ISU President, NAACP Address Racially Charged Post Head-On

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ISU President Larry Dietz has taken swift action to address the above Twitter post submitted following this week's events in Baltimore.

In the wake of the controversies surrounding the Freddy Gray case, protests regarding the case, and both peaceful protests and early turmoil in the streets of Baltimore, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz and the campus' NAACP responded swiftly to an inflammatory Twitter posting.

Here, in an open letter Friday, Dietz outlined steps taken, plans to publicly address concerns, and ISU's basic "not on our campus" commitment:

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

This afternoon, I met with student leaders from the Illinois State University chapter of the NAACP.  The organization is planning a rally that begins at noon Friday, May 1, at Schroeder Plaza.  I encourage you to attend.

The idea for the rally was sparked by a racially charged Twitter posting.  Although the posting has been removed, and the Twitter account has no connection to the University, it does have the letters ISU associated with the account. 

This small-minded posting may have prompted our students to take action, but we all know it is another example of abusive, intolerant and often racist opinions and actions happening across the country.

As unsettling as it is to read headlines in the national press, it is even more troublesome when incidents occur in your own backyard.  The students I spoke to today told me that examples of this type of hostility can be found on our campus and in our community.

The United States Constitution protects our right of free speech, but it also enables cowards to hide behind anonymous social media handles and distribute vile and often racist content. It is not nearly enough to dismiss these individuals as fools or bigots - we must continue to speak out, and act to condemn and stop such behavior. I applaud our student leaders for taking action.

Diversity is one of Illinois State's five core values under the University's strategic plan, Educating Illinois. 

The value states:

Illinois State University affirms and encourages community and a respect for differences by fostering an inclusive environment characterized by cultural understanding, ethical behavior, and social justice. The University supports a diverse faculty and staff who mentor a diverse student population. The University endeavors to provide opportunities for all students, staff, and faculty to participate in a global society.

Those of you who know me or have heard me speak understand how strongly I feel about Illinois State's core values.  To those who cannot or will not respect these values, I invite you to follow your pursuits elsewhere.

To everyone else, I urge you to continue to speak out against intolerance whenever and wherever you find it.  A good place to start is Friday at noon at Schroeder Plaza.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Larry H. Dietz

President  

Police-Community Simulations Planned April 29; Heffner Urges Students to 'Comply, then Complain'

Police and the community will simulate public interactions to stimulate dialogue and, ideally, improved community relations.

The Minority and Police Partnership (MAP) with the Bloomington Police Department will conduct an event using real equipment to simulate traffic stops and potentially hostile situations, 5 p.m. April 29 at the Illinois Army National Guard armory, 1616 S. Main St., Bloomington.

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner told NIOT:B/N the simulations should offer the public "a taste of what we do and why," as well as an opportunity for officers and citizens to share mutual perceptions of police-community encounters.

During a discussion last week between students and BPD and ISU police chiefs at Illinois State University,  Heffner stressed “the C's — comply and then complain,” in situations where individuals believe they have been improperly stopped and/or questioned by police. Some 125 people attended the program, which was sponsored by ISU's chapter of the NAACP and the ISU group My Brotha's Keeper.

Kenneth Porter, an adviser to the ISU NAACP, said the program was an opportunity to break down stereotypes either side might have in a neutral environment and for “police to clarify their side of the story.” Porter acknowledged that nationally, "there's been a lot of tension with in the black community in light of the last 12 months," but held that overall, Bloomington-Normal departments "do a pretty good job, compared to the rest of the country or even the state.”

Most of the questions from participants centered on alcohol violations, traffic stops, loud party complaints, and other student concerns.

More than half the students at the event indicated they had had an encounter with the police. But students also volunteered personal stories about positive police encounters, from being given the benefit of the doubt after they were stopped for speeding to receiving extra patrols after an ex-boyfriend refused to stay away.

One student said police arrived when “I was having a 'social event' at my residence.” He said that once he turned down the music and quieted his guests, the police left and “just said, 'Be smarter next time.'”

Black History Month Pt. 1: Santa and Civil Rights

History highlights the monumental deeds of giant men, but it also documents the great small steps of ordinary but courageous citizens and the events that moved the wheel of social progress, if even an inch. Over national Black History Month beginning next week, we will examine the lives, deeds, and struggles of McLean County African-Americans who made a difference. Here's one unusual but significant episode in the community's history.

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In November 1966, the Twin Cities tasted a yuletide sampling of the social discontent that was continuing to mount across the nation, as city fathers decreed there was only one Santa Claus -- and he wasn't black.

