November 3, 2007...12:17 pm
March for Megan Williams 11-3-07 - CASE UPDATES
MEGAN WILLIAMS UPDATES
Rally/March For Megan Williams (Watch video) A crowd of several hundred people is gathering at the West Virginia state capitol – all for torture victim Megan Williams. Leaders of the national march and rally against hate crimes say people are going to pray harder today than ever before. T-shirts supporting Megan Williams are for sale and signs that say “Justice for Megan” highlight the reason for this rally. Other signs say: “Hate Crimes are on the rise” with pictures of nooses and “Unity is Power.” Media crews from France and CNN are in-town and are at the rally. Groups from as far as Cleveland, Columbus, Richmond, and students from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, have come to Charleston for the event. Here is the tentative schedule for today: 2pm: Al Sharpton & members of Megan’s family will talk.
3pm: March starts to the Robert C. Byrd Federal Court House.
5pm: Post march fundraiser @ First Baptist Church on Shrewsbury Street.
Note: As of 2:30 EST there was no sign of Al Sharpton
Source – WSAZ News – Charleston November 3, 2007The final count for the march was around 400 people.
19 Comments
November 4, 2007 at 8:31 am
I would think the town of Charleston West Virginia is returned to normal this Sunday morning. At last report I read there were 700 marchers in all. One man came from Europe. These “counts” for marches are always a little off. This one started at 300 and ended at 700. A reader from W.V. sent an email stating there were 400 marchers. All in all, a satistactory turn-out to support Megan Williams who looked much better than we’ve seen her in recent days, her hair in cornrows and a redish curly weave.
Perhaps now the situation can settle down until the next wave which will come in January when these cases go before the grand jury. The biggest news in this case will now be the reason why Al Sharpton did not show as scheduled for the march/rally? According to published reports, he was attending an emergency meeting with the Nicks Isaiah Thomas concerning the sexual harassment suit in earlier months. As I recall, Al Sharpton was demanding that Isaiah make a public apology for calling a black female Nick’s assistant a bitch!
Whatever the reason, Al was a no show and that will bring a lot of attention from the press as well as Al Sharpton haters.
The media coverage was minimal. CNN spotlighted Megan speaking but kept the coverage for the most part on the marchers.
With all the bickering and division surrounding this march I’m sure people are relieved it’s over.
November 4, 2007 at 11:55 am
TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE NATIONAL D.C. MARCH FOR HATE CRIMES ON NOVEMBER 16TH, HERE IS A LINK WHERE YOU CAN REGISTER AND GET ALL OF THE INFORMATION…
The march is being organized by - REVEREND AL SHARPTON, MARTIN LUTHER KING III, NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK, REALIZING THE DREAM, WARREN BALLANTINE, STEVE HARVEY, AND OTHERS TO MARCH ON THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
November 4, 2007 at 12:02 pm
(Moved from Megan Williams message blog)
Entered by - G - November 4th, 2007 at 11:43 am
I feel for Megan. There are many sick people that still wave the confederate flag with pride in certain areas of West Virginia. That being said. The rally on Saturday was prejudice in its own right. People chanting black power. Black panthers dressed in all black. What did that really accomplish. If I where to hold a rally for the betterment of white people and chant white power while walking down the street, what would I be called a racist a bigot. Well thats how I feel about what I read in the paper today. How about the white girls being drugged and raped by black men that you never hear about. If the tables where turned and you heard about white folk chanting white power because of black guys raping and beating one of our white women then how would you feel. I dont believe any one race is better than another. But I cant believe what I read in the paper this morning. Believe me when I tell you that I am not the only one that feels strongly about this. The march was a racist gathering. That why al sharpton did not show up and thats why it was not backed up by the NAACP. It accomplished nothing but showing more racism.
November 4, 2007 at 12:40 pm
G - First, let me thank you for your comments. As I’ve stated above, and in other blog entries on this subject, there was too much division from the beginning concerning this march. Malik Shabazz clearly misrepresented himself and fouled in my opinion for not going to the Black Ministerial Alliance from the beginning. It’s no secret it was a self-serving mission on his part.
