Tampa, FL – Protesters converged in solidarity with the struggle in Gaza to denounce Joe Biden’s visit to the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus on April 23. Nearly 400 protesters thronged the sidewalks surrounding the entrance, chanting and waving Palestinian flags.

Biden’s visit was ostensibly to speak in support of women’s rights in the face of the Florida abortion ban, a ban Biden and the Democratic Party essentially allowed to happen. Many protesters were quick to point out the hypocrisy of Biden claiming to champion women’s rights while he continues to sell weapons to Israel who have used them to murder tens of thousands of women in Gaza. One major focus of the protest was showing Joe Biden that his adamant support for Israel will cost him the upcoming presidential election in November.

The protest was organized by several groups including the Tampa Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression, and the Bay Area Dream Defenders, and drew together mainly college students and Arab American community members.

The event was a major success, with only 24-hour notice as to the location of Joe Biden’s speaking event. The local coalition of organizations working to provide solidarity to the Palestinian resistance is on the move and continuing to put pressure on politicians to end the support the United States is providing to Israel.

#TampaFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #Biden #DNC2024 #NAARPR #DreamDefenders

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Hundreds of protests took place across the world on January 25, to demand no new U.S. war in Iran, an end to Trump’s violence and sanctions against Iran, and the removal of U.S. troops from the Middle East. In Fort Lauderdale, 35 activists gathered outside of the federal courthouse to join the global day of protest.

The diverse and energized group rallied on the busy intersection of Broward Boulevard, blasting protest music from speakers, holding signs and banners, and chanting loudly. People driving by opened their windows to share peace-signs and fists of solidarity, truck and bus drivers honked loudly in approval.

The activists at the rally held bright signs that read, “We need union jobs, not a war on Iran,” and “We need universal healthcare, not a war on Iran,” along with a super-sized red banner with the words, “Forward without war and capitalism.” The activists took part in an interactive art display by local social-justice artist Huong, who was also in attendance. Huong created double-sided painted canvases with messages of peace and justice, one piece taking five activists to spell out the words, “No war.”

After an hour of chanting, the activists gathered to listen to local grassroots organizers speak about the importance of continuing to oppose U.S. wars. Those in attendance were also encouraged to call and email their senators when they returned home to demand Senators Rubio and Scott vote “Yes” on the war powers resolution that passed the House. The resolution would force the president to get congressional approval before conducting military strikes against Iran. The group also signed onto a letter of apology being circulated by CodePink addressed to the people of Iran, by the people of the United States, apologizing for our government’s decades of intervention in their country.

While the global day of action was endorsed by most national and international anti-war organizations, the local South Florida rally was organized largely by People’s Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism (POWIR) and Dream Defenders.

#FortLauderdaleFL #International #AntiwarMovement #Iraq #Iran #US #MiddleEast #PeoplesStruggles #DreamDefenders #DonaldTrump #PeoplesOppositionToWarImperialismAndRacism #NoWarWithIran

On Feb. 3, TPD Officer David Stith shot and killed Jeremy Lett outside of his apartment complex. Police claim Lett matched the description of a burglary suspect from the complex. Lett was unarmed and had no criminal record. Officer Stith is now on paid administrative leave.

Outside the Leon County Courthouse, student protesters held signs, “End police brutality” and “Jail killer cops.” Regina Joseph of the Tallahassee Dream Defenders led chants, “No justice, no peace, no racist police!” and “Jeremy means we have to fight back.”

During the rally, Shivaani Ehsaan from the Dream Defenders called for “an end to police terror in Tallahassee and for the implementation of a civilian review board with firing power over the police department.”

After the rally, the students marched into the courthouse. They stormed the State Attorney’s Office, to ask him to press charges against Officer David Stith. The receptionist at the office told the protesters that Meggs was not available.

“We tried to set up a meeting with William Meggs, but he is refusing to meet with us,” explained Brian Marshall from the Tallahassee Dream Defenders.

Ellena Fisher, with Dream Defenders said, “Everyone in the office was not the least bit concerned as to why we were there. They didn’t care about Jeremy’s death.”

The students chanted and sung hymns, demanding that Meggs come out and meet with them. Police came into the lobby and threatened to arrest them for disruption. The students were not discouraged however, and continued to chant, demanding a response from the state attorney.

