A3 Newsletter: Important Hearing This Week for Angola Prisoner Vincent Simmons

A3 Newsletter: Important Hearing This Week for Angola Prisoner Vincent Simmons

After a relatively quiet Summer, now Fall is starting out with a bang. Last week, King and Albert made their first presentation of the new season in Montgomery, Alabama for a group of Norwegian lawmakers on a fact-finding mission about the U.S. criminal justice system. 

As part of their trip to Montgomery, they visited the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, also known as the Lynching Memorial that Bryan Stevenson of Equal Justice Initiative conceived and spear-headed. They also visited the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church where Martin Luther King began his ministry and met with several of MLK's comrades. 

They also had a chance to visit the offices of Equal Justice Initiative where Bryan Stevenson and his staff provide legal representation to prisoners who may have been wrongly convicted of crimes, poor prisoners without effective representation, and others who may have been denied a fair trial in Alabama. It was a moving visit and an auspicious beginning to another season of sharing their experiences across the country and around the world.  

In November, Albert will be traveling to Philadelphia where Mural Arts Philadelphia will be hosting "Portraits of Justice Symposium."  Albert will be the keynote speaker for a day-long symposium that engages the public in reimagining the criminal justice system through the lens of art, advocacy, and policy reform. 

Also in November, King will head off to San Diego to participate in a panel at the annual Society for Neuroscience's conference. 

In December, they'll both be off to Amsterdam to help kick off Amnesty International's annual Write for Rights campaign that was so helpful in moving Albert's release forward in 2016.  

In March of 2019 Albert's book will be released and he will start a multi-city book tour. 

We'll keep everyone posted on these activities and more, but for this newsletter, we are hoping that supporters in Louisiana will make every effort to attend this new hearing for Vincent Simmons, an Angola prisoner who has struggled to have his case re-tried for decades.

More About Vincent Simmons' Court Date



Vincent Simmons' hearing is scheduled for October 2 at 1.15 pm in the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse in Marksville Louisiana. We are encouraging A3 supporters in the area to please attend the hearing and show support for Simmons. Providing further background on Simmons' upcoming court date, KALB in Louisiana reports: 

A3 Newsletter: Why Are We Not Surprised?

Why are we not surprised that children are ripped from their immigrant parents' arms?  Could it be because this has been happening for decades in U.S. jails and prisons -  not to mention, with increasing frequency as the population of women prisoners grows?  

Please read the article below from the July issue of the Coalition for Prisoners' Rights Newsletter, entitled "Cries of Children Echo Thru Years." The numbers cited by the newsletter, detailing the numbers of mothers and their children affected by mass incarceration, are truly staggering.

There are also cases like Veronza Bowers, Ed Poindexter of the Omaha 2 and Laverne Dejohnette, where it seems no amount of cruel and unusual treatment seems to satisfy our criminal injustice system's thirst for extreme punishment. We hope Angola 3 supporters will read these articles, sign petitions and re-commit to furthering their efforts to change the rotten systems that are in place. 

One bright spot in the midst of so much bad news is the release of  Debbie Africa of the Move 9. It was a joy to behold seeing Debbie with her son Mike Jr., who was torn from his mother following his birth in prison! We continue to push for the freedom for the remaining six of the Move 9, who have been repeatedly denied parole since they first became eligible in 2008. So much work left to be done!

For all of you who helped Malik Rahim raise funds for his taxes- here's a short video of the physical fundraiser in New Orleans.

Albert Woodfox Featured at Upcoming VOTE Workshops
--Events seeking participation from survivors of solitary confinement

 

A3 Newsletter June 11, 2018: Keep on Keeping On

Working for social justice frequently seems to be a glacially slow endeavor. This last week brought a summer thaw and more than a few things have changed. 

We celebrate and honor the work of Professor Angela A. Bell and the students in her Law and Minorities classes at Southern University for their remarkable efforts in seeing the long delayed parole of John Cluchette through to his release. Please read the article and comments below on this momentous event. 

