Racial talk swirls with Louis Gates arrest

[Namio]

Racial talk swirls with Gates arrest
Harvard scholar taken from home
By Tracy Jan, Globe Staff | July 21, 2009

His front door refused to budge, which is why Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., just home from a trip to China filming a PBS documentary, set his luggage down and beckoned his driver for help.

The scene - two black men on the porch of a stately home on a tree-lined Cambridge street in the middle of the day - triggered events that were at turns dramatic and bizarre, a confrontation between one of the nation’s foremost African-American scholars and a police sergeant responding to a call that someone was breaking into the house.

It ended when Gates, 58, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct in allegedly shouting at the officer; he was eventually taken away in handcuffs.

But the encounter is anything but over. Some of Gates’s outraged colleagues said the run-in proves that even in a liberal enclave like Harvard Square, even with someone of Gates’s accomplishments, a black man is a suspect before he is a resident.

“It’s unbelievable,’’ said Lawrence Bobo, a Harvard sociologist who visited Gates at the police station last Thursday and drove him home after Gates posted the $40 bail. “I felt as if I were in some kind of surreal moment, like ‘The Twilight Zone.’ I was mortified. . . . This is a humiliating thing and a pretty profound violation of the kind of trust we all take for granted.’’

Neither Gates - who was named one of Time magazine’s most influential Americans in 1997 and now directs the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard - nor police would comment on the incident yesterday.

Gates’s lawyer and Harvard colleague, Charles Ogletree, said what angered his client was that the police officer stepped inside Gates’s Ware Street house, uninvited, to demand identification and question him.

Gates showed his Harvard identification and Massachusetts drivers license with his home address, Ogletree said, adding, “Even after presentation of ID, the officer was still questioning his presence.’’

Said Bobo: “The whole interaction should have ended right there, but I guess that wasn’t enough. The officer felt he hadn’t been deferred to sufficiently.’’

The Cambridge police report describes a chaotic scene in which the police sergeant stood at Gates’s door, demanded identification, and radioed for assistance from Harvard University police when Gates presented him with a Harvard ID. A visibly upset Gates responded to the officer’s assertion that he was responding to a report of a break-in with, “Why, because I’m a black man in America?’’

“Gates then turned to me and told me that I had no idea who I was ‘messing’ with and that I had not heard the last of it,’’ the report said. “While I was led to believe that Gates was lawfully in the residence, I was quite surprised and confused with the behavior he exhibited toward me.’’

When the officer repeatedly told Gates he would speak with him outside, the normally mild-mannered professor shouted, “Ya, I’ll speak with your mama outside,’’ according to the report.

Gates was arrested after “exhibiting loud and tumultuous behavior’’ toward the officer who questioned him, the report said.

Gates, who came to Harvard in 1991, was “shocked and dismayed by what happened to him,’’ Ogletree said.

“What we hope is the charges against Professor Gates will be dropped, because he certainly didn’t break the law while entering his own home,’’ Ogletree said yesterday by phone.

He would not say whether he thinks racial bias played a role in Gates’s arrest.

Harvard president Drew G. Faust said yesterday that she was “obviously very concerned’’ when she learned about the incident. “Professor Gates is not only a colleague but also a friend,’’ she said in a statement. “He and I spoke directly, and I have asked him to keep me apprised.’’

Harvard has grappled with the issue of racial bias in recent years, even appointing an independent commission last fall to look into how the university could create a more welcoming environment after some black students and faculty complained of unfair treatment by the university’s predominantly white police force. Faust said in the spring that she hopes to implement some of the report’s recommendations by September, but it is unclear what they would be.

The arrest of such a prominent scholar under what some described as dubious circumstances shook the campus.

“He and I both raised the question of if he had been a white professor, whether this kind of thing would have happened to him, that they arrested him without any corroborating evidence,’’ said S. Allen Counter, a Harvard Medical School professor who spoke with Gates Friday. “I am deeply concerned about the way he was treated.’’

