From Sis. Killu:
Greetings All:
This letter was written by Yuri Kochiyama who has asked us to spread this letter far and wide. Please do :).
Kiilu
March 1, 2010
Dear Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal:
Mumia’s birthday is April 24 and we would like to celebrate the whole month of April with a gigantic Freedom Birthday Remembrance for Mumia Abu Jamal.
Please join Pam and Ramona Africa and all who love and admire Mumia by avalanching him through the month of April with Freedom Birthday wishes. And, to those who can afford to, please send a few dollars through postal money orders. This would be helpful when he is released.
Mail cards to:
Mumia Abu Jamal AM 8335
SCI Greene
175 Progress Drive
Waynesburg, PA 15370-8090
Tell your family members, friends, fellow workers, neighbors, classmates, etc. Also, notify progressive radio stations, newspapers and organizations. Please do so immediately as April is almost upon us. Remember what Mumia has endured at the hands of the U.S. government and the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. Mumia has already done 32 years and is still on death row because of prosecutorial misconduct. Yet he is innocent! Act now before it is too late.
Don’t let Mumia become another victim of a government’s destructive history. Mumia’s life is in peril and must be saved. He is needed to teach us how to fight for a better world for all. If ever Mumia was needed, it is now!
Join us in celebrating Mumia’s birthday throughout April and let it be a celebration for Mumia’s freedom!
Remember we need him more than he needs us. We need him, not only for today, but for all the tomorrows coming. Join us. Write to Mumia now.
From Friends and Family of Mumia Abu Jamal
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Rep. Ellison considers resolution in support of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Go to the site to see the video of Dhoruba and Ellison at the meeting: http://minnesotaindependent.com/56451/ellison-considers-resolution-in-support-of-mumia-abu-jamal
Ellison considers resolution in support of Mumia Abu-Jamal
By Jon Collins 3/17/10 11:54 AM
U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
He was bold enough to show up at a speaking event of former Black Panther Dhoruba Bin Wahad at Walker Church in South Minneapolis late last month. And after he was called on by Wahad, Ellison went toe-to-toe with the former political prisoner, eventually promising the crowd he’d consider a congressional resolution questioning the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal — who was convicted of murdering a Philadelphia policeman in 1982, although supporters say he didn’t receive a fair trial.
It was an often contentious half-hour dialog that spanned topics from the occupation of Palestine to Jim Crow laws.
After urgings from the sometimes restless crowd, Ellison said he hadn’t previously considered a congressional resolution in support of Abu-Jamal.
“You asked me about Mumia Abu-Jamal. You put something on my mind tonight,” Ellison told the crowd. “You want something done on Mumia Abu-Jamal: Let’s begin that conversation.”
After a long appeal process, the Supreme Court ruled that Abu-Jamal’s conviction could stand last year.
But the main thrust of the debate between Ellison and Wahad revolved around the best method to create social change. Wahad argued that social change comes from actively confronting oppression instead of working in the system.
“Is working to change the system with good intentions futile — yes,” Wahad said during the debate. “I don’t like tyrants, I don’t like oppressors — that’s why I spent 19 years in prison.”
Ellison said people fighting for social change need to get comfortable with acquiring some power.
“You correctly identify American foreign policy as a very dangerous thing for people all over the world — I think you’re right about that,” Ellison told Wahad. “You want to promote cynicism and I’m trying to promote positive social change and economic change for people.”
Ellison said there’s a broad dissatisfaction across racial lines in the United States and that Wahad’s rhetoric created barriers to real social change.
“[It's not productive] to argue there’s some impenetrable barrier between people of different racial groups,” Ellison told the crowd. “The fact is that there’s always been, I think you would agree, a number of interracial collections of people fighting oppression.”
Wahad’s speech was titled, “Political repression and state violence from Minneapolis to Palestine.” He was released from prison after an appeal found prosecutors withheld evidence.
According to the introduction, the event was sponsored by Communities United Against Police Brutality and the RNC8 Defense Committee, which supports eight Minneapolis activists who are facing felony conspiracy charges from their arrests before the Republican National Convention in 2008.
“I’ll get word back to you” on the possible Abu-Jamal resolution, Ellison told the crowd.
Ellison considers resolution in support of Mumia Abu-Jamal
By Jon Collins 3/17/10 11:54 AM
He was bold enough to show up at a speaking event of former Black Panther Dhoruba Bin Wahad at Walker Church in South Minneapolis late last month. And after he was called on by Wahad, Ellison went toe-to-toe with the former political prisoner, eventually promising the crowd he’d consider a congressional resolution questioning the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal — who was convicted of murdering a Philadelphia policeman in 1982, although supporters say he didn’t receive a fair trial.
It was an often contentious half-hour dialog that spanned topics from the occupation of Palestine to Jim Crow laws.
After urgings from the sometimes restless crowd, Ellison said he hadn’t previously considered a congressional resolution in support of Abu-Jamal.
“You asked me about Mumia Abu-Jamal. You put something on my mind tonight,” Ellison told the crowd. “You want something done on Mumia Abu-Jamal: Let’s begin that conversation.”
After a long appeal process, the Supreme Court ruled that Abu-Jamal’s conviction could stand last year.
But the main thrust of the debate between Ellison and Wahad revolved around the best method to create social change. Wahad argued that social change comes from actively confronting oppression instead of working in the system.
“Is working to change the system with good intentions futile — yes,” Wahad said during the debate. “I don’t like tyrants, I don’t like oppressors — that’s why I spent 19 years in prison.”
“You correctly identify American foreign policy as a very dangerous thing for people all over the world — I think you’re right about that,” Ellison told Wahad. “You want to promote cynicism and I’m trying to promote positive social change and economic change for people.”
Ellison said there’s a broad dissatisfaction across racial lines in the United States and that Wahad’s rhetoric created barriers to real social change.
“[It's not productive] to argue there’s some impenetrable barrier between people of different racial groups,” Ellison told the crowd. “The fact is that there’s always been, I think you would agree, a number of interracial collections of people fighting oppression.”
