Chicago Tonight: Black Voices
Afro-American Patrolmen’s League Co-Founder Dies
Clip: 7/14/2023 | 1m 54sVideo has Closed Captions
Renault Robinson also served in various roles under Jane Byrne and Harold Washington.
Renault Robinson, co-founder of the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League who served in various roles under Mayor Jane Byrne and Mayor Harold Washington, died on July 8 at age 80.
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Chicago Tonight: Black Voices is a local public television program presented by WTTW
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices
Afro-American Patrolmen’s League Co-Founder Dies
Clip: 7/14/2023 | 1m 54sVideo has Closed Captions
Renault Robinson, co-founder of the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League who served in various roles under Mayor Jane Byrne and Mayor Harold Washington, died on July 8 at age 80.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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THAT'S ALL THE TIME THAT WE HAVE.
>>> RENAULT ROBINSON DIED JULY 8th AT 80 YEARS OLD AND WHEN HE BECAME A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER IN 1964, HE WAS ONE OF VERY FEW BLACK POLICE OFFICERS ON THE FORCE ON.
HE AND OFFICER EDWARD BUZZ PALMER CO-FOUNDED THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PATROLMEN'S LEAGUE WITH THE GOAL OF IMPROVING RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POLICE FORCE AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY AS WELL AS EASING RACIAL TENSIONS AMONG OFFICERS THEMSELVES.
HIS ORGANIZING MADE HIM THE SUBJECT OF HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION BY OTHER OFFICERS LEADING TO A FEDERAL PROBE AND LAWSUIT THAT FOUND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DID INDEED ENGAGE IN DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES.
HERE ROBINSON RECALLS SOME OF HIS EXPERIENCE IN A 1978 INTERVIEW.
>> THEY TRIED THE BEST TO DRUM US OFF THE DEPARTMENT AND THEN TRIED TO -- FAILING TO DO THAT, TRIED TO GIVE THE ORGANIZATION A BAD NAME IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
>> WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
NAME A FEW OF THE THINGS.
>> WELL, WE GOT TRANSFERRED FROM THE UNITS THAT MYSELF AND MY PARTNER WORKED IN.
ONE WAS SENT TO ONE END OF THE CITY.
I WAS SENT TO THE OTHER.
WE WERE GIVEN THE WORST ASSIGNMENTS THAT NO ONE ELSE WANTED AND IT GOT TO THE POINT YOU COULDN'T BREATHE WITHOUT VIOLATING A RULE.
IT WENT FROM BAD TO WORSE.
IT WAS A SITUATION WHERE THEY TRIED TO MAKE IT UNTENABLE BECAUSE EVERY TIME THE ORGANIZATION TOOK A STAND ON A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE, ANYTHING THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DID TO RETHOUGHT THAT WAS WORKING TOWARDS DISADVANTAGE, WE'D MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT IT.
EVERY TIME WE MADE A STATEMENT THEY RETALIATED WITH SOME FORM OF HARASSMENT OR PUNISHMENT.
>> RENAULT ROBINSON IS SURVIVED
Chicago Police Officer on Supporting Youth in His Community
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 7/14/2023 | 3m 14s | Kenneth Griffin says more and better interactions are needed between cops and communities. (3m 14s)
How One Program is Helping Girls with PTSD, Anxiety
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 7/14/2023 | 7m 12s | Research found 40% of girls in Chicago high schools are experiencing signs of PTSD. (7m 12s)
Study: Illinois is Worst State for Racial Wealth Equality
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 7/14/2023 | 8m 50s | The study used data on employment levels, income, housing and share of executives. (8m 50s)
Teens in the Park Fest Showcases Youth Talent
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 7/14/2023 | 1m 58s | The Chicago Park District is seeking performers ages 14 to 24. (1m 58s)
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Chicago Tonight: Black Voices is a local public television program presented by WTTW