PRESS RELEASE
Rev. Edward Pinkney, Benton Harbor, filed a $100,000 lawsuit against the state and national NAACP and its leaders for attempting to oust him as president of the Twin Cities NAACP branch contrary to organization bylaws.
Atty. Elliot Hall represented Pinkney on
Wed. Aprill 11, 10am
Location: Courthouse at 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Wayne County Circuit Judge Brian Sullivan presiding
Pinkney asked Sullivan to halt today's (Sat.) election in Benton Harbor, organized by the state NAACP. Pinkney called it an attempt at a hostile takeover.
Whirlpool Corporation employee Marcus Robinson, the person who most likely contacted and "persuaded" the NAACP to force an election on Benton Harbor, told the Detroit Free Press that Pinkney obstructs efforts to revitalize Benton Harbor. In actuality, Pinkney is fighting for Benton Harbor's self-determination, the rights of citizens to retain control over their land, and much more.
Atty. Hall said Pinkney tried to resolve the dispute over the state imposed election internally, but was ignored by the state and national organizations.
Pinkney and Hall agreed, in the judge's office, to delay the election until after a May 10 hearing before Sullivan. The state NAACP was forced to agree, having no legal stand to do otherwise.
Pinkney said, "The state and national NAACP have met their match in the Twin Cities' branch. We're not going down without a fight."
For more than a decade Pinkney has been battling insane racial injustice, police brutality on steroids, and corporate control in Benton Harbor. Honest reporting on Berrien County is needed (understatement). Most citizens in the county, of any race, are not willing to take action for justice in their courthouse, law enforcement agencies, etc. The county mantra is "don't get involved." After talking to many Berrien County residents over the years, it's easy to see that fear of Whirlpool looms large. The corporation does not play a benevolent role in the lives of those in the county. Quite the opposite. It goes so far as to have people fired from any Berrien County job if they take a stand and become active. There are quite a few people ready to testify to "political" job loss.
Rev. Pinkney 269-925-0001