Wahad’s speech was titled, “Political repression and state violence from Minneapolis to Palestine.” He was released from prison after an appeal found prosecutors withheld evidence.
According to the introduction, the event was sponsored by Communities United Against Police Brutality and the RNC8 Defense Committee, which supports eight Minneapolis activists who are facing felony conspiracy charges from their arrests before the Republican National Convention in 2008.
“I’ll get word back to you” on the possible Abu-Jamal resolution, Ellison told the crowd.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A Call from Pam Africa for Mumia!
From Mumia NYC:
WE NEED YOUR HELP … AGAIN … FOR JUSTICE FOR MUMIA!
March 19, 2010
Dear Friends and Supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal
The time has come to ante up for Mumia. We are writing to invite you to join our Civil Rights Investigation Campaign (CRIC) on behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal with your checkbooks and credit cards. As many of you know, the campaign is urging the Justice Department to open an investigation into the decades-long violations of Mumia's civil rights. As you also know, Mumia recently suffered a setback when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled for the Philadelphia district attorney, vacating earlier rulings that had overturned the death penalty and granted a new sentencing-phase trial. Now, the Third Circuit Court will decide whether or not to execute Mumia without having a new sentencing trial. It's no exaggeration to say that Mumia's life is in grave danger … more than ever.
We believe that this campaign, which has already won national and international support and generated tens of thousands of letters and petitions to Attorney General Eric Holder, can positively change Mumia's fate. The campaign's supporters include the NAACP, the Riverside Church Prison Ministry, dozens of international unions, WESPAC; actress Ruby Dee; former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark; Professors Cornel West, Noam Chomsky, and Henry Louis Gates; U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel; and former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (for current lists of national and international organizations and individuals who support the campaign, see our Web site under Join the Campaign and scroll to the bottom).
But the campaign can't move forward to fulfill its promise and possibilities without material support. We must produce more palms cards, fliers, petitions, and buttons; make banners; rent buses Washington; pay for use of the Press Club. We pay for our meeting space, invest in video supplies, overnight mail documents to Mumia to assure delivery, copy materials and, even prepare to host some of the scheduled international visitors and participants in the meeting with the Department of Justice. Now is the time to do everything we can to fight for Mumia's life.
We will return to Washington, DC, on April 26 (two days after Mumia's 56th birthday) with busloads of supporters and boxloads of petitions in Phase 2 of the CRIC. (Phase 1 ended on November 12, 2009, when we delivered thousands of petitions to the Justice Department chief of the Civil Rights Division.) This time we hope to meet with officials to make our case in person.
We can't control the courts. But we can invest in an alternative strategy that may very likely have results leading to a new trial. And exoneration.
Here's how you can help. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC) by going to our Web site,www.freemumia.com, and clicking on "Please donate to the struggle for Mumia's freedom" at the right. PayPal takes it from there. Or you can send a check made out to "IFCO/Free Mumia Coalition" to the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC), P.O. Box 16, College Station, New York, NY 10030. All monies will be shared by the International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC). We also hope you can be with us in Washington, DC on Monday, April 26.
We understand that the fight for freedom is not free. It takes some money. Many of you have come forward in the past and contributed to this critical fight. We hope you can help us help Mumia again this time.
Free Mumia and All Political Prisoners! Ona Move!
Pam Africa
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
WE NEED YOUR HELP … AGAIN … FOR JUSTICE FOR MUMIA!
March 19, 2010
Dear Friends and Supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal
The time has come to ante up for Mumia. We are writing to invite you to join our Civil Rights Investigation Campaign (CRIC) on behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal with your checkbooks and credit cards. As many of you know, the campaign is urging the Justice Department to open an investigation into the decades-long violations of Mumia's civil rights. As you also know, Mumia recently suffered a setback when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled for the Philadelphia district attorney, vacating earlier rulings that had overturned the death penalty and granted a new sentencing-phase trial. Now, the Third Circuit Court will decide whether or not to execute Mumia without having a new sentencing trial. It's no exaggeration to say that Mumia's life is in grave danger … more than ever.
We believe that this campaign, which has already won national and international support and generated tens of thousands of letters and petitions to Attorney General Eric Holder, can positively change Mumia's fate. The campaign's supporters include the NAACP, the Riverside Church Prison Ministry, dozens of international unions, WESPAC; actress Ruby Dee; former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark; Professors Cornel West, Noam Chomsky, and Henry Louis Gates; U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel; and former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (for current lists of national and international organizations and individuals who support the campaign, see our Web site under Join the Campaign and scroll to the bottom).
But the campaign can't move forward to fulfill its promise and possibilities without material support. We must produce more palms cards, fliers, petitions, and buttons; make banners; rent buses Washington; pay for use of the Press Club. We pay for our meeting space, invest in video supplies, overnight mail documents to Mumia to assure delivery, copy materials and, even prepare to host some of the scheduled international visitors and participants in the meeting with the Department of Justice. Now is the time to do everything we can to fight for Mumia's life.
We will return to Washington, DC, on April 26 (two days after Mumia's 56th birthday) with busloads of supporters and boxloads of petitions in Phase 2 of the CRIC. (Phase 1 ended on November 12, 2009, when we delivered thousands of petitions to the Justice Department chief of the Civil Rights Division.) This time we hope to meet with officials to make our case in person.
We can't control the courts. But we can invest in an alternative strategy that may very likely have results leading to a new trial. And exoneration.
Here's how you can help. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC) by going to our Web site,www.freemumia.com, and clicking on "Please donate to the struggle for Mumia's freedom" at the right. PayPal takes it from there. Or you can send a check made out to "IFCO/Free Mumia Coalition" to the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC), P.O. Box 16, College Station, New York, NY 10030. All monies will be shared by the International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC). We also hope you can be with us in Washington, DC on Monday, April 26.
