MOBB United for Social Change demands justice for Pedro Hernandez: DA Clark - do not let this be another Kalief Browder.

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for 18 year old Pedro Hernandez.  Pedro Hernandez who has been in jail since 2015, accused of a crime which he and multiple witnesses say he did not commit, is being deprived of his right to a speedy trial.  Hernandez is accused of shooting another teen in the leg. The injured teen, himself, has said that Hernandez did not shoot him.  Rather than being pressured into a plea bargain, by the Bronx DA who continues to prosecute him, Hernandez is awaiting his day in court to prove his innocence.  He is being wrongfully prosecuted and is in jeopardy of losing a college scholarship if he remains in jail at Rikers Island.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is sensitive to the similarities of this case to Kalief Browder, who was held at Rikers Island for 3 years without trial for a crime he did not commit.  We do not want Pedro Hernandez to suffer the same fate as Kalief Browder and we demand that the district attorney's office move expeditiously to give Hernandez his right to a speedy trial.

Contact the following Bronx District Attorney Office officials and let them know that you would like to see justice for Pedro Hernandez.

District Attorney
Darcel D. Clark
(718) 590-2272

Community Affairs Director
Barbara Robles-Gonzalez
(718) 590-2272

Here are talking points for a conversation with Bronx DA representatives:

• 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.
• I am calling to urge the District Attorney's office to do their job and ensure that an innocent teenager - Pedro Hernandez - isn't excessively detained in prison.
• Having already offered a non-jail plea deal months ago, District Attorney Clark could have argued to the judge for his release or at least to have the bail released to $0.
• Pedro Hernandez' life is on hold and future plans have been derailed.  The longer he stays in jail without a trial, the more he is at risk and in jeopardy.

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 stands with the family of Jayson Negron and the Bridgeport community

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.

Jayson was an unarmed 15-year old boy who was shot and killed by the Bridgeport Police. Jayson’s family and friends describe him as a happy young man with an infectious smile. He also loved music.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change demands a full transparent independent investigation regarding the shooting and subsequent killing of 15-year old Jayson Negron. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Jayson Negron. This tragedy has impacted those who knew and loved Jayson and the entire community of Bridgeport.

As MOBB United for Social Change, we demand the following:

• reforms including implicit bias training and de-escalation training for all members of the Bridgeport police department;
• an update on the status of the Bridgeport Police Commission including transparent selection/appointment, duties, and authorities of the commission;
• the release of an initial report from the initial investigation, particularly any evidence substantiating the claim that the officer who claims to have been pinned by the vehicle sustained injuries consistent with the story.

Call To Action

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

Please call the city officials listed below and ask for:

• Immediate release of any video surveillance seized by police.
• A thorough investigation of all officers involved in the shooting of Jayson Negron, particularly the conflicting witness accounts of what led up to the chase and the subsequent shooting and death of Negron.
• A review of all police department policies and procedures during vehicle pursuits when suspects flee.

Bridgeport Chief of Police Armando J “AJ” Perez
[email protected]
203- 581-5111

Connecticut State Police
Legal Affairs
860-685-8150

Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P Ganim
[email protected]
203-576-7201

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.

Unfit for Duty: MOBB United for Social Change urges Bellaire police Department to fire Tamir Rice’s killer, Timothy Loehmann

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is deeply disturbed to learn that the police officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice has been hired as part-time police officer in Bellaire, a village in southeastern Ohio. Tamir Rice was playing with a toy gun in a park near his home when Loehmann ruthlessly shot and killed him in November of 2014. Officer Loehmann was never criminally charged with Tamir Rice’s death, despite clear video evidence showing that he fatally shot Tamir Rice after 2 seconds of arriving to the park.

