This activist was wrongfully imprisoned.

Continuing our deep dive series, we’re examining the case of wrongfully incarcerated activist Brittany Martin. Learn more about her story and how you can support her… [Black Voters Matter logo]( Friend, Continuing our deep dive series, we’re examining the case of wrongfully incarcerated activist Brittany Martin. Learn more about her story and how you can support her… Who is Brittany Martin? Brittany Martin is a local South Carolina activist who was arrested and sentenced to four years in jail. Her crime? Yelling at a police officer during a small protest following the murder of George Floyd during the summer of 2020.  While Martin was acquitted on the charge of participating in a riot, she was found guilty of breach of peace. While this is typically a misdemeanor handled in municipal court, if found to be “of a high and aggravated nature” it can be ruled on in a state court. Martin is currently jailed in South Carolina, and is pregnant.  There is no precedent or clear set of guidelines on what constitutes an ‘aggravated nature’, and many legal experts agree that it typically indicates an act of violence or physical harm - which Martin did not commit. Using Martin’s case, the court is setting a dangerous precedent for how activists may be persecuted and prosecuted for exercising freedom of speech. What Is BVM Doing? After the court ruling, we held a press conference along with partners Racial Justice Network and Vision Walkers demanding Martin’s release. We have been in contact with Martin’s legal team, her family and fellow activists who are committed to bringing her home.  Activism is alive and well in our country. We refuse to stand by as racist courts seek to limit first amendment rights or make examples out of innocent activists.   How Can I Help? As a first step to encouraging Brittany Martin’s release, we have organized a petition to demand action on her release - we need your signature today! [ADD YOUR NAME]( In addition to signing the petition, click the link below to share with your Twitter network that you’re supporting free speech and Brittany Martin’s case. [GET THE MESSAGE OUT](   The Blackest Bus in America is moving non-stop! We are helping liberate our communities by hosting BVM warrant clinics, gathering our grassroots partners to strategize and share GOTV resources, and supporting communities with economic response efforts. [Will you donate $25 now to make sure this vital work continues?](   JOIN THE MOVEMENT [Support voter engagement and capacity-building through our 501c3]( [Support voter mobilization and political advocacy through our 501c4]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Tumblr]( [Black Voters Matter logo]( Black Voters Matter Fund is dedicated to expanding Black voter engagement and increasing progressive power through movement-building and engagement. Working with grassroots organizations, specifically in key states in the South, BVMF seeks to increase voter registration and turnout, advocate for policies to expand voting rights/access, and help develop infrastructure where little or none exists to support a power-building movement that keeps Black voters and their issues at the forefront of our election process. For more information, please visit our [website](. Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Black Voters Matter Fund, please [click here](.