WEEKEND EDITION: JUNE 7, 2020

For Joshua Williams:

At 18 years old, Joshua Williams was arrested for stealing a bag of chips and lighting a QuikTrip trash can on fire during the 2014 Ferguson, MO protests. Williams became a "well-known and well liked" activist in Ferguson. He plead guilty to first-degree arson and second-degree burglary (for...a...bag...of....chips!). With no prior criminal record, he was sentenced to 8 years in prison (full storyhere). He is up for parole this month!

1) Sign this petition to tell Missouri Governor Mike Parson to release Joshua. 2) Write the Parole Board directly using templates available here. Full website with all resources here. 

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Educational: 

Necessary preamble:imagining and working towards a police-free future is not the work of a single day. It's the work of a lifetime so that we can build a just, equitable future for all. Today, you'll find a variety of materials that provide different perspectives on what this future could look like. 

3) What is the difference between defunding the police and abolishing the police? ThisVox articleoffers insights into how the rallying cry of "Defund the Police!" differs from congressional definitions of defunding resources and how both differ from moving to abolish the police.It also demonstrates how U.S. confidence in the police has been on a steady decline since the early 2000s (graphic below). As suggested for all materials shared in this newsletter, please read the article in full. 

4) For readers who may be new to this concept, I understand how it may seem radical. Former President Obamahosted a town-hallon reimagining policing that gives voice to a range of viewpoints. Obama is joined by Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, President of Color of Change Rashad Robinson, Minneapolis City Council Representative Phillipe Cunningham, and MBK Columbus Youth Leader Playon Patrick, in a conversation moderated by Campaign Zero co-founder Brittany Packnett Cunningham.

5) But if we abolished the police, who would I call? Wouldn't less police mean more chaos? Not necessarily! Please review this excellent zine organized by Minneapolis based MPD_150 on how investing in more community resources, instead of relying on the cops, could provide a safer future! 

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Resource-Sharing Jackpot:

6)This spreadsheet organized by Jodi Taylor and L is a resource-sharing jackpot. It details petitions to sign, black business to support, places to donate and more. I'm going to keep this included moving forward so that you can always click on it to see the innumerable other movements and actionable items out there.