We call upon Bellaire police chief to rectify this indignity. Officer Loehmann has a troubled employment history, having been fired from at least two prior law enforcement agencies, with his personnel record showing officer Loehmann has had challenges with weapons training and has often omitted important information from his applications for employment. In fact, a review of his personnel record demonstrates that other law enforcement officials have called into question his fitness for duty. His former deputy police chief said: “I do not believe time, nor training, will be able to change or correct [ Loehmann’s] deficiencies.”

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change implores the Bellaire police department to fire Officer Loehmann immediately. The community’s interests are not served by having officer Loehmann back on the streets policing any community as he has already been deemed unfit for duty.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action for justice.

Contact village officials below:

• Demand that Bellaire Village police chief Richard "Dick" Flanagan immediately fire Officer Loehmann Say: “Our sons are NOT safe with officer Loehmann on the street.”
• Request the Bellaire village Mayor intervene and ask that the Officer Loehmann’s application and employment offer be reviewed for suitability. If he is not found suitable, he should be immediately fired.

Richard "Dick" Flanagan , Bellaire, Police Chief
1-740-676-3322

Vince DiFabrizio, Mayor, Village of Bellaire
1-740-676-6539

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 Maurice Gordon

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for Maurice Gordon, a New Jersey motorist killed by a law enforcement officer on May 23, 2020, only two days before the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which sparked global protests.

Mr. Gordon was waiting on a tow truck to help get his car started after being pulled over for speeding. His car would not start after he turned the ignition off after being pulled over. As they were waiting on the tow truck for Mr. Gordon's car, Trooper Sgt. Randall Wetzel offered to let Mr. Gordon sit in the back of his patrol car, which Mr. Gordon agreed to do. After more than 30 minutes of sitting and waiting with no information being provided and no indication that he was under arrest, Mr. Gordon attempted twice to remove his seatbelt and exit the back of the squad car but was asked by Trooper Wetzel to put his seat belt back on, and he complied with the officer’s instructions. On his third attempt to remove the seat belt and exit the car, Trooper Wetzel became physically aggressive and eventually shot Mr. Gordon several times.

This encounter followed nearly 24 hours of Maurice Gordon seemingly being in mental distress. Twenty four hours prior to Mr. Gordon being killed by Trooper Wetzel, a friend of Mr. Gordon called Dutchess County, NY Police hoping they would find and check on Mr. Gordon, who his friend said had been making strange statements and having paranormal experiences, but this information was not passed on to other officers who stopped him. During one of the stops, an officer asked where he was going since he was allegedly driving 110 miles per hour. Mr. Gordon is seen on video responding, “To a very far place,” and “ I’m trying to get to the end of the video game.” The officer didn’t issue a ticket and politely sent Mr. Gordon on his way. 

Failure to provide aid to a man experiencing a mental health crisis led to his death. The fact that multiple officers failed to see and report the warning signs of a man clearly in need of help illustrates the need for an overhaul in policing. Many officers are not trained or equipped to handle mental illness or breakdowns, and as a result, lives are needlessly cut short. At least 25% of people who are shot and killed by police officers are suffering from acute mental illness at the time of the shooting. As many as half of those killed by law enforcement are believed to have a disability. The system needs to be reformed so that every stop isn’t met with the potential for deadly force.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change will not stand idly by and watch Black men and boys be killed needlessly by law enforcement. We demand complete accountability and police reform in New Jersey. Mr. Gordon's death could have been prevented had resources been allocated differently and officers were better trained to ensure Mr. Gordon's safety and well being. There also needs to be better communication between police precincts to ensure the public’s safety. Had first Police Officers who encountered Mr. Gordon responded to indications of the mental health challenges, he might have been alive today.  

There are clear inequities in policing in New Jersey. Only 13.7% of the population is Black, but 50% of civilians wounded by police are Black. We also know that Black people are policed at a much higher rate in New Jersey, which must stop. Changing this narrative will require city and state leadership to mandate that law enforcement agencies better serve the Black community and provide real safety for all communities.

Call To Action

Join your voices with ours at M.O.B.B. United for Social Change in making our demands.

