Darrell Davis

Peekskill Bean Runner Cafe's Hypocritical Owners

Peekskill City Council Woman Drew Claxton and her boyfriend, Ted Bitter are the co-owners of the Bean Runner Cafe in Peekskill N.Y. The hypocrisy of the two reached amazing heights when Mr. Bitter showed up at a recent Peekskill Council Meeting for the sole purpose of attacking children.

As some of you know, for the past year and a half residents of Peekskill- Black, White and Latino- have joined forces with others who find racism despicable.  At first we took our grievances behind closed doors with the Democratic Party leaders, including Mayor Mary Foster. In fact, we did that twice before deciding we had to take our issues public.

The response by the city leaders was TOTAL disrespect, marginalizing us, denial, insults, attacks, rule changes, threats with police force and more. But a strange thing happened- our support swelled! Culminating with a hugely successful march for dignity on May 23 2011. That was the second time the city asked for mediation. We accepted and was met with character attacks at the  meeting by the city's representatives.  One of them was Drew Claxton. We broke off talks.

As a result of the community, more and more rejecting the Democratic Party, the Peekskill Dems had a hard time finding candidates to run this year. Two one- term incumbents decided they had enough, two replacements also dropped out in time. They got kicked off of the Independence Line for fraud. Of course ALL of this is the community's fault for standing up for Human Rights. How did the city respond? By cancelling, after 15 years,  Parks and Recreation bus service for the award winning and nationally recognized dance group Staj and the Stajettes! They retaliated against our children.

Myself, some parents and the girls dance group went to the last council meeting to object and point out that WE pay for everything and the city spent at best, $3,000 last year for transporting these girls. Ted Bitter, Bean Runner Cafe co-owner and spouse of Councilwoman Claxton shows up, screaming like a maniac and bringing the girls dance group to tears.

He basically said the council can't be racist because it is diverse and his white spouse, Claxton married a Black man. He also said he has a track program and when they need money-mind you, we didn't ask for money- he begs and harasses people at supermarkets.

He is ignorant to think that diversity means a lack of racism. Diversity usually brings MORE racism. I mean you have to have SOMEONE to discriminate against! He also doesn't understand that we are teaching these girls to be self sufficient. They raise ALL of their budget with art and bake sales- not begging. But we are also teaching them that self-respect means asking for your fair share of the resources just like every other group in town!

Bitter is a hypocrite and so is  Drew Claxton. They have the Bean Runner Cafe because she is politically connected and he exploits her white skin privilege. I hope people recognize the hypocrisy and the hurt to these children caused by Ted Bitter .

Spend your money elsewhere.

 

 

"Underground Classic" eBook Now Available!

Hey guys. I have finally decided to put my activist eBook out there! I did this guide in an eBook format for a reason: the Internet is now the great equalizer! It gives you and me even more power and influence over our lives. We can make incredible change now because of the power of the Internet and I want us to get more comfortable using it!

That said, this eBook is loaded with powerful techniques and concepts that will make the average citizen a force to be reckoned with. Those few who have seen it call it a classic! Stop getting stepped on and stop spending thousands on lawyers when there may be a better solution to your problem! And in those times when you do need a lawyer, they too will be happy you bought this guide! You will see what I mean.

I even include my 800 number so you won't feel like you are out there alone and the link to an Internet System I use to generate a full-time income. Let's face it, if your job is the problem, you will want a back-up plan!

Anyway, buy this eBook. $10 to potentially become a new person! Just click here!

Peekskill Dems One Year Later, Silent as Blacks Abused

It's been a year since we went to our "friends" the Peekskill Democrats. They would not be in office if not for us. Instead of addressing the blatant racism in Peekskill Government and the abuses at the Housing Authority under Harold Phipps (who the mayor supports), they have attacked ALL of our rights to speak, have representation on the Housing Board and threatened us with arrest and/or eviction.

Take a look at   of me talking to the mayor and council. It is not totally wasted. The people sitting at home watching this are so disgusted with our treatment, we are getting more supporters everyday.

