BUFNY: Governor Paterson Still Missing In Action

It is obvious that Governor Paterson has absolutely no intention or the requisite will to restore –for many– the most vital and proven Black self-help organization in the country that was designed and operated to build self-reliance and an economic infrastructure.

[Op-Ed: National]

Many people have asked New York Governor David Paterson to address the injustice of his predecessor, disgraced former Governor and former Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, and restore the Black United Fund of New York (BUFNY).

To date, Paterson has not shown the slightest concern or sensibility to respond to any of the requests, including those from New York City Councilman Charles Barron and State Assemblyman Karim Camara. This disrespect Paterson would never show to representatives of non-African American communities he favors.

In 2004, Paterson, who was then Senate Minority Leader, had solicited meetings with BUFNY’s unjustly terminated executive managers, including the authors of this column, Kermit Eady, Founder and CEO and Larry Barton, Vice President and General Manager, and prominent supporters.

Paterson stated his “intentions” to intervene and hold hearings on the then Attorney General Spitzer’s campaign to destroy BUFNY. Those hearings, without any explanation, never occurred. Paterson turned his back on BUFNY and the Black community it was serving and empowering. David Paterson, the “politician,” has, by maneuver, bad karma and a twist of fate, moved up the “power ladder” to replace the original abuser; yet the status quo and silence remain.

Today, the injustice still stands after a now 75-month “bogus,” Spitzer-initiated investigation that has not officially ended. There have been no official findings; no crimes committed or cited; no charges filed; no accusations made; no justification given; and no restitution.

There are only ruined lives; a destroyed, pioneering institution and lost or plundered assets; and 25 years of dedicated and inspiring work wiped out. Yet, few to nobody in “seats of power” have asked any questions or offered support to correct the real crime; and David Paterson, the man, state senator and minority leader, lieutenant governor and now governor knew the injustice then and knows it now, as he continues to hide and avoid the issue.

As predicted by a dire warning on the question “Will he do what it takes and what is right to earn greatness?” in the September 2008 Black Star News article, Governor Paterson shuns cries for justice, Paterson, conflicted between personal gain and the public interest, has given a clear answer to the Black community on whether he has the right stuff: “…don’t count on it!”

It is obvious that Governor Paterson has absolutely no intention or the requisite will to restore –for many– the most vital and proven Black self-help organization in the country that was designed and operated to build self-reliance and an economic infrastructure.

The real problem: BUFNY was working and the destructive grips of monopoly controls, dependency and powerlessness were crumbling.

We ask that you send respectful citizens request for justice from across the country to New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo asking him to restore BUFNY to the original founder and those who worked to build the organization.

Should you not receive a response within ten (10) days, please follow up with phone calls to: 1-800-771-7755.

Please send this through your networks and also a copy via direct mail or email to Kermit Eady at [email protected]

Thank you for your courage and continuing support and stay the course for justice.

The authors, Eady, is the former Founder and CEO of BUFNY, and Barton, former Vice President/General Manager.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *