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OP-ED: Law Enforcement Groups Condemn Irresponsible Statement by New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte on the Impact of a Menthol Cigarette Ban

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Those who purport that possession and use will not be criminal must be reminded that possession and drinking of alcohol during prohibition was not criminal. It was only illegal to manufacture, transport and sell booze but the resulting 13 years of mayhem led to repeal of the law. Marijuana has been decriminalized in New York since the ‘70s, but it didn’t prevent the police from targeting black and brown people for marijuana possession resulting in tens of thousands being arrested over just a few years, hence, “Stop and Frisk.”

Published

5 years ago

December 9, 2019

Oakland Post

Giving police officers a reason to detain and engage black smokers to find out where they purchased their menthol cigarettes could lead to encounters that are likely to escalate to the unnecessary use of force and arrests. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

New York, NY – The leaders of several influential law enforcement groups joined to condemn comments made last week by Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte who represents Brooklyn’s 42nd Assembly District. Ms. Bichotte made several irresponsible and inaccurate statements that downplayed the impacts that a menthol cigarette ban would have in New York’s communities of color.

During a press conference last week on the steps of City Hall supporting a menthol cigarette ban, Assemblywoman Bichotte stated: “The City Council legislation does not make the purchase or the sale of menthol cigarettes a criminal offense…No one will get arrested if found in possession of menthol cigarettes…No one with possession, even if found with boxes in their car, will get arrested.”

Assemblywoman Bichotte sent the message that New York’s illicit market is open for more business. A menthol ban would fuel the growth of the illicit market and lead to more unnecessary police encounters in our streets. New York City is already home to one of the most policed illicit cigarette markets in the nation. Banning menthol products, which the majority of black tobacco users prefer, would create a new illicit market and fuel more illegal activity. Regardless of where the legislation comes from, it will be police who have to enforce it, and police do not need another reason to engage with communities of color. Good policing is founded on trusting relationships with our communities, and those relationships cannot be forged when police enforce minor infractions like selling menthol products.

The Assemblywoman’s claim that no one will be arrested is just plain false. Giving police officers a reason to detain and engage black smokers to find out where they purchased their menthol cigarettes could lead to encounters that are likely to escalate to the unnecessary use of force and arrests.

The leaders of Law Enforcement Action Partnership, the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, The Grand Council of Guardians, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives/New Jersey spoke out to challenge the Assemblywoman’s irresponsible remarks:

“As our distinguished assemblywoman no doubt realizes, the selling of menthol or any cigarettes by an unlicensed, unregulated individual is already illegal. The death of Eric Garner while in police custody after his arrest for selling loose cigarettes should have been enough to drive that point home to all of us,” said Major Neill Franklin (Ret.), Executive Director, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP).

Lt. Charles Wilson (Ret.), National Chairperson, National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NABLEO), said, “To date, there has been no known input about menthol bans from law enforcement experts, and specifically none from members of any of the nearly thirty organizations representing African American and Latino criminal justice practitioners, who are infinitely aware of the devastating impact of adverse law enforcement interaction in communities of color.”

Charles Billups, National Chairperson, The Grand Council of Guardians (GCGNY), stated, “These new laws would provide law enforcement officers with the authority, indeed the responsibility, to stop, interrogate and arrest persons on suspicion of selling or being in possession of untaxed cigarettes for distribution.”

Commissioner Jiles Ship, president, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives/New Jersey (NOBLE), said, “We urge Councilwoman Bichotte and her colleagues to listen to law enforcement experts and reconsider their proposals and the obvious consequences they will have on communities of color, that are now, again, being adversely targeted with a menthol ban.”

Those who purport that possession and use will not be criminal must be reminded that possession and drinking of alcohol during prohibition was not criminal. It was only illegal to manufacture, transport and sell booze but the resulting 13 years of mayhem led to repeal of the law. Marijuana has been decriminalized in New York since the ‘70s, but it didn’t prevent the police from targeting black and brown people for marijuana possession resulting in tens of thousands being arrested over just a few years, hence, “Stop and Frisk.”

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Grand Council of Guardians (GCGNY), National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NABLEO), and, of course, the organization I represent, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), have stated countless times that a ban on menthol cigarettes will have unintended consequences, especially for African Americans and other marginalized communities.

We applaud the New York City Council for reconsidering this dangerous measure and we look forward to engaging in productive dialogue to prevent a menthol ban from bringing increased police presence and violent crime to our communities.

Oakland Post

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org