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.

MOBB United for Social Change urges the City of Grand Rapids to push forward on urgently needed police reforms

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.  

Coming out of the incident, the police insisted that there was no wrong doing and that they were simply responding to a witness report of seeing one of the boys with a gun.  It was only until 15 days later, upon the release of body camera footage made by a public information request, that video footage revealed there was no weapon present, the police made no attempt to investigate or engage the boys in a nonviolent way and immediately drew their weapons on the children upon arrival to the scene.  

A recent racial profiling traffic stop study on the Grand Rapids police shows what mothers of black boys know all too well; the police are twice as likely to stop a black driver than a non black driver.  Our sons deserve better and M.O.B.B. United for Social Change will continue to monitor the situation in Grand Rapids and urge local officials to ensure that significant reforms are undertaken.  We need moms to mobilize now.

Contact the following Grand Rapids city officials and let them know that you are concerned for the welfare of your son(s). 

Mayor, Rosalynn Bliss
[email protected]
616-456-3168

City Manager, Greg Sundstrom
[email protected]
616-456-3883


We are urging M.O.B.B. United for Social Change members to call now.  Tonight (Tuesday 5/9) the Grand Rapids city Commission will have its regularly scheduled meeting.  Ask these representatives, why this issue isn't on the agenda for discussion?

Here are talking points for a conversation with city representatives:

• My name is  _____________________  I'm calling from MOBB United for Social Change
• MOBB United has brought together over 170,000 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.
• I am calling to urge Grand Rapids City commission and Mayor Bliss to further examine the March 24th incident where police officers surrounded 5 black children and pulled their weapons on them.
• The safety of our sons must be an agenda item. 
• Though we are aware the mayor and city commission are examining recent events and reviewing the police department's policies and procedures, the community needs continued visibility into these events.  
• At it's next meeting, today, the commission should report out on how the current discussions are progressing.
• Additionally, I am calling to request that the commission be intentional in including community members as part of the process.  Representatives and community organization leaders will not suffice.  
• Specifically, the mayor and commission should appoint a family member of the children involved in the March 24th incident to the public safety committee that is advising on these issues.  
• I am a mom of a black boy and I am concerned about police profiling.  Recently released data show that Grand Rapids police are twice as likely to stop a black driver than a nonblack driver.
• What will you - city manager / mayor - do to ensure our sons are protected? 

MOBB United for Social Change demands justice for Ahmaud Arbery

As lockdowns persist across the country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, communities of color continue to be ravaged by the endemic dehumanization and devaluation of black lives. MOBB United for Social Change stands with the family of Ahmaud Arbery, who has lost an innocent son. We demand justice be brought to Ahmaud's killers.

On February 23, 2020, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was jogging around his neighborhood as he always did; sadly, he never made it home. Instead, just a short distance from his home, Ahmaud, a Black male, was perceived as a threat by two white neighbors, who immediately pursued, confronted, and subsequently shot and killed him.

Ahmaud was running in the Satilla Shores neighborhood when Gregory McMichael, 64, saw him go by. He called to his son, Travis McMichael, 34, grabbed a .357 magnum and a shotgun, got into a pickup truck and chased Ahmaud, trying unsuccessfully to cut him off. The two men confronted Ahmaud, who was unarmed, and shot and killed him.

Two months later, neither Gregory McMichael nor Travis McMichael have been charged or arrested. The current prosecutor has been cited saying the McMichaels were legally carrying their weapons and were within their rights to pursue a ”burglary suspect.” This is because in Georgia, a private person may arrest a known offender if the offense is committed in his or her presence or with immediate knowledge. However, there are several conflicts of interests in the case, which led to two changes in prosecutors and raises serious questions as to whether the current prosecutor will pursue and bring charges against Ahmaud’s killers. Gregory McMichael is a former police officer. The initial assigned prosecutor recused himself because of previously working with McMichael. The second prosecutor recused herself after it was found Travis McMichael used to work at the prosecutor’s office.

During this time of nationwide shutdowns, while many Americans are rediscovering the outdoors, spending more time getting outdoors and exercising, going for a jog should not result in a violent death. M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for Ahmaud Arbury now!

