Kalamazoo for Racial Justice: A Resource List
Events, organizations, initiatives, & fundraisers in support of Black lives in Kalamazoo and beyond
Last updated: 7/11/2020
How to use this document:
This document is a non-exhaustive, living list of the following:
It will continue to be updated as the situation changes and more organizations are brought to our attention. Keep checking back for updates!
To navigate this document, select “view”>”show document outline” and use the sidebar that appears on the left to select a section. Blue, underlined text indicates a link. Select the link to view more information about the topic listed. Some links are for outside sources, and some links take you to different sections within the document.
Each “level” section is followed by a pre-written script as a starting point for calling or emailing public officials. Feel free to go off script. Be as descriptive, as devastated, as angry as you really feel in those messages. I only ask that you keep your own privilege and identity in mind as you send those messages, especially if you are a non-Black person messaging a Black official. Know that they are dealing with the duality of their identity and their job in ways that you cannot understand, and in ways that it is not your job to police.
Here is a QR code version of this document if you would like to share it: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_F5_mfDcTet9lYE-7qzB7a5S0Awi-2g/view?usp=sharing
Click here to tell her how you feel about that.
Kazoo #blackreport is a fully-independent, anonymously-run, Black-led website that utilizes public knowledge, community reports, and information from whistle blowing. Anyone is welcome to submit relevant information, complaints, or reports.
The fight for #JusticeForCornelius is not over.
Cornelius's death at a Sequel facility highlights the harms faced by youth at for-profit facilities. Years of experience with for-profit juvenile and adult facilities shows privatization often leads to a variety of harmful outcomes, such as dangerous conditions, incentives to incarcerate kids longer, and prioritizing profits over public safety.
We are demanding:
To all Kalamazoo City, Township, and County elected or appointed officials and representatives:
IMMEDIATELY:
WITHIN 12 MONTHS:
“Qualified immunity balances two interests—the need to hold public officials accountable when they exercise power irresponsibly and the need to shield officials from harassment, distraction, and liability when they perform their duties reasonably.” This is why police get away with murder of Black lives and the use of weapons of war on peaceful youth protesters. We need to end qualified immunity now.
“Kalamazoo Public School officials have been sounding the alarm that due to COVID-19 tax shortfalls, they could be facing unprecedented cuts to per pupil funding. Yet KDPS is accepting applications for new officers despite already having more employees than any other city department. Public health workers in Kalamazoo have had to sew their own face masks to serve consumers safely during the pandemic. Yet KDPS has a stockpile of face shields they are using for public intimidation, not protection. Kalamazoo Public Safety takes up 48% of the entire general fund budget for 2020. Other public services account for a paltry 8% and parks and recreation a depressing 4% of budget. That is outrageous and needs to change. Kalamazoo needs dollars for services that actually improve and lift up our community. Dollars for education, for food assistance, for housing, for people. Not policing.” — Defund KDPS Email Script
“But...if there are no police, who will keep us safe?!”
If you’re struggling with this, please read any and all of the following information on the topic:
Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors on Defunding the Police, from WBUR
“For A World Without Police: Disempower, Disarm, Disband” from aworldwithoutpolice.org
“What will it take to stop the police from killing?” from Crimethinc
“Building a Police-Free Future: Frequently Asked Questions” from MPD150
Note for white folks: If you are white and benefit from generational wealth, consider donating more than you feel comfortable with. Consider that many of your Black friends and neighbors are at an economic disadvantage because of systemic racism that no “bootstraps” can fix, and push yourself to give an extra $10 more than you planned.
Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of orgs & fundraisers here? Not sure which one to donate to? Here are some ideas:
Black Action Movement — an organization dedicated to pushing the Black community towards political and legal literacy through education, awareness and the promotion of Black arts and health.
Cashapp: $BAMKzoo
Venmo: https://venmo.com/bam-kalamazoo
Uplift Kalamazoo — A Grassroots Movement Working On Actionable Solutions For Ending Systemic Racism Towards Black People In The Kalamazoo Area.