Merlin Kennedy challenged that assumption, as he had for much of his adult life. Kennedy later challenged State Farm, spurring new corporate opportunities for African-Americans, and in 1977, he was honored for his efforts on behalf of his community with a local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Adult Human Relations Award.

Kennedy was born in Decatur and drafted into the Navy right after high school graduation in 1945. He was discharged a year later, and spent several years in Detroit, moving to Bloomington in 1958 for better employment opportunities. He soon became involved with the local chapter of the NAACP and civil rights issues. He also served as chairman of the Bloomington Human Relations Commission.

Kennedy in 2010

In 1966, the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade featured a float with a white Santa Claus; another float, with Kennedy, a black man also portraying Santa Claus, was not allowed. The NAACP float arrived at Franklin Park as promised, with Merlin Kennedy in his Santa Claus costume in a sleigh, but according to the Nov. 20, 1966, Pantagraph, the float was blocked at Main Street. Kennedy, then NAACP president, and three other companions climbed down from the float and led a protest on the Bloomington courthouse square before Kennedy was told by a Bloomington policeman he was under arrest for disturbing the peace."

He reported also being "pushed around" by a policeman and "a couple other strong arm boys." The quartet was detained temporarily, but Kennedy ultimately was not arrested, and the incident gained some national attention.

It wouldn't be the first time Kennedy shook local sensibilities in the interest of social equality. Kennedy “got on State Farm’s case” about not hiring minorities and convinced the corporate giant to hold night classes to improve minorities’ skills. The company began hiring minorities, and at the prompting of Kennedy, also approached the colleges to find minority students.

His wife, Beulah Jones Kennedy, was his partner in the struggle. Mrs. Kennedy was born and grew up in Bloomington, attending Bloomington public schools through high school, and Illinois State University for 1 1/2 years.

She worked at St. Joseph's Hospital and was active in the local NAACP, where she was a firsthand witness to Bloomington-Normal's employment and housing situations.

Camille: Engage, Exchange, and Change

Camille Taylor

WJBC Forum

I read several articles on police community relations to prepare for this forum. Unfortunately, last Friday’s Pantagraph story was in error when it reported that public disclosure of a tape related to the Gabriella Calhoun case prompted several organizations to have a Police-Community Dialogue on January 22 at the City of Refuge Church.

In fact, the Not In Our Town Community Engagement Committee had already been planning the event for about two months. Nonetheless, everything I read supported the steps and the strategies the committee used to organize the event.

Some strategies listed to create positive change in community police relations were as follows:

1. Join with others who want to create change on this issue. The NIOT committee is co-sponsoring the event with the NAACP; the Minority and Police Partnership; the League of Women Voters; the Bloomington, Normal, and ISU police departments; the McLean County Sheriff’s office; the McLean County State’s Attorney; the Bloomington Normal Trades and Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO); and 100 Black Men.

2. Create opportunities for genuine community engagement. This event is open to everyone, and people are encouraged to submit questions prior to the event to the NAACP or via a survey on a website.

3. Address the history of mistrust and disconnection between the community and police. I’m sure the individual police representatives will discuss the history of their presence in our community and

4. Link dialogue to action and community change. Involvement is needed by young people and community leaders, and attendance at the event will include both. Certainly one of the goals for this dialogue will be to influence change where needed and create opportunities to dismantle stereotypes and mistrust.

In the wake of recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City it is obvious that poor relations between community members and police can lead to feelings of distrust, anger and fear. Citizens may think the police are prejudiced and have unfair policies. Police may feel blame for all kinds of social problems, and think they don't get credit for doing their jobs.

NIOT Reps Air Police-Citizen Concerns on WTVP

In the aftermath of the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases, Not In Our Town: Bloomington-Normal's Mike Matejka and John Elliott (Bloomington NAACP president and Minority and Police Partnership) suggest a dialogue should occur between leaders of law enforcement and the minority community. The pair, along with Peoria's Jamila Wilson, discussed police/community concerns on Thursday's installment of WTVP-PBS' At Issue.

The Minority and Police Partnership is attempting to create a more open dialogue between the police departments and citizens, while the Peoria Police Community Relations Advisory Committee was recently created to foster positive relations and mutual respect between police and the community. Meanwhile, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner in December announced a new city review of police procedures and community relations, and NIOT:BN this week applauded Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner for publicly condemning one of his officer's racial remark about an African-American stabbing victim (see post below).

McLean County law enforcement agencies are joining with MAPP, NIOT, the NAACP, and others to sponsor a Jan. 2 Breaking Barriers community/police dialogue from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bloomington's City of Refuge Church, 401 E Jefferson. Anonymous questions for police can be sent in advance by visiting http://Bit.ly/1wMTMAa.

