On Tuesday, February 19th, in a ruling unrelated to the pending US Third Circuit Court decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected death row journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal’s appeal of a 2005 ruling by Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Pamela Dembe, which denied Abu-Jamal’s Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) petition, on grounds that it was not "timely." Mumia Abu-Jamal was convicted—many believe falsely—of killing Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, and his trial was riddled with improprieties.

This recent PCRA petition was based on affidavits by two witnesses who did not testify at the original 1982 trial: Yvette Williams and Kenneth Pate. Yvette Williams states that key prosecution witness Cynthia White told her that she had been coerced by police into giving false testimony against Abu-Jamal. Other defense witnesses have given similar accounts of Cynthia White’s coerced testimony. As Amnesty International has documented, White’s alleged eye-witness account was altered, as each subsequent account given to police further served to support the prosecution scenario used to convict Abu-Jamal. Kenneth Pate says that prosecution witness Priscilla Durham confided to him that she had lied in court when she stated that she heard Abu-Jamal confess at the hospital. Even before Pate’s affidavit, Durham’s account was seen as very suspicious. The alleged “hospital confession,” where Abu-Jamal reportedly declared, “I shot the motherf***er and I hope the motherf***er dies,” was first officially reported to police over two months later, by hospital guards Priscilla Durham and James LeGrand and others. Only 2 of these five witnesses were called by the DA: Gary Bell (Faulkner's partner and “best friend”) and Priscilla Durham.

Many are concerned that recently discovered crime scene photos have been largely ignored by the corporate media, while the media has already reported on this rejection by the state Supreme Court. Mumia's case is rapidly approaching its end, as an appeal for a new trial is pending. A decision is imminent, and emergency demonstrations in response to the outcome have already been scheduled. Robert R. Bryan, Mumia's attorney, said, "If the federal decision is favorable, then the Pennsylvania Supreme Court judgment will be moot. Otherwise, I plan to seek relief in the U.S. Supreme Court. I will not rest until Mumia is free. "

Report with responses to the court's decision | Indybay's recent coverage of Mumia Abu-Jamal | Journalists for Mumia Abu-Jamal | NYC Coalition to Free Mumia | San Francisco Mobilization to Free Mumia | Educators for Mumia) | Mumia’s Radio Essays | About "Murdered by Mumia"

On Wednesday, February 20th, students at D-Q University which is California's only tribal college, reported that Yolo County deputies had begun arresting them for allegedly "trespassing" on campus. As many as four students were taken to the Yolo County Jail, and it is believed that more arrests may follow. Students are calling for support from the community, and are asking for people to come out and witness the deputies' actions. D-Q University is located at 33250 Road 31 in Davis.

In 1970, groups of Native Americans and Chicana/o students from several universities and colleges organized themselves to lay claim to a decommissioned military installation. Their goal was to create a learning environment through the unified cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Since students and members of the community started a revitalization process in 2005, dozens of students have remained on campus and have been able to organize workshops and classes based in Native Philosophy and Cultural Revitalization. They are committed to the pursuit of an indigenous education while working towards the future as they honor the past.

Update from Feb. 21st | 5:53pm: News advisory | 2:20pm: Emergency at DQ University | 12:41pm: 3 DQU students arrested! | 6/25/2007: Native American Students at D-Q University Struggle to Save Student Representation | Indian Country: Struggling to reopen California's only tribal college | Davis Wiki: DQU | DQU on MySpace

On February 11, 2008, more than two hundred participants of the Longest Walk 2 embarked on a five-month journey on foot from San Francisco. They plan on arriving arriving in Washington, D.C. on July 11, 2008. Native American tribal leaders, religious groups, environmentalists, teachers, students, and people from throughout the world are joining the walk with its "peaceful and spiritual call to action to protect Mother Earth and defend human rights."
Audio: Native Americans Begin the Longest Walk 2

A rally and press conference was held at the University of California Berkeley, to commence the Longest Walk 2. Photos at the Tree Sit

The mission of the walk is to raise awareness about the planetary crisis by walking to reconnect with the land, increase respect for cultural diversity, stimulate dialogue about connections between nature and culture, and protect sacred lands and diverse spiritual practices.

2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the original Longest Walk of 1978 that resulted in historic changes for Native America. "In 1978, our communities faced many hardships such as non-existing religious rights and criminalization of our people who fought for cultural survival. This is why the Longest Walk was necessary," states Jimbo Simmons of the International Indian Treaty Council. "As Indigenous Peoples in the United States our environment and our cultural survival are directly correlated and are still imperiled today. This is why we must walk once again."

