Tag Archives: Jeff Suttles

Community, Current

New Moves With NAN

Getting ready for NAN’s 2019 convention

Greetings,

I hope all is well. This weekend I joined Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN).  As someone who has participated in NAN events previously (Stop and Frisk March, Eric Garner memorial ceremony, etc.), it seems like a natural progression, as I work to fulfill my desire to enhance our urban communities through information and service.

As a member of NAN, I believe that my work will inspire and heal.  I believe with the guidance of Reverend Sharpton and the staff at NAN I’ll be able to facilitate some of the workshops and community engagements I desire to orchestrate.  I’m really excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I’m open to any suggestions on how we can work together to build sustainability in our urban communities.

As a new member of NAN my first assignment is to work with the Guardians to provide security at the NAN Convention.  The convention will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City from April 3rd to 6th, I suggest that you come out and support this great event.  The panels, entertainment, and fellowship will serve as a great way to get in tune with the needs of our communities, as we work together to create the future.

Peace & Blessings,

Jeff

Community, Current

BACK 2 SCHOOL 2018

 

It’s about that time of the year again. Although my personal projects are mounting up, I feel compelled to speak about some of the social issues that continue to contribute to injustice in our communities. I believe that in the true spirit ‘Humanities Heart,’ not only are we responsible to speak up for ourselves, but we must also speak up for the future of urban infrastructure, and our responsibility to create sustainability through our culture.

First of all I must speak about some of the positive events I was able to be apart of this summer, such as Juneteenth with Dr. Barber and Dr. Forbes. Dr. Barber reminded us that many of us are, NOT GETTING THE MEMO! I also attended another graduation with Omar Freilla and Green Worker Cooperatives. I felt exhilarated, as I witnessed another group of entrepreneurs prepare to build from the inside to create change on the outside. I also attended a seminar hosted by Chris Edmin and Teachers College, Columbia University. As I witnessed these young people combine hip-hop and science, I sat in the auditorium both inspired and amazed. I believe that an event like this captures the true essence of creativity, which eventually will conceive progressive growth throughout our communities.

These are a few events that come time mind as I search for motivation in the mist of current disparities. Situations like the Brooklyn nail salon incident, the Dashawn McGrier beat down, and the unfortunate fate of Kalief Browder, have me in a state of uncertainty, wondering about the safety my friends and family. I not sure if it’s normal to feel this way, but I hope that we are moving closer to the solutions rather than agitating the problems.

 

Send me your replies; OUR VOICES ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!

Community, Current

KNOCK IT OFF ESPN

Good Day Indigenous People,

 

As we get closer to the holiday season, we see that injustice is still alive in American culture. Jemele Hill, journalist for ESPN, simple raised her voice against the foolishness that continues to occur in the NFL, and was forced to take a leave of absence. Yes, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. Yes, I think that Gerry Jones is being influence by the sponsors and NFL politics. These are my opinions, I should be allowed share my opinion without the pressure of facing job elimination. The bigger picture here is the respect that we should be receiving, in regard to free speech and our First Amendment rights!

 

What is free speech? Are we allowed to speak freely when they ask us a question? Is it okay to speak when we saying what they enjoy hearing? Is our free speech supported only amongst family and friends? We have to begin to challenge a system that is being driven by censorship. We must begin to make it our personal business to push the limits of what I deem, ‘free expression,’ although some want us seen and not heard. All Jemele Hill did was speak her truth, and she got suspended from her job. Although she will be back in a couple of weeks, we have to look at this nasty situation, as a virus that needs to be killed. Today Jemele Hill, tomorrow Lauryn Hill, we can’t allow it to happen.

 

Please call ESPN (860-766-2000) and express your discuss, also post your opinions with the hashtag 

 

Peace & Blessings,

 

Jeff

 

Community, Current

Talking Public Education With Stephen Brier

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As we approach the end of another semester, Stephen Brier was gracious enough to grant me an interview that focused on the history of public education in the New York City area. Dr. Brier, an accomplished educator, speaks of his influencers, his professional life, and how he maintains balance as he manages a heavy workload. Brier is currently a professor in the Ph.D Program in Urban Education, he is also The Graduate Center’s Senior Academic Technology Officer and co-founder/director of The New Media Lab. Join me for a conversation with one of The Graduate Center’s most celebrated faculty members. This interview is sure to open yours eyes in regard to social justice and education in New York City public schools. As Dr. Brier mentioned in our conversation, “No Progress Without Struggle (F. Douglas).”

 

Peace & Blessings,

Jeff

 

Community

FIGHT FOR US-CUBA RELATIONS!

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On March 25, 2017 our community came together to support the integration of the United States and Cuba.  The National Conference for the Full Normalization of US-Cuban Relations was held at Fordham University School of Law.  Issues such as ending various sanctions against Cuba (economic, financial, and travel), were discussed.  The bottom line is that we would like to see all attacks on our Cuban Brotha’s & Sistas come to and end.  Check out the footage that we were able to get at the Public Rally held at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Educational Center.  For more information call 917-887-8710 or email to info@nationalcubaconference.org.

 

Community

The Morris Justice Project Works To Annihilate ‘Stop and Frisk!’

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As I continue to share my thoughts and views on police brutality.  I was invited to a demonstration at Columbia University last week that featured a presentation about police reform from a group called the Morris Justice Project.  This project has been in existence for the last 6 years and this group has made tremendous strides, as they work with communities in the South Bronx area near Yankee stadium.  The Morris Brown Project has become notorious for their stand against, “Stop and Frisk“.  With a visit to the White House and several acknowledgements from the New York City community, they continue to serve South Bronx communities as a voice for justice.  Check out the video below and make sure you to follow The Public Science Project on twitter.

Peace & Blessings,

Jeff