Social Justice | Urban League of Louisiana

Urban League of Louisiana applauds U.S. Department of Justice for its investigation into Louisiana Department of Corrections Practice of routinely confining individuals beyond their release date, renews calls for criminal justice reform

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 23:51:48 +0000

Issued: January 25, 2023

The Urban League of Louisiana commends Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division for their investigative work into the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections which concluded that the Louisiana Department of Corrections routinely keeps more than a quarter of inmates behind bars past their scheduled release date.

Every incarcerated person is guaranteed by the Constitution to be released on time. No inmate should have to suffer from discriminatory actions or negligence by those who are entrusted to keep them safe, cared for, and rehabilitated. To add insult to injury, it is projected that these constitutional violations are costing the hardworking people of Louisiana millions in tax dollars.

Today’s findings by the Department of Justice reaffirms our call for criminal justice in the state, and the Urban League of Louisiana will continue to fight for those who are marginalized.

We are grateful for the work that Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and the Department of Justice has done to shine a spotlight on the inequities many African Americans are facing at the hands of state law enforcement agencies in Louisiana. We hope that this brings Louisiana closer to not only delivering justice to individuals in need, but to also give incarcerated citizens their rightful opportunity to properly have a second chance at being a contributing member of society.

To read the U.S. Department of Justice’s findings into the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections violations, click here.

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Urban League of Louisiana leaders return to Wallace, LA, joins community to oppose Greenfield Grain Terminal Project for Environmental Harm, call on supporters to sign petition

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 21:11:32 +0000

On June 29, Urban League of Louisiana President & CEO Judy Reese Morse, Vice President for Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Development Tyronne Walker, and Advocacy Director John West joined National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial for a discussion with The Descendants Project on efforts to formally oppose the environmentally hazardous construction of the Greenfield Grain Elevator Terminal in Wallace, LA.

Greenfield LA, LLC intends to build a grain terminal near the Whitney Plantation and the historic Black communities in Wallace. The grain terminal is the latest example of environmental racism plaguing Black communities within Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley”.

The Urban League of Louisiana’s Social Justice team has had the honor of visiting Wallace, LA in recent weeks to honor our ancestors and fight for environmental justice. We are proud to provide advocacy support to The Descendants Project and residents of Wallace to help amplify their voices.

To help join in these advocacy efforts, please sign the petition started by The Descendants Project to halt the completion of the Greenfield Elevator Complex.

SIGN THE PETITION

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Urban League of Louisiana applauds decision by Department of Justice to fulfill our request for a civil rights investigation into the pattern or practice of the Louisiana State Police

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 18:53:43 +0000

URBAN LEAGUE OF LOUISIANA APPLAUDS DECISION BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO FULFILL OUR REQUEST FOR A CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION INTO THE PATTERN OR PRACTICE OF THE LOUISIANA STATE POLICE FOR ALLEGATIONS OF RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES

Issued: June 9, 2022

Today – The President and CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana, Judy Reese Morse issued the following statement:

“There is a long history of discriminatory actions, policies and practices by law enforcement in this state, including the case of Ronald Greene, who was killed at the hands of Louisiana State Police on May 10, 2019. We applaud Assistant US Attorney General Kristen Clarke and the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for today’s announcement that it is opening a civil pattern or practice investigation into Louisiana State Police which we first requested on May 25, 2021 along with National Urban League President and CEO, Marc H. Morial. While we understand the criminal investigation into the death of Mr. Greene is ongoing, we view this larger federal investigation into the Louisiana State Police as an important and monumental first step towards increasing transparency, accountability and delivering needed reforms. The Urban League of Louisiana has provided strong advocacy on this issue including the organization creating a petition that secured over 27,000 signatures, led a coalition of civil rights and community organizations in a press conference to amplify this issue, sent letters to federal and state officials requesting action, and provided weekly updates to our advocacy network and the public. The Urban League of Louisiana remains committed to providing critical advocacy for African American and other marginalized communities in their pursuit for civil rights, equity and economic self-reliance.”

Anyone with information pertinent to the United States Department of Justice’s investigation is encouraged to reach out to:
Email: Community.Louisiana@usdoj.gov
Toll-free phone: (202) 353-0684

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Urban League of Louisiana Releases Statement on Federal Indictment of Former Louisiana State Police Trooper

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 23:42:15 +0000

We applaud the Department of Justice regarding today’s indictment of Jacob Brown, former Louisiana State Police trooper, for the 2019 beating of Aaron Bowman following a traffic stop.

Much like the case involving Ronald Greene, a deeper investigation followed the release of graphic body camera footage withheld for more than two years. The footage shows Trooper Brown striking Mr. Bowman 18 times with a flashlight, which the trooper later attempted to justify as “pain compliance.” We commend the federal grand jury in Shreveport, Louisiana, who brought the excessive force charges against Trooper Brown.

