A3 Newsletter: Zulu Whitmore, National Book Awards, Smithsonian Scholars, upcoming events and more

A3 IN THE NEWS:    New Orleans Public Radio interviews Robert King  II  Albert Woodfox at the University of Chicago  II  NPR Illinois interviews Albert and others at National Book Awards event  II Reading Albert Woodfox's Solitary While Being Detained at Guantanamo  

(PHOTO: Albert Woodfox and Robert King join other supporters of Kenny "Zulu" Whitmore at Zulu's court hearing in Baton Rouge on Nov. 25.  Many of the supporters are Zulu's family members, who traveled from outside of the state. Read more about this inspiring day below. Click on photo for a larger image.)

A3 Newsletter, December 3, 2019: Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020

Winding up a wild year of non-stop, back-to-back events, Albert will be heading to the Making and Unmaking Mass Incarceration Conference in Oxford, Mississippi on Wednesday (see flyer below) and then on to San Francisco where he will be a special guest at the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice Conference on Saturday, December 7.

Above, we have compiled several new interviews with Albert and Robert and a great photo of them with a large group of supporters at Zulu's hearing on November 25th. 

Looks like the beat will go on in 2020. Albert and King are starting out the new year heading to San Francisco for the de Young Museum "Soul of the Nation" exhibit's free public panel discussion on January 11, in conversation with artist and longtime A3 supporter Rigo 23, discussing how art and artists helped create the visibility for the Angola 3 case.  

Wishing all Angola 3 supporters the very best over the holidays and we are all hoping for a much, much better New Year!!
 

(FLYER: Albert Woodfox will be a Keynote Speaker at the Making and Unmaking Mass Incarceration Conference, being held at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi on December 4-6, 2019. Other keynote speakers include Ruth Wilson Gilmore and Robin D.G. Kelley.)

A3 Newsletter: NOLA event with Robert King and Albert Woodfox this Saturday

A3 Newsletter, October 11, 2019:
Honoring Herman Wallace


Herman Wallace died a free man in October of 2013 in spite of all the best efforts of the state of Louisiana to keep him incarcerated till his death. 

The efforts the state took to to re-incarcerate Herman were so extreme that they actually helped make it possible for Albert to be released three years later.  

Herman was without a doubt, the one member of the Angola 3 who had the widest reach in his correspondence and in the projects he inspired, initiated and obsessed over. His letters were frequently the catalyst that added new supporters to his list.  

His indestructible, energetic, good humor and ceaseless organizing for the Angola 3 are missed. Hermanʻs spirit and forceful nature moved mountains in the effort to eliminate solitary. As you will see from the rest of this newsletter, his spirit lives on through the efforts of others today.

NOLA October 1: Solitary Gardens Unveiling with Albert Woodfox and others

RELATED:  Albert Woodfox at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA on October 3

Solitary Gardens Unveiling
Plant the future. Honor the past.

WHEN:​  Saturday, October 1st 5-6:30pm

WHAT: ​ Please join Albert Woodfox, Malik Rahim, Nana Sula, Vaku and jackie sumell for the 3-year commemoration of Herman Wallace’s freedom after 41-years of unjust captivity.
Project unveiling, tree planting ceremony, special guest speakers and presentations.

Never Silenced, Herman Wallace's Spirit is Smiling --An interview with filmmaker Angad Singh Bhalla

Never Silenced, Herman Wallace's Spirit is Smiling  
--An interview with filmmaker Angad Singh Bhalla

By Angola 3 News

Canadian filmmaker Angad Singh Bhalla has never shied away from examining politically controversial topics. Nor does he play down his own artistic goal of using media to foster political change. Bhalla's first independent work, entitled U.A.I.L. Go Back amplified the voices of Indian villagers resisting an alumina project backed by the Canadian company Alcan. The film became an important organizing tool used to pressure Alcan into ending its involvement in the project.

Bhalla has since co-founded Time of Day Media.and while working as a community organizer for immigrant rights, he produced videos for the Service Employees International Union, Working America, the Center for Constitutional Rights and other groups. His award-winning short on the lives of Indian street artists, Writings on the Wall, was broadcast on Canada’s Bravo! and Al Jazeera English.

