[image description: a series of tweets by Slow Factory @/theslowfactory. They read:
There’s a massive story unfolding in Atlanta, but it’s barely getting any media attention. Right now the city’s forest, a vital site for humans and animals alike, is under attack, and some amazing people are fighting back. Here’s the story.
Local governments and private developers are trying to cut down the Atlanta Forest to build a 300 acre police training compound and a $250 million soundstage complex using public land. /2
Community members were shocked at the announcement of these developments because they were given no opportunity to weigh in. But that’s only the first reason folks are angry. /3
There’s also the fact that Atlanta was the site of massive protests in 2020, which were especially intense after Atlanta police murdered Rayshard Brooks for sleeping in his car outside a Wendy’s. /4
When the Attorney General brought charges against Garrett Rolfe, the officer who killed Rayshard, the police themselves began to protest, calling out sick and even quitting their jobs. /5
So the fact that the city is now rewarding the police with this massive new facility is an affront to many in the community. And the cost isn’t just the $90 million price tag, it’s the destruction of a priceless forest. /6
The Atlanta forest is a precious corridor where local animals can travel safely. Its trees capture carbon and produce oxygen. The woods provide shade for walkers and hikers and bikers. Its value cannot be captured with dollar signs. /7
So people are defending the forest. There are multiple encampments in the forest, which people refuse to abandon. The forest defenders are confronting the contractors hired to cut down the trees and build the facility dubbed “Cop City” /8
Stopping the destruction of the forest and the construction of Cop City, and the soundstage, is an uphill battle. But the forest defenders have the support of a wide coalition across Atlanta and the country. And they could use your help too. /9
So check out the good folks over at @defendATLforest. They’re bringing together the important work of abolition and climate justice in real time, two interconnected struggles we have to support to reach a better world. /10
We also want to shout out @CommunityMvt, a great organization in Atlanta doing extremely important work to stop this devastating cop city project! Please give them a follow and your support!!
