However, that's not really the issue. You and another individual on the list have referred to you as a leader in the movement. While I have seen you at some rallies and even recall you speaking once or twice, that makes you a participant in the movement, not a leader. Leaders are involved in actually organizing events, developing the message to the public, strategizing direction for the movement, organizing volunteers, and dealing with the 110 different day to day details that help the movement grow and keep it on track. In our case much of the work involves taking hotline calls in the middle of the night, going to the hospital with folks and taking pictures of their injuries, helping folks get lawyers, doing court support, researching police policies and practices, etc., most of which is not all that glamorous but it sure is important. Showing up at rallies and getting behind the microphone ala Spike Moss, Jerry McAfee, et al doesn't make one a leader, just a talking head. Movement leaders stick around after the rallies are over and do the work in between the rallies.
By way of example, I have attended a lot of antiwar rallies, especially lately. I've even been asked to speak at a few of the events. But since my time is limited, I have not gone to any meetings or helped plan or direct events. I also don't do anything to keep the movement going between events (except throw a few bucks in the donation bucket). So I would call myself a participant in that movement but certainly would not accept the title of leader.
Michelle Gross
Communities United Against Police Brutality
Bryn Mawr
At 09:30 PM 3/25/03 -0500, you wrote:
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I had no idea that anyone thought Zack Metoyer was a leader in this
issue--I've been working on it for years and never saw him doing anything
on it until very recently.
ZLM
Come on Michele. Are you saying that you do not remember marching with me in the past three years. How about when Abuka was killed by the police and we marched? I spoke then. How about when we marched to the Federal building? I spoke there. How about when you called me and I was one of three supporters that showed up to support you and CUAPB when you did a press release at city hall? How about when we rallied with the Somali community? I spoke then. Maybe you do not realize it, but those around you that ask me to speak at these type of events must think that I have something to say. Or maybe you are so hung up on yourself that you do not see others around you that are fighting the same issues that you are. That is a shame. Maybe it is all about who gets on T.V. or is quoted in the papers. Is that who you think are the real activist? Or is it that those that march beside you are really of no consequence to you in the fight for equal rights. Do you remember calling me and asking me to come support Federal Mediation at city hall when the council voted for mediation? You should, I sat next to you. There have been so many times that we have fought for the same things. I'm sorry that you do not remember them, I do.
Zachary Metoyer
Central
