Please visit the following link to view the documentary narrated by Danny Glover, Framing an Execution, which shows how the CBS news magazine 60 Minutes intentionally portrayed a dishonest and faulty version of Mumia's case.
NBC'S The Today Show is planning on carrying Mumia's story in this damaging light when they feature conservative talk show host Michael Smerconish and Maureen Faulkner, wife of Officer Daniel Faulkner, on their show this December 6th.
To view Framing An Exexution on you tube, go to http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2537462601888502694.
For More videos on Mumia visit the Free Mumia Coalition (NY) video page at: http://www.freemumia.com/IResources/videos.html
or the Journalists for Mumia youtube site at: http://youtube.com/user/journalists4mumia
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
ACTION ALERT: Ensure Fairness For Mumia Abu-Jamal on NBC's The Today Show!
On Dec. 6, NBC's The Today Show intends to air a show about Michael Smerconish and Maureen Faulkner's new book "Murdered By Mumia." According to the announcement on Michael Smerconish's website, the show is planning to feature both Smerconish and Faulkner as guests.
The International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal (FreeMumia.com), Journalists for Mumia (Abu-Jamal-News.com), and Educators for Mumia (EmajOnline.com) have initiated a media-activist campaign urging people to write The Today Show at today@msnbc.com asking them to fairly present both sides of the Mumia Abu-Jamal / Daniel Faulkner case, by also featuring as guests, Linn Washington, Jr. (Philadelphia Tribune columnist and Associate Professor of Journalism at Temple University) and Dr. Suzanne Ross (Clinical Psychologist and Co-Chair of the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC).
A sample letter (http://www.abu-jamal-news.com/pr/TodayShow.doc), accompanied by an extensive informational press pack (http://www.abu-jamal-news.com/pr/PressPackNov07.pdf) has been created to use for contacting The Today Show. Please take a minute and contact them to ensure fair media coverage of this controversial and important case.
Sincerely,
The International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal (FreeMumia.com)
Journalists for Mumia Abu-Jamal (Abu-Jamal-News.com)
Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal (EmajOnline.com)
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Today Show,
On December, 2007, the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal will be entering the 27th year. In the course of those years, much of the media coverage has contained pure speculation and falsehoods. Media watchdogs like FAIR.ORG have sharply criticized this coverage as being biased against Abu-Jamal.
We understand that on Dec. 6, the Today Show intends to air a show about Michael Smerconish and Maureen Faulkner's book "Murdered By Mumia." Interestingly, the scheduled interview regarding the new book focusing on Mrs. Faulkner comes at a time of many startling new developments in this historic case, generating international attention.
Reflecting the international interest in this case, in 2003, Abu-Jamal was named an honorary citizen of Paris, and in 2006, the city of St. Denis named a street after him. While this was largely motivated by opposition to the death penalty, they also cited strong evidence of both an unfair trial and Abu-Jamal's innocence.
One of these developments centers on extraordinary photos of the 1981 crime scene taken by Philadelphia-based press photographer Pedro Polakoff (viewable at Abu-Jamal-News.com) that reveal manipulation of evidence, and completely contradict the prosecution's case, including Officer James Forbes' testimony that he properly handled both Abu-Jamal's and Faulkner's guns (the photos show Forbes holding both guns in his bare hand). Also the photos reveal that there were no large bullet divots or destroyed chunks of cement where Faulkner was found, which should be visible in the pavement if the prosecution's scenario was accurate, according to which Abu-Jamal shot down at Faulkner and allegedly missed several times while Faulkner was on his back. Of particular note, this photographer twice attempted to provide these photos to the District Attorney for both the 1982 trial and the 1995 PCRA hearings, and was ignored both times.
Since his incarceration, Abu-Jamal has published six books and countless articles, and has delivered hundreds of speeches, including keynote addresses for college graduations. As a prolific writer and tenacious journalist, he has earned the respect (and support) of such notable prize-winning authors as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, John Edgar Wideman, and Salman Rushdie. Just recently, he was accepted into the PEN American Center, one of the highest honors a writer can achieve. Additionally, at the time of his arrest, he was president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association of Black Journalists, and was awarded the PEN Oakland award for outstanding journalism after the publication of his first book, Live from Death Row. Since Live, he has garnered a following of dedicated readers around the world, including scholars, college educators, and journalists. His work is, in part, testament to the dignity he has demonstrated for the past 25 years he has been on death row.
The ethical interests in balance and fairness in presenting "news" regarding the Abu-Jamal case, arguably requires providing Today Show viewers with information evidencing Mr. Abu-Jamal's innocence and unfair trial. To represent this other side, and to provide perspectives addressing the informational needs of your viewers, I ask that you also feature experts Linn Washington, Jr. (Philadelphia Tribune columnist and Associate Professor of Journalism at Temple University) and Dr. Suzanne Ross (Clinical Psychologist and Co-Chair of the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC) as guests on your Dec. 6 show (they can be contacted via Journalists for Mumia: hbjournalist@gmail.com).
