Gathering in Michael's Name
On a day when charges were upgraded against men suspected of luring Michael Sandy to the Sheepshead Bay parking lot where he was robbed and assaulted, then left unconscious after being hit by a car fleeing his assailants, a coalition of gay community groups, elected officials, concerned citizens and friends gathered for a press conference at New York’s City Hall to call for a greater commitment to end hate crimes.
In what they described as a “Call to Action,” representatives from six organizations spoke about the need for a city-wide commitment to environmental change, deeming it insufficient to simply speak out whenever another hate crime occurs. Instead they called for a public affirmation that eliminating hate violence is a priority in New York City.
“We cannot just keep coming here and rallying our collective anger,” said Tokes Osubu, Executive Director of Gay Men of African Descent. “It just isn’t working any more. We need a dedicated and committed coalition.”
Clarence Patton, Executive Director of The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project whose organization spearheaded the call to action, stressed the need for more targeted resources to develop programming and services at the community level for victims of hate violence, while Brooklyn City Councilmember Latitia “Tish” James asked, “How many more have to be killed before we can accept love.”
Echoing that sentiment was singer and drag performer Kevin Aviance, himself a victim of a gay bashing earlier this year, who became quite emotional as he attempted to speak.
Others present who addressed the well-attended press conference included: Michael Roberson, People of Color in Crisis (POCC); Mark McLaurin, NYS Black Gay Network; author/activist Keith Boykin who also represented the National Black Justice Coalition; Bishop Zachary Jones, from Unity Fellowship Church, and Brooklyn City Councilmember and Democratic Party nominee for U.S. Congress Yvette D. Clarke. Gay Men’s Health Crisis also lent organizational support.
Earlier in the day, alleged perpetrators John Fox and Ilya Shurov had their charges upgraded to include second degree murder and second degree manslaughter. In addition to third suspect Gary Timmins, they also face robbery and assault as hate crimes charges.
Finally, news of funeral plans for Michael Sandy are now known. A wake is planned for Wednesday at Moloney's Lake Funeral Home in Lake Ronkonkoma, with a Thursday morning funeral at Mary Immaculate Church in Bellport, both on Long Island. The extent to which either service is open to non-family members, is not yet known. UPDATE: Services for Michael Sandy are only for family and friends. Despite the public outpouring of support, please respect the family's wishes.
Organizations represented at Monday’s press conference:
People of Color in Crisis (POCC) LINK
Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) LINK
NYS Black Gay Network LINK
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) LINK
National Black Justice Coalition LINK
City Councilmember Yvette D. Clarke
LINK to Council page
LINK to Congressional campaign page
City Councilmember Letitia James LINK
The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project LINK
Unity Fellowship Church LINK
More photos from the press conference are posted HERE.
NOTE: Photos may not be reproduced or reprinted without my permission and must include my photo credit information.
The participating groups should strategize on legislation/legislative initiatives that will help deter crimes such as this. We are too connected these days to just be marching and protesting. It is time to make demands and hold folks accountable for their role in laying the ground work for our protection. Cry at the funeral, mourn with the family and friends, then GO TO WAR!
Posted by: Aaron at October 17, 2006 1:44 PMWhy haven't these same folk marched or protested when it's black on black hate crimes? It is widely known about the hate crimes that go on in Prospect Park a notorious and well known black cruising and pickup park in Brooklyn. Brothers have gotten shot, stabbed, beaten and slashed. These brothers are always targeted because they are gay and the perpetrators always Black. And yet, there have been no blog activism or rallies. Why? There is something very hypocritical going on. And many Black gays see right through it. And why no marches or rallies in the very neighborhoods where we get the beat down and oppressed the most - the Black community!?
So-called Black gay leadership is no different that their hetero counterparts. Devoid of any real innovative ideas, opportunistic and just plain tired.
Posted by: Blackgayman at October 17, 2006 5:27 PMHis death is indeed a tragic one and I hope legislative and community level change occurs as a result of the advocacy by NYC Black gay groups and their allies.
BlackGayMan, I don't think you know what you're talking about. Some of the very same people you see in the picture above are people who did advocacy around trying to catch the Prospect Park Slasher a few years back. Could you please tell us what YOU are doing to make NYC a safer place for Black gay men?
This shouldn't be about splitting, but lending your voice to the process to make the change you want to see in your community.
Posted by: Absolutelee at October 17, 2006 9:31 PM