We Came to the Forest: Episode 3 - History of Blood

Released on February 3, 2025 by Wondery | Campside Media

Introduction

In the third episode of We Came to the Forest, titled "History of Blood," host Matthew Scher delves deeper into the tumultuous events surrounding the construction of Cop City, a massive police training facility in Atlanta. This episode intricately weaves the personal struggles of key characters with the broader socio-political conflict, highlighting themes of activism, community, and resilience.

Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

The episode opens with Belquis, Vienna’s mother from Panama, engaging in encrypted communications with her child, Tortuguita. Belquis expresses her concerns about Tortuguita's involvement in the protests against Cop City.

• Belquis (00:55): "He said that they want to build a huge compound or something in the forest and destroy the trees and destroy everything around, and people didn't want that."

Tortuguita, now adopting they/them pronouns and a forest name, has become deeply entrenched in the activist movement. Belquis faces the challenge of adjusting to her child's identity and the escalating conflict.

• Belquis (01:33): "I was looking how they treat the people here. A lot of blood here. To me it was, you are not American, so what are you going to do? Fighting or standing up for a country that is not your country?"

Despite her reservations, Tortuguita (Torte) counters her mother's doubts, emphasizing that anyone can oppose the militarization of the police and environmental destruction, regardless of their origin.

• Tortuguita (01:56): "You don't have to be from Atlanta to oppose the militarization of the police, the clear-cutting of a beautiful forest."

The Raid and Its Aftermath

In December 2022, a significant raid disrupts the South River Forest Defender encampment. Vienna, believed to be a domestic terrorist by authorities, is arrested along with other activists, including Torte’s partner.

• Belquis (02:09): "He wanted help because they needed he said to me, mommy, they needed me."

Following the raid, Vienna remains hopeful due to continuous, positive messages from Tortuguita, despite the grim circumstances.

• Vienna (07:19): "To have that message from Tortaguitza that hit me right in the heart and that helps me keep going."

Torte privately documents the chaos and loss caused by the raid, revealing the emotional toll on those involved.

• Tortuguita (04:01): "My friends were jailed, the garden razed, the cafe was obliterated."

Vienna’s Incarceration Experience

Vienna's arrest leads to a harrowing experience in a jail where she faces isolation and fear, particularly as a trans woman housed in the men's section with minimal support.

• Vienna (10:16): "They ask me questions about my transition... they have me reveal myself to prove I did not have surgeries."

Her time in isolation is marked by extreme conditions, pushing her to the brink of despair.

• Vienna (14:40): "Let me the fuck."

Activism and Community Response

Marlon Kautz, founder of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, emerges as a pivotal figure, advocating for the arrested activists and condemning the police's aggressive tactics.

• Marlon Kautz (15:33): "The Atlanta Police Department is using chemical weapons against unarmed non-violent political protesters."

He emphasizes the state's ongoing campaign to demonize the protest movement, arguing that these charges will leave lasting scars on the community.

• Marlon Kautz (16:50): "Even the governor got in on it at one point, calling the stop Cop City protest movement terrorists."

Parallelly, Matthew, who was on the verge of abandoning the movement due to internal conflicts and external pressures, finds himself reinvigorated by the arrests, deciding to take on a PR role to garner community support.

• Matthew Scher (23:25): "The people who have no protection under the law are expected to act with unflinching pacifism, while militarized police forces... are constantly given the benefit of the doubt when they do."

Internal Conflicts Within the Movement

The episode sheds light on the internal strife and disorganization within the Forest Defenders, exacerbated by external pressures and differing motivations among activists.

• Tortuguita (19:54): "This is starting to feel more like identity seeking, as anarchist than people, like, taking steps that are conducive to creating a real movement."

Matthew reflects on the fragmentation, recognizing that the movement’s diversity is both its strength and a source of tension, threatening its cohesiveness and effectiveness.

Vienna’s Release and Rebuilding Efforts

After enduring over two weeks in jail, Vienna is released thanks to the assistance of the Solidarity Fund. However, her release comes with restrictions that isolate her from the movement.

• Vienna (29:41): "They tell me your bond hearing happened. You got bond. They just never pulled me out."

Stripped of her identification documents, Vienna faces the daunting task of reclaiming her life while grappling with the loss of her community and resources.

Resilience and Continued Struggle

Despite the setbacks, Vienna and Torte maintain their commitment to the cause. Their relationship serves as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, illustrating the personal bonds that sustain activists through adversity.

• Vienna (33:09): "They seem like they didn't have a care in the world... ready for whatever was to come."

The episode concludes with escalating tensions, hinting at further conflicts and the relentless pursuit of justice by the Forest Defenders.

Conclusion

"History of Blood" poignantly captures the intersection of personal loss and collective struggle within the fight against Cop City. Through Vienna’s incarceration, Tortuguita’s unwavering resolve, and Marlon Kautz’s advocacy, the episode paints a vivid portrait of resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The narrative underscores the profound question posed to all involved: "What are you willing to die for?"

Notable Quotes

• Belquis (00:55): "He said that they want to build a huge compound or something in the forest and destroy the trees and destroy everything around, and people didn't want that."

• Vienna (07:19): "To have that message from Tortaguitza that hit me right in the heart and that helps me keep going."

• Marlon Kautz (15:33): "The Atlanta Police Department is using chemical weapons against unarmed non-violent political protesters."

• Matthew Scher (23:25): "The people who have no protection under the law are expected to act with unflinching pacifism, while militarized police forces... are constantly given the benefit of the doubt when they do."

• Vienna (33:09): "They seem like they didn't have a care in the world... ready for whatever was to come."

We Came to the Forest continues to explore the depths of activism, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit through its compelling storytelling and rich character development.