After a few minutes a representative from the office came out to speak with the protesters. He said that the state attorney would not be meeting with them.

“There is a dire need for institutional change within the political structure and how our officials are not even responding to our needs,” said Lenisha Gibson, a Florida State junior.

Another student, Naomi Bradley, added, “William Meggs is a coward, and we will no longer stand for his failure to defend Black and Brown bodies.”

The students vow to continue the campaign to attain justice for Jeremy “Jed” Lett. The grand jury convenes Feb. 26 at 8:30 a.m. to decide whether or not to indict David Stith.

#TallahasseeFL #TallahaseeFL #AfricanAmerican #PoliceBrutality #DreamDefenders #DavidStith #JeremyLett

“This could have been me,” said Mariam Aboulela from the Muslim Student Association. FSU students of all different nationalities and religions on campus joined her. After the vigil the Muslim students hosted a prayer for the victims.

Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were shot and killed by an anti-Muslim bigot in their apartment complex in Chapel Hill. Barakat was a dental student; all three were Arab Americans.

The attack prompted vigils and actions all over the country to speak out against the islamophobia fueling the murder. The Muslim Student Association, Students for Justice in Palestine, Dream Defenders and Students for a Democratic Society gathered at FSU.

With attacks on Muslims and Arab-Americans occurring on a daily basis, students across the country are speaking out against islamophobia as well as the negative stereotypes of Muslims portrayed in the U.S. media.

#TallahasseeFL #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #Islamophobia #DreamDefenders #Antiracism #StudentsForJusticeInPalestine #DeahShaddyBarakat #RazanMohammadAbuSalha #MuslimStudentAssociation #YusorMohammadAbuSalha

The victory results from an organizing campaign targeting FSU President John Thrasher and Governor Rick Scott. The Board of Governors is now set to vote on the decision to stay unified and strengthen their relationship.

“Having the College of Engineering maintain its partnership is great news for both parties. Now we can focus on the known, solvable issues that can improve the execution of our mission, as opposed to being distracted by decisions that may or may not even result in research, educational and social goals both universities want to achieve,” explained Ruben Nelson, former Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineers.

The Tallahassee Dream Defenders and National Society for Black Engineers led the charge against the racist bill, first proposed by FSU’s current president John Thrasher. With the help of allies such as FAMU Student Government Association, FAMU President Dr. Elmira Mangum and Students for a Democratic Society, they resisted an attack on African American students’ education rights.

The coalition rejected the Engineering School split for several reasons. First, the decision was announced abruptly in between the transition of both the FAMU and the FSU presidents. Second, many denounced the proposal as ‘separate but equal.’ It also reminded many of FSU’s previous action to open a law school, resulting in the relocation of the FAMU’s law school to Orlando.

Coupled with photo petitions and a viral media campaign, the coalition of groups worked hard for victory. As reported previously by Fight Back! in 2014, “Students from Florida State University (FSU) and the historically Black college Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), gathered outside the state capitol building on the morning of April 23. Despite final exams, they joined together to speak out against the split of the joint FAMU-FSU Engineering School.”

Additionally, FAMU Student Government Association (SGA) successfully passed an amendment to condemn the split, but FSU’s student government did not. The students also had an ally, FAMU President Dr. Elmira Mangum, who supported the students. The FAMU SGA donated to the efforts of the Dream Defenders. Then, over the summer, students continued to organize. As a result, Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford postponed the decision until the next Board of Governors meeting in spring 2015. On Feb. 19, the Board will reinforce the existing relationship between the two universities.

“Powerful interests will always try to stop the power of students. It is up to us to collectively build that power to stop racist actions such as this,” said a smiling Shivaani Eshaan of Dream Defenders.

#TallahasseeFL #GovernorRickScott #DreamDefenders #JohnThrasher #FloridaStateUniversityFAMU #FAMUEngineeringSchool #FloridaAgriculturalMechanicalUniversityFAMU

Within the past year killer cops in Tallahassee have shot five people, mostly African American and other minorities. On Feb. 3, another act of violence was committed against our people. Unarmed 28-year-old Jeremy Lett was shot by police officer David Stith. Jeremy Lett committed no crime, except for the fact that he looked like a “suspected robber.” Police officer David Stith has had a history of violence, was suspended for excessive force in May 2012 and later suspended for 40 hours after yelling obscenities towards members of the Girl Scouts.

