Lance Martin Herald Senior Staff Writer

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TILLERY - Several of Frank W. Ballance Jr.'s supporters spoke during the second annual People's Freedom Rally Thursday night in Tillery. Here's what they had to say:

Nathan Hall, president of the Warren County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - “What are we going to do tomorrow? We say Frank Ballance did this and that? Do we go out tomorrow and say what Frank did? You can change some ideas and let them know what the man stood for. Frank Ballance is a man among men. We have to start telling about the unfair conditions Frank Ballance was sentenced on.”

N.C. Rep. Edward Jones - “Frank Ballance was an attorney when I was on the (N.C. Highway) Patrol. He had the idea then of helping poor folks. When he was a representative, he represented the poor folks and asked to give them a break. We've all made mistakes. We've got to forgive people. Before he was a congressman, when he was an attorney, I saw him helping the poorest of the poor.”

Sarah Coggins, a close friend - “Our desire is that Frank will be with us soon.”

The Rev. James M. Johnson, Halifax County Black Caucus - “Frank is in trouble for helping other people. Once Frank comes back, some great things will happen for him.”

Thelma Adamson, sister-in-law - “Sending Frank to jail will never stop anything. Frank is just taking a rest now, charting a new course and that is helping poor people.”

John Miles, friend and driver - “I'm grateful because God is able. I learned that from Frank Ballance. You can put Mr. Ballance behind bars, but you can't lock him up. When he comes back, he will still be fighting for justice.”

Alice Ballance, mother - “I pray to God every day I will live to see my son come back home.”