Self-defense for African-Americans Gets Ignored

The facts are clear. Justice was denied in Georgia.

Let me remind you of the details of a case from 2005.

In self-defense, John McNeil, a successful African American businessman and father of two, shot and killed a Caucasian man. The deceased was a former builder who worked on John's property and had threatened John and his son with a weapon.

The police were called, but they didn't arrest John. It was clear that John acted in self-defense and that no crime had been committed. But 274 days later when Cobb County District Attorney Patrick Head was campaigning for re-election, John was charged with murder.

He was found guilty.

This is an outrage. NAACP President Benjamin Jealous is headed to Georgia to personally deliver a message to the attorney general, asking that he support us in our pursuit for justice for John McNeil. He needs you to add your name in support of John McNeil now:

http://action.naacp.org/justice-for-john-mcneil

Georgia has strong Castle Doctrine laws giving individuals the right to protect themselves "without a duty to retreat" if they feel threatened on their own property. John was clearly within the law.

You see, it was at John's home that the builder, who was previously barred from their property, first used a knife to threaten John's son La'Ron. John was on the phone and listened to the encounter. Upon rushing home he saw the builder put something in his front pocket as he charged back onto John's property.

This is a clear-cut case of self-defense. Two white Cobb County officers testified on John's behalf during his trial. But that didn't stop District Attorney Head from pursuing the case.

The politician won re-election and John is serving a life-sentence.

John's case is currently being reviewed in Georgia courts. We hope that the decision is a just one and in John's favor and that Attorney General Sam Olens does what is in his power to see that justice is served and John returns home to his family.

Being black should not make you a criminal. Protecting your family from an armed intruder should not put you in prison for life. If you agree, sign our petition in support of John McNeil so President Jealous can deliver your support to the attorney general:

http://action.naacp.org/justice-for-john-mcneil

Thank you,

Ed

Edward DuBose
Georgia State Conference President
NAACP

Clymer Award Nomination 9/7/12

The Jackson County Bar Association

requests

Clymer Award Nominations

Due September 7, 2012

One of the highlights of the The 15th Annual Judge Kit Carson Roque, Jr. Scholarship Event, to be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at theHilton President Hotel, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., is the presentation of the Judge Lewis W. Clymer Award, given annually to a minority attorney in recognition of their service to the community and promotion of the integrity of the legal profession.   Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Award. Click here for a Nomination Form and the Award criteria. Nominations are due by September 7, 2012.

Please note that there will be a Book Signing Sponsored by Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., with Charles Ogletree from 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.  Professor Ogletree will have the opportunity to greet guests before the scholarship luncheon and sign two of his works that will be for sale at the event or that can be pre-purchased online by clickinghere. 

For event ticket, sponsorship and/or donation information, please click here.

	Kendra L. Mosley AyukDiversity and Inclusion Coodinator 2555 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64108 PHONE: 816.474.6550 x39509 FAX: 816.421.5547 KAYUK@shb.com

American Licorice Recall of 16 oz. Red Vines' Black Licorice Twists for elevated lead

American Licorice Recall of 16 oz. Red Vines' Black Licorice Twists for elevated lead

Feds: Authorities in Meridian, Miss. Violated Rights of Black Children

Feds: Authorities in Meridian, Miss. Violated Rights of Black Children: The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has released investigative findings determining that children in predominantly black Meridian, Miss. have had their constitutional rights violated by the Lauderdale County Youth Court, the Meridian Police Department, and the Mississippi Division of Youth Services in what civil rights...

