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A longtime minority teacherin the Schenectady City School District who said hes often asked if he really earned a masters degree from the Ivy Leagues Harvard University took to Congress Park Sunday and joined Black Lives Matter demonstrators to explain the need for activists to speak to local students.

Yacouba Sangare, an elementary and sixth grade teacherwho hails fromNiger, West Africa, said he leads ananti-racism club in his district.

In Saratoga Springs, local BLM leaders Lexis Figuereoand his sister, Chandler Hickenbottom, recently spoke with two classes about the pros and cons of civil disobedience.

Sangare said hes observed that its easier to talk to younger kids about racism than older students.

The educator said his students often ask whyBlack history is only discussed in February, while white history is discussed every month.

Having a culturally relevant and affirming school district, Sangare said, is not hurting white students. Its not teaching white students that they are born racist. If someone tells you that, they clearly know nothing about culturally relevant and affirming schools.

A self-described anti-racism teacher, Sangare cited Audrey Lordes essay titled The Masters Tools Will Never Dismantle the Masters House.

We are not here to oppress anyone, Sangare said. Were not here to devalue anyone. Were here to uplift all of our students and make better society for all. We only do that when all students, including our white students, are taught our real history.

Sangare said that if the people telling lies about ushad had a culturally relevant, anti-racist education, they would not be so afraid of us and the truth we speak.

Pointing to his white wife, Tracy, in the crowd of dozens of demonstrators, Sangare said he loves his white family, friends and students.

But the districts Black and brown students who are Muslim, Jewish, and members of the LGBTQ community, he said, deserve to feel valued.

Figuereo saidthe demonstration wasaimed at dispelling misinformation that circulated about the Saratoga Springs School Districts policy on equity, inclusivity and diversity.

The policys mention of being anti-racist doesnt go far enough, the organizers said.

Activists said they also continued to demand police accountability in the city, where it said the alleged police-involved death of a 21-year-old biracial man named Darryl Mount wasnt investigated.

A vigil commemorating the anniversary of Mounts death was held at Saratoga Springs City Hall on Thursday.

Figuereo joined his sister occupying the Albany polices South Station for six days in April.

During the encampment, Hickenbottom said Albany Police CaptainDevin Anderson assaulted her with her own megaphone without remorse.

This happens all the time, she said. This is nothing new. The only thing is that this was caught on camera.

Acknowledging the various shades, ages, genders, and sexual identities in the crowd, Hickenbottom said the activists pushed for inclusivity, diversity, equity and inclusion. She said sarcastically that those were scary words to most people.

Please look it up in the dictionary, what anti-racism means, because if you have a problem with anti-racism, just know you are racist, she said.

After remarks in the park, demonstrators marched to City Hall while officers from the Saratoga County Sheriffs Department handled traffic control as North Broadway and South Broadway traffic were blocked. Demonstrators also lined the street in front of City Hall before returning to Congress Park.

Categories: News, Saratoga County

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Schenectady teacher at Saratoga Springs demonstration speaks of BLM invite to schools - The Daily Gazette

As part of our commemorations for the upcoming one-year anniversary of George Floyds death and the Black Lives Matter protests of last summer, we would like to speak to families about how their lives have been affected by the BLM movement.

We want to hear about how each of your lives has changed or not changed over the last year, for example in the workplace, in education, in personal relationships, to reflect on the movements impact across different generations.

How has BLM impacted the conversations you have as a family? Has it led to any changes in your schools or workplaces, and how effective have they been? Has it influenced priorities like how you spend your money, what you read, how you spend your time? How have you processed the events of the past year? How do you feel about the future?

You can get in touch by filling in the form below, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions.

One of our journalists will be in contact before we publish, so please do leave contact details.

If youre having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here.

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Tell us: how has your life been affected by the Black Lives Matter movement? - The Guardian

Photo: Creative Photo Corner (Shutterstock)

Cops be like: Follow the law or pay the consequences! But also, if you hurt my feelings, Im definitely going to break the law.

