This
week's
topic:		 Who is at fault for the melee at the end of the Harlem "million Youth March" and what should New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani now do to defuse the situation?



Submit Date: 21 APR 1999
Name: Jerrie
Email:
Response: No doubt there are many good police officers doing their jobs, however, there are also those who put themselves above the law. One such "cop" in Albuquqerque, NM beat up my nephew and verballly assaulted my son. My son graduated from high school as a Nat'l Merit Scholar and went to MIT summer program for outstanding minorities in engineering! So this rouge white cop pick the wrong black kids to pick on. It turns out that this cop also had assaulted a prostitue and beat up other innocent victims. He thought that he would get away with it. NOT SO! He has been discharged from his position! Thank God. I raised my son to respect the law and the law enforcers, and the police better respect him.


Submit Date: 24 FEB 1999
Name: KIM COTTON
Email: POOH BEAR
Response: WELL IT IS A PRETTY GOOD STORY


Submit Date: 11 FEB 1999
Name: chrsitina jones
Email: "chrsitna@excite.com
Response: in my opinion we need it cause kid or killing each other. what we need more people to to help own kids .


Submit Date: 4 JAN 1999
Name: Randall
Email: "B1More1@AOL.COM
Response: 12 responded to this topic and only one seems to have been there. One admitted to getting the information from television. I was there and witnessed 4 hours, 12 noon to 4 pm. The 11 oclock news focused on 10 minutes. 3:50pm to 4pm. Incidentally I missed the scuffal as I moved back to 125th Street attempting to get my own estimate of how large the crowd was. The scuffal was so insiginicant that nothing came over the loud speakers. I would have never known if it was not for a 12 year old student describing his fear as the police rushed the stage. The student was behind stage and remembered that during a rest stop break the youth were gathered and given instuctions on what to do if rioting breaks out. The youth remembered this instruction and backed up to the fence and said the police ran by him. One writer speaks about the non-violent Civil Rights movement. Scolding the organizers for putting the youth on the front lines. This person must not be familiar with the many youth that died in the NON-VIOLENT Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, the Non Violent Civil Rights Movement generated Spike Lee's Documentary, 4 Little Girls, which spoke to the effect this racism has on the innocent as well as youth cutting class and otherwise leaving school to participate in demonstartions. Let's not forget the National Gaurd escoting elementary school children to school in Arkansas. If you want to understand the mentality of the mayor watch movies about school yard bullies. Observation of these movies will reveal that standing up to the bully is the only solution. All who trully believe in GOD have no reason to fear any mayor, man or other person. The Harlem Million Youth March was an indicator of the tolerance and respect America has for the Children of her infamous slaves.


Name: Jennifer
Email: jenns@softmed.com
Response: The true essence of the march was lost. Maybe this generation can not clearly define the inequities that our parents could and maybe before we organize a march the cause should be clearly defined so that the purpose is understood and obtained.


Name: ozell
Email: isrealit@xnet.com
Response: Marching and rallying is old news,in order to save this dying race of our we have to unite finacially.money is the power in this world.we have to come together in all our occupational circles and dofor the betterment of the people. rudoplh guliani and people likedont fear the black community because we are to disorganize .werather build a new church on every block or drive the fanstay autorather than open a factory or company in the hood.hatemongers and peacemakers ruin our agenda,one is for separation of the races why, when we dont own anything to sustain us andthe other wants everything the opposite races have,everything they have is not good for us and we dont need to be like them. marching and rallyingother than raising money to be selfsuffient is stupid don't waste your time.there is other ways withbetter people to serve,repect and lead us into the next millineum thanks ozell Name: Bobby Boyer
Email: Robert.Boyer@hfsinc.com
Response: The only thing the Mayor should do is sit down and discuss the plans for next year's march. I feel Kalib was wrong. He reacted the wrong way to how the police were moving in, but there is nothing more that should be done by the city of New York. They already have done enough.


Name: Felton
Email: dfelton@net2001.com
Response: Enough on this topic! Let's move on. This topic has run its course,and I'm getting hassled privately by urban gorilla because he didn't like what I had to say and can't figure out what color I am.


Name: Katy
Email:
Response: I believe it doesn't matter if a person wears a school uniform or not. There will always, always be violence and meaness in today's schools simply because there are so many different types of people. I think kids should not be limited to their individuality by enforcing school uniforms.