We understand that the fight for freedom is not free. It takes some money. Many of you have come forward in the past and contributed to this critical fight. We hope you can help us help Mumia again this time.
Free Mumia and All Political Prisoners! Ona Move!
Pam Africa
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
ALL OUT FOR MUMIA April 26 in Washington, DC!
Following a press conference, we will march to the DOJ for a rally. A meeting is also scheduled with the DOJ.
With the over 20,000 members of0 the civil rights campaign, demand justice for Mumia -- his life is in greater danger now than ever.
Buses will leave from NYC and Philadelphia and cars and vans from other cities.
For all info, including bus tickets, call: 215-476-8812 (Philadelphia) 212-330-8029 (NYC)
www.freemumia.com
New Book on Mumia and the Media
The Media Rhetoric of Law and Order: How ABC Framed the Mumia Abu-Jamal Story
by Thomas N. Gardner
This work presents a case study of journalism as persuasion through a triangulated examination of ABC 20/20's story "Hollywood's Unlikely Hero" (December 1998), which reports on the death penalty case of Mumia Abu-Jamal. The methodology includes rhetorical analysis, experimental design, and focus group audience research. It also examines the impact of a media literacy intervention on news reception by showing the video "Framing an Execution: the Media and Mumia Abu-Jamal" and measuring its effects on audience perceptions of the 20/20 story.
Each book includes a DVD copy of the Framing an Execution: the Media and Mumia Abu-Jamal.
Reviews
"Thomas Gardner's account of the media coverage of the Mumia Abu-Jamal case is a welcome addition to our scholarship. It points to several vexing problems with our news media and in American society. The single most important point, buttressed powerfully by Gardner's critique, is the marginalization of dissent in mainstream media. How ironic is it that a press system, born in a revolution against tyranny, that rhetorically embraces its independence from the state and its willingness to be tough-minded toward those in power, restricts its "toughness," for the most part," to ignoring, ridiculing, distorting or trivializing dissident political opinion. It has turned the old aphorism of comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable on its head.
Gardner very wisely understands the political implications of his research, as he points to the need for structural change. The starting point is what he calls media literacy, teaching students to understand how media work, and how they affect us. There is little doubt that media literacy is a cornerstone of the media reform agenda. This study makes a valuable contribution to media literacy literature."
– Prof. Robert W. McChesney, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
". . . provides very useful data on the role and potential of media literacy (and, in particular, of using video to deconstruct mainstream media). The idea of looking at the impact of a `problematic' media text and a critique of that text — separately and combined — is both interesting and fruitful."
– Prof. Justin Lewis, Cardiff University
"Gardner's synthesis of perspectives drawn from Cultural Studies, Rhetoric, and the `propaganda model' of news media, and his efforts to channel these insights into a object-lesson for Media Education purposes are thorough and effective. The book is also very engagingly written, carrying the reader through the details and sequences of events with great clarity, and never making the conceptual discussions turgid. Gardner's years as a college instructor and his prior experience as a working journalist are put to very good use."
– Prof. John Downing, Southern Illinois University
"What is perhaps most impressive about this piece is its skillful blending of the theoretical frameworks of rhetorical analysis, cultural studies, cultivation, and media framing. This study is not entirely any of these but is simultaneously informed by all of these. Gardner thus shows how a truly multitheoretical approach to media culture is the most effective strategy for critical analysis of the complexities inherent in our media saturated environments. True to the open spirit of the original cultural studies approach while challenging rigid models of qualitative versus quantitative research, this is truly an innovative and challenging work that should be read by all who are concerned about the abuse of corporate and state power and the dark side of modern day capitalist democracies."
– Prof. Bill Yousman, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
by Thomas N. Gardner
This work presents a case study of journalism as persuasion through a triangulated examination of ABC 20/20's story "Hollywood's Unlikely Hero" (December 1998), which reports on the death penalty case of Mumia Abu-Jamal. The methodology includes rhetorical analysis, experimental design, and focus group audience research. It also examines the impact of a media literacy intervention on news reception by showing the video "Framing an Execution: the Media and Mumia Abu-Jamal" and measuring its effects on audience perceptions of the 20/20 story.
Each book includes a DVD copy of the Framing an Execution: the Media and Mumia Abu-Jamal.
Reviews
"Thomas Gardner's account of the media coverage of the Mumia Abu-Jamal case is a welcome addition to our scholarship. It points to several vexing problems with our news media and in American society. The single most important point, buttressed powerfully by Gardner's critique, is the marginalization of dissent in mainstream media. How ironic is it that a press system, born in a revolution against tyranny, that rhetorically embraces its independence from the state and its willingness to be tough-minded toward those in power, restricts its "toughness," for the most part," to ignoring, ridiculing, distorting or trivializing dissident political opinion. It has turned the old aphorism of comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable on its head.
Gardner very wisely understands the political implications of his research, as he points to the need for structural change. The starting point is what he calls media literacy, teaching students to understand how media work, and how they affect us. There is little doubt that media literacy is a cornerstone of the media reform agenda. This study makes a valuable contribution to media literacy literature."
– Prof. Robert W. McChesney, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
". . . provides very useful data on the role and potential of media literacy (and, in particular, of using video to deconstruct mainstream media). The idea of looking at the impact of a `problematic' media text and a critique of that text — separately and combined — is both interesting and fruitful."
– Prof. Justin Lewis, Cardiff University
"Gardner's synthesis of perspectives drawn from Cultural Studies, Rhetoric, and the `propaganda model' of news media, and his efforts to channel these insights into a object-lesson for Media Education purposes are thorough and effective. The book is also very engagingly written, carrying the reader through the details and sequences of events with great clarity, and never making the conceptual discussions turgid. Gardner's years as a college instructor and his prior experience as a working journalist are put to very good use."
