Jamil Joyner - How Can You Help?

The symbol next to Jamil’s name at the top of this page is an Adinkra symbol from Ghana, West Africa called ‘Woforo Dua pa a’ in their Twi language. It's literal english translation is 'when you climb a good tree’. This symbol represents ‘support, cooperation and encouragement’ and comes from the Twi expression ‘Woforo dua pa a, na yepia wo’ which translates 'When you climb a good tree, you are given a push'. Metaphorically it means that when you work for a good cause, you will get support ^[1]. Statued expressions of this symbol is usually represented as a child climbing a tree and an elder giving them a push up. In other words, when our children grow up and do good things, we are there to support them when they need help.

During the post-Katrina fiasco and the NOPD's year long unlawful detainment of Jamil, he lost everything and was unable to apply for the aid FEMA had available for residents and business owners. In addition, his family has poured tens of thousands of dollars to retain multiple attorneys to represent him in the first trial.

At this point Jamil needs YOUR help with four things:

First, Jamil is being sentenced on July 23, 2010. He needs letters of character reference to be submitted to the sentencing judge, Alacorn. Jamil is facing a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 50 years; we are obviously hoping for the minimum 20 years. If you know Jamil and would like to submit a character reference, please select 'character reference form' on the site menu above and complete the form as outlined. Also feel free to post a comment on our Blog about this case and any other case of NOPD corruption related to the period following Hurricane Katrina.

Second, click here to sign a petition in support of a request that has been submitted to the Federal Government for a full investigation and retrial. We are looking for at least 3000 signatures, please let yours be one of them.

Third, what's needed to retain a Louisiana Appeals Lawyer is $10,000. With the help of many people submitting manageable donations starting with increments of only $10, this goal can easily be reached relatively quickly. We have made it easy for you to provide your financial support by submitting your donations online. You can submit a onetime donation or you can commit to recurring donations that will automatically occur monthly and discontinue when the goal is met or after 6 monthly donations; whichever comes first. All money received from donations will go towards the legal defense for Jamil Joyner's appeal..Select 'donate' from the website menu to make your donation selection and choose the type of donation you'd like to submit. Click here if you have problems submitting your donation from this site.

Finally, spread the word. Corruption occurs where few are aware so share Jamil Joyner's story with your email and social network distribution lists, any agency that you know can help, and/or radio and television reports or contacts who might be interested in uncovering the truth about or featuring this story.