A City United. A City Divided.
In the Aftermath of the Death of Tarika Wilson

By Vickie Shurelds
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter

“It is necessary to understand that Black Power is a cry of disappointment. The Black Power slogan did not spring full grown from the head of some philosophical Zeus. It was born from the wounds of despair and disappointment. It is a cry of daily hurt and persistent pain.”  MLK, Jr.
 

As the media arrived to cover city council as usual on Monday, January 7, it was obvious this was no ordinary meeting. Throngs of people gathered outside the city building waiting to get in. Normally, the set up has plenty of room – even during the recent open hearings set for discussion of a possible Shawnee Indian-run Entertainment Complex there were still plenty of seats.

But, not tonight. There was an overflow of residents with things to say and, as the coolness of the winter evening began to set in, the heat from tempers began to rise. A security guard had locked the door; the room where city council is held was already at capacity. “This is ridiculous!  They knew we were coming!” and other such comments rang from the crowd. 

Inside the building, council members discussed protocol and the need to hear every voice that had a desire to speak out; there were housekeeping issues that had to be addressed – the swearing in of new officers.  

The decision was made to begin the meeting going through all the usual formalities, get new council members seated, table the rest of the agenda until the following evening, then adjourn and reconvene at Lima Senior High School’s Auditorium for “Privilege of the Floor.” As arrangements were being made with the superintendent of Lima City Schools, the meeting began. The crowd outside was told of the plan and began to return to their cars for the change in venue.

City council members were asked not to speak.  To allow the residents to voice their concerns while keeping their personal opinions to themselves, some council agreed; others did not. They were asked to remain quiet until the report was released from the state regarding the shooting death of Tarika Wilson, a 26 year old mother of 6 who had been shot during the performance of a high risk search warrant on January 4.

As residents arrived in the parking lot at the school, several noticed movement on the roof of the buildings. The Lima SWAT team was in position looking down on the gathering speakers. “Here we come in good faith, and they have snipers on the roofs of our school!  We came in peace, and they are ready to gun us down like dogs!”  Willie Manley vowed to ask them face to face. “How can we trust you, when you can’t trust us?”

The mood seemed to changed as people continued to walk into the school many taking a final glance at the rooftops in disbelief, shaking their heads and commenting to friends. 

The first speaker called was Rev. CM Manley who promptly invited 6^th Ward Councilman Derry Glenn to come to the microphone. The entire council began to look at one another, and Pastor Manley once again invited Glenn to address the residents of the 6^th Ward. Glenn spoke with passion about the choices that could have been made that day, many of which may have spared Wilson’s life. “They could have called me and said, ‘Derry, we think this is going on in your house.’ I would have gone to the house and taken care of this.”

In all, 34 speakers spoke their piece to Lima City Council, Mayor David Berger and Chief Greg Garlock, all of whom were in attendance.
 

Julius Laws –  If the warrant was executed for the home and not for Anthony Terry, why was it necessary for another warrant to be issued – (a warrant was issued for re-entry to the home that evening, family members waited outside the home for four hours waiting for information regarding Tarika Wilson and her baby as the police made arrangements for a new warrant) There was, on September 13, money allocated to Lima Police Department targeting particular black areas, they are already targeting our neighborhoods. If there has been a long term investigation they had to have known there was a woman and six babies in the house. Why was it a high risk warrant? Did the police expect guns, other violence? What made this a “high risk” case?
 

Mozella Fisher -  There was no cause for this – Police demonstrated no respect for the family – telling the  mother to shut up and step back when she was trying to find out information regarding her child. Police Department needs to be better organized, and have more training about how to deal with people.

Vickie Johnson (Aunt of Tarika Wilson) – It’s wrong because they target the blacks. I’m white and my niece was half white, half black  My question is: Why were tazers not used? If officers felt like they were in some danger from a woman and her children, a tazer could have been used, you didn’t have to shoot her down.

Claytonia Logan – Thank you for listening but not answering question. Was the fact she was 50 percent black is that why she was killed?  You couldn’t stand the fact that Tarika had that bit of black inside her? I was in the military, and I learned first about procedures.  Chief, what about your people learning procedures? Can you at least answer that? Come on, Chief, holler at the people.

