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