¡Alto Arizona!

Attorney Bruce Boynton Joins the Fight Against Racial Profiling in Maricopa County

Source: http://cdb-tonatierra.blogspot.com

Press Advisory
Date: Tuesday January 24, 2012
Contact: Tupac Enrique Acosta
Email: chantlaca@tonatierra.org

1st Freedom Rider Arrives in Phoenix Today

Attorney Bruce Boynton Joins the Fight Against
Racial Profiling in Maricopa County

Attorney Bruce Boynton

Phoenix, AZ – The battle for Civil Rights in the deep south in the 60’s and the fight in Maricopa County against racial profiling and discriminatory policing will link up this week here in Phoenix when Attorney Bruce Boynton arrives to take part in a series of community events organized by TONATIERRA and Los Comités de Defensa del Barrio.

Atty. Bruce Boynton is considered the 1st Freedom Rider when he was arrested in 1958 for refusing to leave a  "white only" lunch counter while traveling home on a break from law school. His case Boynton v. the Common Wealth of Virginia (1960) desegregated all interstate transportation facilities, including bus terminals. This case was the bases of the Freedom Rides of 1961 organized to test the enforcement of the Supreme Court Decision.

Freedom Riders Community Screening January 26, 2012 at North High School

From Birmingham to Phoenix, from Civil Rights to Human Rights, Indigenous Rights and the Rights of Mother Earth!

Come join us for a presentation of the movie Freedom Riders with special guests who will narrate the story of the fight for Civil Rights in the Deep South during the 1960's.

“We just don’t want a seat on the bus, we want to redesign the whole economic and transportation system from bottom to top, because we’re headed to Self Sustainability and Self Determination - and not back to the big house of the White Man’s corporate plantation.”

Thursday January 26, 2012
North High School Auditorium
1101 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix
6pm-8pm

WWW.TONATIERRA.ORG

For more information: Tel: (602) 254-5230 Email: tonal@tonatierra.org

http://FACEBOOK.COM/TONATIERRA

"Stopping Mexicans to make sure they are legal is not racist.  If you have dark skin, you have dark skin! Unfortunately, that is the look of the Mexican illegal."


Files of Maricopa County Sheriff J. Arpaio,
quoted on page 28 of US District Court Case 2:07-cv-02513-GMS
Document 494 12/23/11

Melendres vs. Arpaio

EVENT: ALEC Exposed: A Day of Education and Action

RSVP on FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/263088633728465/

Will you stand on the side of the 99% and fight the corporate takeover of our democracy?

Voices of Arizona Community Event: ALEC EXPOSED

When: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 6:00 PM – 9:00PM

Where: South Mountain Community College, Student Union Room 100, 7050 S. 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85042

Corporate takeover of our democracy is near at hand, will you stand on the side of the 99%?

Please join us for a community-wide event exposing the truth about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

Russell Pearce Recall Election: Arizona Immigration Law Architect Defeated By Jerry Lewis

By Elise Foley, First Posted: 11/8/11 11:09 PM ET Updated: 11/8/11 11:29 PM ET | Source: Huffington Post

State Sen. Russell Pearce, the controversial architect of Arizona's immigration law, was voted out of office on Tuesday evening in a special recall election. He was defeated by Jerry Lewis, a fellow Republican who does not support the immigration crackdown and has vowed to reject gifts from special interest groups and work to ban gifts for legislators.

Lewis won with roughly 54 percent of the vote, state officials announced on Tuesday evening.

Pearce is the top Republican in the state senate, and a 10-year state legislator. He pioneered S.B. 1070, an immigration law passed in Arizona in 2010 that quickly prompted a lawsuit from the federal government. The law, which would have allowed police to ask for immigration papers at stops if they had "reasonable suspicion" someone was undocumented, was predominantly blocked before it went into effect.