Bishop Richard Cox – Executive Assistant to the National Southern Christian Leadership Council – you may not answer tonight; but you will answer the questions, and soon!  There is going to be a JENA in Lima, Ohio – we will use direct action non-violently – because what’s been going on in Lima has been going on for a long time. We are insisting on an investigation conducted by the FBI – these people and Tarika Wilson’s family have a right to know what happened that night –  No JUSTICE, NO PEACE.

Jason Upthegrove -  I want to address the mother of Tarika Wilson. I give you my word on the soul of Emmit Till, Martin Luther King, Jr., Brother Malcolm X and others that have died in an unjust world, that we will seek and accomplish justice in this situation.

Pastor Manley – There are a lot of unanswered questions. And you can’t cover them all up. We will find out the answers. Remember, if it don’t come out in the wash, it will come out in the rinse.

Pastor LaMont Monford – We can only feel injustice, because we have no answer.  We’re at a point – if we don’t get this right, Lima will never be the same. Whether real or perceived, there is a divide – My mother was murdered and all we’ve ever known was that it was a white man that did it. We promise you; and you see we didn’t get it right again because we’re back here in this same place 30 years later. The way to honor her (Tarika) is with integrity, intelligence, be sure you’re thinking. Organize, stop looking at one another – united we stand. We won’t let any body rest – the truth will set you free.  And a word about the ministers. We may not say much but don’t think we’re not doing anything, we have to work things like we work them, but we get things done.

Demond Liles – The police are focused on parking tickets, giving tickets for loud music –yet, my nephew was killed last year – we’ve never heard anything after words – I believe we’re here now, and we will have to come back again. 

Manrita Jones – I, too am a mother of six, Mayor Berger, you say these men are – highly skilled? I agree with Tarika’s aunt. Why weren’t tazers used? I just hope everybody stays together that’s the only way we’re going to stop this from happening again.

Francis Jones – in my 50 years in Lima, this is the third time a parent sits looking at this city asking why is my child dead. Ms. Ricks, JC Brown, Tarika Wilson … to me, when they say “investigation” that means nothing is going to change. We pay taxes, we live in the 6^th ward, we work! And all the drugs in this town are not on the south end of Lima.

Quintell Wilson – I’m still waiting to hear “victim” attached to Tarika Wilson’s name – 7^th round

Lonnie Hopson – Mr. Glenn, we feel you but we’ve been getting this kind of sh** for 50 years. It is about time it stops. We’re not going to go away. I’m black 365 days a year, not just in February. This town is heading for disaster if we don’t get this one right.   
 

Kenny McGriff – I want to talk about how police mishandle situations.  On Sunday morning, July 1^st, I heard gunshots, so I ran around the back of a building. When I thought it was safe to continue on my way, I walked back on to the sidewalk. The police told me to get down on the ground … I’m a big guy, so the ground is far away, and I’m not as young as I used to be, so I guess I wasn’t moving fast enough, so an officer pushed my head to the pavement, then they tazed me, charged me with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstructing official business. I was just walking down the street to meet a friend.

Lorenzo White – I’ve been a resident here all my life – what are we doing? By listening to us without answering, are you trying to appease the community in the hopes it will just go away?  The  City charter allows the council to oversee the administration. Do your civic duty as officers of the city. We put you in those positions so you can make sure everyone is doing their jobs. The administration is responsible to you – do your duty everything will be ok.

Marvin Little – This is not black or white issue – it’s about safety first. Protect and serve. Uphold – don’t investigate – the law has been broken. These officers are supposed to be trained to know what situation they are walking into. It is obvious – procedure was not followed and it looks bad for all of you.

Rev. James C. White, Jr. – Speak the truth and nothing but. We have, over the past year, watched everything happen to my people. What is there to investigate? Do what the law says – this was first degree murder. How can you just put them on leave on these people’s money and they have to pay for him? Why is someone on vacation when they should be in jail. 

Patricia White – Where is there peace, order and justice. Whenever I come home I see that things are still the same – the buddy/buddy system  must go – if justice is not for all – there will be no peace. 

Elton “Louie” Cannon -  If you wanted to arrest Anthony Terry – he goes to Bingo three or four nights a week; if you were watching him, you knew that – why not arrest him then? If they had investigated they knew there were kids in the house – you passed them every day – why didn’t they arrest him?