Bhalla's debut feature documentary was the 2012 film Herman’s House, about Herman Wallace of the Angola 3 and the collaborative project Wallace worked on with artist Jackie Sumell, entitled The House That Herman Built. The film screened at more than 40 festivals, was distributed theatrically in the US and Canada, and won an Emmy Award for its 2013 POV broadcast on PBS.

The newly released, interactive website-based documentary film made by Bhalla, entitled The Deeper They Bury Me: A Call from Herman Wallace, builds upon Herman's House by further examining Herman Wallace's life, following Wallace's death from liver cancer on October 4, 2013, just three days after being released from prison. This latest film has already been well received. Along with a recent screening at the 28th annual International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, The Deeper They Bury Me has also been selected by Favourite Website Awards as the "Site of the Day" for December 14, where it is being displayed on the website's front page for the full day.

In this interview, filmmaker Angad Singh Bhalla discusses his latest film, The Deeper They Bury Me, while also reflecting upon his 2012 film Herman's House, his personal relationship with Wallace and more. Bhalla concludes the interview with a focus on the call by Amnesty International and the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3 for the immediate release of Albert Woodfox, who is the last of the Angola 3 behind bars. Despite three overturned convictions, Woodfox remains in prison and in solitary confinement, where he was first placed over 43 years ago.


(VIDEO: Coverage of the panel discussion following a recent screening of The Deeper They Bury Me at the 53rd New York Film Festival. Photos from this event by Lindsey Seide/NFB are featured below alongside still images taken from the film itself.)

Panthers in the Hole: French Angola 3 Book Illustrates US Prison Crisis --An interview with Nicolas Krameyer of Amnesty International France

(You can buy Panthers in the Hole, the new graphic novel about the Angola 3 here.)

Panthers in the Hole: French Angola 3 Book Illustrates US Prison Crisis

--An interview with Nicolas Krameyer of Amnesty International France

By Angola 3 News

Amnesty International France and La Boîte à Bulles have published a 128-page French language graphic novel entitled Panthers in the Hole. The book's co-authors David Cénou and Bruno Cénou present with visual art what Amnesty France describes as "la tragique histoire des Trois d'Angola" (the tragic story of the Angola 3).

Solitary Confinement Exhibition Plants Seed for Advocacy Among SULC Student Body

Solitary Confinement Exhibition Plants Seed for Advocacy Among SULC Student Body

Written for Angola 3 News by Arisa A. Banks
 
(3L Class Representative; Symposium Editor, Journal of Race, Gender, & Poverty)

The seed for advocacy was planted among the student body stirred by the Solitary Confinement Exhibition, during 2014 Law Week activities at the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A3 Newsletter: Don't Stand Still, Stand Up! (Legal Update, Upcoming Events with Robert King, and Feb. 15 Vigil)

As we begin this month, we've learned the civil case jointly filed by Robert King, Herman Wallace, and Albert Woodfox has been frozen as the State once again appeals a federal decision not in their favor, and we all still anxiously word as to whether Albert's conviction will be vacated once and for all.  On February 19th, Albert turns 67, and the 26th will mark one year since his conviction was overturned for a third time, but somehow, despite decades of struggle and mountains of evidence pointing to innocence, he still shivers in a solitary cell.

Rather than settling in and slowing down to wait out the new delays, we must instead follow Robert and Albert's examples and use this down time to stand up!

"The Year of Justice and Freedom?" A Message to Supporters from Albert Woodfox

(Page one of Albert's letter to supporters)

I would like to take this time to express my profound gratitude to all the wonderful friends, supporters and comrades around the world for your unbelievable solidarity and support!

I'm not sure what the New Year means to you. For me, it's the realization that another year of mental and emotional torture has started! I constantly ask myself, is this the year of justice and freedom? Or just another year of the same?

Is this the year that I lose my battle against constant attacks of claustrophobia, mental and emotional pain and suffering?  Is the year that I run out of creative ways that allow me to ignore time and space, and the weight of the world crushes me, instead of making me stronger?

A Moral Outrage: Albert Woodfox's 41 Years in Solitary Confinement, Despite Three Overturned Convictions --An interview with Rev. Dr. Patricia Bates

Sign the Amnesty Intl. petition for Albert Woodfox!

(PHOTO: On behalf of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Rev. Dr. Patricia Bates speaks in support of Albert Woodfox at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge on October 21, 2013.)

