COMMENT: Who will Stand for Dr. Sanford on Friday? by Alton H. Maddox

Alton Maddox, Esq

COMMENT: Who will Stand for Dr. Sanford on Friday?
By: Alton H. Maddox, Jr.| Chairman, United African Movement &the Peoples Lawyer

Dr. Adelaide Sanford is a nationally-recognized educator, at the very least, and countless people pretend to be her friends. Yet, those pretenders will be absent from the battlefield when I put a list of demands on the table of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo on Friday at 11:00 a.m.

With police terrorism running amuck in New York City, it should not be surprising that Black elected officials and leading Blacks have been afraid to put demands on Cuomo's table despite this teaching of Frederick Douglass: "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." We must honor our revered ancestors. Otherwise, we will remain chattel slaves.

On March 14, 2010, storm troopers of the NYPD unmercifully beat and punched Dr. Sandford's son and grandson in the Bronx. Her son is Dean David Sanford of Benjamin Banneker High School and his son is a college student in Buffalo, NY. They are now exposed to criminal records.

The NYPD must be put in judicial receivership. In addition, Gov. David Paterson has the constitutional authority to remove Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly from their offices. New York successfully sued Town of Walkill which was put in receivership.

Someone in New York must have the guts to confront Andrew Cuomo. By default, this responsibility has been put on my shoulders even though I am not a Black elected official nor a leading Black. In fact, the Black colony has turned its back on me for taking uncompromising positions.

On Friday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m., I will be at the offices of the New York State Attorney General, 120 Broadway in Manhattan. Someone, who is not scared nor bought off, must take a stand in New York for more than two million Blacks. Scared Blacks are always looking for a sacrificial lamb.

UAM Business Meeting:  March 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the Cotton Club, 656 West 125th Street in Harlem.

UNITED AFRICAN MOVEMENT
Alton H. Maddox, Jr, Chairman
P.O. Box 35
Bronx, NY 10471
Tel: 718-834-9034
Fax: 718-884-8241

ACTION & NEWS RELEASE: Son and Grandson of Vice Chancellor Emerita, Adelaide Sanford Brutalized by the Police

Regent Adelaide Sanford

ACTION: Visit 52nd Precinct in the Bronx
Time: 3:00 P.M.
Day & Date: Sunday, March 28, 2010

Location:
52nd Precinct
3016 Webster Ave
Bronx, N. Y.

Contact: 917- 282-8932 for additional information


NEWS RELEASE: Son and Grandson of Vice Chancellor Emerita, Adelaide Sanford Brutalized by the Police

When David Sanford, Dean at Benjamin Banneker High School in Brooklyn, accompanied the school basketball team to Lehman College in the Bronx,on March 14 to a playoff game, he had no idea that he would end up being beaten handcuffed, arrested and jailed in the 52nd precinct, located at 3016 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY. His crime was attempting to get his students safely to the bus to return back to Brooklyn. “Following the end of the game students from the winning team, Bedford Academy were taunting my students. Apparently the school safety officers became overly excited and began pushing everyone out of the area. The incident did not require such harsh action” Sanford said.

Dean Sanford, the son of Dr. Adelaide Sanford, Vice Chancellor Emerita of the New York State Board of Regents, was punched in the face by an irate cop as he attempted to safe guard his students. Said Sanford, "I asked the cop did you punch me, and he said "you damn right I did" The next thing that I knew I was slammed to the ground, beaten and kneed as several cops piled on top of me. I was unable to breathe and asked that they get off of me. I was then thrown into the back of the police car and driven to the 52 pct." he continued. Sanford's son who accompanied the group also sustained an injury to his face.

Sandford said that the efforts by the principal and the students fell on deaf ears as they attempted to convince the police that he, Sanford, was trying to bring the excitement level under control. In spite of never having had any brush with the law throughout his life, Sanford indicated that he was more concerned with the safety of his students than for himself.

Many of the students were traumatized by the incident. Sanford indicated that "my son was supposed to return to his university in Buffalo, New York, later that night, but could not do so for several days because he was so upset.

Sanford who was charged with disorderly conduct. explained “I was fearful for my life. I know what often happens to Black men who are arrested in a precinct, many end up dead.” Friends and supporters will visit the 52nd pct. located at 3016 Webster Ave Bronx, N. Y. on Sunday, March 28th at 3:P.M. The community is urged to join with them. "It is apparent that this kind of police behavior is common in the Bronx," said Betty Dopson, CEMOTAP co-chair, “after hearing Dean Sanford’s story , If there was disorderly conduct, it was on the part of the police."

Call: 917 282-8932 for additional information.