Link to donate: https://www.upliftkalamazoo.org/donate
Kazoo Black Report — Kazoo #blackreport is an anonymously-run website led by Black people. Anyone can report, but Black people control the narrative here.
To keep the site & support the operational costs, you can cashapp funds to: $kazooblackreport
PACCT BOARD: a collective group of parents, students, educators and community stakeholders working for equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all students, every day and all the time in the district.
Link to sign their petition & donate to help it gain more traction: https://www.change.org/p/kalamazoo-public-schools-end-police-presence-in-kalamazoo-public-schools
Michigan Black Mamas Bailout Collective (& MI Liberation) — raising funds for a mass bail out of Black Mamas in jails and detention centers in the weeks leading up to Mother's Day. Donations will go toward bailing out Mamas in Wayne, Oakland and Kalamazoo counties.
Link to donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mothersbailout
Black Lives Matter Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo’s local BLM chapter.
Cashapp: $BLMSWMich
PayPal: PayPal.me/BLMSWMich
Rootead — offers services and resources to create a healthy relationship with the mind, body, and spirit through ancestral healing arts to address epigenetic stress for BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color). Kama Tai Mitchell has been doing incredible doula, birth justice, yoga, somatic healing, African dance, and so much more important community here.
Link to donate: https://rootead.org/donate
HOPE thru Navigation — a local, Black-owned nonprofit that seeks to support community members in recovery and self-sufficiency, especially those who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. They also do amazing anti-bullying, social justice, and food justice work with youth in Kalamazoo.
Link to donate: https://paypal.me/HOPEtN
Face Off Theatre Company — aims to present audiences with fresh and innovative pieces of drama, as well as, classic works that are inspirational, entertaining, and thought provoking by creating meaningful work that inspires and sparks change in our community and providing a safe space that develops and supports artists of color.
Cashapp: $BACCFOTC
Black Arts and Cultural Center — develops potential and creativity in Blacks in the Kalamazoo area, advances the awareness of Black artistic ability, helps to preserve Black cultural heritage and enhance interactions among diverse groups.
Link to donate: https://blackartskalamazoo.org/donate/
Young Kings and Queens — local, Black-led nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment and inspiration of minority youth to live beyond the scopes of societal norms.
Link to donate: https://youngkingsandqueens.org/donate/
Inner City Youth for Change — Black-led nonprofit founded in 2009. ICYFC equips and empowers teens to learn, to lead, and to serve in their schools, communities, and around the world.
Link to donate: https://icyfc.org/contac/donate-2/
Society for History and Racial Equity — dual mission of educating the community on the importance of our region’s African American heritage and fostering connections and conversations on race and providing awareness of racism and the broad societal benefits of its elimination.
Link to donate: http://sharekazoo.org/donate/
Urban Alliance of Kalamazoo — operates various programs that serve marginalized populations in Kalamazoo, from job training for underemployed individuals to community outreach in the Northside, Eastside and Edison neighborhoods.
Link to donate: https://www.urbanalliancekalamazoo.org/donate/
ERACCE — an organization that has been holding antiracist trainings, transformation teams, and consulting services in Kalamazoo since 2000.
Link to donate: http://www.eracce.org/support/
Consider connecting directly with Black individuals engaged in protest/organizing work and giving them money directly (with their consent, of course). Think of it as buying them a coffee or lunch for their hard work.
Rebuilding Twala’s Dream: “Hello everyone! This is TJ and Kimber Cremeans from Kalamazoo, MI. Please consider donating to our wonderful family friend, Twala Lockett-Jones. Her dream home/business was burned in the recent riots in Kalamazoo. Any and all support is appreciated. Thank you!”
Achieving Community Together (Lenora Williams): “I’m here today because my building was burned down, but my vision still stands. I visualized this building being a place
where people could come together from all walks of life. It didn’t matter about
race or color, it was a vision about bridging a gap and about helping those
that are less fortunate. Today that is me. I need your help. I have to tear down the building. I have no insurance. One thing that I do know is this, when the people of God come together, there is no telling what God can do. Any donation would be appreciated and may GOD’s blessings return to you a Thousand fold.”