While Mrs. Faulkner certainly has a "story" and is entitled to her opinions, your viewers should be privy to other facts, such as the prosecution withholding key evidence, witness coercion, racist jury selection, and evidence that Judge Albert Sabo boasted about his desire to help the prosecution "fry the nigger," as enclosed in the press packet provided here for you: http://www.abu-jamal-news.com/pr/PressPackNov07.pdf
I also write to provide you with information (inclusive of material from Abu-Jamal's lawyer) in the interests of journalistic balance, fairness and integrity. The press packet includes 1) A recent Black Commentator article by Philadelphia lawyer/journalist David A. Love describing the significance of the Polakoff photos, 2) An Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal press release about the Polakoff photos, written by Princeton University Professor Mark L. Taylor, 3) Criticism of the 1998 ABC 20/20 program about Abu-Jamal, 4) Background on the case, focusing on both the 1982 trial and 1995-97 PCRA hearings, with a focus on Abu-Jamal's alleged "hospital confession," ballistics evidence, and the testimony of Veronica Jones, 5) Recent police intimidation of Abu-Jamal's supporters, including reported death threats against Sgt. DeLacy Davis, of Black Cops Against Police Brutality, and more.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
The International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal (FreeMumia.com), Journalists for Mumia (Abu-Jamal-News.com), and Educators for Mumia (EmajOnline.com) have initiated a media-activist campaign urging people to write The Today Show at today@msnbc.com asking them to fairly present both sides of the Mumia Abu-Jamal / Daniel Faulkner case, by also featuring as guests, Linn Washington, Jr. (Philadelphia Tribune columnist and Associate Professor of Journalism at Temple University) and Dr. Suzanne Ross (Clinical Psychologist and Co-Chair of the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC).
A sample letter (http://www.abu-jamal-news.com/pr/TodayShow.doc), accompanied by an extensive informational press pack (http://www.abu-jamal-news.com/pr/PressPackNov07.pdf) has been created to use for contacting The Today Show. Please take a minute and contact them to ensure fair media coverage of this controversial and important case.
Sincerely,
The International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal (FreeMumia.com)
Journalists for Mumia Abu-Jamal (Abu-Jamal-News.com)
Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal (EmajOnline.com)
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Today Show,
On December, 2007, the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal will be entering the 27th year. In the course of those years, much of the media coverage has contained pure speculation and falsehoods. Media watchdogs like FAIR.ORG have sharply criticized this coverage as being biased against Abu-Jamal.
We understand that on Dec. 6, the Today Show intends to air a show about Michael Smerconish and Maureen Faulkner's book "Murdered By Mumia." Interestingly, the scheduled interview regarding the new book focusing on Mrs. Faulkner comes at a time of many startling new developments in this historic case, generating international attention.
Reflecting the international interest in this case, in 2003, Abu-Jamal was named an honorary citizen of Paris, and in 2006, the city of St. Denis named a street after him. While this was largely motivated by opposition to the death penalty, they also cited strong evidence of both an unfair trial and Abu-Jamal's innocence.
One of these developments centers on extraordinary photos of the 1981 crime scene taken by Philadelphia-based press photographer Pedro Polakoff (viewable at Abu-Jamal-News.com) that reveal manipulation of evidence, and completely contradict the prosecution's case, including Officer James Forbes' testimony that he properly handled both Abu-Jamal's and Faulkner's guns (the photos show Forbes holding both guns in his bare hand). Also the photos reveal that there were no large bullet divots or destroyed chunks of cement where Faulkner was found, which should be visible in the pavement if the prosecution's scenario was accurate, according to which Abu-Jamal shot down at Faulkner and allegedly missed several times while Faulkner was on his back. Of particular note, this photographer twice attempted to provide these photos to the District Attorney for both the 1982 trial and the 1995 PCRA hearings, and was ignored both times.
Since his incarceration, Abu-Jamal has published six books and countless articles, and has delivered hundreds of speeches, including keynote addresses for college graduations. As a prolific writer and tenacious journalist, he has earned the respect (and support) of such notable prize-winning authors as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, John Edgar Wideman, and Salman Rushdie. Just recently, he was accepted into the PEN American Center, one of the highest honors a writer can achieve. Additionally, at the time of his arrest, he was president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association of Black Journalists, and was awarded the PEN Oakland award for outstanding journalism after the publication of his first book, Live from Death Row. Since Live, he has garnered a following of dedicated readers around the world, including scholars, college educators, and journalists. His work is, in part, testament to the dignity he has demonstrated for the past 25 years he has been on death row.
The ethical interests in balance and fairness in presenting "news" regarding the Abu-Jamal case, arguably requires providing Today Show viewers with information evidencing Mr. Abu-Jamal's innocence and unfair trial. To represent this other side, and to provide perspectives addressing the informational needs of your viewers, I ask that you also feature experts Linn Washington, Jr. (Philadelphia Tribune columnist and Associate Professor of Journalism at Temple University) and Dr. Suzanne Ross (Clinical Psychologist and Co-Chair of the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC) as guests on your Dec. 6 show (they can be contacted via Journalists for Mumia: hbjournalist@gmail.com).
While Mrs. Faulkner certainly has a "story" and is entitled to her opinions, your viewers should be privy to other facts, such as the prosecution withholding key evidence, witness coercion, racist jury selection, and evidence that Judge Albert Sabo boasted about his desire to help the prosecution "fry the nigger," as enclosed in the press packet provided here for you: http://www.abu-jamal-news.com/pr/PressPackNov07.pdf
I also write to provide you with information (inclusive of material from Abu-Jamal's lawyer) in the interests of journalistic balance, fairness and integrity. The press packet includes 1) A recent Black Commentator article by Philadelphia lawyer/journalist David A. Love describing the significance of the Polakoff photos, 2) An Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal press release about the Polakoff photos, written by Princeton University Professor Mark L. Taylor, 3) Criticism of the 1998 ABC 20/20 program about Abu-Jamal, 4) Background on the case, focusing on both the 1982 trial and 1995-97 PCRA hearings, with a focus on Abu-Jamal's alleged "hospital confession," ballistics evidence, and the testimony of Veronica Jones, 5) Recent police intimidation of Abu-Jamal's supporters, including reported death threats against Sgt. DeLacy Davis, of Black Cops Against Police Brutality, and more.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Esperanza Martell, Esculturas y Poesia
Puerto Rican Sister Esperanza Martell, longtime political prisoner activist, Cuba supporter, internationalist, deeply immersed in movement to free Mumia and Leonard Peltier, human rights fighter ... and so much more ... will be showing her beautiful and unique art on Friday November 23rd. We invite you all to join us.
