Press release issued by Amiri Baraka on November 27, 1972 criticizing the lack of police protection from mob violence at the construction site of Kawaida Towers. Kawaida Towers, a high-rise housing project that Baraka planned to build in Newark’s predominantly white North Ward, was met by fierce opposition from white residents and politicians. — Credit: The Black Power Movement, Pt. 1 (microfilm)
Letter from Emil Oxfeld of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey to Mayor Addonizio in support of a proposed police review board. Following an influx of allegations of police misconduct and brutality in early 1963, African American community leaders advocated for the establishment of a “review board” or “advisory board” to handle allegations of police misconduct. — Credit: Newark Public Library
Minutes from a March 19, 1963 meeting of the Newark Human Rights Commission. During this meeting, the Commission heard statements from a variety of community members on the topic of a police advisory board. Following an influx of allegations of police misconduct and brutality in early 1963, African American community leaders advocated for the establishment of a “review board” or “advisory board” to handle allegations of police misconduct. — Credit: Newark Public Library
A February 12, 1968 press release from the Newark Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) issued in response to the report of the Governor’s Select Commission on Civil Disorder. The Commission was convened by Governor Hughes to study “the causes, the incidents, and the remedies” for the 1967 Newark rebellion. The press release, prepared by Anthony Giuliano and Raymond Bossert, claimed “The accusations and allegations made [in the report] are without any proof, unsubstantiated and Un-American.” — Credit: Newark Public Library
A February 19, 1968 press release from the New Jersey State Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) issued in response to the report of the Governor’s Select Commission on Civil Disorder. The Commission was convened by Governor Hughes to study “the causes, the incidents, and the remedies” for the 1967 Newark rebellion. In response to the Commission’s recommendation to establish a civilian police review board in Newark, the PBA stated “the creation of a civilian police review board will be fought with every weapon at the command of the State PBA.” — Credit: Newark Public Library
