Pubdate: Fri, 05 Dec 2003
Source: Post and Courier, The (Charleston, SC)
Copyright: 2003 Evening Post Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.charleston.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/567
Author: James Scott And Phillip Caston
Bookmark: 
http://www.mapinc.org/topics/goose+creek
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 
(Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm 
(Youth)

JACKSON PAYS VISIT, PLANS PROTEST MARCH

Before a cheering crowd of hundreds, the Rev. Jesse Jackson vowed to return 
to North Charleston on Dec. 16 for a "major demonstration" aimed at drawing 
attention to the Goose Creek police drug raid at Stratford High School and 
the shooting death by North Charleston police officers of a mentally ill 
black man who shoplifted meat from a grocery store.

Jackson arrived Thursday in response to outcry from members of the 
community, including black leaders and parents concerned over the Nov. 5 
drug search of students at Stratford High School.

"We need to move from a racial battleground to economic common ground and 
moral higher ground," the Greenville native and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH 
Coalition told the crowd of about 500 people.

The Stratford raid was followed two days later by the shooting death of 
Asberry Wylder, who police said shoplifted meat from a Rivers Avenue 
grocery store then tried to stab a police officer trying to arrest him. 
Both incidents have been a lightning rod for concern in the black community.

Jackson called on those gathered at St. Paul AME Church on Rivers Avenue to 
turn "these crucifixions of sorts into a resurrection."

As part of that, he said he plans a march for 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in North 
Charleston, the state's third-largest city. No other details regarding the 
march were available Thursday, a Jackson spokesman said.

"Dec. 16 will be a major demonstration," Jackson told the crowd. "There is 
power in the pitter-patter of our marching feet."

Earlier in the day, Solicitor Ralph Hoisington announced he would not 
prosecute Goose Creek police but said state Attorney General Henry McMaster 
would review the report by the State Law Enforcement Division and decide 
whether crimes had occurred.

Jackson made it clear he thought the treatment of the students was 
unacceptable.

"Some child who looked down the gun barrel in Goose Creek might have in his 
mind the cure for cancer," Jackson said of the raid, which turned up no 
drugs. "Some child who looked down the gun barrel in Goose Creek might have 
in his mind a vision for world peace that has alluded us."

Jackson noted the frustration of residents angry over Wylder's death at the 
hands of white police officers.

He called on people in North Charleston and throughout the Lowcountry to 
take their frustration to the polls.

"Asberry is gone, but his mother can vote. His brothers and sisters can 
vote," said Jackson, adding that he wanted to increase his organization's 
presence in South Carolina. "They killed Asberry, but the Wylders keep on 
coming."

Witness statements from the Wylder shooting said Wylder was shot once by 
police, fell to the ground, was handcuffed, then was beaten and shot again. 
North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt called the witness statements 
"fabrications" the day after the shooting.

"In the Rodney King case, they looked at the video and said it was a lie, 
too," Jackson said after his speech.

Jackson and his staff said they hope to meet with Zumalt to discuss the 
incident.

Jackson met with the Wylder family and family members of Stratford High 
School students for dinner at the Master Chef to offer condolences and advice.

Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard attended the dinner and the 
speech and said he plans to introduce measures to improve community 
relations between Charleston police and residents in light of the North 
Charleston and Goose Creek incidents.

"This affects us all, and, to me, sensitivity courses should be mandatory 
for police to improve racial relations," Gilliard said. "We need to let 
(police) know that theirs is a position to be respected."

Many of those interviewed Thursday said they were honored that Jackson had 
traveled to North Charleston to lend his support. Others said they hoped 
his speech and the upcoming march would spark more initiative from local 
leaders.

"We should not have to have a leader that comes from out of town," said 
Cyril Richardson of North Charleston. "We need leadership here. What 
happens when Jesse Jackson gets back on the plane and goes home?"

North Charleston resident Michael Bartley said residents needed the 
inspiration and encouragement that Jackson offered.

"We will keep this going. It had to start from somewhere," he said.

James Patterson said his wife and 10-year-old daughter witnessed Wylder's 
shooting and it greatly affected their lives.

"My daughter can't sleep. She dreams about it," he said. "It is constantly 
in her mind."

Others were more reserved, saying that while they appreciated Jackson's 
support, they feared it would do little more than stoke the fires.

"This is not going to help in the long run," Sam Jackson said. "It is just 
going to add more attention to it. That's all."

Jesse Jackson said North Charleston and Goose Creek residents can make a 
difference if they take action.

"A vigilant community will demand a follow-up investigation," he said. "A 
sleeping community will not accomplish anything."

Later Thursday night after his speech, a nervous little girl approached the 
weary Jackson in a small office at the back of St. Paul AME and slowly 
extended a sheet of paper and a pen.

His large hands taking the pen and paper from her tiny fingers, Jackson 
signed his name.

"Trauma is great, but children can overcome," Jackson said, reclining 
slowly in his chair.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman