Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, an organization against violence and brings awareness to the community, was allegedly attacked and arrested by police during a peace rally late last year. Currently, they are fighting to get the charges dismissed.
Newark Anti-Violence Coalition
Every Wednesday, the (NAVC) Newark Anti-Violence Coalition rallies on intersections in Newark to protest against the senseless violence that has been inflicting its community. On Nov. 24th 2010, NAVC moved its rally to Irvington after a triple murder on Nov. 17th 2010. One of the victims was Saleena Baynes, who was six months pregnant.
Although proper steps were taken to have the rally, the peaceful rally ended with people inquired, and scrupulous charges.
According to FightBackNews.org, NAVC Chairman Bashir Akenyele, said he blames Irvington Police Chief, Michael Chase, for the attack. Here’s why:
The NAVC Chairman met with the police captain of Irvington immediately after the murders to obtain a permit to rally. Each went over the proceedings of the rally, which was going to take place at an intersection near the crime.
Police Chief Chase advised the NAVC on the three types of permits the coalition would need in order for the rally to take place.
Participants at the rally gathered promptly at 5:00 p.m., since the time for the permit was 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.. “We didn’t see any police, none,” said Bashir Akinyele. They went into the intersection for the rally, as permitted. A first-arriving policeman asked to discuss the permit but the attack came before that could be done.
A member of POP who came about 5:30 told Fight Back! what he saw. He heard chants of, “Stop the violence,” as he came close. “Police cars converged from all sides,” he said. “They knocked women and children on the ground,” he said. “I saw a baby girl knocked down so hard she lost a tooth.”
Six were arrested. One was charged with ‘incitement to riot.’
The Newark Anti-Violence Coalition demands that all of the charges are dropped, for Irvigton’s Mayor Smith & the city council hold a town hall meeting, and to declare community violence a public health crisis. They also want all law enforcement personnel involved to be held accountable for their actions during that night.
To find out more about the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, their fight against community violence, and to learn more about the trial please visit NAVC Official Facebook Page.
The NAVC was unofficially formed after the Jul 20th shooting that killed 35-year-old bystander Nakisha Allen. On July 22nd dozens of protesters blocked traffic where Nakisha was gunned down outraged by the administration of Newark’s lack of solution-based resources that would reduce crime within the city.
You can catch the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition on this season, Brick City, as they continue their fight against police brutality, community violence, community issues, and the removal of Newark’s police director, McCarthy.
