THE RAVE SCENE NEEDS A HUG
Trigger Warning: Infant Death Mention & Racial Violence
Hey fam,
We're sorry it's been a while. From making new projects, DEFQON1 being cancelled, vending Unity Festival, and working on fun bulk order products! We've finally have had a time to take a beat and write to you!
We've missed you and want to be upfront. We are hurting as a HDBNGR RVWR community; things have been distressing lately. While we were away, our phones were flooded by news of two events that were hard to process. One was Jerard "Jay" Jackson and the second was an infant found at Electric Forest.
Jerard "Jay" Jackson
Jerard Jay Jackson was a 28 year old man from Illinois who rented a truck to drive him and a group of friends to Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan. Before he disappeared on June 29, Jackson reported an alleged criminal incident involving a friend to troopers at his campsite; after interviewing those involved, police determined no crime had occurred. His body was later discovered on June 30th in a wooded area 150 feet on the Hart-Montague Trail, near his rental vehicle, according to the Chicago Defender. According to Jackson's family, the coroner told them he was found hanging from a tree.
According to the authorities, he died by suicide and no foul play had been determined. His family has publicly disputed the suicide finding, according to the Atlanta Black Star. They've said he was the only Black person in the group and have raised questions about what happened between his disappearance and the discovery of his body. The results are still pending from the medical examiner.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
Infant Found at Electric Forest
The body was discovered by a maintenance employee the morning of June 28. A newborn was found dead inside the porta-potty, alongside placenta and umbilical cord, according to New York Post (published July 2). Michigan State Police confirmed that a "preliminary autopsy findings indicated the infant was viable and born alive." According to People.com The FBI is offering up to a $15,000 reward for information leading to a suspect.
The MSP continues to seek the public’s assistance and encourages anyone with information to report it to the Michigan State Police by submitting a tip at http://Michigan.gov/MichTip or by calling 1-855-MICH-TIP (1-855-642-4847).
(We will update as we get more information)
Closing Thoughts
Both were alarming events, and there are so many questions, so many unknowns. What makes both stories hard to comprehend is that they happened in an environment that is a 'safe place' for all. Our thoughts and prayers go to everyone affected by this heartbreaking news — to Jay's family and friends, and to everyone touched by what happened at Electric Forest.
As a community, we need to talk. How can we be a breath of fresh air to others and how can we show up as a community?
That starts with looking out for each other.
It's noticing if someone is alone or if something doesn't feel right in a festival or a rave. Making sure ravers feel safe is priority #1 and we should all be looking out for each other.
Please keep each other safe and look out for each other. Be a bad a$$ doing it.
Love always,
The HDBNGR RVWR team,
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