Whiting 41 Break Free

Last May, 41 peaceful protesters were arrested at the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, as part of the Break Free Midwest rally and march, demanding a just transition from fossil fuels to an economy based on renewable energy.  The BP refinery in Whiting was chosen as a site for the protest because it is the largest tar sands refinery in the country and the site of a 2014 spill which discharged 1,600 gallons of crude oil into the waters of Lake Michigan.  A rally at the lakefront was followed by a march of over 1,000 people to the BP refinery. At the point of the first police barricade, 40 of the protesters moved to the front of the march and locked arms. The Whiting 40 became the Whiting 41 when a young woman decided, on the spot, to risk arrest with the others. They led the crowd past the police line and on to Gate 15 of the refinery where, after a pause to reaffirm their commitment, they walked onto BP property and sat in a circle in front of a phalanx of police and sheriff’s deputies holding billy clubs. They sang and chanted, supported by other marchers at the edge of the property, until they were arrested, one by one, and led to waiting police vans. The Whiting 41 were transported to the jail in East Chicago and were charged with criminal trespass.

The final hearing in their case has been set for Jan. 13, 2017. On that day, we will assemble at the Lake Superior Court in Hammond, Indiana to show solidarity wiht the Whiting 41 and demand a just transition away from the fossil fuel area.

Funds raised through this campaign will help cover the costs of transportation, art materials, refreshments, and all the other costs that go into organizing an event like this. Every dollar is greatly appreciated and goes directly to the event! Please see our facebook event for more details. Thank you! :)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1336531286357168/

#BreakFree #Whiting41 #WaterIsLife