Hello, My name is Dr. Karen A. Johnson. I am a University Professor, a wife, a dog mom, deeply faith-based, and a dear friend of Carlos Watson, and the entire Watson family. I created this campaign on behalf of the family and friends of Carlos Watson to raise funds to support The Carlos Watson Defense Fund. We are asking for your help and assistance as we fight for truth and justice.
I would not have created this campaign unless we believed fully and completely in his innocence.
Like me, Carlos Watson was born to a West Indian father. Like mine, his family strongly believes in service, faith, and hard work. That is why my Mommy (who is no longer with us) DEEPLY LOVED Carlos and the entire Watson family. They reminded her of her own family, and Carlos is like her own son. We know Carlos to be a man of deep faith, unimpeachable integrity, and honesty. That is why the unfair characterizations in the press both break our hearts and motivate us to ask for your help to raise these funds.
The truth is exactly the opposite of the media reports. Carlos is deeply committed to truth, service, education, and community. He is also committed to social justice and to lifting up the underserved, especially youth made vulnerable by social and structural risks. This is not the first time that we have seen a good man be unfairly accused and unjustly charged. Sadly, history is filled with such examples, especially ones of Black men who try to build and, as he is building, lift others. History is also filled with examples of people who, though unfairly accused, go on to prove their innocence with the help of community members who rally to their side.
Your support means the world to Carlos and his family, and it is a testament to the power of community and solidarity. With the trial starting tomorrow, on Wednesday May 29th, can you help us to raise funds for Carlos’ Defense Fund to reach a goal of $100,000? We have a big fight on our hands, the biggest of our lives. But Carlos has been knocked down before and has always gotten back up. That is why he has always been so committed to the struggle of others. That is why we are so committed to him. Will you help us to support him in this fight?
In addition to giving anything you can, we ask that you consider becoming a “justice watcher” to observe Carlos’ trial. Similar to how poll watchers ensure the integrity of our elections, we hope that "justice watchers" will raise awareness, foster active participation, and indirectly hold the prosecutors and court to its highest standards of justice and fairness. Specifically, we ask that you attend court as often as you can. Our presence in the room will clearly convey to the judge and the prosecution that we stand as witnesses to this gross injustice. His trial starts on Wednesday, May 29th and is scheduled to run until the end of July at Brooklyn’s Federal Courthouse (225 Cadman Plaza East), Room 8D South. For more information on being a Justice Watcher, contact: Charlynn @ charlynn.white@proton.me.
We also ask that you watch and share the documentary created to highlight the selective prosecution of Carlos, titled, “The Troubling Case of Carlos Watson: When They Come For You”. This documentary provides a deeper understanding of the challenges Carlos is facing and the truth behind his story. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/exnwXcwfRSM?si=Hjn0wj7SeyhkhQsW. For additional information about this fight of Carlos’ life, check out Too Black for Business (https://www.tooblackforbusiness.org/). Additionally, to find out more about OZY and its rich offerings of newsletters, TV shows, festivals, awards, TV, and film, check out ozy.com.
Thank you in advance for helping us to reach our $100,000 goal. No gift is too small. Funds will be used to support Carlos’ legal, public relations, and litigation-related expenses, as well as other expenses. Donations are not tax-deductible. We appreciate your support as Carlos defends himself and fights for justice.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Karen
#CarlosWatson, #Ozy, #CarlosWatsonIsAGoodMan, #Entrepreneuringwhileblack, #LetsBeFair, #FriendsOfCarlos, #tooblackforbusiness #justicewatchers
