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!!!

MUSC State Legislative Campaign - 2019
New York Bail Reform Call to Action

Bill Summary: New York Bail Elimination Act of 2019 To end the use of monetary bail, reduce unnecessary pretrial incarceration and improve equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

Bill Sponsor: Michael Gianaris

MOBB United for Social Change Action in SUPPORT of New York Bail Elimination Act of 2019 SB-2101A

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change is supporting Senate Bill SB 2101A which is currently under consideration in the New York State Legislature. SB 2101A is a comprehensive bill which would end the use of monetary bail, reduce unnecessary pretrial incarceration and improve equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

In New York state, a person arrested for any criminal charge has a monetary bail - the payment required for a person to be released from jail as they await court hearings - amount set. Even before a criminal charge is made against a person, an individual could remain incarcerated for indeterminate periods of time. Judges 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.

The gravity of this injustice is most pointed in Kalief Browder’s story. 16-year-old Kalief was accused of stealing a backpack in 2010. His family couldn’t afford the $3,000 bail set by the judge, and he spent the next three years in a jail on Rikers Island awaiting trial. Browder refused to plead guilty, and his case was dropped; however, after years in jail, much of it in solitary confinement, Kalief had trouble readjusting and committed suicide in 2015.

Governor Cuomo has promised to bring criminal justice reform to New York and has asked the Legislature to send him SB 2101 as part of his budget package, due April 1, 2019. Although the package would bring some much needed reforms, some state officials - NY prosecutors and Law Enforcement groups - are opposing forward movement, citing cost concerns.

However, the cost of freedom and justice are immeasurable. If states like California, North Carolina and Texas have reformed their bail practices, New York can as well. Our sons lives may depend on it. We need moms to mobilize now.

1. Using the script below please call or email your Assembly and Senate representative NOW. You can find their contact information through these links.
2. If you say nothing else, ask that they get behind SB 2101A and ensure that the bill is voted on a becomes part of the Governor’s package.
3. Share this page with your friends and family members; ask them to do the same!

Sample Script:

(Ask to speak with the staff member most familiar with the Senator or Assembly member's position on SB-2101A)

• Hi My name is _______ and I am calling from Moms of Black Boys United and MOBB United for Social Change, an organization consisting of over 180,000 concerned moms. We are in strong support of SB-2101A and monetary bail reform. We believe a person should not remain in jail simply because they cannot afford bail. SB-2101A promotes evidence based public safety by utilizing risk assessments.

(If Senator / Assembly member is not a supporter of SB 2101A)

• I noticed that you are not listed as a supporter of the bill or ( SB2101A’s sister bill, AB 1359 if a member of the General Assembly).  Can we count on _______ to support SB-2101A and ensure Bail Reform makes it into the Governor’s budget?

(If Senator / Assemblymember says they will vote no on including SB 2101A)

• Assemblymember / Senator_____________ voted no on SB-2101A. We are encouraging __________ to change their vote and use science and evidence not lobbying money and support SB-2101’s inclusion into the budget. Can we count on a “yes” vote?

February 2020

MOBB United for Social Change Action to OPPOSE Governor Kemp's Radical Budget Proposals

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.  He is proposing:

1. Trimming more than $2 million dollars from the state Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
2. Cutting funding for the states public defender system.
3. Increasing funding for state prosecutors.
4. Increasing funding to the Georgia Bureau of investigation's gang task force.

Georgia already has a rigorous and reliable process which allows accountability while maintaining needed access to critical resources. This ensures the state complies with its Due Process requirements. The state Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, for example, runs the state accountability courts which allow judges to enroll offenders in tailored programs that allow them access to less damaging remediation and reform measures and move towards a more productive life without crime. Accountability courts work. Don't allow funds to be diverted away from them. Diverting funds away from the states public defenders and increasing funds for state prosecutors is a recipe for disaster and does not work. Funding for public defenders is already severely underfunded. Most public defenders are already burdened with more cases than they can handle, not allowing them time to properly prepare a defense for their clients. Some public defenders have complained that they have experienced only having time to meet with defendants just minutes before going before the judge, due to large caseloads. Tough on crime prosecutors only add to the problem of mass incarceration of poor people and people of color.

Governor Kemp's proposed gang database is also potentially unconstitutional because it includes racial profiling. Criminal Justice statistics regularly demonstrate that these kinds of cut backs have disproportionately negative impacts on communities of color. If what Governor Kemp is proposing becomes a reality it will only serve to increase the prison population in Georgia, increase recidivism and possibly ruin lives.  Because Georgia already has systems that are in place and are working, this proposal is fiscally irresponsible and goes against what actually works and has been working for the state of Georgia for years now.
 
We want our tax dollars to be used for changes and programs that work. We also want your support in demanding an increase in funding for accountability courts, supportive services, public defenders, and programs which engage and protect youth at risk for becoming involved in gangs. 

Please do not support the Governor's proposal.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by telling your representatives that you oppose these 'reforms'. 

Step 1: Find contact information for your legislators in the Georgia Legislature here: OpenStates - GA Legislature

Step 2: Send an email. You can copy and paste from the background information above or use this link: Send Email

Step 3: Follow up with a phone call:

Sample Script:

(Ask to speak with the staff member most familiar with the Senator or Assembly member's position Criminal Justice)

Hi My name is _______ and I am calling from Moms of Black Boys United and MOBB United for Social Change, an organization consisting of over 180,000 concerned moms. We strongly OPPOSE Governor Kemp's proposed budget changes that include:

1. Trimming more than $2 million dollars from the state Criminal Justice Council.
2. Cutting funding for the state's public defender system. 
3. Increasing funding for state prosecutors. 
4. Increasing funding for the GBI gang task force.

I would like to see an increase in funding for the states accountability courts and supportive services because they work.

I would also like to see an increase in funding for public defenders and programs which engage and protect youth who are at risk for becoming involved in gangs.

Thank you for your support.

Step 4: Give Governor Kemp this message directly. The phone number for Governor Kemp is 1-404-656-1776. There is no direct email address for him, only an intake form.

MUSC Action to OPPOSE the Georgia Hate Crimes Bill

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. The "Back the Badge Act" passed in 2017 by the GA Senate increased penalties for certain laws against public safety officers.

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

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding the Georgia Senate amend HB426 or vote it down.

Please contact these officials. Tell them that you OPPOSE the HB426 if it includes protections for first responders.

• Demand the first responder portion of the bill be removed
• Demand that if the first responder portion can’t be removed, that the senators vote no

Each email is pre-filled. Just click link, sign, and send.

John Porter, Chief of Staff, Office of Lt. Governor – Geoff Duncan
1-404-656-5030
[email protected]

Bill Cowsert, Senator, GA
1-404-463-1366
[email protected]  

Butch Miller, Senate Pro Tem
1-404-656-6578
[email protected]  

Mike Dugan, Senate Majority Leader
1-404-656-7872
[email protected]  

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc.

A VOICE for Moms of Black Sons

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC) focuses on influencing how Black boys and men are treated and perceived by law enforcement and in society. Our focus covers a variety of areas plagued by racial disparities as it relates to their interaction with law enforcement and persons in authority. From the school-to-prison pipeline to the broader criminal justice system, we aim to break down these walls and change the trajectory of racial injustice to ensure that our sons survive and thrive.

MUSC’s legislative platform outlines key policy areas that we plan to focus on over this year, across all states. Additionally, as they are introduced in state assemblies or opportunities arise, our legislative agenda will also include support for or opposition against key legislation and initiatives that are aligned with our mission.

MUSC Action in SUPPORT of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

One year ago today, we all watched in horror as George Floyd’s last breath was snuffed out of him by the pressure of Officer Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck for more than nine minutes. In his final moments, George called out in desperation for his mother. For the past year, we all have been under arrest with emotion over the incredible injustice done to George Floyd and many others harassed and killed by law enforcement. Last month, we got a glimpse of justice being served and finally witnessed accountability where there hasn’t been before. We are thankful for the change in tide, but understand that one verdict cannot erase 400 years of hate, discrimination and dehumanization.

The conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd is just the beginning of the road to accountability. We need true policy reform that holds law enforcement accountable and also makes them think twice before they act.

