https://www.newsweek.com/dc-reverend-prays-officer-during-protest-standoff-near-white-house-1512936
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Thursday, May 28, 2020
The Murder by Minneapolis Police
I am Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr., member of the Social Justice Commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Our commission represents thousands of churches from across this nation and abroad, who are outraged by the behavior of the Minneapolis officers captured on video murdering Mr. George Floyd. America treats her animals better than these officers treated Mr. Floyd. What we witness on the video by these thugs in 2020 is comparable to a public lynching of thugs in 1950. The one officer refused to remove his knee from the victim’s neck, and seemingly enjoyed squeezing the breath from Mr. Floyd’s helpless body while Mr. Floyd begged and pleaded for his life and even cried for his “momma.” These “public servants” would not even check to see if there was life left in his body, because we believe, their purpose was to murder Mr. Floyd. He was in handcuffs and there was no need for this whatsoever. There were multiple pleas from the crowd who yelled for them to get off his neck, to check his pulse and to stop the abuse, but instead, they murdered Mr. Floyd.
Until the killing of our black men and women from the hands of racist and bigoted police systems become just as important to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the White House; we will not rest and will continue to demand justice! We demand Justice for the murder of George Floyd! We demand Justice for the murder of Breonna Taylor! We demand justice for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery! America must right her wrong. The African American community is under attack. We are under attack from racist police officers who beat and shoot first and ask questions later. We are under attack by the “Amy Cooper’s” who accuse black men of attacking them, while using their white privilege, which has been instilled in them that black lives don’t matter. We are under attack by a system of imperialistic colonialism that teaches white America that everything Black is wrong and that people of color are no more than a detriment to the success of this country, so therefore we must worship whiteness. In other words, Mr. George Floyd’s life never mattered to white America.
The Social Justice Commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention demands the following:
1. The FBI to charge the officers involved with a federal Civil Rights Charge.
2. The FBI investigate the Minneapolis Police Department and District Attorney’s Office for other Civil Rights Charges and inappropriateness.
3. The Minneapolis Police Department’s Investigation to be Transparent and Accountable.
4. The Minneapolis Police Department charge every officer involved with murder and Civil Rights Charges
5. The Minneapolis Police Department to investigate the Minneapolis Police Department for other Civil Rights Charges and Inappropriateness.
Though the forces of darkness however apparent their ascendency may seem at this present hour, shall not ultimately prevail. EPHESIANS 6:12-13 says, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC) is a convention of Black Baptist which reflect the religious, social and political climate of its time.
Yours for the Sake of the Savior,
Rev. George C. Gilbert, JR.
Social Justice Commission
Progressive National Baptist Convention
#icantbreathe
#georgefloyd
#minneapolispolicedepartment
#PNBC
Monday, May 25, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Statement on the Death of Ahmaud Arbery
Once again,
men and women of God come to the battlegrounds between Love vs. Hate, Right vs.
Wrong, Truth vs. Lies, Righteousness vs. Evil, Justice vs. Injustice, and
ultimately, God vs. Satan. We, The
Social Justice Commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention come
in solidarity with the family of Ahmaud Arbery, to demand justice and to stand
against America’s greatest sin – Racism. When our young men lives become in
danger while jogging due to the ever-present hatred of racism; it’s time for
action. When our young men are shot to
death in the middle of the day without committing a crime; it is time for us to
come together. When a police department
puts friendship over finding the facts; it is time for us to rally
together. It’s time that we no longer
accept the actions of a system of white imperialism, but instead we implore you
to join with us to tear down the walls of a colonial racist empire rooted in
the worship of whiteness throughout our land.
It is with
great sympathy and heartfelt love that our hearts go out to the family of Brother
Ahmaud Arbery. On February 23, 2020, Brother Arbery was out jogging near his
home on a Sunday afternoon in Brunswick, Georgia, when two white men ambushed him,
shot him at least two times, and killed in the middle of the street. Ahmaud was
unarmed, broke no laws, and did nothing wrong. He was only 25 years old. The attackers were Gregory McMichael, a
former police officer and retired investigator for the District Attorney’s
office, and his son Travis McMichael. When the McMichael’s saw Ahmaud running
in their neighborhood, Satilla Shores, a predominately white community, they
immediately armed themselves with a shotgun and a .357 magnum, entered their
pickup truck, and hunted Ahmaud down as an animal in the wild.
The
Social Justice Commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention demands
the following:
1. Transparency and Accountability
· As of to date, the Glynn County
Police Department and its District Attorney office has not done due diligence.
