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poetry, political prisoners, Terry Bisson - January 18, 2024

RSVP to the FBI [Terry Bisson, April 1985]

Last week, the world lost sci-fi author and lifelong anti-racist, anti-imperialist activist Terry Bisson at age 81. Terry and his family asked that gifts made in his honor go to the Abolitionist Law Center for their work in defense of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Here is the link: https://secure.everyaction.com/7NqPPSxbgkWuJaBjNSV8PQ2 We wanted to share this poem Terry wrote after being jailed alongside 5 other members of the John Brown Anti-Klan Committee for refusing to cooperate with a federal grand jury investigating the armed underground in 1985. RSVP to the FBI Thank you for handing me this invitationto talk to youBut...

Sekou Odinga, Black liberation fighter and former political prisoner, passes at 79

Sekou Odinga, a former United States political prisoner for 33 years stemming from his involvement in the Black liberation movement, passed away on January 12. Odinga was a part of several of the most impactful organizations in US Black liberation history, including Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity, the Black Panther Party, and the Black Liberation Army. Odinga is also known for his role in the escape of fellow political prisoner Assata Shakur, who lives free in Cuba to this day.

Virginia Prisoners Hunger Strike at Red Onion State Prison

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, several prisoners confined at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison began a hunger strike to protest the continued use of long-term solitary confinement within the institution.Despite critical concern, outcry from the public and prisoner populations in the state, incarcerated people are still subjected to this brutal practice which has been renamed “restorative housing” since July 1, 2023 when measures were passed to limit its use in the state. Leading these prisoners in this effort is longtime prison activist, revolutionary writer and artist, Kevin “Rashid” Johnson. Rashid has stated that no one will take any food at...

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Ed Mead, political prisoners - November 15, 2023

Ed Mead. Rest in Power

It is with great sadness that we have learned that former political prisoner and longtime communist and anti-prison organizer Ed Mead has died. Ed passed on November 6th, his birthday. As many know, he had been struggling with cancer for many years, continuing to live way beyond expectations and projections, making it seem like maybe he would be with us forever. Sadly, not to be the case. He died on his 82nd birthday, at home and surrounded by loved ones. We encourage you to read the statement written by some of his closest comrades here: Ed Mead Joins the Ancestors. We worked with Ed on-and-off for years;...

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certain days, political prisoners - February 6, 2023

Call for Art & Essay Submissions for 2024 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoner Calendar

The Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners Calendar collective is releasing its 23rd calendar in 2024. With twelve pieces of beautiful art and twelve essays, these radical calendars have a history of hanging in thousands of homes, workplaces, prison cells, and community spaces around the globe—both educating and reminding us of those behind bars in the struggle for a better world. Having your work featured in the Certain Days calendar is a prestigious honor and a unique opportunity to use your words and your creative abilities to create a vision of an abolitionist future free of prisons, power structures, and...

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