PROJECT: Put People Before Prisons

PROJECT: Put People Before Prisons

Background:
The Correctional Association's Public Policy Project's current principal goal is to reduce overincarceration in New York State. To achieve this objective, the Project coordinates the Drop the Rock Coalition, which advocates for policies that reduce incarceration rates, including repealing the vestiges of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

Through education, organizing and advocacy, Drop the Rock aims to decrease the number of people who are incarcerated in New York and reduce the bed capacity of the state prison system.

Our grassroots campaign promotes full repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws and constructive reforms to parole and work release policies, which cause the unnecessary imprisonment of thousands of people each year. In addition we strongly advocate for reinvestment in alternative, prevention, and in-prison rehabilitation programs to prepare people for successful reentry.

NOTE: Download campaign brochure and petition and poster

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DroptheRock
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/DroptheRock?v=info
Drop the Rock Web Site:  DropTheRock.org/

Sponsor: Correctional Association of New York

Event: Drop the Rock Advocacy Day

Event: Drop the Rock Advocacy Day

Time: Daylong
Day & Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Registration: Register as soon as possible by downloading and filling out the registration form here. 

Transportation:

• Buses to Albany will leave from locations in New York City including downtown Brooklyn and Harlem.  Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided to all participants.
• If your organization is interested in participating, contact Caitlin Dunklee, Drop the Rock Coordinator at 212-254-5700 or cdunklee@correctionalassociation.org.

Background
On this day hundreds of New Yorkers will unite in Albany to call for criminal justice reforms including prison closures, full repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, and reinvestment in our communities.  Read about DTR's downsizing campaign here.

Contact:
Caitlin Dunklee, Drop the Rock Coordinator
212-254-5700 or cdunklee@correctionalassociation.org.
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DroptheRock
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/DroptheRock?v=infoWeb Site: DropTheRock.org

Event: World Read Aloud Day at Polo Grounds Towers

Event: World Read Aloud Day at Polo Grounds Towers

Author: Kwame Alexander

Food: Dinner will be served

Time: 4:30–6:30 pm
Day & Date: Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Flyer: You can download a flyer from the CSH Flyer Depot here.

Location:
Polo Grounds Community Center
West 157th Street & Frederick Douglass Blvd.

NOTE:

We request ALL parents to attend.
We would like ALL students to come dressed up.

More Information:
Come and join us as the children share their original stories and meet author Kwame Alexander

Sponsored By: The Children's Village

Contact:
Tonyna D. McGhee, MSW
Assistant Vice President of the Polo Grounds Project
The Children’s Village, Harlem NY 10039
Phone: 212-932-9009 ext. 7231
Cell: 917-587-5973
Fax: 212-932-1756

Public Hearing: MTA Manhattan Public Hearing on the proposed transportation cuts

Public Hearing: MTA Manhattan Public Hearing on the proposed transportation cuts

Time: 6:00 pm (Registration Closes - 9:00 pm)
Day & Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010.

Location
Fashion Institute of Technology
Haft Auditorium
Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
Manhattan

How will Harlem be affected?
For more information about the transportation budget cuts that will affect Harlem download from here and look at page 2.
You can also go to the following link to check out specific public modes of transportation in Harlem.,
http://mta.info/news/stories/?story=24

Want to make some COMMENTS about the MTA Service Cuts?

• Registration:
• Suggest strongly that those interested to speak register before the meeting:
• Registration to speak will remain open until 9 p.m. on the date of the hearing. Oral testimony limited to 3 minutes
• To register to speak in advance of the hearings, for more information, or to comment,
• Contact Douglas Sussman, Dir, MTA Community Affairs, 347 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10017, 212-878-7483. or
• Register online at this web address:
• http://mta.info/hearings/access.html
• Email Comments:
• If you want to make a comment by email go to this web address:
• http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mta_nyc.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_prod_lvl1=200&p_cat_lvl1=54

Want training on how to testify at the MTA Town Hall?
Event: Training - Prepare residents for the upcoming MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-training-prepare-residents-for.html

Want to sign a petition about the MTA Service Cuts?
Petition: Against MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/petition-against-mta-budget-cuts.html

Want to attend a forum about the MTA Service Cuts?
Event: F.I.T. Money Magazine, in conjunction with Community Board 10, presents Harlem Speaks Out On The MTA
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-fit-money-magazine-in-conjunction.html

Want to Rally and March about the MTA Service Cuts?
Event: March 4 - National Day of Action to Defend Public Education - Ralley & March
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-march-4-national-day-of-action-to.html

Want a "free" bus ride to with return from the MTA Hearing?
Event: Get on the Bus! MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010
http://coalitiontosaveharlem.blogspot.com/2010/03/event-get-on-bus-mta-public-hearing-on.html

Petition: Against MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts

Petition: Against MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts

Purpose: To demonstrate opposition (by way of signatures) against the MTA budget cuts leading to service cuts.

