The ballots are coming! The ballots are coming!
RENO-SPARKS NAACP CALL TO ACTION
Voter Motivation Will Change the Nation
BlackVoicesChangeLives.org

Lonnie L. Feemster

You can help increase Black voter turnout and make a critical difference in this year's election by joining the NAACP Volunteer Civic Engagement Program. Can you contact just 20 or more infrequent voters over the next four weeks? (Less than one per day, but the more, the merrier.)

When: Starting NOW

How Much Time: You choose based on your availability — from a few minutes to a few hours. We must move our efforts into high gear. Election ballots are going out and our Get Out The Vote crew needs all hands on deck.

Where to start: Go to the National NAACP website, BlackVoicesChangeLives.org/ Sign up to increase the vote by calling infrequent voters to encourage them to vote and vote early. Our voices must be heard and heard loudly. We want everyone in our community to participate and we need your help in leading people to do so. By talking with Black voters, you can increase turnout and increase our power at the ballot box.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the time commitment? You choose based on your own availability — from a few minutes to a few hours per week. As much as you can fit into your schedule. Activity will pick up as Election Day approaches
•  Is it safe to volunteer during the Coronavirus pandemic? Yes, you can call and/or text voters on your list. We will provide you with voters’ names, landline and cell phone numbers and addresses, if available.
•  We have resources to help you succeed.

[] Talking points to motivate voters
[] Call center to refer voters to (or to call if you have questions)
[] Tools that make it easy to text your community
[] Opportunities to connect with other volunteers and share ideas
[] Support from your local NAACP branch

•  Why sign up now instead of closer to Election Day, Nov. 3? So that we may offer training and support to leaders like you to increase turnout among Black voters in the most critical election since 1860.
• What positive difference can I make by talking to people I don’t know? You do know them and they will know you because your fight is also their fight. You will have a lot in common with the voters on your list, including the hope for a better future, for equal economic opportunity and for a society without racial discrimination.
• Can I volunteer if I do not identify as Black? Of course, all are welcome to stand with the nation's first and foremost civil rights organization. There is no voice more credible than the NAACP which you will be representing.

We encourage and applaud the participation of everyone who supports the goal of responsive representative democracy.

• Where can I go for more information? BlackVoicesChangeLives.org/volunteers We also have a call center at 1-888-984-2510 (Mondays thru Fridays) in case you have questions.

Thank you for any help you can contribute.

Lonnie L. Feemster
President, NAACP Reno-Sparks Branch No. 1112
Vice-President, NAACP Tri-State Conference of Idaho/Nevada/Utah
Nevada State Director, NAACP National Voter Fund

UPDATE 10-4-2020 GMT — Hi, Andy. I signed up and I will call/text the people I am assigned. Thanks for the opportunity.
I hope you are doing well. Take care and give them hell. Susan/RENO

And join the branch. We need you.

A night to remember: Solutions, not lip service

Jimmy Fallon did something on Sept. 23 that The Tonight Show has never done in more than half a century: He pre-empted his scheduled programming to focus on the Breanna Taylor grand jury walkaway. His guests for the full hour were NAACP President Derrick Johnson and MSNBC host Joy Reid whose succinct and focused solutions could solve the problems raised by Black Lives Matter. Neither Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno nor Conan O'Brien ever did anything similar. The closest came in 1968 when Harry Belafonte sat in for Carson for a week. He brought on MLK, RFK, Paul Newman, Diahann Carroll, Aretha, Petula Clark, Dionne Warwick and Lena Horne, among others. It was Johnny Carson's finest hour and he wasn't even there. It's the subject of a new Peacock Network documentary "The Sit-In" which premiered Sept. 8.

Click here to find the 9-23-2020 Tonight Show about Breanna Taylor

Republican Kentucky attorney general announces Breonna Taylor grand jury results. Streets erupt nationwide.
Washington Post news roundup / 9-24-2020 GMT

 

Our Toothless Mask Mandates
By Dr. Elizabeth Rosenthal / The New York Times op-ed 10-1-2020

A former big city ER physician, Dr. Rosenthal is an ex-NYT journalist who is now editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News. Her 2017 book "An American Sickness: How health care became big business and how you can take it back" is still the single best encapsulation of how to fix the broken US system. (For a film on some of its best suggestions, get Michael Moore's 2007 "Sicko.") Dr. Rosenthal's latest Times piece notes that law enforcement officials refusing to enforce gubernatorial mandates in Ohio and Wisconsin are creating "a new level of lawlessness." Ditto Nevada. Two of our Cow County sheriffs have announced the same thing, as has our Reno-Sparks-Washoe turkey. Ditto the Reno Police Dept. "Not our job." And our infection rate increases accordingly. What a country.

Teamsters Union sues to enforce bus system mask mandate
NAACP President Feemster supports Teamsters fight for passenger/worker safety

In Memoriam

On August 28, 1963, W.E.B. DuBois, died in Ghana, his adopted country. A founder of the NAACP and one of the most influential black civil rights activists of the first half of the 20th Century, he was 95. A sociologist, educator and writer who received a PhD from Harvard University in 1895, he helped created the NAACP in 1909 and was a "monumental and often controversial leader," The New York Times reported.

