PUSH Buffalo

06/19/2020

Early voting locations are still open and could be found by going to elections.erie.gov or voteearlyny.org !

06/18/2020

Give Horne her pension

Finally they said it!!

"So, can Buffalo now give Cariol Horne her pension? Please?

Horne was fired following a 2006 confrontation with a fellow officer, Gregory Kwiatkowski, whom she said was choking a suspect as he and other officers attempted to arrest the man. She jumped on Kwiatkowski’s back in an effort to stop what, by her reckoning, amounted to an assault.

The police brass and Internal Affairs Division didn’t buy it – that or they didn’t care. She was cast out and lost her pension. It was a bad decision then and it has become worse in hindsight.

What would have happened if Kwiatkowski had seriously injured the suspect or even killed him? By the powerful logic of the charges filed in Minneapolis, she would have been liable for doing nothing. Instead, she acted. And paid a high price."

We couldn't agree more. #CariolsLaw #JusticeForCariol

Derek Chauvin wasn’t alone in the murder with which his is charged. As the Minneapolis police officer ground his knee into the neck of Ge...

06/17/2020

Vote now by visiting early polling location. Which can be found at elections.erie.gov!

06/17/2020

Our mutual-aid hub at school 77, 429 Plymouth St in #Buffalo reopens today and resumes its regular schedule.

06/15/2020

#CariolsLaw #JusticeForCariol

06/15/2020

#JusticeForCariol #CariolsLaw is something that's been a long time coming. More than 10 years ago former #BuffaloPolice officer Cariol Horne witnessed a fellow officer abusing his authority on a suspect (a black man) while on duty responding to a 911 call in Buffalo. She stood up and did something about it, but this single act of bravery was not without it's consequences to her and her family's livelihood. She was fired by the Buffalo police department, and lost her pension from working 20 years on the force. That ain't right!! She had the courage stand up and do something, and now we should too! Cariol's Law among other things would put into law protection for police officers who stand up to other police officers who are abusing their authority and shaming the uniform. Contact your city, county, and New York State officials and tell them to pass Cariol's Law now!! Like, share, spread! This is only the beginning! More to come!

06/12/2020

Youth leader Issa on COVID and voting

Youth Action Team member Issa on how you can vote even through our pandemic. You can head to the polls starting tomorrow or go on the county website before 6/16 and apply for an absentee ballot!

06/11/2020

Mayor announces sweeping reforms for Buffalo Police Department

"Mayor Byron W. Brown stopped far short of "defunding" or "dismantling" the Buffalo Police Department as activists across the nation have urged in their cities amid protests and unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

But on Wednesday, the mayor announced a major shift in policing policies in the city.

"I am not in favor of defunding the police department," Brown said in an afternoon news conference. "But I am in strong favor of reforming the police department."

Joining him at his news conference were local social justice activists; some members of the police department, including the famous "Buffalo singing cops;" and two NFL players.

The mayor called the changes "a critical first step in a shared journey that we must all undertake to help make Buffalo more just, inclusive and equitable for black people."

The changes that Brown wants include:

1. No longer having the Emergency Response Team respond to peaceful protests.

2. Making police body camera footage more easily accessible to the public.

3. Displaying the police department's use of force policy on the city and police websites.

4. Directing Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood and his leadership team to incorporate a law enforcement assisted diversion program into the existing community policing program.

5. Giving Buffalo police officers additional training in de-escalation, recognizing implicit bias and developing trauma-informed practices.

6. Convening a special commission to examine current procedures to make recommendations to shift the city's policing model to a restorative approach.

7. Issuing an executive order to stop arrests of low-level nonviolent offenses.

8. Reforming and restructuring fines and fee schedules so they do not become an undue burden on economically struggling people.

Regarding calls for former Buffalo police officer Cariol Horne, who was fired in 2008, to receive a pension, Brown said he had referred her case again to the Attorney General's Office."

"Sweeping" changes or just sweeping things under the rug? And, what about #CariolsLaw? The proposed new law that would give protections to officers who witness police brutality by one of their colleagues and say something? Former Buffalo police officer Cariol Horne was fired and lost her pension more than 10 years ago, because she stood up before police officers taking leadership and speaking up became trendy. What about her? What about her pension? What ya'll think?

The changes to police policy follow days of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

06/11/2020

Video of protester shove not enough to convict Buffalo officers, defense lawyers say

#DontPushBuffalo

"The video shocked and offended many across the world, but it's not enough to convict two Buffalo police officers, local defense lawyers said this week.

While the recorded images of officers shoving a 75-year-old protester struck many as slam-dunk evidence, attorneys with a history of successfully defending police officers think it falls far short of what the law demands for a conviction.

One of them went so far as to suggest the charges could be dismissed short of an indictment.

"It might not even get out of the grand jury," said Rodney O. Personius, a criminal defense lawyer. "I think there's an opportunity to take this to a panel of citizens. You might even have your client consider testifying before the grand jury."

