Long Beach : Police-Conduct Crusader Will Speak at Benefit
Several Long Beach organizations will honor black activist Don Jackson with a “Keep Hope Alive” benefit Sunday in Long Beach.
Jackson, a Hawthorne police sergeant on administrative leave, is the self-styled crusader against police misconduct who was secretly videotaped as he was confronted by Long Beach Police Officer Mark Dickey in January. During a routine traffic stop, Dickey, who is white, is seen appearing to shove Jackson’s head through a plate-glass window.
In a case that has attracted nationwide attention, Dickey and his partner Mark Ramsey face misdemeanor charges of writing a false police report. Dickey also faces an assault charge. Charges against Jackson of interfering with a police officer were dropped last month.
Jackson is scheduled to speak during a service at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1129 Alamitos Ave. A reception will follow.
Among the groups sponsoring the event are the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Lambda Democratic Club, the National Organization for Women, Long Beach Area Citizens Involved, Grey Panthers, the Long Beach Central City Assn. and the Long Beach/Harbor Rainbow Coalition.
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