“I’m With Tish”

Marlon Rice Reflects on Growing Support for Letitia James

This past summer’s ultimate block parties have culminated into this fall’s ultimate Bloc Party. By the time Our Time Press paper hits the stands today, support for New York State Attorney General Letitia James will be nationwide. Led by brotherhoods and sisterhoods and their friends of all races, the movement originated a few days ago in Brooklyn where — as Marlon Rice notes in his report below, “an attack against a good neighbor) is an attack against us all.” Below, Rice, a former Our Time Press columnist and chief writer, offers a reflective piece and update, below. But, as noted, it’s news gathering speed. -Bernice Elizabeth Green

By Marlon Rice

The news of the indictment coming down in the Eastern District of Virginia against our Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James was met with immediate reaction throughout the city. Text messages, calls and social media posts flooded our phones and algorithms, and the phrase “I’m With Tish” started trending.

Tish is more than an elected official, more than just a politician. She is a shining example of our own potential. She’s ours. And so, an attack against her is an attack against us all.

Organizations and other groups immediately circled the wagons. We know that the case is baseless. Erik Seibert knew this as well, and when he decided not to move forward with the indictment Trump fired him and appointed his own personal attorney, Lindsey Halligan to the seat of US Attorney for the State of Virginia.

Such a move indicates a vendetta that goes way beyond whatever the trumped-up charges are, pun intended. So, group chats and zoom calls were about strategy – how to hedge our sister while pushing back against fascism.

The 100 Black Men for Tish James zoom call last Friday was hosted by Larry Scott Blackmon. On this call were hundreds of Black Men – elected officials, former legislators, and community stakeholders. Former Gov. Patterson called for this moment to be the trigger that awakens Black Men nationwide to protect our women and our communities.

Assemblymember Landon Dais spoke on the case itself. He read through the complete indictment and explained how ridiculous it was. Many of us vocalized our disgust and our support, and then Larry made the ask for every man on the call to donate $200 to Tish’s Legal Fund. All donated some, and some donated more.

Two days later, the organization Win With Black Women held its zoom call. Over 3,000 women (and a few men) appeared on the call. Tish was present, and she gave a defiant and fiery speech that would’ve converted even the non-believer. L. Joy Williams, another amazing sister that should be protected, spoke about the organizing taking place.

There will be virtual rallies. There will be in-person rallies. Before she finished, L Joy gave a sobering request. She asked that this process not be announced through social media. She said that Black organizers should consider pulling back from announcing everything on social media. She said that we need to get back to the art of personal communication – calls and in-person organizing. And, with that, we had our marching orders. Win With Black Women were also able to raise more than $25,000 for Tish’s Legal Fund. Yes, the women outdid the men.

L. Joy Williams, Larry Scott Blackmon, and I are planning a rally for Tish on Sunday, October 26th at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, located at 450 Eastern Parkway. We want you to come out and to let your voice be heard. We cannot afford to be silent on this.