via: Queen Sis. Iyaluua Ferguson
-------------
The news of Bashir's passing is too sad for me to comprehend. It saddens me but it also angers me. We have said over and over again that the beast intends to only release our political prisoners in a pine box. And what is our response? We don't have yet a coordinated plan to bring about their release on our terms. We continue to be static, to treat gov. paterson with kid gloves, and to make speeches, but have no real plan for action. MalcolmX has told us that it is not sadness that will free us, but legitimate, heartfelt anger (and rage) that leads to action that will set us free.
I mourn the passing of my brother. My prayers and my heart go out to the Hameed family and particularly to Mrs. York, that very courageous woman who never stopped working for the release of her son. But my sympathy and condolences also go out to all of us who have lost a warrior, a brother in our struggle, who we cannot replace and who we are not yet able to redeem.
Bashir, I miss you. Jericho, we must not let his life be in vain. Please let us find a way to stop this genocide, this murder of our best and our bravest.
Iyaluua
Sunday 8/31
Dear Friends & Comrades;
I spoke with Florence this a.m. and she asked that all sympathy & condolence
cards be sent to the Hameed Family at 511 Winton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Thank you
Paulette
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Goddard IMA Commencement Speech by Alumni Mumia Abu-Jamal
By Taína Asili
This year's graduating class of the Individualized Master of Arts program at Goddard College proudly invited Mumia Abu-Jamal to be the keynote speaker of their commencement this past Sunday, August 10th 2008. It was a unanimous decision made by all of the graduates to invite Abu-Jamal, alumni of the college, to shed his wisdom and insight as a renowned journalist, freedom-fighter, and scholar.
Mumia Abu-Jamal first walked upon the grassy hills of Vermont's alternative college as a student working towards his BA in the 1970's. Unable to complete his degree work then, it was Goddard who he once again approached in the 1990's, yet this time as a U.S. political prisoner. He chose Goddard because, "Goddard was ahead of the curve, transforming individuals and their respective communities by expanding the realm of knowledge based on the fundamental principles of democracy."
It was during this work that he met his adviser and ally, Margo MacLeod, who guided Abu-Jamal through the difficult process of completing his BA degree from behind prison walls. Years later, MacLeod became the founder and Program Director of the IMA program, which these graduates have just completed, helping to support a unique form of education for hundreds of students, just as she had for Abu-Jamal. It is for this reason MacLeod, who is no longer working at the college as of this year, was chosen by the graduates to introduce Abu-Jamal during their commencement. In her introduction MacLeod shares, "It seems to me that Mumia has achieved the kind of integration of body, mind, and spirit that we strive for within this program, and that each graduate today has achieved in some measure in their work."
Following MacLeod's introduction, Abu-Jamal's voice rang strong through two large speakers facing the audience, a packed house of eleven graduates, their family members, fellow students and college faculty. Some graduates had worried that not having his physical body present might create a vacant atmosphere. However, this fear was dispelled, as evidenced by the resounding standing ovation following his speech by a great majority of those in attendance.
During this passionate speech Abu-Jamal shared his fond feelings towards the college, and his appreciation for what he termed "one of the finest and most unique colleges in the country." He also warned the graduates, "You leave Goddard at a time when the nation and the world faces serious challenges, as do indeed you all. What the nation needs, and indeed what the world needs as well, is new clear thinking about the challenges facing us." Later adding, "But as Goddard grads you are all fully equipped with the ability to think, a faculty I might add not much in evidence in our national political life I'm afraid. But this ability when used critically and flexibly may yet result in finding sane, humane solutions to our problems."
Read more
This year's graduating class of the Individualized Master of Arts program at Goddard College proudly invited Mumia Abu-Jamal to be the keynote speaker of their commencement this past Sunday, August 10th 2008. It was a unanimous decision made by all of the graduates to invite Abu-Jamal, alumni of the college, to shed his wisdom and insight as a renowned journalist, freedom-fighter, and scholar.
