"People of color from all over the state have come together today to send a clear and powerful message to Governor Gray Davis," said Michelle Alexander, of the ACLU of Northern California. "That message is that the collective power of Latinos, African-Americans, and Asians will not be ignored - we urge Governor Gray Davis to sign the Driving While Black or Brown Bill, a first step towards putting an end to discriminatory police practices."

Governor Gray Davis vetoed SB 78, commonly known as the "DWB" bill last October. The bill required law enforcement to collect data regarding the race and ethnicity of people stopped by the police, so that it would be possible to determine whether and to what extent law enforcement agencies are discriminating against motorists of color. The bill passed by a two-thirds majority in the California Legislature, but was vetoed by the Governor, who claimed that he did not believe that racial profiling is a serious problem in California. The bill was reintroduced on January 24th.

"Racial profiling is not a figment of our imagination," said Walter Wilson, Legislative Director of the California NAACP. " Just ask the grandmothers, professionals, and youth who are telling their stories today about how they, or loved ones have been stopped by law enforcement for no other reason then the color of their skin. Racial profiling by law enforcement is widespread and must be stopped."

In March and April town hall meetings were held in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Stockton, Fresno, East Palo Alto, Sacramento, and Salinas.

"Governor Gray Davis has a second chance to be on the right side of history," said Van Jones, Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. "The Governor can sign SB 1389 when it arrives on his desk and demonstrate to communities of color that he values their voice and their vote."

"In cities or rural areas, Latinos are routinely stopped and harassed by law enforcement," said Marcos Contreras, Statewide Director of California LULAC. "Not only are they targeted because of the color of their skin, but they are often questioned about their immigration status - even though they were born and raised in the U.S. When Governor Davis vetoed the DWB bill last year, he turned his back on Latinos. We urge the Governor to sign the bill when it arrives on his desk this year."

The demonstration today was endorsed by over seventy civil rights, community, and youth organizations and churches. The Racial Justice Coalition includes the American Civil Liberties Union, California State Conference of NAACP Branches, California League of United Latin American Citizens, United Farm Workers, Asian Law Caucus, Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights, La Raza Centro Legal, and numerous local organizations.