Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Baychester News: Ramarley Graham: The next sad chapter
Baychester News: Ramarley Graham: The next sad chapter: COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS N’ VIEWS By Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Board #12 (The Bronx) BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST...
Ramarley Graham: The next sad chapter
COMMUNITY BOARD
NEWS N’ VIEWS
By
Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)
BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 14- On the 15th of May this year, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Barrett, after hearing evidence in the trial of Police Officer Richard Haste for manslaughter in the shooting of Ramarley Graham on 2 February 2012, ruled that the indictment of Officer Haste was dismissed in light of the improper instructions given to the grand
jury that had voted to indict the Forty-seventh Precinct cop.
Justice Barrett decided that the grand jury may have come to a different decision if its members had fully considered that Officer Haste’s fellow Police Officers had informed him that Ramarley Graham was armed. The grand jury had been directed by prosecutors in the Office of the District Attorney of Bronx County not to give any weight to this fact in considering whether or not to indict Officer Haste. A second grand jury was quickly empanelled to weigh a re-indictment of the Police Officer and was clearly told this time to take into account that Richard Haste was warned that Mr. Graham possibly had a gun.
On Wednesday, 7 August 2013, this second grand jury declined to present a second indictment of Police Officer Haste for manslaughter. Understandably, the family of Ramarley Graham, most particularly his parents, Constance Malcolm and Franclot Graham, reacted with great indignation and resentment to the ruling of this second grand jury.
Among other actions undertaken, there was a rally this Saturday afternoon past, 11 August 2013, on Laconia Avenue directly in front of the main entrance of the Forty-seventh Police Precinct to which Officer Haste and his colleagues involved in this tragic incident had been assigned.
Reflecting on this serious and sad matter that has held such a foremost place in the recent life of Bronx Community District #12, I would like to share a few thoughts and feelings with my neighbors and fellow Bronxites. First, and most importantly of all, irrespective of any legal issues at argument or of any personal opinions concerning the parties to this matter, the shooting of Ramarley Graham is a tragedy. A young man is dead. The facts that may have led up to it aside, the loss of any human life always involves pain, always entails grief. Ramarley Graham’s Parents and other loved ones are now deprived of his presence and his company. As I said, whatever else that can and
should be said about this unhappy episode, let us not forget or be
insensitive to the human cost at stake, not only to the young man who is dead but to those who must survive and go on in the wake of his passing. The loss of a loved one is always a heartache that is practically unbearable to abide and to accept.
Our sympathy and compassion must not be absent or withheld from those who mourn. Further, I can likewise understand the frustration of the Graham Family and others who question the vitality and the veracity of a legal system that appears not be working on behalf of their interests and needs. There is no argument, even from those involved in law enforcement and the judicial process, that our system of laws and courts is far from perfect. It definitely has its defects. It also depends upon the work of people, folks just like the rest of us, who work hard and honestly and who attempt to do the best that they can with the resources allocated to them. People are not perfect. The only two perfect human persons ever to walk the face of this earth, so far as I know, are Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother. All the rest of us have our weaknesses, shortcomings, and flaws. No system, judicial or otherwise, reliant upon people can be any more perfect that the people who comprise it.
This being said, while not unflawed or unfaultable, our system of laws and courts is the envy of the entire world. It may not always get the job done or accomplish things as we would wish, but, more often than not, it works. Moreover, realizing that mistakes can and are in actuality made, it provides for appeals and various means by which one can seek justice and pursue the satisfaction of one’s cause. In the immediate case of Ramarley Graham, his Parents can, and have been successful in seeking, a review of what has taken place in The Bronx by the United States Department of Justice (U.S.D.O.J.). The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York has determined that it will investigate whether or not the shooting of Ramarley Graham violates any provisions of our Federal Civil Rights laws. Additionally, the possibility of a civil action on behalf of the Graham Family can be instituted. Reports are that such an option is seriously being pondered at this time. If feasible, a civil cause of action should be introduced.
However, in the upset and unrest of the moment, let us not fail to
remember an equally important truth -- viz., that the members of the New York City Police Department (N.Y.P.D.) are, by and large, truly “NEW YORK’S FINEST.” You and I are able to live comfortably in our homes, shop on our commercial strips, pray in our Churches, have our children educated in our schools, and live in relative safety because of the dedication of the men and the women of the N.Y.P.D. Even as they were preparing to accommodate the Graham Family’s decision to have a demonstration in front of the Forty-seventh Precinct on Saturday, the Supervisors and the Officers of the “4 -7” and Patrol Borough Bronx (P.B.B.X.) were investigating a murder a mere stone’s throw away from the Precinct on the intersection of East 233RD Street and Paulding Avenue. Is New York City -- and Community Board #12 (The Bronx) -- safer than was the case ten years ago? ABSOLUTELY . . . . . and the most significant factor in this development was the commitment of our Police Officers to serve and to protect us, even at the cost of their own personal safety, physical well being, and life.