Coalition of Bar Associations of Color United in Support of the Use of Diversity in Admission Programs in Higher Education

Ever wonder who is fighting for you?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HNBA Contact: Antonio 'Tony' Arocho (202) 223-4777 August 13, 2012 NAPABA Contact: Emily Chatterjee (202)775-9555 NBA Contact: Steven Jumper (202) 842-3900 NNABA Contact: Jeremy Aliason (405) 761-1723
Coalition of Bar Associations of Color United in Support of the Use of Diversity in Admission Programs in Higher Education

Files Joint Brief at U.S. Supreme Court in Fisher v. University of Texas
WASHINGTON – The Coalition of Bar Associations of Color (CBAC)–the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the National Bar Association (NBA) and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) – will file a joint amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. The Court will review the constitutionality of the race conscious admissions program used to admit the freshman class at the University of Texas at Austin. With oral arguments scheduled for October 10th, the four organizations recognized the significance of all four communities of color standing together in support of race-conscious admission policies in order to promote diversity in the legal profession. The brief discusses the unique perspectives of the communities each bar association represents, and highlights the importance of ensuring access to institutions of higher education, in order to preserve a diverse pipeline for our multicultural society and ultimately advance CBAC’s shared commitment to diversity in the legal profession.
“The National Bar Association is proud to stand with our CBAC partners in making yet again the strong argument, that now is not the time to turn back the clock or efforts on diversity in the U.S.,” NBA President John Page said. “Over the past decade, we have taken significant strides forward but we know that our collective work to achieve a diverse and inclusive society is far from over. The Court as before should uphold the applaudable and critical efforts of any and all institutions of higher education in their continuing mission to reflect society and its diversity within their environment and not jeopardize the progress made and sought by law schools and the legal community to simply reflect the rich diversity that makes this nation great.”
"The Hispanic National Bar Association believes that there is a compelling governmental interest in achieving diversity in higher education and supports upholding the use of race-conscious admissions programs in education," said HNBA National President Benny Agosto. "For that reason we join our partner bar associations of color in the Coalition of Bar Associations of Color in filing a joint brief in the Fisher vs. University of Texas case," added Mr. Agosto.
“The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association recognizes that like other groups, Asian Pacific Americans have endured a long history of racial discrimination and continue to face barriers to equal opportunity,” said Nimesh M. Patel, president of NAPABA. “Asian Pacific

Americans, along with all other students at the University of Texas, reap the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body. Further, the low representation of Asian Pacific Americans in prominent positions in government, elected offices, boards of directors and executive positions in large corporations, and in the legal profession underscores the importance of both access to higher education and the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences that is fostered by a diverse learning environment.”
“The National Native American Bar Association believes that the pipelines for students of color to higher education and beyond cannot be removed now,” shared NNABA President Patty Ferguson-Bohnee. “Race conscious admissions programs not only open doors for students of color they also ensure a richer and intellectually diverse classroom experience for all students.” 

Housing Survey - Jefferson City needs your help

The City of Jefferson is requesting your input as we analyze and review important fair housing programs and policies.  Below is a link to a brief online survey, and we value your participation.  The purpose of the survey is to gather information that will allow us to evaluate and assess current fair housing choices within the City of Jefferson. 

This information will be used in the preparation of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandated review of impediments to fair housing choice in the public and private sector.

We value your assistance and opinion, and appreciate you spending a few minutes to give us feedback and information.

Please copy and paste the link of the survey that applies to you into the search bar:

Jefferson City Fair Housing Resident Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JeffersonFairHousingResidentSurvey

Jefferson Fair Housing Service Provider Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JeffersonFairHousingServiceProviderSurvey

  

  

Jefferson Fair Housing Lending Institution Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JeffersonFairHousingLendingInstitutionSurvey

  

  

Jefferson Fair Housing Real Estate Professional Survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JeffersonFairHousingRealEstateProfessionalSurvey

The City of Jefferson will hold an Informational Meeting in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 PM at City Hall, located at 320 East McCarty Street, Jefferson, MO 65101.  This meeting is intended to inform the Jefferson City area about the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), as well as provide an opportunity for all to participate in the AI planning process. 

