WS Chronicle

Swift, decisive actions against police  applauded

To the Editor:

The Congressional Black Caucus applauds the swift and decisive actions by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney in conducting a thorough and independent investigation of the events surrounding the death of Freddie Gray.

This is the first of many steps to begin the process of mending the fractured relationship between law enforcement and the people of the City of Baltimore.  Every citizen has a right to due process of law, and we are pleased to see the legal system is working. We continue to call for calm in the weeks and months ahead as we await the outcome of these cases.

U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield  (NC-01), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus 

Charges against Baltimore police are encouraging

To the Editor:

We applaud State’s Attorney [for Baltimore, Marilyn] Mosby for beginning the process of securing justice for Freddie Gray and his family. This is the kind of accountability that the people of Baltimore have been demanding in response to years of police brutality and abuse.

Like any other community that has been wronged, Baltimore is seeking simple justice and for authorities to seriously investigate the highly problematic and suspicious circumstances of Gray’s death.

This common respect for Black lives was not shown in Ferguson after the death of Michael Brown, nor in Chicago after the death of Rekia Boyd, nor in New York after the death of Eric Garner, nor after the killings of so many people of color at the hands of law enforcement.

And while the State Attorney’s decision to file charges against the officers responsible for Freddie Gray’s death is encouraging, Baltimore remains mired in systemic issues around its police department, with a police force that has paid $5.7 million to settle brutality cases over the past four years, and victims forced to keep silent afterward.

We are heartened by today’s [Friday, May 1] announcement, which signals a shift – that the protection of brutalized citizens is finally being prioritized over the protection of the police. This is exactly what should happen, and we remain cautiously optimistic as the case moves to trial.

Co-Director Judith Browne Dianis, Advancement Project

Baltimore violence is counterproductive

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc., I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Freddie Gray and to the residents, families, business owners and civil servants in Baltimore.

The community outcry is valid and can be heard around the globe. However, the violence and destruction that disrupted Baltimore yesterday [Monday, April 27] is counterproductive. It is important to remain peaceful in protest and encourage productive dialogue while we await the findings of the Department of Justice investigation.

The CBCF joins with other community leaders who are committed to exploring solutions that enhance community trust and address the conflicts in modern, urban policing.

A. Shuanise Washington,  President and chief executive officer, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Thanks and kudos, committee says

To the Editor:

The community of Winston-Salem contributed to the universal world of music and international acclaim by having the “Home Town” Sensations, The “5” Royales inducted into the International Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 18, 2015.

Your contributions and input made this event a reality and contribution to the community of Winston-Salem. Thank you. This effort was supported by the Vintage “04” and Friends of the Library (Malloy-Jordan) to make this reality a historical event.

We look forward to your support to establish a scholarship at the N.C.S.A. in music to benefit the future of music and genius. Vintage “04,” a community-based organization, and Friends of the Library look forward to your participation in the development of our civilization, locally nationally and internationally. Thank you.

Bobby Ray Wilson, “5” Royales Committee, Vintage “04”