Many Angola 3 supporters will remember the case of the Jena 6, yet another troubling chapter in Louisianaʻs racial history. One of Albertʻs lawyers, Rob McDuff, the amazing Emily Maw of the Innocence Project in New Orleans and Angola 3 supporter Tory Pegram, have continued to work with one of the members of the Jena 6, Theo Shaw, who rose above the massive obstacles and injustices he was faced with to graduate valedictorian of his law class this last week. Congratulations to Theo and best wishes for great success in the future. 

Less personal but also a great indicator of change a coming is the article on law suits being filed against Angola by prisoners objecting to the prisoner/slave connection.... long overdue!  We also want to honor the work of another one of Angola 3ʻs supporters, NRCAT and their excellent work organizing students to protest solitary confinement.

Finally, please join us in commemorating the life of Tiyo Attalah El-Salah, a prisoner at Dallas Security Prison in Pennsylvania who passed away this last week. Tiyoʻs life and work came to us through the efforts of Lois Ahrens of Real Cost of Prisons - a special friend to Tiyo and a tireless advocate for so many others. Tiyoʻs passing, much like Hermanʻs back in 2013 reminds us why we can never stop organizing and fighting.

To our comrades and allies - we are so grateful for your continued efforts. We hope this newsletter will inspire all of us to keep on keeping on. The good news lifts our spirits and the sad news reminds us that we canʻt give up!

BREAKING: 'Soledad Brother' John Clutchette has been released!

Watch a short video interview with John Clutchette following his release, here.

(PHOTO: John Clutchette in the 1980s.)

Today 'Soledad Brother' John Clutchette walked out of the prison gates a free man, following Governor Jerry Brown's final approval of a January 12, 2018 decision by the California Parole Board to grant parole to Clutchette.

On January 18, we published an interview with Southern University Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell detailing Clutchette's case, and which launched an action campaign initiated by Prof. Bell and her students. We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Prof. Bell, her students, and everyone who took action in support of Clutchette's release!

A3 Newsletter: Kiilu Nyasha Remembered, Eric Brown, and A3 in Santa Cruz

(PHOTO: King, Ida, Marina and Kiilu at Expressions Gallery in 2001, just months after King's release from Angola.)

A3 Newsletter, May 15, 2018:
Paying It Forward

Albert and Robert continue on their epic journey, sharing their stories of solitary and false imprisonment, bringing attention to yet unreleased prisoners as in Los Angeles where they met with members of the Committee to Free Leonard Peltier, forging bonds with Native groups working on prison issues. At Princeton the following week they met with students in African American studies and shared their experiences.  Next week they will be in Santa Cruz along with Angela Davis and others. They also wanted to share the story of Eric Brown, still in Angola, with their supporters, hoping that some will find the time to write and support Eric in his efforts towards freedom. 

They also want to join in the memorializing of long time supporter Kiilu Nyasha who passed away unexpectedly last month. Her support of the Angola 3 and so many other political prisoners was tireless and critical to so many. She will be deeply missed.

In 2008, Kiilu interviewed Robert King on her TV show following the release of his autobiography, and she spoke at an A3 event in 2012, (featured at 17 minutes and 50 seconds into this online video). Below is an announcement for Kiilu's memorial service, to be held in San Francisco on May 20.

 

PHOTOS: Robert King and Albert Woodfox in Los Angeles at The Main with Rigo 23

Featured below are photos from the April 7, 2018 event with Robert King and Albert Woodfox in Los Angeles, California, entitled "Mightier than Metal, Sturdier than Concrete," hosted by The Main and moderated by artist & longtime A3 supporter Rigo 23.

The panel discussion was held inside the exhibition supporting Leonard Peltier, entitled 'Rigo 23: Ripples Become Waves,' which takes its title from a quote by Robert King: "You throw pebbles into a pond, you get ripples; ripples become waves; the waves can become a tsunami."

All photos were taken by Frank Jackson.