– Prof. John Downing, Southern Illinois University
"What is perhaps most impressive about this piece is its skillful blending of the theoretical frameworks of rhetorical analysis, cultural studies, cultivation, and media framing. This study is not entirely any of these but is simultaneously informed by all of these. Gardner thus shows how a truly multitheoretical approach to media culture is the most effective strategy for critical analysis of the complexities inherent in our media saturated environments. True to the open spirit of the original cultural studies approach while challenging rigid models of qualitative versus quantitative research, this is truly an innovative and challenging work that should be read by all who are concerned about the abuse of corporate and state power and the dark side of modern day capitalist democracies."
– Prof. Bill Yousman, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
A Message from Ramona Africa
The Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition urges people to join this year's activities. 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEADLY ASSAULT AND BOMBING OF MOVE! LET'S ALL STAND UP TO POLICE TERRORISM TOGETHER! SHARE YOUR STOIRES AND BECOME PART OF THE PLANNED PROGRAM!
MESSAGE FROM RAMONA BELOW:
ONA MOVE, Everybody! Sorry for the long delay in our next meeting but I've been traveling and am just getting caught up on things here at home. Anyway, the next meeting is Sunday, March 21st at 6.00pm in the A-Space (4722 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA) I'll have some updated news on the where things are at so try to make the meeting. Take care----Ramona
------
This is a note to inform/remind folks that the May program is a stand up against police terrorism/murder event. I'm calling on you to encourage any family members or friends of victims of police terrorism/murder to contact me so that they can become part of our program. This is extremely important because MOVE is not about doing "programs" just to do "programs". We are about activity and solution so we want to work with people that have lost loved ones or have been victimized themselves by police terrorism. Thanks for your support on this issue-----Ramona
------
(http://www.onamove.com)
MESSAGE FROM RAMONA BELOW:
ONA MOVE, Everybody! Sorry for the long delay in our next meeting but I've been traveling and am just getting caught up on things here at home. Anyway, the next meeting is Sunday, March 21st at 6.00pm in the A-Space (4722 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA) I'll have some updated news on the where things are at so try to make the meeting. Take care----Ramona
------
This is a note to inform/remind folks that the May program is a stand up against police terrorism/murder event. I'm calling on you to encourage any family members or friends of victims of police terrorism/murder to contact me so that they can become part of our program. This is extremely important because MOVE is not about doing "programs" just to do "programs". We are about activity and solution so we want to work with people that have lost loved ones or have been victimized themselves by police terrorism. Thanks for your support on this issue-----Ramona
------
(http://www.onamove.com)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Mumia Abu-Jamal Tribute to Sis. Safiya Bukhari/Book Parties
Stirring video tribute at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHMfQcjAV7A&feature=player_embedded
CHICAGO, IL:
Saturday, March 13th 2-4 pm Book Party! at Afri-Ware Books, 266 W. Lake, Oak Park
JERSEY CITY, NJ:
Saturday evening, April 3 Black Waxx Studios (280 1st Street, 2nd Floor), Laura Whitehorn, with musical artists Melanie Dyer and others. A Scientific Soul Session on “womyn and revolution.”
NEW YORK CITY:
Saturday, Sunday, March 20-21 at the Left Forum, Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza, Manhattan – workshop with Cleo Silvers, Vikki Law, Asha Bandele and Susie Day, date/time TBD (http://leftforum.org/node/63)
Sunday, March 28, 2010 5-8 pm
St. Mary's Church, 521 West 126th St. (just east of Broadway)
Sponsored by the New York Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (with Wonda Jones, Laura Whitehorn, Pam, Ramona and Mike Africa; Sally O'Brien, Masai Ehehosi, Imam Al Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, Zayid Muhammad, Suzanne Ross, Sundiata Sadiq, Esperanza Martell, and others
SAN FRANCISCO, CA:
Thursday, March 11 with Yuri Kochiyama, Billy X Jennings, Claude Marks and others; at Freedom Archives, 513 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Friday, March 12, 7:00 pm with Vikki Law at The Green Arcade bookstore, 1680 Market Street @ Gough, San Francisco CA 94102
Saturday/Sunday, March 13-14 with Vikki Law at the Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair, SF County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park (all day; time of panel TBD) http://sfbookfair.wordpress. com/schedule/
PHILADELPHIA, PA:
Friday, March 5th, Evening TBA Philagraphika art opening with Just Seeds, A-Space, 47th and Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA (with Laura Whitehorn)
Saturday, March 6th, 2 Events
Afternoon in West Philadelphia, Details TBA
7 pm at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2557 N. 5th St., with Ricardo Jimenez (former political prisoner from the Puerto Rican Independence Movement) and Laura Whitehorn
OAKLAND, CA:
Saturday, March 13 Yuri Kochiyama, Jewelle Gomez, Susan Rosenberg, Linda Evans, Laura Whitehorn, others, at Sparks Fly! benefit for political prisoner Marilyn Buck
TORONTO, CANADA:
Thursday, Feb 25th 8:30 pm This Ain't the Rosedale Library, 86 Nassau Street, Kensington Market
This list of events will be updated, and is available online at http://www.kersplebedeb.com/mystuff/profiles/warbefore_ events.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHMfQcjAV7A&feature=player_embedded
SUPPORT THE BOOK PARTIES FOR THE WAR BEFORE (Sis. Safiya's book) and honor this Warrior Sista!
CHICAGO, IL:
Saturday, March 13th 2-4 pm Book Party! at Afri-Ware Books, 266 W. Lake, Oak Park
JERSEY CITY, NJ:
Saturday evening, April 3 Black Waxx Studios (280 1st Street, 2nd Floor), Laura Whitehorn, with musical artists Melanie Dyer and others. A Scientific Soul Session on “womyn and revolution.”
