Michael Rallings
One of the organizers of Sunday’s massive Black Lives Matter-style protest on the I-40 bridge and Monday night’s chaotic meeting with Mayor Jim Strickland and Memphis Police Interim Director Mike Rallings at Greater Imani Church sent the following letter to the Memphis media this morning. Keedran Franklin is not happy with how Monday’s meeting went, and he’s pointing fingers at Rallings, who last night got a standing ovation for his show of unity during the previous night’s protest.
On Tuesday afternoon, Franklin was one of about 30 protesters at another Black Lives Matter protest outside Graceland. Several people, including Franklin, were arrested for blocking traffic on Elvis Presley.
Dir. Mike Rallings
Memphis Police Department
This letter regards our agreement of July 10, 2016, which was the impetus for the termination of the citizens’ occupation of the I-40 bridge at Memphis. You personally made the agreement with this group of citizens.
You failed to honor the agreement. While we made the concession of not meeting that night at 9:30 p.m. at the FedEx Forum, as agreed, you made the unilateral decision on the venue and the participants. You allowed those who had nothing to do with the agreement or the event that precipitated the agreement to control the meeting. You decided or allowed the decision to be made of who would speak.
While you honored your staff for keeping the peace, you failed to honor the citizens who also kept the peace. You allowed politicians, who have proven to be ineffective and/or unwilling to make positive changes in the city, to be seated in positions above the citizens with whom you agreed to meet, giving the appearance of honoring those who have not demonstrated true concern for the citizens.
Finally, the items you had agreed to discuss with us were not discussed. You made a mockery of our agreement. You broke the trust. This says to us that you are not a man of your word. While others sing your praises, we have data that you have proven to be less than praise worthy. We are disappointed.
Sincerely,
The Concerned Citizens
