Defend the Right to Vote In Benton Harbor!
Stop the Frame-up of Rev. Edward Pinkney!

On Monday, April 18 2005, Benton Harbor police arrested activist and civil rights leader, the Rev. Edward Pinkney, an outspoken organizer against police brutality and economic devastation in that largely African American city. He has been charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor because of his leadership in a successful election recall of a City Commissioner who strongly supports the police chief.

Benton Harbor's Black community rose in rebellion against police brutality in June of 2003. Massive repression followed the uprising. The city was occupied by 200 state and local police armed with armored personnel carriers, helicopters and dogs. Rev. Pinkney was a leader of a large civil rights march in Benton Harbor following the rebellion. His continuing activities to expose police brutality, fight for jobsand investment in Benton Harbor and to expose the racist courts and political machine that operates in Berrien County has angered the ruling elite.

Rev. Pinkney led a successful petition drive that put the recall of City Commissioner Glenn Yarbrough on the
ballot. Yarbrough, brother of former mayor Charles Yarbrough and supporter of police chief Samuel Harris, was voted out of office in the Feb. 22 recall vote.

Unwilling to accept the will of the people, the County prosecutor went to court to overturn the election.
Pressure was reportedly brought on one witness to testify that Rev. Pinkney "bought votes for $5 each".  The media also went along with this frame-up with articles denouncing Pinkney and attacking his character. Other charges include "attempting to influence absentee voters" and helping voters who couldn't read to fill out their ballots! Chief Judge Paul Maloney overturned the recall of Yarbrough and ordered a new recall election to be held August 2. Rev. Pinkney's arrest followed only a few days later.

The very day of Rev. Pinkney's arrest, members of Benton Harbor's African American community once again packed City Hall to protest another case of police brutality. Ms. Alzeni Crumble, a county probation officer, had been stopped by two white Benton Harbor cops earlier in the day. The police assaulted Ms. Crumble and threw her to the ground, according to witnesses and others who viewed the police video tape of the incident.

Supporters of Rev. Pinkney are holding a march and rally protect the right to vote, to demand that the frame-up charges against him be dropped and for an end to police brutality and racism in Berrien County.

Donations are needed for his defense. Checks can be made payable to Attorney Tat Parish and sent c/o Rev. Edward Pinkney, 1940 Union Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

Rally & March for Justice
MAY 21, 2005 - 1 PM
Benton Harbor Public Library
215 Wall Street (at Pipestone St.)

(I-94, exit 33, about 5 lights turn left on Pipestone, go one block)
(start in detroit, proceed on I-94 to BH)

issued by: Michigan Emergency Committee Against War & Injustice - www.mecawi.org 

for transportation information call 313-680-5508

to speak to Rev. Pinkney call: 269-925-0001

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