Erica Thompson gave birth inside a jail cell at Alachua County Jail. Shortly after, baby Ava died. Dignity Power, GoDDsville and Florida Prisoner Solidarity organized the Justice for Heaven and Ava protest to bring awareness of what happened. Protestors blocked Northeast 39th Avenue right by the entrance to the jail. Many different chants were started throughout the protest, including "It is our duty to stand up and protect our people!" and "We have nothing to lose but our chains!"
Lauren Witte
Lauren is a third year photojournalism student pursuing a minor in Spanish. She has shot photos for Fresh Take Florida and the Gainesville Sun. Lauren likes roller skating in her free time.
Related
UF's Black Student Union hosts 36th annual Florida Invitational Step Show at Bo Diddley Plaza
8:36pmPhotos by Caroline Walsh
Gainesville residents walk out of school and work for a ‘Stand with Minnesota’ ICE protest
Jan. 30About 300 people gathered on 13th Street and University Avenue at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, walking out of work and school as part of a nationally organized day of action to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
'We can’t forget’: Alachua residents memorialize lynching victims through quilts gallery
Jan. 22Community-made quilts honor 47 victims of racial violence in Alachua County as part of a broader remembrance effort