We call on those in power to immediately fire Stith from the police department and to press charges against the officer.

We want to see democratic changes made to the practices of the department; we want our communities to be empowered to fight against the brutality and terror that is inflicted upon us. This system of white supremacy can no longer stand.

We call for the following:

1. We demand that Mayor Andrew Gillum use his power to call for the firing of all killer cops and to press charges against those who are convicted of police brutality,
2. We call on Gillum to support a community controlled and community-led initiative by supporting the establishment of a citizens review board,
3. We want Gillum to address the issues of racism and white supremacy within the department.
4. We call on State Attorney Willie Meggs to press charges against Police Officer David Stith and to end the over prosecution of Black communities.
5. Police Chief Michael De Leo must fire all killer cops and press charges against the officers responsible.

We demand that the City of Tallahassee address the needs of African American and other oppressed people. We are ready to take action and we are committed towards dismantling the unchallenged hegemony of police terror amongst our communities. We will no longer stand for the genocide and murder of our people. The white supremacist system of the U.S. that has oppressed and profited off slavery and the murder of oppressed peoples for the past 200 years must come to an end. We want to see political empowerment and national liberation for African Americans and other oppressed peoples.

In our effort to dismantle Police Terror in Tallahassee, we are holding a Call-in Day on Wednesday, Feb. 11 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to put pressure on those in power. We want our power and our voices to be known.

Call Chief of Police Michael De Leo at 850-891-4341 and Call State Attorney Willie Meggs at 850-606-6000. For more information on the case and for general call-in scripts: https://www.facebook.com/events/414924218675053/

End Police Terror! Send Killer Cops to Jail!

#TallahasseeFL #PoliceBrutality #DreamDefenders

“Trans oppression is a struggle faced all over the world, from the millions of Indian transgender people who face massive unemployment, homelessness, rape and torture, to the 40% of American trans people who attempt suicide each year. We must smash trans oppression to achieve true liberation,” said a transgender woman who spoke at the event.

Regina Joseph of Dream Defenders addressed the crowd, “Trans people, especially those of color, are more likely to be attacked by the police. We must come together to smash all systems of oppression because our liberation is linked together.”

“Every day trans people are violently oppressed simply for being who they are and we need to radically change society’s views of gender if we want trans liberation,” said Katherine Draken from Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

The event educated people about the murder of Jennifer Laude by a U.S. Marine at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Laude’s murder falls under the U.S. Military’s Visiting Forces Agreement, so the Philippine government has little to no say in prosecuting the U.S. Marine. U.S. Marine Joseph Pemberton committed a hate crime when he choked Jennifer Laude to death for being transgender. The U.S. conducts aggressive war games and oversees a counter-insurgency war against Filipino revolutionaries, so U.S. forces are given special treatment for their crimes.

The recent suicide death of teenager Leelah Alcorn in Cincinnati, Ohio, after her parents attempt to force her into ‘conversion’ therapy, is inspiring protests and vigils as well.

Student organizers and many around the country hope that recent incidents will launch a new struggle for transgender rights. Protest movements from the Philippines and India are inspiring activists in other parts of the world, including the U.S.

The Center for Participant Education, Dream Defenders, Students for a Democratic Society and The F-Word called the vigil to speak out for transgender liberation.

#TallahasseFL #TallahasseeFL #StudentMovement #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #transgender #DreamDefenders #TransLivesMatter

Tallahassee, FL- Over 50 people marched demanding justice in the police killing of Kaldrick Donald in Gretna, Nov. 5. Gretna is a small African American town just west of Tallahassee, where 30% of residents live below the poverty line. City Manager Antonio Jefferson and five full-time police officers rule the town of 1709 people.

On Oct. 28, Police Sergeant Charles Brown killed 24-year-old Kaldrick Donald in his own home. On that night, as on others, Juanita Donald called and asked police to take her son Kaldrick to a nearby behavioral health center. Officer Brown came in the house, tased her son, and then shot him dead in the bathroom. Juanita Donald was just steps away and witnessed her son cry out after Officer Brown’s first shot.

Greg J. Brown, the lawyer for Kaldrick Donald’s family said, “What I think we need to do, this group right here, is on the first Tuesday of month we will go to city hall. We must voice our concerns against those we have elected into power.”

