The following statement was written for April 15, 1999, March for Justice in Brooklyn, N.Y., to protest the police killing of African immigrant Amadou Diallo.]

The 41 shots aimed at Amadou Diallo have struck nerves and sparked such vigorous resistance in New York because of the long train of cop shootings in the city, where killer cops have traditionally used the old "he-was-a-bad-guy" or "his-stick-of-chewing-gum-looked-like-a-gun" defense, and walked away uncharged. What made all the difference in the world in the prosecution of these state-paid killers was the relentless wave of protests and demonstrations in the city, for which ALL of you are to be heartily applauded and commended.

But at the same time, in Philadelphia, a young Black man is also shot to death even though unarmed, and the killer cop's manslaughter charges are dropped--twice! The difference between New York and Philly? Protests. One city erupted into resistance; the other didn't, and there the charge got dropped like a bad habit. We need some of your fire down in chilly Philly! Check with our people down there and ask about the Donta Dawson case. In fact, I invite y'all to join us in Philadelphia on April 24 in the continuing battle for freedom and people's justice!

Ona Move!

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Mumia Abu-Jamal Live from Death Row
April 8, 1999