Counter has faced a similar situation himself. The neuroscience professor, who is black, was stopped by two Harvard police officers in 2004 after being mistaken for a robbery suspect as he crossed Harvard Yard.

“This is very disturbing that this could happen to anyone, and not just to a person of such distinction,’’ Counter said. “It brings up the question of whether black males are being targeted by Cambridge police for harassment.’’

Police say they were simply responding to a call from a woman who suspected a crime was taking place.

When the front door would not open, even with the driver’s help, Ogletree said Gates walked around to the back door, unlocked it, shut off the alarm system, and tried to open the door from the inside. It still did not work, so he went back outside and, with the driver, pushed it in.

Gates immediately called Harvard’s real estate office to report the broken door. While he was on the phone, police Sergeant James Crowley arrived and asked Gates to step outside, said Ogletree. Gates, indignant, refused, telling the officer that he lived there and that he works at Harvard.

When Crowley asked for proof, Gates initially refused, according to the police report. But Ogletree said Gates cooperated fully, walking into his kitchen for his wallet. The officer followed.

Gates “did ask him some pointed questions, like: ‘Is this happening because you’re a white cop and I’m a black man? Is this why this interaction is still taking place?’ ’’ Bobo said. “Who’s not going to feel upset and insulted when a police officer won’t accept the fact that you’re standing in your own living room?’’

Gates asked the officer several times for his name and badge number to file a complaint as the officer left the house. The police report said that when Crowley walked out of the home, Gates followed and continued to accuse the officer of racism. Crowley then handcuffed him.

Gates initially resisted, according to police, asserting that he was disabled and would fall without a cane. The officer reentered the home to fetch a cane. Gates was then taken in a police cruiser to department headquarters, where he remained for four hours, Ogletree said.

Gates is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 26.

Maria Cramer of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

© Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

[I Love Nigeria]

Arrested! America is Post-Racial?

Upon the election of Obama, the have this frequent nonsense talk about America as suddenly a post racial society.

The election of one of 44 occurrences is progress, but, really, and overdue progress and a mere baby step in a still race based life in America. I live far away from the state of Massachussetts and I can recognize Professor Gates from a mile, but somehow, his neighbors and the police in his home state could place him, and in effect "put him in his place" they could not believe that three African Americans had ANY business in that neighborhood?

AND, I hope someone informs Obama that Professor Louis Gates has some education, and that Prof. Gates was in no way trying to be Lebron James or Lil Wayne!



http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/21/...ssor.arrested/

[Big-K]

Whats funny is that of all the millions of blacks in the US, It's Prof. gates they picked on. This is one of the most aware black men on earth - His documentaries are very deep and he's one of the most conversant on race relations. I trust him to milk this incident for all its worth.

[I Love Nigeria]

Exactly! Big K

But I believe they arrested him, even upon realizing who he is... then "dropped" the charges! Perhaps a perfunctory act, attempting to take the sail out of a case of racial profiling against the police?

You notice they talked about "disorderly" conduct? Who in Professor Gates' shoes would not have been outraged? Every African American is THIEF? What are you doing in "our" pristine neighborhood?

[DeepThought]

There is actually a God.

And he has a sense of humour.

[liloldlady]

Originally Posted by Big-K

Whats funny is that of all the millions of blacks in the US, It's Prof. gates they picked on. This is one of the most aware black men on earth - His documentaries are very deep and he's one of the most conversant on race relations. I trust him to milk this incident for all its worth.

Nnwiiiii....Ntoooor to dem police.
di han wey dem take clap fly, dem don take clap wasp...make him sting dem well well.

[I Love Nigeria]

Last year, I was looking attending an event in a part of Long Island in New York, and I was sure initially that I knew exactly where I was heading, cross streets and all. But, I momentarily lost my bearing, and so, I pulled over properly, and looking through my PDA for direction and needing to call the corporate entity with which I had a scheduled appointment.

