Sat 15 Dec 2007
I think all of us who attended today’s Nashawn Williams Rally in Plainfield would say that it was a true success. Our goals were to assure that the Williams family knew that Connecticut stood behind them in their outrage to the racial violence that was perpetrated upon Nashawn. We were honored that Nashawn’s mother and her fiance were able to attend and speak at the rally. And she saw that many people stood in solidarity with her in outrage at, and quest for, justice from the Plainfield Police, City Officials and residents of Plainfield. Though a number of Plainfield residents were hiding behind closed doors in the Town Hall whose steps we took for the day, there were a number of brave Plainfield residents who joined us and spoke out against the racism in Plainfield and in support of the Williams family. We hope that this visible presence will begin to allow Plainfield to openly discuss and deal with its institutionalized racism and white supremacy and realize that we are a human nation not a white nation! Additionally, a number of dialogues have begun in that part of the state that will hopefully make today the start and not the end of a vital discourse around a dialogue and action of how to live as a human family and city, not a racist town. We had plenty of media coverage and though they rarely get the facts or coverage right, we hope you are able to check out the amazing solidarity we had today. I am including links to an audio of today’s rally and some pictures I took.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:37 am
It was nice to see so many people traveling out to Plainfield for this demonstration. I spoke with people from New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, and Norwich. I’m estimating there were about 40 supporters, and about 15 police. The speakers were excellent. I was most moved by the folks from Plainfield who volunteered to speak. Their comments were perhaps most telling about that culture of that town.
Thanks for the post and pics.
December 16th, 2007 at 2:30 am
I actually did a couple of head counts during the rally (one of those things that as a legal observer I have the luxury of doing when the cops are behaving themselves), and can say with certainty that the number of supporters was about twice that - about 80 people.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Nice, what do you think was the police to supporter ratio? My partner and I laughed as we pulled up to the town hall. It looked like the entire Plainfield town police department was there. Plus, do you know anything about that one guy who stood on the side of the road with tape across his mouth? I don’t think he was a supporter.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Here’s Christine’s report on CTNewsJunkie.com
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/general_news/rally_against_racism.php
December 16th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
“Lewis said the Williams family has since moved, not only because of the assault on Nashawn, but also because 17 white men and boys stood on her front lawn and shouted “Come out Nigger. Show yourself.” He said he hates to think about what would have happened if they did.”
Holy shit. Now, I don’t have any particular desire to get in a fight with local racist thugs, but to me this speaks to the need for an Anti-Racist Action group in CT (http://www.antiracistaction.us/pn/).
December 16th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Definitely one of the most powerful moments of the rally was the amazing emotional and physical support the mother, Phyllisha Williams had from the Mothers who had lost sons and fathers in Hartford (MUAV) and some of the local townspeople. It truly was so touching to see such love and support on a very hard day for the Mother.
I did however feel bad when some local townsfolks spoke of how they wouldn’t have allowed themselves leave town because of this. I am sure their hearts were in the right place but I felt bad for the Mother since I am sure her moving her son there and then leaving must still tear her apart. I know my decisions change drastically when I factor my children into the equation.
I concur with Steve that the local townspeople were the most amazing speakers of the day, hands down!
Thanks for the accurate head count Peter as well as the visible presence of you and NLG.
We talked to several state troopers about the guy with the tape. Apparently he is a local and we’re told he struggles with emotional problems, though they and us were rather puzzled by him also. We weren’t sure exactly what his message was but definitely not in support from what we could gleen.
Yeah I wonder what the Plainfield cops were saying huddled over in their area of the road.
We are also engaging some folks from a town near that area of the state to carry out some next steps in dialogue around this issue. There was a city official from another city in that area in support of the rally and who had done some recent work with his local townspeople to address some blatant racism that was occuring in his town. Hopefully he can talk some sense into Mr. Sweet and the townsfolks. Course I am an eternal optimist despite so much to the contrary.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Jerimarie, I was the ‘guy (portrayed) with emotional problems’ that stood on the side of the road in silent protest. I take umbrance with your statement given in third person for what I could gleem here and remind you of your libelous statement that was written here in this forum; and that if you would have taken the time out of your busy schedule of misplaced activism, I would have gladly spoken to you with my views considering your group’s misrepresentation of the community in which I reside. I consider myself a well-rounded and personable individual with many friends and loved ones who would be hurt if not concerned by your reckless statements about me. What are you so afraid of? A silent protester? You are correct in one assumption, although I do not support blatant hate crimes against any individual, I also do not support your race-baiting organization. When your group labelled the Town of Plainfield racists by the actions of a few.. you did not gain a friend in me. Does this help in your wonder in me? I hope so.
