One of our Food & Freedom Riders and Real Food Fellow Courtney Oats faced an arrest that almost prevented her from joining us on the ride. You can read more about her case here.

In Eupora, the court-appointed public defender is deeply entrenched in county politics, so Courtney sought outside counsel to fight multiple trump charges. She’s been unable to find a pro-bono attorney. Her court date is set for this Tuesday, September 27th.

We need to raise an additional $850 to secure a lawyer for her case.

These charges, and this trial, are just one example of dangerous and disrespectful harassment in Webster County, Mississippi. Courtney and her family are trying to do good for their community. Don’t our taxpayer-funded police have something better to do than harass community activists? Courtney and her family want to see a different culture of cooperation and caring for neighbors. They shouldn’t be punished for this.

We can show Webster County police and the town of Eupora that the Oats are not alone, and they can’t be harassed anymore.

Will you take a simple action to ensure Courtney has a fair trial, and a real chance at defending herself? Donate here to Courtney’s legal defense fund. Any amount of  support that you can give is greatly appreciated. And look out for more updates after the hearing on September 27th.