Cops attack Black activists at Harlem parade

The Harlem Day parade, held annually in the predominately African-American community in New York City, was once again the scene of an unprovoked attack by the police. The victims this Sept. 21 were members of the New Black Panther Party who were marching in a contingent in their name when the attack happened. Five NBPP members were physically assaulted, arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and assaulting a police officer.

The five members have become known as the Harlem Five. Two of them were scheduled to appear in a Manhattan court on Sept. 26. A community meeting about the case was held at the National Black Theater in Harlem on Sept. 28. Their supporters have asked any spectators who were eyewitnesses to the attack to call 917-420-8662 to help assist with the legal defense of the NBPP members.

A NBPP press release characterized the incident as “a reckless and outrageous expression of police abuse.” This incident, captured on Youtube, clearly shows a police riot. (www.tinyurl.com/4eyd9x)

The Harlem Day parade has a tradition of bringing out thousands in the Black community and their supporters, along with an overwhelming, disproportionately large number of police, whose presence reflects an occupying, intimidating force.

—Monica Moorehead