Manu Chao Stands in Solidarity with Sheriff Joe Arpaio Protesters (Video)

By Anthony Sandoval Wed., Sep. 21 2011 at 8:15 AM | Source: Phoenix New Times Blogs

It was a familiar sight in front of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's downtown office yesterday afternoon. Another assembly of a dozen protesters or so had gathered and members of the media were waiting in tow.

Word eventually reached Joe that some multilingual, slightly-famous international recording artist was on his way to play some music or something. "Is he gonna sing my favorite song 'My Way,'" Arpaio asks.

Not quite Joe. This "singer-guy" happens to be Manu Chao and um, he's kind of a big deal.

Sheriff Arpaio Calls Off All-Star Game Chain Gang

Source: MyFoxPhoenix.com | Updated: Tuesday, 12 Jul 2011, 9:26 AM MST | Published : Tuesday, 12 Jul 2011, 9:26 AM MST

PHOENIX - An Arizona sheriff known for his crime raids in the Phoenix area says he is calling off his plan to have jail chain gangs pick up trash outside Major League Baseball's All-Star Game.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he wants the focus to be on the children and the national pastime instead of his chain gang.

The sheriff had planned to have three chain gangs decked out in striped jail garb posted around Chase Field during Tuesday's game.  One was to be made up entirely of undocumented immigrants convicted of drunken driving.

Arpaio regularly uses his chain gangs to draw publicity for his tough-on-crime message.

The sheriff also placed chain gangs near the 2008 Super Bowl.

 

Doctors rally against immigration legislation in Phoenix

Associated Press | Posted: 8:41 AM

PHOENIX - Doctors and health care providers plan to rally Thursday at the State Capitol against immigration legislation.

More than 200 doctors from around the United States are in Phoenix attending a medical conference.

They're joining Arizona-based doctors, nurses and midwives, and local immigrant's rights advocacy organizations for a public demonstration.

Health care professionals say they intend to bring attention to worsening health and mental well-being that anti-immigrant legislation in Arizona has caused.

The Midwives Alliance of North America, the Phoenix Urban Health Collective and others say they will urge lawmakers to carefully consider all of the detrimental effects that have resulted from Arizona's Senate Bill 1070.

In addition to a repeal of that legislation, health professionals say they will also call for a national moratorium on future anti-immigrant laws across the U.S.

Video: TUSD board meeting charged with emotion

John Ames | Posted in AZStar.Net | Posted: Tuesday, May 3, 2011 10:59 pm

People who wanted to be heard after the call to audience at the TUSD Governing Board meeting were removed by police. A crowd of over 300 people attended or listened outside the meeting and about 100 police officers were on hand to keep the peace. Guadalupe Castillo, one of those police removed from the meeting, gives her account.

 

Turning the Tide National Summit Video

Video highlights the wide-spread effort to target immigrants through SB1070 copy-cat bills, 287(g) & S-Comm programs. Video also highlights organizing efforts across the nation to push back against nativist movement and hateful legislation. Please share and/or embed in your social network channels.

 

JOIN THE MARCH - Coalition of Hispanic American Organizations and Associations of Passaic County March for Immigrant Rights

JOIN THE MARCH - Passaic County, New Jersey -  Sunday May 30, 2010 at 10 A.M.

The Coalition of Hispanic American Organizations and Associations of Passaic County is organizing this march in support of the rights of immigrants and in search of a dignified life with rights included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
The Coalition of Associations and Organizations asks to:
·   Stop the deportation of parents of American children that destroys households and leaves children behind.
·   Reject a totalitarian and unconstitutional law SB 1070 of Arizona that will perpetuate racial profiling and may encourage hate crimes.
·   Boycott to the commerce of the state of Arizona.
·   Halt the implementation of 287(g) that could create great fear among Latino immigrants and members of the general public.
·   Suspend “Secure Communities” until a general law of “Immigration Reform” has been passed
·   Pass the “DREAM Act” to help talented and motivated immigrant youth go on to higher education and contribute in our society.