Cemí Underground
1799 Lexington Avenue (112 St. el barrio)
Presents
Esperanza Martell, Esculturas y Poesia
Friday, November 23, 2007 at 7:00PM
Exhibition & Opening Reception
(Exhibition runs until December 11, 2007)
Esperanza Martell is a Human Rights / Peace activist, educator, mother, poet / artist, specializing in organizational / leadership development, team building, conflict resolution, diversity training, Popular Education, alternative healing, and transformative counseling. Her area of specialization in Art is Ceramics and Sculpture.
Art is an expression of her politics, culture, and spirituality, which informs her social justice work. Her African / Taino ancestors used art magically in healing and to give meaning to their existence. She does the same by creating ceramic sculpture from nothing, allowing total self-expression. She hand builds, using traditional African / Taino images and methods. Throughout all her work Taino pictographs and other healing symbols are use. Her Cemís, Amulets, Tiles, Bowls, Mask, and Figures reflect her love for her ancestral roots. Her women centered work opens individuals to their historical roots generating healing, inner power and transformation. She is inspired by the earth / ocean / stars and humanity.
Cemí Underground
1799 Lexington Avenue (112 St. el barrio)
Presents
Esperanza Martell, Esculturas y Poesia
Friday, November 23, 2007 at 7:00PM
Exhibition & Opening Reception
(Exhibition runs until December 11, 2007)
Esperanza Martell is a Human Rights / Peace activist, educator, mother, poet / artist, specializing in organizational / leadership development, team building, conflict resolution, diversity training, Popular Education, alternative healing, and transformative counseling. Her area of specialization in Art is Ceramics and Sculpture.
Art is an expression of her politics, culture, and spirituality, which informs her social justice work. Her African / Taino ancestors used art magically in healing and to give meaning to their existence. She does the same by creating ceramic sculpture from nothing, allowing total self-expression. She hand builds, using traditional African / Taino images and methods. Throughout all her work Taino pictographs and other healing symbols are use. Her Cemís, Amulets, Tiles, Bowls, Mask, and Figures reflect her love for her ancestral roots. Her women centered work opens individuals to their historical roots generating healing, inner power and transformation. She is inspired by the earth / ocean / stars and humanity.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Important Legal Update!
Dear Friends:
There are many developments on the legal and other fronts concerning my client, Mumia Abu-Jamal. We remain in active litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and also have issues pending in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mumia has been honored by fellow writers through acceptance into a prestigious organization, a Nobel Prize winner recently visited him, an excellent new book was released in France, a leading British newspaper has published a major article on Mumia, and a superb film recently premiered in London and Rome. The following are the highlights.
PEN membership Mumia has been accepted into the membership of PEN, the worldwide human-rights organization of prominent writers. This is a great honor. He was thrilled upon learning that the application I filed on his behalf last spring was granted. In two decades of knowing each other, I have not seen Mumia so happy. The recognition from his peers is well deserved.
In a quarter of a century of being locked up in a small cell on Pennsylvania's death row, Mumia's literary output has been prodigious. He has written five outstanding books that are published in various languages, and also writes weekly commentaries that are published and broadcast internationally.
PEN was founded in 1921 to dispel national, ethnic, and racial hatred, to promote understanding among all countries, and defend the freedom to write. PEN American Center, into which Mumia has been accepted, is the largest of the 145 centers in 104 countries of International PEN. It exists to fight for freedom of expression, represent the conscience of world literature, and foster friendship and intellectual co-operation among writers everywhere. It is the world's oldest human rights organization and also the oldest international literary group.
The support provided by Alice Walker, E.L. Doctorow, Bell Chevigny and other members of the PEN American Center, New York, was invaluable. I am especially grateful to the kindness of Salman Rushdie, former President of PEN. Throughout the application process, I was impressed by the paramount concern of the PEN membership for human rights and protecting the independence of writers.
Bishop Desmond Tutu On October 23, 2007, Bishop Desmond Tutu met with Mumia. It is was a moving experience. Later that afternoon Mumia expressed to me how touched and humbled he was by meeting with this wonderful person, who received the Nobel Peace Price in 1984 and the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986. Mumia is particularly grateful to Martha Conley, Esq., of Pittsburgh, who initiated and arranged the visit, drove Bishop Tutu and his assistant to the prison, and joined them in the visit on death row. Last week Bishop Tutu issued the following statement concerning Mumia and capital punishment:
"I oppose the death penalty on principle in every case and I support the plea for a retrial for Mumia Abu-Jamal."
The Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, O.M.S.G., D.D., F.K.C.
