Take Action!

So far, a bunch of people and groups in various places have organized fundraisers, panels, working sessions, etc. around the Newark 4 case. This is just a forum for people to share organizing stories and ideas, talk about what worked and what didn’t, and for us all to have an idea as to what is going on, organizing wise. Feel free to post links to press about events centered around the Newark 4 case, or to any media projects (video, photo, audio) that you have produced about the case.

What you can do:

1. THE LOVE letters by the People:

As announced , Renata Hill was scheduled to face retrial on October 14th. Supporters from across the country responded by demanding an end to the prosecution of Renata.

As a result of our efforts and court bureaucracy, Renata’s re-trial has been rescheduled to take place on March 4th, 2009.  Since the decision, Venice Brown was awarded time served.

Please spread the word and ask your friends to send additional letters to Robert M. Morgenthau, the District Attorney of New York County. When you send your letter, email freenj4(at)yahoo.com so we can keep a count of the number of new letters dispatched to the D.A.

Use the sample letter below or use your own words. With more pressure, we can end the prosecution of Renata Hill.

***********************

[Your Name]

[Your address]

Robert M. Morgenthau

District Attorney

New York County

1 Hogan Place

New York, NY 10013

[Date]

Re: People vs. Renata Hill

Dear Mr. Morgenthau:

I am writing concerning the case of Renata Hill, who is currently awaiting a retrial on charges stemming from an incident in August 2006. Her conviction for Gang Assault was recently overturned on appeal.

I want to encourage you to stop further prosecution in this case, and to release Ms. Hill so that they may get on with her life. She has already served two years on charges resulting from a street altercation that niether of the two  initiated. While incarcerated, Ms. Hill was separated from her young son. She also suffered the death of her mother, whose memorial she was unable to attend. Since their convictions on Gang Assault charges, the felony convictions against both Ms. Hill and one of her co-defendants were overturned by the appellate courts.

Notably, the complainant in this matter has commenced a multi million dollar lawsuit and runs a website, Dwayne Buckle Foundation for Justice, seeking donations to his cause based on virulent anti-gay and lesbian attacks.

I believe that further prosecution and incarceration of Ms. Hill  would be unjust. Both have been punished enough for her role in the event – both by actual imprisonment, and in the impact that imprisonment has had upon her life. I appreciate any assistance you can provide in preventing any further injustice.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

2. Media:

Do you or folks you know produce media? Media Spokes, Radio Producers, videographers, journalists! We need your help with making press contacts and to reclaim our stories. Interview transcripts and radio production is ready and available on this site for syndication courtesy of National Public Radio’s Making Contact. Please use it.  Get in touch if you would like a press kit or if you can help out. Once Renata’s new trial date is set, we’ll have a lot to accomplish! Email freenj4@yahoo.com or post your information as a comment on this blog.

3. Write Gov. Paterson to remind him of the unjust imprisonment and charges leveled against the seven women.

4. Artists:

We are  calling for queer artists, especially queers artists of color, to design images for mass reproduction. T-shirts, posters, banners, stencil, stickers, armbands, and other free forms are in the works.  Post to the blog or email freenj4@yahoo.com

5. Mobilize

Free the NJ4 Demonstration — March 2 Protest at noon — 1 Hogan Place Manhattan!!!!