Tuesday, Robin, Peace Pagoda monks and friends vigil all day outside and in court for the Natick Chain 18. Bench trial is over. All made awesome statements in solidarity in their own defense. Verdict: trespassing, $50, 10 hr community service or contempt in 30 days.

Frances Crow convicted of disturbing the peace declined fine, community service. Judge sentenced her to 30 days in court. Frances voted for jail but reconsidered in favor of a plan. More in the continuing saga...

About 40 activists (including Kato Shonin, who just reentered the U.S. successfully) went to court in Chicopee on Thursday over the Westover action March 22. There is not solidarity, but a lot of lawyers have stepped forward pro bono to help. Very messy, and complicated. Maybe the court will get just tired and drop it????? You think?

Ingrid is here until maybe the Flower Festival on the 31st. I have updated Nzinga Voices newsletter Vol. II '03. It will be on the Fund for Women Artists, Ingrid's page. Last night she cooked dinner at the Pagoda and treated us to a sneak preview of Blackside Production's 6 part series, This Far by Faith: African American Spiritual Journeys airing on PBS ( Boston June 24, 25, 26th check your local station). the Middle Passage Pilgrimage is the entire last hour.

peace
Robin

Robin MacRostie, reporting