Anglican Archbishop Emeritus
Cape Town, South Africa
5 November 2007
Legal developments Last month the prosecution submitted a Notice of Supplemental Authority with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Philadelphia, arguing that a recent ruling and related decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court affects the pending issues pertaining to the death penalty and racism in jury selection. Consequently on November 1, 2007, we filed a Reply To Notice of Supplemental Authority, explaining with legal analysis that the contentions of opposing counsel should be rejected because they are without merit and do not alter the major constitutional violations that occurred in this case.
I remain in contact with the court. It is not known exactly when there will be a federal decision. If the court follows the law and the U.S. Constitution, we will win. In my experience of successfully litigating well over a hundred capital murder cases at trial and on appeal, I know that courts are not always just. They can make terribly tragic mistakes. Nevertheless, I have not seen a case more riddled with such significant constitutional violations, racism, fraud, and unfairness. My goal remains to achieve a reversal of the conviction, and at a new jury trial win a jury acquittal so that Mumia can go home to his family -- a free person.
In Prison My Whole Life, British film on Mumia On October 25, 2007, the new documentary film In Prison My Whole Life premiered simultaneously at the London Film Festival and Rome Film Festival. It is a superb movie which does much to expose the many wrongs including racism and politics that have infected the case from the outset, the American legal system, and our society. Amnesty International is officially supporting the film. The picture is hard hitting and reveals the death penalty for what it is: legalized murder. Mumia and I are indebted to Colin and Livia Giuggioli Firth, along with Marc Evans, William Francome, Nick Goodwin Self, Katie Green, and the others who had the courage to make this film and tell the truth.
New French book on Mumia In September an excellent book on Mumia was published on September 15, 2007, in France. It is Mumia Abu-Jamal un homme libre dans le couloir de la mort, by Claude Guillaumaud-Pujol, with a foreword by Robert Meeropol, son of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and Founder, Rosenberg Fund for Children. Claude is deeply involved in the Collectif, a group of over 80 French organizations that aggressively support our campaign for a new and fair trial for Mumia and his freedom. She knows Mumia well, and last visited with him on November 11. Claude has donated her book to help in the struggle for Mumia's freedom. Mumia says "the book is beautiful." It can be purchased though various booksellers in France.
Guardian (England) article: "I Spend My Days Preparing for Life, Not for Death" Recently there was an excellent article in the Guardian newspaper. It concerns a fascinating death row interview with Mumia, and can be found at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,2198415,00.html
Tax-Deductible Donations to Mumia's Legal Defense My office continues to receive extensive e-mail from people confused as to how and where they may send donations for Mumia's legal defense. With Mumia's authorization, a process exists which guarantees that all donations in the U.S. go only to the legal defense. The contributions are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to the National Lawyers Guild Foundation (indicate "Mumia" on the bottom left), and mailed to:
Committee To Save Mumia Abu-Jamal
P.O. Box 2012
New York, NY 10159-2012
Your interest is appreciated.
With best wishes,
Robert R. Bryan
Law Offices of Robert R. Bryan
2088 Union Street, Suite 4
San Francisco, California 94123
Lead counsel for Mumia Abu-Jamal
NOTE: To support the organizing efforts, send contributions to:
International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
P.O. Box 19709
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Make these checks payable to National Black United Fund.
Indicate Mumia/Organizing in the memo field of the check.
There are many developments on the legal and other fronts concerning my client, Mumia Abu-Jamal. We remain in active litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and also have issues pending in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mumia has been honored by fellow writers through acceptance into a prestigious organization, a Nobel Prize winner recently visited him, an excellent new book was released in France, a leading British newspaper has published a major article on Mumia, and a superb film recently premiered in London and Rome. The following are the highlights.
PEN membership Mumia has been accepted into the membership of PEN, the worldwide human-rights organization of prominent writers. This is a great honor. He was thrilled upon learning that the application I filed on his behalf last spring was granted. In two decades of knowing each other, I have not seen Mumia so happy. The recognition from his peers is well deserved.
In a quarter of a century of being locked up in a small cell on Pennsylvania's death row, Mumia's literary output has been prodigious. He has written five outstanding books that are published in various languages, and also writes weekly commentaries that are published and broadcast internationally.
PEN was founded in 1921 to dispel national, ethnic, and racial hatred, to promote understanding among all countries, and defend the freedom to write. PEN American Center, into which Mumia has been accepted, is the largest of the 145 centers in 104 countries of International PEN. It exists to fight for freedom of expression, represent the conscience of world literature, and foster friendship and intellectual co-operation among writers everywhere. It is the world's oldest human rights organization and also the oldest international literary group.
The support provided by Alice Walker, E.L. Doctorow, Bell Chevigny and other members of the PEN American Center, New York, was invaluable. I am especially grateful to the kindness of Salman Rushdie, former President of PEN. Throughout the application process, I was impressed by the paramount concern of the PEN membership for human rights and protecting the independence of writers.
Bishop Desmond Tutu On October 23, 2007, Bishop Desmond Tutu met with Mumia. It is was a moving experience. Later that afternoon Mumia expressed to me how touched and humbled he was by meeting with this wonderful person, who received the Nobel Peace Price in 1984 and the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986. Mumia is particularly grateful to Martha Conley, Esq., of Pittsburgh, who initiated and arranged the visit, drove Bishop Tutu and his assistant to the prison, and joined them in the visit on death row. Last week Bishop Tutu issued the following statement concerning Mumia and capital punishment:
"I oppose the death penalty on principle in every case and I support the plea for a retrial for Mumia Abu-Jamal."
The Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, O.M.S.G., D.D., F.K.C.
Anglican Archbishop Emeritus
Cape Town, South Africa
5 November 2007
Legal developments Last month the prosecution submitted a Notice of Supplemental Authority with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Philadelphia, arguing that a recent ruling and related decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court affects the pending issues pertaining to the death penalty and racism in jury selection. Consequently on November 1, 2007, we filed a Reply To Notice of Supplemental Authority, explaining with legal analysis that the contentions of opposing counsel should be rejected because they are without merit and do not alter the major constitutional violations that occurred in this case.
I remain in contact with the court. It is not known exactly when there will be a federal decision. If the court follows the law and the U.S. Constitution, we will win. In my experience of successfully litigating well over a hundred capital murder cases at trial and on appeal, I know that courts are not always just. They can make terribly tragic mistakes. Nevertheless, I have not seen a case more riddled with such significant constitutional violations, racism, fraud, and unfairness. My goal remains to achieve a reversal of the conviction, and at a new jury trial win a jury acquittal so that Mumia can go home to his family -- a free person.
In Prison My Whole Life, British film on Mumia On October 25, 2007, the new documentary film In Prison My Whole Life premiered simultaneously at the London Film Festival and Rome Film Festival. It is a superb movie which does much to expose the many wrongs including racism and politics that have infected the case from the outset, the American legal system, and our society. Amnesty International is officially supporting the film. The picture is hard hitting and reveals the death penalty for what it is: legalized murder. Mumia and I are indebted to Colin and Livia Giuggioli Firth, along with Marc Evans, William Francome, Nick Goodwin Self, Katie Green, and the others who had the courage to make this film and tell the truth.
New French book on Mumia In September an excellent book on Mumia was published on September 15, 2007, in France. It is Mumia Abu-Jamal un homme libre dans le couloir de la mort, by Claude Guillaumaud-Pujol, with a foreword by Robert Meeropol, son of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and Founder, Rosenberg Fund for Children. Claude is deeply involved in the Collectif, a group of over 80 French organizations that aggressively support our campaign for a new and fair trial for Mumia and his freedom. She knows Mumia well, and last visited with him on November 11. Claude has donated her book to help in the struggle for Mumia's freedom. Mumia says "the book is beautiful." It can be purchased though various booksellers in France.
Guardian (England) article: "I Spend My Days Preparing for Life, Not for Death" Recently there was an excellent article in the Guardian newspaper. It concerns a fascinating death row interview with Mumia, and can be found at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,2198415,00.html
Tax-Deductible Donations to Mumia's Legal Defense My office continues to receive extensive e-mail from people confused as to how and where they may send donations for Mumia's legal defense. With Mumia's authorization, a process exists which guarantees that all donations in the U.S. go only to the legal defense. The contributions are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to the National Lawyers Guild Foundation (indicate "Mumia" on the bottom left), and mailed to:
Committee To Save Mumia Abu-Jamal
P.O. Box 2012
New York, NY 10159-2012
Your interest is appreciated.
With best wishes,
Robert R. Bryan
Law Offices of Robert R. Bryan
2088 Union Street, Suite 4
San Francisco, California 94123
Lead counsel for Mumia Abu-Jamal
NOTE: To support the organizing efforts, send contributions to:
International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
P.O. Box 19709
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Make these checks payable to National Black United Fund.
Indicate Mumia/Organizing in the memo field of the check.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
New Videos from Journalists for Mumia
First is of Tom Morello (aka The Night Watchman), lead guitarist of Rage Against The Machine, who was recently in Philadelphia, where he showed support for Mumia in this short video, where he is holding up the Journalists for Mumia poster that displays four of the newly discovered crime scene photos.
Second, is an excerpt from an official 1986 Philadelphia District Attorney training video for new prosecutors (which publicly surfaced in 1997), where veteran DA prosecutor Jack McMahon lectured in support of removing Blacks from jury panels. Explicitly recognizing this practice's illegality, McMahon explained that "the law" calls for a "'competent, fair, and impartial jury.' Well, that's ridiculous. You're not trying to get that."
For More Videos Visit The Journalists For Mumia YouTube Page At:
http://youtube.com/profile?user=journalists4mumia
Second, is an excerpt from an official 1986 Philadelphia District Attorney training video for new prosecutors (which publicly surfaced in 1997), where veteran DA prosecutor Jack McMahon lectured in support of removing Blacks from jury panels. Explicitly recognizing this practice's illegality, McMahon explained that "the law" calls for a "'competent, fair, and impartial jury.' Well, that's ridiculous. You're not trying to get that."
For More Videos Visit The Journalists For Mumia YouTube Page At:
http://youtube.com/profile?user=journalists4mumia
Elombe Brath
The letter below is being circulated by Black groups and individuals to support our Brother Elombe. We do not need to elaborate on who Elombe has been to the African struggle, to the movement in this country, to Mumia, and to all of us. Please help if you can so that Elombe can fully recover.
Please read the letter below and send a check to help Elombe and Nomsa with Elombe's medical expenses brought on by a stroke.
The family needs at least $10,000 to do all that is necessary.
CEMOTAP, BCAP, WISOMM, NBPP, Dr. Jeffries and Councilman Charles Barron have already stepped foward. Please join them by sending a check made payable to: Elombe Brath
Mail donations to :
Elombe Brath
1845 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, Apt 6C
New York, NY 10026
Please be as generous with your dollars as Elombe has been to our community with not only his information and work but his time and his energy.
