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

Fight Back! reporter Fernando Figueroa sat down with Michael Sampson, one of the Nashville 5 arrested on July 12, to discuss what happened, how he was released from jail and what's next for the movement. Fight Back!: Can you tell us what happened?

Michael Sampson: On Saturday, July 12, the Freedom Side collective held an action outside of the National Governor's Association [NGA]. Freedom Side is a network of different Black and Latino organizations addressing immigrant rights, the school to prison pipeline and fighting for fair wages and against voter suppression. I was there representing the Dream Defenders. We had activists from all over the country converge on the NGA meeting, talking about the issues that matter to us the most. Members of organizations like United We Dream, the Ohio Students Association, Baltimore Algebra Project, Fight for 15 and the Nashville Put Peoples First coalition where on hand.

We marched a mile to the Omni hotel in downtown Nashville, site of the NGA, and where greeted by state troopers and hotel security who initially prevented us from walking on the public sidewalk in front of the hotel. However, we told them we have a right to public space and we kept on marching to in front of the hotel.

Our plan was to enter the hotel and demand a meeting with a representative of the NGA to talk to us about our issues. However, we were met with even more security and police who formed a half circle, around the hotel, blocking us from entering. We proceeded to rally outside the hotel, hearing passionate speeches from those in the crowd.

A delegation from members of the Ohio Student Association and Dream Defenders were told from a hotel representative that they would talk to the NGA about them sending someone out to talk to us. However, we knew it was lies on their part and we told them we were staying until we met with someone.

Their plan was to wait us out however and we decided collectively as a group that we would drop our banner in front of us and in front of the state troopers. However, the Tennessee Highway Patrol immediately approached those trying to drop the banner. They grabbed them and started turning them around attempting to cuff them. Malayla Lynch from the Ohio Students Association was the first to get taken by the troopers. Marshawn and Aaron from OSA were next with James Hayes being arrested after. It all happened fast. When I saw this I went forward to ascertain what was happening and I was arrested as well.

Fight Back!: What role did racism and national oppression play in getting arrested and put in jail?

Sampson: Our arrests were a direct result of police and state troopers who were on edge because Black and Latino youth, wearing mostly black, were protesting. Our chants were militant. We were chanting and speaking about racism in our own states and how the NGA should stop being scared of activists and meet with us. We told the police that we weren’t leaving until we got a meeting. It was just another example of the police abusing Black and Latino youth, just like they do across the country, especially in the South for Black youth and in the Southwest for Chicano youth.

Fight Back!: Do you think public pressure played a role in getting free?

Sampson: Definitely. Public pressure always makes the difference. People’s support and knowing we had our comrades on the outside fighting to get us out kept our spirits high when we were detained and knowing how quickly our folks organized an outside campaign for us is powerful. Many thanks go out to all those who called in or took action to defend the Nashville 5, including myself.

Fight Back!: Were the charges dropped? What's next for you and the Nashville 5?

Sampson: The charges were dropped. The judges threw them out saying the state troopers were too overzealous in arresting us. They didn't give ample enough warning and we weren't even mirandized by our arresting officers.

What's next is simple – keep taking action and organizing. It's important for us to unite around fighting against racism and national oppression while building organization necessary to challenge the system. We have to build power to take power for Black and Brown communities. Freedom Side Collective is about action and challenging those like the NGA who continuously support oppressive policies in their states as well as my organization Dream Defenders. There is a lot in store planned for us. The struggle continues!

Michael Sampson is an organizer with Dream Defenders, a organization of black and brown youth in Florida confronting racism and fighting for the liberation of all oppressed peoples. For more information visit dreamdefenders.org You can find Michael on twitter @brotherflourish

#NashvilleTN #NashevilleTN #InJusticeSystem #DreamDefenders #MichaelSampson #FreedomSide #NationalGovernorsAssociation

Nashville, TN – On July 12, five people – Malaya Lynch, Marshawn McCarrel, Aaron Hayes, James Hayes and Mike Sampson – were arrested here without warning. Over 100 people held a protest that coincided with the meeting of the National Governors Association. The cops acted unjustly when they arrested the Nashville 5. The five people were booked by the Davidson County Sheriff's Office and a project is currently underway to raise bail for them.