NEW YORK CITY:
Saturday, Sunday, March 20-21 at the Left Forum, Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza, Manhattan – workshop with Cleo Silvers, Vikki Law, Asha Bandele and Susie Day, date/time TBD (http://leftforum.org/node/63)
Sunday, March 28, 2010 5-8 pm
St. Mary's Church, 521 West 126th St. (just east of Broadway)
Sponsored by the New York Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (with Wonda Jones, Laura Whitehorn, Pam, Ramona and Mike Africa; Sally O'Brien, Masai Ehehosi, Imam Al Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, Zayid Muhammad, Suzanne Ross, Sundiata Sadiq, Esperanza Martell, and others
SAN FRANCISCO, CA:
Thursday, March 11 with Yuri Kochiyama, Billy X Jennings, Claude Marks and others; at Freedom Archives, 513 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Friday, March 12, 7:00 pm with Vikki Law at The Green Arcade bookstore, 1680 Market Street @ Gough, San Francisco CA 94102
Saturday/Sunday, March 13-14 with Vikki Law at the Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair, SF County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park (all day; time of panel TBD) http://sfbookfair.wordpress. com/schedule/
PHILADELPHIA, PA:
Friday, March 5th, Evening TBA Philagraphika art opening with Just Seeds, A-Space, 47th and Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA (with Laura Whitehorn)
Saturday, March 6th, 2 Events
Afternoon in West Philadelphia, Details TBA
7 pm at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2557 N. 5th St., with Ricardo Jimenez (former political prisoner from the Puerto Rican Independence Movement) and Laura Whitehorn
OAKLAND, CA:
Saturday, March 13 Yuri Kochiyama, Jewelle Gomez, Susan Rosenberg, Linda Evans, Laura Whitehorn, others, at Sparks Fly! benefit for political prisoner Marilyn Buck
TORONTO, CANADA:
Thursday, Feb 25th 8:30 pm This Ain't the Rosedale Library, 86 Nassau Street, Kensington Market
This list of events will be updated, and is available online at http://www.kersplebedeb.com/mystuff/profiles/warbefore_ events.php
Pam Africa on Ebony Magazine Article
3/3/10
Sis. Pam Africa to Jam Donaldson
(In response to: http://www.conversateisnotaword.com/?p=167)
There is a lot of things I can say but it should be clear by now that you made a serious mistake when you pretend that you have the right to do wrong, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WRONG. I invite you to check out these sites -- google LINN WASHINGTON JR., he is a Professor of Journalism at Temple in Phila. He was also a Law clerk for SUPREME JUSTICE ROBERT Nix. He is an author of a book on BLACK JUDGES and knows this case.
I really hope you take time and view his web site, especially since you are a attorney. Educators for Mumia is another site by Professor Mark Taylor from PRINCETON University, New Jersey. Journalists For MUMIA is another site, please visit their site, they sponsored an ad in the New York Times with several hundred Academics from around the World and also sponsored several teach-ins and conferences on the case of Mumia, and is sponsoring one at Columbia University in New York this April 3rd.
FREE MUMIA NOW is another site sponsored by the NEW YORK COALITION TO FREE MUMIA which is now sharing the site with International Concerned Family And Friends Of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a must-see web site for detailed national and international info from the New York based Free Mumia movement. This is the site of two chairpeople, Pam Africa (Phila.) and DR.SUZANNE Ross (New York) where you will get detailed info on the CIVIL RIGHTS CAMPAIGN to Attorney General of the United States Holder.
Mumia is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole or a death sentence, which neither is acceptable to a lot of people around the world and across this country. In the Country of France in
the capital Paris they supported this poor black political revolutionary prisoner on deathrow who happens to be also articulate, a great journalist, author of several best selling books on the social injustices to all life. That government investigated his case for several years by sending fact finding experts to get the truth, which led to their out spoken support in France thru massive demonstrations in the street with several thousand people of all walks of life including the former first LADY OF FRANCE Madame Daniell Mitterand whose husband banned the death penalty in France.
In the city of Paris Mumia is an Honorary Citizen and in the city of ST.Denis in France there is a street named in his honor, why? Because they did what was necessary to bring to the attention of the world that this government has framed a man, that Mumia did not have anything resembling a fair trial, that
evidence also supported his innocence and they also have a web site and email. You can also check out the Millions for Mumia web site and the Mobilization to Free Mumia website. Did you know that at the 100th anniversary of the NAACP Convention in New York a resolution was passed calling for a Civil Rights Investigation in Mumia's case?
Did you know that the Black Congressional Caucus, all of them, stated they investigated the case of Mumia and said that Mumia did not receive a fair trial and that evidence points to the fact that he is possibly innocent? I could go on much longer with this but you understand. So when you say (did i call you out) I say yes, you called out a lot of people, I hope you can deal with it.
My phone number is 215 476 8812.
Remember when this goverment murdered Malcolm X, Rev. Martin L. King, we did not know the plot and we did not know the plan or the folks involved, but now we do know the plot, the why, we know the plan. Help stop the murder of this innocent man, arm yourself with the facts, NOW YOU DEAL WITH IT and thanks for the call-out, the platform to awaken people to the truth in this case. Remember we must teach the children the truth.
To quote JOHN AFRICA: "NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WRONG".
NOTE: Ebony Magazine contact info:
Terry Glover, Managing Editor
Ebony Magazine
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
820 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-322-9200
tglover@ebony.com
Sis. Pam Africa to Jam Donaldson
(In response to: http://www.conversateisnotaword.com/?p=167)
There is a lot of things I can say but it should be clear by now that you made a serious mistake when you pretend that you have the right to do wrong, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WRONG. I invite you to check out these sites -- google LINN WASHINGTON JR., he is a Professor of Journalism at Temple in Phila. He was also a Law clerk for SUPREME JUSTICE ROBERT Nix. He is an author of a book on BLACK JUDGES and knows this case.
I really hope you take time and view his web site, especially since you are a attorney. Educators for Mumia is another site by Professor Mark Taylor from PRINCETON University, New Jersey. Journalists For MUMIA is another site, please visit their site, they sponsored an ad in the New York Times with several hundred Academics from around the World and also sponsored several teach-ins and conferences on the case of Mumia, and is sponsoring one at Columbia University in New York this April 3rd.
