"No More Stolen Lives! We Remember Kiwane!" - Hundreds Gather to Speak Out on National Day Against Police Brutality

Submitted by bcduggan on October 23, 2009 - 12:47am

"I have so many thoughts running through my mind, I don't know where to start. Straight up, Kiwane, wasn't just another black boy, whatever that means. He was a friend to me, he was a son brother and cousin. He didn't deserve to be murdered. The police took his life. It's that simple. But what is not so simple is that they act that this is normal and they're in the right."

These were opening words at the March and Speak Out about the shooting of 15 year old Kiwane Carrington by Champaign police. This action was coordinated with dozens of other cities as part of a National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality (www.october22.org).

Kiwane was shot by police after he and his friend attempted to crawl in the window of Kiwane's residence to escape the rain the afternoon of October 9th, 2009. Police say the two teens, who were unarmed, resisted arrest.

About 130 youth and 100 adults listened as young people spoke about their loss of a friend and their fear of the police at this forum organized by CU Citizens for Peace and Justice. Dr. William Patterson facilitated as youth projected grievances and proposals for change onto a large screen in front of the audience.

Kiwane's friend continued:
"The police need to be held accountable for their actions. They killed somebody's child. They need to pay for what they did. 'You reap what you sow.' That is what my momma and granny always told me and I am a firm believer in that. The police around here, ride in their squad cars with their guns and badges, like they're better than us.

It is not fair that Kiwane had his life stolen because of how he looked. The Champaign police racial profile. They pick on us when we are doing nothing wrong. And if I don't give them my name, will they kill me? Like, my God, it's crazy when you don't know if you'll make it home safe to see your momma one more time. They look at us - they see black kids who are never gonna be nothing, when that's not the case.

The Champaign police need to be stopped. They can't mess with us just because of what we look like or where we at. They can't kill us. We are not going to let them. So I wear all black today to let them know that we demand respect, justice, and equality, straight up."

Dressed in black, a peaceful line of marchers chanted "No More Stolen Lives!" as they passed the Champaign Police station, where Police Chief RT Finney and 10 officers stood behind yellow police line tape blocking off the sidewalk. Chief Finney and Officer Norbits both drew guns on Kiwane and his friend. Norbits killed Kiwane, and was put on on paid administrative leave. Chief Finney continues to patrol the streets, despite widespread calls and a petition drive calling for this resignation or removal.

Champaign Police denied a request by event organizers that County Deputies oversee the march, which took place in downtown Champaign. The organizers had wanted to avoid any conflict between participants and Champaign Police. The march was peaceful, but Kiwane's aunt commented as she passed the police: "I wish they had protected my nephew they way they're protectin' the streets."

Organizers are already planning future actions. "We are looking for policy and leadership change" said Danielle Chynoweth. CU Citizens for Peace and Justice called for Chief Finney's resignation at Tuesday's Champaign City Council meeting. They also called for revising the new Police Deadly Use of Force Policies which allow the police to shoot to kill someone resisting or fleeing arrest. According to the date on the policy, it went into effect October 1, 2009, 8 days before the shooting of Kiwane. Council members were unaware of the change in policy and will be holding a study session to review it.

Read more:

iresist.org video 2

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 1:18am.

UIPD K-9 unit

Submitted by Brian Dolinar on October 23, 2009 - 9:14am.

The UIPD's K-9 officer is currently Douglas Beckman.

Beckman was one of the three officers who shot Toto Kaiyewu on I-74 in April 2009.

BD

Police overreaction

Submitted by Brian Dolinar on October 23, 2009 - 9:21am.

The heavy presence last night of Champaign police reveals their fear of black youth.

I talked to the MTD's Tom Costello in the train station to assure him that we wanted a safe march.

Costello threatened me, "Everything will be fine. We have enough people on our side to make sure everything will be fine."

Tom Costello is also currently chair of the Civilian Police Review Board in Urbana.

BD

I so totally knew you were

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 10:42am.

I so totally knew you were going to do this.  At the vigil on October 14, you complain because the police were "nowhere to be seen".  At the one last night, you complain because you were there.

So utterly predictable, Brian.

Sorry.

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 10:43am.

Because THEY were there, obviously.

You're Missing the Point

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 11:10am.