When making phone calls, be polite but firm. Email links will auto-populate a pre-scripted email. All you have to do is click, sign and send with the option of adding your custom message.

• We demand a full, thorough and impartial investigation by State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and or the Office for Police Accountability. We also demand results of the investigation and all video associated with the incident be released to the public as soon as possible. 1-609-292-8740 Email: [email protected]
• We demand the Mayor Of Bass River, New Jersey W. Reed Gusciora - Email: [email protected] and Governor Phillip Murphy 1-609-292-6000 Email: [email protected] redirect funding from local police agencies to government agencies that provide mental health services, educational and workforce services, addiction services and homelessness services.
• We also demand that Mayor Gusciora and Governor Murphy denounce police brutality against people of color and adopt the policies in the Justice in Policing Act 2020 and the 8 Can’t Wait campaign to create equity in how all citizens of New Jersey are policed.

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.

Gunned down in a Walmart parking lot: MOBB United for Social Change demands justice for Diante Yarber

On April 5th, 2018, 26 year old Diante Yarber was profiled and murdered by Barstow PD officers in a barrage of bullets. While waiting in the parking lot of a Walmart for one of his passengers to return from shopping, Yarber's vehicle was called into the police as "suspicious." Responding to the call, officers attempted to box in Yarber who tried to maneuvered his car around the police vehicles. In a crowded Walmart parking lot, police officers decided to halt Yarber’s vehicle by unleashing over 30 rifle rounds into the car's windshield and driver side door.

Video footage of Yarber's car shows him reversing slowly away from law enforcement, just before officers began to shoot into the vehicle. Officers on the scene shot 30 rifle rounds in the windshield and driver side door. Training and policy dictates that police should never fire at moving vehicles because it only increases the danger to others if they successfully disable the driver. Preliminary accounts and investigations reveal that Yarber was unarmed and that officers were not in the path of his vehicle when they opened fire. Yarber was struck an estimated ten times in the barrage of bullets. In spite of the number of injuries from the bullets, Yarber might have survived the incident with medical treatment. Instead, police on the scene did not offer any aid or make any attempt to resuscitate Yarber.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change demands justice for Diante Yarber - 26-year-old father of three - and accountability by the officers who wrongfully fired dozens of rounds into the car with Yarber and his passengers.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action and reforms of the San Bernardino, Police Department.

Please contact the official below and state the following:

• Request the immediate identification of the officers involved in the shooting of Diante Yarber
• Demand that San Bernardino District Attorney [you] conduct an independent investigation and indict the officers responsible immediately. Charges must be brought against Barstow Law Enforcement Officers
• Demand an installation of a permanent, independent auditor for the San Bernadino 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

Julie Peterson, Assistant District Attorney
1-760-243-8600
[email protected] (Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)

Mike Ramos, District Attorney
1-909-382-3800
[email protected](Email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send)
Tweet @michaelramos
Tweet @sbcountyda

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 Quawan Charles

On the evening of October 30th, 15 year old Quawan Charles was picked up from his father’s house by a white male and his mother. His disfigured body was found November 2nd.

Results of two autopsies, one independent, indicate the cause of death was ruled a drowning. According to Chase Trichell, one of the family’s attorneys, Quawan’s body was found in a sugarcane field that was not deep enough for an able-bodied person to drown. And even if the cause of death becomes drowning, they are far more interested in the manner of death and the events leading up to his death.

Quawan was reported missing to the Baldwin Police Department on Friday, October 30. Quawan’s mother, Roxanne Nelson, said neither she nor his father, Kenneth Jacko, gave permission for the duo to take their son anywhere. The family says police didn’t seem concerned about the missing teen, saying he was probably at a football game. The family urged police to issue an Amber Alert; however, they never did. Days later, Quawan was found dead in a rural area in a field in Iberia Parish.

