DETROIT HUNGER STRIKERS FOR SANKOFA

June 19, 2000

Detroit Hunger strikers completed there second day of a fast to  demand that George Bush halt the execution of Shaka Sankofa, aka Gary  Graham.  On day 1, Sunday, the hunger strikers were introduced to  congregations at the Central United Methodist Church, and the New Bethel  Baptist Church in Detroit where they spoke about the case.

 On Day 2 the hunger strikers set up camp outside the Detroit City  Council Building where they will remain all week.  A banner calling  for a halt to the execution of Sankofa is displayed.  The strikers and  supporters leafletted people about the case and collected about 200  petition signatures demanding a hald to the execution where were faxed to   Governor George Bush.  A 12 noon rally was well attended and got media  coverage by TV2, WWJ, the Metro Times and City View newspapers.

 The hunger strikers include Shirley Sanders, African American  community activist; Arnetta Grable of the Coalition Against Police   Brutality, whose son was killed by Detroit cops; Groundwork for a Just  World organizer, Jeff Nelson, and David Sole, president of UAW 2334.  Today Sally Peck, a leading anti-death penalty activist in Michigan, and   Elena Herrada, well known activist in the Latino community joined the  hunger strike.

 The hunger strikers will be holding daily rallies at 12 noon at the  Detroit City County Building to continue building support for a halt to  the execution.   A vigil is scheduled for 5-7 pm on Thursday at the  Detroit City Council building, the time the Sankofa execution is  scheduled to take place.

 In other cities across the country and especially in Texas actions  are taking place to halt this execution of an innocent man and to  demand a moratorium on executions nationwide.  Join the rallies every day  and visit the hunger strikers at the Detroit City County Building any  time between 8-5pm to pick up petitions.

 Free Shaka Sankofa.  Free Mumia.  End the racist death penalty.

 From: Pan-African News Wire ac6123@wayne.edu