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Poughkeepsie Community Speaks Out About PBA Statements Hi All, As many of you are aware, on December 7th and 8th the City of Poughkeepsie PBA directed statements at residents, stakeholders, and a long standing local benevolent organization, ENJAN (End the New Jim Crow Action Network), saying that the people who are publicly speaking out in favor of the police reform and reinvention ordered by Gov. Cuomo are “outsiders” and “non-stakeholders” who have not contributed to their community and are trying to "pull this city apart." Local activists felt these statements fell between mischaracterizations and outright falsities, and some residents of color felt these statements were "a red flag signaling a desire to preserve the status quo and protect white supremacy.” As one African American resident commented, "It’s the same narrative we’ve been subject to our entire lives, one that tells us we’re no good and that our voices don’t matter." The PBA's statements and their coverage by local press also reflected a historically unbalanced power dynamic, and in an attempt to give voice to the community's concerns, eleven residents, stakeholders, and city elders gave statements regarding the current state of affairs. These statements were read and filmed, and the video will go live at noon today, Monday, Dec. 21. (* Note: The video went live at noon today.)
The statements can also be read here. Since these statements were recorded, members of ENJAN have met with the police chief, Thomas Pape, to have a discussion moderated by Common Councilmember Sarah Brannen. PBA representatives declined to attend this meeting with city residents who they've said are non-stakeholders. I hope you'll all listen to these all too often silenced voices and take their concerns to heart. Sincerely, Brian Robinson CEO Equitable Future, Inc. |