Last year, a Forest Grove, Oregon, police officer was charged with second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree disorderly conduct after he allegedly vandalized a home that displayed a Black Lives Matter flag on Oct. 31. On Thursday, a second police officer was indicted because he allegedly failed to arrest the first officer and instead drove him home. Perhaps the second cop figured the first cop wasnt actually a criminal but was dressing as one for Halloween, but Im going to go out on a limb and say police officers are just less likely to be dedicated to doing their jobs when the job requires them to arrest other cops.

The Associated Press reports that Officer Bradley Schuetz was indicted by a grand jury on one count of first-degree official misconduct for declining to arrest Officer Steven Teets.

Teets was off-duty when he allegedly came across the BLM flag displayed at the residence and his little fragile blue feeling couldnt take the (well earned) disrespect so he reportedly walked into the driveway, set off the car alarm on the residents truck, beat up the flag like it was an actual Black life and kicked and pounded on the front door of the home.

The owners of the home called the police and an unnamed officer arrived and identified Teets as the vandal. Schuetz apparently got wind of the situation and arrived at the scene to drive Teets home instead of taking his ass to jail like he would any civilian who had committed the same crime.

G/O Media may get a commission

According to AP, Beaverton police Sgt. Kevin MacDonald said by failing to arrest Teets, Schuetz prevented the investigation from happening.

Despite having been indicted on criminal charges, Schuetz is currently on paid administrative leave and Teets has been placed on administrative duty while the Washington County Sheriffs Office continues its investigation of the incident.

All of this leaves me with one question: What does a criminal cop have to do to be treated like a criminal by cops?

All of this happened because the very thought that Black lives matter is enough to send certain police officers into a rage of blue tears. That energy would be better spent by the good apples weeding out the bad so the movement is less necessary.

But then there would need to actually be good apples.

Read more:
2 Oregon Police Officers Charged in Incident Involving Home With Black Lives Matter Flag Being Vandalized - The Root

When Steve McQueen first approached John Boyega about playing London police officer Leroy Logan in his Amazon Prime Video anthology series Small Axe, they were both amazed and puzzled by the story of the real-life trailblazer. Logan was a young forensic scientist who gave up that successful career to take on the challenge of a lifetime: He wanted to create change from within by becoming a police officer.

But in doing so, Logan faced the disapproval of his father, was seen as a traitor by his community, and encountered plenty of blatant racism inside the Metropolitan police force.

That was the key for me see, this guys made the decision that a lot of people wouldnt make, especially during that time, Boyega tells Varietys Awards Circuit podcast. And I was curious as to what kind of mind is behind a man that kind of makes this choice. Boyega soon met with Logan, and discovered they had various connections in the community, making his Small Axe installment, Red White and Blue, even more personal. Boyega also discusses his own advocacy, working with McQueen and even that Star Wars reference that McQueen managed to sneak in. Listen below!

Small Axe is a five-film anthology from director McQueen, set from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, inside Londons West Indian community. The films each tell a different story about the power of truth and resistance in the midst of racism and discrimination. And yes, the stories feel just as timely today. In Red, White and Blue, Boyega plays Leroy Logan, and while the story chronicles Logans early days in the force (he eventually became one of Londons top officers), it also details the relationship between Logan and his disapproving dad (played by Steve Toussaint).

Boyega remembers when McQueen approached him with Small Axe, and how the director described the characters that he wanted to portray, and real life people, real life situations that were a real pivotal part of black British history, he says. I was just like, OK, this dude is crazy genius, which is always a good thing in our industry, especially creatives. But at the same time, I just really believed in the goal. To shine a light on stories that havent been told before, that are kind of missing from the history books of film. I was just honestly excited by his expression about his experience growing up, the types of stories from the other films as well. I signed on to his creative vision.