The foul play that followed is confusing and seems very similar to the makings of a hate crime; a lynching. The family pleaded with the police to help them search for their son. If they would have taken action, our son, Quawan, might still be alive today.

MOBB United for Social Change joins Stand Black and local, state and national organizers in demanding a proper investigation on the Quawan Charles case and for the perpetrators to be prosecuted.

Call To Action

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

• An independent investigation by the LA State Police and the Justice Department into the mishandling of Quawan Charles’ case.

Please call Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero and 16th Judicial District Attorney Bofill “Bo” Duhe and demand the case be investigated by an outside jurisdiction.

Tommy Romero, Iberia Parish Sheriff
1-337-369-3714

Bofill “Bo” Duhe, 16th Judicial District Attorney for the tri-parish area of St. Mary, St. Martin and Iberia Parish
1-337-369-4420

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 urges the City of Balch Springs to push forward on urgently needed police reforms

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.

In addition, we know that police brutality and the unlawful use of force by an officer does not occur without either the overt or tacit support of the officer’s police department. Therefore, we are demanding that the City of Balch Springs bring real and lasting reform to their police department.

• As MOBB United for Social Change, we will not stand by and let this tragedy go unanswered nor will we allow another of our sons to be killed at the hands of police.
• We demand that the City of Balch Springs police department immediately begin implementing critical police reforms
• The reforms must include implicit bias training and de-escalation training for all members of the police department
• Balch Springs should also conduct an investigation into the history of Officer Roy Oliver’s service to determine if he was truly fit for duty and to identify the systemic problems and broken processes that may have led to an unfit officer remaining on patrol
• Balch Springs must also thoroughly review and report on the actions of all other officers involved in the shooting of Jordan Edwards, particularly officers responding to the call after Edwards was shot

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding the City of Balch Springs reform their police department so that no more of our sons are subject to this injustice

Please call the city officials listed below and ask for:

• Immediate reforms of the Balch Springs police department, including implementation of implicit bias training and de-escalation training.
• A thorough investigation of the behavior of all officers involved in the killing of Jordan Edwards, particularly the officers responding to the distress call from Jordan’s brother after Jordan had been shot
•  A review of all police department policies and procedures that allowed an officer who was unfit for duty, as Oliver was, to remain on patrol

Balch Springs Chief of Police Jonathan Haber
[email protected]
(972) 557-6000 Press option 4

Balch Springs Mayor Carrie Marshall
[email protected]
(972) 653-3600

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Justice for Elijah McClain

Last week, Elijah McClain should have turned 25. Moms of Black Boys United join together in solidarity to mourn this son-light extinguished too soon and demand justice. If it were not for the Aurora, CO Police, Elijah McClain would still be bringing light to this world.

In the same week that his mother should have been celebrating his life, an independent investigative report revealed that the Colorado police officers involved in her son's death did not have the legal basis to stop, frisk or restrain Elijah McClain. APD officers Nathan Woodyard, Randy Roedema, and Jason Rosenblatt robbed Elijah of the rest of his life by unfairly stopping and harassing him and ultimately ended his life by restraining him as he vomited and said he couldn't breathe, then allowed paramedics to inject a deadly dose of ketamine into his body. 18 months since his murder, there have been no consequences for the killers.

Elijah’s family and moms of Black boys across the country are not done fighting for justice. 

Call To Action

Moms of MOBB United are aggrieved and join in support to demand that:

• APD must immediately fire officers Woodyard and Roedema who remain on the police force to this day.
• AFD must fire the paramedics who administered no care to dying Elijah, only a massive dose of ketamine.
• Attorney General Phil Weiser must file murder charges against officers Woodyard, Roedema, and Rosenblatt.
• The Aurora district attorneys must drop the false charges against the peaceful protest leaders who brought light to Elijah’s case.

