Greetings!
"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but
today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."
-Bil Keane
Every day we wake up to, is a blessing...Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Respectfully,
COAL Board of Directors
"The time to work seriously and collectively, to improve the state of our Community and this nation, is upon us..."
Let's Get to Work
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Problem
Over the last year and a half, the over policing of certain segments of our communities, particularly for Black and Brown residents, has reached a point of reckoning. Communities across the county have faced terrible incidents of excessive use of force at the hands of police, and Montgomery County, Maryland has not been immune. Here in Montgomery County the data demonstrates disparities. While Black residents make up about 20 percent of the county, they make up 55% of use of force incidents. With Latino residents included, that accounts for over 75% of use of force incidents by police. Unfortunately, we have had incidents of police killing black residents and have also had very public incidents of excessive use of force. But for cell phone and body cameras, these incidents would not have come to light.
Solution
We drafted a law to amend the police use of force policy. This policy prohibits a police officer from using deadly force except when absolutely necessary, when no other alternatives are available. This includes prohibiting neck or carotid restraints and striking a restrained individual. The bill bans no-knock warrants and shooting from or at moving vehicles, unless the vehicle is being used as a weapon and the circumstances would authorize the use of deadly force.
The policy must provide guidelines protecting individuals without regard to race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. Rules must protect vulnerable community members and populations disproportionately impacted.
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Addressing the roots of gun violence |
Over the course of the past year, my colleagues and I have made another strong effort to help reduce the scourge of gun violence that devastates so many lives in our communities. Recognizing that the root causes of violence run deep, we took a comprehensive approach to addressing them through the Reimagine Public Safety Act.
Gun violence, at its core, is a public health crisis fueled by poverty, frustration, and failures to uplift the youth in our communities. The Reimagine Public Safety Act recognizes that gun violence is a symptom and does more to address its causes. We passed the original law
Leader Collins (middle) is joined by Senator Elgie Sims (left) and Senator Robert Peters (right) at Gov. Pritzker's Executive Order Press Conference in Chicago.
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The Most Ambitious Effort Yet to Reform Policing May Be Happening In Ithaca, New York
Reimagining Public Safety
Mayor Svante Myrick’s ’09 Police Overhaul Proposal, Explained
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Meleika Gardner, Rep. La Shawn K. Ford bring trauma work, community healing on the air with Chicago Heal initiative Article
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New Routes to Equity: The Future of Transportation
in the Black Community
Recent and emerging mobility options offer an immense opportunity to rectify the failed legacy of the transportation policies and infrastructure network that has plagued the Black community for generations
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is proud to invite you to visit our new web-based resource, the Searchable Museum.
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Millions in Property Tax Refunds, Exemptions Owed to Cook County Homeowners
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas wants to see if she owes you money. Pappas’ office says it has a total of more than $72 million it wants to refund to property owners, and another $43 million in missing exemptions. Alex Maragos reports. (Submitted by Sonya Thompson)
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Illinois Rental Payment Program to Reopen in Early December 2021
CHICAGO – Due to a vendor needing additional time to ensure its application platform is functioning properly, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced today that it will reopen the Illinois Rental Payment Program on Monday, Dec. 6 instead of Monday, Nov. 8. While the date for the program reopening is now delayed, money from this round will still be distributed to approved Illinoisans before the end of the year as originally scheduled. Read More.
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RECENT POWER BREAKFASTS / EVENTS |
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October 30th VIRTUAL POWER BREAKFAST
Alzheimer's Impact on Communities of Color and Women
Ms. Cheryl D. Watkins, PhD was impressive. A great discussion on Alzheimer's and the black community. Dr. Watkins' book on her journey through the disease with her mother is called, Releasing Her: Wrestling Peace from the Jaws of Alzheimer's. It is a must read.
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From Oct. 30th Q&A Facilitator Dr. Everett White, Board of Directors:
The Virtual Power Breakfast on 10/30/21given by Dr, Watkins on her book about Alzheimer’s was a huge success in terms of the information she shared and the audience participation. The main points emphasized were that dementia is the main category and Alzheimer’s is a subset with higher incidence for African Americans; Read Full Comment
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December Virtual Coalition Power Breakfast
OBAMA Presidential Center Opportunities
December 11, 2021
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About COAL
COAL is an umbrella organization founded by 13 of Chicago's historic African American mens clubs. COAL's overarching mission is to identify, examine, illuminate and find resolution to issues impacting the greater community. We strive to use our collective experience, expertise and resources to improve the quality of opportunity, quality of preparedness and the quality of outcomes (expressed as 'quality of life') for our Community.
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Founding Member Organizations
100 Black Men Of Chicago ■ Chicago Assembly ■ Chicago Connection ■ Druids Club ■ Frogs Club ■ Lunch Bunch ■ New Committee ■ Original 40 Club Of Chicago ■ Rat Pack ■ Royal Coterie Of Snakes ■ Saints ■ Sigma Pi Phi Beta-Boule ■ UIC Male Forum (now Chicago Good Health Group)
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What We Believe
The Coalition of African American Leaders believes that it is important to examine the critical issues confronting the African American community where injustice, inequality and the absence of access and opportunity continue to prevail, thereby negatively impacting us as a people. COAL is an assemblage that advocates and organizes for appropriate and responsible public policy change, system behavior change and equality of opportunity. We aim to achieve for all of our people the fullness of the life experience without any form of racism or exclusion as a deterrent. We believe we must prepare ourselves for the opportunity of this full participation, thereby achieving the necessary education and training to participate.
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Contact: Clarence Wood, Chairman 312.404.8269 - Craig K. Wimberly, President 773.350.9315
Email: publicpolicy@coalchicago.com
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