Tallahassee, FL – On June 19, friends and family held a rally at Tallahassee City Hall demanding to overturn the verdict and sentence against Calvin Riley.
Community members joined the Riley family to speak during public comment at the city commission meeting, which apparently was held despite the Juneteenth holiday. Speakers demanded justice for Calvin Riley after he received a conviction and a DUI sentence, despite proof that a police officer planted evidence on him.
Orlando, FL – On June 15, Orlando for Peace, with the support of civic organizations around Central Florida, created a Memorial for the Children of Gaza on the steps of Orlando City Hall. The event, held the day before Father’s Day, was to remember and mourn the over 15,000 Palestinian children murdered by Israel.
Orlando, FL – Marcus Polzer, a Students for a Democratic Society member at University of Central Florida faced a formal hearing in front of the office for Student Conduct & Academic Integrity (SCAI) on May 30.
The office of SCAI alleged two counts of disruptive conduct, claiming Polzer taped flyers to light poles advertising SDS’s weekly meeting and pro-Palestine messages. Interestingly, while only citing evidence of taped flyers, the university claims the student leader broke rules regarding solicitation and fundraising. Neither Polzer nor the SDS chapter engaged in such activities.
Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville community joined together for a vigil on Tuesday, June 11, to honor the life of 36-year-old Justin Knight. The community joined Knight 's family and friends around the newly rebuilt Friendship Fountain in downtown Jacksonville. Loved ones, along with community members, shared about Knight's life while also demanding answers about his death.
Tampa, FL – In yet another act of political repression against Tampa Bay SDS, the University of South Florida administration has decided to expel SDS member Victoria Hinckley under false charges. Hinckley had previously been suspended and was not allowed to walk at graduation, despite being in her final semester. Admin also suspended international student Joseph Charry for one year, putting his student visa at risk and possibly getting him deported. SDS has been suspended as a campus group.
Tallahassee, FL – On Saturday, June 1, around 25 community members held a rally at Leon County Courthouse to continue to demand that the false and racist charges against Calvin Riley be dropped.
Apopka, FL – On Wednesday, May 15, more than 40 community members gathered to mourn the tragic loss of eight Mexicano migrant workers killed in an automobile accident early Tuesday morning. The vigil was held at the local headquarters of the Farmworkers Association of Florida.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (TAARPR).
The Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression is delighted to announce that all charges on Antwan Glover have been dismissed! This victory would not have been possible without Antwan fighting with us against these false charges. We thank all who participated in the call-ins, email-ins, and attended his court date protests in Bartow.
Tampa, FL – On Monday May 13 community members and students rallied near the MacDill Air Force Base to demand an end to U.S. aid to Israel and an end to the siege on Rafah. The MacDill Air Force Base is home to Central Command (CentCom) which is responsible for aiding Israel in the genocide of Palestinians.
Apopka, FL – On Wednesday, May 1, more than 150 immigrant workers, community members and youth rallied at Kit Land Nelson Park in Apopka for International Workers Day, commonly known as May Day. The central demands of the protest included immigration reform, heat protection for workers, and drivers licenses for all. The event was organized by the Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF).
Chants of “¡Aquí, allá, el pueblo vencerá!” and “¡Si se puede!” echoed through the evening streets of Apopka.