As for crimes being reported, I think every race will always have something to say about that. For me, crime is cime. Nomatter what the race, when someone is killed savagely or tortured unmercifully it’s wrong. We must stop blaming the lack of media reporting on race. Why not blame it on the media? Often times what I believe happens is we have a brutal crime committed, the media reports on it once or twice initially, then it gets buried. By the time we catch up with the story which is usually on the internet, we’re appauled that the media didn’t cover it and then it becomes a matter of “If it were a white person it would have been reported,” or “If it had been a black person it would have been reported.”
As for the march being a racist gathering….it was organized by the New Black Panthers. I’m not surprised if there were “Black Power” chants. It would have been the same as the clan holding a rally. We would have heard “White Power” being chanted.
This was the major problem with the march from its inception. How can you have a march for hate if you’re a hater? That’s why the NAACP was against it. That’s no secret.
The same way you felt after reading the morning paper is how blacks feel whenever the clan or a white supremist group holds a march/rally.
To answer your question: how would I feel? Take your feelings today and multiply them 10 times. The KKK are a group of hateful people who were allowed by the government of this country to lynch, hang, rape, beat and kill black people. The Black Panther Party originated in the 1960’s to counter police brutality and support the black community. These New Black Panthers are frauds, according to the original party. How do I feel? Chanting Black Power is one thing. Lynching, beating and burning crosses, etc. is another thing! Any questions?
November 4, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Phyllis, that’s true about the media. I believe these cases are covered, if only minimally, but when people are not regular media watchers, they have a tendency to yell non coverage. Very good point.
I didn’t support the march but to reply to G who said if he were to have a march for the betterment of white people bliptie-boo. That’s not what the march was about. It wasn’t about the betterment of black people. It was to call attention to hate crimes, although I’m convinced it was organized to call attention to Malik Shabazz, which we’ve discussed before.
Can I be real? There will never be a white or black supreme society. Both parties need to give that shit a rest. White people perpetrate hate against their own as do all ethnicities. While the black/white fighting is going on we have a federal government that screws all of us with the help of mass media. As long as we stay in division corruption in the highest land will exist. We as black people need to work on solidifying our communities. Whites need to stop being cowardly and accept and acknowledge our history in this country. Hanging nooses is a display of cowardness. I’d have more respect if you came up to my face and said “I hate you because you’re black,” and give me an honest reason why. One that makes sense instead of some stereotype image you have of all blacks.
Every blog or website I visit I have to read the cowardness of whites who call themselves supreme but sprew black rhetoric. Statistically, more whites than blacks are on welfare, more whites than blacks commit hate crimes. More whites than blacks commit rape.
I apologize for ranting on your blog but I’m sick of the same dialogue when it comes to race.
Does anyone have anything worthy to contribute?
November 4, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Speaking of the KKK, not sure if you’ve heard about the KKK march planned in Jena, LA to call for the demise of Martin Luther King Day. I’ll try to find the link. Absurd isn’t it?
November 4, 2007 at 4:45 pm
(I found it)
White supremacy group plans Jena rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
By Abbey Brown
Louisiana Gannett News Service
An organization that describes itself as “pro-majority” but is widely reported to be a white supremacy organization has announced that it will be having a rally in Jena on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Nationalist Movement issued a news release this week saying “Jena Justice Day to Empower the Majority” would be held on Jan. 21, 2008, the same day set aside to celebrate the birthday of the slain American civil rights leader.
The Nationalists “are bringing their ‘tools for empowerment’ to Louisiana to defeat the demands of Al Sharpton,” according to the release from the organization. The events are scheduled to feature a two-mile parade, speeches, ceremonies and petitions “as a centerpiece to abolish King Day.”
The organization also has ties to Skinheadz, an organization that describes itself as “the longest-running Skinhead organization, established in 1987.”
The “open-to-the-public event, subtitled ‘No to Jena 6, No to King,’ also will petition for abolition of the Civil Rights Bill and give a ‘voice to the voiceless,’” the release stated.
The Rev. B.L. Moran, who has worked with the “Jena Six” families, said they wouldn’t try to stop the event but may plan something around that time.
“Of course we can’t stop them from marching,” he said. “They can do whatever they want. It is bothersome, but everybody has their freedom to do whatever they want.”
