by Stephanie Jean Garner-Navarrete
[DISCLAIMER: Views or beliefs expressed in any submission posted herein are those of the authors and not necessarily agreed with or endorsed by your host] The Peaceful Protest is about more than any one individual as what happens at the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles affects the lives of many.
Announcement: Call for Peaceful Protest by Stephanie Jean Garner-Navarrete
https://www.facebook.com/stephaniejeangarner
Dear Community Members, Georgia Area and Beyond
I am excited to announce a peaceful protest scheduled for May 23-25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to June 6-8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. outside on the streets in front of the homes of the Georgia Parole Board members. No, we will not be directly in front of their homes standing! We will be walking up and down the street in front of their homes as well as other homes. (Yes, I have the addresses and will convey them closer to time-they are all within the Atlanta district.) This event aims to advocate for the immediate release of lifers and all eligible inmates who have served their time. This will be a 24-hour around the clock protest- it will be in 6 hour shifts, so there will be 4 shifts (you can sign up for more than one shift if you’re available).
I know many of us have to work jobs outside of advocating for our loved ones, so the question comes down to how bad do we want them home? I for one live 4 hours away, will be working my full time job and be there to pull my shift each day! Why? Because I want my husband (fiancé) home! I will not take no for an answer.
Our mission is to raise awareness about the need for compassion and justice within our parole system. We believe that every individual deserves a second chance and the opportunity to reintegrate into society.
Regarding the Protest:
There will be no violence in any form whatsoever tolerated. You cannot fight violence with violence! There will be no shouting of profound language used. We WILL BE respectful! Please bring only signs with messages that demand the release of our lifers and eligible inmates. Remember, this is a nonviolent protest, and we ask everyone to respect the principles of peace and positivity. Let’s come together as a community to stand for justice and reform. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.
Please RSVP by commenting here on this post and I will be in touch with you- I need only those that are SERIOUS because I will be doing a signup sheet and need at least twenty-five per shift- the more who participates the better! Spread the word and invite others who believe in our cause!
Thank you for your support and commitment to this important issue.
In solidarity,
Your support and advocacy!
Just FYI: We are not Criminally Trespassing. Criminal trespassing is going on their property we will not be on their property. We will be in the street, and we will not be harassing them either! We again will be in the street, walking in the road back and forth in front of not “only” their home but others as well- holding signs and just saying “let our people go.” Not hollering as to disturb the peace, nor in a violent manner.
Laws: # Peaceful Protest in Front of Parole Member’s House: Georgia Law
*General Right to Protest*
– *First Amendment, U.S. Constitution*: Guarantees the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.
– *Georgia Constitution, Article I, Section I, Paragraph V*: Protects the right to assemble and petition the government.
*Restrictions on Protesting Near Residences*
– *O.C.G.A. § 16-11-34*: Prohibits picketing or demonstrating within one hundred yards of a residence without the owner’s consent.
– *Exceptions*:
– *Labor disputes*: Picketing related to labor disputes is exempt.
– *Public issues*: Protests related to public issues, such as government policies or actions, may be allowed.
*Parole Member’s Residence*
– *No specific Georgia law*: Prohibiting protests near a parole member’s residence.
– *Considerations*:
– *Private property*: Protesting on private property without permission may be trespassing.
– *Harassment or intimidation*: Protests that involve harassment or intimidation may be unlawful.
*Best Practices*
– *Check local ordinances*: Verify if there are any local regulations or restrictions on protests.
– *Peaceful and respectful*: Ensure the protest remains peaceful and respectful.
FYI: Accredited too:
I have said this for years. It worked in Puerto Rico to make the governor resign his office after what he did it is no different here. I have always said this will be the ONLY way people will understand the heartache families go through….
This is what the people of Puerto Rico did, however laws are different there but if they are made uncomfortable at home, they will realize how uncomfortable our loved ones and we are with the situation they are in.
FYI:
People say they want change but do they really? You have to be willing to go out of your comfort zone. You have to be brave! You have to stand up! This is not a move I would make first but look at all the post, the rallies at the Parole office, the Governor’s mansion, etc. What has been done? People have called! They have emailed! They have done it all but this! It’s time to get them uncomfortable! How many days, nights have we been made feel uncomfortable at our homes because our loved ones are being mistreated? Killed? Not fed? Left in the walls to be beaten? Or simply being left there when they have been eligible for parole?
In no way am I or the supporters of this trying to force you to do anything that you don’t want to, don’t agree with, or that you have mixed emotions about! It’s all about trial and error! The laws will be followed or else you will be asked to leave! I’m willing to try anything to get those from behind the walls paroled that are eligible! And also help those that are being mistreated, beat, and even killed! Let’s come together for the sake of our loved ones and as advocates for those behind the walls! If you do not agree with this, I respect that but please respect us that are willing to try anything because it cannot hurt as long as all laws are being followed, and we are not sinking to their level and being disrespectful!
From Your Host
Change is possible. Never lose hope or accept defeat without exhausting your resources, and then try another angle to accomplish your objective. Fight for Change by Wayne T. Dowdy proves that success is obtainable, even when fighting against the odds.