 

 

Peekskill Mayor, Meet Seth Godin

I don't know how much marketing genius Seth Godin will appreciate me highlighting one of his articles to point out the lunacy of a politician, but here we go.

Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster says that a person's past should have nothing to do with the decision to hire them. She is referring to Peekskill Housing Authority Director Harold Phipps. You may recall I wrote about Phipps' less than stellar past job performances.

Since arriving in Peekskill, Phipps has literally terrorized an award winning little girls dance group, illegally let himself into several women's apartments with his pass key. They have complained to Mayor Foster about this. He yells and screams at residents. He makes lewd remarks to females. He has threatened critics with arrest or eviction. And has attacked the rights of residents to organize. Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster says she supports him anyway. After all, it's only Black people complaining.

Turning back to Seth's post, in which he refers to people who don't think past performance is a good indicator of future performance, he says,"...I think it's worth pointing out that you're nuts."  Of course he didn't have Mary Foster in mind when he wrote that. But it sure fits.

Yes Mayor Foster, you are nuts to stand by this man. You knew his job history and STILL made public statements of support. And not ONE statement in support of the residents he manages. The residents who voted for you. Shame on you!

Like the "N" word, "Racism" to become the "R" Word

I have been wrestling with the idea of writing a guest post for a New York newspaper on the subject of racism. And as I thought about it I realized that even before I could start formulating the content of the article, I had to think about the onslaught of personal attacks I would have to endure just for bringing the topic up. Racism; Soon to be referred to as the "R" word. Something that we in America will be frowned on for mentioning or bringing up. Very difficult to discuss and address if you aren't even allowed to say it!

Sadly, racism is as ugly and devastating today as it has been in the last 50 years. And sadly, we as a nation fumble and stumble in our awkward attempts to deal with it. We do that partly because of a number of reasons: One reason is that the average person- Black or white- doesn't recognize it. If someone doesn't walk up to you and call you a ni**er or if you are not confronted with "no Blacks allowed" they just don't see it.

A second reason is that America- sub-consciously- has not embraced the humanity of African Americans. The whole culture and educational system in this country pushed the idea that black people are inferior. This was originally done to justify slavery to Judeo-Christian population. When slavery ended, no one went back and said, "you know all that stuff we taught you about Blacks being savages with no history or culture? Well, none of that is true. And so today, Americans still look at Blacks, largely, through those eyes. And as such, treat Blacks that way.

A third reason is many whites are just so defensive of any kind of criticism that says they are not perfect or that perhaps some of their success is not due only to their intelligence and hard work. I think this is partly what causes so many to always try to prove racism among Blacks or see "reverse-racism." Its like the kid who gets caught taking extra cookies and replies that his brother or sister did the same thing yesterday. They try to avoid their behavior.

There are more reasons racism is so touchy and difficult to talk about. Having said that, for me personally, I will continue to use the word racism when it fits. And, in spite of another big reason people don't use the word- the charge of pulling the "race card"- I am not going to see a duck and call it a horse.

If we are to heal this nation and move society even further along the road of democracy, we need to have honest discussion to find real solutions. The fact is racism is directly responsible for destroying millions of lives senselessly. It keeps human beings divided and blind to the real enemies of human progress- like war, corporate greed and corruption. It takes brave people to acknowledge that and a braver people to take action against it.

Knowing NY Gov. David Paterson

The very first time I met then State Senator David Paterson it was under extremely ugly circumstances. It was in 1987 and I was in Albany NY, seeking the support of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (as it was known then). I needed their support in my call to New York Governor Mario Cuomo for a special prosecutor to investigate a racially motivated attack on an African American man. He was attacked by a gang of white men who chased him down a Peekskill NY street with bats and pipes because he had a white girlfriend. Fortunately he escaped physical harm. Five days later, someone set his house on fire. Shortly after that, he was shot in the leg by an unknown assailant.

