Dignity of Black Lives

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DIGNITY OF

BLACK LIVES




Dignity of Black Lives Webinar Videos Library


SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE

Historically people of the African Diaspora and specifically African Americans in America have been systematically marginalized, abused and persecuted in this country.  All aspects of American culture and US governmental, public, private, law enforcement and judicial policies are informed by the bias that suggest Black Lives are somehow less than others.  The result is unequal educational, occupational, housing, cultural and economic opportunity.  One of the most alarming issues of this socialized narrative is the continued unprosecuted murder of African Americans by law enforcement officers. 

In 2013, three radical Black organizers—Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—created a Black-centered political will and movement building project called #BlackLivesMatter. It was in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman. Black Lives Matter is an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. It is an affirmation of Black folks’ humanity, our contributions to this society, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression. Black Lives Matter is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.  –  www.BlackLivesMatters.com    


GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
  • Provide educational information on the Black Lives Matter Movement
  • Engage Church leadership about Black Catholic Community perspectives and concerns
  • Provide ongoing updates on national legal, civic, political and advocacy developments
  • Disseminate resources to provide advocacy programming
  • Coordinate international and national KPC Dignity of Black Lives efforts
  • Provide resources for units and parishes without Black Lives Matters Chapters


ACTION STRATEGIES

The Dignity of Black Lives Sub-Committee continues to work to bring social justice to the forefront of the KPC service agenda.  In doing so, we are also working to ensure the protection of our Knights and Ladies while they address this extremely important but equally volatile topic.  Our initial efforts are to provide educative information while creating guidelines and best practices for safe and effective engagements for our members, the community and law enforcement. Only after these policies are in place will we encourage members to participate on any local level activities in the name of The Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver.

  • Petition government officials and policy makers about Black Lives Matters issues as racial profiling, excessive use of force, and unwarranted stop.
  • Collaborate with similarly focused organizations • Identify and aggregate resources for membership to implement effective programming
  • Promote positive law enforcement engagement
  • Provide information of how to minimize negative law enforcement interaction
  • Advocate equity in law enforcement practices
  • Support sensitivity and diversity training of law enforcement officers
  • Engage and train the community in utilizing their civic rights to address issues of misconduct and abuse
  • Be a voice for victims of law enforcement abuse



RESOURCES/POTENTIAL PARTNERS/COLLABORATIONS

Phone Apps

  • Black Lives Matter Mark Yourself Unsafe (iPhone)
  • Cop Watch (iPhone)
  • Mobile Justice app (based on location)
  • Know Your Rights (Android/iPhone)
  • PoliceAbuse.com ( Android/iPhone)
  • ACLU Blue (Android/
  • Police Detector (iPhone / Android)

Podcasts

  • By Any Means Necessary Podcast
  • ViewPoint with Bakari Sellers
  • People’s Party with Talib Kweli
  • Still Processing (The New York Times)
  • You Had Me at Black



READING LIST

  • All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
  • Another Day in the Death of America by Gary Younge
  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Citizen by Claudia Rankine
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward
  • Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis
  • From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor


If you are interested in working on this committee, please contact us via the information provided below.  

CO-CHAIRPERSONS: 

Knight James E. Callahan III (Cn. #5)

Past Deputy of Central States          

Nashville, Tennessee

james.callahan@kofpc.org


Lady Loralean Jordan (Ct. #256)

St. Paul, Minnesota

loraleanjordan@msn.com