Dear Editor,
I am writing on behalf of my son Dean Daniels, who was murdered in the city of Mount Vernon September 22, 2014, by members of a notorious street gang, hoodlums that have killed several people and helped to destroy the beautiful legacy of Mount Vernon.
In my fight for justice, I’ve been made to feel like a nuisance; never given updates; have no contact person to speak with; ignored by the Mayor of Mount Vernon; and disrespected by law enforcement official who on one occasions would not allow me to enter their office building and spoke to me in a parking lot.
I feel angry at myself for believing in those politicians and public servants who I thought would make a difference. After 2 ½ years of letters, telephone calls and impromptu appearance at law enforcement offices. I realize my son’s life doesn’t matter and justice is not for ALL. The purpose of my letter is to tell the community of Mount Vernon and the citizens of New York State, the truth about the officials we have entrusted to be our voice.
WE’VE BEEN LIED TO
Case in point, the FBI had been in Mount Vernon investigating gang violence 3 years prior to my son’s death with no arrest or a decrease in murders or violence. Subsequent to my son’s death, I was told by an important source in the investigation, the FBI had been ready for months to make an arrest to dismantle this gang, but the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York office was dragging their feet. It is my firm belief if the US Attorney’s office had done its job, another child’s life would’ve been taken. Justice in poor communities and for minority people is not a priority.
I ask you to ask yourself, why did the Attorney General Jeff Sessions traveled to Long Island and vow on national television to bring justice to the families affected by gang violence?
Why didn’t Governor Cuomo send the State police to Mount Vernon to assist the FBI in their investigation as he did for Long Island? Mount Vernon is ranked 10th in New York State where a person is likely to be a victim of crime.
Why isn’t the Mayor of Mount Vernon demanding help for the community he serves?
My son leaves behind a son and family who will forever know “black lives stopped mattering”. The sadness of losing my son is compounded by this sadness. The image of my son and other murdered victims will be a permanent memory of Mount Vernon.
My letter to the Mount Vernon Community and minority people is to say “indifference “to black lives is a real problem and public servants don’t have apathy for us, which is a common practice.
WE NEED TO REMEMBER THIS WHEN WE VOTE!
I say to all the fathers, mothers, and family members who have lost a loved one in Mount Vernon or to violence and seek justice. I too feel resign, helpless, and out of words, but I encourage you to wipe away your tears and continue your fight and NEVER GIVE UP!
With Sincere warmest regards,
Dean’s Mom
Dean’s mom will be appearing on People Before Politics Radio, Sunday, June 4th at 6:30pm.
AJ Woodson
AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show. AJ is a Father, Brother, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Hip-Hop Artist - one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist whose byline has appeared in several print publications and online sites including The Source, Vibe, the Village Voice, Upscale, Sonicnet.com, Launch.com, Rolling Out Newspaper, Daily Challenge Newspaper, Spiritual Minded Magazine, Word Up! Magazine, On The Go Magazine and several others.
