JACKSON PAYS VISIT, PLANS PROTEST MARCH

Before a cheering crowd of hundreds, the Rev. Jesse Jackson vowed to return
to North Charleston on Dec. 16 for a "major demonstration" aimed at drawing
attention to the Goose Creek police drug raid at Stratford High School and
the shooting death by North Charleston police officers of a mentally ill
black man who shoplifted meat from a grocery store.

Jackson arrived Thursday in response to outcry from members of the
community, including black leaders and parents concerned over the Nov. 5
drug search of students at Stratford High School.

"We need to move from a racial battleground to economic common ground and
moral higher ground," the Greenville native and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH
Coalition told the crowd of about 500 people.

The Stratford raid was followed two days later by the shooting death of
Asberry Wylder, who police said shoplifted meat from a Rivers Avenue
grocery store then tried to stab a police officer trying to arrest him.
Both incidents have been a lightning rod for concern in the black community.

Jackson called on those gathered at St. Paul AME Church on Rivers Avenue to
turn "these crucifixions of sorts into a resurrection."

As part of that, he said he plans a march for 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in North
Charleston, the state's third-largest city. No other details regarding the
march were available Thursday, a Jackson spokesman said.

"Dec. 16 will be a major demonstration," Jackson told the crowd. "There is
power in the pitter-patter of our marching feet."

Earlier in the day, Solicitor Ralph Hoisington announced he would not
prosecute Goose Creek police but said state Attorney General Henry McMaster
would review the report by the State Law Enforcement Division and decide
whether crimes had occurred.

Jackson made it clear he thought the treatment of the students was
unacceptable.

"Some child who looked down the gun barrel in Goose Creek might have in his
mind the cure for cancer," Jackson said of the raid, which turned up no
drugs. "Some child who looked down the gun barrel in Goose Creek might have
in his mind a vision for world peace that has alluded us."

Jackson noted the frustration of residents angry over Wylder's death at the
hands of white police officers.

He called on people in North Charleston and throughout the Lowcountry to
take their frustration to the polls.

"Asberry is gone, but his mother can vote. His brothers and sisters can
vote," said Jackson, adding that he wanted to increase his organization's
presence in South Carolina. "They killed Asberry, but the Wylders keep on
coming."

Witness statements from the Wylder shooting said Wylder was shot once by
police, fell to the ground, was handcuffed, then was beaten and shot again.
North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt called the witness statements
"fabrications" the day after the shooting.

"In the Rodney King case, they looked at the video and said it was a lie,
too," Jackson said after his speech.

Jackson and his staff said they hope to meet with Zumalt to discuss the
incident.

Jackson met with the Wylder family and family members of Stratford High
School students for dinner at the Master Chef to offer condolences and advice.

Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard attended the dinner and the
speech and said he plans to introduce measures to improve community
relations between Charleston police and residents in light of the North
Charleston and Goose Creek incidents.

"This affects us all, and, to me, sensitivity courses should be mandatory
for police to improve racial relations," Gilliard said. "We need to let
(police) know that theirs is a position to be respected."

Many of those interviewed Thursday said they were honored that Jackson had
traveled to North Charleston to lend his support. Others said they hoped
his speech and the upcoming march would spark more initiative from local
leaders.

"We should not have to have a leader that comes from out of town," said
Cyril Richardson of North Charleston. "We need leadership here. What
happens when Jesse Jackson gets back on the plane and goes home?"

North Charleston resident Michael Bartley said residents needed the
inspiration and encouragement that Jackson offered.

"We will keep this going. It had to start from somewhere," he said.

James Patterson said his wife and 10-year-old daughter witnessed Wylder's
shooting and it greatly affected their lives.

"My daughter can't sleep. She dreams about it," he said. "It is constantly
in her mind."

Others were more reserved, saying that while they appreciated Jackson's
support, they feared it would do little more than stoke the fires.

"This is not going to help in the long run," Sam Jackson said. "It is just
going to add more attention to it. That's all."

Jesse Jackson said North Charleston and Goose Creek residents can make a
difference if they take action.

"A vigilant community will demand a follow-up investigation," he said. "A
sleeping community will not accomplish anything."

Later Thursday night after his speech, a nervous little girl approached the
weary Jackson in a small office at the back of St. Paul AME and slowly
extended a sheet of paper and a pen.

His large hands taking the pen and paper from her tiny fingers, Jackson
signed his name.

"Trauma is great, but children can overcome," Jackson said, reclining
slowly in his chair.