None of us matter until the least of us matter.

Country music hall of famer and longtime Nevadan Lacy J. Dalton's Magnum Opus for Our Times
Official video
Lyric video

COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS NEEDED TO HELP LOCAL STUDENTS

Many of Washoe County’s kids live without something most of us consider essential – a computer. Now, a local nonprofit group that helps the kids is asking for your help.

We are the Reno Cigar Lions, a local chapter of Lions Club International. Since 2006, we’ve refurbished thousands of donated computers for kids who live in households with no computer. We are all volunteers. We work with the Washoe County School District to identify the students and we offer our refurbished Linux-powered computers for free.

The lifeblood of our program is older models donated by business and government agencies when they upgrade to new computers. Upgrading has simply become a lower priority for these entities during the crisis, and many of them are now inaccessible to us because of COVID restrictions.

Our donation drought coincided with a surge in demand, as COVID-19 forced school closures this spring. Online learning may be the new protocol and the gap between kids with computers and those without has been magnified.

Earlier this year, there were more than 600 kids on our waiting list. We have scrambled to respond and we've cut the number down to 200. But unanswered questions loom about what will transpire during the new school year. Our greatest hope is that we can continue to meet the need, whatever it is.

We’re appealing to the community for help. Bulk donations of PCs and laptops are needed. But anyone with an extra laptop or desktop PC can help. Please consider donating one or more computers that are in working order. Please contact us by calling (775) 453-0307 or by e-mailing RenoCigarLions@gmail.com to coordinate your donation.

Parents and teachers will attest that these gifts can be life-changing. In the short term, it’s about school performance. But we’ve been gratified when recipients contact us later to report new self-confidence and extra-curricular accomplishments that wouldn’t have been possible without a computer.

Note: Our program will also accept monitors, keyboards, mice, power-cords, memory cards and more. [[ADDITIONAL INFO]]

Thank you.

Dorothy Ingraham
President, Reno Cigar Lions Club
Member, Reno-Sparks NAACP Executive Committee

 

A giant has fallen: John Lewis, 1940-2020

Together, you can redeem the soul of our nation
"Answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you believe."
Rep. John Lewis' final words published at his request on the day of his funeral
New York Times Guest Editorial / July 30, 2020

July 17, 2020 (NYTimes.com) — John Lewis, a lion of the civil rights movement whose bloody beating by Alabama state troopers in 1965 helped galvanize opposition to racial segregation, and who went on to a long and celebrated career in Congress, died. He was 80.

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Family sues City of Sparks for fatal police shooting of mentally ill teen
By Marcella Corona / Reno Gazette-Journal 8-14-2020

Sparks Police investigating vulgar, threatening social media posts allegedly made by an officer
By Bob Conrad / ThisIsReno.com 8-4-2020

Sparks police killing analysis: Could 18 year-old Miciah Lee have been saved?
Former sheriff: Establish civilian police review board
By Anjeanette Damon & Marcella Corona / rgj.com 7-6-2020 / Reno Gazette-Journal entire front page feature / Sunday 7-12-2020

Sparks City Hall strikes a blow for white guys
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 7-22-2020 Sparks Tribune

Washoe law enforcement announces new expedited information policy on officer-involved shootings, including copcam video
UPDATE: All three major departments agree / Separately: Sparks City Hall defaced with red paint
KRNV TV-4/KRXI TV-11 July 15, 2020
UPDATE 2:40 p.m. PDT July 15, 2020 — NAACP President Lonnie Feemster: "The NAACP was not consulted. We need a regional approach. There are many other Washoe police departments such as those at the University of Nevada-Reno,the Washoe County School District and tribal law enforcement. We will be making further recommendations. Regional consistency is required."
Mr. Feemster will appear on northwestern Nevada TV-2 and TV-4 later today. Also monitor the Reno Gazette-Journal

Sparks mayors respond with passive-aggressive, patronizing racism
"So, boys and girls..."
By Siobhan McAndrew / rgj.com 7-14-2020 / Reno Gazette-Journal 7-15-2020

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Black Lives Matter protestors confronted by machine-gun toting Trumpistas in front of Nevada Legislature
By James DeHaven / rgj.com 7-11-2020 / Reno Gazette- Journal 7-12-2020

Use special legislative session to end Nevada's most racist, wasteful policy
By Nevadan Drew Johnson, Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty / rgj.com 7-8-2020 /Reno Gazette-Journal op-ed 7-12-2020

Branch President Lonnie Feemster will participate in a half-hour special on KOLO TV-8 on Saturday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m. PDT.
Turn on, tune in, tell a friend.