(LEFT TO RIGHT: Albert Woodfox, Kathy Peltier, Chauncey Peltier, Robert King, and Rigo 23)

Watch the archived full length video: Robert King and Albert Woodfox in Los Angeles on April 9

The April 9 event with Robert King and Albert Woodfox in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Auditorium - Central Library has now been archived for those who missed the livestream or we unable to attend.

Robert and Albert also be spoke in Los Angeles at an April 7 event hosted by The Main, which was moderated by artist and longtime A3 supporter Rigo 23.

A3 Newsletter: Angola 3 Spring Update

A3 Newsletter, March 28, 2018:
Where Common Ground Began
--Help Malik Save Lubertha's Home  

Featured below is a fundraising appeal from longtime Angola 3 supporter and former Black Panther Malik Rahim, who is shown in the photo above, alongside Robert King and Albert Woodfox.

The Angola 3 have long been involved with and supported Malik in his efforts with Common Ground and multiple other projects. We hope that our supporters will do what they can to assist Malik in saving his motherʻs home, the very home that was the initial base for Common Ground. Please take a moment to watch the video Malik has put together and help if you can.

We also want to remind you that Albert and Robert will be speaking in Los Angeles, California on April 7 at The Main and on April 9 at the Mark Taper Auditorium - Central Library. The April 7 event, moderated by artist and longtime A3 supporter Rigo 23, will occur inside the exhibition 'Rigo 23: Ripples Become Waves,' which takes its title from a quote by Robert King: "You throw pebbles into a pond, you get ripples; ripples become waves; the waves can become a tsunami." A fitting metaphor for the decades-long A3 struggle.

 

A Message from Malik Rahim

(Watch Malik's video and donate here.)

Almost 13 years ago, days after Hurricane Katrina, Mary Ratcliff of the Bay View News Paper called me for an interview which later was entitled  "This is Criminal." First, this article exposed the fact that over 150,000 people (the vast majority being Black) in the City of New Orleans were abandoned and offered no relief. Second, it launched the founding of one of this nation's greatest relief efforts, the Common Ground Collective. Through this collective, Common Ground Relief and Common Ground Health Clinic were organized. Together, we served over a 1/2 Million people in 19 affected parishes in Louisiana as well as counties in both Mississippi and Alabama. We provided outreach assistance to displaced residents in over 20 states.

All three organizations were founded at the home of my late Mother (Lubertha and step Father Irwin Johnson). I also housed over 200 of the early volunteers while serving as their first distribution center. Over 4,000 people received aid at my late mother's home. And it was from that home on Atlantic Ave, just weeks after Hurricane Katrina when we were hit by another hurricane, Rita. These early volunteers, working from my family home, cleaned hundreds of storm drains, preventing Algiers (which later became the community that the City of New Orleans was able to use to begin it's recovery efforts) from flooding. Never has the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana nor this nation acknowledged the role and sacrifice those who volunteered with these organizations played in the aftermath of both hurricanes.

Now, in this New Orleans' 300th year anniversary, the city is attempting to sell my family home for back taxes. Taxes I will pay, for I truly believe there are enough grateful people in New Orleans to help me raise $ 31,000, to save a home if renovated would be valued over $200,000. But as these taxes are paid, I will be filing a civil right's law suit against the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana and U.S. Federal Government, declaring our civil rights were violated, that I was targeted for being a member of the Black Panther Party and for the work I did to free the Angola 3 (three men who spent a combine total of 114 years in solitary confinement). But most of all, for exposing the injustice infected in my community in the aftermath of these hurricanes.

Please support my effort by not only making a contribution to save my home but calling for city, state, and congressional hearing on this civil action. Remember this can happen again if we fail to act.

Thanking you in advance for your support.
In the struggle for environmental Peace & Justice

Malik Rahim

Please Support Herman Bell - Four Things to do Right Now!

We are reposting this call to action released by supporters of Herman Bell. Please do what you can!