Name: Jim Dean
Email: JDean82094@aol.com
Response: Driving to Harlem to attend the march/rally on Saturday, September 5, 1998, you couldn't help being engulfed by oceans of blue. Police on motorcycles, on motor scooters, on horseback, in blue and whites, in unmarked Chevrolets with dark windows, in private cars, in tow trucks, in helicopters, in vans, in trucks, in buses, in ambulances, even in a truck that was loaded with what I believe was a water cannon. There were police at every intersection as well as the spaces in between the intersections from 110th street to beyond 126th street. This was not a community having a rally or march. This was an internment camp, where everything was not just going to be restricted and confined, but controlled! Harlem was under siege!As I walked east on 119th street towards Malcolm X Boulevard from Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard where I had been fortunate enough to find a parking space, I saw two helicopters overhead, one circling and the other hovering. The one hovering had police markings and was flying so low that the drone of the rotors was not only annoying but mildly intimidating. I started to cross Malcolm X to get to the east side of the street and was told by a female officer in a not too pleasant manner that the middle of the street was a "frozen zone". I would have to go up to 125th street or down to 116th if I wanted to get across to the other side. As I looked upwards again (because the noise from the helicopters was getting louder), I saw seven police officers surveying the scene from rooftops. Two had cameras--one of which was pointed towards the bandstand. I greeted one Black policeman, a detective wearing jeans and a gray sweatshirt with hisgold shield dangling from a chain around his neck. I asked his opinion about all the security. He said he'd received a call Friday night to report in, but admitted he thought all of this was "tremendous overkill". And he confessed that he was more than a little concerned about the attitude of some of his fellow officers."Great shades of demons' blood," I thought, "this is an environment created by Mayor Rudolph Guiliani as an overreaction to Mr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad's ascerbic rantings that is ordained for a pitiable outcome!" Just imagine, if the numbers are nearly right---3,500 police and about10,000 marchers--- that's one cop for every three people! How many police were on duty for the Garth Brooks concert in Central Park that had over100,000 in attendance? And were the subway stations closed then? The mayor is either truly concerned about the safety of people of color or he is once again trodding on their human and civil rights.The general atmosphere among the participants--Blacks, Latinos, Asians and Whites---was one of pride and resolve, a coming together as they have so often in the past. It was also festive-- families and friends doing something meaningful together. As usual there was every conceivable kind of fashion on display. There were para-military uniforms, African garb, Chinese straw hats, saris, turbans, CK, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, DKNY, even one white man in lederhosen. "We've got such an abundance of problems in our neighborhoods and I hope we can start today," pined one young sisterto the young brother next to her. I overheard one manchild sitting on his fathers' shoulders ask, "Daddy, why are all these people here?" And Daddy said, "all of these people are here for you son". And that to me was the true, but little-publicized, essence and spirit of the march.One elderly lady waving her red, black and green flag told me that she'd cut her vacation short in South Carolina to attend. She said it had taken her more than an hour to get there because the cops were herding people in and around mazes 'like cattle going to slaughter'. "It's a shame that we can't even hold a march in our own neighborhood, it's a rotten shame." She went on "I have three grandsons that I'm afraid for. They're all really very good boys. They get straight A's in school, got part-time jobs, do volunteer work, go to church every Sunday...but I'm afraid that some day somebody's going to call and tell me that one of them has been killed by some cop just doing his duty".But the problem extends beyond Mayor Guiliani. There is a chasm so wide between the so-called political leadership of the Black community and the people of the community that it would be laughable if it weren't so tragic. I heard one of "our" prominent politicians state that he agreed in essence with the mayor about stopping subway service from 96th street to 145th street for so called safety concerns. My God, what a joke! Even he has to be able to see through that shallow subterfuge the obvious intention of making it more difficult for people to attend the rally---not to mention the disrespectful absurdity of ignoring the needs of those who simply wanted to visit a friend, go to their church, mosque or synagogue, or maybe just home! Of course our so-called leaders justify themselves by refusing to stand with my confused and bigoted Brother Khallid Abdul Mohammed. But is that an excuse for doing nothing? Can you imagine where we would be today if Dr. King or Brother Malcom used their approach? Those who we elected to represent us and act in our behalf seem to be afflicted with the same disease that overcame Clarence Thomas and Vernon Jordan. They don't have the moral or ethical stamina to criticize anyone because they are too absorbed with protection of self.We have legitimate concerns and grievances! Police brutality, joblessness, employment discrimination, drugs, crime, inadequate education, housing, neighborhood red-lining head the list. When have our elected leaders brought forth anything to challenge or change the status quo in the last decade? (Except perhaps for their efforts on behalf of those very close acquaintances that they perceive to be a part of the "talented tenth.") Who of our duly elected Black or Hispanic officials in this city spoke out when Mr. Louima was violated? Who spoke out when the young Black man was shot and killed in Brooklyn while holding a candy bar in his hand? Whocalled this mayor to task about his overzealous, oppressive andinsensitive police force when Mr. Baez was killed in the Bronx because he was playing football with his family? Who among my elected officials of color cried out when the young Asian youth was shot and killed in Queens? Which of my Black or Hispanic elected representatives will speak out the next time? And yes, there will be many more next times in this city as well as across this nation.Approximately 4:02p.m. on Saturday almost turned into one of those times. Mr. Mohammed had just finished spewing more of his vitriolic miasma. And to our proud but unpublicized credit, I and the audience around me said "no" and "that's not the way, Brother". The vast majority shook their collective heads with disapproval when suddenly an army of police officers, looking like Gestapo action figures, started rushing the stage, pushing, pulling, shoving people and grabbing at wires on the sound equipment. I saw one officer spraying a canister of mace or pepper spray. All this, because of two bigots--Mayor Rudolph Guiliani and Brother Khallid AbdulMuhammad, the latter without any real power and the former with some. Unfortunately the one with the power has the legal right to use deadly force at his own distorted discretion. And I think he will, if given an inkling of justification.I sincerely believe this mayor to be the most evil, bigoted, divisive,mean-spirited and outwardly vindictive elected person in the history of this city. Our Black and Hispanic male youth today really are an endangered species. Minority communities are under siege, especially Black and Latino and the poor White. Mortality and crime is high and growing even higher, but educational and employment opportunities are declining. Once again I predict my Black and Hispanic leaders will lose their collective voices until the "right" brother appears on the scene that can be safely criticized without endangering their political future and/or bank account. Please tell this Black senescent what we are going to do to provide a better life for 'all' our people--Arabs, Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Jews, Native Americans and yes, Whites too. Name: St. Alban
Email: stalban@usa.net
Response: When O. J. Simpson changes his name to OJX then we can talk about racial injustice. Until then, you're free to tee up Mr. Simpson. Name: Diego
Email: Dfelton@net2001.com
Response: Can we move on? Discussion on this topic has been exhausted. How about the Guiliani and the crime rate reduction. Is it worth the price? Is this better than the Dinkins Way?


