We also ponder how far this country has to go before racism is finally overcome. When Barach Obama was elected, many of us thought the U.S. had finally entered its post-racist era. Today’s current events show how wrong we were.
Our brown neighbors are being torn from their homes, schools, and workplaces and crated away in the backs of rental trucks to profitable private prisons, waiting for deportation to lands that many of them have never set foot in. Our Muslim neighbors fear for their safety in our own streets. Our government has abolished DEI and erased Black American heroes from history. Our poor are seeing their health care and food access stripped away.
The staff of OKT prays that 2025 may yet mirror Juneteenth, that all Americans may resist and find liberation from the machinations of an administration bent on dominating power and the brutal enrichment of the 1%.
MLBC Responds to Dismissal of Charges Against Christopher Schurr
Following the mistrial related to the second degree murder charge against former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced todaythat he will drop the case.
“It is deeply disappointing that the family of Patrick Lyoya and our community will not see a verdict and receive closure in this case. My heart remains with the Lyoya family as they continue to carry an unimaginable burden, and my community as we work to forge a path forward. This moment is a stark reminder of the urgent need for every level of our community — from law enforcement to elected leaders to residents — to come together to demand accountability, improve procedures, and ensure real protection for communities that remain disproportionately vulnerable to violence and injustice. The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus stands united in this call and remains committed to supporting the work of local leaders as we continue to push for true systemic change and justice,” said state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids).
The initial trial against Schurr ended with the jury deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial after nearly four days of deliberation.
“This choice is the definition of injustice,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal, (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. “This is just another example of how the system has failed Black and Brown people — we need reform in our criminal justice structure. I will continue my efforts to bring more justice within our state.”
“The whole state has been watching this case,” said state Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “The frustration felt by everyone rings true throughout our communities across the state. We must stay committed to the ongoing work of strengthening accountability and building a justice system that serves everyone with fairness and integrity.”
“We should not condone impunity, and that is what this decision is,” said state Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti). “This is a failure on the part of our system. I am frustrated and disappointed with this decision that leaves many with heavy hearts and unanswered questions. I am holding the Lyoya family in my thoughts as they continue to navigate this unimaginable grief.”
Across the nation, 456 people have been killed by police this year. This reality is particularly acute for Black individuals, who are almost three times more likely to be killed by police than white people in the U.S.
“The decision to not retry is difficult and felt by many. My heart is with the Lyoya family as they continue to carry this tremendous loss. Moments like this call us to reflect, to listen and to keep pushing for a legal system that is fair, transparent and worthy of the trust our communities can place in it,” said state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit).
“When I heard the news, my stomach dropped,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “A man was killed, and his family and friends are not seeing the justice they deserve. This moment is a solemn one — for the Lyoya family, and for all who are seeking clarity and justice. We owe it to every family to keep pushing for a justice system that truly serves us all.”
LINC UP is asking its neighbors, friends, and supporter to sign the petition to keep GRPD from cutting community programs and staff positions that were created to improve police and community relations! Sign the Petition!
The Grand Rapids Police Department proposed $1,000,000 in budget cuts as a response to the economic crisis created by COVID-19. Almost 3/4 of the proposed cuts are for program and staffing that are meant to improve GRPD’s ability to engage with the community. The GRPD budget supports cutting programs known to be necessary and effective in increasing the diversity of its recruitment efforts, funding to increase community engagement training, and funding for staffing the Deployment study has identified as necessary to advance the data management and information systems of the department. The proposed cuts would keep the City of Grand Rapids and GRPD from reaching goals for strong engagement and racial equity.
Thursday, August 8, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) will host a listening session at the Hispanic Center. It will include lunch and a presentation from MDCR, but will also serve as a listening session for community members to share their specific law enforcement experiences and interactions with the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) that represent challenges to their civil rights.
Lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. for the first 65 people who register for the event. The formal meeting starts at noon with a summary of services presentation by MDCR and Hispanic Center announcements. Beginning at 12:30, community members are invited to share their stories of personal encounters with GRPD with Dr. Agustin Arbulu, MDCR Executive Director, and other department representatives. Testimony or comments cannot be hearsay, but should be the person’s own experience, and not what others have told him or her. MDCR is collecting these statements as part of their ongoing investigation of the GRPD.
Spanish interpretation will be provided, and stories can be submitted in writing the day of the event, or by contacting Gwen Moffit, MDCR Community Engagement Liaison at MoffittG@michigan.gov. Written submissions will also be accepted in Spanish.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights investigates complaints, enforces civil rights and fair housing laws, and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. More information at their website.
The MDCR was created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to carry out the guarantees against discrimination articulated in Article I, Section 2. As further stated in Article V, Section 29, the state constitution directs the Commission to investigate alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin and to “secure the equal protection of such civil rights without such discrimination”. Public Acts 453 and 220 of 1976 and subsequent amendments have added sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disabilities to the original four protected categories.
RSVP via Eventbrite today. Please encourage friends, clients, and others in your network to attend and participate in this important opportunity.
Lansing Police Chief Michael Yankowski (l), retired Pittsburgh Assistant Police Chief Larry Scirotto (c) and Grand Rapids Deputy Police Chief Eric Payne (r). Image from City of Grand Rapids
Your voice is important in our community! Make it heard! City Manager, Mark Washington will be holding a forum with the three finalists that are in the running to be the next Chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department at Cesar Chavez Elementary, 1205 Grandville Ave SW, from 6:30pm–8:30pm on Thursday June 12th.
Use your voice to help ensure that the final choice for Police Chief will increase transparency, make changes to increase police accountability, further implement opportunities for civilian oversight, and foster a culture within the GRPD that understands the needs and concerns of ALL members of our community.
Please come out tomorrow and make your voice and concerns heard.
This and following meetings in other parts of the city are a chance to gather resident feedback on the city’s implementation of the 12-point plan and community/police relations. Join the NAACP, Micah Center, LINC, and other community organizations in holding our city and police accountable. Come speak up and have a say in our city’s recommendations! Join the event on facebook.
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Our Kitchen Table 