For more information, please visit https://donate.advancementproject.org/page/contribute/make-a-donation-to-freedom-side and see how you can help.

The number for the Davidson County Sheriff's Office is 615-862-8123. Please call and demand that the Nashville 5 be released and the charges be dropped.

Free the Nashville 5! Drop the Charges!

#NashvilleTN #PoliticalPrisoners #politicalRepression #DreamDefenders #Nashville5

Tampa, FL – Activists from the Tampa Bay area organized a protest on June 27 in response to a U.S. intervention in Iraq. It was an emergency action in response to President Obama’s sending military advisors to Iraq, and the flying of U.S. drones over Baghdad.

Speakers addressed an array of issues, from President Obama’s continuation of U.S. wars,to the oppression of nations by imperialism, as well as anti-war activists facing political repression by the FBI—for speaking out against US wars.

“The US has no interest in the wellbeing of the Iraqi people, and the millions of dead Iraqis from the past 94 years of US and British domination are a testament to that,” said Gage Lacharite from Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society.

Jesse Nevel of the Uhuru Solidarity Movement facilitated the rally and stated, “Up with Iraqi liberation. Down with war and occupation” and described the US government’s foreign policy as “parasitic”, connecting current US imperialism to the history of enslaving and murdering African people.

Jessica Schwartz from Stop FBI – Tampa Bay talked about the U.S. government persecution of Arab Americans and Muslims for their political activity, as well as the Antiwar 23 who were raided by the FBI in 2010. “People fighting against the system and opposing U.S. wars, occupations, and military interventions like the one in Iraq are attacked by the US government, which prides itself on so-called ‘freedom of speech’”.

Marisol Marquez from Raices en Tampa linked the US meddling in the Middle East with the history of oppression in the US. “With its history of seizing Mexican land, committing genocide against Native Americans and enslaving Africans, how can this country possibly know what another country needs? Invading another country was not okay back then, and it sure as hell is not okay now.”

Jared Hamil from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization explained about the current situation in Iraq: “Sometimes there are many forces and groups at play. It can be confusing. And we ask ourselves where do we stand. We must always stand on the side of the people, not with those who attempt to build the US Empire. History shows that those two are never on the same side. We must stand with those who oppose imperialism, with those who fight imperialism”.

Organizations included in the protest were St. Pete for Peace, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Uhuru Solidarity Movement, Stop FBI Repression – Tampa Bay, Raices en Tampa, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society, and Tampa Dream Defenders.

#TampaFL #AntiwarMovement #Obama #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #SDS #Iraq #Imperialism #Bush #DreamDefenders #Intervention #RaicesEnTampa #USF #War #2001 #ISIS #MiddleEast

Tallahassee, FL – On May 21, at a meeting of the Florida State University Presidential Search Advisory Committee, Tallahassee Dream Defenders spoke out against the nomination of Senator John Thrasher as the new Florida State University (FSU) president. Students from Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), FSU Progress Coalition and Graduate Assistants United joined them.

At the committee meeting a motion passed naming Florida Senator John Thrasher as the sole nominee of the presidential search. The committee’s vote of 15-9 in support of this controversial motion, despite the overwhelming opposition by students and faculty who all voted no, raises several red flags. The process for choosing the nominee is being criticized for its undemocratic nature. In addition, John Thrasher made many statements alluding to wanting the job, but failed to apply like other candidates. Thrasher is being given special treatment and students say it is because he is rich and politically powerful. They also say Thrasher is racist and anti-worker.

As reported previously by Fight Back!, John Thrasher has a history of opposing the interests of African American students in Tallahassee. Earlier this year, Thrasher proposed an amendment at the Florida State Capitol to split the FAMU-FSU engineering school, treating the historically Black college students at FAMU like second-class citizens. However, due to duplication laws, the proposed split faces legal issues. FSU’s Engineering College would be forced to relocate, similar to the displacement of FAMU’s law school, from Tallahassee to Orlando.