A Moral Outrage: Albert Woodfox's 41 Years in Solitary Confinement, Despite Three Overturned Convictions 
--An interview with Rev. Dr. Patricia Teel Bates

By Angola 3 News

This past Fall, Herman Wallace of the Angola 3 made news headlines around the world when his conviction was overturned and he was dramatically released from prison after 41 years in solitary confinement. At the time of his release on October 1, 2013 he had been fighting terminal liver cancer for several months. Three days later, on Oct. 4, Herman was surrounded by loved ones as he passed on at a friend's house in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As reported by Democracy Now, one of the final things that Herman said was, "I am free. I am free." Twelve years previously in 2001,  after 29 years in solitary confinement, Robert H. King was the first of the Angola 3 to be released. Today, Albert Woodfox remains the sole Angola 3 member still in prison.  Currently housed in solitary confinement and forced to endure routine body cavity searches at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, LA, Albert's conviction has now been overturned three times.

On Oct. 15, Amnesty International declared: "Herman died a free man. Let's help Albert live as one." Amnesty's call to action quoted a message from Herman released during his final few weeks: "I want the world to know that I am an innocent man and that Albert Woodfox is innocent as well...The state may have stolen my life, but my spirit will continue to struggle along with Albert and the many comrades that have joined us along the way here in the belly of the beast."

Albert Woodfox's Hour in the 5th: A reportback on Albert's January 7 oral arguments

MEDIA:  Lauren McGaughy, Times-Picayune  II  Daily Journal / Associated Press  II  UPI

VIEW / DOWNLOAD:  A3 info flyer for Jan. 7  II  Listen to audio from the oral arguments  II  Rev. Patricia Bates / NRCAT statement

(PHOTO: A3 supporters at the Court on Jan. 7)

For those who were unable to attend, Albert's oral argument in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, defending Judge Brady's decision to overturn his conviction for a third time, is now complete (click here to listen).  As expected, the proceedings were brief and rather mystifying.  It was clear that most of the judges had already spent a great deal of time reviewing and considering the case, and were just tying up a few arcane legal loose ends.

On the eve of Albert Woodfox's 5th Circuit oral arguments, Amnesty International demands his immediate release

MEDIA COVERAGE:  Lauren McGaughy, Times-Picayune  II  The Republic / Associated Press

After decades of appeals and counter-appeals, delays and diversions, the 5th Circuit Court will review Judge Brady's decision to overturn Albert's conviction tomorrow. 

Years and years of efforts to bring attention to this case and to see that justice is finally done will culminate in the outcome of this important hearing.

Join Us for Albert Woodfox's Fifth Circuit Court Hearing in New Orleans on Tuesday, January 7th (A3 Newsletter)

Please sign the Amnesty International petition demanding Albert's release!

Over the holiday, we learned that 2014 will begin with the final courtroom chapter of Albert Woodfox's current struggle to finalize Judge Brady's 2013 ruling which overturned his conviction for a third time based on a finding of racial discrimination in the selection of the grand jury foreperson.

Azadeh Zohrabi on CA Hunger Strikers, Solitary Confinement, and Herman Wallace

(Stayed tuned for footage of Robert King, speaking after Zohrabi, and the Q and A session afterwards.) 

Azadeh Zohrabi has almost 10 years of experience visiting and advocating for people in California’s prisons. During this time, she has worked on a range of issues including improving the conditions of confinement for pregnant women and limiting the use of solitary confinement in both juvenile and adult institutions.

A3 Newsletter: Winning in the Court of Public Opinion (w/ info on Nov. 8, SF Robert King event, Albert Woodfox's Nov 13 hearing and more)

COVERAGE OF ALBERT'S HEARING:  Times-Picayune articles by Lauren McGaughy (before and after the hearing) and Jasmine Heiss of Amnesty International

(Outside the Supreme Court in New Orleans)

As the week of Herman's release, reindictment and death clearly illustrated, the most important battle IS in the court of public opinion. We resonated with the words of Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow in response to the Federal Courts reversal of a positive ruling on Stop and Frisk. As with Stop and Frisk, public consensus is key in the struggle to abolish solitary confinement and like Stop and Frisk, public consensus on solitary confinement is shifting in a major way.