This essential point must be borne in mind as well, even as the adjudication of the Ramarley Graham shooting continues. I conclude by expressing genuine thanks to Franclot Graham, Constance Malcolm, and their supporters for the peaceful and dignified manner in which they conducted themselves this Saturday past. I trust that they know that they have been, are, and will always remain uppermost in our thoughts and prayers. I likewise give thanks for the fine and professional performance of our Police Officers. My special appreciation goes to Assistant Chief Carlos Gomez, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Bronx (P.B.B.X.) and his leadership team for their presence and thoughtful attention during some rather difficult days.
Closer to home, my hat is off to Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen, Commanding Officer of the Forty-seventh Precinct, and all of our local Police Officers for their sensitive care and comportment, in particular our Community Affairs Officers Dave Belle and Jason Soto.
I pray that all in Community Board #12 (The Bronx), as we continue to face the challenges of each day, will continue to act with calm dignity and to strive for peace in our neighborhood.
Until next time, that is it for this time!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Bronx shows its Pride
The new Bronx LGBTQ Center (the “Center”) held the 2013 pride event, which featured nearly 100 different entertainers, speakers, and organizations, at Crotona Park.
“Keeping in line with doing things differently, our pride event was different from other borough's events at its very core as it incorporated a health fair, where over 12 health-oriented organizations provided on-site health screenings that included rapid HIV testing, blood glucose/diabetes screenings & blood pressure testings, and more. More than 40 organizations in total have signed on to provide information and outreach to pride participants,” stated Peter C. Frank, the Center's secretary, who also chairs their pride committee.
“Keeping in line with doing things differently, our pride event was different from other borough's events at its very core as it incorporated a health fair, where over 12 health-oriented organizations provided on-site health screenings that included rapid HIV testing, blood glucose/diabetes screenings & blood pressure testings, and more. More than 40 organizations in total have signed on to provide information and outreach to pride participants,” stated Peter C. Frank, the Center's secretary, who also chairs their pride committee.
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Saying “So Long” to A Good Man
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Saying “So Long” to A Good Man: COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS N’ VIEWS by Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Board #12 (The Bronx) BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Sum...
Baychester News: Saying “So Long” to A Good Man
Baychester News: Saying “So Long” to A Good Man: COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS N’ VIEWS by Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Board #12 (The Bronx) BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- S...
Saying “So Long” to A Good Man
COMMUNITY BOARD
NEWS N’ VIEWS
by
Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)
BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Summertime is supposedly reserved for sun, fun, friends, catching up on things one wants or has not been able to do, and taking a break from the usual routine of life. Regrettably, this Summer became a time of real sadness for those of us at Community Board #12 (The Bronx) as we learned of the news that our longtime Colleague and good Friend, Mr. Larry Clark, returned to the Lord on Sunday, the Fourteenth of July. Mr. Clark, a long-serving and dedicated member of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) was also for many years the Chairman of its Standing Committee on Economic Development and Business Services.
Larry Clark was the sort of individual that every group or organization of whatever type longs to have among its members. Larry was a “doer,” and not merely a “talker.” As a matter of fact, he was a man of fairly few words but many powerful deeds. He was not one limited just to speaking about a need or an undertaking. True, he was open to consequential conversation and to intelligent dialogue. However, his bottom line was to get matters up and running without delay, minus hesitation, and with an absolute minimum of wasted time and talk. I noticed this attribute of Larry’s from the very first time that he attended a Stated Monthly Meeting of Community Board #12, which he did prior to applying for membership on the Community Board, and, much to our good fortune, receiving it. It was a quality that was welcomed at our meetings and deliberations in the Carriage House at TOWN HALL. It was moreover one of the primary reasons why I reached out to him and requested that he assume the mantle of Community Board #12’s Chairman of Economic Development and Business Services.
When Larry Clark took over in the aforesaid capacity, there were several pressing issues waiting to grapple with him. Entertainment enterprises were sprouting up near residential areas and along our commercial strips in increasing numbers. In a few instances, such businesses were even opening their doors on residential blocks. Noise and nuisances of all sorts oftentimes accompanied the establishment of these ventures. Some of them lacked legitimacy and licenses. Some did not operate according to the rules. Some became the setting and backdrop of crime. Such circumstances were daunting as was the urgent need to act expeditiously in the interests of our local quality of life. Others would have shrunk in the face of such an overwhelming challenge. Larry Clark embraced it and sought to find a solution by which both proprietors and neighborhood residents could survive and thrive. He immediately undertook to visit one-by-one and in person every bar, social club, and entertainment entity in Bronx Community District #12. He introduced himself to each of the owners and/or operators. He shared the concerns of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) and those of nearby neighborhood residents. He steeped himself in the knowledge of the pertinent rules, regulations, codes, and laws and, in turn, educated those unaware and ignorant of them. He encouraged those who ignored them along with the justifiable complaints of their neighbors. Mr. Clark became a proactive and positive participant in the licensing application process of the New York State Liquor Authority (N.Y.S.L.A.). He spent innumerable hours in attendance at Authority hearings and in meetings with both business owners/operators and concerned citizens. He did not retreat from saying what needed to be said or in doing what needed to be done. Nor was he stingy in giving of his time and talents. Larry was generous to a fault in trying to be of genuine help.
