BLM Potsdam Timeline

Black Lives Matter Potsdam:

Supporting the North Country and Fighting for Justice

Timeline of Events in Summer 2020 

by Dr. John Youngblood, BLM Potsdam Organizing Committee Co-chair

Draft, August 16, 2020. Italics indicates links to news stories.

 

Sunday, May 31: First BLM Potsdam protest. 100 people gather at Potsdam Post Office and take a knee. Black community members, led by local Black teens, share their stories of some of their experiences of racism.

Sunday, May 31: SUNY Potsdam University Police Facebook page posts a Blue Lives meme. Students and others immediately begin to demand an explanation. UP removed the post and posted two acknowledgements. SUNY Potsdam President Esterberg sent out “Standing Together for Justice,” an email acknowledging the “painful [and] unequivocably unacceptable” tragedy of George Floyd’s death, as well as the UP Facebook post; she announced a campus virtual town hall to discuss it. On Tuesday, July 21, President Esterberg sent out “Working towards a More Equitable Campus,” an email reporting actions taken in response to the town hall.

 

Monday, June 1: Second BLM Potsdam protest. 1,000 people gather and march through the village, with chants led by young Black people of Potsdam. Speeches by Dr. Youngblood, President Esterberg, Mayor Tischler, and more. The same day, marches were held in Ogdensburg and Massena. NCPR interview with Jen Baxtron.

Tuesday, June 2: First daily BLM Potsdam protest at Potsdam Post Office, to be held every day at 6pm until George Floyd’s killers are convicted.

Saturday, June 6: North Country Poor People’s Campaign hosts a Vigil for Black Lives Lost to Police Brutality, including a ringing of bells by the Unitarian Universalist church.

Tuesday, June 9: Potsdam Village Board approves a resolution supporting Black Lives Matter. Also approved by Canton Village Board and Town of Potsdam Board.

Saturday, June 20: 200+ attend BLM Potsdam’s Juneteenth celebration in Potsdam village’s Ives Park, with a ceremony and free food. Mayor Tischler announces this will be an annual holiday. Dr. Youngblood gives an extensive speech connecting the original Juneteenth to July 4 and today’s moment. Jana Prudhomme shares advice to Black youth in the North Country. $6100 raised in a GoFundMe to provide food and supplies.

Monday, June 22: 18 year old Treyanna Summerville, a young Black woman from Gouverneur, is found murdered in her home, after years of assault and malnourishment and many reports to police and Child Protective Services. Residents of Gouverneur hold a public vigil. Later, her sister and her mother are charged.

Saturday, June 27: BLM Potsdam leads “Justice for Treyanna Summerville Protest” in Gouverneur, in collaboration with residents of Gouverneur. 100 people march silently then gather for comments from Treyanna’s father and stepbrother, who came from out of state, her friends who had tried to get help for her, and others. North Country Now coverage.  NCPR coverage.

Wednesday, July 1: BLM Potsdam held “Protect the Children: Rally at DSS,” a rally at the county Human Services Center in Canton.

Tuesday, July 14: County Sheriff Bigwarfe tells the county legislature that he is glad to comply with new NYS laws on police reform, hoping to exceed the standards.

July 14-29: Racist graffiti is found in Canton, Bloomingdale, Plattsburgh, and Saranac Lake.

Saturday, July 18: A man wearing a BLM t-shirt was harassed at a Back the Blue rally in Waddington.The Mayor of Waddington raised concerns about how the rally was conducted. BLM Potsdam leader Jennifer Baxtron addressed the Potsdam Village Board, asking why its police car participated in the rally and reporting the abuse of the protestor. 

Monday, July 20: North Country Poor People’s Campaign holds a local Strike for Black Lives, part of a national strike called by the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

Saturday, July 25: A Black family in Massena finds a noose on their property, which is a New York State crime of aggravated harassment in the first degree. This story quotes BLM news release calling on white people of St. Lawrence County to break silence and protect Black people. Beginning Sunday, July 26, 600+ North Country residents sign this petition to the Mayor, later signed by almost 2,000 people. See news releases below.