As the president of FSU Dream Defenders, Brian Marshall is concerned, “Thrasher has ignored the voices of students. For example, in his support of the engineering school split.”

There is also John Thrasher’s support for harsher sentencing policies that feed mass incarceration of African American, Latino and working class youth in the state of Florida. Thrasher accepts political contributions from private prison corporations like CCA and GEO Group. These companies take taxpayer dollars and are repeat human rights violators. Politicians like Thrasher vote to give them more contracts and money.

Thrasher’s record of criminalizing African American and Latino communities does not end here. Thrasher supported bringing racist Arizona-style immigration laws to Florida. With Florida students recently winning in-state tuition for undocumented students, will FSU be a safe place for the undocumented under Thrasher? Students are raising concerns that Thrasher will use his position as FSU President to perpetuate racist discrimination and national oppression against African Americans and Latinos in Florida.

As well, students and faculty question the motives of the hiring firm, R. William Funk and Associates. This is the same company responsible for the current Purdue University president Mitch Daniels, the reactionary former Governor of Indiana. Funk and Associates is currently under a non-competitive contract, meaning that Funk cannot pursue other work until this is settled. Members of the faculty claimed that William Funk is rushing the process in order to pursue more profitable jobs for other universities.

Students are upset with the lack of transparency in this search process. Dream Defenders and Students for a Democratic Society protested and spoke out during previous meetings of the Presidential Search Committee. In addition, members of FSU faculty are advocating for an academic, not a right-wing politician like Thrasher, to become the next FSU president. However it was not until May 21 that Thrasher was even confirmed as a nominee, while the voices of students and faculty are being completely ignored. Now the faculty union representing 1600 educators opposes the process and wants Funk and Associates replaced.

Jerry Funt, co-president of the FSU Progress Coalition, expressed that the students were prepared to resist John Thrasher. “The search committee, the search firm, the FSU Board of Trustees and John Thrasher all must take note; nothing that happens here will go unnoticed. We've been vocal, we've been consistent and we've been watching this process. Whoever the new president is, they will answer to us first and foremost; the decision as to who the president is should reflect that.”

Regina Joseph, vice-president of FSU Dream Defenders vows that if the Search Committee continues with its nomination, students will march against John Thrasher.

#TallahasseeFL #StudentsForADemocraticSociety #FloridaStateUniversity #DreamDefenders #ReginaJoseph #JohnThrasher

Engineering students from both colleges, as well as students of other majors, spoke out vigorously against the proposal. The students were angered by the lack of democracy in the process. Student voices were never once heard when administrators put the proposal through. Many students denounce the proposal as a ‘separate but equal’ policy that treats students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as second-class students.

Brian Marshall, the campus president of FSU Dream Defenders, stated, “This proposal reeks of racism and sends a clear message that predominantly white institutions view themselves as superior over Black institutions.” Students chanted with passion, “Separate but equal is not for the people,” and, “FAMU or FSU, we believe in one goal, one E- school! One E-school! One E-School!” The Engineering School was a joint program run by both universities for 32 years. Reactionary Florida State Senator John Thrasher made the proposal to separate the two schools. John Thrasher is the campaign manager for Florida Governor Rick Scott and is vying for the spot as President of Florida State University. The split is being done under the guise of turning FSU into a Top 25 University.

Regina Joseph, FSU vice-president of Dream Defenders, stated, “FSU may be trying to be a Top 25 university, but it is clearly not concerned with being a Top 25 university in racial diversity and inclusiveness.”

Engineering students took time from their projects and called out the undemocratic move and stated unequivocally that the school would be best served if it stayed united. With only one week left to stop this racist proposal from coming to fruition, organizations like Dream Defenders and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) are urgently working to stop the split. African-American students in Tallahassee are angered by this second-class treatment. Many students conclude there is an utter disregard from both Florida politicians and campus administrators. Student organizers vow to thrash racism wherever they see it.