Yes, I’m asking you to follow all of them. All of them. It will take no longer than a minute, and it will deeply improve your doomscrolling experience the next time you log on!
Black Action Movement
Uplift Kalamazoo
PACCT BOARD
MI Liberation
Fire Arts Collaborative
Rootead
HOPE thru Navigation
Face Off Theatre Company
Kzoo Protest Updates #BlackLivesMatter
Stephanie Moore for Michigan State Representative, 60th District
Wow, I wish there were a list of Black-owned businesses in Kalamazoo!
Consider your wish granted. It’s here: Black Wall Street Kalamazoo
Call and email the following public officials to demand that police be held accountable for escalating violence at protests, and to express opposition to the use of tear gas and pepper spray on peaceful protesters. Pre-written scripts are included.
City Commission General Phone Number: 269-337-8046
Mayor David Anderson: mayor@kalamazoocity.org
Vice Mayor Patrese Griffin*: griffinp@kalamazoocity.org
Commissioner Erin Knott: knotte@kalamazoocity.org
Commissioner Jack Urban: urbanj@kalamazoocity.org
Commissioner Eric Cunningham*: cunninghame@kalamazoocity.org
Commissioner Jeanne Hess: hessj@kalamazoocity.org
→ Are you a K College alum disappointed in Commissioner Hess’s lack of advocacy for communities of color? There’s a script for that.
Commissioner Chris Praedel: praedelc@kalamazoocity.org
*Vice Mayor Griffin and Commissioner Cunningham are members of the Black community who have been doing community work in Kalamazoo for years. If you are not Black, let this information inform any statement you might make to them about what needs to be done about police violence in our city.
I want to see regular updates on the independent investigation into the events of 5/30-6/2.
I want KDPS disarmed & demilitarized. Immediately discontinue use of chemical weapons, “less than lethal” projectiles or explosives, riot gear, and other warfare tactics in interactions with the community. All officers should be required to wear active and unobstructed body cams at all times.
I want KDPS to demonstrate accountability. Establish an ongoing system of public hearings on police misconduct, and publish a monthly report of all complaints of police misconduct received, including the status of investigation into each.
Within the year, I want KDPS to localize. All officers should be required to reside within the boundaries of their department’s jurisdiction, demonstrating a personal investment in the wellbeing of those they are sworn to “protect and serve.”
Most importantly, I want KDPS defunded. Begin systematic divestment of public dollars away from police budgets in the next fiscal year and in each thereafter, until policing budgets reach zero. Direct savings according to the expressed needs of the community most impacted by police violence and systemic racism.
Jim Ritsema said during the 6/15 city commission meeting that he’s not sure how to collect community feedback. I am part of the community, and this is my feedback. Keep my interests in mind in future discussions.
I heard your comments and questions at the June 15 City Commission meeting, and I wanted to say thank you. It is clear that you are listening to me and your constituents. Thank you for speaking truth to power and working hard to achieve justice in our community.
City Manager Jim Ritsema: cokcitymanager@kalamazoocity.org
I want to see regular updates on the independent investigation into the events of 5/30-6/2.
I want KDPS disarmed & demilitarized. Immediately discontinue use of chemical weapons, “less than lethal” projectiles or explosives, riot gear, and other warfare tactics in interactions with the community. All officers should be required to wear active and unobstructed body cams at all times.
I want KDPS to demonstrate accountability. Establish an ongoing system of public hearings on police misconduct, and publish a monthly report of all complaints of police misconduct received, including the status of investigation into each.
Within the year, I want KDPS to localize. All officers should be required to reside within the boundaries of their department’s jurisdiction, demonstrating a personal investment in the wellbeing of those they are sworn to “protect and serve.”
