Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

North Port, FL - On the day known as ALL Hallows Eve the American Indian Movement of Florida will protest the racist, stereotypical discriminatory remarks made by North Port City Commissioner Rue Berryman on September 25th. AIM Florida categorically rejects his half-hearted insincere apology as simply a political ploy. Mr. Berryman qualified his apology by asserting his remarks were taken out of context! Exactly in which context are stereotypical racist comments appropriate?

We find protesting this racist city commissioners presence as a public servant on All Hallows Eve to be appropriate since his racist comments were made due to the city's consideration of annexing an area that includes an Indigenous cemetery. Florida AIM is hopeful that the new owners of the Golden Springs Resort where the Indigenous cemetery is located will continue their cooperative dialogue with traditional Seminole representative Bobby C. Billie. We hold no hope that the North Port City commission will act in a respectful manner towards the final resting place of these Indigenous peoples. If Mr. Berryman is so comfortable with his racism that he makes these kinds of public comments on the record, what are his statements and views in private?

AIM Florida has filed civil rights and ethics complaints with the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, United States Department of Justice Office of Civil Rights, Florida Attorney General's Office for Civil Rights, Florida Ethics Commission, Florida Human Relations Commission and the Governors office. We seek the removal or at least the sanction of Mr. Berryman.

Before AIM Florida considers litigation, AIM Florida plans to meet with interested residents of North Port. AIM Florida believes the people of North Port, FL to be a people of goodwill who share our shock and dismay that one of their elected officials is representing them in such a vile and racist manner. We therefore will consider assisting local residents in a recall effort prior to the consideration of any litigation.

The protest will be OCTOBER 30th at 7pm at North Port City Hall 5650 North Port Blvd. North Port, FL Florida AIM will consider protesting at additional city commission meetings until the removal of Mr. Berryman.