A Christmas letter from Pastor Burnett to the BOE

To the Media:

I am enclosing correspondence that I sent to District 150 asking for a clarification regarding the 2010-2011 calendar and the deletion of Christmas from it. Board member Jim Stowell says that the issue was addressed at the last board meeting and an apology made for the "oversight" of deleting Christmas. Yet I still receive calls and would like to know more myself.

Do any of you have any information which affirms that this issue was addressed and a public apology made or issued? I have received many calls regarding the issue and have nothing to point anyone to. I would prefer the District to make a public statement directly dealing with the issue. Please help if possible. Thanks.

The Letter

Hello,

Hope all is well with everyone.

I have received a number of calls regarding the 2010-2011 School calendar. The majority of the inquiry centers on the removal of any reference to Christmas on the calendar while simultaneously and plainly outlining Ramadan, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah which are all non-Christian holidays.

In fact after doing a review of the calendar there are 11 references to Jewish holidays, festivals and celebrations, 1 African that lasts a week, 1 Islamic that lasts almost a month, 1 Latin, and 2, Christian - protestant (Easter & Palm Sunday) and 4 Catholic (Ash Wed., All Saint's Day, Valentines Day, & St. Patrick's Day) and recognition of Thanksgiving and Halloween.

Does anyone have any idea and or reason why Christmas was deleted from your calendar and replaced by simply saying "Holiday" and "Winter Vacation"? I believe this should be addressed as the "Christ" in Christmas is not a criminal and as it represents Christianity, is as valid of a holiday to be recognized as any of the ones that the designers of the calendar thought to insert.

A public response regarding this issue is in order and will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
(309)688-6599ofc

Guess who

Appointments to the City's Police-Community Relations Committee have been deferred for one month. According to Councilman Clyde Gulley, the deferral was needed to look at the makeup of the committee again and to potentially include some people who were left out.

Interesting, like who?

I will admit, I was surprised that Pastor Burnett's name was not on the list. Just from reading this blog, you can get an idea of how involved he has been in trying to work with the City and PPD to stop crime.

Just saying.

See current appointee's Volunteer Profiles here.

Don't you just hate it when you get called out by the Pastor?

Pastor Harvey Burnett discusses his disappointment in the lack of response from area church leaders whose congregations are being directly affected by the violence in Peoria. Check it out here...

Pastor Burnett comes out in support of the new crime initiative

7/16/2010

In response to the recent actions, by the Peoria Police Department and County and State Police Officials, and due to media requests for our reaction, I have decided to release a statement that will generally summarize our concerns as we move forward in addressing the issues of crime and violence within the Peoria community.

First, there is no easy solution against what can only be deemed as community terrorism either promoted by gangs or certain individuals who have proven themselves to be out of control. It’s not my intent to suggest that these terrorists or criminals need any “slack” in being dealt with. I believe the actions of the police and suggestions of Chief Settingsgarrd and other police professionals are in accord with the notion that over 80 shootings in a supposed non-combat zone is a ridiculous number. This type of terrorist activity must be addressed and put down.

As it pertains to youth curfews, we are most certainly in agreement with enforcing whatever laws that exist in Peoria for all underage youth unaccompanied by an adult after certain hours. On the other hand, I would caution against the possible civil rights violations of those of us (adults) who live free of crime and violence within the communities or areas that are under siege by these community terrorists.

Reliving “personal freedom” from individuals is the aim of the terrorists themselves. It is in the best interest of all citizens that any personal freedoms and civil liberties given up for the sake of combating this sort of community terrorism be specifically defined and limited in nature.

Creating and instilling fear is another objective of these community terrorist groups and individuals. We must not let them gain or have the victory on either of these fronts.

In agreement with Chief Settingsgaard, I would encourage citizens who are aware of certain terrorist activities, to be actively involved in the liberation of their neighborhood and communities. Ultimately, it is the citizens who will network together and send the message that community terrorism isn’t welcome in Peoria. Being a HERO has never been at such a necessary premium for this community. One call could save a life and help liberate a community.

Finally, whatever the struggle we can take our community back if we stand together and work with one another at all levels. Thank you.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
Exec. Director Peoria Assn. Of Pastors
New Bethel COGIC
DMI Community Leader

There is a war raging in our City

The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors Community Hero Campaign has been developed to encourage community and citizen involvement in standing up to address crime and violence in neighborhood settings. As Carl Cannon says, "Make The Call!" Citizens must make the call and we must support their efforts. We are doing what we can do to support citizens as they address unlawful activities in their neighborhood and community.

This message is designed to directly address the negative stigmas promoted by the gang and drug culture through their "no-snitchin" efforts. Further details can be found on our Pastor's web site at www.peoriapastors.blogspot.com

Peoria Pastors STOP THE CRIME Award Fund
At the DMI rally a special announcement will be made regarding the establishment of The Peoria Pastors "crime stoppers like" reward fund. This fund will be the first of its kind in Peoria established by Peoria Association Of Pastors Member Churches and supported by churches, community organizations and private donations.

District 150's Black Student Suspension Rate

Recently, Pastor Harvey Burnett and the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal sent the District 150 Board of Education a letter stating that they hold the BOE accountable for the results of the educational experience of the black and minority community and requested that they meet with them to address the fact that black students tend to be suspended at much higher rates than students of other races or ethnicity's.

Peoria Dist. 150 Board Members,

The minority suspension rate is far too high within Peoria School Dist. 150. I believe that we must open public debate over this issue. There is no one solution fix to this problem, but there are solutions as have been demonstrated around the country in various education and discipline models, that successfully address and have lowered minority suspension rates within public schools.

I believe that we must seek to create a much better education experience for all children and not continue to be tricked into affirming that "the home" is the only problem with many of our children. In many cases the educational system itself has failed to reach our children.

Testing arguably displays what the child has learned, but the opportunities to learn is what we want to increase. As the number bear out Out Of School Suspensions (OSS) and it's little brother In School Suspensions (ISS) have disproportionately effected Black students in District 150 for quite some time. We can change that if we try. I call on each of you to help facilitate that change.

I would like to meet with you to discuss our current findings and create a sustainable action plan that will address this highly important issue.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

The questions must be asked:

1. Has Peoria District 150 failed the Black and minority community? By not fulfilling the educational opportunities of ALL children it would seem that District 150 has failed a significant segment of its students, families and ultimately the community in general.

2. By suspending nearly 30% of Black students, is District 150 serving the educational needs of the Peoria Black population? One would say that Black education is important, but that does not hold true to the numbers. Is it possible that 2,567 students are not bad enough to expel, but yet bad enough to suspend and in some cases allow the disruption of the education of willing students?

3. Since the problem can be so easily and readily identified, what steps is District 150 taking to solve this crisis and is there a sustainable plan or effort in place to correct the problem? If not, WHY NOT? This problem is systemic in nature and cannot be addressed with a fix addressed to either parents only, teachers only, administration only or any individual segment. The part that is baffling is that there is NO plan in place to address the issue as we write this article.

Prayer Vigil for Jasmine N. Brittne

There will be a Prayer vigil on behalf of Jasmine N. Brittine, the young lady who died as a result of being shot in the Harrison Homes Sunday evening. The vigil will take place at the scene of the incident in the Harrison Homes, and will begin at 6:00 PM ending at 6:30 PM.

We are asking the community to come and support this family and neighborhood during this time. Please call for more details if necessary. Thank you.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
(309)688-6599ofc

(309)648-8659cell

What's the protocol for calling a Community to Action?

You don't have to be a follower of Pastor Harvey Burnett to acknowledge that he has been vocal about trying to find a solution to stop the crime and killing in Peoria. It is unfortunate that Pastor Burnett feels the need to ask for inclusion in the Mayor's recent call to action event. It is also unfortunate that crime is so bad here that there is room for everybody at the table. For that reason, the event held at the Dream Center can only be helped by Pastor Burnett continuing to call attention to efforts (or lack thereof).

