Wednesday is National Day Against Police Brutality. A local rally will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Poelker Park, across from City Hall at Tucker and Market. The “Tow Local Control BACK to St. Louis!” rally will be sponsored by the Coalition Against Police Crime & Repression. Participants are encouraged to wear all black.

Local control of the police department is an issue PubDef.net has covered for years.

In a 2006 interview with PubDef, Alderman Terry Kennedy said without local control the police department is similar to an “occupying force.”

In February, state and city officials came together to support a bill to return control of the police department to the city. The bill passed the committee, but never reached the floor of the House for a vote.

Earlier this year, even Mayor Francis Slay — who has for years opposed local control — came out in favor of the bill — although he has not done much of anything to move the issue forward since then.

“Off The Record”, a locally-produced documentary about the violent realities of young people living in St. Louis’ roughest neighborhoods, will have an encore showing at the Tivoli theatre on Sunday, August 24th at 4:45 p.m. The tickets are just $5.00 and can be purchased at the door.

The film features interviews with dozens of young street soldiers, the men and mentors who try to teach them a better way, and lawmakers and community leaders, including State Sen. Jeff Smith and State Rep. T.D. El-Amin.

Committeeman and state rep candidate Joe Palm is rapidly finding himself alone on a political island.

First, his committeewoman and ally, Pat Moss, withdrew her name from seeking re-election. Then he found himself with a serious opponent (Khatib Waheed) to his 26th Ward Committeeman post while at the same time trying to unseat State Rep. Talibdin “T.D.” El-Amin. And now, his ward’s alderman is publicly endorsing El-Amin for re-election.

The following press release from El-Amin’s campaign reports the endorsement of both Alderman Frank Williamson and Congressman Lacy Clay:

State Representative Talibdin “TD” El-Amin received yet another boost in his re-election bid. Congressman William “Lacy” Clay, 1st District and 26th Ward Alderman Frank Williamson announced the endorsement of Representative “TD” El-Amin.

“Congressman Clay and the Clay family have a long, and rich tradition in national, state and local politics and have been instrumental in shaping the political, social and economic landscape of St. Louis, and it’s a tremendous honor to have the Congressman’s support.”

Joining Congressman Clay in his support of El-Amin is Alderman Frank Williamson, 26th Ward.

“Representative El-Amin has demonstrated a strong ability to lead, his “hands-on, style of people-politics,” and his ability to build bridges makes him best suited to lead the 57th district,” stated Williamson.

“El-Amin has shown he’s not afraid to take on tough issues, his accessibility and commitment to engage the community and take a forward role in its stewardship makes him worthy of my support. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative El-Amin in his efforts to continue progress in the 57th District”, stated Congressman Clay.

El-Amin has garnered the support of other political heavyweights. Former Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr., St. Louis’s first African-American mayor has also thrown his support behind El-Amin’s candidacy, as well as Pearlie Evans, long-time community activist and former top aide to former Congressman Bill Clay.