Solidarity Art for Stop Cop City 2023
Stop Cop City is a movement to stop an undemocratic, dark-money funded police militarization facility in an ecologically vital stretch of public forest in Atlanta, Georgia.
This week, from March 4th through March 11th 2023, the Stop Cop City is planning a week of action. You can learn a whole lot more and find ways to help at DefendTheAtlantaForest.org!
Agitation propaganda and art have long been an important element of resistance and liberation struggle. That’s why we have asked comrades from around the world to submit solidarity art to show support for Stop Cop City in an “All Winners Art Contest.” In addition, we’ve pledged to donate $5 for ever piece of art we received + $25, for a grand total of $60!
Please enjoy the art below — we hope you will be inspired to find ways to support Stop Cop City and other movements to liberate working people in your community and around the world!
Submission 1: Russel
Russel submitted the astounding DIY sketches below, evoking a mood of resistance and firmness in the face of oppression:
Submission 2: Luna Oi!
I may be a bit biased, since this submission comes to us from my wife, but I really love the solidarity this piece inspires:
Submission 3: “Weeping Willow” by Jason/BlueSwallow92
Jason submited the haunting poem below, along with the message: “Solidarity and love from Delaware to all defending the Weelaunee forest. Rest in Power Tortuguita.”
There’s a willow in the forest that weeps. Why does it weep?
It weeps for the planned destruction of itself and its fellow trees.
It weeps for the creatures who will suffer that live amongst them in the Weelaunee.
It weeps for the people of south Atlanta for whom they provide life sustaining oxygen.
It weeps for the day it loses some of its forest friends for Hollywood productions.
It weeps for the odious Cop City which will aid in the U.S.A.’s global oppression.
It weeps for the brave defenders of its home from the state’s array of fascists.
It weeps for the persecuted, who have been charged as domestic terrorists.
It weeps for the fallen comrade Tort, whose life was cut short,
at the hands of the predatory state sanctioned gang the police,
who treat black and indigenous people like prey to be hunted for sport.
It shall weep when the constructions of Cop City and Shadowbox Studios cease.
But the tears it weeps will not be those of sadness. The tears it weeps will be those of joy.
Submission 4: Tra My Pham
Tra My Pham submitted this darkly satirical piece all the way from Vietnam… It definitely captures the nature of the struggle against the running dogs of capitalism!
Submission 5: The Shlendrian
One thing I wasn’t expecting was the variety of artforms we have received. Love this pixelgon 3d art festooned with revolutionary messages of support!
Submission 6: Doug Jaffray
Speaking of a wide range of talent, this song by Doug Jaffray was hella inspiring! Nothing like a protest song:
Submission 7: Bill from Ohio
Last but not least, one more poem, this time coming to us from Ohio — which has seen its own share of injustice, of late. By the way, if you aren’t sure who Tortuguita is — they are a forest defender who was brutally shot to death by the Atlanta police during a raid. You can learn more about them here.
For Tortuguita
Like grass breaks through the best laid stone —
Though soft and supple, it’s not deterred,
For it knows that time is but a loan
And how fleeting the triumph of human works —
So too Tortuguita, protector of Weelaunee,
Your spirit will shatter the oppressing force
And like leaves on a tree, return spring after spring,
Each time more abundant than the year before.
Like an acorn falls to plant the seed
Of new life in earth’s loamy bed,
So one who falls in the pursuit of love
Prepares the ground on which lovers tread,
For neither the saws nor the bullets of hate
Can fell the spirit of Weelaunee
And of Tortuguita, comrade and friend —
Your memory, like the forest,
Our hearts will defend.
If this art inspired you, please check out the FAQ for Defend the Forest where you can find all sorts of ways to help out.
Solidarity!
-EJ
