From: Brandi Grayson [mailto:bgrayson74@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2015 2:59 PMTo: pastorrayford@fhlfamily.comCc: Brown, Percy; Milele Chikasa Anana; Kaleem Caire; Keetra Burnette; Carola Gaines; Alex Fralin; Lilada Gee; Will; Ragland, Enis; Matthew Braunginn; Ruben Anthony; Greg Jones;John@mydf.org; Gee, Alexander; Rick Jones; GloriaLadson-Billings; Gwen Jones; Nia Enemuoh Trammell; Ed Lee; Frances Huntley-Cooper; Theresa Sanders; Derrick Smith; 100 Black Men; Floyd Rose; Emilie Songolo; Lisa Peyton Caire; Alex Gee; dmckinney@wisc.edu; Elton Crim; Marilyn5142; mary muse; Karla Foster; Wanda Anthony; Nichelle Nichols; Alex GeeSubject: Re: Let's prepare ourselves for the District Attorney's decision YGB is hosting a civil disobedience training tomorrow at 530PM.  At Vilas Hall/UW Campus room 4020. If you would like to learn what "civil disobedience" really means and the purpose of protest, please come out.  Also, its important that we as black people understand that when we encourage other black people to be non violent in the face of  violent atrocities we are perpetrating state violence against ourselves. If you would like to learn more on this topic #YGB is holding a forum next week.  We have to be and become conscious of narratives that we ourselves regurgitate that causes more damage than good.  We have to learn and be aware of mental conditioning that keep us mentally enslaved.  How and why do we continuously encourage black people to be nonviolent but accept and continuously allow the genocide of our people?  We must think before we speak. WE must learn what we are truly fighting for, if we are committed to changing the world.  Words are important and we must be creative in ours and not repeat the words of our enemy thinking we are helping when we are actually harming ourselves. Intent vs impact is huge.  Onward Brandi Grayson #YGB On Wed, Apr 8, 2015 at 11:01 AM, <pastorrayford@fhlfamily.com> wrote:Fellow Christians of Dane County, A decision may be made in the next few days and weeks from the District Attorney concerning the officer involved shooting of Tony Robinson Jr.  I think it would be unwise for us not to have a clear strategy for dealing with a plethora of potential challenges that could arise immediately after the decision is announced.  I have been advised by African American

leaders who lived through the worst days of the Ferguson protests.  They say that one of the missing factors for them early on was the absence of "the faith community".  In the case of Ferguson, they had to regroup.  We have the opportunity to pre-group. To assist in our planning, and ensuring that we are on the same accord, I’d like to share with you the 5 points that I plan to  share with my congregation this Sunday.  It is my hope that you will consider sharing these points with your congregation as well.  What if there is No indictment? The District Attorney is currently wrestling with the decision as to whether or not to file criminal charges against the Madison Police Officer who was involved in the death of 19-year-old Anthony Robinson Jr. on  March 6th, 2015.  There is a possibility that the DA, after reviewing the evidence presented to him, may decide that the officer did not use excessive force, and was justified in his actions.  If that is his decision, many persons in the African American community will be very angry.  It is important that we listen carefully to the press conference.  I am confident that the DA will explain his decision with care and clarity.  That will be the first time any of us will hear the “official” details surrounding the tragic death of Tony Robinson.  By listening carefully, we will be able to answer questions and even explain the decision to other members of the community.  Most people will NOT listen to the details, which may add confusion to an already hostile atmosphere. What if there are large protests? In the event there is not an indictment, we can expect several large and emotionally charged protests.  This will actually be a good thing.  Because it will allow  the world to see our frustrations and the pain we feel as African Americans in Dane County.  I personally plan on participating in as many protests as I possibly can.  I want to be front and center, representing the faith community!  That is, as long as the protests are lawful and civil.  And I encourage those who feel compelled to protest to do so as well.  This could be a historic opportunity for the African American community of Greater Madison to stand together and make our voices heard. But, as we have learned from Ferguson, some protesters may decide to react in ways that are destructive.  Let’s be sure to protest peacefully. What if someone decides to employ civil disobedience? Civil Disobedience is defined as a refusal to obey laws as a way of forcing the government to do or change something.  At this point, I am unaware of any organized plans for civil disobedience.  But that is not to suggest that no one will employ that strategy.  My only warning to us, in regarding to practicing civil disobedience, is  that we take a few moments to check on any unpaid parking tickets, child-support, and outstanding fines or fees before we voluntarily get arrested.  It would be unfortunate for a person to find themselves facing a large bail because they were unaware of some unfinished matters.  Protesters should also be mindful of where they are parking.  This may prevent  unexpected towing and impound penalties.  What if there are provocative protesters who are taunting law enforcement? As Christians, we know that we always represent Christ 24 hours a day.  We should be careful not to get caught up in the moment and find ourselves saying (chanting) things that

are unbecoming of a child of God.  Remember, cameras will be rolling not just in heaven, but on earth as well! What if the District Attorney decides to indict the officer? There is also a possibility that the DA does indict the officer.  If that happens, African American’s could find ourselves as the brunt of protests and rally’s in support of the officer.  Should there be an indictment, some protesters will feel very strongly that the officer is the victim. We should be careful not to engage in heated discussions with people who seem to have lost their temper.

 Let’s be the leaders our community needs.  The Bible says, in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”  Let’s be called children of God. Suffragan Bishop Harold E. RayfordThe Faith Place Church211 Linnerud Dr.Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 53590608-834-8855