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<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Freedom for Genarlow Wilson</DIV>
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<TD><B>Genarlow Wilson released from prison! </B>
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<TD align=middle><IMG alt="Genarlow Wilson and Family"
src="http://colorofchange.org/images/genarlow_released.jpg"
border=1>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Dear
Catherine,
<P>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.<SUP>1,2</SUP>
<P>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.
<P>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.
<P>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.
<P>Thank You and Peace,
<P>-- James, Van, Clarissa, Gabriel, Mervyn, and the rest of the
ColorOfChange.org team <BR> October 26th, 2007
<P>
<P>References:
<P>1. Genarlow Wilson released, <I>Atlanta Journal Constitution</I>, 10-26-07
<BR><A href="http://tinyurl.com/2glass">http://tinyurl.com/2glass</A>
<P>2. Georgia Supreme Court Frees Man in Sex Case, <I>The New York Times</I>,
10-26-07 <BR><A
href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/us/26cnd-georgia.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/us/26cnd-georgia.html</A>
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<P> </P>
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