October 30, 2019, New York – In response to news of the arrests of Reverend Gregory Manning and Sakura Kone at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry on the final day of the two-week march by the Coalition Against Death Alley from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, the Center for Constitutional Rights issued the following statement: 

We support the mission and goals of the Coalition Against Death Alley, which are to achieve justice for those who have been harmed by the petrochemical industry and to stop the further build-out of these facilities. The 85-mile stretch between New Orleans and Baton Rouge has been the site of a petrochemical invasion, where more than 100 petrochemical facilities are located in predominantly Black communities that are bearing the brunt of the devastating health and environmental impacts.

Reverend Manning is a dedicated pastor and civil rights leader in his community. His arrest, along with that of Sakura Kone, will not slow the growing movement across Louisiana, and the country, for environmental justice. The state and industry continue to work together in a reckless and dangerous partnership  while communities on the frontline of the climate crisis bravely organize and demand urgent change.

The Center for Constitutional Rights  has proudly represented the Coalition Against Death Alley in their effort to march for justice.