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for Ahmaud.

Please contact District Attorney Tom Durden and:

• ask why charges have not been filed to date and whether he plans to charge the McMichaels
• request he bring in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate this case
• demand he bring in a special independent prosecutor to bring murder charges against Gregory and Travis McMichael
• demand the McMichaels be charged with a hate crime

Tom Durden, Hinesville, GA; District Attorney
1-912-876-4151
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

*** Please note that as of midday Thursday 5/7, emails to the DA's email address have been receiving "undeliverable" responses. They were previously going through. We are working on getting new contact information to continue our call to action.****

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.

Unfit for Duty: MOBB United for Social Change and Euclid NAACP demand Euclid police Department to fire Michael Amiott, officer with notorious record of violent assaults against black men

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is deeply disturbed to learn that the city of Euclid, Ohio will rehire police Office Michael Amiott, who was fired last year after a video of him violently beating a black man during a traffic stop went viral. MOBB United for Social Change issued a call to action in the wake of this video being released, demanding that justice be done.

Amiott's re-hiring shows that we cannot rest, that justice can be undone and that police officers often face little to no consequences for unlawful conduct. It was only recently that Timothy Loehmann, who shot and killed Tamir Rice, lied on his application, and was so emotionally unstable that he wept on the firing range, was re-hired by the Bellaire, Ohio police department.

Amiott will rejoin the force, per Euclid Law Director Kelley Sweeney, with the following conditions:

1. 80 hours in-class training
2. 60 to 90 days of additional field training
3. No side jobs during probation
4. Removal from the police department's SWAT team

This is unacceptable. We call upon Euclid police chief Scott Meyer to rectify this indignity.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change and the Euclid NAACP implores the Euclid police department and the larger Ohio community to stand up for what is right above what is expedient. Fire Officer Amiott immediately. Officer Amiott’s continued record of abuses against the citizens he is meant to protect and serve demonstrate that he is unfit for duty.

Call To Action 

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for justice.

Contact Euclid and Ohio state officials below:

• Demand that Euclid police chief Scott Meyer immediately fire Officer Amiott Say: “Our sons are NOT safe with officer Amiott on the street.”
• Request the Mayor, state representatives and governor intervene and ask that the Officer Amiott’s arbitration decision be appealed and reviewed for suitability. If he is not found suitable, he should be immediately fired.

Scott Meyer, Chief of Police
1-216-289-8463
[email protected]

Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, Mayor of Euclid
1-216-289-2751
[email protected]

Ohio State Representatives:

Kent Smith, Representative, District 8
1-614-466-5441

Kenny Yuko, Senate, District 25
1-614-466-4583
[email protected]

John Kasich, Governor
1-614-466-3555
Tweet

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.

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

MOBB United for Social Change Continues to Demand Reforms in the Euclid, OH PD After Beating of Peaceful Protester

On August 12, 2017, police dashcam video showed officer Michael Amiott beating Richard Hubbard III in Euclid, OH. While this case is a travesty of justice on its own merits, it is part of a larger pattern of misconduct and violence by Euclid police officers. Hubbard is the third incident of police brutality by Euclid PD just since March of this year. One of these incidents resulted in a fatal shooting by Euclid police officers.

By failing to hold officers accountable, failing to properly train officers and failure to engage in necessary reforms of its processes, the Euclid police department has created an environment of mistrust and terror in the community they are supposed to serve and protect. To combat the fear created by the PD, peaceful protesters have been demanding reforms of the Euclid police department. In response, Euclid officers beat a protester, Damien Parker, while issuing a warrant for his arrest. The Euclid police department and Euclid city officials are failing their community. They are not responding to requests for transparency or for reforms of their policing practices.

MOBB United for Social Change stands with the community of Euclid, OH to demand change in the Euclid PD.

1. Investigation
2. Mandatory Implicit Bias and De-escalation Training for all LEOs
3. Euclid PD continues to demonstrate a need for a Civilian Review Board

Call To Action 

#ProtectThem by demanding the City of Euclid, OH reform their police department so that no more of our sons are subject to this level of injustice.

