Criminalization of Queer Youth of Color

Panel Discussion hosted by ALL7.org In support of New Jersey 4 and Living Lesbian Seven November 17, 2007 Bluestockings Bookstore, New York Panelists Kazembe Balagun, The Brecht Forum Bran Fenner, FIERCE Reggie Gossett, Critical Resistance Molly Brown, Mother of Renata Hill (NJ4) [blip.tv ?posts_id=1791352&dest=-1]

Film and Editing: Mallory Knodel, Wade Rosenthal

Background

On August 18, 2006, seven young African American lesbians traveled to the West Village from their homes in Newark for a regular night out. When walking down the street, a male bystander assaulted them with sexist and homophobic comments. The women tried to defend themselves, and a fight broke out. Thus began the women’s nightmare for almost a year. Three of the women accepted plea offers. On June 14th, 2007 Venice Brown (19), Terrain Dandridge (20), Patreese Johnson (20), and Renata Hill (24) received sentences ranging from 3 ½ to 11 years in prison.

The women and their families now call on our communities for support. Their emotional and financial burdens have already been immense. These hardships will only continue as the women begin their prison terms and the process of appeal.

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