A CALL TO ACTION FOR UNITY AND PEACE This past weekend I was in attendance at a Peaceful event to honor loved ones that have passed on. The organizer did not have a permit and so the event ended. We all got that. Lesson learned. However the behaviors of the officers representing the Orlando Police Dept were unjust. Much intimidation and threats of arrests. The way the police was beating on their own sheilds and playing recorded messages aloud I honestly thought they were trying to provoke a riot. They say the attendees were creating a hazard in the streets. This was a peaceful event with people of all ages. No violence. No threats of violence. The police themselves blocked the streets on Randall and Westmoreland st. We gathered in peace. Police and the Media billed this event as a block party. Of course you would need a permit for that. The organizer simply listed and advertised it as a RIP Party. His surrounding neighbors opened up their yards and open lots for this event as well so the attendees wouldnt be in the street. Whatever you call it and however you choose to see it... The Orlando Police officers acted very poorly. The behaviors they exhibited were very immature. Then they gave a false report to Channel 13 that they were there because of reports of gunshots. No gunshots wrre fired at all. More lies from the officers to justify their foolish behavior. We need officers with a higher level of integrity. As law abiding ciiizens want to be able to have peaceful gatherings (yes with permits) and not have officers show up, adorn themselves in riot gear, beat on their shields issue threats of arrests. We want to be able to walk on the sidewalk in this community and not be stopped and detained for no apparent reason and then ultimately arrested if that officer feels you need to taught a lesson for not bowing down to him or her. Just a few months ago I walked past an officer on my way to be with my mother at the hospital. He told me I looled suspicious. He even wrote in in the arrest affidavit. Yes I went to jail. Resisting arrest??? I cant speak for any of you but I want better than substandard service from the Orlando Police Dept. I want accountability for those officers that blatantly misuse their authority. On thursday August 7, 2014 I will wear my RIP shirt. Im asking those that can and will to please do the same and meet with me on Randall St and Westmoreland Dr. From there please join walk with me to the downtown Orlando Police Headquarters where I plan to deliver a formal complaint to the Dept of Internal Affairs. Immediately after that the walk will continue on to City Hall where I have asked Lawanna Gelzer a chapter President of NAN Organization to speak on our behalf in regards of demanding fair and equal treatment in this city. LET US PEACEFULLY UNITE and DEMAND justice and accountability. Im asking because I need you. Gloria
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 16:53:11 +0000