Mumia Abu-Jamal first walked upon the grassy hills of Vermont's alternative college as a student working towards his BA in the 1970's. Unable to complete his degree work then, it was Goddard who he once again approached in the 1990's, yet this time as a U.S. political prisoner. He chose Goddard because, "Goddard was ahead of the curve, transforming individuals and their respective communities by expanding the realm of knowledge based on the fundamental principles of democracy."
It was during this work that he met his adviser and ally, Margo MacLeod, who guided Abu-Jamal through the difficult process of completing his BA degree from behind prison walls. Years later, MacLeod became the founder and Program Director of the IMA program, which these graduates have just completed, helping to support a unique form of education for hundreds of students, just as she had for Abu-Jamal. It is for this reason MacLeod, who is no longer working at the college as of this year, was chosen by the graduates to introduce Abu-Jamal during their commencement. In her introduction MacLeod shares, "It seems to me that Mumia has achieved the kind of integration of body, mind, and spirit that we strive for within this program, and that each graduate today has achieved in some measure in their work."
Following MacLeod's introduction, Abu-Jamal's voice rang strong through two large speakers facing the audience, a packed house of eleven graduates, their family members, fellow students and college faculty. Some graduates had worried that not having his physical body present might create a vacant atmosphere. However, this fear was dispelled, as evidenced by the resounding standing ovation following his speech by a great majority of those in attendance.
During this passionate speech Abu-Jamal shared his fond feelings towards the college, and his appreciation for what he termed "one of the finest and most unique colleges in the country." He also warned the graduates, "You leave Goddard at a time when the nation and the world faces serious challenges, as do indeed you all. What the nation needs, and indeed what the world needs as well, is new clear thinking about the challenges facing us." Later adding, "But as Goddard grads you are all fully equipped with the ability to think, a faculty I might add not much in evidence in our national political life I'm afraid. But this ability when used critically and flexibly may yet result in finding sane, humane solutions to our problems."
Read more
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Support Parole Transfers for Herman & Jalil
Contact Governors of NY & CA (SF-8 case)
Herman & Jalil are issuing this urgent message requesting friends and supporters to contact the Governors of New York and California to expedite the signing and execution of amended Executive Agreements, which will allow Judge Moscone to issue an order to return them both to NY State to attend their parole hearings.
In 2007, Herman and Jail were extradited from New York State to California to face charges in the SF8 case. Both were scheduled for parole hearings on their New York sentences in the spring of 2008. It would have been their third appearance before the board. Under a New York parole regulation, however, no hearing can be held unless they are physically present.
On May 18, 2008, SF Judge Moscone agreed with the consent of the state prosecutor and the SF County Sheriff to return them both to NY State for parole hearings--their legal right after more than 35 years of imprisonment.
On June 16th, Judge Moscone rescinded his May 18th order due to pressure from the CA Attorney General's office, and held the transfer in abeyance until new language was adopted to conform with the concerns of the Attorney General. The Attorney General's office has drafted an amended Executive Agreement which would allow the brothers to return to New York, although the Attorney General has refused to disclose the text of the amended agreement to the brothers or their attorneys. According to the Attorney General's office the amended Executive Agreements have been sent to California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and New York's Governor Paterson to be signed.
Herman and Jalil have a liberty interest in returning to New York. If these brothers were granted parole, then it is likely that they would also be granted bail in the SF8 case. All other brothers in the SF8 case are out on bail despite the severity of the charges. The Attorney General's tactics to prevent Herman and Jalil from returning to New York to attend their parole hearings infringes upon the brothers right to liberty.
If parole hearings await the resolution of the SF8 charges, it could be another year or two before Herman and Jalil are given hearings.
Please contact the Governors of New York and California by phone, letter or email
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160
Email: http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email
David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
518-474-8390
Email: http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Urge them to sign the amended Executive Agreements which will allow Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Bottom) to return to New York State to attend their rightful parole hearings.
