February, 2006

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DEFEND THE PEOPLE'S VOICE IN BENTON HARBOR!

BY THE BLACK AUTONOMY NETWORK COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

In Benton Harbor, Michigan, residents won a recall vote of a corrupt city commissioner through a successful campaign led by BANCO (Black Autonomy Network Community Organization). Then, in an attempt to circumvent the will of the people, the vote was overturned by a local judge (in the hip pocket of the Whirlpool Corporation). In a further outrage, community leader Rev. Edward Pinkney of BANCO was arrested on trumped-up charges of alleged vote fraud. He faces a possible sentence of 20 years. His trial is set for March 15, 2006. But BANCO won't back down and your help is needed. If we let authorities disenfranchise voters and squash dissent in Benton Harbor, it will happen somewhere else next.

We are looking for 100 good people to donate $10 each to BANCO's legal defense fund. This is your last chance to make a big difference in the fight for a fair and just outcome of the trial and the recall vote. Supporters are asked to come to Benton Harbor for a Rally on March 11 against Whirlpool at High Noon at the Hopewell Church, 796 Highland, Benton Harbor. Also, be a court observer for Rev. Edward Pinkney once the trial begins at the

Berrien County Courthouse, March 14,15,16,17, 2006, 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, Michigan, at 8:30 a.m. See details at the Web site below.

Ten Reasons to Donate $10 to BANCO's Legal Defense Fund

1) Support the right of Benton Harbor citizens to reform a corrupt political and judicial system
2) Defend the right of Benton Harbor residents to speak out against injustice without intimidation and reprisals
3) Stop the disenfranchisement of Benton Harbor voters
4) Support BANCO's fight against brutality and sexual harassment by police
5) Help balance the odds for activists in a community with 90% unemployment and under-employment (material aid is needed)
6) Defend our friend and colleague Rev. Pinkney from an unjust trial on trumped-up charges
7) Challenge economic and racial apartheid in the U.S. today
8) Make a positive difference with the cost of a movie or a couple coffees
9) With a donation of $20 or more, request a free BANCO T-shirt
10) We need your help. Together we can make a difference!

Go to bhbanco.blogspot.com and click on the "Make a Donation" button for easy online donations OR make checks payable to BANCO and mail to: BANCO, 1940 Union St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. For tax deductible donations write 'legal defense' in the memo field. BANCO is a registered non-profit organization. Contact Rev. Pinkney any time at: 269-925-0001 or email banco9342@sbcglobal.net.

"Tom" of the Year Award:

"Benton Harbor's City Manager received the 'Tom of the Year Award' on Rev. Martin Luther King's birthday for giving the city of Benton Harbor to the Whirlpool Corporation. City Commissioner Glen Yarbrough was second, followed by City Commissioner Ralph Crenshaw."
- Rev. Edward Pinkney

From The People's Tribune:

The little bit of democracy left in America is being destroyed. The corporations need to stop the growing movement of the poor for a new society. They are doing this by gaining victory after small victory. That is why the Benton Harbor struggle is so important. We must confront the corporations at every turn. The first step is to defend our leaders.

Order copies of the People's Tribune to get the word out:
Call 800-691-6888 or email info@peoplestribune.org. Copies are 50 cents a piece. Readers donate $1 for each copy. Mail check to PT, c/o Circulation, PO Box 3524, Chicago IL 60654-3524