Most importantly, I want KDPS defunded. Begin systematic divestment of public dollars away from police budgets in the next fiscal year and in each thereafter, until policing budgets reach zero. Direct savings according to the expressed needs of the community most impacted by police violence and systemic racism.
You said during Monday night’s meeting that you’re not sure how to collect community feedback. I am part of the community, and this is my feedback. Keep my interests in mind in future discussions.
General complaint form: https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/complaints-commendations/complaint/
General email: https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/contact/e-mail/
General administrative line: 269-337-8123
Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas: thomask@kalamazoocity.org
Public Safety Assistant Chief (Fire Administration/Finance) Ryan Tibbets: tibbetsr@kalamazoocity.org
Public Safety Assistant Chief (Operations) Vernon Coakley: coakleyv@kalamazoocity.org
Public Safety Assistant Chief (Investigations) David Boysen: boysend@kalamazoocity.org
Public Safety Assistant Chief (Strategic Planning) Jeffrey VanderWiere: vanderwierej@kalamazoocity.org
Professional Standards Division Commander (Police Misconduct): Executive Lieutenant Danielle Guilds: guildsd@kalamazoocity.org
Phone: (269) 337-8270
Hi, my name is ___ and I live at ____. I’m writing to let you know that I do not believe that City Manager Ritsema’s Commitment to Equitable and Responsive Public Safety and City Government Plan does not go far enough.
I want to see regular updates on the independent investigation into the events of 5/30-6/2.
I want KDPS disarmed & demilitarized. Immediately discontinue use of chemical weapons, “less than lethal” projectiles or explosives, riot gear, and other warfare tactics in interactions with the community. All officers should be required to wear active and unobstructed body cams at all times.
I want KDPS to demonstrate accountability. Establish an ongoing system of public hearings on police misconduct, and publish a monthly report of all complaints of police misconduct received, including the status of investigation into each.
Within the year, I want KDPS to localize. All officers should be required to reside within the boundaries of their department’s jurisdiction, demonstrating a personal investment in the wellbeing of those they are sworn to “protect and serve.”
Most importantly, I want KDPS defund. Begin systematic divestment of public dollars away from police budgets in the next fiscal year and in each thereafter, until policing budgets reach zero. Direct savings according to the expressed needs of the community most impacted by police violence and systemic racism.
I would like to add that I heard your statements about protest videos circulating the internet being staged at the City Commission meeting on 6/15. I have never been so deeply offended, disgusted, and disturbed by a statement from a local public official. How dare you lie to us like that to save face for your department. I also feel that your denial of use of rubber bullets when protesters were shot by pepper balls to the same wounding “non-lethal” effect was splitting hairs. I was deeply disappointed to hear non-apologies (“I’m sorry the community was scared, that was not our intention”) from you and your department. What I want is a true apology: we acknowledge that we harmed you, we are sorry, and we will not do it again.
On Thursday, July 16, KDPS’s facebook page shared a post thanking notably anti-gay Radiant Church for a donation of food from Chik-fil-a, a notably anti-gay company. In it, they also referred to their police officers as “troops,” which is fitting given that they tear-gassed and used pepper balls on peaceful protesters in Kalamazoo from May 31-June 2. If that information upsets you, there’s a script for that.
Many have been contacted by County officials letting us know that they have no jurisdiction over KDPS. It’s still important for us to speak the truth of defunding KDPS to as many agents of power as possible!
Stephanie L Moore* (D)
(269) 547-9002
Zachary D. Bauer
269-547-8397
Tracy Hall (D)
Vice Chair
(269) 720-7747 Cell
Michael Seals* (D)
(269) 744-4220 Cell
Julie Rogers (D)
Board Chair
(269) 349-3352 (H)
Jennifer Aniano (D)
586-864-7305 (C)
Roger Tuinier (R)
(269) 381-2811 (H)
John H. Gisler (R)
(269) 323-0259 (H)
(269) 323-3448 (FAX)
(269) 217-2119 Cell
Christine Morse (D)
269-743-9634
Mike Quinn (D)
(269) 329-1320 (H)
(269) 267-2880 (Cell)
Meredith Place (D)
319-775-2395
Richard C Fuller
Administration Line: 269-383-8821
*Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Seals are members of the Black community. If you are not Black, let this information inform any statement you might make to them about resolutions on the table in our County.