We will gather in the City of Passaic, at 10 a.m. in the park of school #11, (Gregory Ave. & Monroe St., Passaic, NJ 07055) then begin our march heading to Main St. and continuing through the City of Clifton and arriving in Paterson with our last stop at the Juan Pablo Duarte Plaza (Federal Plaza Ave and Straight St., Paterson, NJ 07505) where we will meet with our invited guests of religious, political and community leaders.

David Toledo, MA
Community Organizer
Hispanic American United of Passaic County

The Sound Strike and Puente Celebrate Families on International Migrants Day

In Arizona we’ve deeply encouraged by the actions of solidarity we've seen come from throughout the nation. We’ve seen it all – from people who took leave from their jobs to help us organize, to volunteers that help care for kids, to people from the community who cook delicious meals for us, to people who house visitors and donors near and far. We know you understand the need for us to come together in order to combat the anti-migrant sentiment n Arizona.

And so we are excited to that in only a few days the Puente Movement and our dear friends from The Sound Strike will be hosting a large Community Posada in central Phoenix.

At this community event we will distribute over 40 tons of food to 5,000 families in Arizona. This is incredibly important as many of us are facing a various challenges. - from the economic recession that is affecting many throughout the world to the added pressure of senseless attacks on our communities. 

In addition to the terrible effect of the economy on migratory families, there are children in Arizona who are separated from their parents due to local and federal policies every single day. Children are forced to live with relatives, neighbors and are even turned over to the Foster Care system. As a community we believe that this is not right. No child should ever have to live in fear that their parent will be taken away from them. No child should ever experience this. Yet it continues to happen day after day.

With the help of The Sound Strike, NDLON, Presente.org, the Committees for the Defense of the Barrio (CDBs) and countless business, and selfless individuals we’ll also be hosting a large Toy Giveaway for Arizona’s children. We will do this to provide a bit of  joy for the kids and to highlight the fact that at the end of the day there are children who are most affected by the anti-migrant laws.

The Community Posada which is aimed at empowerming our communities  will  take place on December 18^th - International Migrants Day. International Migrant Day was established in 2000 by the United Nations. It was established in order to raise awareness about the increasing numbers of migrants due to the disastrous effects of globalization. Millions of people are displaced each year and forced to migrate in order to help their families.

Thanks to all who’ve participated and to those who haven’t and would still like to please text “ARIZONA” to 50555 to donate $5 or donate online: http://bit.ly/donateaz

Puente Movement Celebrates 2 Years of Resistance Against Arpaio

Thursday September 2, 2010 marked 2 years since the Puente Movement first began daily protests against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. For the past 2 years community members have protested every weekday outside of the Wells Fargo building in downtown Phoenix where his offices are located. They have done this to bring attention to the inexcusable misuse of tax-payer dollars by Sheriff Arpaio that could otherwise be allocated for projects that serve the community. Instead of using facilities that Maricopa County provides, Arpaio rents 2 lavish floors of office space in the Wells Fargo Building that have cost tax payers millions of dollars over the years.  

The daily campaign against Arpaio outside of the Wells Fargo Building was successful and resulted in the February 8, 2010 Notice of Eviction against Sheriff Arpaio from the property.  However, Arpaio has yet to move and thus Puente continues with protests and demand that his offices be relocated by the end of 2010.

The Puente Movement continues to speak out against Sheriff Arpaio not only because of his misuse of taxpayer money, but more importantly because of his continued disregard for human rights.

Yesterday's protest party was to honor the dedication of all of the persistent efforts of the Puente Movement community. Check out our Flickr photo gallery to see the fun!

And If you live in Phoenix you are welcome to join weekdays from noon - 1pm! 

Protesters interrupt baseball game over #Arizona #immigration law #SB1070

By Rick Martin, CNN

August 16, 2010 10:47 a.m. EDT

(CNN) -- The fierce debate over a new Arizona immigration law spread to America's pastime Sunday as a group of protesters rushed on to the field during the 5th inning of the Washington Nationals-Arizona Diamondbacks game in Washington, D.C.

