MOVE 9 Harrisburg Press Conference Audio and Update on Mumia : Pittsburgh Indymedia

MOVE 9 Harrisburg Press Conference Audio and Update on Mumia
by BE47 Friday, Mar. 28, 2008 at 4:20 AM

MOVE 9 supporters spoke at the state capital on why they mut be paroled in 2008

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Friends, family, and kindred spirits of the eight surviving "MOVE 9" shared thoughts, feelings, and information on freeing these brave activists below the Capital dome yesterday. Heartfelt support and history, personal, legal, and inspirational words were shared. Thanks to independent media, this historic occasion is being shared and preserved. Members of the mainstream press were invited but not one covered the occasion. Mike Africa Jr. spoke on behalf of the MOVE organization.

Legal concerns and responsibilities were out-lined. The characters of these amazing Pennsylvanians was reflected on. And a plethora of issues and facts involved in the 1978 incident and current situation were brought out.

Internationally acclaimed activist Pam Africa was there but preferred to hear how others felt, and to let the message of supporters be the focus. Independent filmmakers and journalists did a wonderful job making sure the day's short speeches will not be forgotten or ignored.

Paroling these individuals is an important event in modern history on so many levels. Its being ignored and basically shunned by so many is also a telling part of our times. Sometimes silence does speak louder than words.

Hans Bennet has already posted a two-part edited version of the talks. He plans to release the complete unedited 45-minute video soon. The two parts can be watched at:

PART ONE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGhoBTJ3Zas

PART TWO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiZiOIs61HA

Please keep those calls and letters to the Parole Board coming. Letters especially. Send to:

Board of Probation and Parole
Attn: Inmate Inquiry
1101 South Front Street, Suite 5300
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(717) 787-569

Tell them that you support the 2008 parole of Debbie Sims Africa #006307, Janet Holloway Africa #006308, Janine Phillips Africa #006309, Michael Davis Africa #AM-4973, Charles Sims Africa #AM-4975, William Phillips Africa #AM-4984, Delbert Orr Africa #AM-4985, and Edward Goodman Africa #AM-4974.

Also, please sign this petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/move9parole/

We also need to push for a new, fair trial as soon as possible. But that is the next concern. Bringing them home where they belong on parole is our number one concern right now.

Good and bad news just came out regarding the only major journalist to investigate and report on the MOVE 9 at the time it was all going down. Mumia Abu-Jamal lost his broadcast job because he refused to hide the facts, or ignore the case. To make ends meet, he started driving cab at night and that is what he was doing when he himself was arrested and put on Pennsylvania's death row.

Today, the Third Circuit Federal Court in Philadelphia over-turned his death sentence but rejected his request for a new, fair trial. The defense and the prosecution may both appeal these two decisions. One on the question of guilt or innocence, the other on the penalty (death or life in prison). His case just may be headed for the Supreme Court.

Attached is the complete audio and some photos from yesterday's speakers discussing how and why we need to free the MOVE 9. The art work surrounding the event seems extremely relevant. Themes of truth, light, liberty, freedom and "light" are being expressed and challenged with this case. Hopefully, they will all be advanced as we welcome them home later this year!!

It is of interest to note that at the time of the Harrisburg Capital building's construction, Violet Oakly was awarded the largest artistic contract ever awarded to a woman. It was given to her for her paintings throughout the architectural gem as we entered the 20th century.

Ms. Oakly [http://cpc.state.pa.us/main/cpcweb/history/artists/oakley.html] was originally commissioned to create the series of murals in the governor's office, which she called "The Founding of the State of Liberty Spiritual." But wound up doing many others in the building. A political activist herself, Violet said that a common theme in all these paintings was the abolition of slavery. Slavery, she said, comes in many forms. Ms. Oakley was a firm believer in world peace. She died in 1961.

One of the photos accompanying this article is a picture of Phil Africa's recent acrylic painting "PEACEFUL." Enjoy.

The MOVE 9, family, and friends express their deepest thanks for all the support they are receiving!

PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

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