1199 Passes Resolution in Support of Mumia Abu-Jamal

The following flyer and resolution was presented to the members of the 1199 Delegates Councils in NYC. The resolution was passed.

Millions for Mumia

Mumia Abu-Jamal is an African American political prisoner on death row in Pennsylvania since 1982. He is a journalist and activist who campaigned against police brutality and was framed by the Philadelphia cops. For years, our union has supported the struggle to stop Mumia’s execution and get a new trial. Now we must multiply our efforts. Despite overwhelming evidence of his innocense, a new death warrant may be signed at any moment.

A major national demonstration called MILLIONS FOR MUMIA has been scheduled for April 24^th in Philadelphia to demand a new trial. A mass meeting to build for the rally will take place in New York’s Town Hall on February 26^th. 1199 should do as much as possible to support these effots.

This case is not just about one man. It is about police brutality and the racist use of the death penalty. It is about the attempt by the bosses and the state to terrorize the peoples’ movements for justice by threatening to kill known leaders, creating a long list of labor and civil rights martyrs. The Haymarket Martyrs, Joe Hill, and Sacco and Venzetti were labor leaders executed on false charges of killing police. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were assassinated, and thousands of lesser known fighters have been killed by police, Klan, National Guard, armed goons and scabs.

ABC-TV’s 20/20 recently did a story on Mumia’s case and offered to interview him. However, ABC-TV workers represented by NABET/CWA have been locked out for months by the media giant. In solidarity, Mumia refused to do the interview.

If this man is willing to sacrifice his chances for life and freedom to show solidarity for union workers, shouldn’t the union movement support his struggle for a new trial?

Let’s mobilize buses from every institution to be in Philadelphia on April 24^th.

The following Resolution is proposed to the 1199 Delegates Council:

This 1199 Delegates Council re-affirms support for freedom for Mumia Abu-Jamal and encourages all union members, families and friends to attend the Millions for Mumia rally on April 24^th in Philadelphia, and the mass meeting on February 26 at NY’s Town Hall.

This Council recommends the following measures to the 1199 Executive Council:

• To publicize these activities to the members through the magazine, printed notices, phone-banking and at delegate and chapter meetings, and to orient the organizers to help mobilize member participation.
• To subsidize bus transportation to Philadelphia for members and family who wish to attend the rally.
• To assign a full-time staff member to coordinate the union’s participation in these events.

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