Diamondbacks-Nats game delayed after immigration law protest sign draped over wall

By The Associated Press (CP) – 3 hours ago

PHOENIX — The Nationals and Diamondbacks were delayed briefly Monday night when a fan draped a sign over the left-field wall protesting Arizona's immigration law.

Plate umpire Angel Hernandez halted the game in the first inning when he saw the large sign addressed to Diamondbacks owner Ken Hendrick.

The sign read: "Mr. Kendrick ... Don't feed hate. Say no to SB1070."

Nationals left-fielder Josh Willingham said something to the fans behind the sign, which was pulled down by a security guard after a delay of about a minute.

The immigration law was partially blocked by a judge last week, but it hasn't stopped protests around Phoenix. Numerous groups have asked baseball to move next year's all-star game from Arizona because of the law.

Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Two Arizona Fans Move Lady Gaga to Speak Out Against #SB1070

Pop Star says Arizona is in a "state of emergency" calls on fans to actively protest discrimination.

08.02.2010 – Two Arizona Fans Move Lady Gaga to Speak Out Against SB 1070

Pop Star says Arizona is in a "state of emergency," calls on fans to actively protest discrimination.

Phoenix, AZ. 7/31/2010.

One week before the pop phenom, Lady Gaga, was scheduled to perform a concert in Phoenix, AZ, two young gay migrant rights organizers posted letters to the star on Facebook asking her to meet with them.

Victor Medina and Amelec Diaz wanted Lady Gaga to understand the humanitarian crisis in Maricopa County and its particular affect on Latino and migrant members of the LGBTQ community. (Letters can be found at http://bit.ly/gagaletters)

The letters sparked growing support and launched on-line petitions by LGBTQ rights groups like GetEqual.org that supported the youth’s request for a meeting so that she could be a champion of migrant rights issues in Arizona as she has stood up for the gay community elsewhere.

Amelec Diaz is an undocumented student who experienced his own home being raid by immigration enforcement. Victor Medina explained in his letter, “The situation in Arizona has come to a boiling point. Our people are being attacked, targeted by the color of our skin, and how we speak by certain recent laws passed.”

'Rage' Against Arizona Law #SB1070 (Video)

Rap metal giants Rage Against the Machine headlined a concert benefiting organizations fighting SB 1070.

Rage Against the Machine Rocks Hollywood Palladium in Anti-#SB1070 Concert

By Stephen Lemons, Sat., Jul. 24 2010 @ 2:01PM

De la Rocha onstage with the Puente crew

Of all the high points in Rage Against the Machine's anti-SB 1070 concert at the Hollywood Palladium Friday night, the one that made it worth the six hour trek from Phoenix to Los Angeles for me was when Rage front man Zack de la Rocha dedicated the incendiary anthem "Killing in the Name" to "Sheriff Joe Arpaio and all of his fucking violent antics."

De la Rocha couldn't have picked a better song for Arpaio, especially with lyrics like, "Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses," and, "You justify those that died by wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites."

The mention of Arpaio came at the end of the encore for the set, and de la Rocha seemed to take particular relish in the lyrics after the invocation of Arpaio's name. At times, here and throughout the concert, the singer jumped up and down with such ferocity that it looked like he was trying to stomp Arpaio and/or SB 1070 into oblivion.

It was hardly the only mention of Sand Land politics. Though the weather outside was cool, almost chilly, it was the heat and oppression of Arizona that dominated the Palladium's interior.

Rage Against Machine energize fans at gig to protest #Arizona immigration Law #SB1070

By Erik Pedersen, Reuters

LOS ANGELES – Hordes of police cruisers circled the Hollywood Palladium on Friday as Rage Against the Machine played its first hometown show in a decade to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.