· We believe that because Gregory
McMichael is a former police officer and retired investigator for District
Attorney that there was no real investigation or commitment to their oath.
2. The immediate arrest of Gregory
McMichael and Travis McMichael.
· The statement that Gregory McMichael
gave to the investigating officer does not match what was seen on video.
· To make a claim for Citizens Arrest, a
crime must have taken place and must have been seen by the one to make the
claim. No crime took place.
3. This Case must be tried before a
Grand Jury.
4. The Federal Bureau of Investigations must
charge Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael with Federal Hate Crime charges.
5. The United States Department of Justice
conducts a full investigation of the Glynn County Police Department.
· This department has a history of scandals.
· The initial Police report shows a lack
of care, professionalism and investigative skills.
The African
American community is under attack. We are under attack from racist police
officers who beat and shoot first and ask questions later. We are under attack
by citizens who feel that we do not belong in their parks nor housing
developments. We are under attack by a prejudice white America who has been instilled
that black lives do not matter. We are under
attack by a system of imperialistic colonialism that teaches white America that
everything Black is wrong and that people of color are no more than a detriment
to the success of this country. This
evilness is the root to the killing of Brother Ahmaud. It is because of America’s intentional
silence of her sins, that we come once again with blood spilled on the streets. Where is the outrage from the Evangelicals
who proclaim that they stand for justice and righteousness? Where are the voices from the politicians who
ask for the votes of black communities year after year? Where is the love and
compassion from our beloved good white friends who profess that they do not see
color?
Though the forces
of darkness however apparent their ascendency may seem at this present hour,
shall not ultimately prevail. EPHESIANS
6:12-13 says, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the
whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand.
The
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC) is a convention of Black
Baptist which reflect the religious, social and political climate of its time.
Yours for
the Sake of the Savior,
Rev. George C. Gilbert, JR.
Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr.
Social Justice Commission
Progressive National Baptist
Convention
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
Saturday, April 18, 2020
STATEMENT CONCERNING CORONAVIRUS
The Coronavirus has provided America with concrete data of the impact of Racism on America in 2020. This virus has shown the whole world America's irresponsibility to her most vulnerable constituents. It is because of this neglect that thousands of black and brown lives will be terminated. This pandemic has been put under a microscope that points to structural racism, systematic oppression, the lack of a priority to minorities and disconnection to our youth and young adults. With the disproportionate number of deaths of African Americans, we say that our people deserve to live!
As we know, viruses can't be racist, however policies can be. The Federal, state, and local governments have not prepared minority communities for disasters. This country was built by the backs and blood of blacks and we deserve proper care and commitment for our communities. When we look at the systemic and structural issues such as mass incarceration, food deserts, a failed healthcare system, unemployment, and a failed educational system; how are our disadvantaged communities prepared to survive?
We have seen upward peaks of up to 70% of African American Coronavirus cases in metropolis’ across America. This is a snapshot of America’s disproportion of needed resources prior to and during this pandemic. During this virus, the African American community is faced with the need for testing sites, access to test (without a physician’s approval), protections in place for utility usages, rent and mortgage relief/delay options, access to computers and internet for our students, and a food & medicine relief plan. If we do not act swiftly, things will get worst.
Although we are thankful for the stimulus check that many will benefit from, what the disenfranchised communities need is a Neighborhood Stimulus Package that will serve to revitalize economics, healthcare, education, art, and culture. We need an investment to the people, who have experienced through generations, the lack of commitment to our most at-risk communities. Now is the time that that we demand our local, state, and federal government to distribute resources in an effort to balance this tilted society caused by institutional and systemic racism. Now is the time that minorities become a priority to this United States of America. Now is the time, that we demand resources for the survival and sustainability of our race and culture. Now is the time that we demand policies that will positively impact black and brown people who have been an afterthought in the worship of Whiteness in America.
Finally, what we demand is what the oppressed has always demanded – Justice! During this time of Coronavirus and time to come, we demand Justice for the least, the lost and the left out. Amos 5:24 says it best, “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” And like Amos, we will not be quieted, but we will continue to cry aloud, with God on our side. We have faith that a better day is soon coming. And we say, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abenigo, that we will be delivered.
Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr.
202-262-5053
georgegilbert01@gmail.com
Social Justice Commission
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Statement Against The Governor Of Mississippi
It is with disappointment and righteous indignation, that the Progressive National Baptist Convention’s Social Justice Commission, and President Timothy Stewart oppose Mississippi’s Governor Tate Reeves’ Proclamation to make the month of April Confederate Heritage Month. In a time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, where we need our government officials to help bring people together, Governor Reeves decided to remove the scab of hatred in America. We detest the imperialistic and racist action of Governor Reeves. We believe that this unwise and unholy decision brings to the memory of our community hurt, rape, lynchings castrations and much more that America should be ashamed of instead of celebrating. The Confederate regime’s reason for war began primarily over the enslavement of black people. The Confederates viewed the African American as property, a commodity, and never an equal person with human rights. It is a known fact, that during that time, the states who were under the Confederate side of America were known as and called “slave states.”