Name: O-dog
Email: -----------------------
Response: Drugs is something that gives younsters like me an escape from all my problems, however i realize i am ruining my chance for advancement and therefore i have quit. there is one solution ,let me talk to every drug dealer and user in this world and iwill show them that escaping reality captures death... R>I>P to anyone lost in the cause Name: Calvero
Email: gmann@cwo.com
Response: You know, I get so tired of OUR "OWN" using or should I say TWISTINGthe message. And like little sheep being lead to slaughter WE listen and follow. When are WEgoing to WAKE THE F&*&*&)&K up? OK, OK - I'm sorry but this is just another example using the GODgiven power we were all blest with in a destructive manner. Oh.. and did I mention .... LOOKING LIKE F*&$%KING FOOLS doing it. Then I sit here a READ some of the comments... What do you have to say for yourselves black man? From 1 to another. HOW DAREYOU BLACK MAN!!!!! This "man" wasn't even original enough to come up with his own march. He piggy backed off of his mentor and now has tainted whatmost in the media called a "success" (million man/women). IT HURTS me to my heart that we continue to justify the SO CALLED BLACK LEADERS' actions. HOW DARE YOU!!!! Are we not intellegent enough to see we were USED? WE WERE F*$%KING PAWNS IN A MY CREW IS BIGGER THAN YOURS GAME. AND WE LOST...NOW WHAT BLACK MAN? He hurts the Black community overall and just for grins..drags Farrakan down with him. And this man USED MY LITTLE BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO DO IT. And You applaud that? HOW DARE YOU! To bring shame, and pain to may race is like pissing on me and calling it rain. I though we had enough of this from the outside. The reason we're always starting over is because we don't take the time to investigate the path and weigh the options BEFORE we leap. BLACK MANstop making excuses for this so called "OTHER". (in my mind - one who deliberatly betrays the trust of his people is NOT a brother of mine).Now my brothers and sisters are hurt and have NOTHING to show for it. As this "other" makes his way down to Atlanta where his 1 time mentor is,to steal some glory. Or did you not read about that? This was for no other reason than to show Farrakan and Gulliani he had juice too. HOW DARE YOU applaudthis "COWARD" who tells my little ones to kill and take the guns from TRAINED officers looking for an excuse. Then HE RUNS OFF THE STAGE AND HIDES. That's worsethan holding using my little ones a human shields in a drive by. Why don't you WAKE UP BLACK MAN and take responsibilty. Stop letting others use you for their enjoymentand gain. ( I thought slavery was over - but I guess that doesn't count when your own is the one doing it)My little people were USED and BETRAYED by their own. I guess "By any means etc.." got kahlid's point across.. He willUSE them to boost his status "By ANY MEANS NECESSARY". What next BLACK MAN? Will you DIE for him? Will you allow your children, brother or sister to doso? When is enough - ENOUGH? Those people now have to face the same SH*$T they did before - this time with even more contempt. Thanks Kahlid.......Comments welcome from those who truly understand.


