PHOTO/MARY KAY YARAK
MARQUETTE, MI — Terrance “T-Shirt” Shurn is murdered by police in 2003 in Benton Harbor, MI. Then police violently break up a peaceful vigil, creating an uprising. The Army is brought in to patrol the streets. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm forms a taskforce that she says will help residents. She has no intentions of helping residents of this impoverished former industrial city. This is the beginning of the takeover by the corporations, the merger of Whirlpool and the city of Benton Harbor government—which is known as fascism.
In 2004, led by Whirlpool backed Commissioner Glen Yarbrough, beachfront city property is given away for a proposed Jack Nicholas Signature Golf Course. In 2005, the citizens get enough votes to recall Yarbrough, but the judge sets aside the election to keep Yarbrough’s seat. I am falsely charged with voter fraud. The trial ends in a hung jury. A new trial with an all white jury convicts me. I am placed on probation and then sent to prison on a probation violation for quoting the Bible. After nearly a year of incarceration, the court of appeals orders my release.
In 2008-10, Gov. Granholm brings in an unelected Financial Manager under Public Act 72 to run Benton Harbor. The residents take control of the city commission away from Whirlpool. Young Black men in Benton Harbor are increasingly found dead under questionable circumstances. Sheriff Paul Bailey says no foul play. This continues.
In 2011, Whirlpool’s puppet James Hightower becomes mayor. Gov. Rick Snyder puts Public Act 4 in place to change Emergency Financial Managers to Emergency Managers, giving them absolute power over all aspects of government. The Emergency Manager continues to give away public land to Whirlpool.
In 2012, Michigan citizens vote to repeal Public Act 4. Then Gov. Snyder signs into law Public Act 436. It is almost identical to the original law, but stronger against the residents. In 2013, a recall of the corrupt mayor James Hightower begins. The petitions are turned in with the required number of signatures. Sheriff Bailey investigates the petitions at the request of the mayor, prosecutor and judge who stop the recall election. The sheriff’s department begins intimidating residents who signed the petitions.
In 2014, swat teams surround my home. I am charged with voter fraud, five felonies, with no direct or indirect evidence. I am convicted by an all white jury that is motivated by something other than the truth, and jailed. We must confront corporate power, this racist system, and fight together. Donate to the Pinkney defense at bhbanco.org/
Voices of Benton Harbor:
“I had to leave Benton Harbor for injustice to single women with children. Water bills went up. The more I paid, the more they cut the water off. Rev. Pinkney helped me with college students who were driving someone else’s vehicle that had a rearview mirror missing. They were pulled over and taken to jail. Rev. Pinkney was inside City Hall giving instructions of what to do. — Jenise Blue
Condolences to the families of Joe Zangaro and Ron Kienzle
“I want to express my condolences to the families of Joe Zangaro and Ron Kienzle. These were good men who, while serving as bailiffs in the Berrien County Courthouse, were mercilessly gunned down. Joe and Ron were great guys and were supportive of me. I will never forget their goodness. They were both in their early sixties—too young to be taken from their families and friends. I pray that God will give them strength and solace in this time of tragedy.” — Rev. Edward Pinkney
Benton Harbor Community speaks:
“I had to leave Benton Harbor for injustice to single women with children. Water bills went up. The more I paid, the more they cut the water off. Rev. Pinkney helped me with college students who were driving someone else’s vehicle that had a rearview mirror missing. They were pulled over and taken to jail. Rev. Pinkney was inside City Hall giving instructions of what to do. — Jenise Blue
