rom the steps of
City Hall, May 14, 2003 was declared Danny Glover Day in the City of New
York.
This was the initiative taken by Council Member Larry Seabrook upon
learning that there were people saying that renowned actor and activist
Danny Glover should loose his job as spokesman for MCI because he had
spoken out against the war on Iraq.
"They wanted to equate dissent with disloyalty," Seabrook said.
"Therefore it is important that we show we stand with Danny Glover.
We're here today for this great humanitarian and also to highlight the
importance of the First Amendment. Freedom of speech is a privilege and
a right."
Bob Pickett who, along with Bob Slade and Mtume hosts the show "Open
Line" on KISS FM radio, told of how thousands of people had called in to
their show to say, "Do not harm Danny Glover. He's our modern-day Paul
Robeson." And he noted, "If they can take Glover out, they can come the
next day and take you out. This is a large issue everyone should
embrace."
Several Council Members spoke, including Deputy Majority Leader Bill
Perkins who called Glover "our David in the land of Goliath" and
reminded people of the suit Glover filed against the New York Taxi and
Limousine Commission for the failure of many taxi drivers to pick up
Black men.
James Davis and Al Vann voiced their support, as did James Sanders
who stated, "Let the record show that on the day when they came for
Danny Glover a bunch of us said, 'You've got to go through us first.'"
Charles Barron commented, "Too often when people get fame and fortune
they forget where they came from. We thank God that Danny Glover has the
heart to take on issues like the cabs not stopping for Blacks, and being
against the war and for the homeless. We need more activist artists."
The proclamation was then read. It stated in part, "Whereas today we
recognize Danny Glover not only for his artistry but also for his real
life role as a tireless crusader for human rights around the world;
Whereas Danny Glover's strong social conscience and his dedication to
humanitarian principles have helped improve the lives of thousands the
world over;
Let it be known that May 14, 2003 is declared Danny Glover Day in the
City of New York."
Though Glover himself was unable to be there to accept the award, he
sent a message expressing his appreciation and stating that the real
issue isn't about him but about the right to freedom of speech for all
of us. He urged people to keep up the fight.
Very fittingly, accepting the proclamation in Glover's behalf was
long-time activist Rev. Herbert Daughtry, pastor of the House of the
Lord Church. He observed, "It is ironic that those who would attack him
in the name of America are in fact violating all the principles of
America. Danny Glover stands for what America is supposed to be
about."
The ceremony concluded with Seabrook returning to the subject of
Glover's spokesmanship for MCI. He stated, "We will let MCI know that if
they decide not to deal with Danny Glover then we'll decide not to deal
with MCI. Our motto: "If you touch Danny, we're not touching you."
