‘We will not quit nor back down’
Milwaukee police viciously attacked and arrested six members and supporters of the Coalition For Justice November 19 at Red Arrow Park while they were singing songs in tribute to Dontre Hamilton. The park is the site of where Dontre was murdered by Milwaukee cop Chistopher Manney who shot Dontre 14 times killing him instantly. COJ members were holding their memorial vigil for Dontre during Milwaukee County’s annual tree lighting ceremony and caroling when attacked.
After being arrested, the six were taken to various police districts and held for over 12 hours before being released and being charged with state disorderly conduct charges. Some of those arrested and supporters had their cars towed by Milwaukee police. While being transported in handcuffs in the back of police vans, some of those arrested including Nate Hamilton, report that they weren’t buckled in during transport.
“Last night they arrested five other Blacks and myself out of a group of whites and blacks that had a right to be in that park and so did my brother. This was not aimed to hurt the kids there singing carols but, If I recall there were Black children caroling as well. They need to know that we live in a society that will allow the police to murder them and get off free of charge. This city will try to demonize all we do in their efforts to stop the moment toward equality. I care more for our children then you ever would know. I can’t bring Dontre back but I’d be damned if they keep killing us without any accountability,” said Nate Hamilton, brother of Dontre and one of those attacked by cops and arrested, on November 20.
Hamilton added: “Thank you to all that showed support for us while being unlawfully detained. This will not be the end of our fight, we will not quit nor back down. So for those who think we ruining their tree lighting, oh well. My family life has been ruined for a life time. Dontre’s son’s life has been ruined for his life time. We will fight this unlawful display of hate aimed at only Blacks during this display of civil disobedience, the fight is never over. Understanding we have to preserve life and end white privilege, white privilege was shown at its best yesterday. To the kids sorry to taint your idea of Christmas but it’s about Christ and Christ is love and once you take off your robes you will be a Black boy or girl whose life doesn’t matter. The fight is for our children’s future. It’s for Justice.”
During their incarceration, a vigil was maintained outside the Milwaukee County Jail all night by COJ and All People’s Church members and community supporters. Other supporters worked on informing the public about the attacks and arrests through social media and gathered bail funds.
Since Dontre was murdered, Nate Hamilton and his family have helped to lead some of the largest protests in Milwaukee and Wisconsin history to fight police terror and have been active nationally as well protesting in Chicago, New York City, Washington D.C. and elsewhere. Dontre’s mother Maria Hamilton, has been instrumental building the organization Mothers For Justice United which builds support for the mothers of those killed by police (facebook.com/mothersforjusticeunited).
The Coalition For Justice is also a supporter of low-wage and union workers. Nate Hamilton spoke at the thousands strong November 10 Fight For $15 Milwaukee rally at city hall and protested the Republican Party debate in Milwaukee the same day. Hamilton has also participated in numerous worker actions including joining the picket lines and marches of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 during their three-day strike last July. The ATU 998 won a better contract this fall due to their member’s militance and the decisive community support from organizations such as COJ.
On November 10, the U.S. federal civil rights division told the Hamilton family that no federal charges would be brought against Manney. Previously in December 2014, the Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm he wouldn’t bring any charges against Manney. The killer cop is now receiving disability benefits tax free.
“Do not believe a word that comes out of Chief Flynn’s mouth. There were no warnings given, there was no opportunity for us to “comply” and the protesters were not arrested indiscriminately. White folks participating in the protest out numbered black folks at least 4 to 1 and yet ONLY black folks were arrested. They targeted specific people. This is racism, this is selective application of the Constitution, this is why we must continue to stand and fight.” said Jennifer Epps-Addison, Executive Director of Wisconsin Jobs Now, a leader in the Fight For $15 movement.
Hours before she was arrested, Epps-Addison and a large group of low-wage workers met with Thomas Perez, the head of the U.S. Department of Labor at Coffee Makes You Black, a nationally known cultural institution and gathering spot for those of African descent.
For more information and how to support COJ: facebook.com/justicefordontre and #justicefordontre
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