Open Letter To Reverend Al Sharpton

Another Open Letter to Reverend Al Sharpton

Greetings Rev.

I am writing this open letter not for attention. The work that I am doing as a civil rights activist will speak for itself. I am writing this letter because I am fed up with your hypocrisy and your mistreatment of people who have supported you down through the years.  

 

 Three years ago, I came to you for help on a police brutality case involving Moshowon Leach, the young man in Penns Grove, New Jersey who was brutally killed by a police officer. You gave me your word that you would help me shed light on the case, but in the end of the day, you did nothing to support the cause. I guess it was not high profile enough for you.

 

Despite the public let down, I was a committed member of your National Action Network, traveling to Harlem every Saturday for nearly two years. I believed in your movement and wanted to be a part of the movement, particularly since you mentioned that you were looking for young leaders to step up and carry on the activism.

 

We attended several speaking engagements and events together and you publicly mentioned that I was your protégé. However, as I became more critical of your tactics and your approach, you further distanced yourself from me.

 

As you will recall, the NAN Voter ID tour was my idea and you even asked if I wanted to be a part of helping you organize during the 2012 election.  Later, you did not include me in any of the organizing efforts. Looking to become a leader in the fight for social justice, I volunteered to help organize in Sanford, Florida following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, but neither you nor the staff of National Action Network provided me opportunity to utilize my skills to help bring attention to his tragic death.

 

On the morning after the George Zimmerman verdict, I called you offering to help mobilize the response and to remind you that young people should play a central role in organizing the public protests. Trayvon Martin is of my generation. During that heated phone discussion, you dismissed my concerns and claimed that “my ego will be my downfall.”

 

Reverend Sharpton, after my friend Moshowon Leach was killed by police, I was called to the civil rights and social justice movement by a higher power. How the hell can you call yourself a "Reverend" and shun God's people?

 

With all the turmoil you been involved in over the years, it’s critically important that those of us who know you and who have supported you, call you to task for your arrogance. As the scripture says, “How can you say you love a God that you have never seen but hate, talk bad about, shun, mislead the brother and sister you see every day!” John 4:20.

 

Growing up, I was in awe of you Reverend Sharpton. But now, you have become yet another celebrity who is uneasy with mingling with everyday people. When the rich and famous come to the House of Justice in Harlem, you escort them out the backdoor, not allowing your working class supporters—your core constituency—who were with you when the media attacked you for Tawana Brawley, to interface with them. Every Saturday, they give their last dollar to support your cause and movement. You are out of touch with the younger generation which is why they have largely abandoned National Action Network. The average age of the members who attend the rallies, are 50 and up.

 

I was deeply inspired by the open letter written by Chef Carl Redding and that prompted me to write one of my own. Like Chef Redding, I can’t sit idly by and allow you to continue to perpetuate a fraud on our people. To this end, I am calling for a National Boycott of your book when it comes out. You are doing a disservice to the legacy of Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and other civil rights leaders by engaging in a deal with Cash Money—the company that profits off of pushing negative images in our community.

 

While some people have fallen for your buffoonery, trickery and lies, I along with many former NAN members plan to picket your book signings. How can you sign a book deal with a company that you have condemned for their violent rap lyrics and disrespect toward women? Did you think that we were not watching? Nice try, but we gotcha!  

 

Sadly, many do not know of your relationship to Walmart, which has a history of unfair labor practices.  Rev, it is time for you to make your mind up!  No longer can you continue to play both side of the fence.

 

At a time when the black community has so many problems, I’m tired of the contradictions. As a 31-year-old leader who is fighting in the trenches every single day, I want more from my national leaders.

 

As Bob Marley put it, “You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool all the people all of the time.” 

 

The charade, Reverend Sharpton, is over.  It’s time for you to come clean.

 

Walter Hudson, Sr.

President/Founder

National Awareness Alliance

 

Moment of Truth: Penns Grove School District A Burning House?

In the late 1960's, Dr. King had a unsettling discussion with actor/singer Harry Belafonte. Dr. King said to Harry Belafonte, "We've fought long for integration. It looks like we’re gonna get it. I think we’ll get the laws,” he says. “But I’m afraid that I've come upon something that I don’t know quite what to do with. I’m afraid that we’re integrating into a burning house." Fast forward to 2013, I have that same feeling when it comes to the Penns Grove Carneys Point School District. For the past two years, I have brought to light various inconsistencies within the school district. The issues of low test scores; 300 Black and Latino students of the middle school, three years behind in knowledge of math/science; lack of diversity hiring in the positions of teacher and administrators; 25% high school drop rate that triples the state average of four percent (4%), etc. I agree with Gov. Chris Christie's new tenure laws that will promote more accountability with teacher/administration in student achievement on failing school districts. 

