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.

M.O.B.B. United for Social Change Calls on Senate to Pass 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) (see JIPA Fact Sheet here), 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 via this link:
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

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.

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.

Jacob Blake---Kenosha WI

One week ago, our hearts broke again as we watched yet another Black man be gunned down by a trigger happy police officer with no regard for Black life. Police were called to a neighborhood in Kenosha, Wisconsin due to a domestic dispute. At some point, police encountered Jacob Blake who had just broken up a fight between two women in the community. Cellphone video footage shows Jake calmly walking away from officers attempting to get in his car when an officer grabbed his shirt and shot him in his back at point blank range. This all happened while Jake's three precious sons, ages 3, 5 and 8, sat in the car. As moms of Black sons, we can't begin to imagine what the children must be going through after experiencing such a traumatic life altering event. The officers showed no regard for Jacob or his children. Now, Jacob’s future hangs in the balance as he’s paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the gun shot wounds he suffered and is handcuffed to a hospital bed as he fights for his life and dignity.

There are no legitimate excuses for this unnecessary outrageous act of violence by someone who is sworn to serve and protect the public. This incident follows a pattern indicating a culture and behavior of policing in America that is savagely brutal and doesn’t value Black lives. This must change now. The people who are sworn to serve and protect must not be allowed to be the perpetrators of bloodthirsty violence with no accountability.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change demand a fair and transparent investigation into the death of Jacob Blake. We call for the arrest and firing of the officers who attempted to take Jake Blake's life and that they be prohibited from ever serving as law enforcement officers again. Jacob did what the police should have done; he tried to de-escalate a domestic dispute and for that he was tasered and shot 7 times in the back at close range. Law Enforcement must be held accountable, now.

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. Talking points and sample script:

• We are pleased to see that the Wisconsin Department of Justice is launching an investigation into the shooting with the help of the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office. We demand results of the investigation and all video associated with the incident be released to the public as soon as possible. 
• We demand the Mayor John Antaramian - Email: [email protected]. dismiss the officers involved in this situation.  Administrative leave is not enough.
• Although the officers involved in Blake's shooting were put on administrative leave, you can still call or email local officials in Kenosha to demand they are held fully responsible:
  • Kenosha City Attorney⁣⁣:262-653-4170⁣⁣; Email: [email protected]
  • City Attorney Edward Antaramian at [email protected].
  • Kenosha Mayor and City Administration: 262-653-4000⁣⁣; Email: [email protected] or  [email protected]
  • Kenosha Police Non Emergency Line: 262-656-1234
  • Wisconsin Department of Justice:⁣ 608-266-1221⁣

When you call or email, you can say something along the lines of:

"Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I am a mom of a black boy / man. I demand justice through a fair, transparent investigation and that the officer who recklessly shot Jacob Blake in front of his young children be fired immediately.  Thank you for your time."

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.

One week ago, our hearts broke again as we watched yet another Black man be gunned down by a trigger happy police officer with no regard for Black life. 

Read full Statement

This week, a mother and 4 children (ages 17,14,12 & 6) were terrorized when police mistakenly identified their SUV as a stolen motorcycle from another state. That’s right. An SUV in Colorado was mistaken for a motorcycle in Montana with the same license plate number. The mother and children, one as young as 6, were forced to get out of the vehicle and lie face down on the hot, dirty pavement. They were handcuffed as the children wailed, confused and terrified by what was going on.

Strange Fruit

Over the past month, we have been horrified and heartbroken by a string of hangings of Black boys and men, all deemed to be suicides. Given the racially charged atmosphere and prevalence of hatred in many cities across America, Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change demands further investigation into these mysterious deaths all carried out in public spaces. Although we acknowledge the recent rise in suicide rates by young Black boys and men, we are skeptical that they would choose to hang themselves in a public square. We want thorough investigations in these cases and honor the lives and memory of these souls lost too soon.

MOBB United for Social Change Demands Justice for George Floyd 

We are pleased to hear that charges have been upgraded to second degree murder for the principal assailant, Derek Chauvin, in the murder of unarmed citizen George Floyd and have now also been filed against the remaining three officers involved for aiding and abetting a murder. We are also grateful that civil rights charges have been filed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights against the Minneapolis Police Department in relation to the death of George Floyd. Additionally, we support the department’s investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.

We applaud Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for the decisive actions he has taken to further the pursuit of justice for the Floyd family. We must now work to ensure that these charges result in convictions that reassure every citizen that systematic discriminatory practices and reform in the criminal justice system are being addressed.
 
“We acknowledge that charges have now been filed against all four officers involved in the horrific murder of George Floyd,” said M.O.B.B. United for Social Change Founder Depelsha McGruder. “But this isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed a murder in broad daylight on video and expected swift justice -- only to later be sorely disappointed. We are hopeful that this case will bring real punishment and accountability to these officers who showed no regard for Mr. Floyd’s life in the form of convictions and stiff sentencing.” 

Call To Action

#ProtectThem by demanding immediate action to further our goal of achieving reform in policing and the criminal justice system.
 
We urge you to join us in continuing to make our voices heard by contacting the following local officials with these further demands:
 
Demand that Governor Tim Walz, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey continue to work against the culture of racism and police brutality in Minnesota 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 an encounter with an unarmed citizen must be accountable to the police use of force rules as set forth in its applicable continuum of escalation. Loss of life resulting in such encounters should result in the officer being 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.
4. More stringent review, oversight and punishment for officers with multiple complaints; officers terminated for misconduct should be unable to work in any professional law enforcement capacity.

Leadership must take a clear stand in enforcing the rules and guidelines set forth for proper conduct within the police force and provide transparency in reporting of all officer-involved fatalities to put an end to this abuse of power.  

Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor
1-800-657-3717

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.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

 
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM MOMS OF BLACK BOYS UNITED FOR SOCIAL CHANGE, INC. (M.O.B.B. UNITED FOR SOCIAL CHANGE) REGARDING CHARGES FILED IN THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD BY FOUR MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS

 
(NEW YORK, NY) JUNE 04, 2020 - Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change, Inc. (M.O.B.B. United for Social Change), an online community of nearly 200,000 mothers with 15 local chapters nationwide is committed to advocating for fair and just treatment of Black boys and men in American society. We continue to stand in solidarity with the chorus of voices calling for immediate and widespread reform of the broken criminal justice and policing system.

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with the family of Jamee Johnson and the Jacksonville, Florida community as they seek justice faced with the tragedy of another young life taken too soon by law enforcement in Jacksonville, Florida on December 14, 2019. As an organization of moms raising and caring for Black boys, we mourn with and offer condolences to all families of the 13 Black men killed by police just during December 2019 alone, including Michael Dean in Temple, Texas.

This year, Black History month was challenging. In addition to lots of other troubling news, we saw multiple stories of teachers in classrooms across the country executing Black History Month lessons that included asking Black students to bring their lesson plans to life by pretending to be slaves.