John Boyega in Steve McQueens Small Axe episode Red White and BlueWill Robson Scott

In meeting the real-life Logan, Boyega discovered that the officer had volunteered with some of the youth groups that Boyega had been involved with as a kid in South London. And he had a chance to ask about Logans motivations in joining the police. I was asking him real, you know, stuff that I cant really say on here, but real, raw questions about the scenarios, or what he was thinking, and, you know, how could he have possibly reacted? Boyega says. He felt that it was worth giving up his career as a scientist and going into policing, because it was of benefit to the community. Down the line there would be more representation that will hopefully motivate other people to join. That thinking, its not for everybody.

Would Boyega have ever considered joining the force? Oh, hell no, hell no, he says. Raised in the sticks, no, dont do that. Nah, nah. But I think theres other ways of doing it. And thats why I was so curious to ask him what was motivating and in understanding him and representing this guy. It was cool to understand his perspective, but we all have different ways of doing, mine isnt that.

John Boyega among demonstrators at a Justice for Black Lives protest in London, June 2020FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shu

Small Axe may take place decades ago, but its subject matter is clearly just as timely today. That was even more evident over the past year, as the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others by police helped ignite a global movement to end police brutality, especially against Black individuals. Boyega made headlines last June for making an impromptu, impassioned speech at a Black Lives Matter rally in London.

First and foremost, Im Black, he says of speaking up. And the second thing really is, is just the sorrow that it gives you to see Black bodies continuously treated that way. And so it moves you regardless of your situation. I wasnt supposed to speak, [but] I was given the megaphone. And that was just what was naturally on my mind Its also [important] to stop ourselves from being mere spectators of these movements and situations and really try to align our own goals.

Later in the episode, the a chat with Ziwe, the comedian and author who went viral last summer when she hosted the Instagram live show From My Bedroom. Now, with a new platform on Showtime and partnership with producers at A24, she tells Varietys Danielle Turchiano about the overall universe she is creating.

And the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast roundtable kicks off Emmy season by discussing the early frontrunners, whats in store this FYC season and what theyre hoping to see as the campaign progresses.

Varietys Emmy edition of the Awards Circuit podcast is hosted by Michael Schneider, Jazz Tangcay and Danielle Turchiano and is your one-stop listen for lively conversations about the best in television. Each week during Emmy season, Awards Circuit features interviews with top TV talent and creatives; discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines; and much, much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts. New episodes post every Thursday.

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John Boyega on Playing a Cop in Small Axe, Black Lives Matter and the Crazy Genius of Steve McQueen - Variety

The U.S. Marshals Service flew unmanned drones over Washington, D.C., in response to last summers Black Lives Matter protests, documents obtained by The Intercept via the Freedom of Information Act show.

The documents two brief, heavily redacted emails indicate the Marshals flew the drones over Washington on June 5 and 7, when nationwide protests against police brutality in the wake of George Floyds murder were at their height.The surveillance flights occurred just days after the Trump administration ordered the mobilization of the near entirety of federal law enforcement against Washingtons protesters. The aggressive physical crackdown against Black Lives Matter rallies, particularly in Washington, D.C., spurred its own wave of outrage as police beat, chased, and chemically dispersed largely peaceful demonstrators. Less visible law enforcement responses to the rallies also drew intense criticism, including the use of social media surveillance and, in particular, the use of aerial surveillance over multiple cities by the Air National Guard and Department of Homeland Security. Government aircraft monitored 15 cities during the protests, according to the New York Times, filming demonstrators in New York, Philadelphia, and Dayton, Ohio; aPredator dronewas deployed over Minneapolis.

One email provided by the Marshals Service is dated June 5 and carries the subject line UAS Status for Protests, apparently referring to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, common military jargon for drones. It contains only a few fragments of unredacted text but appears to have contained notes from a UAS briefing in response to the protests and states that a redacted entity responded to Washington DC and conducted one flight, the same day Mayor Muriel Browser asked Donald Trump to withdraw all extraordinary law enforcement and military presence from Washington, DC. The June 7 email is similarly fragmentary and censored but notes that the redacted entity once again responded to Washington DC and conducted several flights.

