COP CITY

There is a strong convergence between the Stop Cop City/Defend Atlanta Forest movement and gentrification, environmental justice, climate justice, criminal justice reform, and other aspects of social justice. There are approximately 85 acres of planned construction area occupied by African-Americans and Latinos, a parcel of land once known as “Weelaunee” when held by indigenous Muscogees. It was subsequently stolen by colonists, turned into a plantation, and eventually into a prison farm. With such a tragic history, this land seems cursed but for the cover of trees, the very blessing developers seek to destroy. 

Public safety is imperative, however the creation of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center will further erode it by not only increasing the likelihood of acute events resulting from excessive force and deadly force (apropos "Tortuguita"), but also by exacerbating current environmental problems such as flooding and poor air quality by removing the tree canopy. There is no requirement for a Black Hawk helicopter pad or a shooting range in order to conduct training in de-escalation. It appears that the Potemkin village-style school and movie theater were intended to provide training for close quarter combat situations in the event of an active shooter. It is more appropriate to pass more effective gun control legislation and to prohibit access to assault weapons for most civilians rather than constructing this obstacle course.

During this time, one should not remain silent, sit idly by, or keep one's head down. As much power and influence as possible should be brought to bear in order to peacefully force a renegotiation of this construction project. This should be done keeping in mind the wishes of the residents and the fragility of the environment in which they live.