Aurora Police Department
1-303-739-6000
[email protected]

Aurora Fire Department
1-303-326-8999
[email protected]; [email protected]

Phil Weiser, Attorney General
1-720-508-6000

Julie Heckman, Deputy City Attorney, Criminal Justice Division
1-303-739-7810
[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 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 Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

Moms of Black Boys United stands with the family of Darius Smith and the Arcadia community, who are seeking justice as they face the tragedy of another young life, Darius Smith, taken too soon; killed when an off duty US Customs and Border Patrol agent fired his weapon multiple times at three juveniles. We are demanding that the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office release the video of the incident and conduct a transparent thorough investigation charging the officer to the full extent of the law if negligent.

Darius Smith was an unarmed 15-years old boy who was shot and killed by an off duty US Customs and Border Patrol agent.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change would like to see a full transparent independent investigation regarding the shooting and subsequent killing of 15-year old Darius Smith. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Darius Smith. This tragedy has impacted those who knew and loved Darius and the entire community of Arcadia.

In addition, we are demanding that the City of Arcadia California and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department maintain transparency throughout the duration of the investigation.

As MOBB United for Social Change, we demand the following:

• Release of all video footage including the train footage and nearby businesses when the boys and officer exited the train, and video of the actual shooting;
• A transparent investigation, including charging the officer.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department:

Please call the city officials listed below and ask for:

• Immediate release of any video surveillance seized by police.
• A transparent thorough investigation, including charging the officer.

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Lieutenant Corina
323-890-5641

Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office
Zachary Ramon Executive Assistant to DA Jackie Lacey
213-974-3512

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.

There are four states that do not have a Hate Crimes Bill: Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina and Wyoming. Georgia is currently in the fight of its life. Black boys and men are being killed at an alarming rate. In Georgia, two examples are the execution of Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks. Ahmaud Arbery was hunted down and executed by Gregory and Travis McMichael, while being filmed by William Bryan. Rayshard Brooks was shot twice in the back and then kicked as he lied dying, by Officer Garrett Rolfe.

As the bill was written, it aimed at protecting Black Georgians from hate crimes. In a last minute move, Senator Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, amended the bill to include first responders. Adding this protection puts an occupation that one chooses, on the same level as a citizen who did not choose to put their lives at risk.. First responders already have protections.

This bill is not the bill we want passed. Please oppose HB426 that contains the first responder protection.

Read full Legislative Action Alert

MUSC Demands Justice for Jayland Walker
Posted by · July 10, 2022 12:00 AM

MUSC Demands Justice for Elijah McClain
Posted by · March 02, 2021 12:00 AM

MUSC Demands Justice for AJ Crooms and Sincere Pierce
Posted by · December 16, 2020 12:00 AM

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.

Read full Rapid Response Alert 

Background: Governor Kemp recently declared that gang violence in Georgia is at crisis levels; but, according to the most recent data available that statement is false. The most recent data reveals violent crime is down 13% in Georgia since 2011 and has been in a sharp decline since 1993. Yet Governor Kemp is still proposing radical changes under the guise of reform that would be disproportionately harmful to black men and boys.

See full Legislation Action Alert

Background: MOBB United for Social Change has partnered with Louisianans for Prison Alternatives (LPA) to advocate for a criminal justice reform package to overhaul Louisiana's draconian criminal justice laws.   Louisiana, also known as the incarceration capital of the world, has some of the worst and most stringent criminal and penal policies in the country; all of which disproportionately impact black men and black boys.  

The Big Three -  Senate bills 139, 220, 221, will be debated on the House floor on Monday, June 5. 

See full Legislation Action Alert

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change has been supporting Senate Bill (SB)-10 and Assembly Bill (AB)-42 which has been moving through the California Legislature. SB-10 and AB-42 are comprehensive legislative bills which would – among other things – drastically decrease California’s cash bail system. 

To ensure the bill becomes law, we need moms to mobilize now.

See full Legislation Action Alert

Background: The Senate version of The Sandra Bland Act was introduced by Texas legislator John Whitmire. This proposal would limit police searches during stops, add reporting requirements for racial profiling, and create an independent ombudsman to monitor inmates' rights and services.

