In the quest for justice for Sean Bell, the Rev. Al Sharpton will launch a months-long civil disobedience campaign. Sharpton said:
If you’re not going to lock up the guilty in this town, then I guess you’re going to have to lock up the innocent.
In an email message to supporters, Sharpton wrote:
The acquittal of the three (3) NYC police in the killing of Sean Bell and wounding of Joe Guzman and Trent Benefield in NY is a threat to all of us. For police to be freed after firing 50 bullets on three unarmed men who were not even suspected, less known engaged in a crime is almost unthinkable.
The protests will kick off on Wednesday at 3 p.m. with “pray-ins” at six locations across New York City:
- One Police Plaza
- 125th Street and Third Avenue
- Third Avenue and 60th Street
- 34th Street and Park Avenue
- Varick and Houston streets
- House of the Lord Pentecostal Church
From there, some protesters will engage in nonviolent acts of civil disobedience. They will submit themselves to arrest. Demonstrators are advised to dress simply, and bring identification and a small amount of money. Sharpton noted:
All they'll know is why we're going. And we're going because the world must see that we're in a climate where the justice system in this state will lock up folks who'll be nonviolent and pray, but will not lock up police.
The spring offensive is modeled after the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The protests will continue on a weekly basis and culminate with a major economic boycott and civil disobedience in July.
For more info, please visit the National Action Network.
No justice, no peace.