Lauren Hershey

Recycling Coordinator/Grants Assistant

City of Jefferson

320 East McCarty St.

Jefferson City, MO 65101

573-634-6410

Find us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JeffersonCityRecycles

Join us at the 49th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and Silent Auction September 29, 2012

Dear Friend,

The Jefferson City Branch of the NAACP will host its 49^th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and Silent Auction at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on Saturday, September 29, 2012. The Honorable Ike Skelton will serve as our keynote speaker.  This is an occasion to reflect upon the past and embrace our future.  The tortured history of Jim Crow threatens to be repeated in Missouri.  We invite you to join us as we celebrate our theme, “Standing for Equality, Fighting for Justice.”

The Annual Freedom Fund Dinner is our primary fund-raiser to support branch activities and operation expenses. These funds provide high school, college and law school scholarships, access to limited legal information, support for local prison branches as VIC’s (Volunteers in Corrections), officer training, an office, and representative participation at state and national conferences.  In addition, chapter volunteers work with area schools to promote understanding about diversity concerns, and work with the Armed Services on equity issues.  Since this is a volunteer organization, no funds are used for salaries.  This branch requires approximately $10,000 per year to be effective.  We would appreciate your support as an attendee, sponsor, and/or benefactor.

Our silent auction and reception start at 6:00 p.m., and dinner follows at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $40 individually or as part of an organizational sponsorship. In conjunction with this year’s dinner, we will issue a beautiful souvenir advertisement in the News Tribune to thank our sponsors as well as create permanent posts on our blog and Facebook. The enclosed brochure provides information on purchasing tickets and sponsorships and donating item for the silent auction. Tickets will be mailed upon receipt of your check until September 24^th, after which tickets will be reserved in your name at the door. Sponsorship tables will be reserved in the name of the sponsoring organization and/or individual.

I look forward to seeing you at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on September 29^th at the 49^th  Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and Silent Auction. Your participation is truly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

Nimrod Chapel, Jr.

President

Jefferson City Unit 4064

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Jefferson City NAACP Seeks Nominations for outstanding people in our community

JEFFERSON CITY, MO NAACP AWARD NOMINATION FORM

This nomination form can be used for any of the following awards: ROY WILKINS AWARD The Roy Wilkins Award is given in recognition of individuals who have devoted their lives to finding solutions to racial inequality, promoted educational excellence, and demonstrated courage in the fight for equality, justice, and civil rights.   ROSA PARKS AWARD The Rosa Parks Award is given to individuals who have committed their lives, and have exhibited dedication and commitment to the cause of equality and justice in the face of personal sacrifice, and for standing up against racism and discrimination. CORPORATE/PUBLIC IMAGE AWARD This Corporate/Public Image Award is given to a company or individual in the public/private sector, in recognition of its/their commitment and dedication to equal opportunity, employment, diversity, community support and leadership. PRESIDENTIAL CHOICE AWARD This Presidential Choice Award is given to an organization or individuals in the public/private sector, in recognition of its/their commitment and dedication to equal opportunity, access, employment, diversity, community support and leadership. MYRTLE SMITH ODEN YOUNG ADULT SERVICE AWARD The Myrtle Smith Oden Service Award is given to individuals who have worked faithfully in the NAACP or other civic organizations for the overall betterment of the community. LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD The Lifetime Service Award is given in recognition of an individual for a lifetime career, dedicated toward the cause of justice, equal opportunity and civil rights for all people. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Lifetime Achievement Award is given in recognition of an individual who has worked diligently and given honorable and dedicated service in the safeguard of justice and democracy.

Award Sought:
Nominee’s name:
Title:
Address:
Phone number:

Summarize in your own words the specific achievement or contribution which inspired this nomination:

Evidence of nominee’s professional skill and competence, and recognition received:

Impact nominee has made:

Succinctly describe the reason for the nomination, including dates and significance of relevant accomplishments, their impact in the larger world, and ways in which the meet the requirements of the specific award.  Additional biographical material may be attached:

Nominator’s name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail:
Name and address of administrator/supervisor to notify if this nominee receives the award:

Please return this nomination form to the Jefferson City, NAACP office at
111 W. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65102, or

 via e-mail jcnaacp@gmail.com by September 4, 2012.

