Brown Press Conference, Nov 12 in Los Angeles - Photos by Bev Bloomington
UNION sponsored the press conference for the filing
of the wrongful death of Anthony "Kirk" Brown.
Cayenne Bird interviews Beverly Hills Attorney Mark
Ravis while cameramen film "Cayenne Common
Sense" - the entire press conference was caught on
tape and will air statewide on public stations.
UNION members from Los Angeles, San Diego and
Orange County came to pledge support of the Brown lawsuit
and speak out against CDC guards murdering inmates with pepper
spray under a spit mask.
Five school teachers whose sons are mentally ill and in prison
enduring torture and isolation spoke out against CCPOA's
abuses. Prison is a place where the mentally ill become
much sicker asthey are physically and psychologically punished for
acting out their illnesses. The UNION has many supporters who a teachers
and college professors, health care labor union organizers and various
churches.
Cayenne Bird mingles as UNION supporters congregate in front of
the Roybal Federal Building. It was expected to rain but the turn
out was excellent and many advocates joined in to take a stand against
abuse of pepper spray on mentally ill or any other inmates.
Center is Jeri Crum Vanlandingham a board member for NAMI, National
Alliance for the Mentally ill is also a UNION member. She made a
bold statement for the television show which will air on cable channels
throughout California
Anthony Brown's 23 yr old daughter, Ciara, came to the press conference
even though her baby was due in two days. She is in the U.S. Air Force.
Cayenne Bird explains that lawsuits are necessary because the families
of prisoners have no place to go for help, even in preventable life and
death emergencies.
Attorney Mark Ravis of Ravis and Martin speaks on behalf of Brown's
mother, Francis (far left) and his daughter (Ciara) whose is 9 months pregnant.
Ciara's husband and other child are behind her. Anthony was mentally ill
with bipolar disorder but was scheduled to get out of prison next year.
He was Frances' only child. UNION members flank the family and offer
support and condolences.
UNION members Judy and Christine offer condolences and support
to Ciara, Anthony Brown's 23 yr old daughter and his mother Frances.
Brown also has a 15 year old daughter Jamila who lives on the East Coast.
Rev. Arvugumendo representing the Seventh Day Adventists
stands with Cayenne Bird as an active UNION supporter.
People from every race and religion have come together in the UNION
to stand up to CDC and the Guard's Union CCPOA. Reps from
Unitarians, Episcopalians, Baptists and Catholic churches were
also present at the conference pledging support.
Shirley Weatherwax and the grandson she is rearing, Marge and Charles Wesley came out to support the Brown lawsuit. This was the fourth one filed since September 13 and they will benefit all inmates. Everyone with a prisoner inside is needed to attend hearings of all the lawsuits and write letters to editors to keep the press coverage on track. Get subscribed to the UNION daily online newsletter today so you can help! All inmates are at risk as long as the guards can get away with murdering and abusing the mentally ill and others with pepper spray. There's a great deal you can do about it!