News and Views from the People's Struggle
Los Angeles, CA – On June 27, the family and friends of Paul Rea, the loved ones of other victims of police brutality, and community supporters like Centro CSO gathered for his 4th angelversary at the site where he was killed by East LA sheriff's deputies in 2019. Beginning in the early evening, Rea’s family set up candles and posters before releasing balloons to remember his passing.
Minneapolis, MN – On June 28, the Climate Justice Committee gathered with around 20 community members outside the former Minneapolis Police Department 3rd Precinct building to stand in solidarity with Atlanta Forest Defenders, who called for a national week of action to stop Cop City as intense political repression continues on the frontlines of that fight. The protest also called for a local demand: no new 3rd Precinct building in Minneapolis.
Fighting for justice one year later
Milwaukee, WI – On Monday, June 26, the family of Brieon Green held a balloon release to mark one year since his passing. Green’s family has been fighting for justice with the help of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) and the Justice for Brieon Green Coalition. This fight has taken many forms – from marching in the streets to meeting with the district attorney and the Milwaukee County sheriff.
East Los Angeles, CA – On May 27, East LA residents, impacted family members, and supporters united against the new formation of two separate deputy gangs in the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department as well as the vicious escalation in deputy-involved killings.
Aurora, CO – On June 16, the family of Jor’Dell Da’Shawn Richardson laid their child to rest with an outpouring of community support. Meeting at the Aurora Municipal Center, the body of Jor’Dell Richardson was brought in its hearse to the complex containing both City Hall and Police Department Headquarters. The family was surrounded by members of the community in the pouring rain.
New York demands justice for Caesar Robinson
NYC, NY – Just over two months after 78-year-old Caesar Robinson was murdered in his Brooklyn home by the NYPD, activists led by New York Community Action Project (NYCAP) rallied in front of the 81st Police Precinct to demand justice. Activists called for the NYPD to release the body camera footage as well as the names of the officers who shot and killed Robinson in his own apartment.
Chicago, IL – Our perspective on the elections must be based on a sober, scientific analysis that assesses the relationship of forces in this moment in order to find the pathway forward. We believe that objective social relations in the final analysis is what determines subjective evaluations. In other words, we must take every precaution to make sure that every policy change, every tactical adjustment and firming up of our strategy is soundly rooted in a concrete analysis of concrete conditions.
Aurora, CO – On June 9, the bodycam footage documenting the police killing of Black youth Jor’Dell Richardson, 14, was released during a press conference given by Aurora Police Department Interim Chief Art Acevedo. The family and community organizers responded in kind with a press conference of their own, to counter the police narrative and march for accountability.
Atlanta, GA – More than 1000 protesters gathered on June 5 at the Atlanta City Hall for public comment before a crucial city council vote which would officially fund Cop City, the $90 million police training facility scheduled to be constructed on the south side of Atlanta. The protesters arrived throughout the day, some as early as 7 a.m., to sign up to speak to the Council. By 1 p.m., 357 people were signed up for public comment.
Chicago, IL – On Saturday, June 3, newly sworn-in Police District Councilors, community groups and survivors of police misconduct gathered at Gorham Methodist Church on Chicago's South Side for the inaugural People's Hearing on Police Crimes.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the family of Jor'Dell Richardson and the Denver-Aurora Community Action Committee.
Milwaukee, WI – On Sunday, May 28, dozens of community members gathered at Lucille Berrien Park for the official unveiling of a new mural to commemorate Lucille. The mural came about through a collaborative effort between the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, True Skool Inc., and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation.
Seattle, WA – On Tuesday, May 30, around 15 community members came together in protest at the Federal Courthouse at a hearing on whether to lift the consent decree placed on the Seattle Police Department. The consent decree was placed in 2012 after an investigation found a pattern of officers using excessive force. It required policy changes and other measures in order to comply with federally mandated standards on policing.
Grand Rapids, MI – On Saturday, May 27, 60-plus community members gathered in Martin Luther King Park for a march to demand justice for Patrick Lyoya. Lyoya was a 26-year-old Congolese refugee murdered by Grand Rapids Police Department Officer Christopher Schurr last year. Peter Lyoya, Patrick’s father, is determined to keep public focus on the case to stop the city and Schurr’s defense team from further delaying a trial.
Milwaukee, WI – Thursday, May 25 marked the three-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder by killer cop Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. George Floyd’s murder sparked a rebellion in which millions took to the streets in the U.S. and around the world. His murder resonated in Milwaukee, a city with countless victims of police crimes. To commemorate George Floyd and all victims of police crimes in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) organized a vigil.
Peoria, IL – Activists, family members and supporters of Anthony Gay rallied outside the U.S. Central District Court in Peoria, Tuesday morning, May 23. Members of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression led the group in chanting, “Free, free Anthony Gay” and “The people united will never be defeated” before entering the courthouse for Anthony’s sentencing hearing.
Jacksonville, FL – On May 21, the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and the family of Vernell Bing Jr., under the leadership of Vernell’s mother, Ms. Shirley, celebrated the Third annual Red Day at A. Phillip Randolph Park. With chants of “Justice for Lil Red,” over 70 people came out to enjoy food and music while hearing from families of those affected by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) police terror.
Appleton, WI – Family, friends and community members gathered in downtown Appleton this weekend to demand justice for Jimmie Sanders on the sixth anniversary of his murder at the hands of the Appleton Police Department.
Atlanta, GA – Several activists were arrested and charged with felonies for the crime of hanging up flyers demanding justice for Manuel “Tortuguita'' Terán, a forest defender who was shot 57 times and murdered by Georgia State Patrol in January 2023.
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Denver, CO – A dozen concerned residents rallied Saturday, May 13, to demand justice in the case of a police shooting that wounded seven last summer. As bars were letting out in Lower Downtown on the night of July 17, 2022, three DPD officers attempted to stop 21-year-old Jordan Waddy who they suspected of being involved in an altercation earlier that evening.
