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Bond Puts Spotlight on City's Police

Posted on: Sunday, 10 July 2005, 15:00 CDT

NAACP Chairman Julian Bond said "the whole country knows" about the beating of Frank Jude Jr. and Milwaukee is not unlike other American cities that have strained relationships between their police departments and black communities.

Speaking at the kickoff of the 96th annual NAACP national convention Saturday, Bond also expressed his disappointment about Mexican President Vicente Fox's absence, his wish for the pending U.S. Supreme Court nomination and his pleasure with Milwaukee's mild weather.

But his words about Jude, a black man whom a group of white off- duty Milwaukee police officers are accused of beating in October, struck home during his talk at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.

"The whole country knows about the most recent incident of mistreatment against an innocent man," Bond said.

Bond said he appreciates action Milwaukee authorities have taken to arrest police officers suspected in the Bay View beating and added that the city, like many others, has to improve its relationship between police and minorities.

"Milwaukee is not unique in having poor police-community relationships," Bond said. "One of the responsibilities of the NAACP is to improve those relationships."

Bond and Dennis Courtland Hayes, the NAACP's interim president and CEO, criticized Fox for not accepting the group's invitation to speak during its national's convention.

Fox came under fire for remarks he made in May suggesting that Mexican immigrants take American jobs "that not even blacks want to do."

Hayes also criticized Fox for a Mexican postage stamp released last month that features a black cartoon character many see as offensive.

"Mr. Fox missed a great opportunity to come together with African- Americans and reach some consensus on issues," Hayes said. "Mr. Fox will have to deal with his electorate for his outmoded way of thinking."

Asked about the nomination President Bush will make to the U.S. Supreme Court, Bond expressed a desire for a judge who will expand the rights of minority groups.

"We want someone who supports justice and fair play," said Bond, who did not name a preferred candidate. "Someone who understands the Supreme Court is the last resort for people who cannot face their problems alone."

Great weather

Bond also said he's happy to be holding the civil rights organization's annual July convention in Milwaukee, where more than 10,000 delegates and visitors are expected.

The past four years, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People gatherings were in hot, humid locales of Philadelphia, Miami, Houston and New Orleans.

"It's great to be in a part of the country with sunshine and low humidity," he said.

In other convention news:

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama canceled his scheduled appearance, convention organizers said Saturday afternoon. The Illinois Democrat had been pegged to take part in a panel discussion Monday on federal public policy.

Sens. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), as well as U.S. Reps. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) and Mel Watt (D-N.C.), are still scheduled to participate.

The chairmen of the Democratic and Republican national committees, Howard Dean and Ken Mehlman, respectively, were added to the convention schedule. Dean and Mehlman are scheduled to give a presentation each on Thursday about how their respective parties appeal to African-Americans.

The convention will continue through Thursday.

SUNDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

-- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: WIN Fashion Show, Pfister Hotel, Grand Ballroom

-- 1 to 4 p.m.: ACT-SO Awards Ceremony, Milwaukee Theatre

-- 6 to 8 p.m.: Opening Public Mass Meeting, Midwest Airlines Center, Ballroom.

Speakers include NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, Mayor Tom Barrett, U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore.

Copyright 2005, Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved. (Note: This notice does not apply to those news items already copyrighted and received through wire services or other media.)

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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