The Bible says, Ephesians 6:12 -13, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Although we are disappointed and angry by the actions of Governor Tate Reeves, we are not surprised. It is this Governor who was a part of a fraternity (Kappa Alpha) at Milsaps College, who are pictured painted in “blackface.” It is this Governor Tate Reeves that has a relationship with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, who still holds the hatred of their fore parents against African American men and women. It is this Governor Tate Reeves that would not confirm or deny if he wore “blackface.” It is this Governor Tate Reeves that instead of focusing on as many as 1700 reported cases of Coronavirus and 51 deaths (in his state), he decides to bring back the memories of the deadliest war ever fought on American soil – over slavery.
This Proclamation of Confederate Heritage Month signals to America the thinking of old, that declares:
its rooted and grounded in an idolatrous worship of Whiteness.
it is transparent political racism/imperialism for the sole purpose of strengthening White Supremacy and identity.
a narrative of a White righteous America, to which all others are at best an afterthought.
The Progressive National Baptist Convention calls for:
Complete condemnation and resistance to the Proclamation of Confederate Heritage Month and Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi.
Condemnation of the moral bankruptcy of Governor Tate Reeves who focused his attention on race rather than the families affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic in Mississippi.
All Faith-Based Institutions, National Organizations and Leaders to make a statement concerning Governor Tate Reeves actions.
Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr.
202-262-5053
georgegilbert01@gmail.com
Social Justice Commission
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Bike Lanes
February 24, 2020
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
Re: Emergency Bill for the 9th Street Northwest Safety Project
Dear Councilmember,
We the members of the Missionary Baptist Minister’s Conference of Washington, D.C. & Vicinity representing over 300 concerned pastors and churches, are bothered and troubled by the emergency bill for the 9th Street Northwest safety project. A bill that would give DC’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) the authority to construct a two-way protected cycle track on 9th street N.W. from Constitution Avenue N.W. up to Florida Avenue N.W. We are asking and requesting that you vote against this bill.
More and more bike lanes are materializing near and within the vicinity of historic houses of worship. A new bike lane in front of Church properties would infringe and interfere with routine religious services, services that provide inspiration, promote community safety, as well as provide the community with vital information and valuable meeting space.
A previous letter was written by The United House of Prayer to the District Department of Transportation stated, “that a bike lane out front would snarl traffic and parking in the area, which, would place an extreme burden on the exercise of free religion.” If this design is implemented, it would severely restrict the already limited parking for Churches, leaving them with nowhere to park to attend services and other Church functions. As such, the planned bike lane will create a permanent and untenable burden on members’ ability to attend religious services. Any plan by DDOT to installing a bike lane/track along this thoroughfare would represent a substantial and egregious encroachment on Churches. This is another example of the city imposing their will at the expense of a community that has been a vital part of the neighborhood and without any input.
We further submit, historically, transportation is an issue that has been the responsibility of the Executive Branch not the Legislative Branch. Where transportation rules have been imposed through the Executive Branch, it’s been at the expense of marginalized communities. This is another example of the same without justification or need other than further support to gentrify our community, culture and churches.
This legislation is being forced upon the constituents by folks who don’t represent the majority of the people that the cycle track would impact. In fact, the author of this proposed legislation does not even represent this Ward. But there is a consistent theme here – Gentrification, which says that the establishment speaks on what’s best for the masses.
We ask that you vote against the Emergency Bill for Bike Lanes on 9th Street N.W.
Yours for the Sake of the Savior,
Charles McNeil George C. Gilbert, Jr.
Rev. Charles McNeil Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr.
President Civic and Social Actions, Chair
DC Declaration
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Dr. Timothy Stewart, National President Dr. Tyrone S. Pitts, Interim General Secretary
Declaration Statement America is in Crisis
EPHESIANS 6:12-13 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Once again, the body of Christ has been called upon by God to witness to the creative power of love, Justice, mercy and righteousness over the cruel and infernal powers of darkness that has usurped God’s creation and bent it to the will of political corruption, cruelty, avarice and greed. But the forces of darkness however apparent their ascendency may seem at this present hour, shall not ultimately prevail.