Dear friends,

Last week the New York State Board of Parole granted Herman Bell release. Since the Board’s decision, there has been significant backlash from the Police Benevolent Association, other unions, Mayor De Blasio and Governor Cuomo. They are demanding that Herman be held indefinitely, the Parole Commissioners who voted for his release be fired, and that people convicted of killing police be left to die in prison.

We want the Governor, policymakers, and public to know that we strongly support the Parole Board’s lawful, just and merciful decision. We also want to show support for the recent changes to the Board, including the appointment of new Commissioners and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today and their accomplishments while in prison than on the nature of their crime.

Herman has a community of friends, family and loved ones eagerly awaiting his return. At 70 years old and after 45 years inside, it is time for Herman to come home.

Here are four things you can do RIGHT NOW to support Herman Bell:

Albert Woodfox’s Release: Celebrating and Reflecting Upon the Two-Year Anniversary --An Interview With Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell

(PHOTOS: Albert's 71st Birthday party held this weekend 

at his home in New Orleans. Happy Birthday, Albert!)

Albert Woodfox’s Release: Celebrating and Reflecting Upon the Two-Year Anniversary
--An Interview With Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell

By Angola 3 News

On February 19, 2016, following 43 years in solitary confinement, Albert Woodfox of the Angola 3 was released from prison on his 69th birthday. Now two years later, as we celebrate Albert’s 71st birthday, it is still difficult to properly articulate our profound joy that after decades of hard work and perseverance, Albert is now living life on his own terms. We would once again like to express our sincere gratitude to Albert’s legal team and to the many supporters from around the world who came together to make this happen.

Since his release, Albert has been to Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the UK, Canada and multiple campuses including Harvard and Yale. He’s now busy writing his autobiography and both he and fellow Angola 3 member, Robert King, continue to do their best to keep the conversation about solitary confinement and political prisoners in the public spotlight.

Albert and Robert will be speaking in Los Angeles, California on April 7 at The Main and on April 9 at the Mark Taper Auditorium – Central Library. The April 7 event, moderated by artist and longtime A3 supporter Rigo 23, will occur inside the exhibition ‘Rigo 23: Ripples Become Waves,’ which takes its title from a quote by Robert King: “You throw pebbles into a pond, you get ripples; ripples become waves; the waves can become a tsunami.” A fitting metaphor for the decades-long A3 struggle.

'Soledad Brother' John Clutchette Granted Parole; Will CA Governor Jerry Brown Reverse the Decision? --An interview with Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell

Please take action in support of John Clutchette! A sample letter and list of talking points for contacting California Governor Jerry Brown is featured at the bottom of this article.

(Photo of John Clutchette in the 1980s.)

'Soledad Brother' John Clutchette Granted Parole; Will CA Governor Jerry Brown Reverse the Decision?
--An interview with Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell

By Angola 3 News

On January 12, 2018, the California Board of Parole Hearings granted parole to an elderly inmate named John Clutchette. However, supporters of parole for Clutchette are concerned that California Governor Jerry Brown will reverse the Board's decision, and Clutchette will not be released.

Supporters have a reason to be concerned. After all, this is exactly what happened in 2016 when Clutchette was similarly granted parole by the Board but Governor Brown chose to reverse the Board's ruling.

Legal scholar Angela A. Allen-Bell, a professor at Southern University Law Center and students in her "Law and Minorities" class began researching Clutchette's legal battle over a year ago. Following extensive research they have concluded that "the law has been used to perpetuate an injustice in Mr. Clutchette’s case."

Why did Governor Brown deny parole to 74-year-old John Clutchette?  In our interview with Professor Bell, she refers to Brown's written explanation for his 2016 parole reversal, where Brown cites the fact that in the early 1970s, Clutchette was one of a trio of inmates at California's Soledad Prison, who became high profile co-defendants known as the "Soledad Brothers."

(Photo of the Soledad Brothers, with John Clutchette on the left, reprinted for a 1970 poster.)

