Be George Floyd's Legacy

bill berry, jr., Chair, Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace, Inc., speaks at a Demonstration of Solidarity for Racial Injustice Event held at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, Auburn NY on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Organized by the Social Justice Task Force, partners for this event included: Auburn Cayuga Branch NAACP, Auburn Public Theatre, Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace, Harriet Tubman Boosters, Human Rights Commission, Auburn Enlarged City School District, Gwen WebberMcleod - Gwen, Inc., Celebrate Diverse Auburn, City of Auburn, Auburn Police Department, Cayuga County Legislature, Cayuga County Sheriff Department, and Beverly L. Smith Empowerment Initiative.

George Floyd

Say his  name.

Louder.

George Floyd stands as testament to the countless African Americans whose lives have been taken by overt and covert racists who always state that they are not driven by race, not driven by their hate, their indifference. But they are driven.

 George Floyd’s death is a testament to systemic racism and that disease is worse than  covid-19. That disease’s history spans over 400 years and society has not rushed for a vaccine. That racial disease is also silent. You may think you are disease free. You are not. You are asymptomatic. And in this moment, recognize that two pandemics are killing Black people right in front of our eyes. So…

This is my charge to each of you.

Please understand hope without action may make you feel good, but it is killing people who look like me. 

Hope without action is a temporary feel good moment and makes you think you did something…that you stood up.  Hope is not enough…not anymore.

Good intentions fail to embrace the insidious nature of generational racism and that  characteristic is in the DNA of most Americans. All too often, those feel good moments do not evolve into strategic agenda that question the lack of economic opportunities, educational equity, diversity-driven hiring initiatives for African Americans; however, our culture is appropriated by those who want to be like us but not of us.

Demonstrations are singular moments that have become repetitive activities. We shout out each time that the demonstration of the moment is the pivotal catalyst for societal change, for a new beginning, and then the next moment comes along. So, I humbly say take your passion and self-enlightenment and transition those understandings to an activity that challenges, respects but holds accountable those in authority who have been unable to change the racial history of America and your specific community. 

As chair of the Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace, we ask you to become a social justice warrior and not just a bystander. Create a legacy for your children and grandchildren’s so they will not have to march and continue to demonstrate in their future. 

As you depart this sacred space grounded in George Floyd’s memory, if you fail to take progressive action; to demand significant change from those you vote for or vote out; if you fail to understand that your demonstration is the first step and not the end goal. Are you then part of the problem or the solution?

Change is difficult. And yet, you must challenge and not wait for good intentions to become your reality. This is your community. Seek strategic action. Make Auburn and America better for everyone

Be George Floyd’s legacy.

Say his name.

Louder.

Thank you. 

bill berry, jr.

June 6, 2020 Equal Rights Heritage Center Demonstration Statement

‘Be George Floyd’s Legacy:

Demonstration for racial justice held in Auburn

Kelly Rocheleau, Reporter The Citizen Newspaper 6/20/2020

READ FULL ARTICLE

Our view: Progress is real, work remains for racial justice in Cayuga County

The Citizen Editorial Board 6/7/2020

Click to read

“An excerpt from the Sunday, June 7, 2020 The Citizen’s “Our View ,“ ‘Progress is real, but work remains’

….And make no mistake that the spirit of understanding, support and unity on display at Auburn rallies did not just magically appear. Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler and Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck have been working to address longstanding concerns. A series of community forums called “Connecting Bridges” last fall brought people together for respectful but honest conversations. That program was an offshoot of a collaboration between local public safety agencies and the Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace to look at how to recruit and hire more people of color in local police and firefighting positions. Community night out programs and “Coffee with a Cop” have been held multiple times in recent years.

”

Auburn peacefully protests police brutality in wake of George Floyd’s death

Protesters march in downtown Auburn to honor George Floyd and speak out against inequality and police brutality.

Kevin Rivoli, The Citizen

The Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace is one of several organizations along with a diverse group of community leaders that will continue to address issue of inequity and planned strategic social justice actions to energize, educate and keep safe our community. Please check this website for any pertinent Auburn-driven updates regarding the Mr. Floyd tragedy and how best our community can develop and implement preventative measures as we work proactively with local law enforcement, elected officials and our social justice colleagues.  

Read the full article published on May 31, 2020 by reporter, Mary Catalgamo and view the incredible photos and video images captured by The Citizen Newspaper photographer/videographer, Kevin Rivoli :

https://auburnpub.com/news/local/auburn-peacefully-protests-police-brutality-in-wake-of-george-floyds-death/article_60931e26-a9a8-5a91-9db2-7c8adc600fe4.html 

How Did You Learn About Social Responsibility as a Child?

Message from Dr. Lucien Lombardo, HTCJP Board member

Hello ALL: 

Please visit the link below as published via search-intitute.org providing helpful tips so parents can teach their children how to be good citizens while navigating the COVID-19 health crisis:   

read article

In the blog, the author, Amy K. Syvertsen, PhD writes: I would suggest that some good will have come from this crisis if, on the other side of all of this, we’ve taught our kids . . .