FREE MUMIA NOW is another site sponsored by the NEW YORK COALITION TO FREE MUMIA which is now sharing the site with International Concerned Family And Friends Of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a must-see web site for detailed national and international info from the New York based Free Mumia movement. This is the site of two chairpeople, Pam Africa (Phila.) and DR.SUZANNE Ross (New York) where you will get detailed info on the CIVIL RIGHTS CAMPAIGN to Attorney General of the United States Holder.
Mumia is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole or a death sentence, which neither is acceptable to a lot of people around the world and across this country. In the Country of France in
the capital Paris they supported this poor black political revolutionary prisoner on deathrow who happens to be also articulate, a great journalist, author of several best selling books on the social injustices to all life. That government investigated his case for several years by sending fact finding experts to get the truth, which led to their out spoken support in France thru massive demonstrations in the street with several thousand people of all walks of life including the former first LADY OF FRANCE Madame Daniell Mitterand whose husband banned the death penalty in France.
In the city of Paris Mumia is an Honorary Citizen and in the city of ST.Denis in France there is a street named in his honor, why? Because they did what was necessary to bring to the attention of the world that this government has framed a man, that Mumia did not have anything resembling a fair trial, that
evidence also supported his innocence and they also have a web site and email. You can also check out the Millions for Mumia web site and the Mobilization to Free Mumia website. Did you know that at the 100th anniversary of the NAACP Convention in New York a resolution was passed calling for a Civil Rights Investigation in Mumia's case?
Did you know that the Black Congressional Caucus, all of them, stated they investigated the case of Mumia and said that Mumia did not receive a fair trial and that evidence points to the fact that he is possibly innocent? I could go on much longer with this but you understand. So when you say (did i call you out) I say yes, you called out a lot of people, I hope you can deal with it.
My phone number is 215 476 8812.
Remember when this goverment murdered Malcolm X, Rev. Martin L. King, we did not know the plot and we did not know the plan or the folks involved, but now we do know the plot, the why, we know the plan. Help stop the murder of this innocent man, arm yourself with the facts, NOW YOU DEAL WITH IT and thanks for the call-out, the platform to awaken people to the truth in this case. Remember we must teach the children the truth.
To quote JOHN AFRICA: "NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WRONG".
NOTE: Ebony Magazine contact info:
Terry Glover, Managing Editor
Ebony Magazine
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
820 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-322-9200
tglover@ebony.com
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Ebony Magazine Article Criminalizes Mumia Abu-Jamal
From Sis. Marpessa:
Sis. Fatirah and myself have raised our voices against Jam Donaldson's recent column which appeared in Ebony Magazine's February 2010 issue (viewable at http://www.conversateisnotaword.com/?p=167). Please read our letters and let your voice be heard as well! -- Sis. Marpessa.
-------------------
Jam Donaldson
jam@jamdonaldson.com
www.jamdonaldson.com
www.hotghettomess.com
Terry Glover, Managing Editor
Ebony Magazine
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
820 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-322-9200
tglover@ebony.com
To whom it may concern,
I'm writing in response to the 'article' in Ebony magazine by Hot ghetto mess Jam Donaldson. As I read it, I thought 'uh oh; here is another self hating young Black person, who thinks they are designated to point out our faults and present our failures to the world (ala hotghettomess.com), all the while appearing just a little bit better than the rest of us. I have seen the messes in various emails and while they bring a shake of the head, I wonder why someone would go to the trouble of exploiting the worst in our community instead of high-lighting the best?
Then I come to the last paragraph where Ms Mess states that "One day I'm like, 'Free Mumia' and other days I'm like, 'That n***** probably did it.' And I'm not afraid to admit it, and I'm not afraid to write about it."
Of course you're 'not afraid to write about it', you are aware that there is an audience for just such words: The FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) for one will probably use your words in some of their propaganda and I'm sure that will make you proud.
Self-serving pseudo journalism at it's worst.
If you ever choose to be a responsible journalist, you will find that there is much information about Mumia Abu-Jamal's case, done by upstanding reporters who have DONE THEIR HOMEWORK, and are not looking for a pithy little ending.
Mumia's life is on the line, and for you to be so cavalier about it shows either your naivete, or your deliberate attempt to ingratiate yourself with those who are seeking to murder an innocent man.
If you find yourself looking for some excellent articles from a man whose body has been locked down for years, but whose mind and heart are as free as the wind, you can follow any of the links below for more information. I doubt you will, there's nothing 'sexy' about the truth.
Fatirah Aziz
http://www.freemumia.com/
www.prisonradio.org
http://www.emajonline.com/index.php?action=4&content_id=311
Jam Donaldson
jam@jamdonaldson.com
www.jamdonaldson.com
www.hotghettomess.com
Terry Glover, Managing Editor
Ebony Magazine
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
820 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-322-9200
tglover@ebony.com
The Ebony Magazine February 2010 article entitled: "Sisterspeak - Did I just CALL YOU OUT? YEP. I did. Deal with it. One writer tells the truth," by Jam Donaldson concludes by proclaiming, "One day I'm like, 'Free Mumia' and other days I'm like, 'That n***** probably did it.' And I'm not afraid to admit it, and I'm not afraid to write about it."
You succeeded in ending your article with controversy but was the pay-off worth carelessly toying with a man's life? This isn't a Gen-X'er spreading your wings in defiance of the status quo or clowning somebody for having their behind hanging out and rainbow-colored weave as you regularly do on the web, you made a flippant and highly irresponsible condemnation purely for shock value!
"Free Mumia" is not a catchprase to be spouted according to your mood swings and supposings, nor a litmus test by which you should make reckless statements as a way to poke out your chest and feel special. To believe that Mumia should be free is to fight to uncover the truth that has been smothered by the courts for 28+ years. It's not about a gimmick for your self-promotion by using Mumia's name for flava, hype or to raise your google-ability -- this is a demand for a constitutionally guaranteed fair trial before a jury of ones peers instead of a hate-filled feeding frenzy of racism, coerced testimony, fabricated, distorted and hidden evidence. It's about trying to get justice in a court where an entire police union (FOP) carries picket signs in protest and packs hearings with t-shirts emblazoned with "Fry Mumia" over their highly visible guns -- before a judge who himself is a lifetime FOP member! It's about an outrageous frame-up of a Black man who the COINTELPRO targeted as early as his teenage years.