Sincerely,
James McIntosh and Betty Dopson
Co-Chairs of CEMOTAP
Letter from Nomsa Brath
Dear friends and fellow activists,
I am challenged to announce to those of you, who know and love him, that Elombe has had a stroke. I suspect that before the visible effects of the stroke, which occurred in September, at least two minor ones might have went unnoticed. That is the sad news, but the good news and more powerful news is that I believe he has the courage to regain his former posture and continue the work he has championed, for the past 50 years, the liberation of African people.
He is presently under the doctor's care as well as receiving physical therapy bi-weekly, to strengthen his left side and improve his gait. Cognitively, there is a difference, but not a drastic one. He can hold his own most of the time so long as he does not become fatigued.
Elombe retired from ABC nine years ago so that he could focus on his life's work exclusively. He receives medical coverage as a PPO which is 20% paid by him and 80% by his insurance for all accepted medical procedures and programs as well as Medicare. Consequently, preventive and holistic medical practices and procedures are not acceptable and will not be covered by this plan. He has no dental coverage and I know that has impacted his health adversely.
There are several alternative modalities that I am trying to add to his treatment plan, which include purchasing equipment to use at home on a regular basis as well as added nutritional supplementation to that which has already been prescribed, oxygen therapy, massage, dental surgery, etc. He will probably be getting chelation therapy but not until further blood work is done because his creatine is not exactly where the doctor would like it to be and we don't want any kidney problems to complicate things. His blood pressure is good but he has not learned to relax and he is stressing himself about his present physical dilemma.
It is usually the first year of a stroke that is most crucial for stroke victims and an indicator of the level of recovery that can be expected depending on the severity of damage.
For the next three months he will be observed and then re-evaluated. If at that time he has not improved as expected he will be taken to Cuba for further assessment and treatment.
His life has been a marathon of causes here and around the world on behalf of our brothers and sisters who needed their struggles to be voiced and recognized, whether in South Africa, Namibia, Congo, Ethiopia, Grenada, Burkina Faso or in the United States. With your help we can keep him moving forward in better health and strength for many years to come.
Yours in Love and Struggle
Nomsa Brath
Please read the letter below and send a check to help Elombe and Nomsa with Elombe's medical expenses brought on by a stroke.
The family needs at least $10,000 to do all that is necessary.
CEMOTAP, BCAP, WISOMM, NBPP, Dr. Jeffries and Councilman Charles Barron have already stepped foward. Please join them by sending a check made payable to: Elombe Brath
Mail donations to :
Elombe Brath
1845 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, Apt 6C
New York, NY 10026
Please be as generous with your dollars as Elombe has been to our community with not only his information and work but his time and his energy.
Sincerely,
James McIntosh and Betty Dopson
Co-Chairs of CEMOTAP
Letter from Nomsa Brath
Dear friends and fellow activists,
I am challenged to announce to those of you, who know and love him, that Elombe has had a stroke. I suspect that before the visible effects of the stroke, which occurred in September, at least two minor ones might have went unnoticed. That is the sad news, but the good news and more powerful news is that I believe he has the courage to regain his former posture and continue the work he has championed, for the past 50 years, the liberation of African people.
He is presently under the doctor's care as well as receiving physical therapy bi-weekly, to strengthen his left side and improve his gait. Cognitively, there is a difference, but not a drastic one. He can hold his own most of the time so long as he does not become fatigued.
Elombe retired from ABC nine years ago so that he could focus on his life's work exclusively. He receives medical coverage as a PPO which is 20% paid by him and 80% by his insurance for all accepted medical procedures and programs as well as Medicare. Consequently, preventive and holistic medical practices and procedures are not acceptable and will not be covered by this plan. He has no dental coverage and I know that has impacted his health adversely.
There are several alternative modalities that I am trying to add to his treatment plan, which include purchasing equipment to use at home on a regular basis as well as added nutritional supplementation to that which has already been prescribed, oxygen therapy, massage, dental surgery, etc. He will probably be getting chelation therapy but not until further blood work is done because his creatine is not exactly where the doctor would like it to be and we don't want any kidney problems to complicate things. His blood pressure is good but he has not learned to relax and he is stressing himself about his present physical dilemma.
It is usually the first year of a stroke that is most crucial for stroke victims and an indicator of the level of recovery that can be expected depending on the severity of damage.
For the next three months he will be observed and then re-evaluated. If at that time he has not improved as expected he will be taken to Cuba for further assessment and treatment.
His life has been a marathon of causes here and around the world on behalf of our brothers and sisters who needed their struggles to be voiced and recognized, whether in South Africa, Namibia, Congo, Ethiopia, Grenada, Burkina Faso or in the United States. With your help we can keep him moving forward in better health and strength for many years to come.
Yours in Love and Struggle
Nomsa Brath
Monday, November 05, 2007
November 9 Free Mumia Fundraiser Dance Postponed
The Free Mumia Fundraiser Dance scheduled for November 9 in Harlem has been postponed until further notice due to a scheduling conflict out of the control of organizers. Please visit www.freemumia.com for updates.
Archbiship Desmond Tutu visits Mumia
On Tuesday October 23, South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Mumia Abu-Jamal. In what was a short meeting, the Archbishop expressed his support as he met in person with Mumia.