The bill has passed the full Senate, the House committee, and now faces a vote of the full house.

See Full Legislation Action Alert

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change has been supporting the Raise the Age initiative which was recently passed into law by the New York Legislature.  The law represents a major change in how the state deals with 16 and 17 year old defendants, diverting the majority of those cases to Family Court or to judges with access to social services and special training dealing with youth.  

After a year of negotiations, and being passed into law, Republicans are now threatening to change the Raise the Age proposal that was just passed into law. 

See full Legislation Action Alert

MOBB United Action in SUPPORT of Louisiana Justice Reinvestment

Background: MOBB United for Social Change has partnered with Louisianans for Prison Alternatives (LPA) to advocate for a criminal justice reform package to overhaul Louisiana's draconian criminal justice laws.   Louisiana, also known as the incarceration capital of the world, has some of the worst and most stringent criminal and penal policies in the country; all of which disproportionately impact black men and black boys.  

With less than one week remaining in the 2017 Louisiana legislative session, thanks to you, we have ten criminal justice reform bills one step closer to passage.  This week was not the easiest, but we made it through.  We must now push those bills one step closer to the governor's desk.

The Big Three -  Senate bills 139, 220, 221, will be debated on the House floor on Monday, June 5. The House convenes at 3pm.  We ask that MOBBs plan to be present and/or call/email your state representative beginning this weekend and ask them to vote yes on SBs 139, 220 and 221. It is ok to leave messages. Please ask your friends and networks to do the same.  

Louisiana MOBB - find your legislator here:

We really need to reach ALL the house members - here is the complete list.

Call Script / guidelines:

• Be kind.
• Be brief.
• Keep it simple.

When you call, ask if you can speak with the state representative. If not, feel free to leave a message with their staff. In either case, introduce yourself and say your name, tell them where you live, and then briefly say that criminal justice reform is important to you because one (or several – but remember to keep it brief) of the following reasons:

• you are personally affected - you are a member of MOBB United for Social Change and a mother of a black boy, 6 times likely to be impacted by the state's draconian criminal and penal code;
• you are ashamed of Louisiana’s practices;
• you believe we are wasting too much taxpayer money that could be used for other services;
• you do not believe the approach we use has made us any safer and MOBB United for Social Change will hold them accountable to ensure that they protect our sons;
  or if you have another motivation, please share that.
• DON'T FORGET - Louisiana needs to do this now; not tomorrow!

LEGISLATIVE CALL TO ACTION: TELL CONGRESS THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF SESSIONS' POLICIES WILL ONLY PUT MORE BLACK MEN AND BOYS IN PRISON. 

MOBB United MOMS: Attorney General Sessions is testifying before Congress next week and our voices need to be heard. Don't let Sessions continue to target our sons for profit.

BACKGROUND 
 
This week, the House Appropriations Committee will hear testimony from U.S. Attorney General Sessions on the Department of Justice's proposed budget for FY 2018.  The budget proposed by Attorney General Sessions takes funds away from fighting discrimination and violations of civil rights and, instead, puts it towards policing, criminalization, and fueling mass incarceration, through reversing the Obama Administration's ban on the federal use of private prisons. This represents a dramatic shift in criminal justice policy, calling for things like mandatory minimum sentences in order to target "drug dealing, gun crime and gang violence," which we know to be an effective euphemism to target black communities, particularly black men and boys.  This policy will put our son's lives at risk for the sole benefit of profit to the private prison industry.  There are no facts or data substantiating a return to these draconian policies. White and black people both use drugs at roughly the same rate, and yet black people are about four-times as likely to be arrested on drug charges.

CALL TO ACTION:

Call the House Appropriations Committee and House Appropriations Committee Members now  to let them know that our sons' lives matter and that these policies will do nothing but further criminalize black men and boys.