Name: C.K
Email: claud-lady@usa.net
Response: I think that the issue is the mindframe of theBrothers and Sisters that organized the "MillionYouth March." To put our children, our youthon the front line of this war without any proper training of how to defend and fight for liberation of our people was UNSMART. We need start applying the "Art of War, because their isdefinately a war going on and our youth are the mainones being attacked. It is our job to train theseyouth in #1 what is is we are trying to accomplishas a people #2 who the "enemy" is #3 How to defeatthe "enemy" with little to no deaths of our children. We must realize that in this war a lotof our cultural identity has been lost and that isa major part of our strength, we have lost touch with our ancestors and they are the ones who havepaved the ways for us thusfar. In order to win thiswar we must get back to ourselves and love ourselvesme loving you and you loving me. Then and ONLYthen will we win this war, then and ONLY then willoppression end, then and ONLY then will gang warsstop, then and ONLY then will drug abuse stop, THEN AND ONLY THEN will we win this war by "ANY MEANS NECESSARY". Sometimes that means necessary is slow and quiet, patiently and lovinglythen at times it is LOUD AND FIRERY. Let's stop telling them about the revolution and startdoing the action that revolutionaries do. With the least amout of casualities. To whomever organized this marchDO NOT EVER PUT OUR CHILDREN, MY CHILDREN ON THEFRONT LINE TO BE MURDERED BECAUSE OF YOUR ANGER,AND FRUSTRATION WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE...EVER TO HATE TAKES ENERGY AND FRANKLY I WOULD RATHER CHANNEL THAT ENERGY TO TEACH AND LOVE THE CHILDTHAN INSTILL THEM WITH THE HATE THAT I CARRY.AFRIKANS LIVING IN AMERICA, AFRICAN-AMERICANS,NEGROS, BLACKS, (WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL US)PLEASE LET'S THINK AND DO WHAT IS FOR THE GREATERGOOD FOR ALL OF US, THE CHILDREN, WOMEN, MEN FORTHE GREATER GOOD WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF HURT AND DEATH..ASANTE SANA


Name: Chris
Email:
Response: The mayor and the NYPD's fault of course!!!! Go Khalid go!!!!!


Name:
Email: lmaddox@worc.mass.edu
Response: Mayor Giuliani can not defuse this situationbecause he is the one who incited the negativity surrounding this situation. It is commonlyknown within the African American community thatany demonstration with the intentions of empowerment, upliftment and unity is met withopposition and resistence. Would the mayor reactwith such eagerness with thousands of police officersif this was a Christopher Columbus or Frank Sinatra parade? It is true that Kahlid Muhammad's actions at themarch were a deterrent from the true purpose and message but one has to wonder if his actions were a reactionary response to the white paranoia that comes when a large number of African-Americans come together.


Name: Diego
Email: dfelton@net2001.com
Response: Giuliani was wrong but so where we in not condemning a copycat march, announced by a an unabashed antisemite. Did we not see videos of black men tossing a barricade at the police? Giuliani was clearly wrong in his response to the march but the march was a mistake to begin with. Inspired by and motivated by nothing but hate. So what should we expect when hate meets hate??


Name: Braxton
Email: reed_anderson@ameritech.net
Response: To be truthful the problem stemmed from fear of a crowd of Blacks. But another part of the problem is the Blacks not reacting intelligently to the helicopter flying overhead. We can kick and scream all we want but let's face often times situation are caused by us choosing the take loud violent road, as opposed to the soft but forceful one that won us Civil Rights in the First Place.


Name: jerry taylor
Email: ukjdt@t-online.de
Response: excuse my unknowing but does the harlem "million youth march" deal with. i live in germany and this is the first time i've seen your site


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