I went to a legal fee party in Jamaica Plain last night. As described by the invitation:

“On May 1st Ben C. was unlawfully arrested when he intervened on behalf of a stranger who was being subjected to blatent police brutality. … Ben witnessed two police officers violently beating a 16-year-old boy on the street … After identifying himself as a witness, Ben was tackled, thrown to the ground, charged with resisting arrest & disorderly conduct, and sent to jail for the evening. In a single moment of defending the basic human rights of another, Ben was transformed from witness into a defendant. He faces charges in Worcester Superior Court in early April 2004.”

The party was thrown to raise $2500+ for the case. The turnout was huge, and from the number of $20 bills in the jar, I think people were being very generous. The crowd was a mix of MassArt/Museum School people and JP locals. JP has a big central/south american contingent, so there was a 6-piece salsa band, etc. Such a nice, warm atmosphere.

I got a call from one of the organizers today, and it turns out they raised $3000, which pretty much covers the party and fees.

People are good.