Our children continue to die needlessly, and we have no way to protect them from those who refuse to view and treat them as fully human. While the Derek Chauvin trial was underway, we learned of the murder of Daunte Wright just 10 miles away and subsequently saw previously unreleased video of the gruesome 2019 murder of Ronald Greene in Monroe, Louisiana. We must continue to make our voices heard by our lawmakers. We must fight for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which contains many of the ideals that M.O.B.B. United has been fighting for since our inception in 2016. Among other things, the bill (HR 7120):

• Bans chokeholds and carotid holds at the federal level and conditions law enforcement funding for state and local governments banning chokeholds.
• Requires that deadly force be used only as a last resort and requires officers to employ de-escalation techniques first.
• Changes the standard to evaluate whether law enforcement use of force was justified from whether the force was “reasonable” to whether the force was “necessary.”

On this day and everyday, we honor the life of George Floyd and all others whose lives were ended too soon. Our hearts go out to all Moms who have lost their sons at the hands of those meant to protect and serve.

We encourage you to contact your U.S. Senators to press for passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Future generations are counting on us.

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action to further our goal of achieving reform in policing and the criminal justice system -- support the passage of the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act.

Summary: 
Overall the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JIPA) introduced by Rep. Karen Bass (D- CA) and passed by the House of Representatives last June, addresses many of the policies that M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC) has been advocating for since its inception. The Act would establish national standards for training and operation of police departments that would be mandated at the federal level and uses the power of funding to encourage adoption of the same standards at the state and local level. It addresses the systemic racism and bias that affect how our Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement and puts in place substantive measures for better data collection and clearer guidelines for accountability and effective prosecution of police misconduct.

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

Please contact your Senators (bipartisan) and tell them that you SUPPORT the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and we want a vote in the Senate NOW to pass this crucial legislation.

Find your Senators, then call or tweet directly from this:

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc.

A VOICE for Moms of Black Sons

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC) focuses on influencing how Black boys and men are treated and perceived by law enforcement and in society. Our focus covers a variety of areas plagued by racial disparities as it relates to their interaction with law enforcement and persons in authority. From the school-to-prison pipeline to the broader criminal justice system, we aim to break down these walls and change the trajectory of racial injustice to ensure that our sons survive and thrive.

MUSC’s legislative platform outlines key policy areas that we plan to focus on over this year, across all states. Additionally, as they are introduced in state assemblies or opportunities arise, our legislative agenda will also include support for or opposition against key legislation and initiatives that are aligned with our mission.

MOBB United Action in SUPPORT of Raise the AGE, NY

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.  

Before passage, New York was only one of two states to view 16 and 17 year olds as adults in criminal court. Now that this proposal has become law, Republicans in the state Senate say changes are needed and are threatening to make changes to the Bill. 

MOBB United for Social Change is working to change the perception of black boys and other boys of color and we are on a mission to change the policies that disproportionately impact them. We need you to act now and contact members of the New York Senate to let them know the law, as passed must stand AS IS. 

CALL TO ACTION - # ProtectThem by keeping the Raise the Age NY initiative AS IS!

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. 

No changes must be made. The initiative must remain, AS IS. 

No appeals to fear, no half-steps. AS IS.

No time for delay, no more insider games. AS IS.

Below is a list of members of the New York State Senate to urge them to ensure that the proposal remains intact and the intent of the below is not changed.

Please call all Senators but key Senators to target include:

Senator Pat Gallivan
Phone: 518-455-3471

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan
Phone: 518-455-2071

Here are talking points for a conversation with senators:

• My name is  _____________________  I'm calling from MOBB United for Social Change
• MOBB United has brought together near 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.
• Last month the New York Legislature passed among the nation’s strongest measures to raise the age, making NY the 49th state to stop  trying all 16 year olds as adults.  This will impact thousands of children each year, particularly our sons – black men and boys – who tend to be disproportionately impacted by criminal justice systems. 
• I am a mom of a black boy and I am concerned about these issues because there is data showing that black men and boys do not commit crimes at rates higher than any other racial group, yet they are more likely to brought before the criminal justice system.
• No changes must be made to the Raise the Age proposal.  The proposal underwent several months of vetting and hearings leading up to the vote.  The bill that was passed into law was subject to several compromise changes and any additional changes would undermine the original intent of the proposal.
• Thank you for your continued support.  Can I count on you to keep the proposal AS IS? 