For the struggle before us is more than a mere contest of political will and ideological difference but rather a clear and consequential contest betwixt the darkness and the light. We will determine whether this nation shall go boldly forward into the future or cower in the shadows of an antiquated tribalism and join the list of the morally bankrupt fallen empires whose rattling bones crowd the dustbin of history- a rattling siren song that seems to have captured the moral and political imagination of far too many of our fellow patriots.
We stand firmly planted in a spiritual tradition committed to freedom in the deepest sense. And who better to understand its nature and value than those most often and most readily deprived of its blessings? We are here because we are devoted to the ideals of justice and equality as indicated in the noblest articulations of the American ideal; but not as mere abstractions to be touted emptily in idolatrous celebrations of an ideal American self that does not exist. We are here not to simply reinforce rhetorical commitments to abstract principles proclaimed in high places that never manage to trickle down to “the least of these”; but to demand practical responses to the concrete failures of our Republic to guarantee these realities in everyday experience. So, it can be said indeed(!) all lives matter in the abstract but clearly you must be reminded that Black lives matter in the concrete.
The African American Christian Church occupies a uniquely strategic position in the present situation being seated at the spiritual center of the political whirlwind now rocking the foundation of the American Republic; a whirlwind driven, we firmly believe, by the unfinished business of America’s stormy legacy of White racism and its perniciously tornadic spawn. As the Christian Church we, in principle, stand apart from those on the left and the right. As the body of Christ, we do not serve as mere mascots of the liberal left, sent by patronizing paternalists to serve as point on the head of their ideological spear. Nor do we set horses with those of the religious right who hide their rampant racism and hysterical hypocrisy amidst the existential ruins of a morally and theologically bankrupt spirituality. We unabashedly declare with the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:10-11), “His intent was that
601 - 50th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019 · 202-396-0558 · 1-800-876-7622 · 202-398-4998 (fax) · www.pnbc.org “Equipping pastors and churches to be effective in ministry; lifting our voice on behalf of the voiceless”
now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We have called this press conference in part because we realize that to ignore this reality, that is to say the pivotal role of race and spirituality in our present malaise is to court disaster in the upcoming mid-term elections. America, we have a problem.
Stated succinctly: the American Republic is in crisis. In light of this crisis we are compelled to remind America and her leaders of some essential truths.
1) Authentic and integral leadership is not pandering to public opinion in such a crisis. It may call for the sacrifice of mundane personal preoccupations with one’s political career on the sacred altar of the common good.
2) Journalism is not treating both sides of an issue as equally valuable because they appear to be held by two or more opposing but substantial parties; but rather in subjecting both sides equally to the truth regardless of who comes out ahead in the assessment. We reject the notion that an opinion or a position is of equal worth just because someone (usually White) happens to hold it.
3) “’No kingdom divided against itself can stand.’ (We) believe this government cannot endure, permanently
half [suffering arbitrary state surveillance, subjugation and cruelty] and half free.”
4) It is absolutely crucial to vote. But we hasten to add that it is not enough to remind people of an abstract obligation to vote. It is time for the powers to be to give the people a positive reason to vote. No version of the politics of fear is acceptable. Relying on cheap, morally tinged rhetorical tricks and manipulation instead of dealing practically with substantial issues particularly on race questions is what got us back here in the first place.
5) The presidency of Donald Trump is not the cause of the American malady but a symptom, a consequence, an effect; although by the aide and abetting of the present administration the sickness has received license and worsened.
6) It is Christian heresy to call any nation that forsakes the needy, the sick, the poor or mistreats the foreigner in their midst, blessed. This is to say the policy and practices of the current administration and the party in power are clearly and irredeemably Anti-Christ.
7) You can identify the true Christian Church by what it identifies with. The true Church identifies with the poor, the prisoner and the oppressed; the vulnerable and the at risk; the sick and the disabled; the lost and the mentally ill. The Christian Church cedes preeminence and affirms the primacy of the Kingdom of God in all matters finite and eternal. The Body of Christ does not identify with the interests of empire. It does not identify with the principle of profit or power over persons. It does not identify with racial supremacy. No true Christian believer prioritizes patriotism over piety or assumes the false equivalence of God and country. The identification with Christ and his Kingdom supersedes and relativizes ALL other worldly commitments.
Dr. Timothy Stewart Dr. Calvin O. Butts
President Chair, Social Justice Commission
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Standing With God!
You Tube Clips of Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgTIGxy1wew
Praise Party
Click on link:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10220069485700522&id=1025897367
Friday, March 27, 2020
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Socialism
I guess Bernie's socialism plan ain't working now huh?
Coronavirus is turning us all into democratic and republican socialist.
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