Please contact the officials listed below:

• State that with recent incidents of police brutality and misconduct just in 2017 alone, it is clear the Euclid PD is failing in the protection of its community and is continuing to foster unacceptable policing practices and behavior
• Demand that the City of Euclid create a Civilian Review Board to provide independent oversight of the Euclid PD and to provide independent, transparent investigations of all cases of police misconduct.
• Demand mandatory implicit bias and de-escalation training for all law enforcement officers serving the city of Euclid
• Demand an independent investigation by the Ohio attorney general into the patterns and practices of the Euclid Police Department, including why the officers involved in the these numerous incidence of police brutality have not been charged for their excessive use of force.
• Request the Ohio Governor and State Legislators conduct their own transparent evaluation of the practice of the Euclid PD and to hold the Ohio attorney general accountable for investigating the Euclid PD.

Scott Meyer, Chief of Police
1-216-289-8463
[email protected]

Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, Mayor of Euclid
1-216-289-2751
[email protected]

Ohio State Representatives:

Kent Smith, Representative, District 8
1-614-466-5441

Kenny Yuko, Senate, District 25
1-614-466-4583

John Kasich, Governor
1-614-466-3555
Tweet

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 Jamarion Robinson; a young man in need of mental health support, received gunshots instead

On August 5, 2016, 26 year old Biology student at Tuskegee University, Jamarion Robinson was shot over 76 times by a task force comprised of police officers from seven different Atlanta-region agencies (including Fulton, Clayton, Gwinnett County police and US Marshals), while in his girlfriend’s apartment in East Point, Georgia. Seven officers entered Jamarion Robinson’s girlfriend’s home to serve a warrant, broke down the door and immediately began unloading bullets into the home. The officers did not check to verify how many people were in the home when they sprayed bullets from their semi-automatic weapons. The officers also knew that Jamarion suffered from mental health issues, and was at the time suffering from bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia and had not been taking his medication. Other than pounding on the door, they made no effort to engage Jamarion and no efforts to de-escalate the situation. Jamarion had no history of any violent crimes, nor was he a convicted felon.

Almost two years later, Jamarion’s mother still has no answers about her son's death; and, no accountability for the clear excessive use of force. The Fulton County police department has not conducted a transparent investigation; it is clear, also, that the scene of Jamarion’s death was tampered with. Georgia Bureau of Investigations and Fulton County District Attorney's Office have been leading the investigation. No information has been shared with the family.

Suffering a mental health crisis should not result in a death sentence. Law enforcement officers are often the first on the scene, when called to help individuals suffering from mental illness. The brutal way in which Jamarion was dealt with demonstrates that law enforcement officers are not equipped to respond to these situations without use of deadly force. We need the results of the department’s internal investigation, we need members of the task force who executed Jamarion to be held accountable, and we need a clear plan of action to re-train officers.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for Jamarion Robinson 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.

Please contact the official below and state the following:

• Demand that Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard bring charges against the task force responsible for Jamarion’s death.
• Request the Fulton County police department 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 Gwinnett, Fulton County and Clayton 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.

Paul Howard, Fulton County, District Attorney
1-404-612-4981
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)
Tweet @fultoncountyda

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 AJ Crooms and Sincere Pierce

On the morning of Friday, November 13th, 16 year old AJ Crooms and 18 year old Sincere Pierce were repeatedly shot and killed by Brevard county’s Deputy Jafet Santiago-Miranda, an officer with a record of misconduct and abuse, in Cocoa, Florida.

Three boys were pulling out of Sincere’s home that morning, one made it out alive. Before even leaving the neighborhood, still in eyeshot of the home, Brevard Sheriff's deputies approached their car with guns drawn. Police say they suspected the boys were driving a stolen car and had violated traffic laws. The owner of the car has vouched for the status of the vehicle and verified permission given to the boys—the claim of theft has been debunked. AJ and Sincere were not driving a stolen car and followed all of the rules of the road.

