[Antiracism] LGBTGNC 'Rainbow' urges support for Mumia

[Nick Camerota]

'RAINBOW FLAGS FOR MUMIA' SOLIDARITY LETTER FOR MAY 17

Inspired by the AIDS Movement -- and now chanted at every Mumia 
demonstration since 1999 --
"Our Brother Mumia is Under Attack!" "What We Do?  "ACT-UP!  Fight Back!"

Dear Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Activists & 
Organizations.

May 17, 2007 will be an absolutely crucial day for African-American 
journalist, social justice activist and U.S. political prisoner Mumia 
Abu-Jamal.  Mumia's lawyers will present an oral argument in Federal  
Appeals Court in Philadelphia on why Mumia deserves the right to a new 
trial. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals will make a decision after May 17 
on whether or not Mumia will be granted a new trial, life in prison without 
parole or execution.

[ See this update from the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, "A pivotal hearing on case 
of Abu-Jamal,"
posted on Sunday, May. 13, 2007; access by clicking
<http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20070513_A_pivotal_hearing_on_case_of_Abu-Jamal.html> 
]

2007 marks 25 years of unjust imprisonment on death row, of this innocent 
man, whose political activism as a journalist deemed him, the title as 'The 
Voice of the Voiceless." Even from behind prison walls, Mumia has continued 
to speak truth to power, writing several books and articles against the 
prison industrial complex and against U.S. imperialist wars.

The oppression of LGBTGNC peoples has been no exception. Mumia has come out 
against the violence and discrimination that we as lesbian, gay and bi and 
trans people face.

In 1999, in an article, Mumia denounced the anti-gay murders, including the 
killing of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo., Billy Jack Gaither in 
Sylacauga, Ala., and Henry Edward Northington in Richmond, Va. Mumia wrote, 
" The sickening attacks on gay people in cities across the nation recently 
is a reflection of the sickness that simmers at the core of the American 
soul. It is here that a truly perverse hatred is bred, and, from here that 
all attacks are launched against all who are seen as Other."

Historically, since the early 80's LGBTGNC activists and groups have been 
integral to the Mumia solidarity movement world-wide.  We have mobilized 
1000+ strong Rainbow Flags for Mumia contingents in Philadelphia, led feeder 
marches through the Castro in San Francisco and organized highly successful 
fundraising campaigns for his defense.

Again, we as LGBTGNC peoples are calling on our movements and communities to 
be in Philadelphia to stand with Mumia Abu-Jamal on May 17th 2007.   It is 
crucial that the court and other officials see the strongest possible 
support and a broad, united movement in front of the federal courthouse 
building (6th & Market Streets) at 9 a.m.

Please circulate this urgent call to action to your community base. Please 
send to your internet and phone lists.  But most importantly, come out with 
your banners, signs and solidarity to Philadelphia on May 17th!

For more information on Mumia Abu-Jamal, transportation to Philadelphia and 
more ways to demand his freedom visit http://www.millions4mumia.org  or 
http://www.mumia.org. For more info on Rainbow Flags for Mumia email: 
imanihenry at yahoo.com

Yours in Solidarity!  Free Mumia!
Dunya Alwan
Dylan Scholinski
FIERCE! Fabulous Independent Educated Radicals for
Community Empowerment
Gael Guevara
Hannah Mermelstein
Imani Henry
Jamison Green
Jesse Ehrensaft-Hawley Jesse Lokahi Heiwa
Leilani Dowell
Leslie Feinberg
Nathan Levitt
Rev. Pat Bumgardner
Siobhan Brooks
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Tisa Bryant
Yoseñio V. Lewis

Be in Philly - May 17th for Mumia Abu-Jamal
Visit http://www.millions4mumia.org
_______________________________
This mailing sent in solidarity by the Western Mass. INTERNATIONAL ACTION 
CENTER/Troops Out Now Coalition
413-896-5219
wmassiac at hotmail.com

National Office:
212-633-6646
http://www.iacenter.org

To subscribe to the WMass IAC/Troops Out Now low-volume electronic 
listserve, send an email to wmassanswer-subscribe at yahoogroups.com, and 
respond to the verification notice from Yahoogroups.

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