Marshals Service spokesperson James Stossel declined to answer any questions about the purpose of the June 5th and 7th flights or what data was collected, stating, The USMS does not release details of operational missions, and denied that the Marshals flew drones over the city on any other dates. Asked how the robotic aerial surveillance of protests conforms with the agencys narrowly defined mission, Stossel said, The Marshals Service conducts a broad array of missions as authorized by Federal Law which may include ensuring the rule of law is maintained during protests. Press reports from this period describe the protests in question as peaceful.

The previously unreported flights raise the question of why the U.S. Marshals Service would be flying drones over mass gatherings of First Amendment-protected activity in the nations capital. The marshals are the oldest law enforcement branch in the United States, dating to the 18th century, and their present day grab bag of responsibilities is more or less constrained to protecting courthouses, asset forfeitures, operating the Witness Protection Program, transporting prisoners, and hunting fugitives. The vestigial agency has historically been cagey about the existence or purpose of its drone program: In 2013, the Los Angeles Times reported,In 2004 and 2005, the U.S. Marshals Service tested two small drones in remote areas to help them track fugitives, but the test was abandoned after both drones crashed.

Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union that same year via the Freedom of Information Act were also heavily redacted, providing only murky outlines of how the agency was conducting aerial surveillance. These ACLU documents stated that the Marshals possessed a rapidly deployable overhead collection device that will provide a multi-role surveillance platform to assist in [redacted] detection of targets. Another document provided to the ACLU noted that the marshals deployed surveillance drones through their Technical Operations Group, or TOG, which provides the U.S. Marshal Service, other federal agencies, and any requesting state or local law enforcement agency, with the most timely and technologically advanced electronic surveillance and investigative intelligence available in the world, according to the Marshals Service website. The Marshals spokesperson, however, told The Intercept, No USMS UAS flights were conducted at the request of any other agency.

While the Marshals Service quietly acknowledged the existence of its drone surveillance pilot program in its 2020 annual report, the flights were largely described as tied to the agencys core responsibility of apprehending fugitives. But the document does briefly note that UAS operators also deployed in support of the USMS mission during the nationwide civil unrest in Summer 2020. The report doesnt mention what exactly this drone-based support entailed, but the Marshals on-the-ground violence against protesters in Portland prompted widespread criticism last summer.

Once again, high-tech tools sold for use against the worst criminals are deployed against peaceful protesters.

Experts say its still unclear why the U.S. Marshals are even in a position to conduct these flights in the first place. How did it become part of the mission of U.S. Marshals Service to engage in aerial surveillance during a protest movement? said Jay Stanley, senior policy analyst at the ACLU. Its hard to know with all the secrecy, but it looks like once again, powerful high-tech tools sold to the public for use against the worst criminals are now being deployed against peaceful protesters and activists.

Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told The Intercept that the fact theres a Marshals Service drone program at all is indicative of how thoroughly crime-fighting agencies in the United States now resemble war-fighting forces: The Marshals service has drones for much the same reason that many local police departments have tanks, Guariglia said. The slow militarization of local and federal law enforcement as a result on the war on crime, war on drugs, and war on terror have created dozens of desperate law enforcement agencies with advanced technology and bloated budgets. The mere knowledge that a drone is or even could be watching demonstrators threatens to chill out right to protest, Guariglia added.

Stanley also objected to the near-full redaction of the flight emails, which the Marshals Service argued was warranted on the basis that they would reveal secret investigative techniques and could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual. But as Stanley pointed out, its not as if flying a camera-packing drone over a throng of people is a new or secret technique in the year 2021. How high are the chances they used their drones in some clever, innovative way they need to keep secret because nobody else has thought of it? he explained. No matter how theyre using it, the Marshals Service needs to be open and transparent given the relative novelty of drones as a law enforcement surveillance tool and their significant implications for our privacy. This kind of reflexively secretive behavior is one reason activists and communities tend not to give agencies the benefit of the doubt when they seek new surveillance technologies.

Update: April 23, 2021This article was updated to clarify the comments of USMS spokersperson James Stossel

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U.S. Marshals Used Drones to Spy on Black Lives Matter Protests in Washington, D.C. - The Intercept