Join us Thursday, September 21st, for the Whole Child Community Council Meeting at 5:30PM. Come share your voice and expertise as community member in the Klondike Smokey City area. To confirm your attendance simply call at 901-435-0404 or email wholechildstrategies@gmail.com prior to September 19th.
Here is an easy ( and verified) way to donate to Houston community members impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Simply click on the link (http://www.shape.org/shape-donations) to donate through S.H.A.P.E. today!
“As one of the most visible and involved community centers in Houston’s African-American community and the Houston community as a whole, S.H.A.P.E. has led the way toward justice, equal opportunity, and institution building in the city, state, nation and world. Because of its deep commitment to the community, S.H.A.P.E. has actively sought ways to oppose injustice and to better the community for all people. Earmark funds with “Hurricane Harvey” ”
901-636-6795
(Rebecca Garcia, Councilman Brown’s Assistant)
Joe.Brown@memphistn.gov
MBRU is proud that bus service has returned to New Chicago, Klondyke, & Smokey City through the new 31 Firestone route. But recent complaints from riders have us concerned. The small shuttle bus assigned to the route doesn’t display MATA’s colors or logos prominently, so it hasn’t been visible to riders in the neighborhood. We still don’t have night, weekend, and holiday service. And most importantly, it still doesn’t cover the under-served neighborhoods of South Memphis that the old route did.
So, we’re urging supporters to call Councilman Joe Brown, the City Council liaison to MATA, at 901-636-6795, or email him at Joe.Brown@memphistn.gov. Joe Brown is a longtime supporter of the 31, and as the Council liaison to MATA, he has the power to push for a route that serves the whole community. When you call, you’ll speak to his assistant, Rebecca Garcia. Leave a message for Councilman Brown that Memphis needs a fully-funded 31 bus that we can all be proud of!
Remember, our next general meeting is this Saturday, September 9th from 12-2 PM! Because the Cossitt Library is undergoing renovations, we’ll be meeting instead at the Memphis Center for Independent Living, 1633 Madison Ave. It’s across the street from Cash Saver, and accessible via the #2 bus. Hope to see you there! :
MBRU is proud that bus service has returned to New Chicago, Klondyke, & Smokey City through the new 31 Firestone route. But recent complaints from riders have us concerned. The small shuttle bus assigned to the route doesn’t display MATA’s colors or logos prominently, so it hasn’t been visible to riders in the neighborhood. We still don’t have night, weekend, and holiday service. And most importantly, it still doesn’t cover the under-served neighborhoods of South Memphis that the old route did.
So, we’re urging supporters to call Councilman Joe Brown, the City Council liaison to MATA, at 901-636-6795, or email him at Joe.Brown@memphistn.gov. Joe Brown is a longtime supporter of the 31, and as the Council liaison to MATA, he has the power to push for a route that serves the whole community. When you call, you’ll speak to his assistant, Rebecca Garcia. Leave a message for Councilman Brown that Memphis needs a fully-funded 31 bus that we can all be proud of!
Remember, our next general meeting is this Saturday, September 9th from 12-2 PM! Because the Cossitt Library is undergoing renovations, we’ll be meeting instead at the Memphis Center for Independent Living, 1633 Madison Ave. It’s across the street from Cash Saver, and accessible via the #2 bus. Hope to see you there!
MBRU leaders Justin and Bennett recently wrote an article on Labor Notes taking a look back at the 31 Crosstown campaign so far! Labor Notes is a non-profit media and organizing project based in Detroit, MI that publishes stories about the labor movement, union campaigns, and economic justice. Read the article here: http://labornotes.org/bl
We’ve also heard some concerns from bus riders about MATA’s new 31 Firestone bus route. MBRU has notified MATA of these concerns, and we’re currently waiting for a response. Contact us if you have any feedback about the 31 Firestone, or talk to MATA customer service at ridersfirst@matatransit.com!
Finally, our next general meeting is Saturday, September 9th from 12-2 PM! Because the Cossitt Library is undergoing renovations, we’ll be meeting instead at the Memphis Center for Independent Living, 1633 Madison Ave. It’s across the street from Cash Saver, and accessible via the #2 bus. Hope to see you there!
H.O.P.E is having its 1st annual Give H.O.P.E. fundraiser, of which its proceeds will allow H.O.P.E to purchase necessities for homeless men and women, such as bus passes and shelter vouchers. Also a proceed of the funds will go to St. Marys Episcopal church’s Wednesdaymorning meal , which feeds 100 homeless men and women each week. The ticket price is $10 and there is a link on the Facebook page,Give H.O.P.E,,https://www.