Join | Connect | Advocate

Moms are connecting across the country to positively influence and advocate for the fair and equitable treatment of Black boys and men in our society. United, we have the power to create the change we want to see for our SonShines. 

M.O.B.B. United is a coalition of moms who understand how you feel as a mother of a Black boy, no matter their age. Joining a local chapter brings moms into the sisterhood of support and provides the structure needed to take action on behalf of all our SonShines. 

Connect With a Local Chapter Or Start Your Own! 

Applications for Chapter Leaders are open to all moms of Black boys. Contact us for more information.

MOBB United Action in SUPPORT of Texas SB 1849

Background: M.O.B.B. United for Social Change has been supporting the Sandra Bland Act which has been moving through the Texas Legislature. The Sandra Bland Act is a comprehensive proposal which would – among other things - create more training and reporting requirements for county jails and law enforcement and mandate people experiencing mental health crisis be diverted to treatment over jail. A companion bill to the Sandra Bland Act was introduced by Texas state senator John Whitmire.

In early May, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee passed its version which aims to change the way police and civilians interact. The bill went to the full Senate where it passed with a unanimous vote. It was sent over to the House and referred to committee.

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

May 15, the Criminal Jurisprudence committee passed the bill to the full House which now needs to vote FOR this bill and pass it into law. We are urging MOBB United for Social Change members to call their representatives now.  Call your representative and ask him or her whether they plan to support passage of this important legislation.  

In particular, you should call Phil King and the Representatives on Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee who never took a vote on the original house version of the bill.

Here are talking points for a conversation with 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'm a resident of the state of Texas and am calling to urge Representative_____________________ to support the Sandra Bland Act / SB 1849 and vote in favor of its passage.  The full Senate voted last week, and the Criminal Jurisprudence committee has reported favorably. Now we need Representative ____________________ to do his/her part to ensure additional accountability measures and training for law enforcement officials.
• I am a mom of a black boy and I am concerned about these issues because there is data showing that black men and boys do not commit crimes at rates higher than any other racial group, racial minorities are more likely than white Americans to be arrested; once arrested, they are more likely to be convicted; and once convicted, they are more likely to face stiff sentences. 
• Among other important reforms, the legislation would require that law enforcement agencies include the race and ethnicity of drivers, de-escalation training for all Texas State law enforcement and it would ask for the diversion of people suffering from mental illness to treatment rather than jail.
• Please support Sandra Bland Act / SB 1849 when it comes to the floor for a vote
• Can we count on your support?

MUSC Action to OPPOSE the Georgia Hate Crimes Bill
Posted by · June 20, 2020 12:00 AM

MUSC Action in SUPPORT of the Justice in Policing Act 2020
Posted by · June 16, 2020 12:00 AM

GA - MUSC Action to OPPOSE Governor Kemp's Radical Budget Proposals
Posted by · February 14, 2020 12:00 AM

Today, we stand with the family of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old Black boy recently released from a Kansas City, Missouri hospital and currently under the care of his mother, a nurse. Yarl whose mother moved to the US to escape violence in Liberia, was shot by Andrew Lester (84) after ringing the wrong doorbell when going to pick up his twin siblings. Forgetting his phone in the car and mistaking 115th Street for 115th Terrace does not require being shot at through a glass door. 84-year-old Andrew Lester will face charges of assault in the first degree and armed criminal action.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change joins with the family of Tyre Nichols and the Memphis community in mourning for the tragic loss of Tyre Nichols, a father, a son, an avid skateboarder and nature lover. We ended this week with what we hope is the first step towards bringing his murderers - 5 Memphis Police Officers - to justice for their reckless and unlawful behavior. These officers have been fired from the Memphis police department and video footage of the inhumane and terroristic attack upon Tyre has been released. We hope that the images which remain of Tyre in the public mind are the kind and gentle man whose last peaceful moments on this earth were capturing images of the setting sun.