One of Mr. Clark’s most cherished dreams and fervent desires was to see merchant associations flourish along each of our area’s three commercial strips. Larry really rolled up his sleeves on this project. He went out to meet with merchants during the day. He was equally as generous in holding meetings at night. Circumstances were not kind to Mr. Clark’s endeavor in this regard, but Larry never lost the vision or the hope that one day his dream would come true.
One would think that Mr. Clark’s extensive philanthropy and commitment to our neighborhood would leave him with little or no opportunity to do anything else. However, Larry Clark was a devoted Husband and proud Father. He was a tried-and-true partner to his lovely Wife of so many years, Dorothy. There was never a time that one sat down and chewed the fat with Larry that he did not brag at length about the life and the accomplishments of his two children. A devout Christian gentleman, Mr Clark not only faithfully worshipped at his Church but served extensively in various capacities on its governing boards.
Recent years were not so considerate to Larry Clark or benign. The loss of his much-loved and adored Dorothy was a real blow to him. Ensuing health setbacks and issues likewise burdened this wonderful human being. Even with these formidable trials, Larry never raised the white flag or gave into despair. He did what he could and did the best that he was able. I still recall our District Manager, Carmen L. Rosa, sternly upbraiding him one Thursday evening for walking -- YES, WALKING! -- all the way from his home to TOWN HALL in order to be present for a meeting!
Husband, Parent, Christian, Friend, Civic Leader, Good Neighbor -- all of the aforementioned describe who Larry Clark was and the ways in which and for which we knew him. However, I suggest that to sum up simply and perfectly why Mr. Clark was truly loved and deeply appreciated, one need only say that he was a good and decent man. Larry Clark was buried on the morning of Wednesday, 24 July 2013. May his good deeds go before him. While his mortal remains are to be committed to the earth, the good that he did and the love that he engendered will neither be buried nor forgotten. The world needs good guys. Thank God that He sent Larry Clark to us to be one of them!
Until next time, that is it for this time!
NEWS N’ VIEWS
by
Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)
BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Summertime is supposedly reserved for sun, fun, friends, catching up on things one wants or has not been able to do, and taking a break from the usual routine of life. Regrettably, this Summer became a time of real sadness for those of us at Community Board #12 (The Bronx) as we learned of the news that our longtime Colleague and good Friend, Mr. Larry Clark, returned to the Lord on Sunday, the Fourteenth of July. Mr. Clark, a long-serving and dedicated member of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) was also for many years the Chairman of its Standing Committee on Economic Development and Business Services.
Larry Clark was the sort of individual that every group or organization of whatever type longs to have among its members. Larry was a “doer,” and not merely a “talker.” As a matter of fact, he was a man of fairly few words but many powerful deeds. He was not one limited just to speaking about a need or an undertaking. True, he was open to consequential conversation and to intelligent dialogue. However, his bottom line was to get matters up and running without delay, minus hesitation, and with an absolute minimum of wasted time and talk. I noticed this attribute of Larry’s from the very first time that he attended a Stated Monthly Meeting of Community Board #12, which he did prior to applying for membership on the Community Board, and, much to our good fortune, receiving it. It was a quality that was welcomed at our meetings and deliberations in the Carriage House at TOWN HALL. It was moreover one of the primary reasons why I reached out to him and requested that he assume the mantle of Community Board #12’s Chairman of Economic Development and Business Services.
