Change for Liberation: Legal Defense Fundraiser for Donald Sirypangno

6443 Imperial Avenue,San Diego CA 92114

25 February, 2023

Description

We're launching our first ever Change for Liberation campaign to benefit the legal defense fund of Konesavanh “Donald” Sirypangno, currently serving a life sentence. This event is co-organized by the Freedom and Justice Committee of Asian Solidarity Collective (ASC) and Pillars of the Community. How to JoinThis is a FREE community event, but you can pre-purchase food tickets, a shirt or a hoodie. All proceeds will benefit Donald Sirypangno's legal defense fund. Your shirt order will be screen printed live with the help of local artist, professor and Cultura y Skate enthusiast Abel Macias. Hoodie orders must be in by February15th! On February 25th, meet us at the Pillars of the Community event space for live performances and speakers, and to pick up your shirts/hoodies. Food tickets are good for one plate of tacos, lumpia and noodles. Can't afford a shirt or hoodie, but still want to support? Bring in any dark clothing or garment to be screen printed for a donation of $5. Choose between two designs. White ink only available, so bring a dark colored item! We are continually working to increase accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Please email us at [email protected] for accessibility accommodations. Performances bySophat and TeerahCypherst8...and more to be announced!Co-hosted byLon Chhay, ASC OrganizerDinah Sirypangno, Community Advocate and Sister of DonaldAbout the PrintThis artwork was designed by ASC member Stacey Uy to honor Donald’s struggle and all Lao and Southeast Asian folks who are systemically over-policed and under-funded. Donald’s family came to the US as refugees fleeing from the Vietnam War in Laos with little access to support and resources due to the failures of the US resettlement system. The Naga is a mythical water serpent thought to be a protector of the Lao people, and symbolizes the deep-rooted strength of the people fighting for their incarcerated loved ones to come home. We do this work so that one day, all people are free and nourished. We look forward to continuing this campaign with new designs and artists specific to the cultures and experiences of the incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people that will benefit from them. About the Freedom and Justice CommitteeThe Freedom and Justice (F&J) Committee is a collaborative solidarity effort organized by Pillars of the Community and Asian Solidarity Collective working alongside people currently and/or formerly incarcerated. F&J seeks to challenge the stall tactics of San Diego’s District Attorney and judges regarding Senate Bill 1437, which was passed to limit felony murder prosecutions to those who intended to kill or had a direct or major role in a murder. Prior to the law, Black, Brown, Indigenous and people of color were unjustly convicted of felony murder and are eligible to petition for resentencing under SB1437. F&J aims to amplify the stories of those impacted by the carceral state, as we fight alongside them to bring them home. Thank you to all past and current members -- Lon Chhay, Laila Aziz, Manuel Enriquez, Tony Ambriz, Nicole, Miss Piggy, Dr. DJ Kuttin Kandi, Timmy To and Stacey Uy.