The NH Civil Liberties Union has run the numbers and found that across NH, blacks are 2.6 times more likely than whites to be arrested for cannabis possession. That’s a pretty serious indictment about a pervasive institutional racism present among NH police. (I’m not saying all cops are racist. Betcha some of them are, though.)
It gets worse, though. Cheshire county is far-and-away the worst place of all the counties in NH. Law enforcement officers here are nearly TEN TIMES more likely to arrest blacks than whites for cannabis possession. That’s just…stunning.
All the while the police chief acts like a marijuana arrest is no big deal. Check out the full story at the NHCLU blog.
How sad it is that racism is still out there lurking. How it is dangerous when the racists are uniformed and carry badges and guns. It reminded me of a sad letter to the editor of the Sentinel from a black girl named Crystal, explaining why she was leaving town. To any racists in New Hampshire, did you know there is a racist state project in North Dakota? You should move there.
Here’s Crystal’s letter:
My name is Crystal M. Belser.
I know that many of you won’t read this, or even care after you do read this.
On the other hand, some of you will read and try and understand; I thank you. To the good kind people who stood up for me, kept me going, and told me what the others say doesn’t matter, I also thank you.
Thank you for making me feel wanted and welcomed even when this town didn’t want me to succeed or even want me here.
I came here with nothing but the clothes on my back and a little dream of finally finding a home. I wanted nothing other than to feel safe and be a part of something I felt was special.
I’m a very outgoing, understanding and push-forward person. I make mistakes, yes, but in the end all I wanted was a little support and love, which in one way or another I found in some real, honest people. To me, this town was clean cut and willing to protect their own.
But the common eye will not see what I experienced here in five months.
In this last month, I have seen my best day and more than my worst. I have had numerous threats, been spit at, and just because of what truly matters: a good heart, but because of the color of skin and what I stand for.
Ignorance, being scared and above all this intolerance ultimately broke me down. In all my years, I have never been treated so poorly or been so scared to walk the streets I live in every day.
I’m 25 and with a lot of hope, willpower and the good Lord that never judges on my side. I will make it somewhere else.We have the right to be good, honest, decent people, and you aren’t. If you don’t remember anything I have said in this letter, any of my last letters or interviews, remember this: You can break me down, make me weak and go away. But you can’t or won’t change who I am, the color of my skin or what I stand for.
I wish the great people of Keene peace, love and happiness. The Lord above knows what has happened and it’s not my job to walk out here judging, hating or even wishing anything but peace for you.
Again, to the kind, caring, generous people who helped, cared and comforted me in these past five months, thank you!I will miss the real people I have met and grown to love. I will pray for everyone else.
This is goodbye Keene, New Hampshire, from a black homeless girl from Sarasota, Fla., just trying to making it in this big world, in a small town.CRYSTAL M. BELSER
3 Central Square
Keene
