Thursday, January 26, 2006
A call for help
Sometimes when people try to do the right thing and defend themselves, their neighbors, and their community, they wind up charged with a crime. This seems to be the case here, and in a letter forwarded to me by Ted Glick, the Reverend Edward Pickney asks for our help. To learn how to help him and others get justice, click on the "Read more!" link... Here's what Ted sent out on behalf of Rev. Pickney. I hope each of us, and that will be about forty people, will take a few moments to help these folks in MI.
Help Defend the People's Voice in Benton Harbor, Michigan!.
In Benton Harbor, Michigan, residents last year won a recall vote of a corrupt
city commissioner through a successful campaign led by BANCO (Black
Autonomy Network Community Organization). Then, in an attempt to
circumvent the will of the people, the vote was overturned by a local
judge. In a further outrage, community leader Rev. Edward Pinkney of
BANCO was arrested on trumped-up charges of alleged vote fraud. He faces
a possible sentence of twenty years. His trial is set for March 15,
2006. BANCO won't back down and we need your help. We can't let
authorities disenfranchise voters and squash dissent in Benton Harbor,
or anywhere
*** 10 REASONS TO DONATE $10 TO BANCO'S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND ***
1) Support the right of Benton Harbor citizens to take a stand against a
corrupt political and judicial system
2) Defend the right of Benton Harbor residents to speak out against
injustice without intimidation and reprisals (two key witnesses for the
defense were recently arrested and imprisoned)
3) Stop the disenfranchisement of Benton Harbor voters (a valid recall
election was overturned)
4) Support BANCO's fight against brutality and sexual harassment by police
5) Help balance the odds for activists in a community with 90%
unemployment and under-employment (material aid is needed)
6) Defend our friend and colleague Rev. Pinkney from an unjust trial on
trumped-up charges (several witnesses have been paid to falsely testify
against him)
7) Challenge economic and racial apartheid in the U.S. today
8) Make a positive difference for the cost of a movie or a couple coffees
9) With a donation of $20 or more, request a free BANCO T-shirt
10) Join with others worldwide calling for justice in Benton Harbor.
Together we can make a difference!
*** ACTION ***
To start, we are looking for 100 good people to donate $10 each to
BANCO's legal defense fund. This is phase one of raising the support
needed and is your chance to make a big difference in the fight for a
fair and just outcome of the trial and the recall vote. Supporters are
also asked to come to Benton Harbor for a rally on March 11th and to be
court observers once the trial begins. For more background and details,
see the Web site below.
Go to http://bhbanco.blogspot.com and click on the "Make a Donation"
button for easy online donations.
OR
Make checks payable to "BANCO" and mail to:
BANCO, 1940 Union St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Contributions are tax-deductible. BANCO is a registered 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization.
Contact Rev. Pinkney any time at:
Telephone: 269-925-0001
Email: banco9342@sbcglobal.net
http://bhbanco.blogspot.com
Help Defend the People's Voice in Benton Harbor, Michigan!.
In Benton Harbor, Michigan, residents last year won a recall vote of a corrupt
city commissioner through a successful campaign led by BANCO (Black
Autonomy Network Community Organization). Then, in an attempt to
circumvent the will of the people, the vote was overturned by a local
judge. In a further outrage, community leader Rev. Edward Pinkney of
BANCO was arrested on trumped-up charges of alleged vote fraud. He faces
a possible sentence of twenty years. His trial is set for March 15,
2006. BANCO won't back down and we need your help. We can't let
authorities disenfranchise voters and squash dissent in Benton Harbor,
or anywhere
*** 10 REASONS TO DONATE $10 TO BANCO'S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND ***
1) Support the right of Benton Harbor citizens to take a stand against a
corrupt political and judicial system
2) Defend the right of Benton Harbor residents to speak out against
injustice without intimidation and reprisals (two key witnesses for the
defense were recently arrested and imprisoned)
3) Stop the disenfranchisement of Benton Harbor voters (a valid recall
election was overturned)
4) Support BANCO's fight against brutality and sexual harassment by police
5) Help balance the odds for activists in a community with 90%
unemployment and under-employment (material aid is needed)
6) Defend our friend and colleague Rev. Pinkney from an unjust trial on
trumped-up charges (several witnesses have been paid to falsely testify
against him)
7) Challenge economic and racial apartheid in the U.S. today
8) Make a positive difference for the cost of a movie or a couple coffees
9) With a donation of $20 or more, request a free BANCO T-shirt
10) Join with others worldwide calling for justice in Benton Harbor.
Together we can make a difference!
*** ACTION ***
To start, we are looking for 100 good people to donate $10 each to
BANCO's legal defense fund. This is phase one of raising the support
needed and is your chance to make a big difference in the fight for a
fair and just outcome of the trial and the recall vote. Supporters are
also asked to come to Benton Harbor for a rally on March 11th and to be
court observers once the trial begins. For more background and details,
see the Web site below.
Go to http://bhbanco.blogspot.com and click on the "Make a Donation"
button for easy online donations.
OR
Make checks payable to "BANCO" and mail to:
BANCO, 1940 Union St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Contributions are tax-deductible. BANCO is a registered 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization.
Contact Rev. Pinkney any time at:
Telephone: 269-925-0001
Email: banco9342@sbcglobal.net
http://bhbanco.blogspot.com
// posted by Gregg Jocoy @ 8:43 AM 
