Prominent Advocates of Justice and Human Rights to Gather in Washington In Support of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Pass the word - Free Mumia Weekend 3/30-4/01
The internationally celebrated case of death-row activist Mumia Abu-Jamal, imprisoned for 19 years on charges of killing a Philadelphia police officer, has reached a new level. Mumia's case is now before the federal district court, Judge Yohn, where a ruling is expected any day on his request for an evidentiary hearing. Such a hearing would permit and consider evidence of his innocence, which has never been heard by a jury or entered into the court record. To keep the pressure up on the judicial system for Mumia's release, prominent advocates of social justice and human rights will gather on the evening of Friday, March 30 in Washington's historic Lincoln Theater as the beginning of a three day weekend to demand justice for this African-American journalists/ activists. Invited to the Fri, Lincoln rally, the national conference on Sat, 3/31 are U.S. Representative John Conyers, Chuck D, Pam Africa and other celebrities, activists and long-time supporters of freedom for Mumia. Mumia's case has received global media attention, and your promotion of the free activities focused on his case could make the difference in freeing a man wrongfully accused. Get the facts and the current update on one of the most controversial criminal cases in years, by scheduling an interview with Sam Jordan, former Director of the Program to Abolish the Death Penalty at Amnesty International USA, and a leader of the national and local effort to stop Mumia's execution and secure his release. Attorney, Marlen Kamish may be available for interviews on the legal guestions in Mumia's case, that could mean evidence never before introduced that could Free Mumia.
Please immediately release info. for publication. To schedule radio or t.v interviews prior to or day(s) of any of the 3-day event, contact: Ayo Handy Kendi, 202-291-8813 or page 202-206-5665.
Thanking you in advance, Ayo Handy Kendi, P.R. Coordinator, Free Mumia 3-Day Weekend
Press Advisory
For Immediate Release: March 16, 2001 Contact: Sam Jordan (202) 546-4417
Prominent Advocates of Justice and Human Rights to Gather in Washington In Support of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Advocates of social justice and human rights will gather on the evening of Friday, March 30 in Washington's historic Lincoln Theater to demand justice for African-American journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal. U.S. Representative John Conyers, Chuck D, Pam Africa and others will convene to deliver a resounding message: Mumia deserves justice and it cannot be denied! The rally is part one of a Free Mumia, three-day event, the: "National Conference to Free Mumia: The Power of the People is Ona Move!", consisting of:
Friday, March 30, Free Public Rally: Most of you must already know by now that the venue for the Friday March 30 rally has changed. It will no longer be held at the Lincoln Theatre, but at the First Congregational Church, at 10th and G Streets NW, starting at the same time, 7 p.m. We will have people at the Lincoln to redirect people to the new venue, but please spread the word as much as possible.
Saturday, March 31 National All-Day Organizing Conference on Mumia First Congregational Church 10 and G Streets, N.W Registration begins at 9 a.m - 8 p.m
·Sunday, April 1 Freedom Festival, Malcolm X Park 16 and Euclid Streets N.W, 1 - 8 p.m.
These three days of activities are intended to: serve as a clear demonstration that people demand justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal; educate citizens about his case; and mobilize supporters for his upcoming federal court hearing in Philadelphia.
Abu-Jamal's case is now before the federal district court, where a ruling is expected on his request for an evidentiary hearing. Such a hearing would permit evidence of his innocence, which has never been heard by a jury or entered into the court record, to be considered.
"Mumia Abu Jamal's case fits exactly the pattern of those 95 men and women released from death row since 1976. He is without a doubt one of the wrongfully convicted", said Sam Jordan, former Director of the Program to Abolish the Death Penalty at Amnesty International USA, and a leader of the national effort to stop Mumia's execution and secure his release.
Abu-Jamal gained a wide following in Philadelphia in the 1970's and early 80's for his solid reporting that often focused on issues of the inner-city. In return for his efforts to expose the police corruption and brutality rampant in Philadelphia during those years, Mumia was openly threatened by Philadelphia police. Escalating threats by the police culminated in a late-night incident on Dec. 9, 1981, in which Mumia was badly wounded and Officer Daniel Faulkner did not survive. Although the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and other law enforcement groups have been quick to portray Mumia as a cop-killer, there is no evidence linking Mumia to the shooting of Faulkner.
Mumia was sentenced to death as the result of a disturbingly biased trial in which he was stripped of his right to represent himself. Witnesses were coerced by the prosecution to testify against him. An ill-prepared court appointed lawyer was thrust upon him against his wishes and critical physical evidence was compromised while in police possession.
Mumia's supporters around the world are convinced that the facts of Mumia's case dictate his release. As more citizens of goodwill become informed, they will come together to ensure that these facts are fully heard and that his justice is secured. Join us for three days of education, solidarity, and cultural expression. Now is the time to stand for justice and for Mumia Abu-Jamal!
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