Albert Cheeks Riley Jr. Fundraiser

Member's of the media are our Story Tellers. They are the people recording our history, sometimes at great personal expense. 

Please help take care of one of the Story Tellers...

Albert Cheeks Riley Jr. is a member of the independent media that has been covering the ongoing anti-police brutality protests in Rockford, IL. 

On Friday September 25th, Albert was covering the same non-violent protest that has been occurring every Friday since May 30th. Taking pictures of the same protestors and the same police. 

Albert's evocative photos of truth have brought national attention to the very big problems the marginalized have with how the Rockford Police Department treats people and the systemic racism the RPD demonstrates in their actions. 

Last night was the last big push for this particular protest location. The Rockford Police took this opportunity to punish Albert. 

He was arrested and beaten...the police were clearly more concerned with getting Albert's camera than actually arresting him. 

In the process of trying to save his equipment, Albert was beaten. His nose and glasses were broken...and more than $4,000 in lense and camera are now gone.

The Rockford Police took the very tools Albert uses to make a living for his family...and they made sure he wouldn't have that anymore. 

Albert now sits in jail. He has been charged with a felony (likely resisting arrest). 

He won't get out until Monday. Then he will have to face the new life the Rockford Police Department has created for him. 

- Getting new glasses (money already raised)
- Getting an attorney (hopefully the charges will be dropped)
- Cancelling photography gigs for lack of equipment and from injury
- Lost income
- Reputation affected due to cancellations
- Recovering from injuries
- Medical bills resulting from injuries

TRAUMA

Albert will be changed forever. 

This fundraiser is to cover Albert Cheeks Riley Jr.'s loss of equipment, loss of work (and what it will take to rebuild his business) and the expense of emotional and physical healing. 

Anything you can do to help is not just appreciated, but needed.

DON'T LET THE ROCKFORD POLICE CENSOR THE TRUTH BY SILENCING INDEPENDENT MEDIA!!!

Give voice back to Albert!!! He is NEEDED! He is VALUED!

About me - 

I am an activist and protest supporter via the net from San Francisco for Rockford.

Rockford is where I grew up and my family is involved with the ongoing anti-police brutality protests.

As a result I have been watching the protests live weekly and participating via social media with memes and support videos via YouTube.

I have used several of Albert's photos for memes to support the protestors. I have seen his work and watched him work, he is a professional and never a problem to police. 

With the full permission and support of Albert's pregnant life partner, this fundraiser is being started now, while Albert is still in jail. 

Please feel free to verify myself, Albert and this story at the following links

About Albert 

About Albert Cheeks Photography 

About Angela the fundraiser 

Rockford Protest Information On This Page 

Video of Rockford Protests  (you can see Albert in this video working. WE NEED HIM!)