
Tulia, Texas – Where in 1999 a Racial Injustice Occurred – Blacks Waited Yrs. Before Help Arrived
The following is a listing of black journalists, private civil rights organizations and government agencies I have compiled as a resource for Black Americans whose civil rights have been violated and whose victimization that have been ignored are in need public attention. One of the worst feelings for a black person in America is to be racially discriminated against and for the government that is suppose to protect them from those the civil rights abuses is the one that allows it. Some States are better than others in handling these matters before it gets out of hand. But even in one of the most civil rights conscientious states like Texas, some civil rights abuses have still gone uncorrected in small towns where local government turns a blind eye to these offenses even though its on the books. These civil rights abuses, when not exposed outside of the locality of where the abuses occur, do appear to be systemic and part of that locality’s culture. A lot of these areas don’t even have a civil rights organizations embedded within the community. But here lies at least one of the problems that I hope the provided list will help solve: The complaint of civil rights abuses that have been ignored are not getting exposed outside the area and are being reported certain media.
What almost prompted the need for publishing this online resource was the Trayvon Martin murder incident that went ignored by the judicial system, until civil rights activist and black talk radio hosts brought nationwide attention to it. But there was another case I remembered where black people in a small rural Texas town in 1999 were rounded up and imprisoned. The town was Tulia, Texas. As I remembered it, no one outside of Tulia even knew it happened until a white farmer drove to the city of Amarillo to alert someone. Therefore it has been urged that blacks start networking with each other online and to get connected with each other anywhere in the nation, black radio stations and other black media. Civil rights abuses (even if not based on race) will continue to go rampant and worsen if no one else outside of its domain knows about it. There’s 1 main tool to utilize in this endeavor that may not had been readily available prior to 2007, and that is the power of internet social media networking. USE IT !!
Back in the early 1970′s, if a black’s civil rights was violated, it was a simple matter of thumbing through the yellow pages for civil rights attorneys, as the phone book was full of them. Also, in most states back in the 1970s that I’m aware of, had local State offices set up to readily take civil/human rights complaints that were expeditiously handled. This is certainly not the case these days. I recall the workings of civil/human rights state government agencies began to dwindle back in late 70s and early 80′s. I don’t know the reason for this.
Before I continue, I want to address something before its brought up. Someone will probably ask me why I’m just posting resources pertaining to blacks and not other segments of the American population. My answer : “I am just one person. I will run myself ragged if I tackled the thankless job of trying to save the whole world. So I’ve decided to narrow this interest of civil rights issues of a segment of the population in America that seems to have the least online resources compiled for networking”.
The listing of journalist includes bloggers, news papers and other publications, TV news broadcasters, and talk radio hosts. Also, every source Ive listed is a source that I have vetted (as best I could). I will not list any source that I feel will be harmful or that berates black Americans. In other words Black talk radio hosts like Jesse Lee Peterson – Bond Action Network or Larry Elder Show will NOT be listed, as they are known for their anti-black rhetoric which I have heard with my own ears. However, my mentions of any source that I am critical of, does include my explanation. Just in case there are any doubter, here’s a video sample
If anyone knows of any more resources that should be on this list, please let me know in the comment section. Meanwhile, I will continue to update this page.
GEORGIA:
CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS:
- New Order National Human Rights Organization
P.O.Box 1821
Marietta, Ga 30061
Office: 404-483-8284
email: n1992order@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Order-National-Human-Rights-Organization/102999876424199
website: http://www.nonhro.org/
According to its website: New Order is a non-profit Human rights organization “for the people” with no regard to race, creed, color or religion. We strive to assist individuals, business, non-profit/profit organization with the resolution of violations to their human rights. VISION STATEMENT: To assist the people Nationwide, in successful resolutions of violations in their Human Rights through positive non-violent measures, with the expectancy of victory.
OKLAHOMA:
CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS:
- NAACP Oklahoma State Convention
(405) 427-8000 Fax: 405.720.5951
Contact: President – Anthony R. Douglas
Email: adouglas@oknaacp.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/OklahomaNAACP/
P.O. Box 11024
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73136
- NAACP – Ardmore Chapter Unit: 6148
Contact: Elizabeth Williams, President
P.O. Box 1975
Hennepin, Oklahoma 73444
Phone: 580-465-8172
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArdmoreBranch6148Naacp
(re-activated: 27 September 2012)
- NAACP – Lawton Branch 6131
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1134 – Lawton, OK 73502
Office Address: 605 W. Gore Blvd., Suite #3 – Lawton, OK 73501
Phone: (580) 354-0355
Email: unit6131@naacp.org
http://lawtonnaacp.org/
- NAACP – McAlester
(info: pending)
President: Newman Miller
- NAACP – Oklahoma City
Contact: Garland Pruitt
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-City-Branch-NAACP/240582256002889
Website: http://www.okcnaacp.org/
1500 NE 4th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Phone: 405-236-2227
Fax: 405-769-4844
Office Hours: 11am – 2p
Mon. – Wed. – Fri.