In response to the police murder, the residents of Gretna showed their anger and marched down to city hall calling for the arrest of Officer Brown on Nov. 5. During the town hall meeting, residents gave testimony.

A close friend, Antwaun Causey, said, “I have been unable to sleep since the night of the incident. I still have pictures in my head of the incident. I had to help his mother clean up the blood. They shot him right in front of his pregnant sister. It is absolutely unconscionable the way the officer shot this man.”

Regina Joseph, with Dream Defenders at Florida State University, spoke for the students, “All over this country, Black communities are subjected to state violence and police terror and not much has changed over the past 200 years. Everyone from the city manager to the police department is corrupt and has exploited the town of Gretna both economically and physically.”

The African American people in Gretna are fed up with the oppressive conditions they face in the South. The people of Ferguson, Missouri showed there is a way to fight back and people are no longer afraid to stand up. The small town of Gretna echoes that sentiment and people are yearning to find a way to change the conditions of their daily lives.

#TallahasseeFL #AfricanAmerican #PoliceBrutality #DreamDefenders #KaldrickDonald

This development came a day after Tallahassee Dream Defender activists protested outside of State Attorney Meggs' office. The Dream Defenders demanded the arrest of Officer Mahan and justice for Viola Young. The state attorney office described the use of a stun gun on Viola Young as unnecessary. Meggs said he is willing to charge Officer Mahan, if Tallahassee Police Department Chief Michael DeLeo arrests Mahan.

President of the Florida State University chapter of Dream Defenders, Brian Marshall, said, “We're happy that the unjust charges against her and her family members have been dropped. State Attorney Meggs is trying to pass the buck to Police Chief DeLeo. Both of them need to hold corrupt cops responsible. We're going to keep the pressure up!”

#TallahasseeFL #PoliceBrutality #AfricanAmerican #DreamDefenders #ViolaYoung

Tallahassee, FL – Members of the Tallahassee Dream Defenders rallied outside of the Leon County Courthouse, Oct. 9. With community members and the local press on hand, protesters chanted “Hey hey, ho, ho, crooked cops have got to go,” and demanded the arrest of Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) cop Terry Mahan.

On Oct. 1, Officer Terry Mahan brutally use a stun gun on a 61-year-old African American woman, Viola Young, as she walked away from him. She was arrested for resisting an officer after she was assaulted by the stun gun and knocked unconscious. Previously, Mahan and members of the TPD had harassed and arrested three other residents after illegally searching them. Since that time, the TPD police chief has placed Officer Mahan on paid leave and promised an investigation into the incident. Members of the Tallahassee Dream Defenders are angry about that.

“I think that the people deserve more than a promise of transparency from the chief of police,” said Tallahassee Dream Defenders organizer Angelique Fullwood. “We are tired of being treated like second class citizens. Officer Mahan needs to be charged and arrested for his crimes.”

Dream Defenders and community members were on hand to demand that State Attorney Willie Meggs file charges and arrest Officer Mahan. They were also there to demand an end to stop and frisk zones in Frenchtown, a historical Black neighborhood in Tallahassee.

Students and community members marched into State Attorney Willie Meggs office, singing, “ We who believe in freedom shall not rest until it's won.” Meggs and his office refused to meet with protesters.

“Officers all over the U.S. are hurting people and not being held accountable for their decisions,” said Naomi Brown, member of the FAMU chapter of Dream Defenders. “We are gonna keep up the pressure until justice is won.”

Dream Defenders have promised more action on this case until community demands are met.

#TallahasseeFL #AfricanAmerican #PoliceBrutality #RacismInTheCriminalJusticeSystem #DreamDefenders #ViolaYoung #TerryMahan

Tallahassee, FL – Around 100 Dream Defenders and community members gathered in Lake Ella Park, Aug. 18, to speak out against the police murder of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown. The rally also focused on the injustice of police brutality and systematic racism perpetuated by the U.S. The crowd was tired of the criminalization of Black and Brown people.

Dream Defenders President Brian Marshall started off the action, stating, “We must no longer stand for this New Jim Crow system and we must put an end to the criminalization of our youth.” The demonstrators then marched on the Tallahassee Police Department. The crowd was upbeat with their hands up, chanting “Hands up, don’t shoot! “ Protesters gathered at the entrance of the Police Department where one by one, protesters voiced their anger with the racist status quo.

