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Prison Radio challenges mass incarceration and racism by airing the voices of men and women in prison. Our educational materials serve as a catalyst for public activism

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From The Desk of Noelle Hanrahan

February 15, 2008

Dear Friend,

I just got off the phone with Mumia. He said, “Tell everyone they are in my thoughts, and send them all my love. Oh, and tell them to write. I love hearing from everyone. We need to revive letter writing before it becomes a lost art.”

Please take a moment to pick up a pen and jot a personal note to Mumia. Tell him what you are working on. Bring your world of activism to him. Make that connection. He is a journalist and is fascinated by the daily struggles that we undertake for liberation.

Every word that makes it through those prison walls helps dissolve the distance between us. Each act of connection is one step closer to bringing Mumia home. His address is: Mumia Abu-Jamal, AM 8335, SCI Greene 175 Progress Dr., Waynesburg, PA 15370.

“It is the truth which will triumph after all. Al final la verdad vencerá.”

     —Lori Berenson.

Stay alert! Mumia’s life hangs in the balance. A ruling from the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is expected any day. Mumia could receive a new trial; he could get an evidentiary hearing or a new sentencing hearing; or his death sentence could be reinstated. Put “mumia” in the Google news alerts for breaking news. See www.freemumia.com for updates.

The Today Show Takes on Mumia’s Case

On Dec. 6, 2007, Matt Lauer & Company did an amazing job. Yes, it was an interview with Maureen Faulkner (the officer’s widow) and Michael Smerconish (a right-wing talk show host in Philadelphia), who co-wrote “Murdered by Mumia: A Life Sentence of Pain, Loss and Injustice.” But the report was serious journalism. Lauer’s questions for Faulkner and Smerconish were probing. He actually asked Faulkner: “Why do you think so many people believe he needs a new trial?”

You have to see the clip! I nearly fell out of my chair. After years of being nailed by the mainstream media the Today Show’s coverage of Mumia was balanced and fair! New evidence was featured that exposes serious flaws in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s case against Mumia Abu-Jamal.

It was the first mainstream broadcast of the explosive crime scene photos taken moments after the December 9, 1981 shooting at 13th and Locust. The photos, by independent photographer Pedro Polakoff, were rediscovered by German researcher Dr. Michael Schiffman of the University of Heidelberg in Germany. These photos prove that the police conspired to falsify evidence, altering the crime scene to frame Mumia. Thank you to Hans Bennet of Journalists for Mumia Abu-Jamal. He was the driving force in this campaign. See more at www.abu-jamal-news.com. Also for a thorough dissection of the Faulkner book see “The Big Lie” www.partisandefense.com.

Bishop Desmond Tutu Visits Mumia!

South Africa’s Bishop Tutu visited Abu-Jamal on death row at SCI Greene in October. When Bishop Tutu arrived, he was told he could not visit. Mumia explained: “He was treated like any Black man visiting, with very little respect. That is until a black guard happened by and recognized him, and then the guards found the ‘right paperwork.’” Bishop Tutu remained dignified while experiencing the humiliation that millions of prisoners and their families endure. Bishop Tutu was uncomfortable with Mumia’s conditions: his hands were shackled, and he was kept behind plexiglass for the non-contact visit. Mumia’s humanity did shine through, though, and Bishop Tutu, inspired by his visit, made this statement: “I oppose the death penalty on principle in every case and I support the pleas for a retrial for Mumia Abu-Jamal.”

“In Prison My Whole Life” Has Its U.S. Premiere at Sundance!

Robert Redford’s influential film festival hosted the U.S. premiere for the acclaimed feature-length documentary, “In Prison My Whole Life.” Produced by Livia Giuggioli and Colin Firth, it is a film that tackles the Abu-Jamal case through the story of English expatriate William Francome, who was born on the day of Mumia’s arrest, 12/9/81. The world premiere was in October in London and Rome.

Amnesty International has endorsed the film. Prison Radio is reserving judgment, as we have not yet seen it. But we have had a huge battle with the producers. When we became aware that the filmmakers were attempting to alter Mumia’s photo and literally put a gun into his hand, we demanded that they not associate his image with blood, guns, or violence. It cost Prison Radio literally tens of thousands of dollars in staff time and legal fees to try to keep them from degrading Mumia’s image and voice. At this point they have stolen, i.e., refused to pay a license fee for, all the audio and many of the photos you see of Mumia, while refusing, in writing, to agree not to degrade his photo. Remember—if the film is accurate and good, it is only because Prison Radio fought to make sure it would be.

Help us Bring Mumia Home!

If you think it is important to hear Mumia’s voice, join us. We can only do this work with your help. Please consider a gift of $50, $100, $350, $1,000, $35. 

Solidarity is key!

Your support helps us reach over 200 radio stations every week. Join us, and keep the voices of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Dortell Williams, Siddique Abdullah Hasan, Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox, and Lori Berenson alive and vibrant.

Every donation matters, and we honor those of you who act. A wise man once said, “If you want to know what is in someone’s heart look in their check book.”

Continue this journey with us.

Toward Justice & Freedom,

Noelle Hanrahan

Prison Radio

© Jennifer Beach/Prison Radio

“The voice of Black political journalism in the struggle for the liberation of African-American people has always proved to be decisive throughout Black history. From David Walker’s appeal in 1829, to the political journalism of Frederick Douglass, to the Black Panther newspaper. When you listen to Mumia you hear the echoes of David Walker, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, and the sisters and brothers who kept the faith with struggle, who kept the faith with resistance. And that is part of the reason why Mumia is so dangerous to the state.”

—Manning Marable

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