Letters to the Editor

Justice in Framingham

I was saddened and hurt to read of the outcome last week concerning the investigation into the death of Eurie Stamps, a hardworking and peaceful family man.

Framingham Police Officer Paul Duncan was found not liable after an investigation into whether or not he should stand trial on charges for the untimely death of Mr. Stamps. It is not reasonable to think that the police can impartially investigate and judge themselves with fairness and equity.  If a civilian held a license to carry a gun and accidentally killed someone with that gun, then that person would be liable for the death.  If a licensed motorist was driving and accidentally hit and killed an innocent pedestrian, he/she would be held accountable.

With this in mind, I believe it is only fair that the officer should be held liable because he is ultimately responsible for what happened and for all the ramifications while the weapon was within his possession. I am cognizant that the job of a police officer is very difficult and dangerous; however, “to whom much is given, much is required.”

If we are truly sincere about improving police and community relations, then everyone should be held accountable for their actions, including police officers. In order for us to heal as a nation and correct the wrongs of our past, we must not continue to relive them.

My prayer goes out to the family of Eurie Stamp, the entire Framingham community and beyond. I also pray for Officer Paul Duncan and his family.  If the shooting was truly not his intent, I can imagine the pain that he is experiencing. But let us not lose sight that an innocent man was killed in a police raid that was intended for someone else.

We teach our children that the police are not the enemy, but when something like this happens and there is no positive redress, it is hard to explain this to them. It is unfortunate that the death of Eurie Stamps has put a strain on police and community relations in Framingham and beyond. Community and political leaders should stand with Norma, Eurie’s widow, and her family as they continue to seek justice for her deceased husband.

In the word of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “… injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let us continue to pray and seek peace for everyone.

Rev. William Dickerson
Pastor, Greater Love Tabernacle

Ayanna Pressley’s fight against discrimination

I’m appreciative of the Banner for covering the recent ruling against the Cure Lounge for discriminating against black alumni and graduate students from Harvard and Yale by barring them from their own private party. However, there is a glaring omission in the Associated Press article that the Banner decided to run; there is no mention of the fundamental role Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley played.

It was Councilor Pressley who demanded the investigation and spoke publicly about the need to end the culture of discrimination which has often made Boston’s downtown nightlife venues unwelcoming and off-limits to people of color. As the president of the Young Professionals Network of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM), I know that the lack of nightlife options for young professionals of color is a major issue in terms of attracting and retaining talented people of color in the city of Boston.

 As my chapter and the ULEM are preparing to host the National Urban League Conference, I believe that the investigation and ultimate findings represent a victory for the city. Councilor Pressley’s work on this issue and the resulting judgment against the club sends a powerful message that times are changing and discrimination will no longer be tolerated.

Nancy Rachel Rousseau
President
Young Professionals Network of
the Urban League of Eastern MA