In the Shadow of Victory and Defeat

In the last few weeks, the political prisoner support community has received both a huge defeat and a substantial victory. On August 21, our community learned that Leonard Peltier was not only denied parole but received a 15-year hit. As voices of rage and anger filled the air in protest of this injustice, we received news- six days later- that Ojore Lutalo, New Afrikan Anarchist Political Prisoner, was released from the New Jersey prison system after 27 years.

While these two events have left us with mixed emotions, what is clear is that we must renew our commitment to the liberation of political prisoners and prisoners of war.

In little more than a decade, while we have seen the liberation of many of our comrades, we have also seen several pass away. The deaths of Albert ‘Nuh’ Washington and Richard Williams; the death of Merle Africa under questionable circumstances; and the suicide of Thomas Warner – have left us with the realization that some of our brothers and sisters will die behind the prison walls. Unless we mobilize behind the banner of liberation and freedom for these comrades, most may find themselves in that situation.

It is time that we as a movement must make a decision – shall we continue to shed tears of sorrow as our dear comrades whither away or shall begin to build a movement to free our friends and once again shed tears of joy? We hope to move in the direction of the latter.

On September 12^th, Anarchist Black Cross Federation – in conjunction with friends and allies throughout the U.S. – will be organizing Running Down the Walls, a 5k run to support political prisoners. As part of this event, twelve (12) solidarity runs will take place throughout various prisons and cities.

While this event may not liberate our dear comrades, it will let them know that there is a movement that cares about their wellbeing and future. It will let them know that we stand beside them and will continue to do so until they are free.

We would be remised if we did not mention that September 12^th is Leonard Peltier’s birthday and will be his 33^rd birthday behind bars. We also believe that it is imperative to mention that money raised for this event will go to the following:

• Chip Fitzgerald Homecoming Fund – Chip, a former LA Black Panther, is the longest held political prisoner in the United States. There has been a growing movement building around a parole campaign for Chip. For more information, check out www.freechip.org

• ABCF Warchest – Provides monthly stipends to political prisoners in the North America who received little or no financial assistance. For more information, check out: www.abcf.net

Below is a list of the locations where runs will take place. If you are interested in joining one of these events or creating your own, please contact us at: la@abcf.net

Ashland, OR; Albuquerque, NM; Arcata, CA; Denver, CO; Elmore, AL; Los Angeles, CA; Marion, IL; New York. NY; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Tucson, AZ; and Western Massachusetts.

For more information check out the following sites:

http://www.abcf.net - Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF) site

http://www.abcf.net/la - Los Angeles ABCF site

http://denverabc.wordpress.com/ - Denver ABC site