Below is Pastor Burnett's response to an Anonymous Poster who continues to question the Pastor's true intentions:


Anonymous said: So, Pastor Burnett, did you attend?

Pastor Burnett said: Since you are kind of slow when it comes to this particular point let me say it like this...where were you or any of these officials 18 murders and 12 months ago when I made the initial call on Feb. 12th, 2009? Why did it take 15 days from Jan. 5th 2010 until Jan. 20th 2010 for the Mayor to respond to my request for a meeting to deal SPECIFICALLY with this agenda...Remember this was AFTER we had already rolled out a Peoria safe community campaign that he was fully aware of.

Why did the Mayor in our meeting on Jan 28th NOT MENTION his plans that were announced on Jan. 20th, the same day his secretary set the appointment with me?

So far as any of these officials are concerned and based on your logic, are we to assume that they (the officials) didn't come or say a word to me since the initial call on Feb. 12th 2009, because they wanted to be on the dias or because they were uninterested or simply wanted attention?

Now, if I were like you I could make that case because I could ask where are any of their phone calls to me or any of the families that people like me and Carl Cannon ministered to when these tragedies took place? They've had 12 months to respond and haven't said anything until now. I did not so much as receive a "whatever I can do" from any of them... So is it be fair for me to paint the picture that somehow these officials didn't care or only wanted publicity?

Surprisingly, using your warped form of logic I guess that would be appropriate, but I make no such claim...

Fact is that the Mayor has a duty to the citizens to INCLUDE them and especially those who can be readily identified in the field and who are carrying forth agenda effecting the citizens we are trying to reach. We are not students of his campaign, neither should we be approached as such. We don't approach him in that manner why should we be disrespected?

I contribute. We contribute. What do you do besides hide behind anonymous? That leads to this comment that I agree with as it pertains to your commentary in this thread: "But what do I know, I'm an idiot."

Thank you for affirming my initial thoughts!

Calling the Mayor out on the Community Call to Action

Word on the Street says that Mayor Jim Ardis will join state Representative Gordon and state Sen. Dave Koehler to host a Community Call to Action forum and workshop from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Dream Center, 714 Hamilton Blvd.

The forum is aimed at addressing crime in Peoria with a goal of identifying causes of violent crimes in the Peoria area, developing community-generated violence prevention methods and establishing a timeline for implementation of new methods.

Pastor Harvey Burnett is calling the Mayor out for what he alleges is politicizing the Community Call to Action forum, instead of making a real grassroots effort to effectuate change...

Mayor Ardis,

First, I do not wish to rebuke you, for I do not believe that it is my place and I certainly respect your office. I do wish, however to express my concern over your actions regarding the upcoming Community Call To Action that will take place Saturday Feb. 13th 2010 at the Peoria Dream Center.

First, my concern is not with the forum itself as the Pastor's Association under my direction endeavored to do this type of event, having a meeting almost exactly one year ago, Thursday Feb. 12th 2009, as confirmed HERE under the EXACT name, A Community Call To Action. Our second meeting was at the same location, The Peoria Dream Center. This information is confirmed HERE.

Personally, as you know, I encourage efforts rendered to the community from multiple facets as you and I have discussed as recently as 2 weeks ago. I think that it is in the best interest of the community for as many individuals as possible to be involved in this important task especially in light of the crime that we witnessed last year. None of us want to see those things duplicated at any time in the future.

The problem I have is that you, in planning this event, totally overlooked or minimized the participation of people who have been identified to avail themselves in service to this community. Speaking frankly, if there is anyone that should have been asked to participate in this event, I would think it certainly would have been myself. I can't speak for others as I don't know if they were asked to be involved, but I know that myself and others who I can identify and have also availed themselves openly over the last few years were not asked or considered by your office for this event.

I don't mean and or intend to sound like I or we deserve some sort of special treatment or am prideful in any way, but for you to totally exclude me and persons like me as a part of a process to develop effective strategies against crime and violence, especially in light of the fact that I personally have such a great investment into the issue and a proven track record of community service addressing this issue, makes your actions highly suspect as political posturing. I hope and believe that I am totally wrong, but this is how it appears.