Making a call is easy. You should call at least three representatives on the Appropriations committee that will be holding the hearing this week.

Republicans
1. John Culbertson 202-225-2571 (Chairman)
2. Hal Rogers 202-225-4601
3. Robert Aderholt 202-225-4876
4. John Carter 202-225-3864
5. Martha Roby 202-225-2901
6. Steve Palazzo 202-225-5772
7. Evan Jenkins 202-225-3452 (Vice Chair)

Democrats
1. Jose Serrana 202-225-4361 (Ranking member)
2. Derek Kilmer 202-225-5916
3. Matt Cartwright 202-225-5546
4. Grace Ment 202-225-2601

Here's what to say when they answer:

• Hi, I'm calling on behalf of the organization Mothers of Black Boys United for Social Change an organization of more than 175,000 mom's to demand that your representative doesn't let Sessions off the hook during his budget hearing next week.
• This proposed budget will put our son's lives at risk for the sole benefit of profit to the private prison industry.  Attorney General Sessions' ties to the private prison industry are questionable at best and the fact that private prisons will once again see profit surges that disproportionately target black communities is reprehensible.  
• There are no facts or data substantiating a return to these draconian policies. White and black people both use drugs at roughly the same rate, and yet black people are about four-times as likely to be arrested on drug charges.  
• After receiving legally questionable donations from private prison contractor GEO Group, the administration is pushing policies that will directly benefit the company’s bottom line by putting more Black men and boys in prison and fueling mass incarceration.
• We need to take Sessions to task on this and demand that he give an answer. Will you make sure Sessions is asked about the administration’s political ties to private prison contractor GEO Group?

PLEASE REPORT ANY INFORMATION GATHERED FROM YOUR CALLS TO OUR CHAT GROUP OR OUR SOCIAL LINK PAGE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WOKE ENOUGH TO BE INVOLVED!

MOBB United Action in SUPPORT of California SB-10

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change has been supporting Senate Bill (SB)-10 which has been moving through the California Legislature. SB-10 is a comprehensive legislative bills which would – among other things – drastically decrease California’s cash bail system.

Currently, a person arrested for a criminal charge has a monetary bail amount set; most counties have a “Bail Schedule” listing the suggested bail for each penal code. Judges still have great discretion on increasing or lowering this amount. This practice has led to people of color and poor people being incarcerated during pre-trial simply because they cannot pay bail, or people of color and poor people becoming trapped in increased debt after paying a bail bondsman a nonrefundable lower amount, usually five to ten percent of the bail.

As of July 19th 2017, SB-10 has passed the entire Senate and the Assembly Public Safety Committee. After the Appropriations Committee it will head to the Assembly floor. This concerns us because the Assembly is where its sister bill AB-42 died, six votes short of approval. Eight Assembly members did not vote and thirty seven voted no.

To ensure the bill becomes law, we need moms to mobilize now.

1. Attached is the updated contact template for you (and others) to use. We ask that everyone email their lists and urge supporters to call their Assemblymembers.
2. Use Script provided, we would like to get a gauge on their stance for SB10 and the reason.

Sample Script:

(Ask to speak with the staff member most familiar with the Assembly member's position on SB-10)

• Hi My name is _______ and I am calling from Moms of Black Boys United an organization consisting of over 170,000 concerned moms. We are in strong support of SB-10 and cash bail reform. We believe a person should not remain in jail simply because they cannot afford bail. SB-10 promotes evidence based public safety by utilizing risk assessments.

(If Assemblymember did not vote during AB-42)

• I noticed there was no vote recorded for SB-10's sister bill AB-42. Can we count on _______ to vote yes for SB-10?

(If Assemblymember voted no on AB-42)

• Assemblymember _____________ voted no on AB-42. We are encouraging __________ to change their vote and use science and evidence not lobbying money and support SB-10. Can we count on a “yes” vote?

List of contacts, we need to turn six of these into a YES vote!!!