TULIA DRUG STING INSPIRES LUBBOCK SINGER-SONGWRITER TO HIT ROAD

Brad Carter is on a mission.

The Lubbock singer and songwriter will embark on a 60 day, 5,000 mile trek
across the western United States to address a controversial 1999 Tulia drug
sting that led to the arrest of an estimated 16 percent of Tulia's black
population.

His first stop will be at 8 p.m. today at the Amaranth Cooperative, 4230
Boston Ave., in Lubbock.

Carter, a Tulia native, has devoted his recent album "Collateral Damage:
Just Say Know" to chronicling the Tulia story in 10 songs. He said his
ultimate goal is to see all 43 people accused in the case let go or pardoned.

"What happened in Tulia is outrageous," Carter said. "It's amazing to me
that these cases haven't been thrown out already."

Prosecutors, however, maintain that all defendants in the case are guilty
of drug dealing and stand by the arrests, indictments and convictions.

Carter is particularly concerned about charges that were brought against
the son of a high school friend. The defendant, who had no other
convictions, was sentenced to 20 years in prison because he refused to plea
bargain, Carter said.

"He wouldn't plea because he didn't do anything," Carter said. "His father
told him to stand up for his rights."

Alan Bean, helped form the nonprofit group, Friends of Justice, because he
felt the drug operation was unjustified.

"Through the concert we are saying the acts are wrong," he said. "We are
hoping people will understand why we need to change the approach on the war
on drugs rather than imprisoning them."

Bean said Carter's CD is a teaching tool as well as an entertainment device.

After today's kick-off concert, Carter will travel to Albuquerque, N.M.,
where he will perform June 12. His tour will lead him as far west as
Washington state, and he will return to Lubbock Aug. 31.

The tour was initiated by Carter to get the word out about Tulia.

"He will go with our blessings," Bean said.

However, for Carter, the journey is a "labor of love."

Tax-deductible donations can be made for $1 a mile to support Carter's
campaign. For information call (806) 792-0566. The tour is sponsored by The
November Coalition and Friends of Justice.