This event, to me, signifies that it is business as usual in Peoria. None of the people, including the State Representatives that you feature in this event, have ever contacted my office in any way shape or form to assess the needs of the community, victims or the victims families. Although that isn't a measurement of their commitment to the community, I can only say that I have personal dealings and interactions with many of families of violent crime victims and have been vocal in looking for solutions and preventive measures in times past.

I don't believe that I am unique in my efforts, but I have taken measures that others haven't from time to time and have gladly done what others haven't done in service to this community. This is why I find it difficult to understand the motivation behind calling a community to action and not involving leaders who have been identified through personal service to be dedicated to that cause and the betterment of our community.

In conclusion, I don't believe that there is anything that I would like you to “do” regarding this other than make a commitment to better involve citizens such as myself who are on the front-line of this battle for the safety of our community in all aspects. I believe that there must be a greater interaction between political, and social factions of this community to truly address the issue of crime and violence and promote the message of community safety in the best possible manner.

Thank you for your time.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Why no snow day today?

I found it interesting that District 150 and Morton Schools were pretty much the only area schools open today. Is it because Norm Durflinger who is now the interim Superintendent of District 150 is also the Mayor of Morton?

I live off a main snow route that was no where near being shoveled this morning as we struggled to get off the side street. The ride to school was nerve wrecking to say the least. Our school, which has a huge parking lot, was not shoveled and it was treacherous to maneuver.

Apparently, I am not the only person wondering why District 150 decided to keep schools open. Pastor Harvey Burnett sent the following inquiry to local media outlets:

Media:

I don't mean to be an antagonist (I really don't) but I have received a number of inquiries today regarding PSD150 and their decision to remain open.

From the accounts I have received from just 3 schools, there are over 1,000 students out because of the weather. Many other organizations have closed today also and most private schools that I am aware of (I could be wrong however). Can anyone inquire as to Dist. 150's rationale and treatment of our students regarding this matter?

I took mine late, only because the Dist was open and after quite a workout (which I can use) shoveling snow. In the inner city many of the kids have to walk to school and catch buses and the streets are a work in progress.

I don't necessarily want to push the issue but I think we need to know what the District's thoughts are regarding our children. Are they concerned?

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Police Brutality Press Conference

Hat tip to Stella for the photos:

Today’s press conference held by Pastor Harvey Burnett on the steps of City Hall was in full attendance by local television and radio stations. There were also several individuals who appeared along side Pastor Burnett who spoke specifically to the police brutality they each allegedly faced at the hands of Peoria Police.

Pastor Burnett:

"… The Chief [Settingsgaard] took that information and never corresponded back with us at all. We checked with some of the individuals in the street who knew these Officers and they said that one of these Officers had been moved but the other Officer was continuing to do what they did but he was doing it on a little different scale. I would suspect that the Chief did talk to them, but I can’t prove anything. All I know is that the information that we receive seems like it evaporates and people are yet over the same period of time continue to experience problems at the hands of the Police.”

Go to EmergingPeoria to read Pastor Burnett's speech in entirety.

Did Barbara VanAuken confer protected status to gays?

From Pastor Harvey Burnett: We need some serious answers from this Council and they should be made to account for their actions. This has been forwarded to each Council Member also. (A group of pastors also sent this information to WMBD TV, WHOI TV, M. Miller at PJStar, and M. Mantel at WEEK.

"You can't give notice to the effect that certain protected groups are not welcome."

According to the Chicago Tribune in an article "Peoria Gays React To Unwelcome Sign" City Council Woman Barbra VanAuken (Left) singlehandedly and unashamedly conferred "protected class status" on gays living in Peoria. This particular class status has normally been reserved for individuals who have struggled or struggle to gain civil rights based on color or ethnic heritage. The disabled, and those discriminated against in housing and employment have also been afforded "civil right" status and in some cases have been made a "protected class". What's more it seems that not only has Mrs. VanAuken expanded the definition of "protected class" to include gays, but also to include public displays of gay affection as acts being "protected" under the law.