If there is an indictment, Personius thinks the case will almost certainly go to trial given the consequences facing the officers – up to seven years in prison and termination from the force.

"Where was the intent to injure?" said Timothy W. Hoover, a Buffalo attorney who won acquittal for a Buffalo police officer two years ago. "Looking at the video, I don't see any improper actions or any intent to injure."

Like Hoover, Connors and Personius think the case will rise or fall on how a jury sees the officers' state of mind. They also expect defense lawyers Joseph M. LaTona and Thomas H. Burton will ensure that a jury hears the full story of what happened that day, not just what was captured on a reporter's cellphone.

"The focal point of the trial will be the intent of the officers at the time of contact with Mr. Gugino," Connors said. "Was it their conscious objective to cause physical injury to him, and can that be established beyond a reasonable doubt?”

The defense will likely argue that Torgalski and McCabe were following orders to clear Niagara Square of protesters when Gugino approached, blocking their path.

And to prove they were simply doing their job, their lawyers may go after Gugino, a well-known activist.

By now, the defense and prosecution are investigating both the officers and Gugino, delving into their backgrounds, looking into everything from friends and family to comments made on social media".

"A witness' credibility can be put at issue," Hoover said. "As a result, attorneys always want to know about a witness' history, character and what they were doing leading up to the incident."

They're talking about a lot, but read this full story, and tell us what ya'll think?

The video shocked and offended many across the world, but it's not enough to convict two Buffalo police officers, local defense lawyers s...

06/10/2020

Donate Now | Martin Gugino Fund by PUSH Buffalo

On June 4, long-time PUSH Buffalo member Martin Gugino was assaulted by the police while peacefully demonstrating against police brutality and racial injustice in downtown Buffalo. We have established the Martin Gugino Fund to help Marty with medical, legal, and other expenses as he recovers from this assault. All of the general donations that we have received in Marty's name have also been allocated to this fund. 100% of donations made to this fund will go to Martin Gugino.

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/people-united-for-sustainable-housing-incorporated/martin-gugino-fund

On June 4, long-time PUSH Buffalo member Martin Gugino was assaulted by the police while peacefully demonstrating against police brutality and racial injustice in down...

06/10/2020

PUSH Executive Director Rahwa Ghirmatzion addresses systematic injustice in America, the struggle for #BlackLives, #DontPUSHBuffalo, and how this moment intersects with our history of community-based work. #blacklivesmatter #BLM

06/10/2020

We need about 20 people from the community to meet us in front of #SaveSchool77 (429 Plymouth Ave, Buffalo NY) outside at precisely 3pm, today Wednesday June 10th. It's very important. We have something to say! Please wear appropriate social distancing attire.
#DontPUSHBuffalo !!!!

06/10/2020

PUSH Buffalo's cover photo

06/10/2020

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - Angel (An-hel)

PUSH Buffalo organizer Angel (An-hel) Rosado updates us on get out the vote measures during the pandemic, and talks up the candidates for New York State Assembly district 149 town hall this evening, Wednesday June 10th starting at 6pm FB event here https://www.facebook.com/events/267320087806133/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2229%22%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3A%22event_aggregate%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D¬if_id=1591790043613366¬if_t=event_aggregate&ref=notif

06/09/2020

The Collective Struggle for Black Lives – PUSH Buffalo

"#MartinGugino is an elder, and a member of PUSH Buffalo and the WNY Peace Center. Marty is soft spoken, funny, and gentle. His commitment to justice is unwavering. He has attended countless member meetings, and direct actions in Buffalo and Albany to pass the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act – hailed as the most ambitious and equitable climate legislation in the country. We are first and foremost heartbroken as a community by what we witnessed when Marty was assaulted by members of the Buffalo Police Department. This is yet again another traumatic demonstration of violence at the hands of those who are supposed to serve and protect. To ALL the protesters: You are bending the arc of justice. Don’t stop. Stay safe and know that you are on the right side of history. Our collective struggle, rooted in love and justice, will not be stopped or diminished. We are powered by our ancestors and we are planting the seeds for the next seven generations ahead."

Read PUSH Buffalo Executive Director Rahwa Ghirmatzion's full statement in response to President Trump's early morning tweet at the link below.

To ALL the protesters: You are bending the arc of justice. Don’t stop. Stay safe and know that you are on the right side of history. Our collective struggle, rooted in love and justice, will not be stopped or diminished. We are powered by our ancestors and we are planting the seeds for the next se...

06/06/2020

Police Violence Yesterday at Niagara Square – PUSH Buffalo

We are shocked to hear about and witness the serious injuries suffered by a protester at Thursday’s peaceful demonstration against police violence in downtown Buffalo. The protester, long-time PUSH Buffalo member Martin Gugino, has been a tireless fighter against injustice of all types for many years in our city both with PUSH and other grassroots organizations. He has joined us in the struggle for a just transition from the corporate controlled, undemocratic, and militarized systems of oppression that drive racial and economic injustice in our communities.

