25 People Protest NAACP Annual Awards Dinner Thursday at Hilton Hotel
25 People Protest NAACP Awards Dinner Thursday Hotel
Caree Harper, an attorney involved in the case of Kendrec McDade protested the NAACP Awards Dinner along with other family and friends of Kendrec McDade who was shot a killed by Pasadena in March. Harper said “The organization designed to aid minorities and fight for civil rights has decided to award the “President’s Award” to one of the 12 defense attorneys representing the two Pasadena officers who killed Kendrec McDade and left him handcuffed on ground and crying out in agony.” Harper was so upset that she tried to get into the NAACP dinner and was asked to leave by security even though she did have in her possession, an invitation to the event which she claims no one asked to see.
Harper went on to say: “ The Pasadena NAACP has also decided to honor the Chief of Police (and civil rights defendant in the McDade case) with the honors of being the Master of Ceremonies at the event. So instead of attending the event as planned-family and friends intend to peacefully protest.” Joe Brown, President of The Pasadena NAACP responded to the protest by saying: “Nothing can be further from the truth. Our selection process is concluded nine (9) months prior to our event without regards to ethnicity, profession, gender preference or social/economic status. It is based upon: 1.Those who have demonstrated and distinguished themselves in public service. 2. Those who have made significant contribution to improve equal opportunities, civil &human rights and race relations. 3.Those who HAVE fostered personal sacrifices, innovative and creative approaches / ideas that resulted in positive action toward improving promotions for women and minorities.” “If the decision maker believes a better settlement can be obtained with a protest , I wish them well. Our level of advocacy regarding police misconduct or other injustices is not reduced because of a two hour community event. I hope this is not a red-herring to have a case tried in the public rather than the court system,” Joe Brown told beacon media.