Join us in wishing Brad Watkins a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Brad has been the Executive Director of the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center for over 3 years, but between his time as an Organizing Coordinator, of various program areas, and a volunteer he has been with the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center for 11 years. There is no one more dedicated to restoring peace within the Memphis community through fighting injustice and oppression! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Some people talk about being “woke” or dedicated to social justice. I just compare them to Brad. “How Brad are you?” “Stay Brad.” – Lani Lester
“¡Feliz Cumpleaños Brad! Thank you for being a great ‘jefecito’, for the chocolates on the secret spot, and for all your support for doing the work I love.” -Gio Lopez
“Listen to your OLD Uncle Brad” -Bennett Foster
“Brad is the Darth Maul to my Asajj Ventress: If he got chopped in half, I would not rest until his torso was avenged.” -Chris Martin
“Another year older, ay? <~~ Not really an old age jab. 🙂 Okay, I’ll be serious. It’s been great working for you and learning your ways. Thanks for always extending grace when I need it most! I truly appreciate all that you do. Happy Birthday Brad!” -Ashley 3:16
“Eat more vegetables. I love you. Live long and prosper.” -Faith Pollan
“You are the most charismatic, energetic, enthusiast I know about social justice.There is no one better at being a mentor than you. Happy Birthday Brad and may you have as much joy as you bring to our lives.” -Tamara Hendrix
“I’ve worked for MSPJC for about five years now. In that time I’ve gotten to know Brad as a mentor, a colleague, and a friend, I think what I appreciate most is his consistency. Brad is consistently a good friend, ally, and a source of wisdom. He is consistently a voice for what is just and equitable, and consistently brings tangible solutions to the table. Memphis is lucky to have somebody like Brad poking and prodding, consistent and persistent in pushing this City to be the best it can be. Happy Birthday Captain B!” -Paul Garner
“Happy Birthday, Brad! We are all enriched by your passion for justice, equity, history, sci-fi, and (questionably) good television. Thank you for the sacrifices you make so we can live in a more just and loving community. I’m grateful for your life well-lived and your friendship!” -Meredith Pace
******
Let’s all recognize the past and nearing birthdays of staff members: Bennett Foster (August 2nd), Justin Davis (August 22nd), Julia Powell (August 25th), & Paul Garner (September 4th). All of you shoulder a lot of work each and every day, and MSPJC wouldn’t be half as great without you! Happy Birthday!!!
Juvenile Justice Project is hosting its first Youth Conference (click here)
There are many great ways to get involved with this awesome conference. We need volunteers to help facilitate, clean up, and set up. This is a perfect opportunity for people who have court ordered community service or if you just want to get involved in Hickory Hill. If you are part of an organization that offers opportunities for youth involvement we welcome you to table at the “Mix and Mingle Lunch”. We are also looking for donors or people who want to be food sponsors for the event. We intend to serve food Friday night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and snacks throughout both days.
If you are interested in the opportunities or in supporting the JJPYC in another way please contact Faith Pollan at faith@midsouthpeace.org
MBRU leadership was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article about how budget cuts have robbed transit service from those who need it the most! “Sammie Hunter, 53 years old, spends three hours a day taking two buses to his $12-an-hour job in the kitchen of a local hospital. Much of that time is spent waiting outside for the buses to arrive. “I deal with it, you know? I don’t have a choice,” said Mr. Hunter, who co-chairs the Memphis Bus Riders Union, an advocacy group in his hometown.” Read the full article here: https://www.wsj.com/arti
Our next general meeting is Saturday, September 9th from 12-2 PM! Because the Cossitt Library is undergoing renovations, we’ll be meeting instead at the Memphis Center for Independent Living, 1633 Madison Ave. It’s across the street from Cash Saver, and accessible via the #2 bus. Hope to see you there!
Join us on Thursday, May 11th, as we CONTINUE to watch the watchers!
Activists and community members fought long and hard to re-establish Memphis’ Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB), to review cases deemed unsustained or unfounded by MPD’s Internal Affair. So far this year, FOUR cases have been sustained by CLERB in favor of civilian complaintants.
By ordinance, the police director has 10 days to respond publicly to these recomendations and explain what he will or will not do in response. Instead the Director waited until last Friday (14 business days later) to send his reponse, and it wasn’t encouraging.
Aside from some glaring factual errors contained within the letters, Director Rallings made it clear that he has no intention of taking CLERB’s recommendations into consideration, a slap in the face to complainants who have waited years for some semblance of justice.
We have heard the Director give frequent lip service to accountability and transparency, but his actions to the contrary speak much louder. This sends a message to the public and to police officers that this department has no interest in reform and that they will go above and beyond to protect dirty cops from oversight and accountability.
Last month, CLERB began hearing the case of Mr. Marcus Walker from 2011, when police beat and pepper sprayed him after a faulty LPR scanner flagged his car for “possible suspended license” This month CLERB will continue to hear this case.
Complainants like Mr. Walker have had to relive the traumatic experiences in the public eye, and have their character questioned as if they are the accused. They didn’t ask for that, they only asked for justice. Now, there’s not much assurance that Director Rallings will take any recommendations for reform or accountability under serious consideration. Please join us tomorrow, and help provide moral support to complainants like Mr. Walker.
Join us! Thursday, May 11th, City Hall (125 N Main, 5th Floor)
4-6PM (Public Meeting, so come and go as you please)
#PoliceAccountability #WatchTh
****Free Parking on Mud Island Lot (Poplar & Front)****
Memphis Tent City Action brings awareness to lack of free shelters
On May 6, 2017, H.O.P.E., along side countless volunteers, leaders from other organizations like Fight for $15 and United campus workers, constructed a tent city in the middle of Morris park. The goal of the action was to increase community awareness, as well as the powers that be in Memphis, that we are in dire need of free shelters for single women, single men, LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities.
H.O.P.E won’t rest until we get the leaders in Memphis to listen to our outrage! We chose to do this action in conjunction with the Beale Street Music festival as a protest to it. We feel that between all of the money spent on BSMF and the potential Harbor Town dog park, could and should be rerouted to funding services for people experiencing homelessness in Memphis. We received a great response online as well as from passerbys that came through to see our tent city. However since it was at the same time as the music festival, we didn’t get much media coverage as we wanted. This being said, we plan to follow-up this action with several visits to City Hall to put more pressure on the council. Now is the time to get involved! Please look out for updates on when we will be attending the council meetings and show up with us to stand up for the unsheltered of Memphis!