#TallahasseeFL #AntiRacism #BlackStudentMovement #FloridaStateUniversity #DreamDefenders #FloridaAgriculturalAndMechanicalUniversity

Tallahassee, FL – About 150 members of Dream Defenders, an organization dedicated to fighting against racism while building the power of Black and Brown youth, marched into the Florida Capitol, March 3 to confront the Florida law makers and Governor Rick Scott with chants and protest on the first day of legislative session.

The Dream Defenders started with a press conference, where speakers denounced Governor Rick Scott’s draconian policies directed against Black and Brown youth and told how racism is still alive and killing our children in Florida.

“Look around you,” said Amanda Merced, member of FSU Dream Defenders, “We’re in a war zone,” describing Florida’s political climate.

Speakers blasted racist laws like ‘Stand Your Ground,’ the school-to-prison pipeline, and the murders of black youth like Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis.

“We’re out here with Dream Defenders from chapters all over Florida to make it known that America never loved us, Governor Scott never loved us and this criminal injustice system never loved us,” said Regina Joseph, Vice-president of the FSU Dream Defenders.

After the press conference the Dream Defenders marched to the fourth floor of the capitol building and formed two lines in between the Senate and House chambers, as politicians gathered for the first day ceremonial legislative services. Dream Defenders sang, “ Mama, can’t you see, what the system’s done to me,” to the chagrin of Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who rushed to shut down the chants.

“You can’t sing or chant in here or you’ll get kicked out and arrested,” said the Sergeant at Arms of the Florida Senate.

However, Dream Defenders organizer Michael Sampson kept singing and chanting as Capitol police approached him and the other protesters.

“They thought they could intimidate and scare us from using our voice,” said Sampson. “However we kept chanting and we kept disturbing business as usual because that’s what it takes for these corrupt politicians to understand that we’re serious.”

Jacques Jean-Pierre, of FSU Dream Defenders, spoke of his first direct action, “Mike [Michael Sampson] was the first to be told to shut up to his face by an angry security guard. But he stood his ground and gave us all strength to persevere. They had no choice but to let us be.”

Phillip Agnew , executive director of Dream Defenders addressed the crowd after the Capitol Police scare tactics: “They want us to be quiet or leave. You know what we’re gonna do? We ain’t going nowhere. We ain’t going nowhere. Turn up! Turn up! Turn up!”

Dream Defender Elijah Armstrong led chants of, “We fired! We can’t take it no more!” Regional organizer Sherika Shaw led chants of “Who are we? Good kids! Who are we? Good kids! Where are we? Mad cities! Where are we? Mad cities!”

Members of the Florida legislature were even tweeting during the session that they could hear the Dream Defender chants inside the Senate and House chambers.

Governor Scott was slated to give his State of the State address at noon in the House Chambers. The Dream Defenders positioned themselves in front of the House Chambers to directly confront him before he entered. Unlike most past governors delivering State of the State addresses, Scott avoided the protesters and found a way in the House Chambers through back way passages.

“He was cowardly,” said Tallahassee Dream Defender activist Delance Burnsides. “If you look at it from a political image standpoint, he conceded power to us because he feared us.”

The Dream Defenders is the same organization that held the historic Florida Capitol occupation for 30 days last summer, demanding Justice for Trayvon Martin, after the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman.

Governor Scott and the Republican-dominated legislature passed legislation earlier this week, inspired by the last year’s Dream Defenders occupation of the Capitol that bars protesters from staying overnight in the capitol.

“He’s doing everything to close us out and close the people out,” said Dream Defender Brian Marshall, President of the FSU chapter of Dream Defenders. “They can try to keep us out all they want but best believe we’re ready and we’re coming.”

Currently Dream Defenders is involved with numerous campaigns addressing racial injustice including pushing legislation to repeal Stand Your Ground law, the school-to-prison pipeline, along with campus campaigns, including university divestment from private prisons at the University of Central Florida, Justice for Reefa Hernandez (a young latino male killed by police brutality) in Miami, fighting for Black and Brown studies, and against racist hate speech at FSU.

To learn more visit dreamdefenders.org.