Around this time the Tawana Brawley case had broke and most of the politicians were rushing to that case and the TV cameras. I was scheduled on that day to meet with members of the caucus. After waiting in a big conference room for fifteen minutes and no lawmaker in sight, in walks this slightly built man in a suit that I thought looked too small. It was David Paterson. He walked in accompanied by one member of his staff. We greeted each other and both sat down.

I was there with the lawyer who was helping me and the family on this case, world renowned Attorney Lennox Hinds. I had mailed Sen. Paterson all newspaper clippings related to the case and a copy of the letter I sent to the governor.

I began by thanking the senator for finding time to meet with us. I then handed him another copy of the letter I had sent to the governor since I would be going over those issues with him. He politely handed the letter back to me and just said, "Thanks but I've memorized it."

It wasn't until later on that my attorney told me that David was legally blind! From my early interaction with him, I just didn't get it. Even more amazing was that he had in fact remembered every point I made to the governor in that letter. He would from that point on help me personally with several other issues over the years. He always took my calls, never was too busy to talk. And yet, he lived in Harlem. He didn't technically represent me. But that was to become David's legacy. He was called "the people's senator."

Over the years David Paterson stood up for the people and the grassroots. And if you know anything about New York media, you know it is very reactionary. Very hostile to Black people. And so David, long before he became governor, became an enemy of the local press. They had painted a bullseye on him. The fact is, David Paterson inherited a train wreck of a state. The press never gave him a fair deal. The same press that would draw apes depicting Black people, relentlessly tried to destroy and discredit him.

Having said that I must also say that we as a nation tend to think in terms of "right and wrong." Sometimes there is "a wrong and a wrong." I think that David Paterson fell victim to what most other politicians who are in office too long succumb to; the notion of preferential treatment. The idea that they deserve things the rest of us don't. The worse of our public officials become corrupt. The best of them lose perspective.

This domestic violence case was really the last straw for me and many others. As hard as I try, I just don't see any good reason for the state police or the governor to have had contact with this poor woman. Still, David deserves the benefit of the doubt on this. I would say wait for Cuomo's investigation but guess what? I used to work for the now State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and I can tell you this in no uncertain terms- Cuomo will cut Paterson's throat and then go get ice cream.

New Yorkers have really lost on this deal. Paterson is brilliant and given a fair chance, could have got New York back on track. He was a great legislature and his tenure as governor won't change that. Then again, I never anticipated David falling on his own sword.

Three Easy Ways to Free up Your Time

I am a busy man! Well at least I am fond of saying that. I do, however, keep myself busy. At any given moment, I have a lot going on. I would rather not get into listing all of the activities I am involved in, but let's just say that as a community activist and radio show host who is regularly in the news, people find you with things for you to do. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Still, I have learned over the years that you have to protect your sanity when you deal with the public. One way to do that is to not overload yourself with work or assignments. I have several ways of doing that. Today, I will share three of them with you.

The first one is the one that took me the longest to learn and is probably the most powerful. I had to learn to just say no! Now that is not so easy when one of the things you do is head a civil rights organization. Often, the people who come to you are doing so because they have some high stress issue or tragedy. You just can't turn your back in certain situations. However, that still leaves a lot of less than critical causes that you can say,"Sorry, I just don't have the time." You can also suggest that so-and-so might be better able to help you. So technique number one in saving time is to not get involved in the first place.

Technique number two is one of my favorites. I have a lot of mail, paper work and files. You can quickly get overwhelmed with so much paper flying around. I have what I call my "special folder." It is called the shredder! Yes, most paper is worthy of the garbage can so just shred away! You can even have a shredding party if you like. But the point is you need to get rid of as much of it as you can. Then you can- in no time- handle the important matters. The easiest way to decide what to ditch is simply to look at it. If you have to think about it, shred! If you make a mistake, that is ok because most items of importance will have follow up mail coming anyway.

