Why we must fight for the life of Shaka Sankofa (Gary Graham)

From the Front Line By: Kofi Taharka

Many times in history a situation or an event takes place that represents a "defining moment" for a country, a people or a movement. The nineteen-year fight for the life of Shaka Sankofa, I would suggest, argue and contend represents the potential for such a "defining moment" for Black people. Brother Shaka's life and struggle represents what is wrong in our communities and in the "criminal justice system". In many respects his fight represents the redeeming quality of the African spirit and the power of the people's righteous cause for justice.

Shaka is currently in his 19th year on Texas death row with an execution date of June 22, 2000 for the murder of Bobby Lambert outside of a Houston grocery store. He was 17 years old when he was charged with this murder. Shaka has always maintained his innocence and subsequent evidence that could clear him of these charges has not been allowed to be heard by a jury. During his two-day trial his court appointed attorney failed to mount a substantial defense. Shaka's innocence rests on the following facts: 4 alibi witnesses have passed lie detector tests stating he was miles away at the time of the murder, 6 eyewitnesses failed to identify him as the killer, the .22 caliber pistol found on Shaka at the time of his arrest was presented at trial as the weapon that killed Bobby Lambert, however ballistics tests showed the murder weapon and Shaka's weapon incompatible. Sankofa was convicted on the testimony of one eyewitness that saw the killer for a few seconds. Much of this evidence came to light 12 years after his conviction when his defense team did a full-scale investigation. Sankofa is alive today because of the work of community organizers and thousands of peoples' out cry for justice. He has supporters representing a diverse spectrum from the brothers and sisters in the streets, activists, working people, religious leaders and those in the motion picture industry.

I stated that Shaka's life represented what is wrong in our communities because his mother was mentally ill and his father was a chronic alcoholic. This provided little support for a young Shaka who admittedly committed several armed robberies at the age of 17. Still, his parents spent their last years fighting for his freedom from death row.

Shaka has apologized in writing and verbally to his victims while continuously encouraging young people to stay away from the trap of criminal behavior. Since being on death row he has educated himself earning a GED. Moreover, he has elevated his historical and political consciousness concerning not only his plight but also the plight of African people worldwide. This awakening led to his name change circa 1995 to reflect his illustrious African heritage.

Those who thirst for his execution consistently point to numerous reviews of his case by the legal system. It is true the case has been in many different courts, however only one time has a hearing been granted where witnesses could testify. This hearing took place in 1987 when the eyewitnesses had not yet been uncovered. The surge for Shaka's execution has been fueled by those who take offense at the militant stance he has taken vowing to resist with every bone in his body. His resistance has already begun, ending with him being beaten and gassed for refusing to be relocated from his cell.

Most legal appeals have been exhausted leaving his fate to some extent in the hands of the 18 person Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles who by majority could recommend clemency to the governor. On his own, Texas Governor George Bush Jr. could grant a one-time, 30-day reprieve. In addition to the finality involved with this case and the evidence of innocence the Texas Governor's presidential bid brings extra scrutiny and spotlight to this real life drama. Of the many death penalty cases in Texas Shaka Sankofa's is unique in that it includes his claim innocence, substantial evidence of his innocence and support from many individuals and groups in the African-American and other communities. If Sankofa is executed without all of the evidence being heard, it will lay an ominous precedent for the many Black, Hispanic and poor youth to be wrongfully condemned by a system which by all accounts discriminates against them. In like manner, if we in the African-American community do not take a stand we are as guilty as those who put the noose around the neck of many of our ancestors. We must take responsibility for our actions and non-actions equally. It is not a far stretch to say that Shaka Sankofa could be your son or mine. The National Black United Front says "Let The Evidence Be Heard!" Fight for the life of Shaka Sankofa! This is a "defining moment!"

Kofi Taharka is the National Secretary of the National Black United Front (NBUF) and the Houston Chapter Chairman, 2428 Southmore, Houston, Texas 77004, (713) 942-0365.

Michael Haggerty

Posted: Monday, May 22, 2000