Newark, N.J. plans 41 days of protest

By Amina Baraka

NEWARK, N.J. - A crowd of 300 packed the basement of Abyssinian Baptist Church, March 18 at a unity rally called by the People's Organization for Progress (POP).

It was a call for action and justice for Earl Faison, Amadou Diallo and all other victims of police brutality. The families of Anglin and Faison were present at the meeting.

Michael Anglin was shot in the back of the head and killed by a Jersey City policeman.

His family has filed charges against Jersey City police officers. Michael's mother, Rose, did not speak because of the ongoing investigation into her son's death.

Faison was arrested in Orange, N.J. April 11, 1999 as a suspect in the shooting of officer Joyce Carnegie. After only 45 minutes in police custody, he was robbed, beaten and peppered sprayed. Faison, an asthmatic, died had a seizure and died.

Soon after, police arrested the real murderer of Carnegie, who confessed. Police admit Faison had nothing to do with the crime. The Faison family has filed charges against the police officers involved in their son's death. However, there has been no indictment so far.

POP will hold a rally and march in front of the Orange police headquarters 593 Lincoln Ave. at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11.

Faison's father William, who has been in the lead of the protests of the Amadou Diallo verdict, recently had a massive heart attack because of the stress.

In honor of Diallo, who was killed by 41 shots from police, POP has announced 41 days of protest beginning April 9, (Paul Robeson's birthday) through May 19 (Malcolm X's birthday). POP Chairperson Lawrence Hamm called on labor, schools, block associations and community organization of all types to hold teach-ins, rallies, demonstrations, candlelight vigils and any and all non-violent actions accompanied by voter registration.

Candidates should be asked where they stand on community control of the police and justice for victims of police violence, education, jobs and recreation programs in working class communities.

POP can be reached at (973) 643-7711.