County Level Script
None right now. Check back later.
State Senator - 20th District
Sean McCann (D)
SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov
Lansing Office: 517-373-5100
Kalamazoo Office: 269-226-0124
State Representative - 60th District
Jon Hoadley (D)
jonhoadley@house.mi.gov
Lansing Office: 517-373-1785
Kalamazoo Office: 269-382-4676
I want to see regular updates on the independent investigation into the events of 5/30-6/2.
I want KDPS disarmed & demilitarized. Immediately discontinue use of chemical weapons, “less than lethal” projectiles or explosives, riot gear, and other warfare tactics in interactions with the community. All officers should be required to wear active and unobstructed body cams at all times.
I want KDPS to demonstrate accountability. Establish an ongoing system of public hearings on police misconduct, and publish a monthly report of all complaints of police misconduct received, including the status of investigation into each.
Within the year, I want KDPS to localize. All officers should be required to reside within the boundaries of their department’s jurisdiction, demonstrating a personal investment in the wellbeing of those they are sworn to “protect and serve.”
Most importantly, I want KDPS defund. Begin systematic divestment of public dollars away from police budgets in the next fiscal year and in each thereafter, until policing budgets reach zero. Direct savings according to the expressed needs of the community most impacted by police violence and systemic racism.
Jim Ritsema said during Monday night’s meeting that he’s not sure how to collect community feedback. I am part of the community, and this is my feedback. Keep my interests in mind in future discussions.
Congressman Fred Upton, Michigan’s 6th District (R)
Kalamazoo: (269-385-0039)
“Write Your Representative” Form: https://upton.house.gov/contact/zipauth.htm
Email: https://upton.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm
Senator Gary Peters - (D - MI)
DC Office: (202) 224-6221
Detroit Office: (313-226-6020)
Contact: www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
DC Office: (202) 224-4822
Grand Rapids Office: (616) 975-0052
Contact: www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact
I want to see regular updates on the independent investigation into the events of 5/30-6/2.
I want KDPS disarmed & demilitarized. Immediately discontinue use of chemical weapons, “less than lethal” projectiles or explosives, riot gear, and other warfare tactics in interactions with the community. All officers should be required to wear active and unobstructed body cams at all times.
I want KDPS to demonstrate accountability. Establish an ongoing system of public hearings on police misconduct, and publish a monthly report of all complaints of police misconduct received, including the status of investigation into each.
Within the year, I want KDPS to localize. All officers should be required to reside within the boundaries of their department’s jurisdiction, demonstrating a personal investment in the wellbeing of those they are sworn to “protect and serve.”
Most importantly, I want KDPS defund. Begin systematic divestment of public dollars away from police budgets in the next fiscal year and in each thereafter, until policing budgets reach zero. Direct savings according to the expressed needs of the community most impacted by police violence and systemic racism.
Jim Ritsema said during Monday night’s meeting that he’s not sure how to collect community feedback. I am part of the community, and this is my feedback. Keep my interests in mind in future discussions.
Police who were ready and willing to use tear gas and pepper spray on peaceful protesters May 30–June 2 — some of whom were youth — do NOT belong in our children’s schools. #KPSNOSRO
Stay up-to-date on this topic by following PACCT BOARD on Facebook.
