WHERE:
Governors Press Room #1190, State Capitol

WHO:
Senator Kevin Murray (sponsor SB 1389)
Michelle Alexander, ACLU of Northern California
Walter Wilson, Legislative Director of the California NAACP
Marcos Contreras, Statewide Director of California LULAC
Van Jones, Director of Ella Baker Center for Human Rights

The Racial Justice Coalition is sponsoring a major demonstration on Thursday, April 27th at the State Capitol urging Governor Gray Davis to sign the Driving While Black/Brown bill (SB 1389). The bill requires law enforcement agencies in California to collect data regarding the race and ethnicity of motorists stopped and searched by the police, making it possible to determine whether and to what extent police departments are discriminating against motorists of color. Last year, Governor Davis vetoed this bill, a decision that sparked outrage in communities of color across California. Town hall meetings regarding the issue have been held in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Stockton, Fresno, East Palo Alto, Sacramento, and Salinas.

The demonstration will begin at noon on the steps of the Capitol. Speakers include Senator Kevin Murray, Dolores Huerta of the United Farm Workers, and Eva Paterson of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. Victims of racial profiling will share their stories. Well-known performers such as D'Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Tone!, Teatro Campesino, and the Cuff will provide musical and cultural performances. Over a thousand people are expected to arrive by bus from throughout California.