Finally, I like to write out my to-do list. You should start your busy day by writing down what you need to get done. Take a look at the list and find things that you don't have to do at all. It may actually be somebody else's job or something that can be delegated. Next cross off things that you really don't have to do at all. If it is something that will not impact on your goals or well being, why is it on your list in the first place?

Those are just a few things that help me maintain my sanity in a fast paced and unforgiving world. Of course there are many others but the best thing you can do for yourself is recognize you need to manage your time or circumstances will mis-manage it. 

John Mayer's Racist Remarks

It never ceases to amaze me the racist ignorant remarks that come out of peoples mouths. It's not only that they say these thing, but that they are so comfortable saying them. That is the part that floors me. John Mayer is one individual. Don Imus, Jimmy The Greek and countless others have put their foots in their mouths over the years. But I think many people miss the point.

The bigger issue with people and their racist remarks is that we as a society are quick to jump on the individual, and not address the systems of thought and social relations that produce them. Everyday people laugh at racist jokes. Everyday people tell them. And yet, we still don't get down to the reality that the racist remarks come out of a system of racial oppression.

This system discriminates against people of color everyday and has resulted in the separation, segregation and exploitation of countless millions. Racism in health care results in less quality medical treatment; in education, less quality learning; in criminal justice, higher instances of criminality because of racial profiling.

John Mayer is a knuckle head. As much as his words are stupid and hurtful, the system that fosters them should be the real target of reform.

Obama and Ted Kennedy

I watched the service for Ted Kennedy Saturday and must say I was very, very impressed. The scope of mourners was itself impressive, but the political spectrum of attendees was nothing short of amazing. When a man or woman is laid to rest, the mourners tell a tale of that persons life as compelling as the eulogy. Ted Kennedy was a great politician, if not a flawed man. But that comes with being human- flaws. Rest in peace, Ted, our champion.

As Barack Obama took to the microphone, I sat by silently to hear what Americas first Black President had to say about a man who did more for Black people than many African American leaders have. Obama did not disappoint. But here is the thing. His eulogy of Ted Kennedy was extremely impressive. It was in a way as much about Barack as it was about Ted.

It is an understatement to say that Barack Obama is an impressive man. We need to understand that we didn't elect a Black president as much as we elected an impressive human being. Let's face it. In America, it isn't enough to be Black and intelligent. It isn't enough to be Black and charismatic. No, you have to be all those things and more. Obama is quite possible the greatest politician of our time, surpassing Bill Clinton and others. That does not mean I like all of his policies. I don't. In fact, I have real issues with a lot of what he has done so far as president. But that in no way takes away from the greatness of the man as politician.

My point in saying all of this is that Barack can learn much from Ted Kennedy about standing up for what is right. He can do much more for this country if he leads with his principles instead of his politics. What are you willing to sacrifice for greatness is the question Obama has not yet answered. Many have given their lives in the cause of human rights. Ted Kennedy stood up for Black people even during the difficult and lonely days of the Reagan years. Can Barack be a similar champion?  Well, we just said good bye to a man who can serve as a model of political principle and sacrifice. Ted and Barack; The King is dead, long live the King!

Giving Around the World

This month (November), millions of people around the nation will celebrate Thanksgiving. Next month (December), millions more around the globe will celebrate Christmas. And this is a wonderful, beautiful thing.

Still, all the while, millions of others will be starving or hungry. How many of us take the time to even think about struggling families who could use a little help bringing a smile to a child's face or a full belly for them to sleep on? It would be presumptuous of me to think that with all of the business people and servants of God in the world that these issues are not being addressed.

Whether or not these issues are being addressed by the more fortunate is actually secondary to me. What is of more concern is that people, especially young woman, around the world are being left vulnerable to economic and sexual exploitation. And aside from a few courageous woman leaders or organizations, we ( mostly men ) do not offer the resources we have to help woman (human) causes.

This year, I am asking woman outside of America, what is your pressing issue and how can we help. Please send me an email. I need specifics so I will have a strong letter to send to leaders, clergy, business persons, senators and congress people. Love and peace to you.