A3 Newsletter: The March of Freedom Continues

(PHOTO: Albert Woodfox at a meeting of VOTE-Shreveport on October 21. Albert is standing in the back row, sixth person from the right. Click on the photo for a larger image).

A3 Newsletter, Nov. 18, 2017:
On The Road Again

As another year draws to a close, Albert and King are busier than ever traveling the country and the world, sharing their stories and providing inspiration and hope that good things can happen in this horribly broken criminal justice system.

Next week they'll be heading to Belgium and Germany to work with their friends at Amnesty on launching another Write for Rights Campaign.

It's been a whirlwind of a year for the guys that began with trips to San Francisco to speak at the Exploratorium and UCSF Psychology Dept., then to Toronto and Montreal before heading to Denmark and Sweden, the premiere of their film, Cruel and Unusual in NYC and Los Angeles and a myriad of other events across the county to support multiple efforts. We look forward to wrapping up the year with A3 supporters next month with a report back from their European tour.

One of the most difficult things that Albert has had to deal with since his release is the many, many requests he receives from prisoners for assistance.  As A3 supporters know, success in this effort took over 20 years to achieve, with hundreds of individuals using all their creativity and energy and resources to draw attention to this case, not to mention a rafter of skilled lawyers and investigators. It is heart breaking for Albert to receive letter after letter from prisoners and their families and friends who share their stories of abuse and denial of rights inside and to have so little one can offer as help.  

We recall several years ago reading about a wrongfully convicted prisoner who wrote ten letters every day for the 14 years he was incarcerated to lawyers and organizations before he reached someone who heard his story, agreed to help and he was released. There are no silver bullets and no straight path towards justice, just lots of hard work, searching for legal assistance, a committed support group and some lucky breaks seem to be the only advice we can pass on.  

We're so grateful that Albert is finally free and that he and Robert are able to enjoy their lives out here in minimum security with family and friends. However, as wonderful as it is to have come this far and to have both Albert and Robert free, justice was not served in this case. Freedom is the consolation prize that has committed them to keep on working for the freedom of others.  

A3 Newsletter: Vincent Simmons, Leonard Peltier, Non-Unanimous Juries and more

A3 Newsletter, Sept 27, 2017: Continuing the Struggle to Free Political Prisoners

Albert and Robert continue tirelessly traveling around the country and the world, bringing attention to other cases and issues around the criminal "in"justice system here in the USA and in other countries that they visit.   

Last month, they traveled to Washington DC for the Millions for Prisoners Human Rights March. Photos from the day are featured above and directly below, taken from the SF Bay View article written by Wanda Sabir, who is shown above with Robert and Albert. The other two photos from the day are of Albert with former political prisoner Laura Whitehorn and one of Robert and Albert with longtime A3 supporter Rebecca Hensley. At the DC march, Albert was interviewed by former political prisoner and Panther Eddie Conway for The Real News Network, which you can watch here.

Morgan Freeman's new show "The Story of Us" will be premiering on the National Geographic Channel at 9pm on October 11. Entitled "The March of Freedom," the show's premiere episode will be featuring our very own Albert Woodfox. Furthermore, Albert is featured in The Story of Us teaser trailer, which you can watch here.  

In November, Albert and Robert will be campaigning in Germany and Belgium with Amnesty International and meeting with activists and politicians.

As racial issues take center stage in the public discourse, they felt it was timely to highlight several of far too many cases, where racial inequality plays a huge role in continued unjust extended incarceration.  

The research and writing of Professor Angela Bell has appeared in several law reviews and mainstream media. Just recently her piece on "non-unanimous jury" decisions in Louisiana was featured in the Washington Post, clearly elucidating just one of the many decisions and policies in the system that is grounded in white supremacy that promotes the adjudication of blacks and whites differently. Professor Bell's article highlights just one of the many issues that Albert and Robert speak on as they travel, along with the cases of other prisoners.  
They hope you'll take the time to read about the current status of Leonard Peltier, as well as a previously fellow Angola inmate, Vincent Simmons. This past month also brought news of an attack on political prisoner Herman Bell. Click here to find out how you can help Herman. 

