08-29-2007, 02:39 PM
MIAMI-DADE
Black marchers call for resignation of Dade officials
Black activists marked the 44th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington with a call for the resignation of top Miami-Dade officials.
Posted on Wed, Aug. 29, 2007Digg del.icio.us AIM reprint print email
BY ANDREA ROBINSON
arobinson@MiamiHerald.com
WALTER MICHOT/MIAMI HERALD STAFF
NAACP, labor unions, and other groups hold protest march to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, from the Dade courthouse to the Stephen Clark Govermental Center Tuesday at noon.
» More Photos Miami-Dade residents led by the NAACP vented their frustration with local governments Tuesday, calling for the resignation of some top officials and vowing to work against a proposal by county Mayor Carlos Alvarez to add at-large commission seats.
Hundreds of activists participated in a march and rally to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. The march also was a vehicle to protest what NAACP leaders call ``modern-day inequities.''
''Housing, economics and fair employment, these are the same demands that we're presenting before Dade County today,'' said Brad Brown, Miami-Dade NAACP vice president.
Brown told the crowd that citizens should oppose Alvarez's plan for the additional commission seats that would be elected countywide. That plan is being considered by the charter review commission. The Miami-Dade NAACP on Monday voted to oppose that plan, saying it dilutes power and influence of black commissioners and residents.
Earlier Tuesday, NAACP President Victor Curry said on WMBM Radio that he would ask the charter review committee to abolish the strong mayor position, and put that recommendation up to voters.
''The strong mayor situation is not working for African Americans,'' Curry said in an earlier interview.''
Other protesters said government officials should be canned for draining morale in their respective departments. On that list are Miami Police Chief John Timoney and county Corrections Department Director Tim Ryan.
Earlier this year, the Corrections Department issued rules that forbid men from wearing dreadlocks or braids -- styles popular with blacks. Two employees were disciplined for not adhering to the policy.
Likewise, Miami police officers and their union have complained of uneven disciplinary action by department brass, including a policy that prohibits sworn officers from having contact with known felons.
Miami police officer Vernell Reynolds, president of the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association, said Timoney needs to go.
''You city of Miami residents need to push the mayor, the manager and the commission to get proper representation for the Miami Police Department,'' said Reynolds.
Black marchers call for resignation of Dade officials
Black activists marked the 44th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington with a call for the resignation of top Miami-Dade officials.
Posted on Wed, Aug. 29, 2007Digg del.icio.us AIM reprint print email
BY ANDREA ROBINSON
arobinson@MiamiHerald.com
WALTER MICHOT/MIAMI HERALD STAFF
NAACP, labor unions, and other groups hold protest march to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, from the Dade courthouse to the Stephen Clark Govermental Center Tuesday at noon.
» More Photos Miami-Dade residents led by the NAACP vented their frustration with local governments Tuesday, calling for the resignation of some top officials and vowing to work against a proposal by county Mayor Carlos Alvarez to add at-large commission seats.
Hundreds of activists participated in a march and rally to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. The march also was a vehicle to protest what NAACP leaders call ``modern-day inequities.''
''Housing, economics and fair employment, these are the same demands that we're presenting before Dade County today,'' said Brad Brown, Miami-Dade NAACP vice president.
Brown told the crowd that citizens should oppose Alvarez's plan for the additional commission seats that would be elected countywide. That plan is being considered by the charter review commission. The Miami-Dade NAACP on Monday voted to oppose that plan, saying it dilutes power and influence of black commissioners and residents.
Earlier Tuesday, NAACP President Victor Curry said on WMBM Radio that he would ask the charter review committee to abolish the strong mayor position, and put that recommendation up to voters.
''The strong mayor situation is not working for African Americans,'' Curry said in an earlier interview.''
Other protesters said government officials should be canned for draining morale in their respective departments. On that list are Miami Police Chief John Timoney and county Corrections Department Director Tim Ryan.
Earlier this year, the Corrections Department issued rules that forbid men from wearing dreadlocks or braids -- styles popular with blacks. Two employees were disciplined for not adhering to the policy.
Likewise, Miami police officers and their union have complained of uneven disciplinary action by department brass, including a policy that prohibits sworn officers from having contact with known felons.
Miami police officer Vernell Reynolds, president of the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association, said Timoney needs to go.
''You city of Miami residents need to push the mayor, the manager and the commission to get proper representation for the Miami Police Department,'' said Reynolds.