Click the image above to watch the video minutes from the Tues., May 15th CSRN meeting.
Click the link from Community Conversation to find out more about the CSRN and ACLU Community Conversation event.
Community Conversation: What Does A Safer Toledo Look Like To You?
We all want our neighborhoods to be safe. But "safe" can mean many different things to many different people. And too often, governments have used the idea of safety as a way to take away people’s rights – particularly in communities of color and low-income communities.
So we want to hear from you. What is your vision for a safer Toledo?
Last summer the US Department of Justice announced that Toledo had been chosen as a site for its "National Public Safety Partnership," aimed at "fighting violent crime." The Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo (CSRN) and the ACLU of Ohio have been concerned that this "Partnership" was designed to only make some people safe. Since it was announced, and all through its implementation, we’ve been urging Toledo officials to drop the deal.
We'll spend the first hour in small groups listening to your ideas. Then a representative from the U.S. Attorney's office will speak briefly about what they're doing with the National Public Safety Partnership. Lastly, you will have time to ask questions and offer feedback about the Partnership.
After the forum we'll compile your ideas into an easily digestible document to share widely, including with city officials, Toledo Police Department, and the Department of Justice, and we will keep you posted about how they respond.
This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided.
We hope to see you there!
So we want to hear from you. What is your vision for a safer Toledo?
Last summer the US Department of Justice announced that Toledo had been chosen as a site for its "National Public Safety Partnership," aimed at "fighting violent crime." The Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo (CSRN) and the ACLU of Ohio have been concerned that this "Partnership" was designed to only make some people safe. Since it was announced, and all through its implementation, we’ve been urging Toledo officials to drop the deal.
We'll spend the first hour in small groups listening to your ideas. Then a representative from the U.S. Attorney's office will speak briefly about what they're doing with the National Public Safety Partnership. Lastly, you will have time to ask questions and offer feedback about the Partnership.
After the forum we'll compile your ideas into an easily digestible document to share widely, including with city officials, Toledo Police Department, and the Department of Justice, and we will keep you posted about how they respond.
This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided.
We hope to see you there!
Black Lives Matter Senate Forum
On Monday, April 9, 2018, the Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo hosted a Senate Forum allowing Senate Candidates for Ohio District 11 to come out and let people know where they stood on different topics. Teresa Fedor was in attendance and State Representative Michael Ashford was unable to attend. After a threat of litigation from the State rep if the flyer was not changed, a spokesperson, Harold Mosely, was sent on Rep. Ashford's behalf.
The event began with the permission of the elder, a call and response of "Our Duty to Fight", and the reading of the Community Solidarity Response Network's Mission Statement. We then welcomed all of the politicians and representatives of various organizations who were in attendance.
Ashley Bunn performed the role of moderator for the event, Ruth Leonard was a co-moderator, Julian Mack and Jodie Summers were co-emcees. There were a couple dozen constituents in attendance. After a prepared statement from Mr. Mosely, a conversation began between Miss Bunn, Miss Leonard and Senate candidate Teresa Fedor. After the initial questions were asked Mr. Mosley then spoke on the behalf of Rep. Ashford, answering questions and reciting legislation that had been passed in Rep. Ashford's name.
Questions for the night ranged from clarifying the actual programs that would go into place once legislation passed as it related to Lake Erie and the opioid crisis to how we can help students who are constantly being attacked in schools and the importance (or lack thereof) for voting down the Democratic party ticket.
Questions for the night ranged from clarifying the actual programs that would go into place once legislation passed as it related to Lake Erie and the opioid crisis to how we can help students who are constantly being attacked in schools and the importance (or lack thereof) for voting down the Democratic party ticket.
Ashley Bunn performed the role of moderator for the event, Ruth Leonard was a co-moderator, Julian Mack and Jodie Summers were co-emcees. There were a couple dozen constituents in attendance. After a prepared statement from Mr. Mosely, a conversation began between Miss Bunn, Miss Leonard and Senate candidate Teresa Fedor. After the initial questions were asked Mr. Mosley then spoke on the behalf of Rep. Ashford, answering questions and reciting legislation that had been passed in Rep. Ashford's name.
Questions for the night ranged from clarifying the actual programs that would go into place once legislation passed as it related to Lake Erie and the opioid crisis to how we can help students who are constantly being attacked in schools and the importance (or lack thereof) for voting down the Democratic party ticket.
Questions for the night ranged from clarifying the actual programs that would go into place once legislation passed as it related to Lake Erie and the opioid crisis to how we can help students who are constantly being attacked in schools and the importance (or lack thereof) for voting down the Democratic party ticket.