Suddenly, most surprising to me, a police squad car pulled over behind my parked car, officer emerges to ask me, what's up? And, I asked what do you mean? He pointed to a home, nearby with a lady who was scantily clad on a beach/lounge chair in her balcony, police officer informed me that she called the police to alert them of my presence! I was angry and then bemused... I had not even noticed the lady, and she had nothing to do with my stop at all! I could not believe it.

At no time did I get out of my car or even look up to see the silly lady! Never noticed her!

And the police officer upon verifying my stated mission, and who I was etc gave a convoluted roundabout apology. I was mad, but created no scene... and I went ahead to my appointment.

[I Love Nigeria]

Exponent wrote:

Originally Posted by I Love Nigeria View Post


AND, I hope someone informs Obama that Professor Louis Gates has some education, and that Prof. Gates was in no way trying to be Lebron James or Lil Wayne!



http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/21/...ssor.arrested/

What's wrong with being Lebron or Lil Wayne? They lead the type of lifestyle you would ONLY dream and obviously you are JEALOUS of their stature.

Don't hate the playa - hate the game.

They are BLACK, RICH AND TALENTED. They have all the women in the world at their feet. They have all the fans - wishing to be them. THEY ARE WALKING GODS!!!!!

Everybody knows them.


Gates? is only known in Harvard and throughout the Scholarly community. He's respected, but NONE of the 18-30 year old beauties throw their panties at him. He's a scholarly God. Someone to hang around for wisdom.

The officer felt he hadn’t been deferred to sufficiently.


Besides Paul Adoodoo,

I suspect you are a miserable little man - with insecurity issues. You take malice with everything American.

Exponent Again, my point just went over your head without comprehension!

I was not the least suggesting that everyone ought to be a Harvard professor!

I was not mocking or denigrating Lil Wayne and Lebron James... Go read Obama's sermon at NAACP convention and see what he said!

You are beside yourself. You should get over yourself

[Rose]

Originally Posted by I Love Nigeria

I live far away from the state of Massachussetts and I can recognize Professor Gates from a mile, but somehow, his neighbors and the police in his home state could place him, and in effect "put him in his place" they could not believe that three African Americans had ANY business in that neighborhood?

AND, I hope someone informs Obama that Professor Louis Gates has some education, and that Prof. Gates was in no way trying to be Lebron James or Lil Wayne!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/21/...ssor.arrested/

I found it odd the neighbors couldn't place him too. You'd think they would have come out to help clear up the situation once Gates was under the glare of police lights.

[Exponent]

Originally Posted by Rose

I found it odd the neighbors couldn't place him too. You'd think they would have come out to help clear up the situation once Gates was under the glare of police lights.

White people "secretly" laugh at the Black predicament - NO MATTER HOW LARGE you are.

They seen it - and they stood pat.

The same way they have historically stood pat on Civil Rights issues.

[Pooky]

ILN,

It is rare that I agree with anything you say. But you actually made sense here. I see improvements. Smiling! However, you made me frown when you made that derogatory reference to LeBrom & Lil Wayne. This stank of blatant stereotyping. What is up with dat?

Historically, it is always the people who represent the folk – the masses who are the creators of culture. The geniuses almost always come from the masses. – not some elite group. America would have no culture if it wasn’t for the Black masses.

In addition, being educated has never prevented Black folks from being harassed and racially profiled. I guess his white wife didn’t insolate him from being racially profiled. Personally, I have never liked Gates. He is such as kiss ass – TOM. It is good that Blacks like him get a bitter pill. I can’t help it. I don’t feel sorry for him.

However, I am sure he will milk it for all it is worth. I sure would! I see this as a big pay day for Gates.

In addition, for anyone who believe race did not play a primary factor in this is living in a dream world. You are the type to have a near nervious bread down when it happens to you and you just can't rationalize it away. Obama being the President don't make a lick of difference. Obama is a big ole Tom too.

