#blackpride4

Donations are welcome, we’re raising money so that every Community Pride event, including the Festival, will be free to attend.

you can watch the video of the police brutalizing these protesters, TW police brutality: https://www.facebook.com/mijente2015/videos/737118806470851/

Ten people marched, pleading, “Have mercy on us, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger into water and cool our tongues, for we are in agony in this fire.” With a white, blinding, light, the police descended upon them with bicycles, mace and handcuffs. (oh yes, that white bright guilt hurts but not like the mace). They shouted as they knocked them to the ground, BACK UP, BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD. Truly, I say to you, I am the Lord, your God, who brought you out of slavery. Follow my commands: Thou shalt not walk in thy neighborhood at night. Thou shalt not reach for thy wallet. Thou shalt not sleep peacefully in thy black grandmother’s home. Thou shalt not attend a party. Thou shalt not sell single cigarettes. Thou shalt not drive with a broken tail light. Thou shalt not make any improper lane change. Thou shalt not exist in a vehicle which may be subject to a routine traffic stop. Thou shalt not exist in a body with dark skin. Thou shalt not exist.

URGENT: Activists held a silent protest at #ColumbusPride to commemorate the death of Philando Castile. They were met within less than forty seconds with mass violence by the police, who deployed their bikes, mace and batons as arms against these peaceful protesters. The crowd cheered in support of the police, instead of linking arms and support for Philando Castile, Columbus activists, and anti-police brutality. 4 activists were arrested and detained, awaiting bail. There is a page available to fundraise for their bail [link below]. One is awaiting bail made available on Monday-- we must stand in support of our fellow activists and comrades in times of heightened police brutality. Free the #blackpride4 https://www.youcaring.com/fourfolkswhoneedbailmoney-852184 https://www.facebook.com/events/1018920178242939/?ti=cl YOUCARING FOR BAIL MONEY: https://www.youcaring.com/fourfolkswhoneedbailmoney-852184?utm_source=frlive&utm_content=cf_cp_01

#FREETHEBLACKPRIDE4 NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION Join GetEQUAL, Black Queer Intersectional Columbus, and organizers across the nation as we stand up to demand justice for the BlackPride4! NYC MEET AT BARCLAYS CENTER @ 6:30PM — GROUNDING @ 6:30PM — RALLY w/ SPEAKERS @ 7:00PM — CHANT & CLOSE @ 7:30PM If you believe #BlackTransLivesMatter, show up. If you believe #BlackQueerLivesMatter, show up. If you believe ALL #BlackLivesMatter, show up. We refuse to go silently. #ColumbusIsGuilty #OverhaulStonewall --------- BACKGROUND: On June 17th, 2017, four Black Queer and Trans people – now known as the BlackPride4 – were arrested while peacefully protesting the Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade. They protested to call attention to violence against trans women of color, marginalization of queer and trans people of color (POC) in the larger LGBTQIA+ community, and the lack of charges against the officers that murdered Henry Green and Tyre King. After 8 months of widespread protest and outrage at the clear criminalization of black bodies, three of the #BlackPride4 were brought to trial on February 5th, 2018. Suffering through a week of exhausting and retraumatizing proceedings, during which LGBT Center Stonewall Columbus testified on BEHALF of the state. Wriply, Ashley, and Kendall were found guilty of 6/8 charges on February 12th. ---------- We must continue to speak out against these appalling injustices that destroy the lives of Black Queer and Trans folx. The #BlackPride4 should not have been targeted and arrested for expressing their constitutional rights. WAYS TO SUPPORT NOW! >>> Sign this petition to the asking Judge Cynthia Ebner to issue minimal sentencing: https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/minimum-sentencing-for-the-blackpride4

After the chaos that ensued in the Pride parade leading to 4 people being arrested and then being asked to play the official Pride Festival I was a little bit confused. I was honored to play but didn't want to alienate people of the black lgbtq community. I decided to donate some of the money from my performance to a cause that would help people like the#blackpride4 I want to stand with ever person that's been marginalized and the Stonewall Pride group seems to be making progress, I hope they continue in this path. I appreciate them asking me to play and I appreciate everything the ACLU does to help protect people's rights. I thought this would be a great organization to donate to in this time in this country and after the blackpride4 incident. It's not much money but In hope you will read this and donate too. #doyourpart #aclu #justalittlegoesalongway

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy has been fighting for black trans women for more than 40 years. She says this festival is a start.

Columbus Community Pride’s celebration culminates this Saturday with a Pride festival at Mayme Moore Park.  All are welcome.