#TallahasseeFL #StudentMovement #AfricanAmerican #ChicanoLatino #RacismInTheCriminalJusticeSystem #DreamDefenders #Antiracism

Washington DC – More than 300,000 people are gathered on the mall today for the March on Washington, with at least 150,000 on each side of the reflecting pool. The massive crowd is largely African-American, mobilized by the 50-year anniversary of Martin Luther King’s speech and by the pressing demand for justice for Trayvon Martin. African-American groups range from Florida’s Dream Defenders, to New Jersey’s People’s Organization for Progress, to the national NAACP. There is also a big union mobilization, with the United Auto Workers turning out thousands of members in t-shirts. Many other unions and their associated groups like Working America are also out in force.

BJ Murphy drove up to the March on Washington from North Carolina and he said, “We arrived early, a little after 8:00 AM, and there were already tens of thousands on the Mall. It is great to see! On the down side, people are growing frustrated about feeling trapped. The police put up huge fences and there are choke points so people feel penned in, unable to come or go, and some folks are growing angry.”

Murphy continues, “The crowd is so big and so loud that it is challenging for African-American leaders and government officials to speak over the crowd. The crowd is impatient and looking forward to the march and being allowed more freedom to move.”

#WashingtonDC #AfricanAmerican #RacismInTheCriminalJusticeSystem #MarchOnWashington #DreamDefenders #Antiracism #MartinLutherKingJrNAACP #Anniversary

As of Aug. 2, Dream Defenders have held steady in the office of Governor Rick Scott since then with no signs of leaving – even after Governor Scott meets with members of the organization just days after they started their occupation.

“The Governor tried to pacify us within the first week of us being here,” said Florida State University (FSU) Dream Defender President Brian Marshall. “He has shown that, under his reign, he has zero compassion for the lives of Black and Brown youth and has shown zero leadership in response to the Trayvon Martin tragedy. We aren't leaving until he answers for his crimes to the youth of this state.”

Dream Defenders are calling for Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature to pass a bill called Trayvon's Law, which would address factors of racism and national oppression that contribute to a climate that leads to the death of Black and Brown youth every day.

“We are demanding that laws be put in place to stop racial profiling practices by law enforcement officers, that the school-to-prison pipeline that ruins the life of millions of youth nationally be addressed in Florida by the repealing of zero tolerance laws and that the Stand Your Ground Law be repealed,” said Regina Joseph, Vice President of Dream Defenders at FSU. “All these laws create a climate of racial oppression that lead to the death of Trayvon Martin, but will continue to lead to more tragedy of Black and Brown life until we stop it.”

Aug. 2 marked day 17 of the Dream Defenders’ “Dream In” at the Florida capitol, with national support coming from everywhere.

“We have had youth from Philadelphia to the Bronx come out in full force to Tallahassee to support us here,” said Michael Sampson, an organizer with Tallahassee Dream Defenders. “The support is amazing as we understand that this action is an important step to building a real national movement against the racist practices of the school-to-prison pipeline and institutional racism.”

On July 26, civil rights icon Harry Belafonte paid a visit to the capitol to support the youth organization’s goals of Justice for Trayvon Martin. On July 30, another civil rights legend, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, flew into Tallahassee to support the Dream Defenders. Jackson even chanted with Dream Defenders as they yelled, “We believe that we will win!” and slept in the capitol with the activists.

“What's exciting is these students coming alive,” said Jackson. “We are in this sit-in so justice can stand up. This is an emergency. People are crying out and people are hurting,” in reference to the racist laws that plague communities of color in Florida, like voter suppression, the school-to-prison pipeline, the Stand Your Ground law and racial profiling.

One thing that is clear is that the Dream In shows no signs of letting up.

“If we don't stand up now for the injustices that people of color face in this state, and this country, we will never truly be free,” said Dream Defender Issis Alvarez. “The injustices may not be as evident as they were 60 years ago, but because of that it's even more important to bring them to the light and take action.”

For more information on how you can support Dream Defenders, visit dreamdefenders.org.

#TallahasseeFL #InJusticeSystem #AntiRacism #CivilRights #GovernorRickScott #TrayvonMartin #DreamDefenders #TrayvonsLaw