December 16th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Douglas, my sincerest apologies and glad you have spoken up! My goals Saturday were not to gain your friendship but to gain your attention to the impacts of neglect by a community and a system to a Mother and son’s plea for help and to live peacefully in a town they have the right to live in. Your silence spoke volumes to the silence of society when others are victimized.
Actually you walked right past me and then drove past me and had the opportunity for dialogue yourself, you clearly knew where I stood. You have my email address if you are truly interested in pursuing a dialogue on this issue.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
It’s an interesting process. A young man is viciously assaulted because of his race, and his family is subjected to a terrifying “night visit” of the kind that is familiar to anyone who knows anything about the Klan. In a tiny town these crimes go for eight weeks without a single suspect being identified by the police. No local voices are raised in support or protest. No local clergy speak out . . .
But when people speak out on behalf of the young man and his family, suddenly everyone’s tender feelings and sensibilities have to be considered. Local officials beg for patience and chastise protesters for not letting the process work…the police chief wrings his hands…local residents complain that they are being mischaracterized and misunderstood. Awww, poor babies!
Several people at Saturday’s rally used the word “complicit” to describe the town and I think maybe we should take a moment to consider the meaning of the word. One is complicit by not acting to stop or prevent a crime…and the word is equally applicable whether one does this because of agreement with the crime or because of indifference to it. Plainfield residents who did not and do not speak out, or who make excuses or blame the victims are indeed complicit.
Perhaps protesters should have done more to speak encouraging words to those local folks who privately agree…or are personally concerned…but the solidarity rally was not for their benefit, it was for the family’s.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:29 am
i have been living in this awful town for over ten years, i am only 19 years old. and i have dealt with the worse end of the stick, i am a young female, lesbian and i have never ‘fit’ into this towns ’style’. i was picked on every single day i went to school, i was forced to leave plainfield high school in fear of going to jail over defending myself. walking home from school, i would get things thrown at me by drivers, chased sometimes by the football players. i received serious burns on my back from two seniors throwing lit cigerettes at me and one happen to get caught in my shirt. i was also burned by hot coffee in the winter time, ruined alot of my clothing from koolaid, coffee and slurpee’s thrown at me. came home to my mother everyday in TEARS. i didnt nor still dont understand why so many things happen, and til this day, i cant walk down a single road without someone yelling a racist remark, because i am a tomboy i constantly hear “n*ggerlover, dyke, fag”. it upsets me so much, and yet i cant move because of the love i have for my family and my mother. i have dealt with this for over 10 years, i have only seen two black students, which i were friends with, until they got drove out of town from teen’s setting their mailboxes on fire and drawing ‘Nazi’ symbols on their houses & cars. Getting the police involved never solved a damn thing, and i along with 7 other people cant verify that, that give you the same story “we will look into it ma’am, and we will contact you with any leads” give me a break, the cops in this town & the white residents all bond together, i have seen previous occasions where officers & football coaches/housewives would come together and share stories of their ‘vacations’. i have been silenced to long, and have been along with hand full’s of others, frightened to speak up because they dont want to be next on the ‘target list’. its a damn shame, i am FULLY EMBARASSED that this town exsists, people who sit here and raise their children that its okay to ‘hate gays, fags, blacks, asians & etc’, make me sick, and its a ongoing situation, and i can proof alot of these facts if needed. furthermore, i want to step in with both feet and fully support Nashawn Williams movement, i hope this isnt a blink the eyes and gone, issue. This needs to stay and stick in the minds of the ignorant people in this town & anywhere else. So someone let me know how can i support and speak on this issue? i will check back for an updte.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Thanks, Tiffany, for sharing your experiences with us. I grew up (and now live again) in a town not terribly different from your own. But we were fortunate enough to have teachers who were willing to stick their necks out for LGBTQ students who wanted to organize and confront the bigotry they daily experienced in the supposed-paradise that is Glastonbury.