This is oh so typical of the poor listening skills when interacting with members of the public that many members of the police demonstrate. Appropriate social interaction is based on making wise choices about what is appropriate. It's not "one size fits all" as you seem to think.

I personally don't see what the need was for the large and ominous police presence around the march. Chief Finney's presence was especially inappropriate, demonstrating one again that his service should come to an end in Champaign.The man repeatedly makes poor judgments.

In fact, through this whole series of events, the only violence that has been used has been on the part of the police.

What?

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 11:28am.

"This is oh so typical of the poor listening skills when interacting with members of the public that many members of the police demonstrate."

How?  This is the only thing I saw that indicates Brian even talking:

"I talked to the MTD's Tom Costello in the train station to assure him that we wanted a safe march.

Costello threatened me, 'Everything will be fine. We have enough people on our side to make sure everything will be fine.'"

Tom Costello is apparently not even a police officer, so what does that have to do with the police department's listening skills?

Incidentally, this is the first time I have ever heard the phrase "Everything will be fine." interpreted as a threat.

"I personally don't see what the need was for the large and ominous police presence around the march. "

Well...

The march was past the police station, right?  Who did you expect to see there, the Champaign Stamp-Collectors Association?

"Chief Finney's presence was especially inappropriate, demonstrating one again that his service should come to an end in Champaign.The man repeatedly makes poor judgments."

The nerve of the guy!  The Chief Of Police, at the police station!  Imagine!

I Know You'll Be Shocked by This

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 12:13pm.

Despite what you think, this really isn't all about Brian. The sooner you let go of that, the sooner you might learn something from this tragic incident and the fallout that is following it in our community.

I understand that.

Submitted by anonymous on October 23, 2009 - 3:12pm.

But there's really nothing I can learn from this until I actually know what happened, and that won't be until after the investigation is concluded.

In the meantime, I don't see why that gives Brian immunity from criticism for his hypocrisies and constant attempts to prejudice people's opinions about an incident before anyone really knows what happened.

Tom's Costello reaction

Submitted by Brian Dolinar on October 28, 2009 - 5:40pm.

Before the Civilian Police Review Board on Tuesday, Oct. 27, Tom Costello approached me saying he had heard that I wrote about him.

He called me a "liar" and said that I was "forwarding my own agenda."

I told him I'd be willing to print a correction if he would tell me how I was mistaken.

He became irate, raised his voice, and pointed his finger at me.

He failed to tell me what I had "lied" about.

BD

 

Probably the part about him

Submitted by anonymous on October 28, 2009 - 10:16pm.

Probably the part about him "threatening" you.  "Everything will be fine." is not a threat, no matter how you look at it.

Chief's phantom fears

Submitted by Brian Dolinar on October 23, 2009 - 3:51pm.

Silly me.  I expected the headline photo in today's paper to feature the appalling transformation of our police station, along with  the entire public parking lot, which had been cordoned off by miles of yellow crime tape.  The photo should have also included the fifteen or more police officers huddled in a group at the building's driveway entrance, others walking like armed guards waiting for war up and down First Street in front of the building and parking lot, and others sitting in their police vehicles standing ready for God knows what. What the hell was the Chief afraid of?   An onslaught of dangerous youth marching with their banner from the transportation center to Don Moyers Boys and Girls Club for a grief gathering?  Did he think they had guns? Bombs? What?  I can understand being prepared for a possible confrontation, but did he have overreact in such a disdainful, overtly offensive way? 
 
I actually thought when I first saw the yellow tape on the corner of University and First that the Chief put up the tape to protect the marching children  from traffic.  How stupid of me. When I turned north on First I saw the real intention of the yellow tape. It became clear it had nothing to do with providing safety from traffic for the children.
 
How much money in officer pay did it cost us tax payers because of the Chief's phantom fears?  How much further back did the Chief's decision separate his department from an already heartbroken community?  Is there any wonder that African American youth and  their community feel prejudged as if they are the enemy?
 
 If it wasn't clear before, it has become crystal clear now that this community needs new leadership in the police department. It requires an individual who's life includes close, personal relationships with the very people who continue to be  misjudged, feared, under represented and ultimately under protected as citizens.  
   
And why would I even expect the New-Gazette to cover this story?  It's so obvious that your decisions are made on behalf of your present readership who appear to be  white and small town minded.
 
Ronna James
410 Buena Vista Dr
Champaign

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