Public Defenders for Black Lives Rally – Atlanta

Media Advisory

Contact: Hannah Riley; [email protected]

(Atlanta, GA) — Please join Gideon’s Promise, the Southern Center for Human Rights, the ACLU of Georgia, and the Cochran Firm to rally for Black lives.

Public defenders see the violence perpetrated against Black lives every day in court — often with few other people bearing witness. Following the lead of public defender offices in California, and in hopes that more will participate in this collective action, we join with public defenders across Georgia and the country to bear witness to the violence perpetrated against Black lives.

“Public defenders are the voices reminding us that this violence against black and brown bodies in the streets cannot be disconnected from the routine violence that happens in courtrooms every day. We shine a light on the millions of Black and brown people who survive police encounters only to experience a different kind of violence in our courts where so many lives, families, and communities are destroyed,” said Jon Rapping, President of Gideon’s Promise. “When the cameras are off and the no one is watching, public defenders fight every day to interrupt that violence. As public defenders, we stand with Black lives.”

“Public defenders elevate the voices of the communities they serve every single day,” says Kosha Tucker, Staff Attorney with the ACLU of Georgia. “We are proud to stand in solidarity with these attorneys protecting our constitutional rights on the frontlines of the criminal legal system.”

What: Public Defenders for Black Lives Rally

Who: Gideon’s Promise, The Southern Center for Human Rights, ACLU of Georgia, and the Cochran Firm

When: June 8th, 5:30 PM

Where: Ebenezer Baptist Church; Corner of Jackson and Auburn