Herman & Jalil are issuing this urgent message requesting friends and supporters to contact the Governors of New York and California to expedite the signing and execution of amended Executive Agreements, which will allow Judge Moscone to issue an order to return them both to NY State to attend their parole hearings.
In 2007, Herman and Jail were extradited from New York State to California to face charges in the SF8 case. Both were scheduled for parole hearings on their New York sentences in the spring of 2008. It would have been their third appearance before the board. Under a New York parole regulation, however, no hearing can be held unless they are physically present.
On May 18, 2008, SF Judge Moscone agreed with the consent of the state prosecutor and the SF County Sheriff to return them both to NY State for parole hearings--their legal right after more than 35 years of imprisonment.
On June 16th, Judge Moscone rescinded his May 18th order due to pressure from the CA Attorney General's office, and held the transfer in abeyance until new language was adopted to conform with the concerns of the Attorney General. The Attorney General's office has drafted an amended Executive Agreement which would allow the brothers to return to New York, although the Attorney General has refused to disclose the text of the amended agreement to the brothers or their attorneys. According to the Attorney General's office the amended Executive Agreements have been sent to California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and New York's Governor Paterson to be signed.
Herman and Jalil have a liberty interest in returning to New York. If these brothers were granted parole, then it is likely that they would also be granted bail in the SF8 case. All other brothers in the SF8 case are out on bail despite the severity of the charges. The Attorney General's tactics to prevent Herman and Jalil from returning to New York to attend their parole hearings infringes upon the brothers right to liberty.
If parole hearings await the resolution of the SF8 charges, it could be another year or two before Herman and Jalil are given hearings.
Please contact the Governors of New York and California by phone, letter or email
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160
Email: http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email
David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
518-474-8390
Email: http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Urge them to sign the amended Executive Agreements which will allow Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Bottom) to return to New York State to attend their rightful parole hearings.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Special Radio Interview with Mike Africa
The Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition urges you to listen in on Thursday, August 21st from 8-9 pm to "Where We Live" on WBAI-FM Radio (99.5 FM or streaming live at www.wbai.org). Host Sally O'Brien will be interviewing Mike Africa of the MOVE organization about next week's film screening of "The Bombing of Osage Avenue."
This movie is about the horrific murder-by-bombing of 11 MOVE women, men and children and many animals by the very same Philadelphia establishment that's murderously intent on shutting up Mumia Abu-Jamal. "Collateral damage" encompassed more than a city block and a half of homes and shocked the world. The movie won the 1986 Academy Award for best documentary; Ramona Africa, the only adult survivor of the massacre, will be present. It is directed by Louis Massiah and narrated by Toni Cade Bambara -- and you can see it on Thursday, August 28th, at 7:30 pm at the Brecht Forum, 451 West Street (between Bank and Bethune Streets.)
Thursday, August 21 @ 8PM
"Where We Live" Hosted by Sally O'Brien
WBAI Radio 99.5-FM
(streaming live @ www.wbai.org)
For more info call the Mumia Coalition Hotline: 212 330-8029
This movie is about the horrific murder-by-bombing of 11 MOVE women, men and children and many animals by the very same Philadelphia establishment that's murderously intent on shutting up Mumia Abu-Jamal. "Collateral damage" encompassed more than a city block and a half of homes and shocked the world. The movie won the 1986 Academy Award for best documentary; Ramona Africa, the only adult survivor of the massacre, will be present. It is directed by Louis Massiah and narrated by Toni Cade Bambara -- and you can see it on Thursday, August 28th, at 7:30 pm at the Brecht Forum, 451 West Street (between Bank and Bethune Streets.)
Thursday, August 21 @ 8PM
"Where We Live" Hosted by Sally O'Brien
WBAI Radio 99.5-FM
(streaming live @ www.wbai.org)
For more info call the Mumia Coalition Hotline: 212 330-8029
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