BMoreUnited.org (BMU) is a grass roots organization in Baltimore, Maryland. BMU is dedicated to the development and growth of all neighborhoods throughout our city with an emphasis on activism in the following areas:

BMU is committed to ending the abuse of power by the elected local government.

BMU is committed to ending the abuse of power by police.

BMU is committed to ending the abuse of power by corporations.

BMU endeavors to strengthen its local community through continued dialogue, non violent engagement, and providing for those in need.

'21223...Respect me'

Message From the Founders

BMoreUnired.Org was founded on December 11, 2009 by Christopher Taylor and Robert Giroux as a response to the unjustified arrest of Mr. Taylor on the steps of his home in West Baltimore.

The incident highlighted the need for an examination of the meaning of community policing and the policies of a zero tolerance law enforcement approach. In an effort to host a community dialogue on these issues, BMU has created its first outreach project entitled '21223...Respect me.'

The goals of the project are simple: listen to the stories of the community regarding current police interactions with our community, engage the police department concerning tactics unfit for our community, and monitor police, on a local level, to ensure compliance with existing policy concerning professional behavior.

To better understand the meaning of 'tactics unfit for our community' within the context of the outreach project, BMU offers the following three immediate areas of concern:

Abusive Language

Language used by police officers which is offensive in meaning, tone, and utterance. Profanity, racial slurs, sexist terms, and words used to demean only.

Excessive Force

Once in handcuffs, a person should not be hit, slapped, kicked, beaten, or clubbed. It's that simple and on this issue BMU adopts a zero tolerance policy.

Harassment

Unwarranted physical and verbal contact with a member of our community while on duty. In particular people of color, women, and teenagers.

We ask that those who read this message prepare a statement for submission to the Community section of this website. Please tell BMU of your recent or past experience regarding the initial three (3) areas of concern with the police department.

We look forward to your stories in the Community Section of BMU, your insights as the Project progresses, and your most valued support.

Thank you for your commitment to unity.

With peace,

Christopher Taylor

Robert F.X.Giroux

BMoreUnited.Org (BMU) has adopted Dr. King’s six principles of non-violent resistance:

1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.

2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

3. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.

4. Nonviolence holds that suffering for a cause can educate and transform.

5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.

6. Nonviolence holds that the universe is on the side of justice and that right will eventually prevail.