BY KRISTIN MERIAM
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Two dozen opponents of police brutality participated in the Militant Labor Forum here August 21 titled, "Stop Racist Attacks! Stop Police Brutality!"

The speak-out followed a march of 1,000 in Talladega, Alabama, the previous weekend to protest the July 31 police slaying of Donald "Bruno" Nabors.

Rev. Henry Sterling, state coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and a central organizer of the march, addressed the forum. He emphasized that the march had been built though door-to-door outreach in Talladega. He pledged protesters will "stay visible throughout the investigation" by the police department into the shooting. "We will be in the street, protesting, rallying, picketing, and boycotting. If Talladega goes unchallenged, the same thing's going to happen all over Alabama. If you're a lover of freedom, if you're a lover of justice, we invite you to come join our struggle."

George Williams, a member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the newly announced Socialist Workers nominee for lieutenant governor of Alabama, spoke at the Talladega march and at the forum. He recounted a conversation he had with a man at the march from Sylacauga, Alabama, who was critical of some of the comments by speakers at the march who were appreciative of "good police."

"I lived up North and I lived in Alabama and everywhere cops are the same," the man said.

"He hit the nail on the head," said Williams. "A cop is a cop is a cop. Cops are not neutral. They are agents of our class enemy. Cops are paid to protect capitalist rule and defend capitalist social relations."

Also speaking at the forum were Jamila Williams of the Young Socialists and Terri Smith, who told of her personal experience with cop brutality. Smith urged all victims of police brutality to unite in "one big fight."

Kristin Meriam is a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 12014.  
 
 
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