Thousands converged on the Nation's Capitol in 1978 to join efforts that defeated 11 pieces of legislation in Congress that would have abrogated Native American treaties. In addition to this success, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) of 1978 was also passed.

Veterans of the original walk and younger generations alike have been clear that the 2008 Longest Walk is more than a commemoration. Open to people of all nations and cultures, the Longest Walk 2 is being organized by original walkers as well as the next generation of Native American activists. Walkers will be documenting issues impacting the communities they visit.

Read More | An Indigenous Spiritual Walk For Survival from Alcatraz to D.C. | The Longest Walk Call For Support | Longest Walk Northern Route receives permit

2/7 Santa Cruz Fundraiser with Dennis Banks | 2/8 Oakland Potluck and Registration | 2/9 Oakland Kickoff Concert | 2/10 Berkeley Benefit Show | 2/11 Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony and Kick-off | Labor Solidarity: 2/11 Berkeley Rally, 2/12 Sacramento Rally and Press Conference

LongestWalk.org

Native Americans have been in the United States from the beginning, yet according to health and employment statistics, they, like other people of color, still have not achieved equality. For example, between 1998 and 2000 Native American infants in the United States were 1.7 times more likely to die than white infants in their first year of life.

The Lakota, on the Pine Ridge Reservation in North Dakota, who supported the culturally and politically nationalist American Indian Movement, faced brutal counter-insurgency tactics complete with FBI-armed and -trained death squads that murdered 61 political activists on the reservation between 1973 and 1976. As part of that terror war against America’s first nations, American Indian Movement member Leonard Peltier was framed by the FBI and remains in prison to this day. Read More

On January 10th, Boatamo Mosupyoe, Professor of African Studies at CSU Sacramento, spoke at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz. Dr. Mosupyoe is an expert on mediation and interest-based negotiation, conflict resolution and civil society’s role in mitigating and resolving conflicts. Mosupyoe addressed Africa’s unique contribution to the growing appreciation of mediation and conflict resolution methodologies and ethics in addressing regional and world problems.

Her presentation included various South African case studies. Dr. Mosupyoe also serves on the Advisory Board of Global Majority in Monterey. She is a native of Tshwane, South Africa, received her PhD from UC Berkeley, and has published on a broad range of subjects, including Pan Africanism, ethnic studies, and “Mediation of Patriarchy and Sexism by Women in South Africa.” Read More and Listen to Audio

Hoopa, Calif. - The Hoopa Valley Tribe of northern California will not endorse the latest draft of the Klamath River Basin Restoration Agreement (KRBRA) released on January 15th because the agreement lacks adequate water assurances for fish. Despite being in the minority among the negotiators, Tribal Chairman Clifford Lyle Marshall said Hoopa would never waive its fishery-based water rights, as demanded by federal and other negotiators, in a deal providing no assurances for fisheries restoration.

"What began as dam removal negotiations got turned into a water deal. PacifiCorp left the room two years ago and negotiations with the company have since been separate from this negotiation. The terms of this so-called restoration agreement make the right to divert water for irrigation the top priority, trumping salmon water needs and the best available science on the river," Marshall said. "Such an upside down deal threatens the goal of restoration and the Hoopa Tribe's fishing rights," Hoopa Councilman Joe LeMieux said. "We cannot waive the rights of generations to come. Dangling a carrot like this will not work for Hoopa."
Read More | Klamath Settlement Group Releases Proposed Restoration Agreement | Klamath Tribes Work with Neighbors to Solve Water Crisis | California Trout & Trout Unlimited: Klamath Agreement Sets Stage for Dam Removal

Lakota Sioux Indian representatives declared sovereign nation status on Wednesday, December 19th in Washington D.C. following Monday’s withdrawal from all previously signed treaties with the United States Government. The withdrawal, hand delivered to Daniel Turner, Deputy Director of Public Liaison at the State Department, immediately and irrevocably ends all agreements between the Lakota Sioux Nation of Indians and the United States Government outlined in the 1851 and 1868 Treaties at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

“This is an historic day for our Lakota people,” declared Russell Means, Itacan of Lakota. “United States colonial rule is at its end!”