While PUSH Buffalo did not organize yesterday’s rally, we continue to support the people’s right to protest against police brutality, against the militarization of our local police departments, and against injustice everywhere. We stand in solidarity with others locally in calling for an immediate de-escalation of police aggression in Buffalo and an end to local curfews that deny us our basic rights to free speech and freedom of expression. We also call on elected leadership in Buffalo to defund the police. Yesterday, the Buffalo Common Council voted to approve a police budget that accounts for around a third of the total City budget while making cuts to other vital services. That ain’t right!

As the current situation evolves, we are hoping and praying that Martin undergoes a healthy and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and support are with Martin and his family–and every person impacted by police brutality, who Martin was there for–at this very serious time.

At this time PUSH Buffalo will not be fielding any interview requests.

The protester, long-time PUSH Buffalo member Martin Gugino, has been a tireless fighter against injustice of all types for many years in our city both with PUSH and other grassroots organizations.

06/04/2020

06/03/2020

Black Love Resists In the Rust

‼️CALL TO ACTION! CALL TO ACTION!‼️
The Buffalo Common Council is holding a live budget hearing 𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 at 10 am on their FB page that goes into effect June 6.

Follow the steps below to put the pressure on on the city to #DefundThePolice tomorrow for the hearing and from now until the end of time. Our toolkit has everything you need to respond to our call. tinyurl.com/BLRRtoolkit

𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝟭: Call your district's council member TODAY and demand that vote to cut the police budget.

𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝟮: Call 5 friends and invite them to (1) contact their council member (2) invite them to the budget hearing tomorrow.

𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝟯: Attend the Common Council budget hearing FB live event TOMORROW at 10 am to make our demands heard. https://www.facebook.com/BFLOCC/

After taking the above steps, *SHARE SHARE SHARE* our demands with your social media networks far and wide!
(in the toolkit and the comment section)

We want to thank everyone who has donated, shared, and supported BLRR's work during the recent national upset over the murder of #GeorgeFloyd, bringing awareness to other recent deaths in our country #BreonnaTaylor and local losses at the hands of the BPD #MarcusNeal, #RaphaelPitoRivera, #JoseHernandezRossy, #WardelMeechDavis

They are the fuel for our fight. Let's kick the door down.

06/03/2020

Remembering Ismail Johnson – PUSH Buffalo

In the midst of this moment, with all that is going on we want to take some time to honor the 1 year anniversary of the home going (which was yesterday) of one of our founding volunteers and members - Ismail Johnson.

"Ismail was a founding member of PUSH Buffalo along with people like his wife and our Tenant Advocate Aminah Johnson, the late Ray Jackson, Eddie Egriu, and David ‘Saint” Rodriguez. Ismail was among our first volunteers that worked tirelessly, and sacrificed his time and skills to build the organization into what it is today. He may be known as a musician, a founding member of the Roc Da Mic Collective which was born and cultivated partly through activities and campaign work associated with our organization, but..." follow the link to read more.

Today, Tuesday June 2nd we honor the 1 year anniversary of the home going of Ismail Johnson. Ismail was a founding member of PUSH Buffalo along with people like his wife and our Tenant Advocate Aminah Johnson.

05/29/2020

We've been getting inquiries from folks in the community about anyone who does landscaping like cutting grass for seniors or those who may be physically disabled living in our Buffalo communities. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? We'd like to know. Message this thread, inbox us, or email [email protected]. In solidarity!

05/29/2020

This just in:

"Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said he just received information that the officer identified as Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd has been taken into custody by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Harrington only mentioned that one officer had been arrested; no word yet on the other three Minneapolis police officers who have been fired".

"When we show up in big numbers, people listen".

The City of #Buffalo and the rest of the nation will be watching and learning from what happens next.

#JusticeForGeorge #ChauvinArrested

05/29/2020

Have you read our newly finished 2019 Annual Report? One of the achievements highlighted on our "PUSH's Top 10 of 2019" list is working with the NYS Renews coalition to get the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) passed in New York State. This is one of the most ambitious climate laws passed in the country! Read more here:https://www.pushbuffalo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PUSH-AnnualReport2019.pdf

05/29/2020

#JusticeForGeorge #JusticeForCariol #JusticeForPito #JusticeForMeech

"The mayor of Minneapolis made a bold move recently. He was the first mayor in that city’s history (and probably one of the very few mayors in the nation) to publicly call on the county attorney to criminally prosecute the officer involved. That’s a bold step for an elected official, especially the mayor of a major U.S. city. The people showed up, and somebody listened.

How does all of this affect other cities? What about or own City of Buffalo?"

Read our full response to #JusticeForGeorge on our website.

#JusticeForGeorge #JusticeForCariol #JusticeForPito #JusticeForMeech

“When power translates itself into tyranny, it means that the principles on which that power depended, and which were its justification, are bankrupt.” – James Baldwin In the...