After a brief break, Ms. Bunn and Ms. Leonard began to field questions from the audience. These questions spread the gamut from the importance of creating time in your schedule to attend events like ours to whether or not the "Move To Amend" is a program worthy of legislation on the federal level.
Finally, we heard from Terese Fedor and Mr. Mosely (spokesperson for State Rep. Michael Ashford) what they believe the significance and importance of Black Lives Matter is as a phrase and movement. We had a final word from Senator Edna Brown and we ended the candidate response side of the forum.
We announced upcoming events:
Chris McBrayer's 7th Annual Sneakers for Souls Shoe drive and giveaway
Early voting starts Tuesday. April 10th at 8:00 am
Chris McBrayer's 7th Annual Sneakers for Souls Shoe drive and giveaway
Early voting starts Tuesday. April 10th at 8:00 am
We heard announcement from Richard Langford about the progress being made at the Frederick Douglass Center (James B. Simmons Center), and announcement for the upcoming meeting times:
CSRN every Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Padua Center 1416 Nebraska
NAACP every second Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 pm
The evening closed with a spirited recitation of the Solidarity Pledge.
CSRN every Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Padua Center 1416 Nebraska
NAACP every second Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 pm
The evening closed with a spirited recitation of the Solidarity Pledge.
Upcoming Blogs: March For Our Lives/Beyond Vietnam recap/I Dream recap
On Sunday, February 4th I was invited to be a part of a panel of African Americans to discuss the relevance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the overall importance of Black History Month. While there were intended to be 5 of us, the only male participant had to tend to a personal emergency and was not able to make it. Therefore, the evening became an in-depth discussion about the idiosyncrasies behind black womanhood. We ranged in age from early 60's to early 30's and we had perspectives as differing as our taste in shoes. There were moments when emotions ran high and moments when we all agreed on a common goal but the most amazing part of the whole evening was the moment when Dean Gilbert recognized the very real socio-emotional/ political power struggle between both ends of the table and saw herself in both women. When you have women who represent not only the activist side but also the political side of a movement there are no limits to what can be accomplished. Think about if you separated Maxine Waters into four different women at four different points in her life. That's what this panel was like; and it was beautiful.
I think that in the moments when emotions ran high there was nothing that could really be done to calm them because that was the truth of the moment. Now, when you watch the video don't expect there to be any yelling or screaming or chair throwing, this isn't a reunion episode of Real Housewives franchise! But, it is an organic, inter generational conversation that has been years in the making and needs to happen on a regular basis. So, click the image and enjoy: Black History with Four Women.
All the best.
Ruth
#BlackLivesMatter
#JusticeOrElse
I think that in the moments when emotions ran high there was nothing that could really be done to calm them because that was the truth of the moment. Now, when you watch the video don't expect there to be any yelling or screaming or chair throwing, this isn't a reunion episode of Real Housewives franchise! But, it is an organic, inter generational conversation that has been years in the making and needs to happen on a regular basis. So, click the image and enjoy: Black History with Four Women.
All the best.
Ruth
#BlackLivesMatter
#JusticeOrElse
Our very own, Julian Mack penned a beautiful tribute to Toledo's first African American Mayor, Jack Ford. Read all about the impact one black man had on a very young black child in this weeks issues of the City Paper.
12/18/17
Ruth Leonard
Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo
Phone 419-329-8177
csrntoledo@gmail.com
1416 Nebraska Ave
Toledo, OH 43607
Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo
Press Release
CSRN to host ”Say NO to Sessions” a protest against the U.S. Attorney General Jeff Session’s meeting in ToledoGrassroots organizations throughout Ohio and Michigan gather to protest DOJ’s involvement with Toledo Police DepartmentToeldo, OH, December 18, 2017: The Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo and various other grassroots organizations will gather outside of the Attorney General’s office at Four Seagate on Monday, December 18, 2017 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm to protest U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ inclusion of Toledo in a 36 month program. This program has not been clearly explained to the general public and yet the Toledo Police Department has agreed to be a part of it. Jeff Sessions is on record as being against civil rights, the voting rights act, immigrants’ rights, LGBTQIA rights and is a climate change denier. These are just a few reasons why CSRN does not support Jeff Sessions as the U.S. Attorney General and also why we are protesting the Toledo Police Department’s involvement in a program under Sessions’ leadership. Sessions’ disregard for communities of color and disenfranchised communities is why CSRN will be out for an hour long protest to let Jeff Sessions know that the City of Toledo does not want to be a part of a program that does not have a clear purpose or plan.
- We will meet on the corner of Jackson and Summit at the entrance to Four Seagate Center.
- There will be approximately 45 minutes of chants and speeches followed by a march around the entire building.
- For more information contact Ruth Leonard (419)-329-8177, Washington Muhammad (419) 973-0248 or visit the Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo Facebook page.