Letter/Petition: You can download a copy of the Letter/Petition from here:

Response Deadline: 12 midnight, Wednesday, March 3, 2010

How to Respond:

• By Email
• Create an email contating the following phrase,
  
  "I support the Letter/Petition of  the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
• Place your name(s) under the statement
• Send back an email to Fialka Semenuik at fialka_s@yahoo.com
• By "Drop-Off"
• Create a letter/document containing the following phrase,
  
  "I support the Letter/Petition of  the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
• Sign and clearly print your name(s) under the statement
• Not necessary to place contact information (but helpful for follow-up) under signature (Address and/or Email and/or Telephone Number)
• Date Letter/Document
• Drop-Off letter/document with signature response to:
  
  Community Pride
  Attn: Fernando Lorence
  157 W. 122nd St.
  NY NY 10027
• By Fax
• Create a letter/document containing the following phrase
  "I support the Letter/Petition of the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
• Sign and type/clearly print your name(s) under the statement
• Not necessary to place contact information (but helpful for follow-up) under signature (Address and/or Email and/or Telephone Number)
• Date Letter/Document
• Fax to the attention of Fernando Lorence at fax number 212-663-2590
• By Snal Mail (Mail As Soon As Possible)
• Create a letter containing the following phrase,
  
  "I support the Letter/Petition of  the The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem and The Residents of Greater Harlem regarding the pending MTA Service Cuts."
• Sign and clearly print your name(s) under the statemen
• Not necessary to place contact information (but helpful for follow-up) under signature (Address and/or Email and/or Telephone Number)
• Date Letter
• Send the letter with signature response to:
  
  The Ad-Hoc Leaders of Harlem & The Residents of Greater Harlem
  c/o Community Pride
  157 W. 122nd St.NY NY 10027

Sponsors: 

• Block Association 122 Inc
• The Ad Hoc Leaders of Harlem

Panel: Justice Dep't Refuses to Prosecute Cops Who Murdered Sean Bell- "50 Shots, Government Whitewashes and the Real Way Out of This Madness!

Panel: Justice Dep't Refuses to Prosecute Cops Who Murdered Sean Bell- "50 Shots, Government Whitewashes and the Real Way Out of This Madness!

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Day & Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Registration: The link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=365579832872&mid=1f48260G417cd85eG176ecd4G7

Location:
Revolution Books
146 W 26th Street
(Near 6th Ave.)

Purpose: Informational Meeting

Additional Information:
Do enjoin and hear from the Warrior Mother - Juanita Young - speaking!

More Details:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=365579832872&mid=1f48260G417cd85eG176ecd4G7

Event: Get on the Bus! MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Event: Get on the Bus! MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Time: 4:30 pm (Pick Up)[Return at 9 pm] 
Date & Time: Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Reserve Space: RSVP your place NOW and contact
James Burke @ burke@weact.org or 347-465-8488 OR
Charles Callaway @ charles@weact.org or 347-465-8492

Background:
Bus to take Harlem residents to the MTA hearing on March 4th

Sponsored By: WE ACT and the TWU Local 100

Location
Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building
(163 west 125 Street on the Plaza)

More Information:
Room on the bus for 50 passengers

Contact:
James Burke
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Telephone: 347-465-8488
Email: burke@weact.org

Charles CallawayCommunity
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Telephone: 347-465-8492
Email: charles@weact.org

Website: WeAct.org

Event: Training - Prepare residents for the upcoming MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Event: Training - Prepare residents for the upcoming MTA public hearing on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Time: 5:00 pm

Day & Date: Tuesday March 2, 2010

Location:

Tioga Club
201 West 148th street

New York, NY 10039

Contact:

James Burke

WE ACT for Environmental Justice

Telephone: 347-465-8488

Email: burke@weact.org

Charles CallawayCommunity
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Telephone: 347-465-8492

Email: charles@weact.org

Website: WeAct.org

Event: F.I.T. Money Magazine, in conjunction with Community Board 10, presents Harlem Speaks Out On The MTA

Event: F.I.T. Money Magazine, in conjunction with Community Board 10, presents Harlem Speaks Out On The MTA

Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Day & Date: Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Location:
Hans Christian Anderson Complex, P.S. M242134 W 122nd Street | Auditorium
New York, NY 10027

Attendance:

• Free
• Register to obtain Ticket(s) - http://Fitmoneymtaspeak.eventbrite.com
• Each attendee should fill out their information for each ticket.
• To Attend - Register for the event (Tickets are needed to enter the event).
• To Speak - Select the registered speakers ticket only (Registered Speakers must present a photo ID).

Intention of this Forum:

• To inspire the community to speak out to the MTA on how their proposal impacts their everyday lives and their ability to make a living.
• To empower the community to participate in public hearings and let their voice be heard.
• To empower our local politicians to listen to the people and truly understand their concerns.
• To inform people on the importance of the 2010 Census.