Deputies tailed and aggressively confronted the Black teens, told to us by eyewitness Cynthia Green, Sincere’s aunt who raised him all his life and was subjected to watching the entirety of this tragedy unfold. Caught in a situation that would instill fear in most, the boys slowly drove the vehicle, dash cam footage shows. Deputy Santiago-Miranda says his life was in danger to try and justify his deadly force. He discharged 10 bullets into the car, tragically taking the lives of these two innocent Black teens. The video shows that the deputy continued to fire shots into the side of the vehicle as it was passing him, after he was out of harm’s way. Both deputies on the scene, Santiago-Miranda[shooter] and Carson Hendren are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This repugnant, fatal act of violence yet again underlines the dangers of driving while Black.

We now join AJ and Pierce’s families’ legal teams and call on Brevard Sheriff Ivey to take action in this case.

Call To Action

The moms of MOBB United are aggrieved by the deaths of AJ Crooms and Sincere Pierce, and we demand the following:

• Deputy Santiago-Miranda be held accountable for his reckless actions
• Sheriff Ivey implement a review of policing practices to address his department’s history of mistreatment and injustice of Black residents in Brevard county
• Results of the investigation and all video associated with the incident be released to the public as soon as possible.

Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
1-321-454-6643

Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Sheriff
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)
Address: 700 South Park Avenue Titusville, Florida 32780
Phone: 1-321-264-5201
Fax: 1-321-264-5360

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 Claremont Police Department and School District. 

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with the family of Quincy Merlin, who was taunted and hanged by the neck by teenagers with clear racist intent. The teenagers were white and hurling racial epithets at 8 year old Quincy before manipulating him into putting a rope around his neck, pushing him off of a table and leaving him to hang. Young Quincy was taken to the hospital with significant bodily injuries. In spite of eye witnesses and obvious physical trauma, the Claremont, NH police department was slow to initiate an investigation into the crime. Our concern is that in spite of involvement from the state of New Hampshire as well as local Claremont authorities, a full investigation will not occur. It seems, based on a statement from the Chief of Police, that law enforcement authorities may believe that these white perpetrators were just kids being kids and there is more concern about possible damage to the future of the perpetrators then to seeing justice for the victim.

Failure to fully investigate this incident as a hate crime will be a travesty of justice. Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change would like to see a full transparent investigation of this incident by the State of New Hampshire. We are demanding that both the Chief of Police of Claremont, NH and the state’s attorney general classify this as a hate crime and investigate it accordingly.  We also demand that both the Chief and the Attorney General maintain clear and transparent communication with Quincy’s family throughout the investigation.  In addition, we are demanding the local public schools address system racism in their curriculum and address racist attitudes and behaviors likely occurring on their campuses.

Call To Action

Please call the city and state officials listed below and request the following: 

1. Continued classification of this incident, by both the local police and the state, as a hate crime
2. An immediate, transparent investigation of the incident as a hate crime
3. Clear, transparent, ongoing communication with Quincy’s family on the status of the investigation

Mark Chase, Chief of Police, Claremont, NH
1-603-542-9538
[email protected]

Gordon J. MacDonald, Attorney General, New Hampshire 
1-603-271-3658 

Please call the local school district and request the following:

1. Initiate curriculum in all schools that addresses system racism
2. Assess and address racist attitudes occurring on their school campuses, amongst the student body as well as from teachers and staff

Middleton K. McGoodwin, Superintendent
School Administrative Unit #6 (SAU6)
1-603-543-4200
[email protected]

Brian Rapp, Chair
Claremont School Board
1-603-543-4200
[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 justice for DeAndre Harris.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with DeAndre Harris to demand justice. Since the deadly August 12th, "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia local police and law enforcement authorities have failed to bring DeAndre's attackers to justice. On August 12th, DeAndre was attacked by a group of white supremacists and brutally beaten with clubs and poles, resulting in 8 stitches in his head, a broken wrist and chipped teeth. The incident was witnessed by Charlottesville police who stood nearby as DeAndre was beaten; it was also video recorded and photographed by bystanders and journalists who were present. The video of the incident has gone viral and for weeks activists have called upon Charlottesville police to work with law enforcement agencies across the country to identify, arrest and charge the white supremacist aggressors. There has been some progress, the progress has been a result of direct pressure and the assistance of volunteers to identify and locate DeAndre's attackers. To date all four attackers have been identified and only two arrested and charged.