·       that our community works together to take care of one another; 

·       about their responsibilities for the greater good (including people and public spaces), even if they’re still little; 

·       to notice (and show gratitude for) the people who serve our community in important and diverse ways; and 

·       to see and understand injustice, and that even in times of crisis not everyone is afforded the same protections and resources.

* * *

---

When we were children, we all had experiences and interactions that taught us how to relate to others in our community. We had these interactions with our parents and other adults in our lives. Let’s all take some time to think about the lessons and examples of when and how we learned about “social responsibilities” when we were children.

To spark dialogue, below is commentary written by one of Dr. Lombardo’s students on how she learned about social responsibility as a child:

“In response to my childhood, I learned of social responsibilities from my parents by lessons of being neighborly and the importance of manners.

Growing up in the harsh winters of Rochester, NY, I would often aid in the shoveling of my family’s driveway and sidewalk. We had elderly neighbors and my parents would ask my brothers and I to take our shoveling beyond our driveway and walkway to that of our neighbors, who lacked the physical ability to remove the snow off their property. We did so in compliance, without the thought of monetary compensation. Beyond the initial parental request, we would shovel our neighbors driveways out of habit and understanding that it was something that we did to help our neighbors. This one act carried over into dragging of the trash cans from door to street for these same neighbors, and the mowing of yards and other selfless acts.

Regarding manners, we were also taught as children to say please and thank you, to hold doors for others, to look people in the eyes when we spoke, to ask others if we could help. I think that manners are important when interacting with others, it shows a sense of care and intention and connects us in a small way to other members of our community.

As a mother, I carry these lessons over into my own child rearing. My son aids me in asking elderly people if we can help load groceries in their car or return their cart for them. I’ve taught my son to appreciate those who provide service in our area. In the summer, I carry a cooler of water and Gatorade in my car and we hand them out to construction workers and thank them for their hard work.

I think there is great value in acknowledging and appreciating those around us who are often in “thankless” positions.

Through leading by example, I hope my son carries on these lessons so that he too can maintain the attitude that “we are all in this together” and that random acts of kindness are mutually beneficial for the well being of our own state of happiness and the sense of belonging with those around us.””

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How did you learn about social responsibility as a child?

Comment below or share your experiences directly to: htcjpauburn@gmail.com

Your input will support HTCJP’s Thematic Focus to stimulate the telling of stories from our childhood to help the community learn about how we can all promote justice and peace as key principles in the lives of our children as they move into and make the future for their children!  

A REMINDER - CALL TO ACTION!

The residents of Auburn are at our best when we support each other and especially those businesses that put a smile on our face and warmth in our hearts with reasonably priced offerings complimented by pleasant and inviting customer service.

A few weeks ago, Farm Boy Graphics and Crow City Roasters owner, Tom Hitchcock started a campaign to help businesses in our community through the sale of its locally produced yard signs, tee-shirts, coffee mugs etc. A portion  of each sold item goes to a community business that YOU identify.

But here is the deal!

The sale of “Auburn Strong” merch ends tomorrow, April 10th (unless it is extended.) So, HTCJP strongly encourages you to visit www.crowcityroasters.com and click on “Auburn Strong” and after your purchase then you can leisurely peruse the rest of the site.

Keep Auburn Strong.  

How to Deal with Increased Stress of Parenting and Domestic Relationships During the COVID-19 Crisis

MESSAGE FROM DR. LUCIEN LOMBARDO, HTCJP BOARD MEMBER:

I have been reading a lot recently about the increased stress of parenting and domestic relationships during the COVID-19 crisis.

Children and parents are both dealing with a new enforced isolation and togetherness. Many resources are being developed to help parents, child caretakers, and children around the world cope with this new reality.

Here are a few resources focusing on many of the problems noted by parents and caretakers around the world (these difficulties are common everywhere, so parents in Auburn are not alone!)

The links below are to simple, one page sheets you can print, distribute, send to others I hope you find them useful!! If you do, let me know!

The folks behind these resources represent the World Health Organization, UNICEF, End Violence, Internet of Good Things, Parenting for Lifelong Health, USAID, UKRI GCRF Accelerating Achievement for Africa’s Adolescents Hub, and the Centres for Disease Control.

The result of this collaboration is a package of information on six different topics related to the stresses on parents and children of our new situation! .

Here's a link to the overall package: https://www.end-violence.org/articles/new-resource-pack-positive-parenting-covid-19-isolation

Below are links to the 6 situations and and a tip sheet that you can print and distribute or use yourself!