“Today is a historic day and our forefathers speak through us. Our Forefathers made the treaties in good faith with the sacred Canupa and with the knowledge of the Great Spirit,” shared Garry Rowland from Wounded Knee. “They never honored the treaties, that’s the reason we are here today.” Read More

Lakota Freedom Delegation | Lakota Withdrawal Letter, December 17, 2007 | Declaration of Continuing Independence (June, 1974)

On December 14th, over 200 people gathered in downtown Oakland for a lively lunch time protest against plans by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to demolish 4,500 housing units in New Orleans.
Photos | Video and Photos

The Housing Authority of New Orleans announced on November 29th that, in conjunction with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, it was rescheduling the demolition of five public housing projects in New Orleans for mid December. As the demolition date approached, protests were organized around the US as well as in New Orleans itself to prevent the destruction of 4,500 units of public housing. On December 20th, there was a hearing in New Orleans on the demolitions. Police moved in and pepper-sprayed and tasered activists who attended and forced many out of City Hall. City Council voted unanimously to approve the demolitions.

Coverage from New Orleans: Police Attack Protesters With Mace, Tazers to Keep Them Out of City Hall | New Orleans Indymedia | Defend New Orleans Public Housing | Justice for New Orleans

Coverage on Indybay: New Orleans needs your phone calls NOW | Democracy Now: The Battle to Save New Orleans Public Housing | New Orleans Police Attack Peaceful March at St. Bernard | Activists Chained to Bulldozers in New Orleans | Coalition To New Orleans City Hall: Stop the Demolitions | Destroying Homes for the Holidays in New Orleans | March on Wall Street Save Our Homes: Photos and Commentary | Democracy Now: HUD Poised to Tear Down New Orleans Public Housing Developments | National Call Out: Come to New Orleans in December to Oppose the Bulldozers | Plea for Support from New Orleans | Past Indybay Coverage of New Orleans

On Monday December 10th, Supervisor Chris Daly hosted a hearing on the controversial San Francisco gang injunctions. Community members criticized the proposal calling it racist & ineffective. They called on the city to address the root causes of violence not the symptoms.

The hearing room, and the overflow room, and Daly's office were filled at 10am on a Monday morning with people who took time out from their lives to come listen and speak out on the impacts of the injunctions on Bayview, the Mission, and the Fillmore. Public comment lasted until 2:15 in the afternoon.

Attendees heard stories of police misconduct, racial profiling, gentrification, poverty, lack of resources, and failing schools. A woman told a story of the police storming her home on Thanksgiving day, pulling her out of the shower, forcing her to put her hands in the air at gunpoint as they beat her nephew for no crime committed, but having his name on a list of supposed "gang members". A young man came up to the podium with his wife carrying their sleeping 2-year old son, and said that he has no gang affiliations, no criminal record, a family and a full time job, but his name was placed on the list. "How do I get off this list?" he asked the Supervisors.

Photos From The Hearing | Task Force intimidation | The Gang Injunction, Gentrification & Depopulation | Homies Organizing the Mission to Empower Youth (H.O.M.E.Y.)

Residents of West Fresno don't like being called terrorists. At a press conference held earlier this week Rev. Floyd D. Harris said "no one has a right to call anyone a terrorist in this city." Harris was referring to statements made by local elected officials at a press conference held last August. At that event Fresno City Council member Jerry Duncan, stressing the urgency of a campaign against gangs in West Fresno, compared black gang members to terrorists. Duncan, speaking about those gang members, said "make no mistake about it, they are terrorists and they are as much of terrorists as those people in Iraq that are blowing up innocent people." Fresno mayor Alan Autry said "the connection with the war on terror and the war against gangs at home is not a spin, it is a very real connection."
This week's press conference was held in front of radio station KFCF 88.1 FM, where Duncan and Harris were scheduled to discuss the gang/terrorism issue on Valley Black Talk, a program aired on Monday evenings. Shortly before the show, Duncan sent an email to the producer saying he would not be able to appear on the show.

Article, Photos, and Video

In the last three weeks, three incidents have occurred within the Asian Pacific Islander community in the East Bay. Ichinkhorloo Bayarsaikhan, a 15 year old who immigrated to the United States from Mongolia, was murdered in a park in Alameda on Halloween night. The Alameda Police Department has been terrorizing Southeast Asian youth in Oakland instead of doing what community organizers would consider "a true investigation of the murder."