The rally not only brought attention to the killing of Mike Brown but also to brought to light to the misuse of police power and instances of police brutality in the Tallahassee community.

Vice president of the Dream Defenders, Regina Joseph, spoke on police misuse of power. She recounted the horrific case of a police shooting at a Tallahassee club. An unarmed teenager, Duane Strong, was killed by a police officer in the parking lot. The officer later claimed Strong attempted to back into the officer’s car. Although there were no grounds for the shooting, the police officer has yet to face any punishment whatsoever. Since 2000, over 24 cases of police shooting have occurred where there have been instances of police brutality or misuse of power, yet no real investigation has occurred.

FAMU Dream Defenders Vice president, Everton Foster, spoke out against the misuse of police power and accountability, stating, “At the root of police brutality problem is power. The American government has given the police excessive weaponry, excessive power and has made them responsible for very little.”

Other protesters brought light to issues regarding the downright racist misconduct used by police. Florida State University Dream Defenders organizer, Shivaani Ehsaan, stated, “ We must stand against oppression wherever it takes place. We are now seeing the violent use of American power both abroad and at home. We must stand with the Palestinian people who are facing the oppression of Israeli bombings done with the help of the U.S.”

The continued uprising in Ferguson and the nationwide actions in solidarity are finally putting the system of the New Jim Crow under trial by the people. Missouri police have resorted to tear gas and jailing protesters. To add another insult to injury, Missouri’s Governor Nixon has gone as far as to call in the National Guard. As a result of this blatant disregard for Black and Brown life, the widespread discontent has now growing.

#TallahasseeFl #TallahasseeFL #PeoplesStruggles #FloridaStateUniversity #DreamDefenders #Antiracism #FAMU #FSU #MichaelBrown #MikeBrown

Tallahassee, FL – Around 100 Dream Defenders and community members gathered in Lake Ella Park, Aug. 18, to speak out against the police murder of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown. The rally also focused on the injustice of police brutality and systematic racism perpetuated by the U.S. The crowd was tired of the criminalization of Black and Brown people.

Dream Defenders President Brian Marshall started off the action, stating, “We must no longer stand for this New Jim Crow system and we must put an end to the criminalization of our youth.” The demonstrators then marched on the Tallahassee Police Department. The crowd was upbeat with their hands up, chanting “Hands up, don’t shoot! “ Protesters gathered at the entrance of the Police Department where one by one, protesters voiced their anger with the racist status quo.

The rally not only brought attention to the killing of Mike Brown but also to brought to light to the misuse of police power and instances of police brutality in the Tallahassee community.

Vice president of the Dream Defenders, Regina Joseph, spoke on police misuse of power. She recounted the horrific case of a police shooting at a Tallahassee club. An unarmed teenager, Duane Strong, was killed by a police officer in the parking lot. The officer later claimed Strong attempted to back into the officer’s car. Although there were no grounds for the shooting, the police officer has yet to face any punishment whatsoever. Since 2000, over 24 cases of police shooting have occurred where there have been instances of police brutality or misuse of power, yet no real investigation has occurred.

FAMU Dream Defenders Vice president, Everton Foster, spoke out against the misuse of police power and accountability, stating, “At the root of police brutality problem is power. The American government has given the police excessive weaponry, excessive power and has made them responsible for very little.”

Other protesters brought light to issues regarding the downright racist misconduct used by police. Florida State University Dream Defenders organizer, Avinash Ramanathan, stated, “ We must stand against oppression wherever it takes place. We are now seeing the violent use of American power both abroad and at home. We must stand with the Palestinian people who are facing the oppression of Israeli bombings done with the help of the U.S.”

The continued uprising in Ferguson and the nationwide actions in solidarity are finally putting the system of the New Jim Crow under trial by the people. Missouri police have resorted to tear gas and jailing protesters. To add another insult to injury, Missouri’s Governor Nixon has gone as far as to call in the National Guard. As a result of this blatant disregard for Black and Brown life, the widespread discontent has now growing.

#PeoplesStruggles #FloridaStateUniversity #DreamDefenders #Antiracism #Tallahassee #FAMU #FSU #MichaelBrown #MikeBrown