A zoom session was held on September 19th, 2024 by Atty Damario Solomon-Simmons, a Creek Freedmen descendant. In the zoom session, which was well attended by Freedmen from across the nation, attorney Solomon-Simmons gave an update on how the case got to the successful decision that came down, the appeal by the Creek Nation and the current stance. There had been scheduled, a court proceeding on July 26th concerning the appeal. Prior to that, two of the seven court justices recused themselves. The Creek Nation took it upon themselves to replace these two judges. This move would have effectively increased the number of judges to nine, which has been deemed illegal and outside the realm of the Creek constitution which mandates seven members on the court. Also, the two additions picked by the nation, appeared to already have pre-determined inclinations about the case.

Attorney Solomon-Simmons indicated that steps were in place to investigate these moves by the CN. Papers were to be filed from the Freedmen stance, then the CN had a certain amount of time to respond. Then the Freedman can respond to the response. After which the Judges can make a decision. If the judges decide that the current 5 members can decide the case and there is no need for alternative judges, then the appeal process can resume. Otherwise, there may arise the need to go to the federal supreme court. If that comes into focus, then the stepping stone of the case having to go through tribal court first has been satisfied (and successfully won). On the zoom, Atty. Solomon-Simmons invited questions to his office email.

Kenneth Ford