1. Making the most of one-on-one time with your children:https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/healthy-parenting/english-tip-1-covid-19-parenting.pdf?sfvrsn=d2602523_2

2.Keeping positive amidst an unsettling situation
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/healthy-parenting/english-tip-2-covid-19-parenting.pdf?sfvrsn=c872a800_2

3. Providing structure and stability for your children’s day
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/healthy-parenting/english-tip-3-covid-19-parenting.pdf?sfvrsn=492ecf57_2

4. Coping with bad behaviour in positive, healthy ways
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/healthy-parenting/english-tip-4-covid-19-parenting.pdf?sfvrsn=c1ab607f_2

5. Keeping calm and managing stress, both for yourself and for your children
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/healthy-parenting/english-tip-5-covid-19-parenting.pdf?sfvrsn=1b3ee706_2

6. Talking about COVID-19 by being honest, supportive and attentive to your children’s needs

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/healthy-parenting/english-tip-6-covid-19-parenting.pdf?sfvrsn=232558c1_4

From Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Positive Parenting Tips for Different age Children

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/index.html

The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children is a unique public-private collaboration that includes United Nations agencies, governments, industry, regional bodies, civil society, young people, advocates and champions, all focused on one thing:

Please share comments or email us directly: https://www.htcjp.org

James Twyman brings St. Francis of Assisi to life in Auburn performance on February 9, 2020

The Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace, Inc. and Sheila Applegate appreciate the support and donations from audience members and others. The sponsors recognize and thank Kirsten Wise, executive director and staff of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art & Case Research Lab, Lewis' Restaurant, Aaduna, Inc, William E Berry Jr, Lisa Brennan, Zachery Hansen, and volunteers for their efforts to make this production a success, as well as the audience members whose presence is testament to initiatives to enlighten, empower and enhance the collective life of our community.

* * * James Twyman * * *

All of us thank you for bringing your gift of song, words and performance to Auburn, NY as part of your country-wide tour. We appreciate your presence and wish you well with "Tracing Roots of Peace" global event and ongoing success in the remaining cities on your tour especially the off-Broadway NYC premier.

If you missed the show held on February 9th in Auburn, enjoy this brief slideshow of photos and video clips from the event!

https://youtu.be/QuVwfaPmP5U

Read the article published by reporter, Mary Catalfamo, The Citizen newspaper, Auburn, NY on February 9, 2019:

https://auburnpub.com/news/local/james-twyman-brings-st-francis-of-assisi-to-life-in/article_40f462f2-da1b-51b3-a448-449098ec58fb.html

Community discusses concerns with Cayuga County law enforcement at forum

“Connecting Bridges” first public forum held on November 18, 2019 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn NY. A second forum was held at the Booker T. Washington Center, Auburn, NY on December 3rd, and on December 10th, the third and final forum of the fall series was held at the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, Auburn, NY.

Due to COVID-19 additional forums are tentatively planned to resume late 2020/early 2021.

Read the full article published by reporter, Mary Catalgamo on November 19, 2019:

https://auburnpub.com/news/local/community-discusses-concerns-with-cayuga-county-law-enforcement-at-forum/article_f4bdae7d-8474-5ddd-967d-a2aa6d098d88.html

AECSD Workshop Kicks Off Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace Partnership - November 18, 2019

Dr. Lucien Lombardo, HTCJP Board member, presented a workshop, “Human Dignity & Childhood,” for the AECSD administrative leadership team at Auburn High School on November 18, 2019.

The Auburn Enlarged City School District and the Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace (HTCJP) are beginning a long-term working partnership aimed at integrating discussions of human dignity and childhood into efforts to address the challenges of diversity issues of all types throughout the school system.

To kick off this process, members of the AECSD administrative leadership team participated Monday, November 18 in a workshop led by Dr. Lucien Lombardo, Old Dominion University professor emeritus, HTCJP board member and 1963 Auburn High School graduate.

During the workshop, Lombardo introduced the concept of human dignity and its links to childhood, and leadership team members reflected on their own experiences with human dignity as children.

In diverse communities, differences can be a source of pride or a reason for powerful people to marginalize those who are different, reflected in bullying, harassment, microaggressions and stereotypes, Lombardo said. How people experience human dignity in childhood often shapes how they confront and experience differences throughout their lives.

Through this partnership with HTCJP, the district intends to explore ways to apply a child-centered human dignity approach to its mission, curriculum, educational processes and recruitment efforts, building upon the AECSD’s existing efforts in implementing New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). The workshop served as a starting point for further discussions of prospects and strategies for implementation.

Via twitter Auburn Schools:  http://www.aecsd.education/districtpage.cfm?pageid=2445

Cayuga County public safety agencies to participate in community-building forums

Booker T. Washington Community Center, Auburn, NY. One of three locations for the “Connecting Bridges” forum hosted by The Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace, Inc. in partnership with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn Police Department, Auburn Fire Department, and Auburn Civil Service Department. Photo credit: Natale Brophy, The Citizen newspaper

Read the full press release by The Citizen Staff published on November 15, 2019:

https://auburnpub.com/news/local/cayuga-county-public-safety-agencies-to-participate-in-community-building/article_9f7aa6bb-f04a-5ff9-9eda-1143399b4686.html

National Night Out connects police and community in Auburn

Auburn Civil Service Commissioner Jack Hardy [HTCJP Board member] Civil Service member, Mike Zank, and Civil Service secretary, Jeffery Whiting at the Police National Night Out event, recruiting applicants for the Auburn Police Department civil service examination scheduled in September 2019. [Photo Credit: Christopher Molloy]

Ryan Franklin, The Citizen newspaper, Auburn, NY August 7, 2019

Read the full article here:

https://auburnpub.com/news/local/national-night-out-connects-police-and-community-in-auburn/article_802fc97f-14ab-5eab-8a17-cf7d669a25f9.html