PPEHRC National Cooridnator Cheri Honkala, JR Fleming of CCPPH and PPEHRC, and Journalist Arrested in New Orleans as Police Attack Peaceful Celebration March
December 15, 2007:
We went from a victory yesterday, to learning today that only two City Council members
are in favor of saving public housing in New Orleans.
are in favor of saving public housing in New Orleans.
So, we had a peaceful march around the Bernard Homes, New Orleans-style with beautiful musicians and singers. Then, after setting up tents around the homes for people to watch the homes around the clock to prevent any demolitions, people began to peacefully listen to music, to dance and to talk with one another in the streets.
At first, the police allowed us to be in the streets, but then all of a sudden a police officer began to instruct cars to drive into the crowd of people. You can watch what happens next on YouTube (see link below).
I was arrested, and then told that there were no charges. Despite this, the police officer drove me to the middle of nowhere, dumped me on the side of the road, and confiscated my phone. So I began walking for about a mile to get back to the city to where I was staying.
Then suddenly I was thrown back into a squad card and this time I was charged with impersonating a police officer (1st Degree misdemeanor). I was then placed in an all-male
cell with ten men. I don’t know what the charges are for JR or the journalist yet.
cell with ten men. I don’t know what the charges are for JR or the journalist yet.
Several filmmakers caught everything on film.
City council hearings are being held this Thursday regarding the demolition.
Get up, stand up don’t give up the fight. All the displaced residents of New Orleans have a right to return and a right to housing, not just the Rich.