But I have also known many people who have grown up in towns without so much as a single safe haven to be found, and CT is no exception. It’s a rare and important thing when someone such as yourself makes it clear she wants to carry on the struggle, so please don’t be a stranger - circleamatt@gmail.com.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:28 am
For the record, I work with tape man. I consider him a dear friend and an avid supporter of human rights. He is highly intelligent and honestly one of the considerate people I know. That aside, the idea that he has emotional problems is absurd, yeah he can be a jerk sometimes, but who can’t. I’ve know him for years and I think he is probably one of the most politically motivated people I know. As for Plainfield as a town I can not comment, nor will I. I only work in the town and only meet people who visit my store. I do come from Alabama and am subject to all various forms of stereotyping know to man-kind. I would like, however, to clear up one major stereotype; I AM NOT A RACIST. I hear that some much it drives my nuckin futs. In the same not neither is Douglas, he just has very strong political view and is not afraid to express them. As far as the racism I encounter in my daily life in Plainfield, it is no greater here than in any other town, city, state or country I have worked in before. Do we as a society need to work on our tolerance of others and there beliefs, absolutely. Do I think it’s fair to label somebody who doesn’t agree with what we are protesting as have “Emotional issues” (and I know that’s not what you said Jerimarie only what was quoted to you), of course not. I think a major problem in this country is that we are all so freaking uptight we can’t even have somebody disagree with us without having to throw some sort of label on them to make ourselves feel better. As if to say, “We are right and you are wrong because you have emotional issues”. Why can’t we just accept the fact that not all people are going to agree and that is ok. Sometimes things are going to be said that some people have an issue with. WORK IT OUT!! Stop protesting every little thing. And no I’m not saying this is some little thing, however I’m not fully aware of everything that has happened in the case so I’m still open minded to any possibilities. My point here is not to cast judgment on this case or anybody involved, it is only to defend my friend Doug. Who’s self proclamation that he does in fact not suffer from emotional issues may not suffice for some people, so maybe a second party will help his case. Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling, it’s late and I think I should be in bed by now.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Ok, so now I understand why there is a preview button. I told you it was late, I can’t even type correctly. “In the same not neither is Douglas” was suppose to be “In the came breath neither is Douglas” and “what we are protesting as have “Emotional issues”” was suppose to say “as having”. Thanks
December 18th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Matt, thank you for reading/listening. its hard to speak up on issues, when theres a huge possibility your life is in danger, and families life as well. i dont know what’s wrong with people & why they can’t just mind their own and not make a living off of someone’s pain. just because i am 19 years old doesnt mean i am young minded, i feel my words and opinion’s mean much as the next person’s. i will check back once again, im glad i came across this page from Google. also, its sad that the holidays are being not as enjoyed as they should be from my point of view.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Tiffany, I echo Matt’s sentiments and so glad you posted to the blog, never an easy thing to do, especially around this topic. As you may know, the Queer community was very active in working with the Williams Family, Cornell and so many others in bringing attention to this issue, not only in Plainfield but in so many of our towns. As you noted, Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, etc know no boundaries when it comes to bigotry and violence. Many of us can speak from personal experiences of violence against us, for simply being different, by the “good folks” who proclaim their piety.
Folks in that town may not like to hear what is said, but it is brave voices like yours that tells them their silence is what breeds violence and hate! Whether they desire to admit that or not. Your words were powerful and know they have moved many folks, especially in the queer community here! Thank you!
There is work being done as a follow up to the rally so please send an email to jerimariel@gmail.com if you would like to be involved.
December 19th, 2007 at 12:19 am
no problem, i am very brave to overcome what i have been thru. and i dont want anyone having to suffer & deal with this, i could never raise children in Plainfield, or any town with such hatred & ignorance to todays issues. i’d be too mixed up on it. i will check back, daily. thank you for opening your eyes and helping, my heart jumps for the thought of someone standing for belief’s or feeling’s similiar to mine.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Tiffany
Thanks for your powerful story. Way back, I am now 60 my friend Eddie and I were terrorized daily by two very abusive brothers. Eddie was always “n” this and that, and I was sissy “n” lover. Going to school very day was not much fun. This abuse didn’t stop at the bus stop because these kids lived on the same street. We avoided them as much as we could.Funny though I remember their parents weren’t much better. Tiffany I want to invite you to check out Queers Without Borders blog and to join us in posting or commenting on posts. www.queerswithoutborders.com/wpmu
December 19th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
alright, im signing up as a Blogger, thats the only thing i see to register for. thank you! i really want to get involved with the gay community, i havent even seen another gay/lesbian person in this town, i have seen lesbian couples at the woodstock fair. it was beauty. my email is aquarizmusic@gmail.com thank you!
March 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
The Following is an invitation to citizens of Plainfield and bloggers on this site.
The Pequot Museum in Ledyard CT will be Hosting a compelling Exhibit called “Race-Are We So Different?” from May 17-September 7th 2008
The goal of this exhibit is to help people from all different backgrounds understand the manifestations of race and racism through a cultural, historical and scientific perspective.
The genius behind this exhibit is that it requires participation and interaction from the attendees. Each individual that enters the exhibit is presented with thought provoking challenges which test their preconceived notions, general knowledge, and attitudes towards the physical appearances of others. The exhibits are set up to evoke self examination and open a discussion concerning an issue that affects everyone-in all aspects and facets of community life.
PLEASE bring your FAMILY, FRIENDS, and EMPLOYEES to see this truly important Exhibit.
More information on the race exhibit can be found at www.understandingrace.org
More information on the museum can be found at
www.gatheringguide.com/event directory connecticut/event venue 3298.html
We hope to see you there!
-Gabe