http://angola3news.blogspot.com/2013/11/new-orleans-city-council-recognizes-a3.html
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(Outside the
Supreme Court in New Orleans on Oct. 19) |
As the week of Herman's release, reindictment and death clearly illustrated,
the most important battle IS in the court of public opinion. We resonated with
the words of Michelle Alexander, author of the New Jim Crow in response to the
Federal Courts reversal of a positive ruling on Stop and Frisk. As with Stop
and Frisk, public consensus is key in the struggle to abolish solitary
confinement and like Stop and Frisk, public consensus on solitary confinement
is shifting in a major way.
The movement is growing and we can't let minor setbacks blind us from
recognizing the progress that's been made nor keep us from being inspired by
that progress as we push the final distance towards the abolition of caging
humans and the freeing of Albert Woodfox and other political prisoners from
decades in solitary. Alexander writes on her Facebook page:
"This is a major
setback for the crusade to end stop-and-frisk. I had the sinking feeling that
the decision in this case was too good to be true, and it appears the federal
appeals court may be poised to unravel the progress that has been made.
Ultimately, the most important battle is in the court of public opinion. As
I've argued in my book, victories obtained in courtrooms are easily undone if
no public consensus has emerged in support of them. A major shift in public
consciousness is required...This fight did not begin in the courtroom and it
will not end there. Much work remains to be done."
SF Screening of "Hard Time" on
Friday Nov. 8, with Robert H. King and Azadeh Zohrabi
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(Click on image
for full size) |
This November 8 event is at 7pm, at 2969 Mission St. between 25th and 26th
Streets. Refreshments will be provided. Wheelchair accessible. $5-10 donation
(no one turned away).
While focusing on Robert King and the Angola 3, Hard Time focuses on the
broader problems of racism and human rights violations in the U.S. penal
system. (2012, 40 min.)
ANSWER has been a staunch supporter of Angola 3 efforts since 1998. Back
in 1972 they were also present at the first hearings. Thanks to ANSWER for
their years of dedicated support.
Read more information about the event here.
Please Join Us on Wednesday, November
13 in Baton Rouge for Albert Woodfox's Hearing to End Routine Strip Searches
As you may remember, Albert's first hearing seeking to bring an end to the inhumane,
abusive, and illegal routine strip searches he is subjected to daily was
postponed. Now, after months of legal wrangling, next Wednesday,
November 13th at 9:30am he finally has his day back in Court before Judge Brady
in the Louisiana Middle
District Court in Baton Rouge. Albert will be present and will
testify. The hearing is open to the public and supporters are encouraged
to attend.
With any luck Albert and his legal team will convince Judge Brady to uphold the
consent decree that came out of a 1978 lawsuit Albert himself filed and won --
establishing such searches as illegal, unconstitutional, and against internal
prison policy.
Take Action to Free Albert Woodfox!
On October 21, we joined Amnesty International in delivering 50,000 signatures
demanding Albert's release to Governor Jindal's office. Amnesty is still
continuing their campaign, so if you have not done so, please sign the petition now and share it!
Second Line for Herman Wallace in New Orleans
In New Orleans on Oct. 19, Herman Wallace's life was celebrated with a second
line, organized by Amnesty International and the A3 Coalition.
--View all the photos here.
--Read the Huffington Post article entitled "What I Learned From Herman Wallace: Black Panther, Political
Prisoner, and Friend"
Media Conference and Delivery of Petition to
Release Albert Woodfox, at LA State Capitol
MEDIA COVERAGE: Times-Picayune II The Advocate II The Republic / AP II KBOO Radio interviews Robert H King
On October 21, A3 supporters joined Amnesty International and the A3 Coalition
on the State Capitol steps in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and demanded the state
drop its latest attempts to keep Albert Woodfox incarcerated and not appeal
against Albert's recently overturned conviction.
Among those who spoke at the event were Jasmine Heiss of Amnesty International,
longtime A3 supporter Malik Rahim (in photo on the left), Albert's brother
Michael Mable, Rev. Dr. Patricia Bates, and Robert H. King (in the top photo).
Former A3 investigator Billie Mizell read a message from Teenie Rogers, the
widow of slain prison guard Brent Miller: "Each time I look at the
evidence in this case, I remember there is no proof that the men charged with
Brent's death are the ones who actually killed him. It's easy to get caught up
in vengeance and anger, but when I look at the facts, they just do not add
up."
State Representative Patricia Smith sent a letter of support, as well as US
Congressman Cedric Richmond who wrote this statement:
I am firm in my resolve to continue the fight to address the horrors of long
term solitary confinement in a meaningful way. The plight of the Angola 3 has
shined a disinfecting light on this terrible, unconstitutional practice of
indefinite solitary confinement without meaningful due process reviews.
This past summer, I joined the prominent Ranking Members of the Full House
Judiciary Committee and relevant subcommittee Ranking Members in asking the
Department of Justice to examine the practice in its use in Louisiana jails. We
are continuing to monitor the situation and promise all of you assembled today
that the sacrifices of the Angola 3 will not be in vain. We will continue to
fight to ensure that prisoners are dealt with in a manner that is consistent
with the constitution and I am currently exploring transformative legislation
on this very topic.
I look forward to partnering with you all to ensure that this story is told and
will use my position on the House Judiciary Committee to make certain that we
serve the interests of justice. Thank you all for your hard work on this issue
and please know that my office stands as a resource to those fighting for
justice.
View more photos here.
New Orleans City Council Proclamation on the
A3 Support Committee & Common Ground Relief
Malik Rahim, co-founder of the Angola 3 Coalition and Common
Ground was presented with a Proclamation by the New Orleans City Council
recognizing the role Angola 3 and Common Ground have played in the city. The
proclamation was presented during the 47th Black Panther Party Alumni Reunion.
--Click on the image above to read the full proclamation.
Other Important News Stories
Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity Action Alert:
Protest disciplinary actions against CA prison hunger strikers
Omaha Panel Calls for Omaha 2 Release
Action Alert! Abolitionist Law Center - Demand an
end to Arthur Cetewayo Johnson's 34 years in solitary confinement
American Public Health Association Condemns the
Practice of Solitary Confinement
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SIGN THE JERICHO COINTELPRO PETITION!
Free All Political Prisoners!
nycjericho@gmail.com • www.jerichony.org
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FYI!
BJ {William M. Johnson}
"Part of being a revolutionary is creating a vision that is
more humane is more fun, too. That is more loving.
It's really
working to create something beautiful" Assata Shakur
http://www.commongroundrelief.org
http://naabpp.org
"We
who believe in freedom cannot rest"
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How to Sleep Like a Rock
Obey this one natural
trick to fall asleep and stay asleep all night.
peaklife.com