Anti-Flock Campaigns Escalate
Police departments and municipal governments across the country have been installing Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) street cameras as part of a push to expand mass surveillance and militarize US society. The network of the most well known brand of these cameras, Flock, has become infamous this year for its widespread use by police officers for false arrests, the stalking and attacking of women, and collaboration with ICE. This has spawned a wave of spontaneous mass resistance and outcry nationwide.
On July 19 and August 10 Peoples Defense Columbus, alongside a city wide coalition, mobilized the masses in protest against the city of Columbus’ use of Flock Cameras and the militarization of neighborhoods. The rally was held outside of a special city council meeting on the usage of Flock cameras, which was attended by representatives of Flock Safety and members of the Columbus police department, who sought to defend the usage of dragnet surveillance technology in our city. They raised demands such as the removal of all ALPR cameras, and defended the right of the people to live without mass surveillance.
Photo credit: The Columbus Dispatch
State Murder of Imprisoned Women Exposed
This year alone, over 6 women have been killed due to neglect at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In collaboration with incarcerated women, family members of those affected, and the broader community, the General Defense Committee, and the Proletarian Feminist Committee put on a vigil to honor the legacies of all women who have been murdered by the “valley of death”. Key demands highlighted were immediate clemency for the medically frail, independent investigation into the circumstances of these murders, and the immediate release of Krystal Clark, who is a vocal politicized prisoner advocating for justice in the prison for over 6 years.
Preparatory Work for Black August
Throughout the month of July revolutionary mass organizations conducted preparatory work for Black August 2026. Comrades in some areas deepened links with existing New Afrikan/Black liberation organizations and prisoner defense groups, and established new relationships in others. Activists prepared events and actions to commemorate the month and propagate a revolutionary line on national liberation in the United States through education and struggle. For example, to set-up further events in August itself, on July 31 organizers and activists in Charlotte held a teach-in on the history of Black August accompanied by prisoner letter writing.