Questions? Contact jcnaacp@gmail.com or any NAACP member

Missouri Housing Matters: Jefferson City Public Meeting on Fair Housing Choi...

Missouri Housing Matters: Jefferson City Public Meeting on Fair Housing Choi...: A public notice from the city government of Jefferson City, Missouri: The City of Jefferson will hold a Public Meeting in the Council Cham...

If you support the idea of public housing in Jefferson City, attend this meeting 8-28-12

Jefferson City Public Meeting on Fair Housing Choice

A public notice from the city government of Jefferson City, Missouri:

The City of Jefferson will hold a Public Meeting in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at City Hall, located at 320 East McCarty Street, Jefferson, MO 65101. This meeting is intended to inform Jefferson City residents about the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), as well as provide an opportunity for all to participate in the AI planning process.

Entitlement communities like Jefferson City are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to complete an AI every five years. HUD defines an impediment to fair housing choice as any actions, omissions, or decisions that restrict, or have the effect of restricting, the availability of housing choices, based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.

Persons living and working in Jefferson City are encouraged to attend and provide input. Anyone unable to attend this meeting but wishing to make their views known may do so by submitting written comments to: City of Jefferson Planning and Protective Services Department, 320 East McCarty Street, Jefferson, City MO 65101. Comments may be emailed to the Department of Planning and Protective services at jcplanning@jeffcitymo.org. Please use “Fair Housing” as the subject line.

Individuals should contact the ADA Coordinator at (573) 634-6570 to request accommodations or alternative formats as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please allow 72 business hours to process the request.

Note to readers: the reference to "72 business hours" in the paragraph immediately above may be a mistake. The probable intended meaning is "72 hours," or, in effect, three business days.  72 "business hours" is the equivalent of nine business days, and the public meeting is just eight calendar days from the date of this post.

Want a job preventing child abuse? Here is the job for you -

Job Description: Missouri KidsFirst Prevention Coordinator

Summary

The Missouri KidsFirst Prevention Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and leading Missouri KidsFirsts’ efforts to create cultural change to prevent child abuse and neglect with emphasis on child sexual abuse.

Qualifications

·      Bachelor’s Degree in human services field

·      Master’s Degree in social work or public health preferred

·      Previous experience working in the area of child protection/child abuse and neglect preferred

·      Excellent public speaking and training skills

·      Excellent skills in word processing and spreadsheets

·      Excellent oral and written communication skills

·      Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance

·      Must be willing to travel in-state and out-of-state

·      Must be willing to use personal vehicle for travel

·      Must be willing to work in Jefferson City

·      Subject to criminal and child abuse background screening

·      Subject to credit screening

·      Unquestionable integrity required

Competency Profile/Core Values Alignment

·      Ability to negotiate partnerships and maintain favorable working relationships among diverse institutions and individuals

·      Ability to work as a team member with a strong commitment to collaborative work with both internal and external partners

·      Demonstrated ability to establish and promote positive relationships, and actively contribute to creating a highly cooperative work environment

·      Possess strong leadership and coaching skills

·      Desire to continually improve and increase individual and organizational capacity

Job Duties

·      Develop and conduct child abuse prevention training, including the Stewards of Children training

·      Provide technical assistance and coaching to youth serving organizations on child abuse prevention

·      Work with and cultivate relationships with child abuse prevention leaders at the state and community level to promote the development of research-based, effective child abuse prevention programs statewide

·      Collect, organize and analyze data concerning the prevalence of child abuse in Missouri and research promising approaches in child abuse prevention

·      Increase public awareness about child abuse and its prevention, including facilitating the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign

·      Serve as primary administrator of prevention-related grants, including drafting budgets, work plans, grants, submitting grant reports, approving invoices, compiling information for an annual report

·      Participate in meetings with funders or program partners to present information regarding prevention programs whenever necessary

Jefferson City NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner Set for September 29, 2012

Please save the Date for the 49th annual freedom fund dinner at the Capital Plaza Hotel!

Silent Auction Starts at 5:45PM and Dinner at 7PM.