Stand with Emerson Against Political Repression

FIGHT POLITICAL REPRESSION! COMBAT AUTHORITARIANISM!

Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, The Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and the Institute for Global Education are creating a legal fund for political activists facing repression for demanding free speech rights!

On April 5, 2025, just before the “Hands Off!” protest started in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) aggressively placed Emerson Wolfe, a community leader in charge of safety for the 4 thousand person rally and march, under arrest. Emerson did nothing wrong - this was an intentional move by GRPD to repress political movements, silence movement leaders, and scare thousands of people who are mobilizing to fight for democracy.

Emerson is the co-chair of Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids (PSGR) and on the board of Institute for Global Education (IGE). They are a steadfast advocate for social justice and liberation, a community organizer with over 20 years of experience, and have contributed their time, resources, and expertise to strengthen the people’s movement in Grand Rapids. Over the last year and a half, Emerson has worked hard to bolster the anti-war movement, training dozens of new activists into powerful community organizers by offering guidance, resources, and support. Under Emerson's lead, PSGR has helped coordinate safety for a number of large marches/protests, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of participants across the midwest.

Emerson needs our support to navigate the legal battle ahead, so we are rallying to help cover legal fees. Emerson’s dedication and community-minded approach has put them in direct danger of legal repression. As a disabled person, they have shown up for our community with all their capacity and more - now we need to stand in solidarity with them.

Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 - both to ensure Emerson can afford legal representation, and to establish a fund for future legal expenses of local organizers who are fighting authoritarianism. The battle for democracy is just beginning, and this is an important moment. We MUST fight back against agents of the state repressing our right to demand justice and liberation for all.

As a starting point, we have set our initial goal of $2,000 to retain a lawyer and fight these charges.

With the undeniable rise of fascist tendencies and authoritarianism in the United States, the battle ahead will be a long one and will require us to stand with more activists in the future. Any remaining funds we raise will go towards future legal battles our community leaders may face.

If you are a community leader facing political repression or unjust charges, please get in touch. We stand with you.

Thank you for your donation and for sharing the fundraiser with your communities. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to our collective cause. With your help, we can stand together to protect the rights of those who work so hard to ensure that justice prevails.

Thank you for your time, your support, and for standing with activists who are fighting to make a difference.