DeAndre's case however, has taken a sickening turn. Rather than continuing to investigate and prosecute this grave injustice, Charlottesville police and magistrates have succumbed to pressure from White Supremacist groups and have issued an arrest warrant for DeAndre in connection to this attack. The video shows clearly that to the extent that DeAndre engaged with the group that surrounded him and a friend, brandishing clubs and poles before they attacked him, it was to defend himself and his friend.

Charlottesville police and law enforcement officials are demonstrating not just a failure to fully investigate this hate crime but with this move, they demonstrate the clear bias and villainizing of the true victim. Additionally, issuing a warrant to the victim is retaliatory in nature, meant to intimidate DeAndre and his family.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change will not stand by and watch the further victimization of another son, DeAndre. To arrest DeAndre in light of the video evidence is tantamount to witness intimidation and is a grave injustice. It empowers white supremacists and other hate groups to continue violent attacks on innocent citizens.

We demand that the Charlottesville police focus on bringing DeAndre's aggressors to justice and would like to see a full transparent investigation of this incident by the State of Virginia.

We are demanding that Charlottesville Police Department withdraw the arrest warrant and focus on prosecuting the actual crime, the malicious beating of DeAndre.

Call To Action

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

1. Continued search for and arrest of DeAndre's fourth attacker.
2. An immediate, transparent investigation of the incident as a hate crime
3. Revoke the arrest warrant issued for DeAndre

Al S. Thomas, Sr, Chief of Police, Charlottesville, VA
1-434-970-3280

Paige Rice, City Council, Clerk
1-434-970-3113
[email protected]

Maurice Jones, City Manager, Charlottesville, VA
[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 urges the Borough of Carteret, NJ to swiftly investigate and prosecute officers involved in the brutal beating of 16 year old Monte Stewart.  

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is asking members to contact the Borough of Carteret, NJ to urge them to do a close review of the police department's policies and procedures and to bring charges against all police officers who were involved in the brutal beating of 16 year old Monte Stewart.  After losing control of his car and crashing on the highway, instead of receiving assistance from the police, on May 31st, 2017, 16 year old Monte Stewart was kicked, punched and bloodied by police officers.  All the while asking the police for their assistance and asking them to stop hitting him. 

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is grateful that Monte is alive and not another hashtag but demands immediate accountability and answers.  Though the officers involved have been charged with assault, M.O.B.B. United for Social Change wants to ensure an independent and transparent investigation leading to swift prosecution.  Witness statements corroborate that Monte Stewart was not the aggressor and despite having his hands up after the car crash, his was brutally assaulted by the police.

Our sons deserve better and M.O.B.B. United for Social Change will continue to monitor the situation in Carteret, NJ and urge local officials to ensure that significant reforms are undertaken.  We need moms to mobilize now.

Contact the following Carteret Bourough and Middlesex County officials and let them know that you are concerned for the welfare of your son(s). 

Police Chief
Dennis McFadden
(732) 541-4181

Mayor
Daniel J. Reiman
732-541-3801

Middlesex County Prosecutor
Andrew C Carey
732-745-3300
[email protected]

Civilian Police Commissioner
Councilwoman Susan Naples
732-541-3800 (ext, Option 7 then 5)


Here are talking points for a conversation with Borough and County representatives:

• My name is  _____________________  I'm calling from MOBB United for Social Change
  MOBB United has brought together over 175,000 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.
• I am calling to urge the Borough of Carteret, NJ and the Middlesex County Prosecutor to closely examine the behavior of all officers involved in the May 31st incident where police brutally beat 16 year old Monte Stewart after he crashed his car.
• I am also calling to request a thorough and speedy investigation of Officer Joseph Reiman and the release of all dashcam video to the family of Monte Stewart.
• The safety of our sons is critically important and we are deeply disturbed to see the images of and learn of the brutal beating of a 16 year old black boy who was in need of medical assistance and instead received punches, blows and kicks to the body. 
• Though we are aware the police are examining recent events and reviewing the police department's policies and procedures, the community needs visibility and oversight into these events.  
• This incident must be independently investigated and these officers brought to justice swiftly.