Danny Chen Rally for Justice Planned for Tomorrow

The Lower East Side community was dealt a blow last week with the slap-on-the-wrist verdict in the Danny Chen case. Last Thursday, a jury of military personnel found Sergeant Adam Holcomb – the first of eight soldiers to stand trial – not guilty of negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and hazing. He was simultaneously proven guilty on one count of assault and two counts of maltreatment of a subordinate.

In the wake of the decision, local pols, including Councilwoman Margaret Chin, are demanding a more meaningful punishment with regard to this case. A “rally for justice” is planned for tomorrow afternoon (2pm) in Columbus Park to protest the ruling.

From the Boogie mailbag:

The community lead by OCA-NY (Organization of Chinese Americans has called for a public rally on Saturday, August 11 at 2 PM at Columbus Park in Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown. Asian American Arts Centre will be a co-sponsor, along with other diverse community organizations.

This is an opportunity join a community action that needs your support. The public and the military needs to see our determination for justice. Evidence demonstrating racial abuse cannot be minimized and hypothetically accounted for without making a travesty of justice. (See the links to articles below) This is an issue that addresses everyone, all people need to see a reversal of this tradition of military practice that permits and excuses hazing of every color.

For artists you are encouraged to create artwork, designs, songs or poems to mark this moment. Give form to the memory that will continue to impact the public for years to come.