Thursday, July 29: It was reported that on, June 6, an off-duty police officer from Cohoes (near Albany and Troy) fired four shots in the Adirondacks, after seeing Black youth. Saturday, He retired. More than 700 people signed a letter to the county DA demanding a full investigation. The letter was delivered to the DA’s office by Nicky Hylton-Patterson, the director of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative and other activists.

August 1: North Country Poor People’s Campaign holds a Forum on Racial and Economic Justice in Massena.

Saturday, August 1: BLM Potsdam leads “BLM Protect Black Lives March” with 140+ protestors marching and chanting 2.2 miles through Massena to protest a noose left on a Black family’s property on July 25 and the inadequate initial response by police. See also Watertown Times video and photos. See news releases below.

Thursday, August 6: Potsdam Presbyterian church reports it received extensive racist hate speech via Instagram, presumably in response to its support for racial justice. Church’s new sign: “Don’t be colorblind. Be color brave. Black Lives Matter here.”

Friday, August 7: Presidents of Associated Colleges of St. Lawrence County issue a joint statement in support of Black Lives Matter.

Friday, August 14: Dozens of SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff issue a statement against August 15 Back the Blue and in support of Black Lives Matter and undoing racism. President Esterberg sends an email, “Standing in Support,” to faculty, staff, and administration, affirming Black Lives Matter and specifically supporting Black faculty, staff, and students. See below.

Saturday, August 15: BLM Potsdam leads “Blue Lives Don’t Exist, Black Lives Do” march and rally of around 200 people in response to Back the Blue parade and rally in Potsdam. Watertown Times, North Country Now, NCPR coverage.

(End of timeline.)

 

News releases, public statements, and more media coverage

If you’d like to see more coverage of events this summer, Google these local news outlets to see all coverage. Google “NCPR Black Lives Matter,” “WWNY TV Black Lives Matter,” “northcountrynow Black Lives Matter,” and “NNY360 Black Lives Matter.” Only NCPR and WWNY TV allow unlimited access to stories without charge (some WWNY TV videos may age out.)

News Releases: Scroll down to see the following selected news releases and statements:

·       July 1 Protect the Children: Rally at DSS

·       BLM Potsdam responds to noose in Massena

·       Myrm LaShomb responds to noose at her family’s home in Massena

·       SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff statement

·       BLM Potsdam announces August 15 rally/march in response to Back the Blue parade/rally

·       BLM Potsdam announces partnership calling for new investigation into death of Garrett Phillips

July 1 BLM Potsdam Protect the Children: Rally at DSS. Facebook event: “We will be rallying outside the Department of Social Services because they failed at protecting Treyanna Summerville.

Over a period of 7 years, the police responded to the home of Treyanna "for a variety of issues including child abuse and neglect" according to the WWNYTV article. The Police Chief said they "responded to the home 16 times, but the department has 25 total reports relating to members of the family. The very first call police responded to was a child abuse/neglect complaint on March 28, 2013. Since that time, Greenhill said were other calls to village police involving the family. The calls included child abuse/neglect, welfare checks, domestics, juvenile runaway, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief."

We're inviting residents of other counties to join in this rally, as we know this is not an issue isolated in St. Lawrence County. Other counties should be held accountable as well.

Please wear a mask and continue to practice social distancing.”

 

BLM Potsdam responds to noose in Massena and announces march on August 1

POTSDAM, New York – Black Lives Matter of Potsdam condemns the recent crime of dropping a noose at a family’s home in Massena, New York, on Saturday, July 25, 2020.

We have led community members in speaking out for racial justice since May 31, 2020 when we began holding rallies to protest the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (A detailed story on our first rally can be found here.)

