BLACK YOUTH ATTACKED: ONLY A FEW RESPOND
posted with permission By Cornell Lewis
Phyllisha Williams is a black mother whose only concern is providing a safe environment for her family. She moved to Plainfield “for her 16 year old son, Nashawn to attend school.” While the mother dreamed of living quietly in a predominately white town, racists gave her a rude awakening. Williams was called a racial epithet and ignored it. Nashawn was daily being called the same epithet on the school bus.” What this black mother did not ignore is the Oct.19 beating of her son, kicked and dragged while waiting for the school bus.” I felt uneasy watching Phyllisha crying on television as she talked about living under a threat of racism in Plainfield. “Williams spoke to reporters outside the Plainfield Police Department, where she and state NAACP leaders called on police to make arrests in her son’s case.” I saw only a few people responding to a case of racism, not in Jena but close to home. The NAACP should be able to mobilize large numbers in communities across Connecticut for rallies, town hall meetings and protection of Nashawn if need be. Why is state NAACP President Scot X. Esdaile there in Plainfield (as usual) with only a few troops?
If we look around the country there are increased numbers of racial incidents occurring. What happened in Jena, Louisiana is but a harbinger of things to come. Racists have placed nooses in public buildings (including a police station) while writing racist slogans on walls at Yale University. Other communities are responding in various ways to address racism. Yet, in Plainfield where a black youth is beaten only a few respond. In the past Negro preachers of area churches rallied at the State Capitol in Hartford to denounce same sex marriages or giving immigrants valid drivers licenses. It is a mystery to me why these same preachers are not helping the NAACP with this Plainfield issue. Have the preachers or community leaders forgotten what it is like to have a white person hurl racial slurs at them? Anyone watching that black woman in tears about her son had to be moved with compassion. I called the NAACP to offer help in any possible way. Now is the time for concerned citizens to address issues of racism right here in Connecticut.
6 comments
I could just cry when I hear of things like this. My friend growing up was always called *n* at the bus stop and I was sissy *n* lover. It got so bad that a teacher had to be there each morning to keep the peace. It isn’t very pretty what white racist, bullies can do. And to think we had to live on the same street as these little pieces of crap. One time they chased us home and my grandmother hit them with her corn broom. One of the bullies was sent to reform school for derailing a freight train and the family moved away soon after that. Peace felt good and Eddie and I went back to being creative.
Does anyone know what time and where the rally is taking place?
We have be each others keeper, let stop this and educate each other. We all are trying to live our lifes the be loved and respected. We are our brothers & sisters keeper.
Peace,
BDD
This is not anything new. A few year ago a Latino family from Plainfiend was seeking assitance from the community to help them with the racial violent acts against them. A hard working family wanting the best for their children just as the mother of this young man.
We all have the right to live free from violent act aginst us however; eqiality is not equal. As a Latina single mother I have also experience the ignorance of those who do not understand that the only race is the human race.
I thank those who have taken a stand against this abuse that has being going on in the Town of Plainfield for awhile. These issues have been sweapt under the rug. I am sure that the town is doing all they can to take time to investigate this issue and take some action.
The stigma will follow the town and it does not look good. Because honest and hard working people are taking note and they don’t like ugly and will chose another town to live in. This will lead for them to support and pay taxes somewhere where they will feel safe.
Awarness and accountability is the key. You play the game you pay the price. Racism is not a game it destroy eats away like a cancer at the soul of people and there is a cure we just need to inforce it
“JUSTICE”
ANA
I think the mother of that latino family you speak of actually spoke for a bit at Saturday’s demonstration.
Thank you Ana for your very powerful and insightful words!
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