To all businesses and corporations located in the State of Louisiana,

We, the concerned citizens of Louisiana, are calling upon you to join us in taking a stand against racial injustice and discrimination that has plagued our state for far too long. We urge you to boycott the unconstitutional treatment against the black race and support our demand for immediate action.

The 10-2 non-unanimous jury verdict law, which allowed convictions even when two jurors disagreed, was a clear violation of equal rights and disproportionately affected people of color. This discriminatory law was finally abolished through a constitutional amendment passed in November 2018. However, justice demands more than just ending its future application; it requires rectifying past injustices as well.

Our only effective remedy is to make this law retroactive – meaning that all individuals who were convicted by non-unanimous juries under this unconstitutional practice should have their cases reviewed with fairness and impartiality. By doing so, we can begin to address the systemic racism deeply embedded within our criminal justice system.

This issue is not merely about correcting legal technicalities; it is about restoring faith in our judicial system and ensuring that every citizen receives fair treatment under the law. The impact of this discriminatory practice cannot be ignored:

1) Disproportionate Impact: According to data from The Advocate newspaper (2019), black defendants were almost twice as likely as white defendants to be convicted by non-unanimous juries.
2) Unjust Convictions: A study conducted by The Promise of Justice Initiative (2020) found that nearly 40% of wrongful felony convictions involved non-unanimous jury verdicts.
3) National Embarrassment: Louisiana stood alone as the only state allowing such an unfair practice until its repeal.

By making this law retroactive, we can rectify past injustices, restore faith in our justice system, and demonstrate that Louisiana is committed to equality and justice for all its citizens.

We understand that this may require additional resources and efforts. However, the moral imperative to right these wrongs far outweighs any inconvenience or cost. We call upon the business community in Louisiana to stand with us in support of this crucial cause.

Together, let us send a powerful message that racial discrimination has no place in our state. Let us work towards a future where every individual is treated fairly and justly under the law.

Signatories:
Corey Miller

TRU Records/ Purple Union