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Watch January’s SUMMIT AGAINST RACISM on TV
On January 22-23 Pittsburgh was hit with its worst snow storm of the winter, and yet more than 500 people came to the multicultural, multi-racial initiative of the Black and White Reunion. The theme was “Power Concedes Nothing Without a Demand.” Frederick Douglass
Fortunately for those unable to attend, a lively hour depicting the Summit will air on COMCAST 21 and VERIZON FIOS 47, every Monday at 9 PM during May and June within the city limits. Internet access is available at www.youtube.com/richfishpgh.
Participants were entertained by the youth singers and musicians from the Hope Academy of Music and Arts and by the Steel City Bhangra dancers from Pitt.
Kimberly Merrell, Director of the Urban Metro Institute of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, welcomed the Summit participants. She pointed out that a black person is killed every 48 hours by police, security guards, or “stand your ground” criminals. “ We cannot consider ourselves in a ‘post-racial’ era while black communities are left out of employment, education , training and full financing for ownership of homes and new minority businesses.”
Dr John Welch, Dean of Students at the Seminary, explained how economics was the foundation of slavery and of oppressive systems still in operation to our present day. White Americans, who do not understand this economic system, cannot understand today’s racism or the continual lack of economic justice in the black community. If white people fail to understand these powerful economic factors at work, and fail to take strong actions to remedy the injustices, then racism will continue to breed hostilities and incite conflicts.
Tim Stevens, Founder of Black and White Reunion, and current chair of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP), explained its history. The organization was a response to a tragedy. In 1995, Jonny Gammage was murdered by white police in a local suburb. His only crime was “driving while black” in an expensive car, at night, in a predominantly white neighborhood. Out of this case and other examples of racist police actions, many positive reforms have been taken by the community. Endless petitions, rallies, and demonstrations, and the quiet work of meeting and organizing, have produced results.
A Federal Consent Decree was issued and the Civilian Police Review Board was created. Then, after the Jordan Miles beating by police, and other examples of unprofessional behavior, the Pittsburgh City Council passed four pieces of legislation. In 2015, Mayor Peduto hired Police Chief Cameron McLay to improve training, supervision and community relations.
Other stories that exemplify the values of the Summit came from Lois “ Toni” McClendon and Randa Shannon. Their lives reflect a parallel black and white reunion. Toni grew up in a respectable black family in Northern Virginia, while Randa grew up in a family of KKK leaders in the South. In different cities, they both participated in “Free Angela Davis” rallies. When Randa moved to Pittsburgh they became friends and worked for civil rights and women’s issues. Until recently, Toni produced the B-PEP radio program on WGBN- AM.
Jewish Voices for Peace PGH representative, Ella Mason, spoke concerning their efforts to end Israeli occupation and to help bring peace between Jews and Palestinians. The Summit included a workshop and a Solidarity Room devoted to the difficulties confronting people in Gaza and the West Bank. A couple of local rabbis requested that the Palestinian programs be eliminated. Rev Dr David Esterline , President of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, along with Summit organizers, stood firm in their support of inclusion of these programs in the Summit Against Racism.
Michael David Battle, poet with Trans Voices and Garden of Peace, read his Open Letters.
So if you missed the Summit or would like to see it again, catch it on TV during May and June, every Monday at 9 PM.Or go to Rich Fishkin’s YouTube account at “richfishpgh.”
Carlana Rhoten is the PCTV21 community producer of Progressive PGH Notebook TV Series and can be reached at 412-363-7472 or tvnotebook@gmail.com.