Brenda Johnson – I make a pledge that we will not let this go until we find out what happened – on that night, I had to take them up to the police department, we asked the officer there where was the man you arrested. The officer said, ‘he’s back in booking, but we’re going to have to let him go, because we didn’t find nothing.’ The sister I had with me fell on the floor crying saying then you killed my sister for nothing!” And I want to ask this: after every drug raid in the city of Lima on the evening news there is a table, I don’t know where the table is at – somewhere in the police department; there’s this table where they proudly show the drugs, money, guns that they got when they raided the house – where is it at? Where’s the table, Chief? If you’re truthful – there wasn’t nothing.  We’ve watched you do this over and over again.  We’re tired now.  There will be no rest in Lima until we see a change. You can be moved, too. Derry, we got your back. No Justice, No Peace. 

Valerie Glenn – I’m  Malcolm Glenn’s sister. My brother died while in custody of Lima Law Enforcement, and no one has ever given us any answers as to why. We have a webpage now Justice4limaworldpress.com  We’re here to make a change

Candice Parrish – I believe the drugs were placed in the house – we’ve been looking all day for a shirt for Tarika to be buried in. We can’t use Rest in Peace. How could she Rest in Peace? We want to print a shirt that says: Here is Tarika Wilson; do not pass her by

Willie Manley – Chief? It’s about trust. Do you trust the black community? SWAT team on the roof. Mr. President, are there more SWAT members behind the curtain with guns aimed at us as we sit here talking to you?
 

Demetria Sanders – Michael Alexander Sanders died February 28^th, 2007 while in custody. December 12 – Glenn family lost Malcolm – no information given. Mr.Burke died  in 2007 while in custody. Since I’ve come home to take care of my brother’s children, I’ve been followed, my tags ran. I’ve never been arrested. I’ve never been in any trouble. My nephew moved here from California – he’s had weapons pulled on him.  My brother went to court at 1:30 – died at 10:27 that same evening. I believe he was not provided medical attention in a timely manner. You are not the only ones with access, we can do research, too. We need answers.

James Dillard – Here’s a question that could be answered tonight. Derry Glenn is a man highly respected in this community, established – why was he not notified?   

Mayor Berger – Before a raid, no notice is provided. We are not notified. The police visited his house.

Cherie Banks – I am the daughter of a former police officer – served 20+ years – died of leukemia – Lima, do not let this go. Tormented in this town. 

Oscar Jones – Why was Derry’s name released? It was to discredit him. I’m tired of the Lima Police Department. An officer told me, “If y’all could shoot straight, we wouldn’t have to do the paperwork.” We need answers and need to be treated fairly. Remember this: Respect – give it to get it. Where is the remorse? I see you all just sitting there, where is the remorse?

Nakita Simms – When they raided my house, they called the school to make sure kids were there before they came – so you do make arrangements.

And then, finally we heard from the family of Tarika Wilson:

Ivory Lee Austin – (Tarika Wilson’s Brother):  Your men are not trained. You said there has been training – but they’re not trained to deal with the people that they deal with every day. Your officers should be part of the community. Can we get some community training like that? Your officers need to know us, know us as people – not just suspects.   

Tania Wilson (Tarika Wilson’s Sister) – I heard Chief Garlock say on TV the other day – he gave an update on Tarika’s son, Sincere. The Chief said he’s OK. The injuries are not life-threatening. Well, Chief, he’s not OK, lost a finger, he’s got a hole in his shoulder – shot by the police. He had another surgery today. He wakes up shaking. And he looks at me as if to say, “You’re not the one I want to see! Where’s my mama? That’s who I want!” He’s Not OK, Chief. The doctor’s say he may not ever be able to use his arm, he can’t even turn his head like this (she turns to the right) and he shakes, sir, he shakes. Your report says my sister was not a person of interest. Her baby could not have been a person of interest. Who’s going to tell him when he’s older, why he got shot and why they killed his mama?

The next morning, the weekly mayor’s press conference was cancelled, with a note attached from Chief Greg Garlock. The name of the officer who shot Tarika Wilson and her child would be released, perhaps as soon as Wednesday.

Sgt. Joe Chavalia.   On Friday, Chavalia was the SWAT team officer who fired the fatal shots that killed 26-year-old Tarika Wilson during a drug raid at 218 E. Third St.

Wilson was shot twice in the torso. Wilson’s 1-year-old son, Sincere, also was shot in the shoulder and hand.

Chavalia, 52, is a 31-year veteran of the department and has served on the SWAT team for 22 years.

