Discuss Brooklyn Central Booking Conditions & Reform January 21 With The Justice For Kyam Committee

Friends and family of Kyam Livingston, the Ditmas Park woman who died in police custody at Brooklyn Central Booking July 21, are holding a speak out on Tuesday, January 21 at the Flatbush Reformed Church (890 Flatbush Avenue on the corner of Church Avenue).

Kyam was arrested around 1am on July 20 for reportedly violating an order of protection against her grandmother. She was first taken to Kings County Hospital, then released to the 70th Precinct, and finally taken to Brooklyn Central Booking, where fellow inmate Alleah Holland says Kyam’s pleas for medical attention went ignored for about seven hours. Kyam was reportedly dead for 20 minutes before EMS arrived.

Several days later, Kyam’s family begun proceedings to take legal action against the NYPD, the City of New York, New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation, and New York City Department of Corrections. On August 21, her family and friends held a vigil outside Brooklyn Central Booking, and have been holding rallies every 21st of the month since.

As Kyam’s family is demanding an investigation into pre-arraignment conditions at Brooklyn Central Booking, the 6pm event will include testimony from community members about their own experiences in the building. The Justice for Kyam Committee hopes a closer look into and discussion of Brooklyn Central Booking will lead to a reform of conditions and practices there.

“Come out and show your support to the family and help demand change from those who you’ve put into positions of power,” says the event’s Facebook page.

The committee says all are invited, from prison reform advocates and community activists to elected officials and the general public. The event is free, and refreshments will be served.

Photo via Justice 4 Kyam Livingston