We again call for a full patterns and practices investigation of the entire department.

The Urban League of Louisiana will continue to advocate for a more fair and just system for all, and for accountability within the Louisiana State Police.

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Justice for Ronald Greene – August 4, 2021 Update

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:21:39 +0000

Today, as we read the most recent AP report on the ongoing investigation into the murder and cover up surrounding the death of Ronald Greene, we were encouraged to learn that federal prosecutors are investigating whether Louisiana State Police leaders obstructed justice to protect the troopers involved in Mr. Greene’s death. We applaud the investigators who are “moving up the chain of command, probing allegations that supervisors disregarded the video evidence, quashed a recommendation to arrest one of the troopers and recently pressed a state prosecutor not to bring any charges.” We also commend their order for a new review of Greene’s autopsy as part of the probe.

Immediately after the first AP report in May regarding the leaked footage of the brutal murder of Ronald Greene, we joined together with like-minded partners to express the urgent need for a deeper federal investigation into the apathetic response and cover-up by the Louisiana State Police for more than two years.

Together with the National Urban League (NUL), we wrote an official letter to Louisiana State Police leadership calling for all troopers involved to be fired and arrested, and for there to be a thorough and transparent investigation into the inconsistent accounts. We also joined NUL in sending an official request to the Department of Justice calling for quick, thorough, and decisive action in its investigation into Mr. Greene’s tragic death.

In late May, we released an official petition demanding justice for Ronald Greene, calling for all troopers involved, named and unnamed, to be terminated and arrested immediately. Since then, over 23,000 people have joined with us in echoing this demand for action. There has also been an increase in national attention given to this case as more details have been uncovered.

As we await the findings that federal prosecutors are preparing to present to a grand jury by the end of the summer, we hope it brings with it the first charges of any kind in this case and leads to additional action being taken to address the systemic patterns and practices of police brutality.

IN THE NEWS

AP: Police brass eyed in probe of Black man’s deadly arrest
(August 4, 2021/AP)

EXCERPT – Federal prosecutors are investigating whether Louisiana State Police brass obstructed justice to protect the troopers seen on long-withheld body camera video punching, dragging and stunning Black motorist Ronald Greene during his fatal 2019 arrest.
Read article

KEEP SHARING!

If you’ve already signed, THANK YOU! Please help us continue to raise visibility by sharing with others. We want decision makers to know that we are not alone in demanding justice.

SIGN THE PETITION AND SHARE WITH OTHERS!

Click on an image below, right click, and select “Save Image As” to save one of our social cards and share with your social media network.

Please tell your friends and family to go to urbanleaguela.org/petition in the caption!

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Justice for Ronald Green Update – June 18, 2021 Update

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 21:17:07 +0000

WE’RE ALMOST AT 18,000 SIGNATURES!

KEEP THE MOMENTUM FOR JUSTICE GOING

Sign it. Share it.

SIGN THE PETITION AND SHARE WITH OTHERS!

Louisiana deserves action to match assurances of accountability

As we continue to learn more details related to officers that are directly involved in the death of Ronald Greene and as reporters dutifully uncover yet another piece of evidence that reveals troubling patterns within our state police force, we remain constant in our call for action.

We have long heard the assurances of “greater accountability.” When do we see the actions to match those assurances?

When can Louisianans begin to see a new pattern of justice and accountability that outpaces the current, sickening pattern of “limited discipline” and consequences that in no way match the enormity of the brutal violence suffered by these victims and their families in the aftermath?

We demand justice for Ronald Greene.

All troopers involved must be immediately terminated. There has been limited discipline against some of the troopers but it is not enough. Every day that any trooper involved in this horrendous incident remains on the job is an injustice to the family and to all residents of Louisiana. All troopers involved must be terminated.

All troopers must be arrested on charges that are appropriate for the crimes committed. There have been no charges thus far, after two years since Mr. Greene’s murder. The officers involved, named and unnamed, must be arrested immediately.

IN THE NEWS

Additional coverage throughout the state, nation and world regarding Ronald Greene’s story and the call for the justice:

Click on an image below, right click, and select “Save Image As” to save one of our social cards and share with your social media network.

Please tell your friends and family to go to urbanleaguela.org/petition in the caption!

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Justice for Ronald Greene – June 4, 2021 Update

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 21:55:14 +0000

Last Thursday, we launched our official Justice for Ronald Greene online petition with our partners the National Urban League, the NAACP Baton Rouge, ACLU of Louisiana, and VOTE.

We, and those who sign this petition call for:

All troopers involved to be immediately terminated. There has been limited discipline against some of the troopers but it is not enough. Every day that any trooper involved in this horrendous incident remains on the job is an injustice to the family and to all residents of Louisiana. All troopers involved must be terminated.

