The Bay Area National Lawyer's Guild Demonstrations Committee is ready to provide legal support for folks arrested during demonstrations related to the verdict of the
Mehserle trial. We run a legal hotline during protests and provide free or low-cost legal support for demonstrations and for people expressing dissent by organizing radical volunteer lawyers and legal workers around specific causes. We will be supporting demonstrations following the trial for Oscar Grant's murder. Legal Observers, a legal hotline and attorneys will be organized for the day the verdict is
announced, and however long it is needed following that day. We will provide legal support for anyone expressing their first amendment rights about this brutality.
Feel free to check out our website here:
http://www.nlgsf.org/committees/demo.php
The Demonstrations Committee won the Bay Guardian award in 1998 for "Best Folks to Call if you're Arrested for Civil Disobedience Award." We provide legal support and trainings to progressive groups organizing demonstrations or direct actions; offer legal observer trainings to law students, lawyers and activists; work to respond to police misconduct and protect the right to dissent. One of the ways we provide support, is by running a support hotline while people are on the streets and in jail.
The hotline number to call if you see arrests occurring, are being arrested or have legal questions related to demonstrations is:
*(415) 285-1011
*Remember if you are arrested to say: "I am going to remain silent. I want to see a lawyer."
See you in the streets.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Verdict Expected Soon In Oscar Grant/Johannes Mehersle Case--Community Gatherting @14th & Broadway Oakland, Ca City Hall
A verdict is expected SOON in the case of the Police Officer who
murdered Oscar Grant on a Friutvale BART platform 18 months ago! If you are in the Bay Area:
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WHEN THE VERDICT COMES, GATHER AT 6PM AT 14th AND BROADWAY
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**WHY SHOULD YOU COME?**
1. Because WE WILL NOT BE DIVIDED. Massive street protests were the only thing that forced Mehserle's arrest. Lets remind ourselves that the streets are where people are strong together, where real change is won.
2. Because WE WILL NOT BE PACIFIED. Our anger is justified. It does not need to be “vented” or “cooled-down”. If anything, we need more resistance, more action, more mobilization.
3. Because WE ARE THE VICTIMS OF POLICE VIOLENCE, not the cause of it. Police are the only “outside agitators” in Oakland, and their violent behavior is what concerns us. We all know that police will blame the victim to try and justify their violence, by calling us violent. We won’t be manipulated.
4. Because THIS FIGHT IS NOT OVER. Whatever the verdict, our struggle continues. There is a long way to go to get justice for Oscar Grant, and for all victims of police violence. We need to stay united and active, to end police violence in our communities.
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**HELP US MAINTAIN A SAFE SPACE!**
While the gathering does not have an official “permit”, organizers still intend to maintain a safe space for everyone, and need your help to respect the tone of this rally. The rally will be in the intersection of 14th and Broadway. Organizers are also not planning a march and want to avoid arrests or police activity within this space. Please do not invite police to enter this space or provoke the police from anywhere within or close by to this space. Please do tell everyone you know about this gathering – the best safety is in numbers.
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**HOW TO PREPARE!**
1. Text "follow justiceforoscar" to 40404. You’ll get a text when the verdict comes down and updates about what happens at the protest.
2. Write the legal hotline number (415-285-1011) on your arm or body. Call this number to report arrests or to get legal support if you are arrested..
3. Bring earplugs for you (and some to share). OPD has recently purchased a LRAD sonic "crowd control" device.
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**DON’T BE FOOLED!**
The downtown gathering 14th and Broadway is being put on by legit community organizers who have been working for Justice for Oscar Grant for the last 18 months. Sadly, in recent days there has been a concerted effort by the mayor of Oakland, the OPD, and certain non-profits to disrupt our rally and keep people from gathering together. Please inform yourself and others! Many of those counter-organizing against our 14th and Broadway gathering have done nothing to fight for justice for Oscar Grant, and are more concerned with preventing property damage (helping the police) than they are with getting justice for Oscar Grant.
