1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paula Peebles
(215) 765-6181 office
(215) 869-0166 cell
paulapeebles@yahoo.com
Pennsylvania National Action Network Demands Answers in the
Brutal Assault of a Young Black Manby a Philadelphia Police Officer
Philadelphia, PA – January 14, 2014 – The report of the allegedassault of a 16-year-old
studentis the latest incident of the excessive use of force by the Philadelphia Police
Department.Darrin Manning, an honor student at Mathematics, Civics and Sciences
Charter School, may have sustained permanent injuries. We will know in 90 days when
doctors do another sperm test whether the injuries inflicted on young Darrin will prevent
him from fathering children.
“It’s outrageous that a young man on his way to play in a basketball game ends up in
Children's Hospital following a brutal assault by a female police officer,” said Paula
Peebles, Chair of the Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network (PA NAN).
“We demand a full investigation. The police officer who assaulted Darrin must be held
accountable. PA NAN is working with Veronica Joyner, Founder & Chief Administrative
Officer of Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School,and the family of young
Darrin to ensure that justice prevails.”
“We need answers from Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and District Attorney
Seth Williams,” said Matthew Smith, Sr., President of PA NAN. “We call on the U.S.
Department of Justice to broaden its review of the Philadelphia Police Department and
include the police use of excessive force.”
About Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network: The Pennsylvania State
Chapter National Action Network is a nonprofit organization incorporated for the purpose of
advocating for equal education opportunities and equal justice under the law; promoting policies
and initiatives to reduce gun violence, racial profiling and “stop and frisk” policing; and fostering
civic engagementby hosting public forums, rallies and other nonpartisan events. For more
information, visit www.pastatenan.org.
About National Action Network: The National Action Network is the nation’s leading civil
rights and human rights organization, with chapters throughout the United States. Founded in
1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of
justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or
gender.For more information, visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net.