YOUNG LESBIANS FROM NEWARK NEED OUR SUPPORT!
On August 18, 2006, seven young African American lesbians traveled to the West Village from their homes in Newark for a regular night out. When walking down the street, a male bystander assaulted them with sexist and homophobic comments. The women tried to defend themselves, and a fight broke out. Thus began the women’s nightmare for a year and counting. Three of the women accepted plea offers. On June 14th, 2007 Venice Brown (19), Terrain Dandridge (20), Patreese Johnson (20), and Renata Hill (24) received sentences ranging from 3 1/2 to 11 years in prison. This outcome illustrates an egregious lack of justice, with homophobia, sexism, racism, and classism as powerful culprits.
The women and their families now call on our communities for support. Their emotional and financial burdens have already been immense. These hardships will only continue as the women begin their prison terms and the process of appeal.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
Keep up to date with the situation, ways you can offer help, and in contact with other community members.
Join the listserve at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justice4newark4
Sign the petition:
petitiononline.com/theseven
Myspace page: myspace.com/isupportthenj4
Myspace group: http://groups.myspace.com/supporthenj4
Check out: www.fiercenyc.org
Email: justice4newark4 [at] yahoo.com
Send monetary donations to help with the women's expenses associated with the case. Currently, FIERCE is accepting donations on their behalf. Please make checks payable to FIERCE and write "Jersey 4" in the memo section. Mail checks to:
New Jersey 4 c/o FIERCE
147 W. 24th St, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10011
Send letters of support to the women in prison to lift their spirits.
Spread the word about this case. Refer people to online information, get everyone involved. Help organize a fundraiser in your community, or a letter-writing get together.
For questions or to volunteer help or new ideas, please send emails to: justice4newark4 [at] yahoo.com
Addresses for letters of support:
Patreese Johnson #07-G-0635
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
PO Box 1000
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Renata Hill #07-G-0636
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
PO Box 1000
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Terrain Dandridge #07-G-0637
Albion Correctional Facility
3595 State School Road
Albion, NY 14411
Venice Brown # 07-G-0640
Albion Correctional Facility
3595 State School Road
Albion, NY 14411
Please make sure to review the below link before sending your letters of support.
New York State Department of Corrections rules for inmates receiving letters:
www.docs.state.ny.us/Directives/4422.pdf
