Kirsten Brydum
Date: Fri, Sep. 25, 2009
"We're all in this together."--Kirsten Brydum
One Year Later, the Path of Justice for Kirsten Brydum Continues:
One year after her death, John Viola, boyfriend, and Frank Lindsay, family friend, are in New Orleans on the path for justice for Kirsten Brydum. Kirsten was murdered in New Orleans last year while visiting as part of her tour of progressive and alternative institutions and causes nationwide. By such networking, she hoped to demonstrate a radical movement more extensive than realized, and to facilitate research and resource-sharing across distances.
Frank and John will be canvassing the known areas related to the case and asking anyone who witnessed or has knowledge of the crime to come forward. In addition to asking for information about the case, they are also asking residents for their ideas and suggestions about reducing violence and making women and all people in New Orleans safer.
A Transformative Justice:
The path of justice for Kirsten includes not only perpetrator accountability but transformation of the root causes of violence. As part of this path we have reached out to community organizations and groups to find common cause for justice Kirsten and justice for all women and people in New Orleans. At the heart of this pursuit, is the belief that people in the communities most affected by violence, hold the key solutions to overcoming that violence. It is part of our responsibility to listen to and amplify that voice.
Kirsten dedicated herself to fighting the very social ills of poverty, racism, and systemic violence which helped cause her death. It is our responsibility now to continue that struggle even and especially as we move forward with justice for her.
Press Conference:
At 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, a press conference will be held to discuss the path of justice for Kirtsen. The community outreach efforts will be addressed by John and Frank. Officials from New Orleans Police Department will be there to update the public about the investigation. Community advocates from Silence is Violence and/or Victims Allies Project may also address the media.
The family is asking anyone who witnessed or has information concerning this crime to contact Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. There is up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest and indictment. Callers will remain anonymous and do not need to testify in court to earn the reward.
The family has also set up a toll free number for anyone who wishes to speak confidentially about the case or their ideas, concerns, or proposals on safety and overcoming violence in New Orleans. You can contact the family directly at 1-888-695-9310. Callers will remain anonymous and their identities will not be disclosed to any other agency or person.
