Remember Jasper TX where a man was drug behind a pick up? They are in the news again.

http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2013/06/05/new-racial-incident-hits-texas-town-site-of-truck-dragging-murder/?utm_source=WhatCounts+Publicaster+Edition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Hatewatch+Headlines+for+June+6%2c+2013&utm_content=New+Racial+Incident+Hits+Texas+Town%2c+Site+of+Truck-Dragging+Murder%0d

National Bar Association - the largest minority bar Challenges 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Edith Jones reveals racist bias against blacks and latinos -

For Immediate Release Contact: Erika C. Owens 202-842-3900

NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION AFFILIATE CHALLENGES 5th CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE EDITH JONES (WASHINGTON, DC June 7, 2013) - The National Bar Association's (NBA) affiliate chapter, J.L. Turner Legal Association under the leadership of its President Mandisa Price, has filed a complaint against   5th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Edith Jones. J.L. Turner is challenging the jurist's remarks given at The Federalist Society at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Law in February. In her speech, Judge Jones expressed her thoughts as it relates to race, crime and the death penalty. Judge Jones stated that "racial groups like African-Americans and Hispanics are predisposed to crime," and that these groups are "prone to commit acts of violence." Additionally, Judge Jones stated, that claims of racism, innocence, arbitrariness, and international standards are simply "red herrings" used by opponents of capital punishments. NBA President John E. Page stated, "The National Bar Association supports our affiliate chapter, the J.L. Turner Legal Association, in their efforts to demand that Judge Jones be held accountable for her remarks, which are unacceptable. As the oldest bar association representing African American lawyers and judges around the country, we understand the value of having an unbiased and impartial judiciary that faithfully represents and upholds the ethical principles of jurisprudence and equality. Additionally, we request that Chief Judge Carl Stewart fully review this matter and disclose all findings." The J.L. Turner Legal Association is among many civil rights groups that have filed a complaint against the Judge Jones who was nominated to the Fifth Circuit by President Ronald Reagan and was the Chief Judge of the Fifth Circuit in 2006. Additionally, Jones has been mentioned as being on the list of potential nominees to the Supreme Court of the United States. In 2012, the National Bar Association called for the resignation of U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull after he admitted to forwarding a racist email from his chambers aimed at President Barack Obama. Founded in 1952, J.L. Turner Legal Association ("JLTLA"), is the African-American bar association in Dallas, Texas. JLTLA is an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life in our community through education, service and scholarship. The members of JLTLA provide scholarships to law students demonstrating financial or other needs, provide attorney mentors for law students, perform educational and other community outreach projects for North Texas area residents, and assist our members and the community to become more aware of African-American attorneys who practice in various areas of the law. The National Bar Association was founded in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges. It represents approximately 44,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. For additional information about the National Bar Association, visit www.nationalbar.org.

North Carolina NAACP protest tour goes to Winston-Salem after 100s arrested

North Carolina is protesting JIM CROW through its state conference.

They are laying it on the line.  Getting arrested.  And doing it to keep America free for everyone.

Lets work to protect every person regardless of color, sex, and age.

NAACP protest tour stops in Winston-Salem - Winston-Salem Journal: Local News

TX Federal Judge accused of making insane and gross racial comments in speech

Read these allegations and tell us if you would tolerate that person as a judge?

Should the defendants she sentenced on criminal charges have the sentencing reopened?

Judge accused of making racial comments in speech - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports

Report finds racial disparity in traffic stops - Wayne County Journal-Banner Online: News

Report finds racial disparity in traffic stops - Wayne County Journal-Banner Online: News: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — An annual state report released on Friday showed that black motorists were more likely to be pulled over and arrest…

Are you following the selection of judges in MO? If you want the justice system to work, it needs to represent everyone, but in Kansas City - it doesn't.

What follows is the latest announcement from the selection of a judge.  There was an African American candidate that was supported by the black community in Kansas City and even better by groups of concerned citizens state wide.  She wasn't selected, but was a good applicant.  

Kansas City has the fewest judges of color for a city of its size and racial makeup in the midwest.  Some blame the judicial selection process.  Others blame that applicants.  Still others see vestiges of prejudice in the selection process, application procedure and even the lack of a vision or mission statement from the legislative, executive or judicial branches on the value of a diversified judiciary.  Then of course we have to ask what we asked for as well.

As we read The New Jim Crow, review disappointing statistics on minority participation in the economy and startling lack of leadership on these key issues, one point comes to mind that says . . . 

. . . if we want something different, we ought to think about it and ask for it in a way that makes sense.

Lets plan on doing that this summer.  If you want to be a part of the conversation or submit comments, insight or observations or even get news as ideas develop - click here jcnaacp@gmail.com  and send an email with "JUDICIAL" to get added to the conversation - not a bunch of random emails - just a link to stay connected and get involved if you would like to be.

Jackson County Bar Association Requests Member Support for
Associate Circuit Judge Vacancy Panel, Division 31
 

KANSAS CITY -- The 16th Circuit Judicial Commission has considered 14 applicants and selected a panel of three nominees for the associate circuit judge vacancy in division 31 of the Jackson County circuit court, created by the retirement of Judge Christine Sill-Rogers. One of the nominees, Arimeta DuPree, is a JCBA member. Ms. DuPree’s resume is attached for review.

The governor has until May 10, 2013 to appoint one of the nominees as associate circuit judge for Division 31.

The Jackson County Bar Association (JCBA) is very excited about Ms. Dupree’s nomination. We believe it shows the Missouri Court’s desire to add diversity to the bench. It is important for JCBA members to show support for this effort. Ensuring justice and equal opportunity is a key part of the mission of JCBA.  As such, letters of support or recommendation from JCBA members for any of the panelists may be faxed or mailed to the number or address below.

Correspondence should be addressed to Governor Jay Nixon but directed to the attention of Ted Ardini, Counsel to the Governor.  Faxes are preferred.
Office of the Governor
State Capitol, Room 216
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Facsimile:  573-751-1495
 
The complete applications for the three nominees may be viewed on the Missouri Courts website at www.courts.mo.gov. Additional biographical information provided by each candidate is attached to this email for your review. Please remember that time is of the essence when planning to submit your correspondence.
 
About The Jackson County Bar Association
The Jackson County Bar Association (JCBA) is a voluntary bar association comprised primarily of African-American attorneys from throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. The purpose of the JCBA is to be a resource for its members; to work to ensure justice and equal opportunity for the African-American community; improve the administration of justice; preserve the independence of the judiciary, improve the economic conditions of all citizens of Missouri; uphold the honor of the legal profession; and protect the civil and political rights of the citizens and residents of the State of Missouri. For more information about JCBA visitwww.jacksoncountybar.com.