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The list of members belonging to the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus who claim they were unaware of a resolution issued by the group intended to put the state of Alabama, and specifically Mobile county district attorney John Tyson Jr., “on notice” for treating black politicians and community leaders unfairly, continues to grow, according to state Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile.
State Sen. says she found out about a resolution by the Legislative Black Caucus by fliers scattered about her house. She says her investigation into the matter has found very few members of the caucus who actually we supported the resolution.
Figures said she first learned of the resolution when she found a copy of the document along with fliers for a rally for ex-judge Herman Thomas scattered around her house.
“The resolution was coupled with a rally for the judge, which basically says that we (the Black Caucus) support it. They put one in my mailbox on top of my mail, which as you know is against the law. And, then they went to my front door and put one at my front door – which, you have to drive up to my front door from the street, then walk, so that took some effort. Then they proceeded to go to the back on the side and put a set on the windshield of one of my trucks,” Figures said. “That’s how I found out about it.”
Figures, whose son is an alleged victim of Thomas’, noted that pairing the two documents together made it appear as if the Black Caucus as a whole supports Herman Thomas.
“It definitely doesn’t represent the total Black Caucus. I’m just disappointed because my personal involvement and what my personal involvement indicates,” Figures said.
After the flier and resolution were delivered to her house, Figures began calling members of the Black Caucus to find out if they were aware of the resolution before it was approved.
At press time Figures told Lagniappe that at least five members of the Black Caucus — Joe Mitchell, D-Mobile, Myron Penn, D-Union Springs, Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, Hank Sanders, D-Selma and Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro – were also unaware of the resolution. Figures said she is still calling other members of the Black Caucus and has requested a copy of the role from that meeting from caucus chairman John Rogers.
Rogers told Figures Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery motioned the resolution. It was then seconded by Yvonne Kennedy, D-Mobile, according to the chairman. Rogers said he was not aware of the tie between Thomas and Figures’ son, Akil, and neither was McClammy. Figures could confirm however, that Kennedy was aware of the situation.
Figures said she would request in the future that before any issues of local concern are addressed, “that all of the local legislators from that area should be in agreement with what’s about to happen.”
The resolution says Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr., over roughly the past 15 years, has chosen to selectively prosecute blacks, including most recently, former circuit court judge Herman Thomas – practices the District Attorney denies.
The statement also lists as examples former Prichard Mayor Jesse Norwood, Mayor Cleo Philips of Creola and David Thomas, former Mobile County school board member and cousin of Herman Thomas. “All we were concerned about was the fact that we wanted to make sure that lady justice was blind – that there was not selective prosecution,” Rogers said. “The Black Caucus took a stand and it carried the caucus.”
State Rep. James Buskey, D-Mobile claims to have known about the resolution, but could not confirm whether or not he was at the meeting or whether he voted in favor of the resolution.
“I cannot respond positively one way or another on that because Tuesdays are my busy days. I am in and out of several meetings. That particular meeting, I’m always in and out of because I have a conflict.”
Tyson says he’s done his best throughout the entirety of his career to maintain justice fairly and equally.
“Everything that we have done for 15 years has been based on probable cause. And we’ve done everything we know how to do in order to do things correctly, and I believe that there is no racial prosecution going on in Mobile County,” Tyson said. “ I think as soon as we get to trial with Herman Thomas and show everybody the evidence that we have the sooner all of this will be over.”
As of press time, Figures said she was awaiting calls back from two more members of the Black Caucus in order to see if any more of its 35 total members were unaware of the resolution before it passed and became public.
proud says:
July 26, 2009
11:58 PM
I am appauled at many black people for running to the defense of Herman Thomas without any information whatsoever! We are allowing the world to see how ignorant we are. We fight the wrong battles! All the politicians that were mentioned has clearly done something wrong! Must we merely, wink at them or spank them on the hand? I am embarrassed at our people. Thomas has harmed many people. This is serious! What about the 15 year old boy whom Thomas alledgely performed oral sex on him front and rear, hen the kid came up mysteriously killed.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what happened to the poor fellow. He cried after Thomas abused him. Come on I could g on and on...but let's wait until the facts comes out before we start to ralley! Senator Figures, I'm sure you have talked to your son...he may be ashame, but he knows the truth. Thomas had no respect for you nor your late husband! I will always respect you if you take stand for what is right!!!!!
Mr. Tyson, please stay focused! It doesn't mater if the criminal is red, yellow black or white!!!! Continue to do your job. This is national please represent Mobile Well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jayfro says:
June 20, 2009
07:27 AM
Wait, what?!
Quoting from the article...
State Rep. James Buskey, D-Mobile claims to have known about the resolution, but could not confirm whether or not he was at the meeting or whether he voted in favor of the resolution.
“I cannot respond positively one way or another on that because Tuesdays are my busy days. I am in and out of several meetings. That particular meeting, I’m always in and out of because I have a conflict.”
So Buskey can't be bothered with paying attention to what resolutions he supports. Granted this was just a resolution of the Black Caucus and not an actual vote on legislation...Is he saying the Black Caucus resolutions are meaningless or that he can't be asked to remember what he does on Tuesdays because they are just too busy for him?
luvdapies says:
June 16, 2009
08:33 PM
Appears there's too much evidence against Herman Thomas for the Black Caucus to make such a low-life political play, so it must be a last ditch vote of confidence before Judge Thomas' ship goes down. Unfortunately, when you (the Black Caucus) make a cheap play, you better make sure your closets are clean and you don't have anything to hide, because you just invited everyone in to inspect your dirty laundry (people who live in glass houses...). The BC should have consulted all its members and listened to them...including Senator Figures...before launching the Tyson resolution.