering a mental health crisis should not result in a death sentence. Law enforcement officers are often called to help individuals suffering from mental illness. Who else can a community call upon when a neighbor or loved one is in distress? Officers must be better equipped to respond to these situations without use of deadly force. Brewer had many other options for subduing Mr. Thomas without resorting to lethal force. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has expressed concern that no attempt was made to de-escalate the situation. We need more than just the Sheriff’s concern- we need the results of the department’s internal investigation as well as a clear plan of action to re-train officers.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for Danny and for continued improvements in the ability of law enforcement to help those in critical mental health emergencies.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for justice.

Contact the city and county officials below:

• Demand that Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg indict the officer responsible immediately. Charges must be brought against Deputy Cameron Brewer
• Request the Harris County Sheriff’s Office release the results of their internal investigation and a detailed plan of action for re-training all officers on interactions with individuals facing a mental health crisis.
• Call for review and reforms of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s policies on use of force, use of investigatory stops, use of racial profiling and request the initiation of implicit bias and de-escalation training for all officers. In addition, the Department should release a statement detailing their compliance with the Sandra Bland Act.

Kim Ogg, Harris County, District Attorney
1-713-274-5800
[email protected] (this email is pre-filled - just click, sign, and send)

Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff, Harris County
1-713-221-6000
[email protected] (this email is pre-filled - just click, sign, and send)

Art Acevedo, Chief of Police, Houston Police Department
1-713-308-1600
[email protected] (email to Mr. Acevedo is included with Sheriff Gonzalez)

Christine McGee, Legal Manager, Harris County Sheriff's Office
1-713-755-4511

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.