The men in blue were quite aware of the potential for disobedience civil or otherwise. But the rare chance to see one of Los Angeles’ greatest bands, especially in its natural habitat, must have outweighed any urge to stir things up.

Not that things weren’t incendiary inside the renovated old hall as the politically charged quartet took the stage: At the first beats of the opening Testify, mosh pits kicked up instantly, like sprinters leaving the blocks after the starting gun. And it was on.
Singer Zack de la Rocha’s spoken-spat vitriol provoked raised fists and voices. Tom Morello’s technically precise, Zeppelin-like riffs careened around the room. And the Palladium floor was like a single pulsating organism, with people not just jumping up and down but leaping.

But it wasn’t a flashpoint; it was a communal embrace. It was a night of protest rock ‘n’ roll in a pure form: angry, relevant lyrics over simple guitar-bass-drum tracks. And it was outstanding.

Youth from Puente Movement prepare for Children’s March (7/17)

By Sonai Perez

Spray paint and cardboards filled the front of Puente’s headquarters at Tonatierra this week. The Children’s March is getting closer and a small group of neighborhood kids came down on Thursday morning to finish their art projects and protest signs.

“This summer I really got involved with Puente”, said seventh grader Abríl Chihuahua, “I like coming because I get to help. I like painting and making posters for the protests”, she added.

The Children’s March will take place at the state capitol this Saturday, July 17 at 8 AM. It is intended to provide a voice for the children of immigrant families and allow them a space to march around the capitol and share their stories.

Some children will be reading their own testimonies about how they feel about SB1070 and how they are directly affected by it.

“We hope to bring more than 100 kids to the capitol this weekend, there will be many activities like a piñata and face painting”, said Puente volunteer Luissana Santibanez.

A notary public will also be available free of charge so parents can arrange a power of attorney for a worst case scenario. If a parent becomes detained, this letter can help transfer the custody of their children or property to a close friend or relative.

“Given that there is no reform, there are a lot of people at risk of being detained, especially now that the police will have a new authority to fill. So, we encourage people to be prepared”, said Santibanez.

 “My children worry about their future and don’t want the new law to pass,” said Estefania Bernal, who came by to help make signs with her children Javier, Elizabeth and Lydia.

 “I tell them that when we come together we become stronger, and we can accomplish many things”.

Puente Arizona and members from the barrio committees will gather July 17 at 8 AM at the capitol to hear the stories of children, followed by a march.

From 6 to 9 PM there will be a community potluck at the capitol located on 17^th Avenue and Washington Street.

For more information contact the local Puente Arizona office at 602.314.5870

PRESS RELEASE: RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE AND CONOR OBERST TO PLAY CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING #SB1070

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Contact:
Marco Amador, The Sound Strike
press@thesoundstrike.net | www.thesoundstrike.net

SOUNDSTRIKE ARTISTS RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND TO PLAY HISTORIC CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING SB 1070

LOS ANGELES, CA: In their first concert in their hometown of Los Angeles in 10 years, Rage Against the Machine will take the stage at the Hollywood Palladium on July 23rd, 2010 to support organizations combating SB 1070, law set to go into effect July 29th. Projected proceeds from the concert along with donations raised by The Sound Strike Fund are expected to exceed over $300,000. This will provide much needed resources to community organizations, student groups, legal defense funds and assist activists targeting key voting districts for voter registration. These two organizations need immediate assistance to fight SB1070 on the ground: Puente, Arizona, and The Florence Project.

Puente, Arizona has been recognized as an organization that has stood on the frontlines in the struggle for civil and human rights in Arizona for years. Puente Arizona has been instrumental in community outreach that has produced the largest public mobilizations against SB 1070. Known for their tireless community organizing, Puente Arizona works directly with communities who will be most affected by SB 1070.