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NEXT STEPS:
This is not over! There is much new information that has become available during the trial, including the fact that Oscar Grant’s autopsy showed that Officer Tony Pirone’s beating caused serious head injury to Oscar Grant before he was shot by Johannes Mehserle. Our organizing is not over, not even close! Look for information about actions demanding charges for Tony Pirone and Marisol Domenici, the firing of all the other police on the platform, charging the BART police with federal civil rights violations, and the disbanding of the BART police department.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Yes, To Answer Your Question I Have Gone Laker Crazy!!
Laker Haters, Don't Be Jealous Of My Boogie!!!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ugandan Bishop to Visit Bay Area to Speak Against the "Kill the Gays" Movement
Next week, Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda will be visiting the San Francisco-Bay Area.
Anglican Bishop Senyonjo is considered the Desmond Tutu of Uganda for his LGBT inclusive ministry and stance against the very real 'Kill the Gays' movement in Uganda. The Bishop is on a U.S. speaking tour principally sponsored by Integrity USA, a 35 year old Episcopalian LGBT organization.
Bishop Christopher Senyonjo is a 78 year old grandfather of 11, and has been married for over 30 years. Because of his LGBT inclusive ministry and stance against the policies of genocide of LGBT people, he has been stripped of his Bishop status by the Church of Uganda. Upon his return to Uganda, he faces arrest and imprisonment.
Please see below for more information about the very active 'Kill the Gays' movement in Uganda.
Equality California, the African American Arts and Culture Complex, the SF LGBT Community Center and the Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition are honored to serve as co-hosts for the Bishop's San Francisco visit.
Honorary Community Hosts include:
Susan B. Christian Angela Brown + Julius Turman + Dr. Kenneth Monteira
Reverend Roland Stringfellow + Dr. Billy Curtis + Dr. Erica Britton
Joel Brown + Bennie Mackie + Timothy Silard + Lawrence C. Shorter
Please save the date(s) to attend both or either of the following events to meet Bishop Senyonjo, hear his story, and the fight to end the very active 'kill the gays' movement:
SPECIAL COMMUNITY RECEPTION
African American Arts & Culture Complex
762 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA
MONDAY, MAY 24 2010
6:30pm-8pm
Refreshments
SPECIAL EVENING FORUM WITH BISHOP SENYONJO
San Francisco LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
TUESDAY, MAY 25 2010
6:30pm-8pm
Moderated by Reverend Roland Stringfellow
Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations
Seating is Limited, So Arrive On Time
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Defying Gravity...
This past Thursday evening I got a chance to see one of my all time favorite singing groups, "Sweet Honey In The Rock". I've posted many times about them and their music so I won't go into too much detail, but just know I think they are the ultimate when it comes to performing music with a message as well as being entertaining.
On yesterday Friday I got to be a vocal workshop with one of the founding members Louise Robinson.
She had performed a full concert the night before and the group also had performed for school children on the morning of the workshop. Admittedly tired she gave so much of herself as a teacher and person in our workshop we all left floating, yes defying gravity.
It was a group of about 40 people. I was only one of the two men there but it didn't matter it was all about connecting to the "Beingness" of the experience. I met some amazing people and look forward to sharing with them in the future.
We used our bodies, our voices, and creativity to share ourselves as people and artists. The group consisted of singers of all levels and backgrounds but everyone shared in the experience.
After leaving I realized how much I love art, performing, and sharing. She really inspired me to continue on. I can't say I was having doubts but it's always great to get a nudge of inspiration and some confirmation that you are on the right path!
On yesterday Friday I got to be a vocal workshop with one of the founding members Louise Robinson.
She had performed a full concert the night before and the group also had performed for school children on the morning of the workshop. Admittedly tired she gave so much of herself as a teacher and person in our workshop we all left floating, yes defying gravity.
It was a group of about 40 people. I was only one of the two men there but it didn't matter it was all about connecting to the "Beingness" of the experience. I met some amazing people and look forward to sharing with them in the future.
We used our bodies, our voices, and creativity to share ourselves as people and artists. The group consisted of singers of all levels and backgrounds but everyone shared in the experience.
After leaving I realized how much I love art, performing, and sharing. She really inspired me to continue on. I can't say I was having doubts but it's always great to get a nudge of inspiration and some confirmation that you are on the right path!
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