Finally, there's news that at long last there is an effort to review the conviction of Ruchell Magee who was sentenced to 7 years to Life in August of 1965 and remains in prison.

Albert and Robert are grateful for a chance to live outside the cages they were held in for so long and feel a great urgency to try to help other prisoners that have been stuck in the system for far too long. They feel certain that the supporters who stood with them during the many years of struggle to secure their release will do what they can, as they are, for those who have not yet been as fortunate.

Plantations Were Prisons: Mobilizing for the Aug. 19 Millions for Prisoners Human Rights March in Washington DC --Part one of an interview with Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell

(VIDEO: 2011 Amnesty International interview with Robert H. King, entitled "Slavery Still Reigns in US prisons.")

Plantations Were Prisons: Mobilizing for the Aug. 19 Millions for Prisoners Human Rights March in Washington DC

--Part one of an interview with Law Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell

By Angola 3 News

Robert H. King and Albert Woodfox of the Angola 3 are issuing a call to everybody concerned about the human rights of US prisoners: "We know the economic situation for African Americans, other minority communities, and poor whites is very difficult. However, if there is any way possible for you to get to the Millions for Prisoners Human Rights March in Washington DC on August 19, so that your voice can be heard, so that we can speak in one voice, please join us. Enough is Enough!"

Albert Woodfox was released from prison in February, 2016 after over 43 years in solitary confinement. Robert King, the other surviving member of the Angola 3, spent 29 years in solitary confinement until his release in 2001. Along with personally traveling to Washington DC for the March on August 19, both King and Woodfox are currently working to spread the word and raise awareness about the upcoming event.

The August 19 March will gather near the White House, in Lafayette Park, at 12:00 Noon. The organizers "seek to unite activists, advocates, prisoners, ex-prisoners, their family and friends, as well as all others committed to the fight to drastically reduce or eliminate prisons and the prison system, and replace them with more humane and effective systems. Our aim is to expose the prison industrial complex for what it is. We want to challenge the idea that caging and controlling people keeps communities safe." 

A3 Newsletter: We Stand With the Prisoners Human Rights March

(PHOTO: Robert King and Albert Woodfox with a former Los Angeles Panther named Hakim, taken at the Los Angeles premiere of Cruel and Unusual)

A3 Newsletter, June 14, 2017:
We Stand With the Prisoners Human Rights March

Angola 3 stands strong with the upcoming Prisoners Human Rights March on August 19th in Washington D.C.

Robert King will be a featured speaker at the Aug. 19 event and encourages all Angola 3 supporters so share the information about this march with organizations far and wide, in order to build a strong presence on behalf of prisoners in our nation's capitol this summer.

Cruel and Unusual premiered in New York City and Los Angeles, where Albert and King spent time with BPP members from back in the day, including a former member of the Los Angeles BPP named Malik, shown in the photo above.

Albert is taking as much of the summer off as he can after a grueling year of travel and interviews. He hopes to spend lots of time with family, including his great-grandchildren.

Albert's visit to Montreal was a big success and his talk at Concordia University can be viewed in full here. Just below is a photo of Albert with event organizer Marie Dimanche. Thanks again to our Montreal supporters!

Featured at the bottom of the newsletter are a few thank you notes from students in Miss Green's class at University of Texas Elementary School in Austin, where King visited last month and impressed the children with both his experiences and maybe even a little more with his candy :-)

VIDEO: Watch Albert Woodox speaking in Montreal, Canada on May 19, 2017

The video embedded above is from a May 19, 2017 talk given by Albert Woodox in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. View the announcement for the event as well as the report published afterwards.

Special thanks to our friends in Montreal for hosting Albert!

(PHOTO:  Albert Woodfox in Montreal with event organizer Marie Dimanche.)

