On Saturday August 19th, there was activity on the streets of East Flatbush. Cars were stopping to see what was going on. People were coming out of their homes out if curiosity. Those who couldn't make it downstairs fast enough were leaning out of their windows. Both shop owners and customers stood together to observe and some even joined in. Fists Raised, Head Nods of Approval, Excitement of Participation and Hope.
Brooklyn Showed Unity!!
It all began in front of 1370 New York Avenue, in Flatbush Gardens which to many is still Vanderveer Housing. A diverse crowd gathered and in the air, you could see the RBG flag flapping as if the wind was ready to march and chant itself. The temperature was right but the mood was somber. This was not a parade gathering. This was the preparation for a rally and march against the NYPD murdering Black and Brown Mentally Ill people. This was about the abuses that our communities suffer due to the Brutality by the NYPD and lack of Accountability.
This march was sponsored by Black Lives Matter Greater New York president and Activist Hawk Newsome. Alongside Newsome was the lawyer Sanford Rubenstein, who is representing the family. In the crowd that gathered in front of 1370 New York Avenue, were the family members of Dwayne Juene, who was a 32 year old Black Man who was gunned down by Officer Gonzalez of the 67th precinct. The same precinct responsible for the murders of Shantel Davis, Kimani Gray and many other Black and Brown Men, Women and Children. The family of James Owens and others whose family members were mentally ill and killed by the police were there to demand justice and provide support as well. One of the speakers at the rally, was Community Advocate and City Council Candidate Anthony Beckford, who is also the leader of the Brooklyn Sector of CopWatch Patrol Unit. (He is featured in a documentary about them in London via BBC called "NYPD: The Biggest Gang in New York but also on Netflix by the name of "Copwatchers"). Mr. Beckford is also a member of that immediate community. He had some strong opinions regarding the NYPD which rang true to the crowd. "I refuse to Stand Here and Do Nothing. I refuse to allow them to continue to murder us with there being no accountability. This is a time when we show them just how powerful we are as a people when we are truly united. Egos must be set aside and Unity must be had against the tyranny called the NYPD", as stated by City Council Candidate Anthony Beckford.
They're here to protect us and to have someone reach out to you because their son is having an issue or their mentally ill child isn't taking their medication,You're not expecting them to come in and gun your child down " says Jeune's cousin, Carolyn Thomas.
Hawk Newsome who is the President of Black Lives Matter Greater New York stated "They need to stop killing our mentally ill. They need to stop getting away with it. The NYPD needs to stop killing our mentally ill".
As they marched down Nostrand Avenue, the community applauded them and many joined in on the chants and the march. You could sense the feeling of hope rise and the call for Liberation and Justice Ring Out. The march reached the 67th precinct on Snyder Avenue and another rally was held. One of the speakers was Marc Fliedner who is a Brooklyn District Attorney Candidate. He spoke out against the injustices the community and warned the families to be aware of those who give empty promises in the DAs office. Marc Fliedner helped prosecute Peter Liang, the NYPD Officer who murdered Akai Gurley in the staircase of the Pink Houses for no reason at all. Mr. Fliedner has been an ally to the movement and is supported by many people in the community for his run for Brooklyn District Attorney, that we he can continue to hold police officers accountable for their injustices against the Black and Brown communities.
City Council Candidate Anthony Beckford holding a sign with the photo of Deborah Dinner, who was killed by the NYPD in the Bronx.
(photo credit: Benjamin Shepard)
Hawk Newsome of Black Lives Matter Greater New and City Council Candidate Anthony Beckford of CopWatch Patrol Unit.
(photo credit: Benjamin Shepard)
Brooklyn District Attorney Candidate Marc Fliedner and City Council Candidate Anthony Beckford at the 67th precinct.
(photo credit: Dylan Hansen)
- Devine Magazine