My objectives is to ensure that all 2,500 students are receiving the best quality education along with having the best quality resources. In conjunction with the previous issues named, I also want to make sure all minorities receive a fair chance in the hiring process. Yet the superintendent of schools fails to address these issues after being in the district for 10 years. Statistics shows that in each category of student achievement, there has been a steadily decline for all 10 years under the superintendent's leadership. There is no "Human Resources Department." So I implemented the idea of a "Diversity Committee," to aide in the issue and promote more diversity hiring. The superintendent is the "Alpha and Omega," in terms of hiring. Under the leadership of the superintendent, the "Diversity Committee" turned out to be a mirage.

There continues to be no "Checks and Balances" by the Board President imposed on the bad judgement and poor decision making of the superintendent. What the community should realize is that there must be new and effective leadership put in place in the Penns Grove School District starting with superintendent and then school board. Come November is the "Moment of Truth." If new leadership is not voted on to advocate for a new superintendent to move the district forward, we will continue to send 2,500 students in a "Burning House."

Civil Rights Leader, Clergy to Meet with New Jersey Lawmakers to Discuss Gun Violence

Walter Hudson, the founder and chairman of the National Awareness Alliance, a civil rights organization based in New Jersey, will meet with State Senator Stephen M. Sweeney, Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 10:45 a.m. to encourage them to support a bill sponsored by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Union) and co-sponsored by Senator Shirley Turner (D-Hunterdon and Mercer) to declare violence a public health crisis and establish a commission to study its causes.

The legislation comes in the wake of the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The bill urges the federal government to reinstate its ban on assault weapons and expand background checks to all gun sales and transfers.

“The time has come for us to take a stand against these senseless acts of violence,” says Hudson of Penns Grove. “We call on all lawmakers across the state to support this effort. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is about saving lives.”

Reverend Edward Dorn, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Pedricktown and Salaam Ismial, founder of the New Jersey Anti-Violence Coalition will also be in attendance.

Hudson pledged to meet with Senators Turner and Lesniak in the upcoming weeks and will seek a meeting with Governor Chris Christie to solicit his support for the legislation.

A press conference will be held at 12:30 p.m. outside of Senator Sweeney’s Trenton office.

Walter L. Hudson Runs For Salem County Freeholder

VOTE!

TUESDAY

NOV. 6, 2012

 

 

 

WALTER L. HUDSON SR.

Salem County Freeholder

 

Walter L. Hudson Sr., desires to revitalize Salem County, New Jersey by bridging the social gap and working with other members of the Board of Freeholders to make Salem County more like it used to be. Although he was born in Detroit, Michigan, Walter spent the majority of his life in Penns Grove. He is a 1999 grad-uate of Penns Grove High School and re-ceived an Associate's in Criminal Justice from Salem Community College.  

 

After high school Walter enlisted in the Army where he served four years’ active duty as a Soldier/Logistics Supply Coordinator. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and in 2001 was deployed to Kuwait as part of "Operation Desert Spring." He was subse-quently deployed to the Iraqi Border to protect Kuwait from invasion of Iraq. During his tour of duty in Iraq Walter served in a position where he had the opportunity to develope many leadership skills. These acquired skills enable him to be able to perform the duties which he strives to perform today. Additionally, his hard work and dedication earned him many awards including Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Ser-vice Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal.

 

After completing his tour of duty, Walter returned to the States and began working in the trucking industry. Feeling this was not his true calling, he starting pursuing his degree. This is where his desire to work in civil rights and social justice began.

 

Currently he works full time organizing a non-profit organization, as well as volunteering in the community. His volunteer activities include:

 

*Member of Saint Mathew Lodge #20 F&A.M.  (Masonic Order)

 

*YMCA volunteer basketball coach

 

*Twins Midget Football Coach

 

*Criminal Justice Club at Salem Community College

 

 

Hudson believes that Education is the key to success. He is currently pursu-ing a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Wilmington University. His desire is ensure that all school districts in the county have quality educational resources to that the children of this county can compete with children in other areas of the country.

He desires to unlock the potential of residents within Salem County by:

1. Bringing industries into the county which will generate jobs.

 

2. Keep residents’ taxes from rising.

 

3. Create a safe environment for businesses, thereby enticing businesses to come into the county.

 

 

4. Make communities a safe haven for residents to raise their family.

   

With all the talent in the county, Hudson feels that with the proper guidance and leadership, opportu-nities will be unlimited. Walter Hudson knows how Salem County used to be he want to be a part of what Salem County will become.
 

 

 

“A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.”

― Barack Obama

 

 

Vote for Walter Hudson to see the change that YOU envision.

 

 

Any financial donations can be sent to: Sun National Bank, 270 Georgetown Road, Carneys Point, New Jersey. Make check or money order out to Salem County Independent Democrats.

Thank You!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BREAKING NEWS:CIVIL RIGHT ACTIVISTS, CLERGY AND POLITICIANS TO ATTEND SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TO CALL FOR SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS' RESIGNATION DUE TO MISCONDUCT

Local civil rights activists, clergy and politicians will attend a school board meeting to call for the resignation of Dr. Joseph A. Massare and administrative officials of the Penns Grove Carneys Point Regional School district due to misconduct. 