Jennifer Baxtron, the leader of Black Lives Matter of Potsdam, said this about the recent crime in Massena: “Leaving a noose in the yard of a Black family is a clear and dangerous threat. It is an act of the ongoing racism that exists deeply here in St. Lawrence County. It is past time for this hate that is exposed daily to stop. We will not be silent, we will speak up. We will fight against this ignorance. White people of St. Lawrence County, you have to step up and protect Black people. Stop ignoring the racism, discrimination, scare tactics, assaults, and harassment. Don’t be afraid to call out your racist friend, family member, co-worker, boss, teacher, or classmate. Your silence is not acceptable. Your silence is a big part of the problem.”

White people, in addition to local organizing, learning, and action, and the many online webinars that are now available, here is one other resource to consider. Be aware that you can opt to join the mailing list for the Rochester chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice at surjroc.org. They offer free, short, online workshops, including on how to respond to racist remarks, how to be a better ally, etc.   

Black Lives Matter of Potsdam will march to protest this act of hate on August 1, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in Massena. We will start from the Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ at 39 W. Orvis St and marching to the Massena Police Department. 

The Black Lives Matter march will be held following a previously scheduled event sponsored by the North Country Poor People’s Campaign, part of the national Poor People’s Campaign – A Moral Call for National Revival. The PPC event is a Forum on Racial and Economic Justice, to be held on August 1 at 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ in Potsdam.

 

Myrm LaShomb responds to noose at her family’s home in Massena

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Myrm LaShomb July 29, 2020 Belleovule@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On Saturday, July 25, 2020, a noose was left at a family’s home in Massena, NY. Regarding the incident, a young adult, the family’s second oldest, shared her perspective, “I was out showing my younger brother how to use the mower and I saw the noose laying on some rocks. I felt outraged at first, because I have younger siblings that would be affected by seeing something like that.” When police were called to file a report, the family claims the responding officer declined to take a statement and made a comment that the noose could have been a “dog leash” and that it was probably just teens. Later that evening another officer showed up unannounced and asked for a statement. Massena Police Department (MPD) is now conducting an investigation of this hate crime. The family believes it was primarily the pressure of the concerned community that prompted MPD to take the matter seriously, and are calling for more community action.

When asked, the eldest of the siblings, who lives in Rochester NY said, “This extreme act is just one among many terrible racist experiences my family has endured in St. Lawrence County, from neighbors adding confederate flags when my family moves in next door, to people subjecting even our youngest to racial slurs and stereotypes.” The family says for these reasons they consider the area unsafe. “Now, for the first time, we have the attention of the community as a whole, and we are urging municipal officials to take quick and decisive action to address this community-wide issue. We need to insure that these racist acts are unlikely to occur again, to my family or to any other black, indiginous, or non-white family.”

BLM Potsdam organizers have been helping the family, and will be centering their concerns following an event this Saturday. Jennifer Baxtron, of Black Lives Matter of Potsdam, NY, has this message for the St. Lawrence County community: “Leaving a noose in the yard of a Black family is a clear and dangerous threat. It is an act of the ongoing racism that exists deeply here in St. Lawrence County. It is past time for this hate that is exposed daily to stop.” Community members and reporters are invited to attend the BLM Potsdam ‘March to Protect Black Lives’ on Saturday, August 1 at 2:30 pm, beginning at Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, 39 W. Orvis St., Massena, NY. www.facebook.com/events/766278827478620 The march is immediately following the previously planned Forum on Racial and Economic Justice (Poor People's Campaign) event from noon to 2 pm in the same location: www.facebook.com/events/1563994533805098