This zinger with which you ended your article crosses the line from an attempt at being clever to an outright attack. The slightest bit of research would have shown you that at this very critical juncture in history Mumia is in the midst of extremely intensified court pressures and the campaign to release him is in the midst of a knockdown, drag-out battle to stop his legalized lynching! Unfortunately your witless assertion now carries weight because it has been so incredibly elevated by Ebony magazine, of all places! The appalling way in which you chose to end your piece may have given you a smirk of personal satisfaction but the only people you have impressed are those who are salivating at the prospect of murdering Mumia, or don't you get that?
As for Ebony magazine, has your more than half-century of publishing come down to this, such a desperate yearning to attract young readership that you showcase an article that debases a Black man fighting for his life on death row as a "NIGGER" (why bother with the asterisks at all?)! Is that really where it's at with Ebony nowadays? Freedom of expression is one thing, but gross negligence is quite another! As one of the most well-respected Black publications in the US and world, surely you must realize that much of Black America views the case against Mumia with a healthy amount of skepticism, not to mention his being an internationally recognized author, scholar and champion of human rights. Someone with maturity should have pointed out to this "blogger and cultural commentator" that this was an extremely reckless and slanderous statement to make regarding anyone at all, let alone a colleague and fellow practicing journalist!
Right now there is a major campaign to urge Attorney General Eric Holder to open a civil rights investigation into the frame-up of Mumia. Ebony Magazine should agree to maintain at least the appearance of fairness and give space to the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal to provide balance to this smear against Mumia which you printed in your publication. They must, at the very least, be given the opportunity to discuss the current state of the campaign to free Mumia and be able to point your readers toward resources to reach their own opinions regarding his case as soon as possible to refute Ms. Donaldson's commentary.
Marpessa Kupendua
Mumia Abu-Jamal on-line resources:
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal: www.freemumia.com
Academics for Mumia: http://www.emajonline.com/index.php?action=4&content_id=311
Information and Analysis: http://abu-jamal-news.com/
Some of Mumia's journalism: http://www.prisonradio.org/mumia.htm
Sis. Fatirah and myself have raised our voices against Jam Donaldson's recent column which appeared in Ebony Magazine's February 2010 issue (viewable at http://www.conversateisnotaword.com/?p=167). Please read our letters and let your voice be heard as well! -- Sis. Marpessa.
-------------------
Jam Donaldson
jam@jamdonaldson.com
www.jamdonaldson.com
www.hotghettomess.com
Terry Glover, Managing Editor
Ebony Magazine
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
820 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-322-9200
tglover@ebony.com
To whom it may concern,
I'm writing in response to the 'article' in Ebony magazine by Hot ghetto mess Jam Donaldson. As I read it, I thought 'uh oh; here is another self hating young Black person, who thinks they are designated to point out our faults and present our failures to the world (ala hotghettomess.com), all the while appearing just a little bit better than the rest of us. I have seen the messes in various emails and while they bring a shake of the head, I wonder why someone would go to the trouble of exploiting the worst in our community instead of high-lighting the best?
Then I come to the last paragraph where Ms Mess states that "One day I'm like, 'Free Mumia' and other days I'm like, 'That n***** probably did it.' And I'm not afraid to admit it, and I'm not afraid to write about it."
Of course you're 'not afraid to write about it', you are aware that there is an audience for just such words: The FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) for one will probably use your words in some of their propaganda and I'm sure that will make you proud.
Self-serving pseudo journalism at it's worst.
If you ever choose to be a responsible journalist, you will find that there is much information about Mumia Abu-Jamal's case, done by upstanding reporters who have DONE THEIR HOMEWORK, and are not looking for a pithy little ending.
Mumia's life is on the line, and for you to be so cavalier about it shows either your naivete, or your deliberate attempt to ingratiate yourself with those who are seeking to murder an innocent man.
If you find yourself looking for some excellent articles from a man whose body has been locked down for years, but whose mind and heart are as free as the wind, you can follow any of the links below for more information. I doubt you will, there's nothing 'sexy' about the truth.
Fatirah Aziz
http://www.freemumia.com/
www.prisonradio.org
http://www.emajonline.com/index.php?action=4&content_id=311
Jam Donaldson
jam@jamdonaldson.com
www.jamdonaldson.com
www.hotghettomess.com
Terry Glover, Managing Editor
Ebony Magazine
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
820 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-322-9200
tglover@ebony.com
The Ebony Magazine February 2010 article entitled: "Sisterspeak - Did I just CALL YOU OUT? YEP. I did. Deal with it. One writer tells the truth," by Jam Donaldson concludes by proclaiming, "One day I'm like, 'Free Mumia' and other days I'm like, 'That n***** probably did it.' And I'm not afraid to admit it, and I'm not afraid to write about it."
You succeeded in ending your article with controversy but was the pay-off worth carelessly toying with a man's life? This isn't a Gen-X'er spreading your wings in defiance of the status quo or clowning somebody for having their behind hanging out and rainbow-colored weave as you regularly do on the web, you made a flippant and highly irresponsible condemnation purely for shock value!
"Free Mumia" is not a catchprase to be spouted according to your mood swings and supposings, nor a litmus test by which you should make reckless statements as a way to poke out your chest and feel special. To believe that Mumia should be free is to fight to uncover the truth that has been smothered by the courts for 28+ years. It's not about a gimmick for your self-promotion by using Mumia's name for flava, hype or to raise your google-ability -- this is a demand for a constitutionally guaranteed fair trial before a jury of ones peers instead of a hate-filled feeding frenzy of racism, coerced testimony, fabricated, distorted and hidden evidence. It's about trying to get justice in a court where an entire police union (FOP) carries picket signs in protest and packs hearings with t-shirts emblazoned with "Fry Mumia" over their highly visible guns -- before a judge who himself is a lifetime FOP member! It's about an outrageous frame-up of a Black man who the COINTELPRO targeted as early as his teenage years.