[Auspicious]

+

Officer Suspy: (Rings Bell)

Citizen Auspy: Yes, can I help you sir?

Officer Suspy: We got reports of suspicious activity here..

Citizen Auspy: Yeah?

Officer Suspy: Yeah, we heard about 2 men breaking-in the door.

Citizen Auspy: That's right, that would be my door - it's my home.

Officer Suspy: May I see some ID, Sir?

Citizen Auspy: I JUST TOLD YOU THIS IS MY HOME!

Officer Suspy: Fine, but I would need to see some identification.

Citizen Auspy: What, "is it because I am black man in America?"

Officer Suspy: Sir, you're advised to produce an identification, now.

Citizen Auspy: Do you know who I am?

Officer Suspy: Sir, again, identify yourself.

Citizen Auspy: How dare you ask me to identify myself in my own home?

Officer Suspy: Can I speak to you outside, Sir?

Citizen Auspy: "Yeah I'll speak to ya Mama outside"

Officer Suspy: Sir, I am responding to a report of a break-in.

Citizen Auspy: Well, I broke into my home - satisfied?

Officer Suspy: I will need to confirm that with an identification.

Citizen Auspy: {Retreats in to retrieve ID.}

Officer Suspy: {Follows him in - Officer's Precaution? No? Yes?}

Citizen Auspy: I did NOT invite you into my home!

Officer Suspy: Sir, do you have the ID yet?

Citizen Auspy: Here you go. That's the ID..and get out of my home - now!

Officer Suspy: {Confirms Identity..Leaving Home..}

Citizen Auspy: {Follows Officer..} Bloody racists. Bigot! Red-Neck!

Officer Suspy: {Whoops out his Cuffs and Cuffs Auspy}

Citizen Auspy: Leave me alone, you sick racist! Let me go!

Officer Suspy: Sir, you're under arrest.

Officer Auspy: Whada do? This is racism! Do you know who I am?

Officer Suspy: You're under arrest for disorderly conduct and for shouting at an officer.

Citizen Auspy: You understand I am disabled and can't walk, right?

Officer Suspy: I'll get your cane for you {Gets the cane from the Home}

Citizen Auspy: {Taken to waiting police cruiser, subdued}

Officer Suspy: {Drives Citizen Auspy to book him in at the Station}

Citizen Auspy: {Spends the next 4 hours at the Station}

---

THE MORAL OF THE STORY: Do the right thing - produce your ID and have a fcuking nice day! Nobody gives a fcuk who you are, wether you are MLK himself or WB DuBois! The cop has a job to do - dangerous one at that. So don't make your life and the officer's any more tedious than necessary!

I am Auspicious, you have my ID.

[Rose]

Gates’s lawyer and Harvard colleague, Charles Ogletree, said what angered his client was that the police officer stepped inside Gates’s Ware Street house, uninvited, to demand identification and question him.

Nothing is more insulting!!!! A friend once told me his family moved from Louisiana to Washington state after his dad took a stand against cops for pushing up in their home.

Gates showed his Harvard identification and Massachusetts drivers license with his home address, Ogletree said, adding, “Even after presentation of ID, the officer was still questioning his presence.’’

Said Bobo: “The whole interaction should have ended right there, but I guess that wasn’t enough. The officer felt he hadn’t been deferred to sufficiently.’’

There it is!

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Pooky

In addition, being educated has never prevented Black folks from being harassed and racially profiled. I guess his white wife didn’t insolate him from being racially profiled. Personally, I have never liked Gates. He is such as kiss ass – TOM. It is good that Blacks like him get a bitter pill. I can’t help it. I don’t feel sorry for him.

I thought of his wife too. I'm not that crazy about Skip but I do respect him and believe a good wake-up call comes in handy sometimes.

