A jury trial for racial justice organizer Tynan Krakoff is set to begin on Wednesday, October 12 in the Franklin Country Municipal Court. Krakoff is facing charges related to his involvement in a July protest against police-involved shootings.

Krakoff, 28, was arrested during a march to the Columbus Division of Police building in downtown Columbus on July 21. The protest was organized by Showing Up for Racial Justice, in collaboration with the People’s Justice Project. Over 150 residents marched down the street without a permit, demanding justice for Henry Green.

Krakoff was the only protester arrested. He faces three misdemeanor charges: disorderly conduct, failure to obey a police officer, and pedestrian in the roadway. These charges could bring a maximum of one year in county jail or $2,000 in fines.

“We’ve seen black folks around the country put their bodies on the line to fight for black lives, and for an end to racial disparities and police violence. We are seeing more and more white people ready to take action and show up in meaningful ways as well,” said Z! Haukeness, Midwest Regional Organizer of Showing Up for Racial Justice. 

“Tynan is one of those white people who has been engaging in deep and meaningful action to make the changes toward justice that we all need,” Haukeness said.

“When this protest occurred, 13-year-old Ty’re King was still alive,” said Lane Campbell, a lead organizer with Showing Up for Racial Justice in Columbus. “Perhaps if the police took the demands for justice and safety seriously, Ty’re King would still be alive,” she said. King was killed by Columbus police on September 14.

Tynan Krakoff’s trial begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12 in Courtroom 12B of the Franklin County Municipal Court, 375 S. High Street in Columbus. Supporters have created a fundraising page to assist with Krakoff’s legal defense.

Since July there has been a wave of protests in Columbus, including shutting down a City Council meeting and a mock funeral procession to Mayor Andrew Ginther’s doorstep. Showing Up for Racial Justice Columbus organized the July 21 #ColumbusHasHadEnough protest to make visible white resistance to systems of oppression, and to lift up the People’s Justice Project campaign demanding justice for Henry Green.

Demands from the People's Justice Project include: (1) turning the Summer Safety Initiative over to the community; (2) moving 50% of Columbus’ policing budget into prevention, intervention and community controlled policing; (3) using new funds brought in for the police to be put instead towards facilities for trauma recovery and healing services in neighborhoods hardest hit by violence, and an agreement to work with community stakeholders on developing a reinvestment plan for these funds; (4) for the majority of the decision-making body to be appointed by the community; and (5) independent investigations and transparent prosecution for the killings of Henry Green, Ty’re King, and all future police-involved shootings.

Showing Up for Racial Justice Columbus is part of a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice. Through community organizing, mobilizing, and education, SURJ moves white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability. SURJ provides a space to build relationships, skills, and political analysis to act for change.