Take political action: don’t cirminalize youth

From the NW Hip Hop Congress:

Only 84 signatures out of the 10,000 have been collected on this petition asking the Governor of Washington state to veto the pending “Anti-Gang” legislation, which would further criminalize the youth and further gentrify urban neighborhoods in Seattle and other areas through “civil injunctions.” Time’s ticking.

They passed this legislation months ago in Eastern Washington and are trying to sneak it under our noses now for the rest of the state. Please take the time to sign this petition that Wyking, GCL1 and others have been putting out, and take the time to read up on this issue. Time is really running out to voice your opinion on this issue, so don’t wait any longer, and sign this now.

http://www.thepetit ionsite.com/ 1/veto-the- wa-state- gang-bill

Here are a few comments from leaders in our NW Hip Hop Community from the petition and in open letters on the issue:

GCL1 aka Gregory Lewis from Block Teamsters Union, 206 Zulu, and 21st Cent. Martial Arts:
“This bill does nothing to stop the roots of crime: a failing economy and a lack of resources for families to keep young people out of trouble. Clearly, this is another scheme to re-introduce slavery to the black population of Washington State. One more reason that both democrats and republicans should be removed from power and put on trial for abuse of power and treason to humanity.”

Wyking from Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council, Remixx Marketing:
“This bill makes youth particularly males public enemy #1 in Washington state and opens the flood gates for more racial profiling, police terrorism, criminalization and disproportionate incarceration. —- United For Youth is a growing coalition of community based organizations, businesses and individuals committed to creating safer communities by recognizing and engaging youth as assets rather than liabilities. We are calling on individuals, youth service providers, businesses and organizations to join us in saving our youth and building our community. Our immediate goal is to reduce and eliminate youth violence through full employment of youth in culturally relevant personal and community development activities. Research shows that every dollar invested in effective youth development programs saves seven dollars that would be spent on incarcerating youth. Self destructive attitudes must be replaced with positive self esteem and cultural identity, connection to positive legacy and a sense of purpose. Imagine that the youth that are now on the corners are engaged in improving their community. That the youth who make decisions based on lack of hope and desperation make decisions based on the maximum personal and collective benefit. For the same amount of employing one police officer or incarcerating one juvenile, we can employ over fifty youth in building their community which will have much more of an effect on the activities of their peers and creating safer neighborhoods. Please join us in making our vision a reality”

El Dia aka Angela Dy of Youth Speaks, B-Girl Bench, Ladies First, and 1st Quarter Storm:
“This bill does not work to address the root causes of gang violence. The bill’s focus on punishment and incarceration will lead to many more youth of color being incarcerated. The goal of the bill is not to serve public need, but to give law enforcement free reign to use more force and dominance to control youth of color in low-income areas. Concerned community members are adamant that this bill should be stopped immediately. Please do not support this bill!”

Morpheus from dRED.i Movement:
“Many young people are criminalized at a young age before their personalities are fully developed and as as a result they are locked out of educational opportunities, employment opportunities and a man who could have been a Barack Obama, is left to becoming a freeway Ricky Ross, this is an example of when a law becomes a wall. A backwards law, becomes a wall. A wall which prevents large percentages of our society from enjoying the “BILL OF RIGHTS“. To deny anyone the rights all humans are entitled, is inhumane. This law is a violation of the 1st Amendment “freedom to assemble” In the Rainier Valley of SeattleNO community center’s for high school age youth, as a result many of them hang out on the street corner’s, mall’s, and other undesirable locations. This [bill] is not a remedy that will serve as a solution only a bandage to a bullet wound to a already wounded country.“