[Antiracism] Freedom for Genarlow Wilson

[Cate Woolner]

Subject: Freedom for Genarlow Wilson


            Genarlow Wilson released from prison! 
                    

           
     
Dear Catherine, 
This morning, the Georgia Supreme Court dismissed the sentence of Genarlow Wilson--the young Black man serving a ten-year prison sentence for having consensual oral sex with a 15 year old when he was 17. He was released this afternoon after spending over 2 years behind bars.1,2 

Justice was slow in coming for Genarlow, but it's finally here. And it's largely because of the many Americans who stood up for his release, including you and more than 37,000 other ColorOfChange members. 

The sad truth is that Genarlow's case is one of many. Black youth, and in particular young Black men, are unfairly criminalized on a routine basis; it becomes clear when you look at arrest rates, prosecution rates, and the sentences they're given. Unfortunately, most cases don't end up like Genarlow's. They get little attention and our young people spend far too much time in jail. Our hope is that by taking action on cases like Genarlow's we can keep the focus on the systemic injustices we face and begin to correct them. And we know we will get there because of the dedication of members like you. 

Thank you for your taking a stand for Genarlow. We are excited to share this victory with you and hope you'll continue to fight with us for justice. 

Thank You and Peace, 

-- James, Van, Clarissa, Gabriel, Mervyn, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team 
   October 26th, 2007 


References: 

1. Genarlow Wilson released, Atlanta Journal Constitution, 10-26-07 
http://tinyurl.com/2glass

2. Georgia Supreme Court Frees Man in Sex Case, The New York Times, 10-26-07 
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/us/26cnd-georgia.html 





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