KPS Administration General Line: (269) 337-0100
Ms. Patti Sholler-Barber, President
Phone: 269-873-2110
E-Mail: pshollerbarber@gmail.com
Ms. TiAnna Harrison, Vice President
Phone: 269-910-6272
E-Mail: tiannaharrison.kpsboe@gmail.com
Ms. Jennie Hill, Secretary
E-Mail: jahill1231@yahoo.com
Mr. Ken Greschak, Treasurer
E-Mail: kengreschak@att.net
Mr. Jermaine Jackson, Trustee
E-Mail: JJacksonmusic357@gmail.com
Mr. Jason Morris, Trustee
E-Mail:jason.morris4KPS@gmail.com
M. Tandy Moore, Trustee
Phone: 269-779-6271
E-mail: tandymoore@gmail.com
I am alarmed to think that KDPS may have a place in our children’s schools after these abhorrent actions. I urge you to reconsider any contracts or agreements you have with the department in favor of more equitable, nonviolent solutions. Please keep our children’s interests in mind as you continue to discuss these matters and work toward justice in our communities.”
#JusticeforCornelius Social Media Toolkit, powered by Michigan Center for Youth Justice: https://docs.google.com/document/d/185pl_FlpS2ZxgG7Zd9HLiUf3VM8dY11-_9dGgf8Indw/edit
Background excerpt from the toolkit linked above:
“On May 1, 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick died after being restrained for throwing a sandwich at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, MI, which is run by a national for-profit company Sequel Youth and Family Services. Such egregious use of force and tragic loss of life is appalling. Cornelius’ life mattered. We are asking for your participation in getting justice for Cornelius.
Cornelius's death at a Sequel facility highlights the harms faced by youth at for-profit facilities. Years of experience with for-profit juvenile and adult facilities shows privatization often leads to a variety of harmful outcomes, such as dangerous conditions, incentives to incarcerate kids longer, and prioritizing profits over public safety.
We are demanding:
Congressman Fred Upton, Michigan’s 6th District (R)
Kalamazoo: (269-385-0039)
“Write Your Representative” Form: https://upton.house.gov/contact/zipauth.htm
Email: https://upton.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm
Senator Gary Peters - (D - MI)
DC Office: (202) 224-6221
Detroit Office: (313-226-6020)
Contact: www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
DC Office: (202) 224-4822
Grand Rapids Office: (616) 975-0052
Contact: www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact
Dear Representative [LAST NAME]:
My name is (Full Name), and I am writing this letter to ask that you vote in favor of the Ending Qualified Immunity Act to eliminate qualified immunity and restore Americans’ ability to obtain relief when police officers violate their constitutionally secured rights.
As part of the Civil Rights Act of 1871, Congress allowed individuals to sue state and local officials, including police officers, who violate their rights. Starting in 1967, the Supreme Court began gutting that law by inventing the doctrine of qualified immunity. Under qualified immunity, police are immune from liability unless the person whose rights they violated can show that there is a previous case in the same jurisdiction, involving the exact same facts, in which a court deemed the actions to be a constitutional violation.
This rule has sharply narrowed the situations in which police can be held liable – even for truly heinous rights violations – and it creates a disincentive to bringing cases in the first place. If a plaintiff knows there is no prior case that is identical to theirs, they may decline to even file a lawsuit because they are very unlikely to win. Even if a plaintiff does file a case, a judge may dismiss it on qualified immunity grounds and decline to decide whether the plaintiffs rights were violated, meaning the constitutional precedent still isn’t established and so the next plaintiff still can’t recover.
This can create a permanent procedural roadblock for plaintiffs, preventing them from obtaining damages for having their rights violated.
Qualified immunity was created by the Supreme Court in contravention of the text of the statute and the intent of Congress. It is time for us to correct their mistake. Justin Amash (L-MI)’s bill, the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, does this by explicitly noting in the statute that the elements of qualified immunity outlined by the Supreme Court are not a defense to liability.
The brutal killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police is merely the latest in a long line of incidents of egregious police misconduct. This pattern continues because police are legally, politically, and culturally insulated from consequences for violating the rights of the people whom they have sworn to serve. That must change so that these incidents of brutality stop happening. Until then, we must ensure that those whose rights are violated by police aren’t forced to suffer the added injustice of being denied their day in court.
Sincerely,
(Full Name)
(Address)
(Email)
(Phone)