Desmond Mpilo Tutu (born 7 October 1931) is a South African cleric and activist who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. Tutu was elected and ordained the first black South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (now the Anglican Church of Southern Africa). He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, and the Magubela prize for liberty in 1986. He is committed to stopping global AIDS and has served as the honorary chairman for the Global AIDS Alliance. In February 2007 he was awarded Gandhi Peace Prize by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, president of India.
Guinness Sets Record for the Most Lies in One List: MOVE's Battle with Guinness
by Kevin Price
If you look close enough you can see history altered before your eyes. Pick up the latest Guinness Book of World Records (Guinness World Records 2008), flip to page 123 and you will see what I mean. Under the section "Cults, Fans and Followers: the police bombing of the MOVE Organization in 1985 is listed as the sixth most deadly mass suicide in recent history.) Yes, you did read that correctly. A deliberate massacre, in which police dropped a bomb on a house, intentionally allowed the fire to burn and fired automatic weapons at those that dared attempt an escape, was labeled as mass suicide.
This would seem to be very sloppy research for a fundamental resource such as Guinness, but MOVE doesn't believe that it is as simple as that. MOVE and its support network have been expecting increased attacks and misinformation about the organization. After 29 long years that MOVE prisoners Mike, Chuck, Janet, Janine, Debbie, Phil, Del and Eddie have spent in maximum security prisons, they will finally be coming up for parole in 2008. The MOVE 9 (Merle Africa died in prison under suspicious conditions March 13, 1998) have been in prison since 1978 for the wrongful conviction of police officer James Ramp. They are serving 30-100 year sentences and MOVE knows that the battle for parole is going to be uphill.
As history is re-written those in power tell the tale with MOVE framed as unrepentant, cop killing cultists who in 1978 shot at police and firemen, murdering James Ramp and then in 1985 remaining members committed suicide. This is exactly how those that are opposed to MOVE would prefer that the history be told. After all what parole board would ever release those people and what public would join a movement in their support?
If you do a little research into their list it becomes clear that the whole thing is bullshit…no other word is fitting. It seems as though not only do they have the facts on MOVE all wrong, almost every item on the list is questionable. The first group listed, with the highest death toll (924), is “the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of Godâ€. This Cult was located in Uganda and the deaths occurred in 2000. Five hundred and thirty of the deceased died in a church which was intentionally set aflame. Many believe that these 530 were unwilling to participate and where murdered by other members and leaders of the cult. This suspicion is strengthened by the fact that the windows and doors of the church were nailed from the outside (www.religioustolerance.org/dc_rest.htm).
Next listed is the Peoples Temple, known as Jonestown, with a death toll of 913 in Guyana in 1978. Again, in this situation many group members unmistakably committed suicide. However, there was evidence of murder of many by other members and leaders of the cult (www.religioustolerance.org/dc_jones.htm).
Other than the police bombing of MOVE the other two situations that were most inappropriately and irresponsibly labeled mass suicides are the stand off with the Branch Davidians in 1993 and the police murder of members of the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974. In both situations the deaths were the direct result of careless handling of sensitive situations by government officials or deliberate murder by police. The labeling of these events as mass suicide is even sloppier given that a thorough scan of mainstream media written during the time of these incidents gleaned no mention of either as mass suicide. The same goes for the bombing of MOVE in 1985. In the case of the Branch Davidians in Waco, the event started as a firefight between the Branch Davidians and the ATF. To this day it is unknown who fired the first shot that led to that 51 day standoff. The details of all that led to the deaths of 82 members are still quite unclear. It is undisputed that some members of the group did commit suicide but many died from FBI bullets. To label it a mass suicide takes all responsibility from the Federal government who should bear the weight of these deaths.
In 1974 when six members of the SLA were killed the police used fire as a tactical weapon in a similar fashion as the Philadelphia police in 1985. Police intentionally set fire to the apartment where SLA members were confined and when the first two members ran from the doors they were shot in the head by police. The police claim that the SLA members ran from the building with weapons drawn "trying to kill cops" but other witness testimony tells a different story. Only one SLA member is said to have killed himself rather that surrender. The other 5 deaths were a direct result of police bullets, smoke and flames.
The strategy used in 1974 by the police with the SLA and in 1985 with MOVE brings to mind the methods of mass murder employed by the Puritans in Massachusetts after failing to destroy the Pequot Indians in the 1600’s. After failing to defeat the Pequots in legitimate battle the Puritans began setting fire to their wigwams in the middle of the night. When the Pequots fled from their burning homes they were slaughtered, decapitated at the hands and swords of the English (Pg. 15, People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn). Historically, fire, or "smoking them out" has been a "tactical weapon" of the US government. How can this be misconstrued as suicide?
The bottom line is that the Guinness list is flawed from end to end. It seems that the folks at Guinness feel that if you resist against this government your death is imminent, justified and therefore suicidal. Now I am not saying that I am in support of the actions or beliefs of all of the groups that I have mentioned. I am a strong supporter of MOVE but I have very deep disagreements with most other groups on the list. That does not mean that I will not fight against the lies and misinformation spread in their blood. Even in the situations in which mass suicide did take place it is a disservice to the dead and their families to lump those that have been murdered in with the rest. It also seems so wrong to list such tragic events with so little explanation and feeling, to list such horror on the same page as the largest assembly of Elvis impersonators is horrible.
In the interest of protecting the real stories of the past to build a brighter future this misinformation must be fought. This is a very large issue with broad consequence. Join MOVE in pressuring the Guinness Book of World Records to correct this serious problem. Don't forget that there are eight people who have been in prison for 29 years due to such campaigns. Hell, there are so many political prisoners and prisoners in general serving life based on such deliberate revisions in history. Free the MOVE 9 and all political prisoners! No one wins unless we all win!
