NC Legislative Black Caucus Backs Resolution on James Johnson
The North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus of 27 legislators of African American heritage passed the attached resolution protesting the continuing persecution of a young Wilson man, James Johnson, by the State of North Carolina.
“James Johnson, his family, the NAACP, and the social justice family in North Carolina, all join the Legislative Black Caucus in sending our deepest sympathies to the family of Brittany Willis,” said Rev. William J. Barber, President of the N.C. State Conference of the NAACP.
“We also stand for truth. James Johnson is innocent of any involvement in the kidnapping and murder. His courageous act of identifying the murderer to the police is what all parents would want their sons to do. We thank the Legislative Black Caucus and its leader, Dr. Alma Adams of Greensboro, for taking the unusual step of speaking out about a case while it is still pending,” Rev. Barber said. “These veteran political leaders know the legal/political dynamics that develop in these racially-charged cases and have helped enlighten us all with their resolution, particularly this statement.”
The mishandling of this case by the State is self-evident to those who know the facts; the jailing of Mr. Johnson for 39 months is inexcusable; and the last-minute accessory charge against him for taking three days to turn in the murderer seems an effort to pacify some forces who had much invested in showing the public they had some reason for holding Mr. Johnson.
“The State and National NAACP, many important and knowledgeable people throughout North Carolina who have learned the facts of this case, and now 27 North Carolina legislators have all come to the same conclusion,” Rev. Barber said. “Drop the last-minute charges against James and let him get on with his life.”
Text of the resolution follows:Continue reading "NC Legislative Black Caucus Backs Resolution on James Johnson" »






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