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In Germany, Civil Rights Delegation to Attend Mercedes Shareholders’ Meeting, Protesting HB 56

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mercedes-benzLegislators in Alabama are gearing up to announce changes to H.B. 56. There are rumors swirling around that they are interested in only making “tweaks” to the law, but as we clearly know: we need more than just tweaks.

You may remember from late last year, when news of the arrest of a foreign Mercedes executive was making its rounds on the internet, that Mercedes-Benz has a huge manufacturing plant in Alabama. The company does a really good job of touting their commitment to human and civil rights around the world, but despite their political power in Alabama, they have done nothing to stop H.B. 56.  And while Alabama’s Governor [Bentley] quickly acted to have the executive released, the company has done nothing about the widespread suffering of others.  These car companies, who expect us to buy their cars, need to hear that they have a responsibility to speak out against H.B. 56.

And that’s why I’m currently in Berlin, Germany.

Late last month, my colleague Adam Luna joined civil, human rights, and labor leaders, pressuring Hyundai in Korea to end their silence on H.B. 56. This week, I will join leaders from the AFL-CIO and the National Council of La Raza to make similar demands to Mercedes-Benz at their annual shareholder meeting in Germany.

But before the delegation goes in to the Mercedes-Benz shareholders’ meeting on Wednesday, I’m going to tell them that they have a responsibility to put the brakes on hate, and here’s how you can help:

Click here to write on Mercedes-Benz’s Facebook wall

Click here to tweet @MercedesBenz

If we can make Mercedes-Benz feel the grassroots pressure before the delegation even walks into the room, we could really make a difference. I’ll be providing more updates as the week goes on. Tune in to @americasvoice for more of my updates from Germany.