Rage Against the Machine Fans...THANK YOU!

For your support to #FreeLeonardPeltier

Dear Tsipi,

CITYarts was honored to have been invited to spread awareness of Leonard Peltier’s story and artwork at five Rage Against the Machine shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City last week. Through the CITYarts Kids for Justice program, we support the release of artist Leonard Peltier.

BECAUSE OF YOU – we sold 65 books, distributed almost 1,000 bookmarks, and got 450 postcards signed and mailed straight to President Biden, encouraging him to sign the clemency for Leonard. All book sales go towards Leonard's creative future. Thank you for your support, enthusiasm, and encouraging others to support him!

Thank you to Rage Against the Machine and Madison Square Garden for having us! Thank you Silent Bear for connecting us to Tom Morello, who is a loyal supporter and friend of this movement. Thank you Chris Colvin, a longtime supporter of Leonard's who enthusiastically volunteered much of his time to this important event.

Wanted to buy a book but needed your hands free so you could RAGE?! We get it – good news, you can conveniently order a copy by clicking the button below. It makes a beautiful gift for someone special! All proceeds from book sales go toward Leonard’s creative future.

"I want to feel the sun on my skin..." This is 77-year-old American Indian Leonard Peltier's plea to President Biden as he begins his 47th year of captivity after being wrongfully imprisoned in 1975.

This book, Leonard Peltier – Art Behind Bars: Dreams of Freedom presents 126 of his beautiful paintings, the fruits of his vivid imagination, that he created in prison, keeping him alive as he continues to serve two consecutive life sentences. The book is dedicated to Former Federal District Court Chief Judge Kevin H. Sharp, who strongly believes in his innocence and works on his case pro-bono, as he passionately pursues a compassionate release for Leonard.

In addition to Leonard's art and life story, this book is a call to action. It includes the many voices that call for his release through the years. From James H. Reynolds, the former US attorney who prosecuted Leonard Peltier, to heads of state like Nelson Mandela, religious figures like Pope Francis, and to celebrities like Peter Coyote, Robert Redford, Willie Nelson, Connie Nelson, Sheron Wyant-Leonard, Barbara Kopple, Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito, and Mark Ruffalo; we hope more voices will join in the dedicated movement to #FreeLeonardPeltier and use the "How You Can Help" section in the book and his art for inspiration.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this book or Leonard Peltier's art go towards Leonard restarting his creative future as a free man.

Chris Colvin and volunteers spreading awareness of Leonard's story and artwork at the two RATM shows in Washington, D.C.

We encourage you to keep up the momentum and follow the advice on the bookmarks! Call and write to The White House and ask President Biden to sign the clemency to Free Leonard Peltier, prepared by former Federal District Court Chief Judge Kevin H. Sharp.

Thank you for the informative conversations we had and for lending your voice to the chorus...FREEDOM!

Have a great rest of your summer.

-Tsipi

Stay Healthy and Hopeful,

Tsipi Ben-Haim

Founder, Executive & Creative Director

CITYarts, Inc.

HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO HELP!

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CITYarts mission:

CITYarts engages young people and professional artists in the creation of public art. Through this creative process, CITYarts empowers youth and connects them locally and around the world to become active participants in transforming communities. 



OUR IMPACT

CITYarts has created over 330 projects that have transformed communities and impacted over 200,000 kids, collaborated with more than 600 artists, orchestrated workshops in 103 countries and produced 6 Peace Walls around the world partnered with over 1,500 sponsors, and engaged over 500,000 volunteers in the process. CITYarts' projects frequently foster community revitalization by galvanizing businesses, schools, and community organizations into developing youth programs and constructing playgrounds and gardens.

CITYarts has received generous support for projects in 2022 from NYC Department for Youth and Community Development, Department of Cultural Affairs, IECA Foundation, American Eagle Outfitters Foundation, Henry Nias Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation P/Arts Grant Program.