I first heard of Reverend Edward Pinkney nine years ago when I interviewed him at a protest in Washington, D.C.
Since that first meeting, I have followed his fight in Michigan against Governor Snyder and the anti-democratic austerity bound Emergency Financial Managers, the Whirlpool Corporation and the Upton family, and the racist injustice system of law enforcement.
I have always admired his courage and tenacity to fight against overwhelming odds. He also provides insight into organizing, strength in numbers, and simply standing up and how courageous speaking out against the power structure can lead to political victories.
So during one of the coldest days in the Midwest, as I drove from Cleveland to Chicago I stopped by in Benton harbor off I-94, and filmed Reverend Pinkney in his church. It was the coldest Valentine’s Day I can remember...but going with the theme of 2020.
OVERVIEW
Reverend Edward Pinkney of Benton Harbor, Michigan and the Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO), struggles against the takeover of this Western Michigan community.
In this 8 part series, Pinkney's fight magnifies the eternal struggle between labor, capital, race, and political economy.
To learn more about Reverend Pinkney and his organization, visit: https://www.bhbanco.org