He is the same officer who gave the command to use deadly force during the department’s last fatal shooting in 2000 at the Lima Rescue Home. 

The rest of the week was a flurry of meetings and funeral arrangements – Wilson was being released to her family, the funeral would be held Friday at 1 p.m. 

The funeral was held at Grace World Wide Ministries. In attendance were city officials, members of the community, friends and, of course, Wilson’s family. Her mother held each child up to the casket so they could kiss their mom goodbye for the last time. There were speeches and sermons and warnings but not the usual focus on the person whose life had come to such an abrupt ending. 

The long ceremony may have been too much for Darla Jennings. Tarika Wilson’s mother left the sanctuary for a time. Too long for the children to sit through, and too much about politics, and the community; not enough for this family who have lost someone they love. 

A long line and ceremony at the cemetery. Then, fellowship at the Cheryl Allen Center.  Finally, late in the evening. A chance to rest. At least until the March on Saturday at 4:30.

There has been a rift between the Ministerial Alliance and the leadership at the Cheryl Allen Southside Community Center. The ministers prefer to work behind the scenes without a lot of media attention, moving in deliberate fashion. The center’s preference is undaunted pressure and a show of unity among the residents of the 6^th ward and all of Allen County.

The marchers began to gather at 4:30 p.m., getting signs together and hearing from the liaison of the Southern Christian Leadership Council about how their efforts will bring national leaders to the area. Sheriff Dan Beck had designated officers on horseback and motorcycles to help with traffic control as the marchers made their way from the center to the steps of the Lima Police Department in an effort to demand changes in the way they conducted themselves in different sections of the city. 

By 5:00 p.m. more than 100 people had formed some with signs, some unsure of exactly what to expect, but all positive this was a way to be heard. 

Wilson’s father had said little during all of this, and even now he spoke mainly to others in the crowd. “She was a good girl, a daddy’s girl. And she would call me every few days and say ‘I love you, daddy.’”

The march gained members with every block, still a little shaky – most of them too young to remember songs like “We Shall Overcome” or other freedom calls. But, they were steady. As they passed the home where Wilson was killed they began to chant for Justice. 

“I’m marching for the kids.  Her kids deserve to have an answer as to why they shot their mother down.  They can’t just do something like this, and think they don’t have to answer for it.”

“I’m marching because I have to do something.  I’m confused; I can’t understand why a town like Lima has to have so much pain in it.  People just killed for no reason.  It don’t make no sense”

“We can’t just let this stuff keep happening.  Next week, it could be me or mine.  They’ve got to know we are not just going to keep letting this happen.”

There was news a group of white protesters were on the same path and planned to meet the group head to head. Organizers stopped the marchers and put the men in front, back and on the sides to protect the women and children. A little tension was felt through the crowd, the singing lost a little power; steps were a little more hesitant. At Main and Kibby Streets, the owners of Marcos bar came out handing bottles of water through the crowd. They were met with smiles and thanks; it gave another little boost of encouragement.

Fifth Ward Councilman Tommy Pitts rode up on his motorcycle and explained, the group of whites was not protesting against the march – but in unity with the march. Cheers rang out and the group moved faster. The two groups met and merged together with hugs and handshakes around Main and Eureka Streets. Now the crowd was about 300 strong.

Upon arrival at the police station there were short speeches securing pledges from the crowd they would return next Saturday and every Saturday until the truth was told … a prayer, inspirational song and then dismissal. 

Sunday evening, at Philippian Missionary Baptist Church was packed to the rafters for a Community Healing Service featuring ministers from nearly every denomination. A joining together of the community for healing in unity. The chance that this young girl; a blend of two races might be the key to uniting the city. The service was attended by school teachers and administrators, city and county officials and members of virtually every sector of Allen County. 

Plans continue to be made. Opinions are heard on radio talk shows, read on blogs, some even believe it was Wilson’s fault she was shot. It can be a hard, cold world. 

Whatever happens from this point on, the community now has taken on the responsibility of caring for this family. Making sure those six children still have a chance at life; and that this tragic instance does not become overshadowed by political issues and race relations.

It is still about a 26 year-old mother of six shot in her own home on Friday, January 4 by Officer Joe Chavalia. 

It is still about Tarika Wilson. 

The Lima Third Street Tragedy: The Death of Tarika Wilson Part 1

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