Elliott in the WTVP interview maintained many minority citizens may feel reluctant to publicly "speak up" or file a complaint after they have experienced or suspect police abuse or mistreatment, for fear of official retribution. He feels that younger African-Americans "don't feel like they're being understood."

John Elliott, left, converses with citizens and police at NIOT:BN's December relaunch.

Elliott also emphasized the importance of improving diversity within police agencies, suggesting some citizens may feel more comfortable dealing with members of their own community.

"How do we build an atmosphere where that young person says, 'I want to be a police officer -- this is attractive to me, and something where I feel I can proud of that and that this is a service not only to the larger community but also to my particular ethnic (community),'" Matejka stated. 

Peoria's Wilson sees increased interest among individuals who "want to come out and talk about their levels of interactions with police, be they positive or negative."

"I think that's a first step -- the fact that we're having conversations," she said.

For more information or to watch additional episodes of At Issue, visit http://www.wtvp.org.

BDP Apologizes for Officer's Racial Statement; Breaking Barriers Community/Police Forum Jan. 22

Kevin Barlow

The Pantagraph

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An audio recording of a Bloomington police officer saying he hoped a black stabbing victim "bleeds to death," which was played to a judge Thursday, prompted the police chief to say the officer was disciplined.

Separately, a coalition of organizations and public officials announced a community-police dialogue session on Jan. 22. (NOT IN OUR TOWN:BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL is one of the upcoming forum's sponsors)

"As your chief of police, I want you to know that our police department does not condone these types of comments and they do not reflect the department as a whole," Chief Brendan Heffner said in a prepared statement issued in response to the events at the Gabriella Calhoun trial.

Chief Brendan Heffner, right, with Mayor Renner, at NIOT:BN's December relaunch.

(Heffner attended NIOT's Dec. 9 relaunch and was one of the first to sign the group's new anti-bigotry/anti-bullying pledge, along with Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner)

Several organizations and public officials are sponsoring a public gathering on "breaking barriers," from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at City of Refuge Church, Bloomington.

The 19-year-old Bloomington woman faces felony charges of aggravated battery and resisting a police officer stemming from a fight at a Bloomington restaurant in June 2013.

Prosecutors say Calhoun was among several hundred people who went to a party at Lucky Garden restaurant on Eldorado Road. Many of those in attendance, including Calhoun, then went to the nearby Denny's after the party ended.

According to testimony Thursday, a brawl erupted inside the restaurant and Officer Stephen Statz witnessed a black man with a knife wound leaving the restaurant. Later, Sgt. Ed Shumaker received an update from Statz.

Defense attorney Steve Skelton attempted to enter into evidence their conversation as recorded by a Bloomington police in-car camera.

Assistant State's Attorney Samantha Walley objected and the jury was sent from the courtroom while the profanity-laced conversation was heard by Costigan in open court.

On the tape, and in reference to the apparent stabbing, a man identified as Shumaker was heard asking Statz if the wounded man was black.

"Yes," Statz replied.

"Good, I hope he (expletive) bleeds to death in Normal," Shumaker said.

"Yeah," Statz answered.

Skelton argued that Statz's answer implied he was biased against his client and blacks in general.

"He hears the statement, and he adopts and agrees with it and that brings a bias toward my client," Skelton said.

Walley argued the statement was irrelevant because the comments had nothing to do with the charges against Calhoun.

"He (Shumaker) appeared after the fact and his comment has no relationship whatsoever to the case," she said. "It is being offered for no other reason except to upset the jury."

In his decision to bar the comment, Costigan said the case would be decided on its merits and a comment from one member of the department that could be construed as racist, should not be applied to every officer.

Following the ruling, Skelton asked for the mistrial based on the ruling that Costigan quickly denied.

Calling the comment "inappropriate," Heffner's statement said, in part: "We are disturbed and deeply saddened that one of our officers made such comments.

"In July 2013, the police administration conducted an in-depth review of the incident and acted swiftly to address the issue. As a result, the department administered discipline to the employee in question."

Heffner, who was not chief at the time of the incident, did not specify what disciplinary action was taken.

Thursday afternoon, a coalition announced the dialogue session.

"The program is an attempt to foster positive dialogue between citizens and law enforcement," their statement said.

The sponsors are: Not In Our Town, Bloomington/Normal; NAACP; Minority & Police Partnership; League of Women Voters; Bloomington, Normal, Illinois State University and McLean County sheriff's police; the McLean County state's attorney's office; Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO); and 100 Black Men of Central Illinois.

The Rev. Lee Bennett of City of Refuge will moderate; Conexiones Latinas will provide Spanish translation services.

People are encouraged to send questions in advance, and they may remain anonymous. Post them at http://bit.ly/1wMTMAa or mail them to the NAACP, PO Box 925, Normal, IL 61761.

NIOT:BN Interview Debuts Thursday on WTVP

Representatives of Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal will discuss police/community relations and other issues on WTVP-PBS' At Issue program, at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

NIOT:BN's John Elliott (president of the NAACP's Bloomington chapter) and Mike Matejka, a former Bloomington alderman and legislative director with the Great Plains Laborers District Council were interviewed this week by At Issue producer/host H. Wayne Wilson. The discussion is set to air both Thursday and at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on WTVP's main channel, at 47.1 (check your TV service provider for cable/dish channel).

At Issue, a weekly program, provides "an in-depth, up-to-the-minute exploration of issues that are important to the people of Central Illinois." For details and to watch the show and past episodes online, visit wtvp.org.

NIOT Leaders Nominated for 2015 King Award

Mary Ann Ford

The Pantagraph

Three residents from Normal and three from Bloomington are nominated for the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards. 

Adult nominees from Normal are Sonya Mau, Marcos Mendez and Takesha Stokes. Bloomington adult nominees are Anthony "Tony" Jones, Marc Miler and Elizabeth Robinson.

The winners will be determined by the Bloomington and Normal Human Relations Commissions and announced at the 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards luncheon at 1 p.m. Jan. 17 at Bone Student Center at Illinois State University. 

Mau is executive director and one of the founding parents of the Multicultural Leadership Program, designed to develop diverse leaders. She also is a founding member of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation's Women to Women Giving Circle that raises money to meet the needs of local women and children and further develop philanthropic leadership skills.

She was the first woman and the first Asian to "break the glass ceiling" and achieve a high management position at Country Financial. She also is a long-time member of Toast Masters International and has been a mentor to numerous others.

                                                                    Marcos Mendez

Mendez is chairman of the board for Conexiones Latinas de McLean County and an active member of State Farm's Hispanic affinity group. He volunteers as a basketball coach at the YMCA and as a soccer coach for the Prairie Cities Soccer League.

He was instrumental in planning the first Day of the Dead celebration at the Children's Discovery Museum and secured 300 free passes to ensure all families who wanted to could participate. He also has been involved in the Minorities and Police Partnership which is designed to help foster better cooperation and understanding between the Bloomington and Normal police departments and the Latino community.

Stokes is a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club, serving as a tutor, mentor and program assistant and was in part responsible for establishment of the Teen Pageant hosted by the club. She also is active in Mount Pisgah Baptist Church including serving on the food pantry team, as church clerk and an aide to the pastor. She also is a long-time member of the Orthodox Woodriver District Baptist Association.

She is first vice president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP and has served in several other capacities with the organization; and is past president of the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Jones has coordinated the Bloomington-Normal Cultural Festival; spearheaded the creation of an entrepreneur showcase to inform the community of minority business; and created a monthly fundraising event with proceeds going to different community organizations.

He has served on numerous committees and boards including the Bloomington Human Relations Commission, McLean County Urban League, Boys & Girls Club, Minority and Police Partnership, West Bloomington Revitalization Project, Black Business Alliance, 100 Black Men of Central Illinois and the Bloomington-Normal NAACP.

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                                                                           Marc Miller

Miller is chairman of the Not In Our Town finance committee and has been an advocate for the group for more than 18 years, including taking the Not In Our Town Pledge cards into local schools.

He is a founding member of the Pratt Music Foundation and currently serves as president. He also founded the Share the Music program to provide low-cost rental instruments to Twin Cities children who want to participate in band or orchestra but can't afford the rental fees.

Robinson is membership chairman for the Black Business Alliance and is an active member of the Crossroads-Global Handcrafts board. She works with Heartland Community College students, volunteers with survivors of domestic violence through Countering Domestic Violence, and mentors teens, young women and women through the YWCA, Urban League, Junior Achievement and the NAACP.

Youth nominees

Eight Bloomington youths and four Normal youths have been nominated for the "I Have a Dream" award. They are:

Bloomington: Oludayo "Dayo" Ajayi, Markus Brooks, Radience Campbell, Tanmay Shah and Malik Woods, all of Normal Community High School; Jordyn Blyth and Jordynn Palmer, both of University High School; and Kianna A. King, Bloomington High School.

Normal: Lokesh Julakanti and Keerthi C. Amballa, both of NCHS; Kristina Smith, Normal Community West High School; and Imani Gilbert, University High School.