The Optimist and Idealist.

I sadly read Hector Lugardo’s accusations against community activist Anthony Johnson and his new organization, The180 Watchdog Coalition. Regardless of the personal or political dynamics, I can only speak on behalf of the efforts of Mr. Johnson and would like to clarify some of the accusations made against him.

If Mr. Johnson could be accused of anything, it is of political naivety. He has never been involved in politics, and truly believed in the concept of every person having an equal opportunity to do good for his community. As the person who originally sat with Mr. Johnson to discuss his running for State Representative, I knew that all of his intentions were most honorable. He was frustrated by the lack of services provided for his community. As a human services professional, he wanted to make a difference. He believed that if he had access to the government channels, he would be able to provide the resources his district so desperately needed.

Actually, when I discussed the obstacles facing of him such as being an African American running in a primarily Latino district or the fact that he didn’t have any political connections or pull, he looked at me innocently and asked why that would matter. Once again—the never-ending optimist and idealist.

Anthony Johnson is a self-made man. He truly believed in his heart that he could run a “grass-roots” campaign based on the needs of the people. He also believed that the people of the community would see beyond the color of his skin and culture even if it was different than theirs because they all held the same values—a better life for their families and especially the children. He was in personal pain over the loss of opportunities for the residents due to crime, violence, drugs, and joblessness in this community. He feared the future of the children would even more bleak than their parents. He believed that if he could speak on behalf of those who have been forgotten and neglected by those who claim to “represent the best interests” of his neighbors, he could find justice and services to revive his community.

I personally encouraged Mr. Johnson to continue in spite of the obstacles put in his way. Did I think he would win? No, of course not. Was he worthy of winning? Of course. But you see, I know human nature much better than he does. I’m 20 years older than he is. I’ve learned through my own disillusionment as a former activist that you can’t beat the system that is built on the manipulations of people who are self-serving and politically savvy. These are people who wheel and deal to promote themselves and not the needs of those whom they serve. This is not who Mr. Johnson is. He’s a community activist who believes in making positive changes and then does whatever he can to make sure it happens. He doesn’t need fanfare or publicity—he bases his life on teaching, setting an example of being a positive role model, and finding solutions to problems that really make a difference in people’s lives.

When the election didn’t work out, I encouraged him to start the 180 Watchdog Coalition. I explained that elected officials need to be responsible to those whom they represent. I believed he would be far more effective organizing the community to demand that its representatives provide what they promised.
You see, elected officials depend on the apathy, helplessness, and hopelessness of those they represent. They thrive off the fact that one person complaining can be dismissed. But a whole community complaining? No, that is something they can’t ignore.

You see, Mr. Johnson may not be an “elected leader,” but he is far more of a leader than anyone in his community who has been elected. He has a track record of action with proven results. Each day in his position as an instructor in a career college, he teaches people how to become effective life changers by teaching Human Services. His love for humanity as a whole exemplifies who he is—not what he isn’t. Mr. Johnson does not look at a person through color, culture, or religion—but rather through humanity.

The truth is, Mr. Johnson is not cut out to be a politician. But he does exemplify the best of the best as far as leadership in the community. If the self-appointed leaders of his community feel the need to knock him down, maybe it’s because they fear him. You see, in the end, cream always rises to the top, and Mr. Johnson is the best of the best. I hope that his efforts to gather community support to watch those whose intentions are far less honorable become a real grass-roots movement.


Bonnie Kaye, M.Ed.

“I am An African American Man Not An Angry Black Man.”

If President Obama shows any emotion whether it’s the BP debacle, the Wall Street fall-out, healthcare reform, or debate that "Trix is for kids," he's branded as an "angry black man."

When President Obama is calm, cool and collected under pressure he is portrayed as apathetic, lacks emotion, sneaky, deceptive, and dishonest.

President Obama is in a lose-lose situation.

Why is it that when African American males speak out against social inequality or presents any form of discontent with society the "angry black man mantra" is tied around their necks for the entire world to see?

An African American male is no angrier than a Caucasian male, a Latino male, or an Asian male, and yet, they are never termed as "an angry Caucasian male," "an angry Latino male" or "an angry Asian male."

Candidly speaking, the term "an angry black man" is offensive and is another stupid stereotype placed upon African American men that has endured for more than 300 years in America and perhaps will continue for another century.


Anthony P. Johnson

Letter to DA Williams

District Attorney Seth Williams
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-8000
Fax: (215) 686-8024


Friday June 4, 2010

Dear DA Williams,

If you have not heard of us, we are the "180th Watchdog Coalition."

The mission of the “180th Watchdog Coalition” is to ensure that the elected officials of the 180th District and the District Attorney represent the needs and concerns of our residents by fulfilling the promises they made to our community during their political campaigns. In order to receive the resources and services that will make a positive impact and bring meaningful changes and reform, it is our responsibility to monitor our elected officials and hold them accountable.

To date, we are made up of 488 Members which include students, parents, teachers, and many professionals from the 180th District, Philadelphia, and far beyond.

We are determined to change the political corruption and police brutality inflicted on the citizens residing in our community. We will not tolerate anything less, Sir, than serving the people as DA with the highest morals and integrity.

We know that as a former ADA, you made some decisions that altered the lives of several Philadelphians.

• In 1996 as the ADA, you failed to protect the rights of (2) Latino men who were victims of a Hate Crime perpetrated by more than 20 individuals motivated by racism. Under Lynne Abraham who was DA at the time, you sided with the police officers and convicted the two men instead.

Mr. Williams, it is no secret that under Ms. Abraham’s tenure, rogue, violent and corrupt police officers consistently violated civil liberties of Philadelphians and were given free reign in the DA’s office. However, Sir, we did not accept this behavior from your predecessor, and it will not be allowed under your watch as DA. During your campaign you stated “That you would not tolerate corruption from the Philadelphia Police Department.” We are holding you to your promise.

• In another instance, you once again failed to protect an individual who fell victim to corrupt political officials that were involved in a contamination scandal that attacked their home and quality way of life.

Sir, our #1 goal is to be sure that you are truly “working for the people." This is an invitation for us to work together for the betterment of "our community."

I along with several members would like to schedule a meeting with you in the immediate future.

We are asking that you always “place the needs of the people first." We will be monitoring your actions as DA of Philadelphia.



Sincerely,

Anthony P. Johnson, Organizer
The "180th Watchdog Coalition"

Terri L. Willmott
Communications Director
shadoerip@hotmail.com