Protest planned to back embattled Black activist

On May 21 people from across Michigan and other parts of the Midwest will converge on Benton Harbor, Mich., in response to a call put out by embattled Black community activist the Rev. Edward Pinkney for a Rally and March for Justice in that small western Michigan city.

On April 18 Pinkney was arrested on outrageous charges of “buying votes” in a recall election for which he had helped petition.

The Berrien County prosecutor, judge and mass media have worked together to overturn the successful recall of a city commissioner who supports the notoriously racist police force. Pinkney, a leader in exposing racist police violence, political corruption and economic discrimination, was then arrested and charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor.

Unwilling to be intimidated and silen ced, Pinkney has responded with legal and political measures. While preparing his own defense, he is also seeking to appeal the court order overturning the recall vote. He has reached out to other activists in the region to help put a spotlight on racism and corruption in Berrien County.

The Detroit-based Michigan Emergency Committee Against War & Injustice quickly responded by issuing a leaflet explaining the case. The group is organizing transportation from southeast Mich i gan for the May 21 event in Benton Harbor. The Michigan Green Party has taken up the call to action. Ann Arbor and Lansing acti vists are also beginning to get out the word.

The May 21 rally will be held at the Benton Harbor Public Library, 215 Wall St. (at Pipestone St.), at 1 PM. For information on transportation from southeast Michigan, call (313) 680-5508. For Ben ton Harbor information, call the Rev. Pinkney at (269) 925-0001.

A leaflet on the case can be downloaded from http://www.mecawi.org.