This zinger with which you ended your article crosses the line from an attempt at being clever to an outright attack. The slightest bit of research would have shown you that at this very critical juncture in history Mumia is in the midst of extremely intensified court pressures and the campaign to release him is in the midst of a knockdown, drag-out battle to stop his legalized lynching! Unfortunately your witless assertion now carries weight because it has been so incredibly elevated by Ebony magazine, of all places! The appalling way in which you chose to end your piece may have given you a smirk of personal satisfaction but the only people you have impressed are those who are salivating at the prospect of murdering Mumia, or don't you get that?
As for Ebony magazine, has your more than half-century of publishing come down to this, such a desperate yearning to attract young readership that you showcase an article that debases a Black man fighting for his life on death row as a "NIGGER" (why bother with the asterisks at all?)! Is that really where it's at with Ebony nowadays? Freedom of expression is one thing, but gross negligence is quite another! As one of the most well-respected Black publications in the US and world, surely you must realize that much of Black America views the case against Mumia with a healthy amount of skepticism, not to mention his being an internationally recognized author, scholar and champion of human rights. Someone with maturity should have pointed out to this "blogger and cultural commentator" that this was an extremely reckless and slanderous statement to make regarding anyone at all, let alone a colleague and fellow practicing journalist!
Right now there is a major campaign to urge Attorney General Eric Holder to open a civil rights investigation into the frame-up of Mumia. Ebony Magazine should agree to maintain at least the appearance of fairness and give space to the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal to provide balance to this smear against Mumia which you printed in your publication. They must, at the very least, be given the opportunity to discuss the current state of the campaign to free Mumia and be able to point your readers toward resources to reach their own opinions regarding his case as soon as possible to refute Ms. Donaldson's commentary.
Marpessa Kupendua
Mumia Abu-Jamal on-line resources:
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal: www.freemumia.com
Academics for Mumia: http://www.emajonline.com/index.php?action=4&content_id=311
Information and Analysis: http://abu-jamal-news.com/
Some of Mumia's journalism: http://www.prisonradio.org/mumia.htm
LIVE ON DEATH ROW: MUMIA AT THE CROSSROADSIN THE AGE OF OBAMA
From Mumia NYC:
HOLD THE DATE:
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Teacher's College
Columbia University
Speakers:
--Vijay Prashad, Celebrated social critic and author of Everybody Was Kong Fu Fighting, and Darker Nations: A People¹s History of the Third World
--Tentatively scheduled: Kathleen Cleaver, Yale Law professor and former Black Panther
Mumia Abu Jamal is a former Black Panther and the most famous death row inmate in the world today. He is the brilliant, humane, and prolific writer and advocate for social justice who has become known as the Voice of the Voiceless. A recent Supreme Court decision has once again, made Abu-Jamal vulnerable to execution. The time to act is now!
At the April 3 event we will attempt to advance the ongoing efforts to meet with Eric Holder to discuss the possibility of a civil rights investigation into Mumia's case. We will also foreground some of the best speakers from university and college life who clarify what is at stake, for all of us, in Mumia's case.
The many violations in the Abu-Jamal case and appeals process, decried the world over by such organizations as Amnesty International (including judicial misconduct, discrimination in jury selection, and police corruption and tampering with evidence to obtain a conviction), account for the
exponential and disproportionate incarceration of African Americans and Latinos in the United States over the last 30 years, making the issue of incarceration one of the gravest civil rights problems of our time.
In this moment of media-fascination with empty "race talk," we want to ignite a real conversation about the racialized character of mass and wrongful incarceration in America.
For more information and to help organize this event, email johanna.fernandez@baruch.cuny.edu or mark.taylor@ptsem.edu.
Sincerely,
Educators for Mumia Abu Jamal (EMAJ)
--Prof. Johanna Fernandez, Baruch College (CUNY)
--Prof. Mark L. Taylor, Princeton Theological Seminary
--Prof. Tameka Cage, Pittsburgh, PA
HOLD THE DATE:
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Teacher's College
Columbia University
Speakers:
--Vijay Prashad, Celebrated social critic and author of Everybody Was Kong Fu Fighting, and Darker Nations: A People¹s History of the Third World
--Tentatively scheduled: Kathleen Cleaver, Yale Law professor and former Black Panther
Mumia Abu Jamal is a former Black Panther and the most famous death row inmate in the world today. He is the brilliant, humane, and prolific writer and advocate for social justice who has become known as the Voice of the Voiceless. A recent Supreme Court decision has once again, made Abu-Jamal vulnerable to execution. The time to act is now!
At the April 3 event we will attempt to advance the ongoing efforts to meet with Eric Holder to discuss the possibility of a civil rights investigation into Mumia's case. We will also foreground some of the best speakers from university and college life who clarify what is at stake, for all of us, in Mumia's case.
The many violations in the Abu-Jamal case and appeals process, decried the world over by such organizations as Amnesty International (including judicial misconduct, discrimination in jury selection, and police corruption and tampering with evidence to obtain a conviction), account for the
exponential and disproportionate incarceration of African Americans and Latinos in the United States over the last 30 years, making the issue of incarceration one of the gravest civil rights problems of our time.
In this moment of media-fascination with empty "race talk," we want to ignite a real conversation about the racialized character of mass and wrongful incarceration in America.
For more information and to help organize this event, email johanna.fernandez@baruch.cuny.edu or mark.taylor@ptsem.edu.
Sincerely,
Educators for Mumia Abu Jamal (EMAJ)
--Prof. Johanna Fernandez, Baruch College (CUNY)
--Prof. Mark L. Taylor, Princeton Theological Seminary
--Prof. Tameka Cage, Pittsburgh, PA
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