Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Friday sent a message to Defense Attorney Kevin Gough, who is representing one of three white men facing murder charges in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, “I’ll be in court next week.”
Rev. Jackson said Gough does not have a right to overrule family decisions as to who can and who can’t attend their son’s accuser’s trial.
When Gough said with the exception of Rev. Al Sharpton, “we don’t want any more black pastors coming in here” including Rev. Jackson because they are “trying to influence the jury,” Rev. Jackson said, that line of thinking “is unacceptable.”
“Parents have the right to determine who want to befriend them,” said Rev. Jackson. “A public trial involves public observation.”
Referring to the defense’s use of peremptory challenges which has led to an all-white jury, Rev. Jackson said, “They use their strength to eliminate jurors based upon race as far as sending them to the disqualified rank. I will not dignify his position. I’ll be in court next week.”
Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international organization that was formed in December 1996 by the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. through merging of two organizations he founded Operation PUSH People United to Serve Humanity (estab. 1971) and the Rainbow Coalition (estab. 1984). With headquarters in Chicago and offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Oakland, the organization works to make the American Dream a reality for all citizens while advocating for peace and justice around the world. RPC is dedicated to improving the lives of all people by serving as a voice for the voiceless. Its mission is to protect, defend and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields while promoting peace and justice around the world.