Alameda Police have reportedly broken down the doors of Southeast Asian families and held them at gun point with M-16s, detained over a half dozen young people without notifying their parents, pulled students out of school to be interrogated based on being in a photo with the suspects, and accused them of being in a gang due to holding up peace signs in a photo from an anti-war march. Community organizers also report that at least four Bay Area corporate newspapers have published the names of two minors in connection with the Oct 31st killing of Ichinkhorloo Bayarsaikhan in Alameda, though the sitting judge on the case asked them not to. Local activists are concerned that the full story behind the investigation of the murder has not been told. Though the youths were violently arrested, wrongfully charged, and quickly released, Media News editors continued to report unsubstantiated police statements of their possible "gang affiliations" and relationships with those later arrested for the crime.

Youth and Asian and Pacific Islander Community Members are calling for an independent investigation of the incidents, and are asking the Alameda Police Department to establish rules and training to prevent racial profiling tactics. They hope that local communities can work together to find real solutions that address the root causes of violence in the community. A rally and press conference to demand police accountability will took place on November 27th in front of the City of Alameda Police Department. Read more

In October, the judge who had originally presided over Mychal Bell's conviction sent him back to jail for 18 months for "violating probabation" from an earlier conviction. The precise violation was his arrest in the Jena 6 incident. While the racists who started this cycle of events continue to walk free, the Jena 6 are still facing long prison sentences.

On Wednesday, November 7th, the growing movement to free the Jena 6 will face a challenge. On that day, four of the Six -- Theodore Shaw, Robert Bailey, Bryan Purvis, and Mychal Bell -- are expected in court for pre-trial hearings. The ANSWER Coalition is calling on all progressive and anti-racist forces to come together for rallies in front of local courthouses across the country with the demand to free the Jena 6, and drop all the charges. Demonstrations will take place in locations such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, and other cities. In San Francisco, supporters of the Jena 6 will gather on Wednesday at 5:00pm for a rally outside of the Federal Courthouse at 7th and Mission Streets. There will also be a teach-in about the Jena Six on Saturday, November 10th at Evergreen Valley College.

On September 20th, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Jena, Louisiana and in other cities around the country to demand the complete freedom of the Jena 6, and the release of Mychal Bell. A week later, after 10 months in prison, Bell was granted bail and released. Shortly afterwards, the Louisiana judge who had originally convicted Bell ordered him back into custody.

Nov. 7th announcement | Indybay's past coverage of the Jena 6 | SF ANSWER | ANSWER Coalition | Justice for the Jena 6 | Free the Jena 6 | Jena 6 on Wikipedia || Articles: NAM: Black Juveniles Face Indifferent Justice System | DN!: "Jena Is All Over This Country": Questioning Federal Response to the Jailing of the Jena Six | PWW: Sparks fly at Capitol Hill hearing on Jena 6 | WSWS: Jena Six defendant Mychal Bell sent back to prison | PWW: Demand grows to drop charges on Jena 6 | Mumia: Before and Beyond Jena | FDC: Jena Six | 10/1 Walkout | ZNet- The Next Step | Revolution: Situation Intensifies as Reactionary Backlash Follows Historic Protest

October 22nd marks the anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense and the National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality. On this day, Riva Love of the Watsonville Brown Berets interviewed Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald, the longest incarcerated Black Panther Party member. Chip discusses his early days in the streets, how he came to join the Black Panther party, and his words for young people oppressed by the current power structure.

Currently housed at Imperial Valley State Prison in Southern California, he has had two parole hearings scheduled in the past six months, but neither have taken place. Chip is waiting for his next parole hearing (date unknown) with the support of the Monterey Bay NAACP, Anarchist Black Cross, Watsonville Brown Berets, Prisoners of Conscience Committee, Elaine Brown and numerous other individuals. This is Chip's first recorded interview in his 38 years behind bars. Listen to the Interview

see also: September 7, 2007 press release and petition to Free Chip Fitzgerald

UC Berkeley and the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum, which house 13,000 native ancestral remains, the second largest collection in the country, are dissolving an autonomous unit that handles compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The unit, which includes Native staff, is being reorganized into the museum’s regular structure in a move that critics say would undermine NAGPRA compliance.

Representatives from a number of sovereign tribes along with other members of the community formed the Native America NAGPRA Coalition in response to the university’s move. Members of the coalition charge the university and museum with not complying with NAGPRA, which requires museums to make a good faith effort to repatriate Native artifacts and remains. The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum has classified over 80% of its collection of Native artifacts and remains as “culturally unidentifiable,” precluding their repatriation.

