A sign-on letter for all individuals, organizations, businesses, etc. asking the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence.
Unique letters to the court, from individuals and organizations who can speak to personal experience with Kevin, will be the most effective. If you can write your own letter, please click here for instructions.
Whether or not you write your own letter, please sign this letter, which will be demonstrate Kevin’s community-wide support.
To the Honorable Court:
As members of the San Francisco community, and beyond, we express our strong support for Kevin Epps and respectfully urge the Court to give substantial weight to his extraordinary record of service, leadership, and positive impact when determining his sentence.
Kevin Epps is widely known and deeply respected in San Francisco—not only by those of us who know him personally, but by countless community members who know his work. For decades, he has been a community advocate, journalist, filmmaker, and mentor who has consistently used his talents to uplift marginalized voices and strengthen civic life in this city.
As the award-winning filmmaker behind Straight Outta Hunters Point among other documentary films, and as Executive Editor of the San Francisco Bay View, Kevin has documented the lived experiences of Black San Franciscans with integrity, care, and historical importance. His work has helped shine a light on issues ranging from housing displacement and environmental injustice to police violence and public health disparities—often filling gaps left by mainstream institutions. Through this work, he has helped to foster understanding, accountability, and community dialogue.
He has long been involved in community-based mutual-aid efforts to support health, stability, and opportunity, including critical work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin is also widely known as a devoted father and caregiver. Many in our community view him as a role model—someone who chose a life of creativity and service despite growing up amid conditions that too often limit opportunity.
We believe it is essential for the Court to consider the full context of Kevin Epps’s life and character. Nothing about his history suggests that incarceration would serve the interests of justice, public safety, or rehabilitation. To the contrary, Kevin has demonstrated over many years that he is a law-abiding, productive, and community-anchored individual who responds to responsibility with accountability and care.
We urge the Court to consider a non-custodial sentence that allows Kevin Epps to continue the work that has made him such a meaningful and positive force in San Francisco. Our city is stronger because of his presence.
Respectfully,
The Undersigned
NOTE: Kevin’s lawyers inform us that signatures carry the most weight for judges if addresses are included, so are required here. We will not share your data and will keep it only until the letter is prepared and submitted to the judge. Questions? Contact letters@j4ke.org
Thank you everyone!
PARTIAL LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS SIGNED-ON
Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club
San Francisco Latino Democratic Club
Bernal Heights Democratic Club
OMI Cultural Participation Project
SF League of Pissed Off Voters
If you would like someone from Justice for Kevin Epps to present at a meeting for your organization, or would like assistance in getting organizational support, please contact andy@j4ke.org