GOVERNMENT:
(State of Oklahoma does have a civil rights agency in name only). It is called Oklahoma Human Rights Commission. Just because it is listed on the State of Oklahoma government website, I will mention its url –> http://www.ok.gov/ohrc/ but I do so VERY reluctantly. The 1st & last time I contacted this agency was this year (2012), and what it enforces falls well below what the federal government enforces. I was left with impression that Oklahoma may not even enforce any civil rights violation laws). The person who answers the phone at Oklahoma Human Rights Commission seems to discourage the filing of racial discrimination complaints and lacks knowledge of the meaning of what “public accommodation” is. I was less impressed with the Governor’s office who did not even know if the State had a civil rights agency. When I asked the governor’s office where does a person go if they are discriminated against for race, disability, in the state, the person who answered the phone suggested hire an attorney”. Eventhough, this state human rights commission is somewhere on the State’s website, but its not an easy find when you key in the words in the search menu. It took exhaustive research on goggle, just for me to find out on my own that Oklahoma Human Rights Commission even existed.
NEWSPAPER (in print):
- Greenwood Tribune (this information is based on what I was verbally told by someone in North Tulsa. Verification is pending)
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GreenwoodTribune
ONLINE BLOG & ONLINE NEWS SITES: (pending)
RADIO STATIONS / TALK RADIO JOURNALISM: (pending – still researching).
TEXAS:
CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS: (pending – still researching)
GOVERNMENT:
- Texas Civil Rights Office (Texas Health and Human Services Commission Civil Rights Office)
Website: –> Texas Civil Rights Office http://www.hhs.state.tx.us/aboutHHS/CivilRights.shtml
Impression: Fortunately and unlike Oklahoma, Texas government website makes it much easier for one to find out where to go if discriminated against. Its just a simple matter of going to the state’s main website Texas.gov , where a search window immediately pops up, key in words “civil rights commission” , and up pops the referring page of the Civil Rights Office. Texas government is so helpful, that it even shows how to file these complaints thru the state as well as the federal government. The fact that Texas openly divulges information on how to file federal complaints shows that Texas unlike Oklahoma is not trying to hide from the Feds. What also makes Texas government website far more helpful than Oklahoma is that it provides a resource that is one of the most useful to the most vulnerable who live in rural areas, namely the USDA.
NEWS PAPER IN PRINT (in print):
- Forward Times (based in Houston, Texas)
Website: —> The Houston Forward Times
Facebook page: —> http://www.facebook.com/ForwardTimes
Twitter:—> http://twitter.com/#!/forwardtimes
Impressions: This local black newspapers has been around since I was a child. Obviously it reports the news particularly concerning the black community in Houston and surrounding area. I also reports news of national importance that have impact on blacks. I’ve noticed that is also publishes its newspaper online. Aftermath of the Trayvon Martin murder, there was an incident of a white woman who ran down a black child with her vehicle in Pearland, Texas. Forward Times broke the story. Fortunately, by this newspaper being online, their reporting of this story went viral on the internet; and because of it the sheriff decided to charge the offender.
CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS:
- (Pending and still researching)
NATIONAL
- NAACP
Website: –> http://www.naacp.org/
Impression: Oldest civil rights organization that seems to have been revived since Barack Obama got elected. Ive also notice that more youth are getting involved than in yrs past. However, I think the strength or weakness of the NAACP depends on its local branches in communities. - RAINBOW PUSH NATIONAL (pending)
- BLACK FARMERS ASSOCIATION
Website: —> http://www.blackfarmers.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/21626657394/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DrJohnBoyd
Impressions: This organization founded by John Boyd, a black farmer who strong advocate for black farmers. Though I’ve never met the founder of this organization I certainly hope that I would be able to someday. The more I read about Boyd, the more I became impressed by his heartfelt passion to help black farmers. This organization was instrumental in pushing for the Pigford claims be paid to black farmers who were racially discriminated for USDA loans & grants. - NATIONAL – BLACK JOURNALIST (Blogs and Online News)
- NewsOne:
Web address: http://Newsone.Com
Facebook:
Impression: This website seems to be dedicated mostly news stories on crime, civil rights and some political news as it relates or impact black Americans NATIONWIDE. This is one of my favorite black news site because the editor keeps it up to date w/ current events. So far as I’m aware, Newsone has the largest following from looking at the activity. The importance of this site having many subscribers is that there’s enough of them to react to the news articles with comments. Sometimes I can gauge the pulse of the nation thru online comments. Also, Newsone makes it easy for the reader to sound off using his or her Facebook, which takes the hassle out of logging in just to make a comment. Also if I got to go thru lot of trouble to comment on news sites, I just go to another site. NewsOne is proactive on hot button news stories, as kept abreast of the Trayvon Martin story.