It all started when the Elbow Room Bar located downtown Peoria, owned by Mr. Greg Quast placed this sign in the window of his establishment because he had noticed an increase in gay couples, many involved in open displays of affection either in or around his facility. As should be his legal right, he let the public know his establishment's position on certain activities and gave individuals an option to go to another location to fulfill their public passionate displays.

This led a newly formed gay activist group, One World One Equality, to stage 3 protests in an effort to draw attention to their cause and shame the owner of the bar as a "homophobic".

Obviously the tactic worked on Barbra Van Auken, as she levied "protected class" citizenship status on Peoria gays and also unwittingly endorsed public displays of "gay affection".

Although played down by Peoria media as an inconsequential event, this sparked the following email to Mayor Ardis, and Councilmen Gulley, Turner and Van Auken, from Gay Christian Movement Watch's Rev. D.L. Foster who will appear in Peoria on May 7th 2009:

As an African American minister, I must admit I was stunned to read where Council member Barbara Van Auken stated in an article out today in the Chicago Tribune that homosexuals are a protected group. This is in response to a bar owner's clarification of the nature of his bar. Additionally, the article noted that the Peoria city council said state law prohibited such actions. Specifically, what state law says that the owner of a business cannot prohibit certain individuals from coming into his or her establishment and exhibiting behavior unwelcome or not an indigenous aspect of such an establishment? Could this same law be used against churches who prohibit homosexuals from showing open "affection" in the on church property?As an elected official, did Van Auken really mean to say that homosexuals are a "protect group" as if they are some sort of endangered species? Please tell me if are there any groups of people, in your opinion, which would not be a protected group? I don't understand, what's the criteria for assigned "protected" status to one group and denying it to another? I hope that you will take some time and clarify these remarks.

We stand with the inquiry and sentiments of Pastor Foster. Unless Peoria has enacted a special law under their home rule authority, this was and is the wrong move and certainly the wrong message for Mrs. Van Auken to make. To our current knowledge, Peoria gays are not "protected class" citizens and acts of overt public displays of sexual passion, whether homosexual of heterosexual, are restricted. Further, homosexual rights of sexual freedom are NOT civil rights, neither are they equated to to the struggle for racial or moral equality.

This is all very interesting for an additional reason. In 2007 the Downtown Peoria bars were unaccepting of Black citizens supposedly because of their dress and demeanor which was considered to be "intimidating". Instead of making downtown bars comply in the acceptance of Black patrons, the City Council, under the leadership of Mayor Ardis, undertook the notion of liquor expansion to have alternate places for "Blacks to go". This was done against the sincere pleading of the Pastor's Association, The Citizens For Community Values, The Peoria South Side Mission and many neighborhood associations and other grass roots organizations. In other words, the rights of Blacks are not protected, were minimized and only compartmentalized by this city and it's council, whereas the rights of gays have been expressed to have somehow been protected. This issue needs and deserves immediate attention by this council.

It seems that the Peoria City Council should at least use this opportunity to either educate the public as to what the law states about "protected class" citizens in Peoria or become better educated themselves on the arising gay agenda and the difference between civil rights and gay rights. This is especially poignant since the State of Illinois is considering instituting sexual unions as the law of the land, and citizens need to know where we currently stand.

If homosexual rights is the law of Peoria, we defer to such guidance as received from the council on the matter. If it is not, we advise that Councilwoman Barbara Van Auken issue a public statement of apology to both the bar owner Mr. Quast and the citizens of Peoria for misrepresenting the laws under which Peoria and the State Of Illinois operate.

Life Changers Conference

Click picture to see larger image.
Friends:

I have attached an invitation to a special upcoming program that we (our church) are conducting May 7th -9th 2009. This program and special services are designed to uncover and reveal the incluturation issues that our youth are experiencing and to break down those boarders and barriers, both spiritually and naturally. The areas that will be focused on in these 3 days will be homosexuality, teen promiscuity & violence, hip-hop inculturation, clergy sexual abuse, and reconstruction of the family through Christ.

