Sultana v. Big Easy Easton Brass Band

On Friday night, the Big Easy Easton Brass Band participated in the City's Christmas parade.  I've had the opportunity to view a few YouTube videos of this group, and they make me feel like I'm at a Mardi Gras in New Orleans. They wear outrageous outfits, even stilts and play with such positive energy that you can't help but smile. Unfortunately, the leader of this fun band - Jeremy Joseph - ran into some negative energy that night for refusing to be deferential to City Council member Taiba Sultana. Sultana not only complained to police that she was harassed by Joseph, but she also made sure to prepare and send a news release to Lehigh Valley News about the incident. She also posted about it on her Facebook page, saying this:

Last night while participating Easton’s Christmas Parade, I was harassed and threatened not because of anything I did wrong, but because some people cannot accept that a woman of color,and a fighter for working families has a seat in power.

And I will not accept this intimidation. Not now. Not ever.

The threats I received in person and the disgusting, violent messages sent to me online are not about me as an individual.

They are an attack on every person who believes in a more just, fair, and inclusive Easton.

This is what happens when you challenge old power structures.

This is what happens when you stand up for working people and seniors.

I have filed a police report. Thanks to the random public cameras for recording the evidence. I have documented every threat.

And I will keep showing up louder, stronger, and more determined than ever.

You cannot bully someone who is rooted in community. You cannot intimidate someone who serves with purpose.And you cannot weaken a movement built on justice.

Easton deserves leadership that does not bow to hate, fear, or harassment.

And that is exactly what I intend to deliver.

Bandleader Jeremy Joseph has a completely different take. Here's his response from his Facebook page.

ok Easton, here we go!

Taiba approached me before our parade, acting like we're friends. I let her know what I think of her political tactics - I told her she doesn't support the people she says she does, that we know what she is after years of watching her on city council - that we know what she is from her own children that told the police on camera that she was physically abusing them. She is a fraud. I am absolutely disgusted by her behavior and political positioning. I said all of this to her, then she proceeded to march in front of my band as we paraded down the street, acting like she's leading the parade - I'm the one who said she has "no shame" as she walked in front of the community band I work so hard to keep going.

Now, you are going to file a report that I was harassing you!!!!! You were getting honest feedback from the community Taiba! Deal with it!

You really have no shame! Councilwoman Taiba Sultana Taiba Sultana - you are not welcome at my parades. (She'll remove this tag)

Sultana insisted on marching in front of the band anyway, as though she was leading it, assisted by her photographer husband.

Joseph went to the police station This is what he learned. 

I just got back from the Easton police station. Taiba had no evidence, video or otherwise. She could not explain to the police what I said that was threatening or harassing. She said I created an “unsafe” environment - which the officer asked, “What was unsafe about it? There was a police officer right there and hundreds of people?” She couldn’t answer.

But yet, she goes to the press and accuses me of violent threats? She posts on her social media accusing me of being racist and sexist. She states I approached her, when there were plenty of witnesses that saw the opposite. She approached me.

Does she just get to get away with this?

Sultana apparently intends to run again for the State House or State Senate so she likes to present herself as a victim of racism, sexism who stands up to bullies. 

Except she's the bully. 

This incident has resulted in public reactions from some people I respect.

Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone: "I’m sorry to read this. You are such an asset to our city. You and the band did us proud again last night." 

Easton City Council member Crystal Rose: "Jeremy, I want to thank you for everything you do for this community. Your dedication to the band and to creating inclusive, positive events for our residents is something I’ve always admired and deeply appreciated. The time, energy, and heart you pour into Easton does not go unnoticed.

I’m genuinely disgusted and disappointed by the behavior you described and I’m sorry you were put in that position. No community volunteer, especially someone who has given as much as you have, should ever have to deal with that kind of conduct or political theatrics. Our residents and our events deserve better.

I’m grateful for your continued commitment to Easton. If there’s anything you need from me, I’m here."

NorCo Dem party Vice Chair Sandy O'Brien: "Try your best to shrug this off, as this type of unhinged behavior can really hurt the person it's directed toward. You are respected and applauded for all you do, and I'm certain that you have tremendous support as people read, and probably chuckle about, her latest quest for relevancy."