If you look close enough you can see history altered before your eyes. Pick up the latest Guinness Book of World Records (Guinness World Records 2008), flip to page 123 and you will see what I mean. Under the section "Cults, Fans and Followers: the police bombing of the MOVE Organization in 1985 is listed as the sixth most deadly mass suicide in recent history.) Yes, you did read that correctly. A deliberate massacre, in which police dropped a bomb on a house, intentionally allowed the fire to burn and fired automatic weapons at those that dared attempt an escape, was labeled as mass suicide.
This would seem to be very sloppy research for a fundamental resource such as Guinness, but MOVE doesn't believe that it is as simple as that. MOVE and its support network have been expecting increased attacks and misinformation about the organization. After 29 long years that MOVE prisoners Mike, Chuck, Janet, Janine, Debbie, Phil, Del and Eddie have spent in maximum security prisons, they will finally be coming up for parole in 2008. The MOVE 9 (Merle Africa died in prison under suspicious conditions March 13, 1998) have been in prison since 1978 for the wrongful conviction of police officer James Ramp. They are serving 30-100 year sentences and MOVE knows that the battle for parole is going to be uphill.
As history is re-written those in power tell the tale with MOVE framed as unrepentant, cop killing cultists who in 1978 shot at police and firemen, murdering James Ramp and then in 1985 remaining members committed suicide. This is exactly how those that are opposed to MOVE would prefer that the history be told. After all what parole board would ever release those people and what public would join a movement in their support?
If you do a little research into their list it becomes clear that the whole thing is bullshit…no other word is fitting. It seems as though not only do they have the facts on MOVE all wrong, almost every item on the list is questionable. The first group listed, with the highest death toll (924), is “the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of Godâ€. This Cult was located in Uganda and the deaths occurred in 2000. Five hundred and thirty of the deceased died in a church which was intentionally set aflame. Many believe that these 530 were unwilling to participate and where murdered by other members and leaders of the cult. This suspicion is strengthened by the fact that the windows and doors of the church were nailed from the outside (www.religioustolerance.org/dc_rest.htm).
Next listed is the Peoples Temple, known as Jonestown, with a death toll of 913 in Guyana in 1978. Again, in this situation many group members unmistakably committed suicide. However, there was evidence of murder of many by other members and leaders of the cult (www.religioustolerance.org/dc_jones.htm).
Other than the police bombing of MOVE the other two situations that were most inappropriately and irresponsibly labeled mass suicides are the stand off with the Branch Davidians in 1993 and the police murder of members of the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974. In both situations the deaths were the direct result of careless handling of sensitive situations by government officials or deliberate murder by police. The labeling of these events as mass suicide is even sloppier given that a thorough scan of mainstream media written during the time of these incidents gleaned no mention of either as mass suicide. The same goes for the bombing of MOVE in 1985. In the case of the Branch Davidians in Waco, the event started as a firefight between the Branch Davidians and the ATF. To this day it is unknown who fired the first shot that led to that 51 day standoff. The details of all that led to the deaths of 82 members are still quite unclear. It is undisputed that some members of the group did commit suicide but many died from FBI bullets. To label it a mass suicide takes all responsibility from the Federal government who should bear the weight of these deaths.
In 1974 when six members of the SLA were killed the police used fire as a tactical weapon in a similar fashion as the Philadelphia police in 1985. Police intentionally set fire to the apartment where SLA members were confined and when the first two members ran from the doors they were shot in the head by police. The police claim that the SLA members ran from the building with weapons drawn "trying to kill cops" but other witness testimony tells a different story. Only one SLA member is said to have killed himself rather that surrender. The other 5 deaths were a direct result of police bullets, smoke and flames.
The strategy used in 1974 by the police with the SLA and in 1985 with MOVE brings to mind the methods of mass murder employed by the Puritans in Massachusetts after failing to destroy the Pequot Indians in the 1600’s. After failing to defeat the Pequots in legitimate battle the Puritans began setting fire to their wigwams in the middle of the night. When the Pequots fled from their burning homes they were slaughtered, decapitated at the hands and swords of the English (Pg. 15, People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn). Historically, fire, or "smoking them out" has been a "tactical weapon" of the US government. How can this be misconstrued as suicide?
The bottom line is that the Guinness list is flawed from end to end. It seems that the folks at Guinness feel that if you resist against this government your death is imminent, justified and therefore suicidal. Now I am not saying that I am in support of the actions or beliefs of all of the groups that I have mentioned. I am a strong supporter of MOVE but I have very deep disagreements with most other groups on the list. That does not mean that I will not fight against the lies and misinformation spread in their blood. Even in the situations in which mass suicide did take place it is a disservice to the dead and their families to lump those that have been murdered in with the rest. It also seems so wrong to list such tragic events with so little explanation and feeling, to list such horror on the same page as the largest assembly of Elvis impersonators is horrible.
In the interest of protecting the real stories of the past to build a brighter future this misinformation must be fought. This is a very large issue with broad consequence. Join MOVE in pressuring the Guinness Book of World Records to correct this serious problem. Don't forget that there are eight people who have been in prison for 29 years due to such campaigns. Hell, there are so many political prisoners and prisoners in general serving life based on such deliberate revisions in history. Free the MOVE 9 and all political prisoners! No one wins unless we all win!
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