[Big-K]

Exponent - when will you stop stereotyping? You keep talking about "ALL" Nigerians as if you've met all 140 million , or all Africans as if you've met all 450 million, All African-Americans as if you've been to all 50 states. Just state your worldview based on what you know and stop playing Omnipotent. OK?

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Exponent

White people "secretly" laugh at the Black predicament - NO MATTER HOW LARGE you are.

In fact, it's a more satisfying "reminder" when it happens to someone like Gates. I find many whites simply believe that Blacks should acquiesce quietly in most instances.

[MrsChocT]

Originally Posted by Big-K

Exponent - when will you stop stereotyping? You keep talking about "ALL" Nigerians as if you've met all 140 million , or all Africans as if you've met all 450 million, All African-Americans as if you've been to all 50 states. Just state your worldview based on what you know and stop playing Omnipotent. OK?

Ah............Olori Oko Big K,.....why are you complaining now? You seemed so ok with his posts before. I don't think his posts have ever been deleted.


Anyway back to the Gates issue, I wonder if this incident will be discussed on Black in America 2 on Wednesday....... I really like the guy, I never miss his specials on PBS. I think he should be suing their behinds.

[Auspicious]

+

Uncle Auspy: You know, I have been in this exact same situation before.

Little Auspy: Really? What happened?

Uncle Auspy: I accidentally triggered the home alarm system.

Little Auspy: Ah, You were arrested???

Uncle Suspy: Wait..The cops were here within 5 minutes..

Little Auspy: Yeah that was fast, I see.

Uncle Auspy: Yup. Worse, I am the only black resident of the neighborhood.

Little Auspy: Oh no..! What happened?

Uncle Auspy: Well, bell rings and I opened the door to see a beefy cop standing there.

Little Auspy: Ha, did he take you down rightaway?

Uncle Auspy: You're a funny kid - no.

Uncle Auspy: He asked for my ID after telling me that there was an alarm at the Station.

Little Auspy: Oh ok...and?

Uncle Auspy: He saw my ID and said thanks, Doc. He even joked with me before he left.

Little Auspy: Oh I see.

Uncle Auspy: Now, imagine if I stood there arguing with him that this is my home.

Little Auspy: Maybe it's because you're a 'Continental African'.

Uncle Auspy: What?

Little Auspy: Nothing..just thinking aloud about something I saw online last week.

Uncle Auspy: I know what you're saying - that we bend-over backwards, eh?

Little Auspy: Err..

Uncle Auspy: No, No, No. Of course there're bad cops. But the onus is on you to use your brains.

Little Auspy: I hear you Uncle.

Uncle Auspy: Seriously, what do you think would have happened if I stood there arguing with him?

Little Auspy: You would have wasted your time and his?

Uncle Auspy: Presicely. Plus, cops are cops anywhere in the world..

Little Auspy: Nah, not like Naija o, Uncle..hehehehe!

Uncle Auspy: Seriously! They will just make your life uncomfortable to make a point.

Uncle Auspy: What do you know! Hmph! A cop once filed me guilty in his report when another crazy driver came to hit my car in a gas station!

Little Auspy: Really?

Uncle Auspy: Seriously! Of course there's racism!

Little Auspy: True..

Uncle Auspy: And of course there's those who carry the racism shield around wherever they go, undermining cases of true racism out there.

Little Auspy: Yeah..I hear you Uncle.

Uncle Auspy: Anyways, I am going back to work, maa ri e later.

Little Auspy: Ok, Odabo.

--

[Rose]

@Suspy,

Citizen Auspy: You understand I am disabled and can't walk, right?

Officer Suspy: I'll get your cane for you {Gets the cane from the Home}

Gates was clearly no threat but this above did come to mind.

[MrsChocT]

Well the charges have been dropped. He should sue them and expose them for this racial bias. I don't understand why a popo will invite himself into another man's residence.

Ok y'all take not, since we already know "Driving while black" is always suspect..........now being in your own house while black has been added to the list..............Ok, what next?

Is being loud in your own home a crime for goodness sake?