Press Release: Campaign for Justice for Kingsley Burrell

Stars speak out in support of the Birmingham Kingsley Burrell March for Justice.

A variety of stars and community campaigners have spoken out in support of the planned march against deaths in custody due to take place in Birmingham on Saturday 2nd July.

The campaign for Justice 4 Kingsley Burrell in unity with Justice 4 Smiley Culture and the family of Demetre Fraser, a 21 year old black man and the most recent family to suffer a tragic death in custody are joining forces to support a major national demonstration. Demetre died in suspicious circumstances on 31st May 2011 after into contact with the West Midland Police force.

All these families have collectively called a national demonstration protesting against deaths in custody and in support of a public inquiry.

Kingsley Burrell Brown, 29, of Hockley, was forcibly arrested after calling the West Midlands Police after he suffered intimidation from a local gang. He was arrested March 27th detained under the Mental Health Act despite having no previous history of mental illness, admitted into the Mary Seacole mental institute. He was later transferred, on March 30, to a mental health facility at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

When he arrived at Mary Seacole, Brown alleged the police had beaten him up. When he arrived at the second hospital he was in a critical condition. His family believes he was beaten en route to the hospital.

Kingsley’s mother Janet Brown stated, “ My main concern as a mother is how can a strong fit young man as fit as my son in his prime time, be taken off the street, no history of mental health issues, sectioned for a period of 28 days and within three days die whilst in custody.

As a mother I want answers, which directly focus on how my son came about his death, who was involved and under what circumstances. The safety of my son was not imperative as the system has failed my son tremendously or he would be here with us today!

The ball now lay in the NHS and West Midlands Police to provide us the family and community with the answers we so desparatly deserve.”

Adding significant support to the Burrell march actor and pop star Ashley Walters said: "When I learned of Kingsley Burrell's death at the hands of West Midlands Police force, my first thought was, 'can this kind of thing really still be happening in 2011?'. The sad truth is yes, it is. And it is the duty of each and every one of us to put a spotlight on these injustices wherever we find them. Not only do I support those taking part in the March for Justice; I applaud their dedication and resolve to bring West Midlands Police force to justice."

A member of Britain’s leading two-tone groups Ranking Roger of The Beat said: “ Bands like The beat and The Specials, as well as Steel Pulse, came about because of racism, unfairness in the system and also because of the so called "Sus Laws" which I have noticed has over the past few years crept back in.

People don't complain or protest enough about these things these days, and it's a shame, as the previous generation stuck together and made changes that changed those Draconian laws. Where there is unfairness or injustice, I believe that it should be heard and that the world should know about it too. Also where there is truth, let it be the same. Let us protest in peace, let the world know, and make an impact to make those changes.”

Chief Executive Joy Warmington of a leading Birmingham equalities and human rights charity brap stated, “ Needless and early death is always tragic, and my thoughts and sympathies go out to Kinsley’s family and especially his children.

This is a serious issue that really does affect everyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, and culture. Not many people aware that so far this year five teenagers have apparently taken their own lives whilst in custody, so we urgently need to look into the way people are treated. We owe it to them, Kingsley, and everyone who has lost their life to take action and change things for the better.”

Maxi Hayles on behalf of the Kingsley Burrell Campaign said, “ This is one of the most important marches for justice seen in recent times. Kingsley’s death is a stain on the reputation of the West Midlands Police and we need an urgent public inquiry to avoid further deterioration in police and community relations.”

Lee Jasper race equality campaigner said, “ West Midlands has become the deaths in custody capital of the UK. The case of Kingsley and now Demetre indicate that there is something profoundly wrong at the heart of West Midlands Police force". Speakers:

Kedisha Burrell - Campaign 4 Justice 4 Kingsley Burrell Jossette Fraser - Campaign for Justice for Demetre Fraser Merlin Emmanuel - Campaign for Justice for Smiley Culture Tippa Naphtali - Friends of Mikey Powell Campaign for Justice Robin Thompson (on behalf of Kingsley Burrell’s mother Janet Brown) Bev Hamilton (son killed in Leeds) Julian Webster’s family (inquest on 14th November) - Julian Webster Campaign John Simmit comedian. Additional speakers and press contacts Maxi Hayles - Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit (BRAMU) 07956 141554 Lee Jasper - Chair of London Race & Criminal Justice Consortium 07984 181797 Other Celebrities and speakers to be announced.

DATE: Saturday July 2nd 2011 TIME: 12 noon

STARTING POINT: Abbey Street, Winson Green, Hockley, B18 5QS

FINISHING POINT AND RALLY AT: West Midlands Police HQ, Lloyd House, Colmore Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6NQ

ROUTE: Assemble in Abbey Street from 12 noon, to march for 1pm, then walk on past the Seacole mental health unit in Winson Green, where Kingsley was taken, then on to Bolton Road, Soho Road and into the city centre to Lloyd House, the headquarters of West Midlands police.

You can get more information on the march by visiting BRAMU website.