All troopers to be arrested on charges that are appropriate for the crimes committed. There have been no charges thus far, after two years since Mr. Greene’s murder. The officers involved, named and unnamed, must be arrested immediately.

YOUR SIGNATURE MEANS SOMETHING

Your signature is YOUR VOICE.
Your signature is a way to participate in the present and create the future.
Your signature shows decision makers that this cause is important to your community.
Your signature and sharing of the petition allows your friends and family to discover AND support issues important to them.

Your signature helps to make an IMPACT.

SIGN THE PETITION AND SHARE WITH OTHERS!

IN THE NEWS

Our President and CEO Judy Reese Morse was highlighted in the New York Times article recounting last week’s rally and calls to action.

Additional coverage throughout the state, nation and world regarding Ronald Greene’s story and the call for the justice:

The Louisiana Illuminator – Jarvis DeBerry
The New Orleans Advocate – Will Sutton
Louisiana Weekly – Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
The Hill – Jordan Williams
ABC NEWS – Kevin McGill
NBC NEWS – By Antonio Planas and Sam Brock
USA TODAY – N’dea Yancey-Bragg and Joel Shannon
CNN – Madeline Holcombe and Nick Valencia
La Vanguardia – Spain
Los Angeles Sentinel – Dr. John Warren

COMING UP!

A CBS Sunday Morning special edition on June 6 explores policing issues. Mona Hardin, mother of Ronald Greene will share her thoughts about losing her son.

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A Day of Advocating for Ronald Greene

Fri, 28 May 2021 17:47:53 +0000

Thursday, May 27, the Urban League of Louisiana participated in a multitude of actions to bring justice for Ronald Greene.

In the morning, we held a press conference with our partners the National Urban League, the NAACP Baton Rouge, ACLU of Louisiana, and ADL South Central.
During that press conference we launched our official Justice for Ronald Greene online petition.
In the afternoon, we headed to Baton Rouge to participate in the Justice for Ronald Greene Rally on the Louisiana State Capitol steps.

ICYMI! VIEW OUR PRESS CONFERENCE

In the morning, we held a press conference with our partners the National Urban League, the NAACP Baton Rouge, ACLU of Louisiana, and ADL South Central.

We demanded the immediate termination and arrest of every state trooper involved in the 2019 fatal assault of Ronald Greene.

Speakers at the news conference included:

National Urban League President Marc H. Morial
Ronald Green’s mother, Mona Hardin
Family attorney Lee Merritt
Family attorney Ron Haley
Urban League of Louisiana President & CEO Judy Reese Morse
NAACP Baton Rouge President Eugene Weatherspoon Collins
ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Alanah Odoms
Anti-Defamation League South Central Region Associate Regional Director Lindsay Baach Friedmann.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE

JUSTICE FOR RONALD GREENE PETITION LAUNCHED

We, and those who sign this petition call for:

All troopers involved to be immediately terminated. There has been limited discipline against some of the troopers but it is not enough. Every day that any trooper involved in this horrendous incident remains on the job is an injustice to the family and to all residents of Louisiana. All troopers involved must be terminated.
All troopers to be arrested on charges that are appropriate for the crimes committed. There have been no charges thus far, after two years since Mr. Greene’s murder. The officers involved, named and unnamed, must be arrested immediately.

SIGN THE PETITION!

JUSTICE FOR RONALD GREENE RALLY AT THE LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL

Urban League of Louisiana President and CEO Judy Reese Morse spoke at yesterday’s Justice for Ronald Greene Rally, organized by the NAACP Baton Rouge.

“It is time for us to act. The organizations that fight for civil rights in Louisiana are standing together. We are together and we are not going to be separated. When you see one of us, you see all of us. We are going to work together.” – Judy Reese Morse, Urban League of Louisiana, President and CEO

WATCH OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO ADDRESS THE CROWD

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PRESS RELEASE- Urban League Leaders, Louisiana Social Justice Activists Demand Immediate Termination and Arrest of State Troopers Who Killed Ronald Greene

Thu, 27 May 2021 16:18:11 +0000

Attorney General Garland Urged to Investigate Louisiana State Police Conduct and Practices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MAY 27, 2021

CONTACT:
Teresa Candori
(National Urban League)
(212) 558-5362
tcandori@nul.org

Ginger LeBlanc
(Urban League of Louisiana)
(504) 327-7187
gleblanc@urbanleaguela.org

NEW ORLEANS (May 27, 2021) — The leaders of the National Urban League, Urban League of Louisiana and other civil rights and social justice organizations today demanded the immediate termination and arrest of every state trooper present during the 2019 fatal assault of Ronald Greene and anyone who participated in the two-year-long coverup of their crimes in the 2019 fatal assault of Ronald Greene and its criminal coverup.

