This is a letter I received from the family of Kyam. They had a march on 21st and I was not able to come but I wanted them to know they were in my thoughts and prayers with LOVE!
Thank you for telling the story of my relative, Kyam Livingston. Our family understands that medical neglect as a form of punishment in our city’s holding pens is nothing new.
That’s why, in addition to demanding justice for Kyam we are asking for changes in the arraignment process and in the inhumane and filthy conditions in central booking holding cells.
To that end, we are having a Community Speakout on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 6 p.m. at the Flatbush Reformed Church, 890 Flatbush Avenue (at Church Avenue), in Brooklyn, NY.
If you are an organizer and you are concerned about how citizens (mainly citizens of color) in NY are treated as they wait to see if they will even be charged with any crime, please join us.
If you have been through the arraignment process and have a story to tell us about your experience or an experience you witnessed while in central bookings, we urge you to come before your elected officials and tell your story.
For more information about this event, email us at Justice4Kyam@gmail.com.The restraining order only said that Kyam couldn’t be drinking or arguing loudly with her grandmother in the home the two women shared.
Kyam had been out at a birthday party for her boyfriend on that Saturday night and had a few drinks. She came into the apartment to shower and go back out again.
When she came into the apartment there was a VERBAL DISAGREEMENT between her and her grandmother over a remote control she was accused of breaking.
The argument ENDED and Kyam went in to take her shower.
When she got out of the shower there were two officers from the local precinct there to arrest her for allegedly having violated the restraining order.
The allegations that she went buck wild and destroyed property are hearsay.
The allegations that Kyam was alcoholic are also hearsay.
Kyam never had a chance to tell her side of the story in court because she was executed by the police prior to coming before a judge.
However, her mom, Ms. Anita Neal, was on the phone with Kyam during the entire incident (and can prove it) and has explained the other side of the story.
Gina, was once an attractive woman who had men and fancy clothes, and many suitors. This all changed when she contracted HIV, the virus that ultimately causes AIDS. AIDS, is the disease that of course,weakens your immune system and any organism can attack your system. Gina learned her HIV Status and tried to commit suicide.Yes, she tried to blow her brains out, but survived.Meet this Sister! She is not in the best physical or mental shape at this moment.We can still humble ourselves and listen to her tale. We get so caught up in stereotypes and blame when it comes to AIDS. When someone has Terminal Cancer, your saddened and in deep malevolence. When someone succumbs to AIDS typical questions of blame are asked instead of remorse.”They must have done something wrong!” “It’s God‘s punishment!” “Well, he shouldn’t have done what he was doing?” Any lost of life or impending death should be respected, and it should be a humbling experience to anyone. I have been to so many funerals, where the person said, “Ummm They had Cancer.”
When the truth is right in front of you!
You saw the lesions and the wasting syndrome, and you just knew…
***messymandella*** 