Moran said there are normally events planned in support of unity on that day – not division.
Jena Mayor Murphy McMillin said Friday that the town had received information about the January event but that no application for a permit had yet been made and no permit yet issued.
“Here in Jena, we are very careful to abide by the Constitution of the United States,” he said. “So we will do the appropriate thing to keep with that document.”
Permits were granted by the town for a rally on Sept. 20 that drew thousands, although that was the first of the pro-Jena Six rallies at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse where a permit had been sought. There has been a policy in place in the town since 1992 asking for permit applications before any kind of demonstration.
In the release, the Nationalists said the event will be open to those who “show support for the event, but a separate area will be set aside for counter-demonstrators, so as to not disrupt the ceremonies.”
Several calls placed Friday to the Nationalist Movement headquarters in Learned, Miss., to get further comment about the planned event went unanswered.
The Rev. Al Sharpton’s spokeswoman said Friday she knew Sharpton would want to comment on the planned rally but that he was in Mexico for a speaking engagement.
November 4, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Hey Shondra, Yes I did hear about the Nationalism Rally in Jena. Do you realize how ignorant that is to have a rally in Jena Louisiana? People have already penned Jena as a racist town. (Whoever planned this is not the sharpest knife in the drawer) If you read closely, the calls went unanswered. Of course they did. It’s probably hot air, like every other coward thing they do. I believe these groups want to get a rise out of people. Look at all the B.S. that’s been posted on blogs and websites since Jena? I’ve made that same comment before. After awhile it does get old. It’s so juvenile. I’ve heard the comments of how they built this country and are taking it back - no comment.
To actually think they could get King Day banned. Pleazzzzzzzeeeeeeee……that’s just ignorant. I wish em well. Hope they have a hoorah time. Whateva!
Like Rev. Moran from Jena said, “they have a right to march.” I won’t be tuning in to CNN to watch it, that’s for sure.
November 5, 2007 at 9:15 am
To Shondra,
Sorry to bust your bubble, but the only reason more whites are on welfare is because whites make up close to 80% of the population. The sad thing is, even with whites making up close to 80% of the population they are still 9 times less likely to commit a violent crime. Here, do some research:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
In the future, before your let your racists views distort the facts, do us all a favor and keep your screwed metrics to yourself.
November 9, 2007 at 9:03 am
UPDATE - THIS IS GREAT NEWS
The Prosecutor in this case, Brian Abraham has filed a Petition for Guardian Ad Litem in Megan’s case. The petition will be heard on Novemebr 20th. It’s about time if you ask me. This family has needed someone representing Megan’s interests from the beginning.
Source
November 9, 2007 at 10:28 am
FAMILY PLANS TO GO ON THE MONTEL WILLIAMS’ SHOW
Guardian sought for Megan Williams
Prosecutor fears people not acting in her interests
…On Oct. 30. Abraham met with Megan Williams, her adoptive parents Carmen and Matthew Williams, and lawyer Barbara H. Harmon-Schamberger. Abraham said the Williams family told him that Harmon-Schamberger was representing them.
The Williamses told him they planned to go on “The Montel Williams Show.” Again, Abraham said he told them that could hurt the case.
He said Carmen Williams agreed with him at the time, but a couple of days later Harmon-Schamberger called him and said that the family still planned to go on the show.
“Carmen advised me that they were not getting any money,” Abraham said, but then Harmon-Schamberger told him that Carmen Williams “might be receiving some services or money.”
The family taped an episode of “The Montel Williams Show” on Thursday, November 8, 2007 - said Matthew Williams, Megan Williams’ father.
Read Source
November 9, 2007 at 11:45 am
MY THOUGHTS
I personally am glad that Brian Abraham has filed a motion for Guardian ad Litem in this case. It’s obvious to everyone that Megan is not receiving the best advice and continues to appear in the media and has now taped a Montel Williams show which I imagine will be aired in the next week or two.
I note with the new media articles the family is being represented by Barbara Harmon-Schamberger
Ms. Schamberger is African American and was admitted to the WV Bar in 1997 and suffers from dyslexia.
She’s spoken out about ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and has served previously as West Virginia’s Secretary of Education and the Arts and General Council for the House Education Committee.