This issue arose after three female employees formally advised Dr. Massare of their fear of working under Tom Sullivan, Director of Special Education.  One employee wrote, "I am in fear of my safety and I am uncomfortable returning to work with Tom Sullivan.  Another victim is pregnant.  The third victim also expressed her fear of working with Mr. Sullivan.  Dr. Massare heard their outcry but refused to act; instead he returned them back to work in this hostile environment.

Walter Hudson, as Chairman of The National Awareness Alliance, will stand with these three women and community leaders to voice their concerns at a School Board meeting being held on July 16, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Penns Grove Carneys Point Administrative District Building, 100 Iona Avenue, Penns Grove, NJ.   Also attending will be Rev. Dr. Edward Dorn, 2nd Baptist Church of Pedricktown, NJ; Pastors & Ministers of Shiloh Baptist Church of Penns Grove; Mayor John Washington and Councilman Carl Washington Jr.

The community and its leaders are outraged by this incident.  Mr. Hudson explains that "What has happened to three women at the PG-CP School District is no different than what happened at Penn State University with Joe Paterno and Sandusky. Dr. Massare must be held accountable as well as Tom Sullivan.  Everybody has the right to blow the whistle on misconduct under the "Whistle Blower Act," that’s what the employees involved have done, I applaud them for it and the National Awareness Alliance will stand with those involved and advocate for their rights.”

Mayor John Washington insists that, "This type of action will not be tolerated in our community."

Councilman Carl Washington Jr. stated "I think this is sad of what the employees and the community is going through right now, we cannot even deal with educational issues because we have to deal with leadership misconduct; we will get to the bottom of this."

The public is encouraged to come out and stand with these women and community representatives to ensure that they receive the justice that is due them in this unfortunate situation.

 

BREAKING NEWS: Community Activist Contact Superintendent About Alleged Misconduct of a District Official And Calls For District Official's Job!

Penns Grove- On July 11, 2012, Walter Hudson Chairman/Founder of National Awareness Alliance, a civil rights organization; was contacted by concern residents of the community, in regards to an alleged incident that involved the Director of Special Services, Tom Sullivan. Allegedly on July 9, 2012, Monday, Sullivan approached two (2) district employees/interns and requested a ride to Camden, NJ. When one of the employees refused, Sullivan demanded the second employee/intern to take him to Camden; by allegedly stating, “I am your boss, you do what I tell you to do.”

          The employee/intern allegedly transported Sullivan to Morgan Boulevard in Camden, NJ. Sullivan was not found and never return back to work that day. “It is obvious the employees involved are uncomfortable and subjected to a hostile work environment,” said Hudson. Hudson stated, “I contacted Dr. Joseph Massare, Superintendent of the Penns Grove-Carneys Point School District by phone, about the alleged conduct of the District employee because it was alleged that Sullivan asked an employee to transport him to Camden, NJ, during work/business hours.” “I asked Dr. Massare on his voicemail was the alleged incident true along with a series of other questions; Is this conduct unbecoming of a school official, was the employee or intern put into harms way, did the District employee abandon his job responsibility and was this related business in Camden, NJ? “Massare has not return my phone call,” said Hudson.

              Hudson went on to say, “This is the type of inappropriate behavior that holds the District back from progression and if this alleged incident is true, I am calling for Sullivan’s job!”

Time for New Leadership in P.G.-C.P. School District: "Dr. Massare Must Go"

The new report card for the Penns Grove-Carneys Point School District have been published and available to view. Still, the Superintendent of Penns Grove-Carneys Point School District is nowhere close to devising a plan to bridge the educational gap in the community. In Today’s Sunbeam, a front page headlines "P.G.-C.P. school chief reports bullying stats." When it comes to the progress of the students, you never see headlines reporting improvements in the test scores of the students. It seems as the "school chief" have his priorities out of order and no action plan, just a bunch of highfalutin words to divert answering why there is no action plan. The superintendent does not acknowledge that there is a problem, yet he wonder why Brighter Horizon Charter School is steady on the move.

I am not saying the issue of bullying should not be address. However, when is the issue of 311 out of 400 African Americans in the middle school, whom are two (2) years behind in the knowledge of math and science, will be addressed? When are the issues of the Penns Grove High School drop-out rate of 25% will get attention? The State of New Jersey drop-out rate is 4 percent (4%). I guess when 2013 arrive; the superintendent will focus on renewing a $155,000 dollar contract. In my opinion, the community needs a competent and student driven school chief, which will work with the board president, school board, administration, parents and students. We must seek new leadership to bring together which is lost.

What people do not know is that if the problems of the school district remain to exist; one of the options of the State of New Jersey Department of Education is to shut the Penns Grove Carneys Point School District down. All behind what one man; Dr. Joseph Massare fails to do, which is work together with the community in unison to better promote scholars from the school district. Looking at the 2011-2012 report card, there were little improvements. That is not to say do not recognize the minor improvements, but you do not stick a knife in a person back nine inches and pull the knife out six inches then say, "We are making progress."

Nikki Giovanni said, "It is not about who you attend school with, it is about who controls the school you attend."

Walter L. Hudson Sr./Chairman

National Awareness Alliance

Penns Grove, New Jersey