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Event
'Making The River' - SNAHC Film Fundraiser
This very special screening is a fundraiser for The Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc. SNAHC is a 501(c)(3).
Lloyd Broncheau, a young Native American prisoner, was killed in the Washington State Penitentiary for a twenty-five dollar debt. Three days later, a prison guard, Sgt. William Cross, was killed during a fight with Indian inmates. This led to the longest lockdown in Washington State history and an inmate class-action lawsuit against the state.
George and Jimi Simmons were charged with first degree murder for the death of the guard. The state sought execution by hanging.
Jimi "Dexter" Simmons had been raised by the state, institutionalized as a youth and imprisoned as an adult. Making the River is a film about tragedy transformed.
Jimi and George Simmons were charged with the death of Sgt. William Cross. The court appointed two defense attorneys from the small community of Walla Walla. George's attorney was an experienced ex-prosecutor named John Biggs. Jimi Simmons' appointed attorney had never defended a major felony, much less a death penalty case. He refused to even meet wih Jimi without a protective barrier between them.
A group of Seattle grassroots activists believed that Jimi needed an attorney who understood the cultural ramifications of the case and had death penalty experience. Leonard Weinglass, John Wolfe and Mary Wrasman volunteered their time and legal expertise. Lenny Weinglass is an internationally recognized civil rights attorney who has defended clients such as Angela Davis, the Chicago 8, and Daniel Ellsburg in the Pentagon Papers case. Weinglass had a history of working with American Indian activists. He respected their culture and understood its impact in the courtroom.
The Simmons Brothers Defense Committee was formed by Karen Rudolph and many other supporters of prisoner and Native American rights. They worked successfully to build national and international awareness of the case.
***We are pleased to announce that the subject of the film, Mr. Jimi Simmons, will be attending the screening in order to participate in a question and answer session afterwards with representatives of our own 'Warrior Down' program staff.***
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LocationGuild Theater
2828 35th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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