I have called two of my best friends in to assist us and deliver the necessary information required to address issues with our families and youth in particular. My guests are Elder D. L. Foster of Atlanta Ga. and Elder G. Craige Lewis of Arlington, TX. Both of these men are first, tremendous men of God, nationally known, have a message pertinent to the current struggles of our youth within society. They have been extensively published in many major Christian magazines and are appearing in Peoria for the first time ever. We are looking for an intensely spiritual and Christ centered fellowship and service.

We are encouraging youth groups, ministers and leaders of all denominations and organizations to attend and support this meeting. As you know, we are facing what I consider to be an epidemic of moral and social decay within our society in general and Peoria is not exempt.

Unfortunately, the second murder of the year, Lonnie Williams, was a relative of a long time member of our church and was killed without provocation and senselessly blindly. I believe that this is our opportunity to change minds and deliver souls through the power of Christ. Will you support and assist us and me personally in this effort?

Please plan to be in attendance if possible. Your presence and participation in this event will be a great blessing and I believe you will find the information a valuable resource as you minister to youth who are experiencing and facing what we will be dealing with.

There will be a freewill offering taken at each service to help address the expenses and ad space is currently available in our souvenir booklet if you would like make your ministry wishes known. Please call or email me for full details. Thank you so much for your prayers, consideration and participation.

God bless.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

24 armed robberies since the end of December!

click image to get a better view

UPDATE 2 Thursday, February 12: Robbery at Spottted Cow
Police still are investigating the armed robbery of a local restaurant. At about 8:40 p.m. Monday, two men armed with guns robbed the Spotted Cow at 718 W. Glen Ave. and escaped on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. A description of the robbers was not available from police Monday night. No one in the restaurant was injured. Police have not made any arrests.

_____________________________

Journal Star
Posted Feb 11, 2009 @ 09:20 AM

Two armed gunmen rob Central Peoria gas station

For the second time in about as many weeks, masked gunmen robbed a Central Peoria gas station. About 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, two males entered Circle K, 2416 N. University St., and demanded money from the clerk.

One of the males, armed with two guns, ordered a lone customer to lie face down on the floor while he yanked the victim's wallet out of his pocket, reports stated. The other robber, also armed, turned his attention on the clerk, stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register.

Witnesses reported seeing the men run south on University toward MacQueen Avenue after the robbery.

On Jan. 26, three men robbed the same gas station, pilfering cigarettes and taking money from the safe.

That crime, like Tuesday's, remains unsolved and comes on the heels of more than two dozen similar robberies plaguing the city since the end of December.

____________________________

WHAT two dozen (24) robberies since the "end of December". This is February 11th, so that means that there are armed robberies occurring in Peoria at the rate of 1 (one) every other day. Therefore, this last robbery, which happened on Tuesday afternoon (yesterday), means we are due for another armed robbery either this evening (Wednesday) or by end of day Thursday.

Damn, Peoria this is messed up! No wonder PJStar.com has disabled comments. Just in case you missed the info in the PJStar about the other robberies that have retailers so concerned, go here.

_________________________

UPDATE 1: Crime maps are being updated as you read this by the blogger at A Dark Quiet Room, if you would like a copy of his map, you can get one by contacting him. However, I will post it as soon as he sends me a copy.

Additionally, Reverend Harvey Burnett, who was Mario McGee's godfather has the following CALL TO ACTION on his blog:

Please join me at 6:30 PM Thursday evening at Higher Dimensions Worship Ctr. at 2610 W. Nebraska Peoria, IL. (Pastor Bob Randle).

Please pass this urgent request on to associates and other pastors who may also be interested in taking strong action against this (these) community terrorist group(s). Thank you and God bless you greatly.

Pastor Harvey BurnettPeoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal Peoria, IL. 61615 (309)688.6599ofc. (309)648.8659cell

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Check out Pastor Burnett's entry on his past and current efforts to help fight crime here in Peoria on the blog for the Peoria Association of Pastors for Community and Spiritual Renewal.