September, 2006

Voices from Benton Harbor, Mich.

Detroit Labor Party Rallies for Benton Harbor Warrior

By Marian Kramer, Co-Chair, Detroit Chapter of the Labor Party

Jim Bish, (right) treasurer for the Detroit Labor Party Chapter and retired member of UAW Local 6000 (state employees), addresses the Rally. At left, from left to right, a worker from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, and Warrington Bryant and Gwen Gaines from the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. PHOTOS/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM

The Detroit Chapter of the Labor Party held a Fundraiser for the defense of Rev. Edward Pinkney of Benton Harbor, Mich., on August 12, 2006. Rev. Pinkney is scheduled to go back to trial on September 19, 2006, after his first trial ended in a hung jury. He is being charged with voter fraud. Rev. Pinkney's trial is key to the democratic rights of the working class. It is about the right to recall candidates and our ability to vote. The rally was attended by representatives of Call'em-Out!, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, members of Central United Methodist Church, the Highland Park Human Rights Coalition, workers from the Detroit Department of Water and Sewerage, and community activists.

The Labor Party is determined to free Rev. Pinkney, because he is one of the front-line fighters against the injustice being waged against the working class and especially the poorest workers. This fight in Benton Harbor is about Whirlpool Corp. trying to push the community out and preserve the town for Whirlpool. Struggles like Benton Harbor show why we must build our Labor Party. We need a political party that fights in the interests of the working class.

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO FREE REV. PINKNEY. CALL, EMAIL AND WRITE MICHIGAN GOV. GRANHOLM TO GET THE CHARGES DROPPED TO FREE REV. EDWARD PINKNEY.

For information on the Rev. Pinkney Defense Committee, contact BANCO, 1940 Union St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022, email: banco9342@sbcglobal.net, or call 269-925-0001.

For information on the Labor Party, write: 29136 Tessemer Court, Madison Heights, MI 48071.