Above photo: Atlanta Forest Solidarity Banner in Washington DC. Shut Down DC.
The organizing against Cop City continues. Over 70% of Atlanta residents do not want it. For years, the city residents have been outspoken in opposition, filling city halls, organizing tree sits, contacting every level of government. In response the Georgia State Police murdered a land defender, Tortuguita in January, and have since charged over 40 people with domestic terrorism.
Georgia police have responded with overwhelming and disproportionate violence. We know that this state repression will only grow with a huge influx of police into the majority Black city, and that cops from all over will be trained at this $90 million dollar facility. We need to stop Cop City.
Grassroots community organizers are calling for a month of solidarity this May, and one way you can participate in protecting human rights is through organizing a protest in your community.
1. Nationwide insurance: This Columbus Ohio based company’s subsidiary Scottsdale Insurance is providing insurance for the Atlanta Police Foundation. There are Nationwide offices across North America.
2. Brasfield and Gorrie: This Birmingham based company is the lead Cop City contractor. The company has construction sites across the US. Pressure like this works. In 2022 the initial contractor for Cop City pulled out of the project after months of pressure.
3. No Nationwide or Brasfield near you? Act where you live- You can find a list of potential places to organize solidarity protests here: stopcopcitysolidarity.org/
Want to organize an event? Here’s some more info and resources that can help you get started.