One of the most important marches for justice in recent times
Thousands are expected to turn out in force for this Saturday's peaceful protest against the disturbing spate of black deaths in police custody.
The harrowing case of Kingsely Burrell-Brown, who lost his life after he was restrained by a team of police officers just three days after he was detained under the Mental Health Act, occurred just weeks after the news that of the Reggie star Smiley Culture had lost his life during a police raid on his home. These deaths have ignited a new wave of anger and suspicion across the community, which organisers of this peaceful protest say will mean that many thousands take to the streets this weekend.
'This is one of the most important marches for justice seen in recent times. Kingsley's death is a stain on the reputation of the West Midlands Police and we need an urgent public inquiry to avoid further deterioration in police and community relations,' Maxi Hayles on behalf of the Kingsley Burrell Campaign said.
The news of the death of death of 21-year-old Demetre Fraser who allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a high rise block during a visiting from two West Midlands Police officers, just weeks after Burrell-Browns' deaths, has further undermined the community's trust the law enforcement services that are paid to protect them.
'West Midlands has become the deaths in custody capital of the UK. The case of Kingsley and now Demetre indicate that there is something profoundly wrong at the heart of West Midlands Police force,' Lee Jasper race equality campaigner and lead organiser of Saturday's march said.
Campaigners, church leaders, musicians and families united in call for justice
This second national march against deaths in custody has secured the backing of every section of the community.
Church leaders, community activists, unions and a host of musical stars have come out in support of the Campaign for Justice for Kingsley Burrell, the Justice for Smiley Culture campaign and the family of Demetre Fraser, who will be leading the march.
'Bands like The beat and The Specials, as well as Steel Pulse, came about because of racism, unfairness in the system and also because of the so called "Sus Laws" which I have noticed has over the past few years crept back in,' a member of Britain's leading two-tone groups Ranking Roger of The Beat said.
'When I learned of Kingsley Burrell's death at the hands of West Midlands Police force, my first thought was, 'can this kind of thing really still be happening in 2011?'.
The sad truth is yes, it is.
And it is the duty of each and every one of us to put a spotlight on these injustices wherever we find them.
Not only do I support those taking part in the March for Justice; I applaud their dedication and resolve to bring West Midlands Police force to justice,' actor and pop star Ashley Walters said.
Five teenagers have allegedly 'committed suicide' in police custody in 2011
All of these families have called for a public inquiry in to the handling of deaths in custody , voicing the growing concerns over the way they are currently investigated.
'This is a serious issue that really does affect everyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, and culture. Not many people aware that so far this year five teenagers have apparently taken their own lives whilst in custody, so we urgently need to look into the way people are treated.
We owe it to them, Kingsley, and everyone who has lost their life to take action and change things for the better,' chief Executive Joy Warmington of a leading Birmingham equalities and human rights charity BRAP said.
Speakers at tomorrow's event include : Kedisha Burrell from the Campaign 4 Justice 4 Kingsley Burrell, Jossette Fraser from the Campaign for Justice for Demetre Fraser, Merlin Emmanuel from the Campaign for Justice for Smiley Culture, Tippa Naphtali from the Friends of Mikey Powell Campaign for Justice, Robin Thompson (on behalf of Kingsley Burrell's mother Janet Brown), Bev Hamilton whose son lost his life in Leeds, Julian Webster's family of the Julian Webster Campaign and comedian John Simmit.
Key organiser Lee Jasper of the London Race and Criminal Justice Consortium and Maxi Hales of the Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit (BRAMU) will also be speaking on the day.
The march is scheduled to start at 12.00 noon, starting at Abbey Street, Winson Green, Hockley, BS18 5QS. The finishing point is West Midlands Police Head Quarters, Lloyd House, Colemore Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6NQ.
Organisers have asked those attending this march to assemble in Abbey Street from 12.00 noon to commence marching for 1.00pm. Then walk past the Seacole mental health unit in Winson Green, where Kingsely Burrell-Brown was taken, then onto Boulton Road, Soho Road and into the city centre to Lloyd House, the headquarters of West Midlands police.
For more information visit Justice for Kingsley Burrell page.
POLLXT_LOADING