ADDENDUM: Full Quotes for reference

From the siblings. Regarding the incident, a young adult of the family targeted shared her perspective, “I was out showing my younger brother how to use the mower and I saw the noose laying on some rocks. I felt outraged at first because I have younger siblings that would be affected by seeing something like that. Then it blew up on social media. I began to feel scared. The facts are that there are closet racists here and it can be very dangerous for us because of them. I’ve experienced racism before but they were never this serious.” Another of the family adds her feelings on the matter, “I was in shock and upset because I don’t have a clue why this is happening to us. No one deserves this horrible threat. And to hear a cop say, ‘it could be a dog leash,’ made me even more upset because this threat was serious. This definitely goes to show that this town has racists and it isn’t safe for any POC, especially my family, and here’s your proof! I have experienced racism all my life but nothing like this. I’ve been picked on for looking “dirty” and different from all the other kids. I have been called the “N” word many times by kids and adults. There have been incidents where I was targeted by police for “looking like another black girl” and almost getting arrested. I love massena and the memories here but with massena and the memories here but with this happening to us, I don’t even wanna live here. I don’t feel loved or welcomed by the community. I hope this message opens people’s minds that we can all live together as one with no hate in our eyes or hearts. Until then I will stand with BLM to end racism and fight for what’s right for me and other POC! Because all lives can't matter until black lives matter.”

From Potsdam BLM organizers Jennifer Baxtron, of Black Lives Matter of Potsdam, New York, has this message for the St. Lawrence County community: “Leaving a noose in the yard of a Black family is a clear and dangerous threat. It is an act of the ongoing racism that exists deeply here in St. Lawrence County. It is past time for this hate that is exposed daily to stop. We will not be silent, we will speak up. We will fight against this ignorance. White people of St. Lawrence County, you have to step up and protect Black people. Stop ignoring the racism, discrimination, scare tactics, assaults, and harassment. Don’t be afraid to call out your racist friend, family member, co-worker, boss, teacher, or classmate. Your silence is not acceptable. Your silence is a big part of the problem.”

SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff on August 14, 2020: “We, the undersigned faculty and staff at SUNY Potsdam, wholeheartedly support the Black members of our community. We cry out for racial justice, and we say with one voice: Black Lives Matter. We condemn the Potsdam Back the Blue rally of August 15 as a thinly veiled anti-BLM protest that also exploits our first responders for that purpose. Amidst a pandemic, when racial inequities in health and healthcare are made starkly visible, Black communities continue to endure the pain of racial injustice and oppression that has existed in our society for over 400 years. We are committed to fighting injustice. We stand with the Black members of our community. We urge the entire community to join us, to take up the work of undoing racism and to speak out against it. Our campus mission says in part: With an abiding sense of responsibility to our region and to the world beyond, SUNY Potsdam fosters an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human experience. We the undersigned, say with one voice: Black Lives Matter. “ (To be signed by a number of faculty staff starting now through Monday, Aug. 17. A signed public version will be published next week.)

 

BLM Potsdam announces August 15 rally/march in response to Back the Blue parade/rally

POTSDAM – Black Lives Matter of Potsdam will hold a march and rally on Saturday, August 15th at 12:00 noon at the U.S. Post Office in Potsdam, NY.  The group states they are committed to a peaceful event, as the over 80 events they have organized this year have been, and note that only peaceful protesters are welcome. 

“We will let our songs and signs do the talking,” states organizer Jennifer Baxtron.  Masks and social distancing are also required.

The event is in response to a concurrent parade scheduled on the theme of “Back the Blue” (fire fighters, EMT, police, military) in Potsdam.  First responders will be honored and upheld by the community, which BLM Potsdam states “...are very important in our everyday lives. We are grateful for their service and thank them. We are not anti-police, but we are anti-police brutality and killings.  What we do not tolerate is when law enforcement does nothing to protect and get justice for Black people and people of color.” 

A press statement from BLM Potsdam notes that they are “building a positive relationship with law enforcement and the Mayor and Potsdam Village Board.  “We're not saying that ‘only’ Black lives matter, because ‘every life’ should matter.  We insist that law enforcement and other responders treat people of color like we do matter.”

BLM Potsdam leader Jennifer Baxtron references the upcoming Back The Blue event by saying, “Blue lives do not actually exist, it is a choice to be a police officer but a person cannot choose their skin tone, they cannot leave their color at the door and be anonymous,” stating that police have always been honored by the community for their bravery and sacrifice.  “It is the rare person who truly hates cops; what is not so rare is anti-Black racism in this country, and all people of color pay for that in random ways at any time of day or night, even in their own homes.  Imagine the stress of that kind of a siege on your life, for your entire life.” A statement from organizers says that “Racist threats and expressions of hate are damaging for our community, and we call on the Back the Blue organizers to condemn them.  They have not.” 

Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli, who is also running for Governor against Andrew Cuomo largely on 2nd Amendment grounds, is the Grand Marshall of the upcoming Black the Blue parade. BLM Potsdam notes that when a reporter challenged Carpinelli with the argument that he may not know what it is like to be a Black American and have to deal with the police, he responded "I say that's not true at all sir. We're all one in America. No matter where you walk on this planet. God put us all here as one. We have to stop looking at color."  To members of BLM Potsdam, this is the wrong message.  Baxtron says, “It does not acknowledge Black lives in any way, shape or form.  To think that anyone does not ‘see color’ is to deny the existence of Black lives and the harm that comes our way for no other reason than skin tone.”

On the other hand, the group states that St. Lawrence County Sheriff Bigwarfe has been proactive in seeking to meet State policing mandates for April 2021, noting that he has said, “When you have the high standard, you are doing a lot of things right. Not only do you meet a lot of the police reform standards, you go above those standards.”

Baxtron noted that “Highly credible studies have proven what Black people know intimately: that they are much more likely to be killed by police than other racial groups, and all people of color are more likely to experience police use of force.  We do not advocate for defunding the police, but we do exercise our constitutional right to free speech, to publicly express our outrage and our demand for a more just society and system of policing.” She continued, “At the same time, we are grateful for local first responders. Had the organizers of this event been willing to go on the record saying that Black lives do matter as a part of their event, we may have joined in their parade. To date, they have not.  As it is, we will hold our own event celebrating first responders and seeking the justice and fair treatment every American deserves.”

Baxtron quotes the National Academy of Sciences 2019 study of killings by police use of force, which found that “Black men are about 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police over the life course than are white men. Black women are about 1.4 times more likely to be killed by police than are white women.”  Indigenous and Latinx people are also at high risk. (Edwards, Lee, and Esposito).  Baxtron asks, “How can we join a parade, even if it’s in support of our local first responders, when they will not acknowledge these most basic facts?” The counter-rally event can be found on Facebook and BLM Potsdam can be contacted at blm.noco@gmail.com.

 

BLM Potsdam announces partnership calling for new investigation into death of Garrett Phillips

August 13, 2020 PRESS ADVISORY. New York State and National Media Alert

It Could Happen To You and Black Lives Matter To Request NY State Attorney General Appoint Independent Special State Prosecutor To Investigate the Unsolved 2011 Murder of Garrett Phillips

Friday, August 14, 2020 – 11:00 AM St. Lawrence County Courthouse Steps, Canton,

New York Bill Bastuk, Chair, It Could Happen To You, 585-503-6826

Jennifer Baxtron, Black Lives Matter Potsdam, 315-229-2213

The 2011 murder of 12 -year old Garrett Phillips has been swept under the rug. Talk of a cover-up swirl throughout New York State’s North Country. Calls for the District Attorney Pasqua to request an independent investigation have been ignored. Friday morning, the national criminal justice reform organization It Could Happen To You and Black Lives Matter leaders in St. Lawrence County, NY will rally together and call on New York State Attorney General Letitia James to take the necessary steps to appoint a state prosecutor to ensure an independent and complete investigation is undertaken to identify the true perpetrator.

For more information contact blm.noco@gmail.com.