Reportedly, the Montel Williams Show is providing Megan with a scholarship to complete her GED and other educational goals. Carmen Williams says they are not being paid, but you have to wonder. If the man prosecuting my case came to me and said, “Do not do any more media – it’s hurting your case.” I’d pay attention!
All of this is the reason I hope the Motion is granted on November 20th, but, is it already too late? Has too much information been released in this case?
November 9, 2007 at 12:28 pm
THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW?
Why on earth would they do that? I’m disheartened with this case. I’m also convinced the mother loves being in the spotlight which is why she probably made the decision to go on the Montel show. As for the guardian thing, they should have done this the minute Carmen made the first interview with CNN.
This woman lawyer Schamberger appears to be credentialed. Why isn’t she advising the family not to do all of these interviews? Something is wrong with this case and as more interviews are released the public is becoming less sympathetic.
November 16, 2007 at 2:12 pm
According to a Charleston Newspaper, the Prosecutor in this case, who had previously filed a Motion for Guardian Ad Litem, has now dropped the motion. He reportedly had a meeting with the Williams’ family on Thursday (15th) and they have agreed to have Ms. Schamberger represent them. Schamberger is the attorney who represented Megan in her check charges in September. The article goes on to say they will NOT make any further media appearances. I’m still curious about the taping of the Montel Williams’ show. Perhaps Montel won’t air it. I guess time will tell.
SOURCE
November 20, 2007 at 9:25 pm
LATEST MEGAN WILLIAMS UPDATE
I guess it’s official! Megan Williams will be appearing on the Montel Williams show. According to the Wilmington Journal a show was taped on November 8th. The article also states the Montel show gave Megan a laptop computer and money to help with her GED and further, a college education. According to the article, the air date for the show was unknown at the time it went to press.
………….According to Jeff Burwell, a cousin of Megan Williams who accompanied her to the studio last week along with her father, Matthew, Montel Williams was asked not to pose certain questions to Megan regarding details of what allegedly happened during her ordeal.
Because she is still mentally, emotionally and physically recovering from the ordeal, the television host was further asked to be sensitive in his questioning. Burwell confirms that Montel Williams was respectful in how he treated Megan on the program.
Williams was also generous, awarding the young woman six months free tutoring so Megan could earn her GED; an undisclosed amount of money so that she could start college afterwards; and topped it all off with a laptop computer.
“It was just powerful,” Jeff Burwell said, expressing the family’s appreciation for the gesture.
Burwell said the studio audience had tears in their eyes as they applauded.
December 2, 2007 at 9:15 am
It appears this case has now turned “political.” The issue of hate crime charges are now being battled between the Prosecuting Attorney and the State Attorney General’s office. What a mess. Will this delay matters upcoming in January?
Read all about it here and here.
December 8, 2007 at 6:02 pm
ANOTHER MARCH HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR MEGAN WILLIAMS
According to news reports, another rally will be held on December 18, 2007 for Megan Williams. Rev. Al Sharpton states he will appear at this rally. December 18th is on a Tuesday and it is a Holiday season. How effective will this march be? Obviously, this case has now turned very political with the 2008 elections approaching. The Williams family gave their word there would be no more interviews and media events but according to these reports, they do plan to participate in this march.
December 9, 2007 at 9:25 pm
BEEN LOOKING FOR MEGAN ON THE MONTEL WILLIAMS’ SHOW?
According to a report from The Wilmington Journal:
Meanwhile a spokesperson for Montel Williams’ nationally syndicated television talk show says the segment Megan and her mother flew to New York a month ago to tape will not air on the program until sometime in 2008. The program is scheduled to be in reruns for the remainder of 2007.
So I guess it appears the segment will air around the time this case is set to go to the Grand Jury. In my opinion this case has taken a turn for the worst. The pressure from the community is being felt but has everyone lost focus? I guess time will tell.
Happy Holidays all! Hopefully 2008 will find justice for Megan Williams. I sure hope so.
February 2, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Megan, those of us who continue to pray for your mental and physical health thank God for saving you and your continued healing. Don’t ever think that we have forgotten the darkness you, and unfortunately so many others, have gone through.
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