Demand Care, Not Incarceration for James Ramsey

James Ramsey, a young Black Oakland resident with severe mental illness is being held on trumped up charges at Santa Rita for the alleged assault of Chinatown Chamber of Commerce President Carl Chan. James needs care, not incarceration.

James Ramsey has a history of mental illness and was living unhoused when the incident occurred. Both prosecution and defense agree that mental illness is an important factor in this case.

He has never received adequate mental health services or the support needed for his disabilities. Instead, he’s been funneled to the carceral system and subjected to punishment for incidents that likely stemmed from his mental illness, further traumatizing him. The state failed him at every turn, and now it wants to punish him for its failure.

Please join us at the courthouse this Thursday at 9:30 am to demand care and housing for James Ramsey, not incarceration!

Instructions: Participants are invited to go inside the courthouse to support. The building is wheelchair accessible. Bring a mask.