A C T I O N A L
E R T…A C T I O N A L E R T…A C T I O N A L E R T...A C T I O N A
L E R T
All-White Jury Convicts
Black Grassroots Leader
Rev. Edward Pinkney of Benton Harbor, Michigan
On false charges of “election fraud”
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Background: Benton Harbor Michigan is 94% Black with an average income of $8,000. Across the river is St. Joseph, world headquarters of the Whirlpool Corporation, nearly all white, $41,000 average income. In 2003 the police killing of a young Black man erupted in so-called riots in Benton Harbor. Rev. Pinkney was already publicly identified as a leader of the overwhelmingly Black disadvantaged community. Rev. Pinkney works with his wife Dorothy and others in the Black Autonomy Network of Community Organizations(BANCO). Together they organized the regular monitoring of courthouse proceedings, pickets of the local newspaper, and openly named those involved in corrupt and racist practices.
When the CEO of Whirlpool announced a “development plan” for 465 riverfront acres in Benton Harbor, BANCO and Rev. Pinkney were outspoken in their opposition to this land grab that would do nothing for those of us who have nothing. They successfully recalled a City Commissioner for being in the pocket of Whirlpool, but the recall was overturned and the Commissioner reinstated. Meanwhile the power elite attempted to criminalize Rev. Pinkney, accusing him of election fraud, and charging him with paying $5 for votes and being in possession of absentee ballots. |
The first trial, whose jury included two Black people, ended in a hung jury. A new trial was ordered.
During the second trial, as in the first, the Black residents of Benton Harbor came out in support of Rev. Pinkney both inside and around the courthouse. Despite lack of evidence or credible witnesses for the prosecution, on March 21, 2007 the all-white jury found Rev. Pinkney guilty of election fraud, and he now faces 20 years in prison. He is currently under house arrest as his appeal goes forward. Sentencing has been set for May 14 (see article following for more on the charges and trial).
The case of Rev. Pinkney is yet another example of anti-racism criminalized and put on trial. It is an attempt to silence the voice of grassroots Black people, to undercut the efforts of those with the least who demand accountability of those in power, to maintain the legacy of racism and poverty, and to make a way for even further exploitation. It is time for national civil rights leaders and elected officials to act. But we can’t wait for them. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US MUST ACT NOW! |
Letters of support are urgently needed
PLEASE WRITE TO: The Honorable Alfred M. Butzbaugh, Berrien County Circuit Court, 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, Michigan, 49085-1187, regarding the case of Rev. Edward Pinkney. (Do not mail your letters to the judge instead you must send to address of the attorney listed below)
BUT MAIL LETTERS TO: Hugh M. Davis, Constitutional Litigation Associates, P.C., 450 West Fort Street, Suite 200, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. Phone: 313-961-2255; Fax: 313-961-5999; email: conlitpc@sbcglobal.net: Suggested points for letters:
Ø How distressing and suspicious it is that an all-white jury sat in judgment of a Black community activist, 50 years after the civil rights movement fought and won just representation on juries.
Ø The importance of Rev. Pinkney's work as a community activist, and that free speech be protected.
Ø Personalize your letter. If you have any direct experience with Rev. Pinkney, describe it – what he did, how he helped, what you saw and how he never acted for personal gain.
Ø Prison is the last place for Rev. Pinkney. All of us are attacked if such a community resource is imprisoned – the community needs him. Prisons are already disproportionately filled with Black people and other people of color.
Ø Let the Judge know that you believe that Rev. Pinkney should not serve any time in prison, not even a short sentence, when the serious issues are still to be decided on appeal, which could take years. The judge should not presume the outcome by refusing Rev. Pinkney bail.
Send tax-deductible donations toward the appeal to BANCO, 1940 Union St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Contact the Congressional Black Caucus and ask for an immediate investigation into this injustice. Phone 202-226-9776, mail to 2264 Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20515.
Contact your Congressional Representative. For phone number and address call 202-224-3121.
Action alert issued by the Global Women’s Strike and Women of Color in the GWS. Mail to PO Box 86681, Los Angeles, CA 90086,
email la@crossroadswomen.net. Send a copy to attorney Hugh Davis, above