Revolution #97, July 29, 2007
October 22, 2007: National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and Criminalization of a Generation
From the Call for October 22, 2007 :
“ No More Stolen Lives! Fight Back! On October 22nd, Wear Black!
“October 22nd has come to be recognized as a concentrated day of resistance—a national day when people all over the country, in different cities and through different means of expression, come together to STOP police violence, repression, and the criminalization of a generation. The nationwide epidemic of police brutality and repression is hidden from many people who would be outraged if they knew what was happening. We must resist the onslaught of police abuse as we work in many different ways to drag this truth out into the light of day. Our resistance will give others courage.
“We wear black on October 22nd in memory of those whose lives have been stolen from us.
“Nicholas Heyward, Sr. (father of Nicholas Heyward, Jr., killed by NYC housing police in 1994) says:
“‘Police brutality has always existed in poor and oppressed neighborhoods. But since September 11, 2001, it has gotten much worse. In order for any justice to be done, it takes a mass number of people coming together for a common cause. Police brutality affects everyone and has to stop. We need as many people as possible to come out this year on October 22nd to support the families of victims of police brutality.’
“Juanita Young (mother of Malcolm Ferguson, killed by NYPD in 2000) adds that resistance is critical:
“‘You can’t give in. They will try to make an example out of you, try to break your spirit. If you don’t resist and keep on fighting, they will be able to get away with what they’re trying to do to us.’"
The full version of the Call is available online at:
For more information, and to contact the National Office of the October 22nd Coalition:
info@october22.org or 1-888-No Brutality
October 22nd Coalition, P.O. Box 2627, New York, N.Y. 10009
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