Black Lives Matter protests in Seattle have been at the forefront of national conversations on race and politics. Together, young activists from an array of civil rights groups have organized nonviolent demonstrations, and in some cases have been arrested.
But what occurs when these protesters become caught up in the legal system without the resources to navigate it? Three civil rights attorneys from Seattle have recently joined together to provide legal support for people arrested.
Wilberforce Agyekum, James Bible and Sheley Secrest are using social media to publicize their intention to provide free pre-trial release legal advice for any Black Lives Matter protesters arrested in local protests.
Agyekum, former member of the city’s Human Rights Commission, said the three lawyers came together because of a fundamental belief that the constitutional rights of protesters should be protected.
“Generally, it is the legal issues that prevent people from pursuing these types of protest when violence occurs in the community,” Agyekum said. “Our goal was to make sure once they do get arrested, that we are there to assist them in the first stage of the process, which is the bail hearing.”
After an individual is arrested, bail may be posted immediately or a hearing may be scheduled, where bail will be set at the judge’s discretion. According to Agyekum, the bail hearing is the most critical component for someone entering the criminal justice system.
Studies have shown that African Americans and Latinos disproportionately receive higher bail. The inability to post bail may keep them stuck in the criminal justice system. “We want to make sure that for part of the process, they had representation so they don’t get in a situation where they are treated unfairly,” Agyekum said.
Originally, the three attorneys, who all graduated from Seattle University School of Law, came together before last month’s Black Friday protests, in anticipation some protesters could get arrested. Their prediction held true: Four people were arrested at Westlake Center.
Now, the lawyers intend to continue to provide counsel on an as-needed basis. Agyekum said he has already had a young activist call for guidance: “We need to be involved because black lawyers do matter, too.”