[Antiracism] Springfield's Triial of the Century

[Michaelann Bewsee]

ell...it's early in the century...BUT this trial has the potential to change 
Springfield's future in a way that will make a serious dent in 45 years of 
institutionalized racism.

Arise, Oiste, the NE Chapter of the NAACP and a number of individual 
plaintiffs will finally have our day in court, charging the city with 
vioolating the Voting Rights Act because of its all at-large election of 
city councilors and school committee members.

What does this mean?
IN 45 YEARS, WE HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO ELECT 4 AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND ONE 
PUERTO RICAN TO SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL.  This is because we elect our 
councilors "at-large" rather than by district.  The result is you have to 
have enough money to be able to reach EVERYBODY in the city, rather than 
just the people in your district.

The time has come to put an end to this discriminatory system.  Arise has 
been working to win Ward Representation for ten years, and we believe 
victory is close!

Please come and show your support on opening day, Monday, March 5, 9 am. in 
Springfield Federal Court, Springfield Federal Building.  On that day, our 
lawyers (from the Lawyer's'Committee on Civil Rights) will be laying out our 
case and the City will be laying out its defense.  We expect the city to 
call a rather infamous anti-affirmative action, "pull yourself up by your 
own bootstraps and work harder" witness, and of course we have OUR expert 
witnesses, as well as many people from the community who have experienced 
racism and discrimination.

Spread the word and join us!

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