Join Albert Woodfox and Robert King at "Cruel and Unusual" Screenings in NYC May 26 and CA June 2

Join Albert Woodfox and Robert King for a Q & A and screening of the new documentary film about the Angola 3, entitled "Cruel and Unusual," premiering in New York City on May 26 and in Santa Monica, CA on June 2. See flyers for more information.

A3 Newsletter: "Freedom Is A State Of Mind"

(PHOTO:  Albert at the Innocence Project's Network Conference in San Diego this last month, alongside Valerie Jarret, a Chicago lawyer and former top adviser to President Barack Obama.)

A3 Newsletter, April 17, 2017: Taking on the Clarion Call - "Free 'em all!"

"Freedom is a state of mind" Albert said at the presentation that he and King gave at Harvard last month. That may be how Albert stayed sane for over four decades in solitary but now that he's out, he's beginning to see that freedom can be a lot of work and even more travel!!

Along with King, Albert has been on the road somewhere different every week; Thunder Bay, San Francisco, Montreal, Cambridge, New York, San Diego, in the last 4 weeks alone. All of this traveling and talking and giving interviews is in an effort that both men are committed to - to raising awareness of the unbelievable misery and injustice that goes on in jails, detention centers and prisons, nation wide. Albert is carrying on along the path of Robert and others exonerees, logging miles ever since his release advocating for the freedom of others.

Now that Albert and Robert are both free, they've become a powerful team, calling for and supporting efforts for the release of many fellow wrongfully convicted political prisoners; Leonard Peltier, Ruchell Magee, Chip Fitzgerald, Herman Bell, Mumia Abu Jamal and so many others that still suffer in the same oppressive, abusive conditions that they once endured.

After a long public campaign and court battle to provide Mumia treatment for Hepatitis C, the court ultimately forced the Pennsylvania DOC to begin treatment. Thankfully that treatment has now begun and we also wish Mumia well with his upcoming court hearing scheduled on his 63rd birthday, on April 24. This hearing could lead to a new trial, and is a response to a recent 5-3 US Supreme Court ruling.

With the rise of the new national regime, the struggle continues and Albert and Robert are committed to remaining at the forefront of every effort to correct the inequality in the USA's justice system. We hope you'll have a chance to view the Harvard presentation, listen to the audio interview from Thunder Bay and read the transcript of Amnesty International's new interview with Albert.

Albert and King head to Denmark and Sweden in a couple of weeks to speak at their Annual General Meetings and have every intention of continuing their work on behalf of the eradication of solitary and their support of freedom for so many other prisoners.

Please Support Kickstarter Campaign for US release of A3 film 'Cruel and Unusual'

To donate and help to spread the word, please visit the Kickstarter page directly. Featured below is the information from the campaign's website.

'Cruel and Unusual' – The Angola 3 story, US Cinema Release

Help get the Angola 3's story into cinemas to support their campaign against long-term solitary confinement & qualify for the Oscars


THE GOAL

Cinema release in NY and LA to bring 'Cruel and Unusual' - the story of the Angola 3 - to the big screen and qualify for Academy Award consideration.

THE FILM

'Cruel and Unusual' is the story of three men who have spent longer in solitary confinement than any other prisoners in the US because of the murder of a prison guard in 1972 at Angola, the Louisiana state penitentiary.

In His Own Words: Albert Woodfox interviewed by Amnesty International UK

Amnesty International UK has released a new interview with Albert Woodfox of the Angola 3. Listen to the podcast here.

Accompanying the podcast interview is a post on Amnesty UK's blog that features an extended statement by Albert Woodfox, entitled: It's a human right to agitate the 'injustice' system. Albert's full statement is featured below:

A year ago on 19 February 2016 I walked out of a Louisiana prison a free man after serving 44 years in solitary confinement.

At that moment I became 'famous' as the longest serving person in solitary confinement in the world, as well as being the last member of the Angola 3 to be free.

For over 44 years - along with fellow Black Panthers Herman Wallace and Robert King - we turned our death chambers into classrooms and courts of law from which we educated fellow inmates and stood up against a violent, racist and brutal prison system which targeted us for our activism.