Politicians Invited:
Confirmed: Scott Stringer - Manhattan Borough President - bpschedule@manhattanbp.org
Pending:Bill De Blasio - Public Advocate - jdavila@pubadvocate.nyc.gov - 212.669.7200
John C. Liu - City Comptroller - action@comptroller.nyc.gov
Inez Dickens - City Council District 9 Representative - dickens@council.nyc.ny.us
Bill Perkins - NY State Senator - perkins@senate.state.ny.us
Charles Rangel - U.S. Representative for NY - rangel@mail.house.gov
Keith Wright - NY State Assemblyman - wrightk@assembly.state.ny.us

Request:People to assist the day of the event.
If anyone is interested, please contact the event organizer at the contact information provided below.

Twitter: Please tweet the following hashtag and tweetRT @FITMoney NYers come out and tell us how #MTAcuts affect your wallet - 3/2, 6p: http://bit.ly/dkj5OT

Contact: M. Natasha Reid, Editor-in-Chief
F.I.T. Money Magazine
Telephone: 212-662-1288
Website: FitMoneyMagazine.com

EVENT: [March 3, 2010] March 2010 Manhattan Community Board 10 General Monthly Meeting

EVENT: [March 3, 2010] March 2010 Manhattan Community Board 10 General Monthly Meeting

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Central Harlem

TIME: 6:00 PM
DAY & DATE: Wednesday, March 3, 2009

NOTE:

• Bring Picture ID to enter building.
• You must sign the "Speakers List" to make an Announcement.
• Come early because the "Speakers List" has been "yanked" at about 6:05 pm

LOCATION:
Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building | 2nd Floor (Gallery)
163 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027

INFORMATION:
General Monthly Meeting of Manhattan Community Board 10 (Central Harlem) occurs the first Wednesday of every month from September to June).

Sometimes there are meetings during the months of July and August.

Event: School Food Matters

Event: School Food Matters

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Day & Date: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Admission:

• Free | Seating is limited;
• RSVP - reservations required by
• Calling 212.229.5418
• Emailing centernyc@newschool.edu  

Location:
Theresa Lang Community and Student Center
Arnhold Hall
55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor
New York, NY

Keynote By: Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, United States Department of Agriculture
Moderator: Fred Mogul, Reporter, WNYC radio
Panelists
- Eric Goldstein, CEO, SchoolFood, NYC Department of Education
- Jan Poppendeick, author, Free for All: Fixing School Food in America
- Jonathan Stein, General Counsel, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
- Jim Weill, President, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

Background:
According to advocates, at least one in five New York City families with children still rely on soup kitchens and food pantries, despite free school breakfast and subsidized school lunches. President Obama pledged to end child hunger in the United States by 2015, and the reauthorization of the federal Child Nutrition Act is expected by September. During this recession, what would it take to ensure that more children receive free—and higher quality—school food? Why are about one quarter of New York City elementary school students obese? Can the government improve these things, or is it already doing everything it can?

Contact:
Phone: 212-229-5418
Email: centernyc@newschool.edu

Link: School Food Matters

Event: March 4 - National Day of Action to Defend Public Education - Ralley & March

Event: March 4 - National Day of Action to Defend Public Education - Ralley & March

Time: 4:00 pm
Day &; Date: Thursday, March 4th, 2010

March Route:
Gov. Paterson’s office to Fashion Institute where the Manhattan MTA Hearing on cuts, layoffs and the elimination of school passes will be held.

Ralley & March Meet-Up Location:
Gov. Paterson’s office
633 Third Ave.
(41st Street and 3rd avenue)

End Location:
Manhattan MTA Hearing on cuts, layoffs and the elimination of school passes
Fashion Institute
27th Street and 7th Avenue

Endorsed By: TWU Local 100

Background:

• Governor Paterson is the one who really pulls the MTA’s strings.
• March with students and unions to oppose the elimination of student passes!
• Student groups are linking arms with transit workers to oppose MTA job cuts, layoffs and service cuts like ending school passes. Join the fight!

Issues:

• It’s not our crisis, we won’t pay!
• No school closures!
• No budget cuts, no tuition hikes!
• No layoffs, no salary or benefit reductions, no union-busting!
• Restore free student Metrocards!
• No privatization of public schools!
• Cancel all student debt!
• Eliminate racism in the public school system!
• Free public education for all from kindergarten to college!

Contacts & Groups & Websites

• Email: March4NY@gmail.com
• NYC website: http://march4ny.wordpress.com/
• Google group: http://groups.google.com/group/march-4-education-ny
• Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=244000051960&ref=ts
• National website: http://www.defendeducation.org/