The National Urban League further has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate an investigation of the Louisiana State Police to determine whether Greene’s death and the coverup are part of a pattern of excessive force, biased policing or other unconstitutional practices.

“It is indefensible that two years after Ronald Greene died – under what were known to be suspicious circumstances at the time – not a single charge has been filed, and only one of the surviving troopers involved has faced any form of discipline,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “the release of the tape makes it clear that Mr. Greene’s constitutional rights were willfully, recklessly and intentionally violated by the Louisiana State Police.”

He was joined at a news conference by other civil rights and social justice leaders backing the demands.

“It is far too late for justice to be swift,” Urban League of Louisiana President and CEO Judy Reese Morse said. “But it is not too late for the troopers to be held accountable and for the State of Louisiana to demonstrate that all of its residents deserve to be treated with dignity and humanity.”

Trooper Kory York, who appears on video dragging a face-down, handcuffed and shackled Greene, served a 50-hour suspension and has returned to active duty. Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, who is seen punching Greene and shocking him with a stun gun, died in a car accident hours after learning he would be fired. Trooper Dakota DeMoss reportedly faces termination over an excessive force incident that is unrelated to Greene’s death. Lt. John Clary, who arrived on the scene shortly after the assaults, lied to investigators and denied the existence of his own body camera video for nearly two years. Two other troopers who were on the scene have not been identified.

“Every day that any trooper involved in this horrendous incident remains on the job is an injustice to Ronald Greene’s family and to every Louisianian,” Morse said.

The Urban League of Louisiana is soliciting signatures for an online petition urging the troopers’ dismissal and arrest.

NAACP Baton Rouge President Eugene Weatherspoon, ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Alanah Odoms, and VOTE Founder and Executive Director Norris Henderson, also spoke at the news conference, along with civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, who represents Greene’s family.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland calling for an investigation of the agency, Morial noted that, “After killing Mr. Greene, the Louisiana State Police sought to obscure the facts that led to his death and sought to shield itself from legal and public scrutiny. It is as if the police department deployed tactics from a model of self-preservation, compounding the dangerousness of their actions.”

“The police department’s behavior demonstrates a system that insulates a culture of police misconduct and is self-serving to the detriment of the people its officers have sworn to protect,” Morial wrote.

In a separate letter, Morial asked Louisiana State Superintendent of Police Col. Lamar A. Davis to fire and arrest Clary, York, DeMoss, and any other personnel involved in the chase, arrest, and death of Greene. Morial also requested a thorough and transparent investigation into the inconsistent accounts that troopers provided about the Greene’s death.

“Until May 19, 2021, with the AP release of the initial videos, Louisianians were deceived, and the state troopers’ actions were obscured,” Morial wrote. “This runs counter to the hopes for police transparency and accountability that the people of Louisiana had when they funded a multimillion-dollar body worn camera program for its State troopers in 2016, following the killing of Alton Sterling.”

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Urban League Leaders, Civil Rights Attorney Lee Merritt, and Louisiana Social Justice Activists Demand Immediate Termination and Arrest Of State Troopers Who Killed Ronald Greene

Wed, 26 May 2021 23:19:08 +0000

National Urban League * Urban League of Louisiana * NAACP Baton Rouge * Civil Rights Attorney Lee Merritt * VOTE * ACLU of Louisiana

ADVISORY FOR MAY 27, 2021

CONTACT:
Teresa Candori
(National Urban League)
(212) 558-5362
tcandori@nul.org

Ginger LeBlanc
(Urban League of Louisiana)
(504) 327-7187
gleblanc@urbanleaguela.org

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The leaders of the National Urban League, Urban League of Louisiana and other civil rights and social justice organizations have scheduled a media briefing on Thursday, May 27, to demand the immediate termination and arrest of all state troopers involved in the 2019 fatal assault of Ronald Greene and its criminal coverup.

Scheduled to participate in the briefing are :

Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President & CEO
Judy Reese Morse, Urban League of Louisiana President & CEO
Lee Merritt, civil rights attorney representing Ronald Greene’s family
Eugene Weatherspoon, NAACP Baton Rouge Branch President
Alanah Odoms, ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director
Norris Henderson, VOTE Founder and Executive Director

The media briefing will take place on Thursday, May 27 at 11am Eastern Time/10am Central Time via Zoom.

Registration is required.
Please visit the following link to register: https://bit.ly/3wAfEWt

WHO: National Urban League, Urban League of Louisiana, attorney Lee Merritt, leaders from other civil rights and social justice organizations

WHAT: Media briefing regarding Ronald Greene’s fatal assault by Louisiana State Troopers

WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 11am Eastern/10am Central

REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3wAfEWt

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