Justice for Sonya Staley
Donation protected
She named injustice. She named her right to hold space the same as everyone else. She named her right to take the shape her body wanted to be in. She used her words to defend her rights, and for that, she is paying a very high cost.
We are witnesses to what has happened, working closely with Sonya and her legal counsel, and now we are asking for your help to Support Sonya when she needs us.
What Happened:
During an open rehearsal at Ziegler Park in August of 2019, for "Look Around" (an event of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and 600 local musicians designed for the enjoyment of all members of the community), Sonya Staley (a mother of four) was watching her youngest child play on the playground. Sonya was experiencing back pain from a severe car accident which happened earlier that year, and was reclined on her backpack to try and ease the pain. A dancer, Mandy, was lying on the ground stretching, and chatting with Sonya telling her about the upcoming rehearsal and inviting her to stay. Other dancers were around and warming up, when officer Carlos Sherman approached Sonya and told her to "Sit up". Sonya asked why she needed to sit up when there were other women (white women) lying down and stretching on the ground right next to her, but he would not offer an explanation.
Officer Carlos Sherman escalated the situation by saying if she did not sit up, she had to leave the park or be arrested. Ms. Staley called out the injustices, but did leave the park. When she reached the exit of the park, several officers appeared and arrested her forcibly. She was taken to jail.
The composer and creator of "Look Around", Shara Nova, with director Mark DeChiazza, as well as many other artists from "Look Around" supported Sonya in various ways, and Mandy, the dancer, testified her eye witness in court. However, despite our collective efforts, in February 2020, Sonya was officially charged with Trespassing, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.
Supporting Sonya:
The impact of this unjust verdict is affecting Sonya very significantly. This conviction is also affecting her ability to seek medical care and provide for her four children.
We artists have gone to court, giving official witness, written letters, marched, composed songs, poems, painted and danced in protest at the courthouse, the largest of which (so far) was held on July 28th called "Justice for Sonya" co-hosted by the Social Justice League, Cynthia for the People and Mandy Goodwin, the night before her sentencing. We gathered as artists, with news stations watching, to stand in solidarity with Sonya to affect change for her life and to stand for justice. Still the judge did not alter the verdict.
Now, for the first time, we are seeking your help, to give Sonya the stability she needs for her and her family, so she can be more secure in her situation and thus have the strength to appeal. Please give what you can and know that you are supporting someone who deserves to be honored for her actions, not given more unbearable hardship.
With deep gratitude,
Shara Nova, Mandy Goodwin, and Liz Virgo
We are witnesses to what has happened, working closely with Sonya and her legal counsel, and now we are asking for your help to Support Sonya when she needs us.
What Happened:
During an open rehearsal at Ziegler Park in August of 2019, for "Look Around" (an event of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and 600 local musicians designed for the enjoyment of all members of the community), Sonya Staley (a mother of four) was watching her youngest child play on the playground. Sonya was experiencing back pain from a severe car accident which happened earlier that year, and was reclined on her backpack to try and ease the pain. A dancer, Mandy, was lying on the ground stretching, and chatting with Sonya telling her about the upcoming rehearsal and inviting her to stay. Other dancers were around and warming up, when officer Carlos Sherman approached Sonya and told her to "Sit up". Sonya asked why she needed to sit up when there were other women (white women) lying down and stretching on the ground right next to her, but he would not offer an explanation.
Officer Carlos Sherman escalated the situation by saying if she did not sit up, she had to leave the park or be arrested. Ms. Staley called out the injustices, but did leave the park. When she reached the exit of the park, several officers appeared and arrested her forcibly. She was taken to jail.
The composer and creator of "Look Around", Shara Nova, with director Mark DeChiazza, as well as many other artists from "Look Around" supported Sonya in various ways, and Mandy, the dancer, testified her eye witness in court. However, despite our collective efforts, in February 2020, Sonya was officially charged with Trespassing, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.
Supporting Sonya:
The impact of this unjust verdict is affecting Sonya very significantly. This conviction is also affecting her ability to seek medical care and provide for her four children.
We artists have gone to court, giving official witness, written letters, marched, composed songs, poems, painted and danced in protest at the courthouse, the largest of which (so far) was held on July 28th called "Justice for Sonya" co-hosted by the Social Justice League, Cynthia for the People and Mandy Goodwin, the night before her sentencing. We gathered as artists, with news stations watching, to stand in solidarity with Sonya to affect change for her life and to stand for justice. Still the judge did not alter the verdict.
Now, for the first time, we are seeking your help, to give Sonya the stability she needs for her and her family, so she can be more secure in her situation and thus have the strength to appeal. Please give what you can and know that you are supporting someone who deserves to be honored for her actions, not given more unbearable hardship.
With deep gratitude,
Shara Nova, Mandy Goodwin, and Liz Virgo
Organizer and beneficiary
Pantouf Aloof
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
Sonya Staley
Beneficiary