Information for Walkers - Journey for Justice
The Journey for Justice will begin at 7:30PAM on Friday, July 12 at the Masjid As-Salam at 262 Central Avenue, Albany, New York and end at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 23 at the Federal Courthouse, 15 Henry Street, Binghamton, New York
Please siign the petition - A Case of Mistaken Identity
These suggestions were written by Lynne Jackson. Please, email or call her if you have any questions or concerns at all. 518-366-7324 or lynnejackson@mac.com.
What should I bring?
We will be walking along a rural, two-lane highway with a 55 mile per hour speed limit. There are shoulders on the road, some more generous than others.
hat with a brim
water
sunscreen (I will have some to share)
bug spray (I will have some to share)
a backpack (don't bring purses or bags that cannot be worn as a backpack)
food
sunglasses
Walkers may be able to leave their things in the car that may be with the walkers (cars have not been confirmed for all days). Travel light! I think the most important item to pay attention to is one's shoes. Please wear sneakers or walking shoes. My personal belief is that one cannot walk miles in sandals, heels or most shoes made for women. Be kind to your feet.
On wearing hijab - hijabs have one good advantage, they cover the head, neck and ears, protecting these parts from the sun. However, hijabs do not protect the eyes, so, I suggest hijabis wear a cap with a brim or a hat with a brim and wear sunglasses.
For water, I like to fill bicycle water bottles and freeze them. There is nothing like drinking icy cold water while walking. Email if you want to know more about my method.
Wear
good walking shoes or sneakers
bright-colored clothing (if possible)
dress for hot weather
dress for rain
The weather this year has been simply miserable. Walking on bright sunny days is fun. Walking in the rain, well, I don't mind, but, I do get really wet.
If you like umbrellas in the rain, bring an umbrella. I assure you, it will rain.
Safety Comes First
Walking along a 55 mile per hour highway in the hot sun is somewhat hazardous. To increase safety, observe these rules:
Always walk facing the traffic. Always
Always walk single file
Always walk as far to the left of the shoulder as possible
Never walk on the highway
Keep alert. Pay attention to the traffic. Do not text or talk on the phone
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion
Know the symptoms of heat stroke (which can be life threatening)
Keep hydrated
Know your limits. This is a Journey for Justice, not a race.
Remember the turtle and the hare. We will not travel any faster than what is comfortable for the slowest walker, no more than 2 to 2.5 miles per hour - almost like a stroll rather than a walk.
No one will be left behind. And, people can rest in the car at any time or take a break. Slow and deliberate will get us to our goal.
If you don't feel well, or need a rest, or feel sick at all - say something! Your health and safety are more important than anything else.
Still want to walk? Or volunteer?
Walkers will journey through spectacular scenery that only upstate New York can offer.
Walking is a peaceful way to bring attention to the serious issues of misidentification and secret evidence in the case of Yassin Aref.
Links to:
Please sign the Petition for Yassin Aref - A Case of Mistaken Identity
Rally and March - Friday, July 12, 6:00 PM, Albany, NY
Journey for Justice - Deliver petition to home court of the judge by walking to Binghamton, NY
Notes on conditions of the walk
Walk Route - List of beginning and ending locations for each day, July 12 to July 23
Become a sponsor for the Journey for Justice
Press packet and supporting documents
Follow the Journey for Justice on the blog
Follow the Journey for Justice on twitter
Read media reports on the appeal motion and the Journey for Justice