I recently relocated to Silver Spring, MD, but prior to August 2022, I lived in Springfield for 50 years. During my time in the city I was an active participant in my community as well as the city as a whole. I worked in the Springfield Public School system for the last 17 years as an educator and as a coach.  

I am the co-founder and vice president of a non-profit youth sports organization in Springfield where we break down barriers and help give kids in the community access to "non-traditional" inner city sports like golf, lacrosse and softball.  

As a teenager, I experienced brutality at the hands of the Springfield Police Department (SPD). I was walking home during the evening and I was "roughed up" by a couple of Springfield's finest and left in Blunt Park. This would be something that became known in our community.  We turned it into a game of "who can make it home before they get you.”

This type of behavior has been deeply rooted in the culture of the SPD for decades!  

I developed a fear and mistrust of the SPD, because of the many incidents that I have witnessed, been a part of or heard about over the years. That fear quickly turned into hatred...not just hate towards a system that was supposed to serve and protect me, but also toward the self-proclaimed "leaders" in our communities. 

I was introduced to the Pioneer Valley Project in the spring/summer of 2020. After my initial meeting with PVP, I became more determined to shed light on the system of injustice that engulfs the SPD and the city I call home. Hearing about the work that PVP was doing and meeting like-minded individuals that were willing to fight back and shine a light on what was really going on in our own backyard was refreshing.   

My mother came to Springfield from Alabama. She grew up during the times of segregation and overt discrimination. She raised us to believe that we all deserve respect, everyone has worth and to be willing to stand for what is right.  I will always stand for what is right and to be a voice for anyone that is not being heard!  The Springfield Police Department has become an arm of systemic oppression and continues to rot the city that I love. When I started doing this work people would ask me, "Why are you so mad?" I would always say, "Why are you NOT mad!"  

I am the proud father of two wonderful children. These injustices we see could be happening to one of my own kids! The victimization that occurs by the SPD could be happening to me or someone in my community. If we don't stand up that means that we are destined to lie down!

Police reform in the city of Springfield is a long time coming. It has been a long process to get here, but the work doesn't stop. PVP has been that driving force in our city. We will continue to be the bullhorn for those that are not being heard. 

This system of oppression is not unique to Springfield, MA...It's nationwide. This is why it is important to share our experiences with others that are facing these issues. It's important to empower those being affected. The amount of influence and power that a group of like-minded people can have is something special. It's our obligation to educate those around us and beyond and to give them the strength to conquer this system!