The Florence Project provides and coordinates free legal services, and related social services to the men, women, and unaccompanied children detained in Arizona for immigration removal proceedings. The Florence Project strives to ensure that detained individuals have access to council, understand they’re rights under immigration law, and are treated fairly and humanely by our judicial system.

The concert is part of a week of national actions culminating in the July 29th day of noncompliance in resistance to the law which is set to be enacted that same day. For more information about the week of national action go to www.altoarizona.com.

For more information about upcoming concert events to help defend immigrant rights go to www.thesoundstrike.net.

Anti-#SB1070 '30 Days' Campaign Begins

Updated: Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010, 7:50 PM MDT
Published : Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010, 7:50 PM MDT

PHOENIX - Wednesday, SB 1070 protesters launched the "30 Days for Human Rights Campaign."

Events will take place every day to show opposition to the law until it goes into effect on July 29.

Several different organizations and groups are hosting the campaign, which leads up to what's being called the "National Day of Non-Compliance."

One of the organizers said the President's Thursday morning speech isn't going to be enough.

"We actually need Obama to talk to the people who are being affected and see what it's like for individuals," said Sandra Castro.

More information: www.altoarizona.com/thirtydays.html

(via Foxnews.com)

Arpaio to launch 16th crime, immigration sweep

Associated Press - June 15, 2010 9:34 PM ET

PHOENIX (AP) - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he plans to launch his 16th crime and immigration sweep on July 30, the day after Arizona's new immigration law is set to take effect.

The sheriff's office hasn't revealed where it will conduct the sweep.

During the sweeps, deputies flood an area of a city - in some cases heavily Latino areas - to seek out traffic violators and arrest other alleged lawbreakers.

Arizona's new immigration law requires police, while enforcing other laws, to question a person's immigration status if officers have a reasonable suspicion that the person is in the country illegally.

Critics who are challenging the law have asked a judge to block enforcement of the law before it takes effect July 28.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(via KWST.com)

Summer of Human Rights – Phoenix, #Arizona: Application for Participation

From Selma to Phoenix, Civil Rights to Human Rights, to the Rights of Mother Earth!

Resistance has sparked across the state of Arizona to defeat SB1070 and all racist policies that further criminalize our people and separate families. We are calling for the Obama Administration to take decisive action to intervene in Arizona and are organizing to root out the political establishment of hate, intolerance and division.

We are calling all people of consciousness who are able and ready to dedicate time and effort towards this cause to come to Arizona this summer. We need organizers, artists, lawyers, communicators, trainers along with many other skills to help build the resistance this summer and beyond. This effort will run throughout the summer, kicking off on July 1st.

If you’re interested in participating, please fill out the interest application here: http://bit.ly/FrdmSMR

We will be following up with you.

#ALTOARIZONA! Video Montage of May 29 Day of Action in #Phoenix, #AZ, Against #SB1070

A series of images shot on 5/29/2010 in Phoenix, Arizona during a national day of action against SB1070.

ALTO ARIZONA! from MUNDO on Vimeo.

Telemundo transmite programa histórico desde Arizona sobre la SB1070

 En la madrugada de ayer, 24 de mayo, el pueblo de Phoenix estuvo presente en una emisión del programa "Levántate" de Telemundo. 

Lo que hace esta transmisión especial es que es la primera vez que se realiza en directo desde Phoenix para todo el país y además para otros 17 países de América Latina.

Telemundo decidió venir a Arizona para apoyar a la comunidad hispana en este momento cuando está siendo atacada por la Ley estatal de inmigración SB1070 que convierte en criminales a todos los migrantes indocumentados y a quienes los apoyan o ayudan.

El llamado de Telemundo fue escuchado por la población latina de Phoenix. Desde las 4 de la mañana, a pesar del frío de la madrugada desértica, madres, trabajadores, estudiantes, se agolparon frente a la tarima ubicada en el Parque Civic Space en pleno centro de la ciudad. "Paren el odio" y "Obama, detenga la SB1070 ahora", clamaban los carteles del público.