Caree Harper, attorney for the McDade family claims the NAACP “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. 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.”
In an email sent to this office, Harper asks the question “What’s so honorable about calling a kid a felon before he can be laid to rest and when there is evidence to the contrary?”
Joe Brown, President of The Pasadena NAACP responded to news of the planned protest: “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 said in an email to Beacon Media Tuesday morning.
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