5. TALK RADIO
- Joe Madison (The Black Eagle)
Website: http://www.joemadison.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Madison-The-Black-Eagle/67284357124
My impression: I 1st started listening to Joe Madison in March 2012. I could not sleep & decided to fire up my Ipad while laying in bed & decided to listen to black talk radio station on XM Sirius app. It was from him that I learned about the Trayvon Martin murder. Madison comes on XM Sirius radio at 5am CT, on the “The Power”. Actually, Madison is my favorite talk radio host. Reason why I like him the best is that he is fiery & gets involved into subject matter about what’s happening to blacks in America. Also, he has takes an advocacy approach and he usually fires up callers & listeners to take action instead of whining. For instance, a caller complained about white on black murder in his state; & Madison told him that he’s singing to the choir & abruptly asked the caller “what have you done about it?”. He also gets his listeners to go viral on internet and to make phone calls on certain issues. For instance when draft dodger Ted Nugent said some life threatening things about President Obama, Madison urged his listeners to call Ft. Knox military base to cancel Nugent’s performance. That same day, Nugent’s military gig got canceled. Also, if you are sleepy at 5am CT, he will get you perking & fired up quicker than hot coffee. But I want to warn you, that Madison can be impatient if the caller tries to talk over him or spin away from the format. Usually Madison acts like he don’t have time to pamper & coddle callers. So be prepared to get your act & thoughts together BEFORE you call him.
6. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: (pending with links & my impression)
- US Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Civil Rights
Lastly, I encourage every Black American to do the following, so that in case your civil rights are abused and fall in death ears, you can at least get the word out to SOMEBODY:
- Get internet access to their homes at the very least. Internet ready cell (like iPhone will suffice) . If you don’t have internet these days, you will be lost. I realize that some have access to it at their work, library and anywhere else that has WiFi. But having it where you live gives you readily available access. What if the library is closed, what would do? Wait til Monday or when ever?
- Get on twitter and start networking.
- Get on Facebook & start networking.
- Know who your local black newspaper is and store their phone number in your cell phone; also follow them on Facebook & twitter.
- Know who your local black radio station is. If you don’t have one in your area, then hook up with the national ones.
- Know who all serves in your State legislative black caucus. Put cell phone of black caucus members in your cell phone. Also follow them on Facebook & twitter.
- Know who all serves in US Congressional Black Caucus. If any of those members represent your your district, then put their number in cell phone number. Follow then on Facebook & twitter. (Note: This does not imply that if your US congressman or senator is white that they will not address your concerns, and I certainly suggest you send them your complaint letter as well. But considering how the Trayvon Martin situation was handle, it behooves the aggrieved to let Black caucus member know the situation).
- Be aware of what’s being reported in your state regarding Hate Crimes (data bases of reported Hate Crime incidents) – check to see if your state has any reported incidents — > http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/hate-incidents
Well, I certainly feel for you, because though we are not black, many of our friends have been, but yet, we are constantly getting our basic civil rights violated too!
It’s not a good feeling, I can so agree. The local police departments, including even the state police just want to look the other way, when people get their civil rights violated & their basic freedoms, like freedom of speech & liberty destroyed.
I see that happening in Connecticut all the time now. It’s not just happening to blacks either. It’s happened to numerous other minorities, hispanics, Jews, Orientals, you name it.
But the cops & even the state police they just don’t seem to care in many cases!
And they call this state the Constitution state too! What for? Because our constitutional rights get violated all the time in this state?
There is no reason for this to still be happening in the year 2012, I so agree, but there’s a lot of hateful people in our country nowadays, who don’t have any respect or consideration for people’s feelings or even their safety.
If a law exists in the state of Connecticut that puts people’s safety at risk, if it’s not followed, so many times, the local police & even some of the State police just want to turn their heads and ignore crime being committed.
Considering the towns of Connecticut typically pay to start a salary of $50,000 if you become a cop in that state, that’s outrageous and totally injustice imho!
If you don’t believe me, sir, you can follow me on Twitter… BeFareBeSquare… everything I’m saying is true there.
Good luck to you. At least in Texas you still have the death penalty if a person brutally murdered by some wackjob! They’ve done away with that, and insist on enforcing Gay Marriage instead! Strange…
Not that I have anything against Gays. I’ve had gay friends in the past, but I don’t think they need to be married, in this culture. They don’t produce children and the people who do, are commonly having their civil rights violated in this country!