The Jersey 4

From Oakland to the Jersey 4 (with love) by Chauniqua Young

You may have heard that in New York last fall, a group of seven African-American lesbians was assaulted while walking down a street in the Village, a supposed haven for queer people. A street vendor (Dwayne Buckle) followed the group, screaming homophobic slurs. When they confronted him, the verbal assault turned physical. Buckle threw a lit cigarette at them, spat in their faces, and grabbed one of the women, choking her. Her friends came to her rescue. Two men also joined in to help the women, and in the process Buckle was stabbed in the stomach. It is still uncertain who stabbed him (the two men were never found), but four of the women Venice Brown (19), Terrain Dandridge (20), Patreese Johnson (20), and Renata Hill (24) received sentences ranging from 3 ½ to 11 years in prison.

Although the case happened in New York, as queer people living in the Bay Area, the case has enormous implications for us. The case represents a government sanctioned attack on our existence. Physical and verbal assaults against queer women of color remain unpunished, while defending ourselves against these attacks is criminalized.

On November 14^th, members of Bay Area INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence, Gay Shame, and LAGAI – Queer Insurrection teamed up with promoter/dj BLACK ndaLIGHT to host a fundraiser to support the Jersey 4 at Dream EZ, a monthly party for queer people. The event featured speakers, a table to write letters to the women in jail, and literature about the case. Donations were collected throughout the night to send to the women in prison.

There were several organizations involved in the fundraiser, but it was also the unaffiliated individuals (friends, lovers, concerned community) who publicized and attended the party, donated money, and made the event successful. Organizations can provide invaluable support and community to get work accomplished, but it is also the individuals we know who can provide the support that we need . In the end, $656.66 was donated that night, which meant that Patreese, Renata, Venice, and Terrain received over $100 each toward their prison account. Additionally, each of the Jersey 4 was sent letters of support expressing solidarity and love.

Equally as important, the fundraiser was a commemoration of the struggle that links queer people together. While we attend parties to celebrate our existence, this party reminded us that our existence continues to be under attack.

For more information about the Jersey 4:

http://www.fiercenyc.org

More information on the organizations mentioned in the article:  

http://www.incite-national.org/

http://www.gayshamesf.org/

http://home.mindspring.com/~katrap/LAGAI/LAGAIhome.html

http://www.myspace.com/clubsweet