For Immediate Release
February 24, 2023
The Mound City Bar Association (MCBA) has always been a champion of justice. We have stood in the breach when injustice has been afoot. Such is the case with regard to the gathering political forces against twice elected St. Louis City Circuit Attorney, Kim Gardner. MCBA stands with this Circuit Attorney and brings the full force of its weight in the community to bear against those who would seek to end her leadership as Circuit Attorney. Our responsibility in this situation is to help educate the public as to the factual considerations of this case.
It behooves this Association to cast a light on the political forces in their cynical attempts to seize upon such a terrible event to use as political fodder and polarization. The politics of this case are driving the narrative, not the facts. To be certain, that’s no coincidence. The same people who have never wanted to see African American leadership in the Circuit Attorney’s office are the same people who are currently seeking to remove her. At every turn, these same individuals use every device to undermine Ms. Gardner’s progress and the good work she has done for this city. No Circuit Attorney has faced such opposition and scrutiny over largely routine incidents in any administration.
To be sure, no individual situation defines an administration—not a win nor a loss. What’s more important is the established priorities of the office and the execution of same. MCBA recognizes that Ms. Gardner’s established priorities align with the principles of justice to which MCBA subscribes. As an organization, MCBA supports prosecutors with a universal approach to law enforcement based on fairness and diversion for nonviolent first-time offenders. Ms. Gardner has a well-established policy which subscribes to these values. But most importantly, Kim Gardner is of the city and elected by this city as its lead law enforcement officer. MCBA must protest against outside forces who seek to disenfranchise the vote of the people of St. Louis. MCBA will remain a force on behalf of those people. As such, we stand with Kim Gardner and will protest against efforts to remove her from office.
Celestine Dotson – Current MCBA President
Supported by the following Past Presidents
Anne-Marie Clarke
Kenneth Goins
Pamela Meanes
Mildred Motley
Reuben Shelton
Annette Slack
Elaine Harris Spearman
Rufus Tate, Jr.
Mavis Thompson
Freida Wheaton
Dorothy White-Coleman
January 31st, 2023
MOUND CITY BAR ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON THE BEATING OF TYRE NICHOLS BY MEMPHIS POLICE OFFICERS
The Mound City Bar Association issues this statement regarding the release of body camera footage of the January 7 beating of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols. Nichols died from his injuries. Five Memphis police have been indicted for second-degree murder and other crimes in this case.
We DEMAND that the officers and all those involved be held accountable for Tyre Nichols death.
We call on our leaders in government to support the adoption of laws and administrative rules that provide for independent units in the prosecutors’ offices to investigate allegations of police misconduct, especially shootings or other forms of physical violence. We support additional training and resources such as body cameras and non-lethal appropriate applications of force.
We call for adequate access to records for purposes of oversight from civilian review boards with subpoena power.
We call for brave police of good will to refuse to tolerate violence, abuse, or disrespect of the public whom they are sworn to protect.
We stand with the grieving family of Tyre Nichols, the city of Memphis, and the National Bar Association in their denunciation of the actions of these police.
Click here for the video of the beating
Click here for another version
Celestine Dotson
President
Mound City Bar Association