The NAGPRA Coalition led a rally on Friday, October 5th on the UC Berkeley campus and demanded that the university reverse its decision and called for the repatriation of all ancestral remains. Coalition members also accused the university of failing to include Native representatives in its decision-making processes and demanded a meeting with Chancellor Robert Birgeneau.

Photos en español: Protesta indígena en la Universidad de California Berkeley | Interview With Community Leaders | Press Release | "Why We Protest" | Announcement of NAGPRA Coalition | Berkeley Daily Planet: Protest Coverage | Daily Cal: Protest Coverage

Over 60,000 people from across the country gathered in Jena, Louisiana on Thursday, September 20th, from across the country to protest the pending charges against six African American high school students (Protest Details). The six students were charged with felonies after a fight that started after nooses were hung outside their high school. Protests were also held in cities across the United States. At UC Berkeley, over 1,000 protesters gathered in Sproul Plaza at 12pm. In San Francisco, over 200 people rallied at Powell and Market.

Last week the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the conviction of 17 year old Mychal Bell. The court ruled that he should not have been tried as an adult. Bell was supposed to have been sentenced for attempted second-degree battery this Thursday.

Mychal Bell and five other students were arrested for beating a white student during a schoolyard fight last year. The fight occurred after white students hung three nooses on a tree in the schoolyard.

Bell has been jailed since January unable to meet his $90,000 bond. As of this morning he remains in prison waiting for his new bond to be posted. The District Attorney plans to appeal Bell's overturned conviction at the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Local Report Back From Protests | Photos from UC Berkeley and San Francisco protests

Sept 20th Report from Jena | Voices from Jena | Major Demonstration Planned in Jena | All Out! Support National Days of Protest To Free the Jena Six | Jena Six Case Shows Black Teens Get Short End of Stick | Free the Jena 6! Tune in to UhuruRadio.com | Over 200,000 petitioners say "Free the Jena 6" | Judge Reduces Charges in Jena 6 Case | Jena 6 Hearing: Jim Crow Injustice Moves Ahead

Previous Indybay Coverage Of The Jena 6

Journalist Chauncey Bailey was shot to death in downtown Oakland on August 2nd. Bailey was killed around 7:30AM on 14th Street near Alice Street, in what police described as "an assassination". Witnesses said a single gunman wearing dark clothing and a ski mask approached Bailey, shot twice and ran away.

On August 4th, Devaughndre Broussard, 19, was booked at North County Jail in Oakland in connection with the shooting. Broussard was a handyman at Your Black Muslim Bakery and has reportedly "confessed to having shot and killed Bailey with a shotgun because he was upset with the journalist's coverage of the group." In 2002, the East Bay Express wrote a two-part series about the Yusuf Bey "family", which runs the bakery. The articles included past allegations of murder, torture, kidnapping, rape, and other crimes (see The Sinister Side of Yusuf Bey's Empire and How Official Oakland Kept the Bey Empire Going). In November 2005, Yusef Bey IV and several others were recorded smashing alcohol in several Oakland liquor stores (reports 1 | 2).

Chauncey Bailey was an editor for the Oakland Post from June 2007 until his death. Bailey had previously worked as a reporter for The Oakland Tribune, and before that The Detroit News for ten years. Bailey had been known for his assertive style of questioning city officials. Oakland Police spokesman Ronald Holmgren said: "I know him as being a somewhat outspoken type individual, assertive in his journalistic approach when trying to get at matters at hand."

New America Media Executive Director Sandy Close said of Bailey, "Chauncey was a co-founder of New America Media and one of the best investigative journalists working bar none. He was brave in the face of whatever challenges he had to confront, especially any institution, public or private, that was not living up to the communities expectations and standards. He loved focusing on the local and global, he was adept at connecting the Bay Area Black community to the international African diaspora. He once said, 'All of the ethnic media are like fingers on a hand. Only together will we be strong like a fist.' Chauncey Bailey was distinguished by his work in the Oakland Tribune, Oakland Post, San Francisco Sun Reporter, San Franciscvo Bayview, Soul Beat TV and Our TV among others. He will be sorely missed."

Read More | Lynda Carson: In Memory of Chauncey Bailey: We'll Miss You Chauncey | Oakland Police Say Bailey Murderer Did Not Act Alone | Berkeley Daily Planet: Tributes on the Life of Chauncey Bailey | Earl Ofari Hutchinson: The Danger Signs Were There | Wikipedia: Chauncey Bailey | YouTube Video Of Chauncey Bailey Talking About The Black Press | Oakland Post