Feemster: Reject, re-evaluate, reform, renew
By Josie Glassberg / Sierra Nevada Ally / 7-9-2020

Fair warning to the rich, famous & powerful
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 7-15-2020 Sparks Tribune

There just ain't no cure for stupid
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 7-8-2020 Sparks Tribune

Feemster: Police reform needed after Sparks shooting
By Marcella Corona / rgj.com 6-29-2020 / Reno Gazette-Journal front page 7-1-2020

Ship of Fools: Washoe County as derelict ocean liner
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 7-1-2020 Sparks Tribune

KEOLIS-19: TRANSIT SYSTEM DEFIED GOVERNOR'S MASK ORDER
Then put out a press release denying they did so (updated 10-2-2020)
TEAMSTERS: Reno-Sparks-Washoe passengers, families and workers jeopardized

Watch Reno-Sparks NAACP President Lonnie Feemster's interview with KRNV TV-4 at 6:00p.m. PDT Monday June 22

Growing up black in Reno —> Attorney David Gamble's personal memoir
Guest editorial / rgj.com 6-14, Reno Gazette-Journal Sunday June 21, 2020

CAPITAL OFFENSE —> On closed Carson Street, Black Lives Matter protesters chant 'I can't breathe'.
By Ed Komenda & Jason Bean / rgj.com 6-20 / Reno Gazette-Journal Sunday 6-21-2020

Kneeling isn't enough — Activists demand sweeping change
Interview with Reno-Sparks NAACP President Lonnie Feemster
By Elliott Wailoo / Los Angeles Times 6-18-2020
Government shuts down when it should step up
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 6-17-2020 Sparks Tribune

Reno journalist attacked as Black Lives Matter protest turns chaotic
Reno Gazette-Journal / 6-15-2020

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE DEPT. On 6-11-2020, The New York Times reported that "With the presidential election looming, Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., had intended to use 2020 to demand a fair census and voting rights, declaring 'a year of existential threats to the black community.' " (Hmmm...whom do we know who's been saying that all year? Oh, yes — Reno-Sparks NAACP President Lonnie Feemster.) "Then came COVID-19," The Times continued, "which Ms. Bass has spent months pointing out has disproportionately killed people of color." (Sound familiar, branch members?) Congresswoman Bass, 66, the first African-American woman to become speaker of California's or any state legislature, is now in her fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. She is the principal author of the police reform bill now before the body. She also holds a brown belt in taekwondo. As far as we know, President Lonnie is only into political martial arts.

Top 10 cures still go begging
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 6-10-2020 Sparks Tribune

FLAILING OVERTURNED TURTLE: Have we reached a turning point?
By Frank Rich / New York Magazine 6-9-2020

OUTBACK SURPRISE: Fallon, Nevada —> Black Lives Matter protestors hug Second Amendment supporters
Reno Gazette-Journal / 6-8-2020

View Reno-Sparks NAACP President Lonnie Feemster's June 6 & 7 appearance on KTVN TV-2's Face the State half-hour program

Most arrested after May 30 Reno riot were innocent downtown residents
Most live within walking distance of downtown, one 700 feet from City Hall
Mississippi West alive and well: City lawyers advise arrestees to plead guilty or face days or weeks in jail
Reno Gazette-Journal / Sunday front page 6-7-2020

Reno reimposes martial law

Tuesday, 02 Jun 2020 17:12:30 (PDT) [Official City of Reno bulletin] Reno, Nevada USA — Out of an abundance of caution for public safety, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve has issued citywide curfews starting at 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, June 2. The curfew will be in effect nightly from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next morning and will continue until terminated by Mayor Schieve. During the hours of the curfew, no person — with the exception of law enforcement, military and other emergency response personnel, government officials and authorized media — shall enter or remain in the public right of way, public parks or any other public place in Reno unless they have an essential reason to be out (i.e. people traveling to/from work or seeking emergency care, etc.). Residents are asked to adhere to the curfew to help protect the safety of our community. [More at Reno.Gov]

Don't let fear and anger convert us to Germany 1933
Barbwire by Andrew Barbáno / Expanded from the Wednesday 6-3-2020 Sparks Tribune

NAACP CALLS FOR CALM & SHOOTING TRANSPARENCY
Downtown Reno Black Lives Matter rally turns violent
RENO CITY HALL SET ON FIRE

     RENO, NEV. (Updated 7:54 p.m. PDT 6-2-2020 / 02:54 June 3 GMT) — Saturday afternoon's downtown Reno Black Lives Matter rally turned violent after adjournment as evening approached. People jumped on cars near the casino center Reno Arch. Windows were broken at businesses, the Washoe County Courthouse and Reno City Hall. Its first floor set afire, tear gas was used to keep crowds away from the 14-story high-rise. Arrests were made. Gov. Steve Sisolak called out the Nevada National Guard. Citizens put hands in the air shouting "don't shoot." KOLO TV-8 telecasted live, joined by two other network affiliates much later in the evening. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve ordered a citywide curfew which was expanded to cover the entire county. The Reno-Sparks NAACP called for calm and transparency regarding all shootings, local and elsewhere. Stay tuned.

NAACP calls for calm, demands police transparency
Family of 18 year-old killed by Sparks Police in January still waiting for answers
By James DeHaven / rgj.com 5-31-2020 / Reno Gazette-Journal 6-1-2020

From England on the day Reno rioted
Policing in the US is not about enforcing law. It’s about enforcing white supremacy.
By Georgetown University Prof. Paul Butler/ The Guardian / London UK 5-30-2020