Dear Friends,
As the national push for racial justice continues, I was horrified by the news that two black men, two weeks and some 50 miles apart in California, were found dead in public parks by hanging. The police were quick to label these deaths as suicides. But far too many unanswered questions remain. In my latest article on Medium, “Two Suspicious Deaths by Hangings of Black Men in California,” I question the police rush to dismiss the deaths as suicide, and I join the call for a full and fair investigation — which finally appears to be underway.
In other news, I had the opportunity last week to talk with NJTV about the Newark police consent decree and its impact on policing, which you watch here: http://jessicahenryjustice.com/media/. I also had the chance to talk with U.S. News and World Report about policing protests in small cities. I am honored to be even a small part of this important national conversation on policing and reform. We have much work to do!
In terms of news on the book front… the official release date is exactly six weeks from today! If you are so inclined, you can pre-order “Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened” here. No plans yet for an official book launch (virtual or otherwise), but you’ll be among the first to know.
In the meantime, I hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe.
Take good care,
Jessica