When Larry Clark took over in the aforesaid capacity, there were several pressing issues waiting to grapple with him. Entertainment enterprises were sprouting up near residential areas and along our commercial strips in increasing numbers. In a few instances, such businesses were even opening their doors on residential blocks. Noise and nuisances of all sorts oftentimes accompanied the establishment of these ventures. Some of them lacked legitimacy and licenses. Some did not operate according to the rules. Some became the setting and backdrop of crime. Such circumstances were daunting as was the urgent need to act expeditiously in the interests of our local quality of life. Others would have shrunk in the face of such an overwhelming challenge. Larry Clark embraced it and sought to find a solution by which both proprietors and neighborhood residents could survive and thrive. He immediately undertook to visit one-by-one and in person every bar, social club, and entertainment entity in Bronx Community District #12. He introduced himself to each of the owners and/or operators. He shared the concerns of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) and those of nearby neighborhood residents. He steeped himself in the knowledge of the pertinent rules, regulations, codes, and laws and, in turn, educated those unaware and ignorant of them. He encouraged those who ignored them along with the justifiable complaints of their neighbors. Mr. Clark became a proactive and positive participant in the licensing application process of the New York State Liquor Authority (N.Y.S.L.A.). He spent innumerable hours in attendance at Authority hearings and in meetings with both business owners/operators and concerned citizens. He did not retreat from saying what needed to be said or in doing what needed to be done. Nor was he stingy in giving of his time and talents. Larry was generous to a fault in trying to be of genuine help.
One of Mr. Clark’s most cherished dreams and fervent desires was to see merchant associations flourish along each of our area’s three commercial strips. Larry really rolled up his sleeves on this project. He went out to meet with merchants during the day. He was equally as generous in holding meetings at night. Circumstances were not kind to Mr. Clark’s endeavor in this regard, but Larry never lost the vision or the hope that one day his dream would come true.
One would think that Mr. Clark’s extensive philanthropy and commitment to our neighborhood would leave him with little or no opportunity to do anything else. However, Larry Clark was a devoted Husband and proud Father. He was a tried-and-true partner to his lovely Wife of so many years, Dorothy. There was never a time that one sat down and chewed the fat with Larry that he did not brag at length about the life and the accomplishments of his two children. A devout Christian gentleman, Mr Clark not only faithfully worshipped at his Church but served extensively in various capacities on its governing boards.
Recent years were not so considerate to Larry Clark or benign. The loss of his much-loved and adored Dorothy was a real blow to him. Ensuing health setbacks and issues likewise burdened this wonderful human being. Even with these formidable trials, Larry never raised the white flag or gave into despair. He did what he could and did the best that he was able. I still recall our District Manager, Carmen L. Rosa, sternly upbraiding him one Thursday evening for walking -- YES, WALKING! -- all the way from his home to TOWN HALL in order to be present for a meeting!
Husband, Parent, Christian, Friend, Civic Leader, Good Neighbor -- all of the aforementioned describe who Larry Clark was and the ways in which and for which we knew him. However, I suggest that to sum up simply and perfectly why Mr. Clark was truly loved and deeply appreciated, one need only say that he was a good and decent man. Larry Clark was buried on the morning of Wednesday, 24 July 2013. May his good deeds go before him. While his mortal remains are to be committed to the earth, the good that he did and the love that he engendered will neither be buried nor forgotten. The world needs good guys. Thank God that He sent Larry Clark to us to be one of them!
Until next time, that is it for this time!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Taking a Stand Against Crime
National Night Out
By Bill Ludwig
The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 6th.
The 47th Precinct will be holding NNO activities from 4-8 p.m. at Granada Place
between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47th
Precinct.
This year’s theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47th Precinct and the 47th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Jason Soto and the 47th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults. Our elected officials have been invited. The 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition will have a prayer march in the vicinity of the 47th precinct starting at 4:45 p.m. before the opening ceremony.
There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies and other
organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. The League, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will have a table and will be distributing
McGruff “Take a Bite Out of Crime” 48 page memo pads. Food and refreshments
will be served. For children’s activities there will be rides and games. There will
also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.
The slogans this year is: “Get Involved, Help Unite Our Community, Say No to
Drugs, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block
Your Neighbor’s Driveway, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good
Neighborhood.”
So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored
by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-bases, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities. NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front door porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor’s backyard.
The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has
proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer
nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-
crime programs and activities this year. The event involves 15,000 communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come
outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood’s special
events. This way you can be a part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug
prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 6th.
By Bill Ludwig
The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 6th.
The 47th Precinct will be holding NNO activities from 4-8 p.m. at Granada Place
between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47th
Precinct.
This year’s theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47th Precinct and the 47th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Jason Soto and the 47th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults. Our elected officials have been invited. The 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition will have a prayer march in the vicinity of the 47th precinct starting at 4:45 p.m. before the opening ceremony.
There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies and other
organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. The League, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will have a table and will be distributing
McGruff “Take a Bite Out of Crime” 48 page memo pads. Food and refreshments
will be served. For children’s activities there will be rides and games. There will
also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.
The slogans this year is: “Get Involved, Help Unite Our Community, Say No to
Drugs, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block
Your Neighbor’s Driveway, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good
Neighborhood.”
So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored
by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-bases, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities. NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front door porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor’s backyard.
The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has
proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer
nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-
crime programs and activities this year. The event involves 15,000 communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come
outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood’s special
events. This way you can be a part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug
prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 6th.
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