Photos from press conference and delivery of petition to free Albert Woodfox, at Louisiana State Capitol, Oct.21

MEDIA COVERAGE:  Times-Picayune  II  The Advocate  II  The Republic / AP  II  KBOO Radio interviews Robert H King

Robert H King speaks outside LA State Capitol

(View more photos below)

Click on image above to read the statement of support from LA State Rep. Patricia Smith

Congressman Cedric Richmond's statement for October 21:

“I am firm in my resolve to continue the fight to address the horrors of long term solitary confinement in a meaningful way. The plight of the Angola 3 has shined a disinfecting light on this terrible, unconstitutional practice of indefinite solitary confinement without meaningful due process reviews. This past summer, I joined the prominent Ranking Members of the Full House Judiciary Committee and relevant subcommittee Ranking Members in asking the Department of Justice to examine the practice in its use in Louisiana jails. We are continuing to monitor the situation and promise all of you assembled today that the sacrifices of the Angola 3 will not be in vain. We will continue to fight to ensure that prisoners are dealt with in a manner that is consistent with the constitution and I am currently exploring transformative legislation on this very topic. I look forward to partnering with you all to ensure that this story is told and will use my position on the House Judiciary Committee to make certain that we serve the interests of justice. Thank you all for your hard work on this issue and please know that my office stands as a resource to those fighting for justice.”

Photos from the second line for Herman Wallace, New Orleans, Oct. 19

View more photos here.

Sign Amnesty Intl Petition to Release Albert Woodfox Immediately; To be hand delivered at Louisiana State Capitol on Oct. 21

Please sign the Amnesty International petition to release Albert Woodfox here!

(FLYER: Join Amnesty and the A3 Coalition on Oct. 19 in New Orleans and Oct. 21 at the Capitol in Baton Rouge)

Amnesty International has launched a new campaign demanding Albert Woodfox's immediate release from prison (featured below), declaring that "Herman died a free man. Let's help Albert live as one." Indeed, it is now its up to us to continue Herman Wallace's fight for justice. We must do everything we can to have Albert released from prison as soon as possible.

We Speak Your Name (A3 Newsletter about Herman Wallace's Memorial Service)

HONORING HERMAN:  Tribute made by US Congressmen Conyers, Richmond, and Scott  II  Mural and Banner in North Carolina  II  Mumia Abu-Jamal's Message for Herman's Memorial (in Spanish)  II  Washington Post  II  New Orleans Public Radio  II  Rev. Mae Elise Cannon, Huffington Post

ON HERMAN'S RELEASE:  Herman's Conviction Overturned and Immediate Release Ordered! (morning of Oct. 1)  II  Judge Jackson Denies State's Request for a Stay and Issues Second Order for Herman's Immediate Release (afternoon of Oct. 1)  II  Free At Last! Herman Has Finally Been Released (evening of Oct. 1)  II  West Feliciana DA Says Herman Has Been Reindicted (Oct. 3)  II 
The "Muhammad Ali of the Criminal Justice System" Passes On (Oct. 4)  II  Turning Grief Into Strength; Oct. 12 Memorial Service in NOLA (Oct. 7)
 

(A3 Coalition Newsletter, Oct. 13, 2013)

Yesterday, Herman Wallace was laid to rest after a memorial service befitting his liberation roots.  New Orleans supporters, friends and family came together to create a magnificent send off for Herman, just the way he wanted it.

Turning Grief Into Strength; Oct. 12 Memorial Service in NOLA

HONORING HERMAN:  Tribute made to by US Congressmen Conyers, Richmond, and Scott  II  Mural and Banner in North Carolina  II  Mumia Abu-Jamal's Message for Herman's Memorial

Herman Wallace, RIP
Sunrise: October 13, 1941
Sunset: October 4, 2013

What an unbelievable, surreal, momentous, and historic week it has been with Herman's amazing release after 42 years, the State's vindictive last ditch attempt of a reindictment, and his passing. This, all in a period of days. His family and friends are still in a whirlwind.

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Demands the Release of Albert Woodfox from Solitary Confinement

MEDIA COVERAGE:  The Advocate  II  Times-Picayune  II  Al Jazeera  II  Washington Post / Associated Press  II  UPI  II  Amnesty International: “We now need to focus on the fact that after all this time Albert Woodfox is still being held in solitary confinement. This must end immediately.”

Reprinted below is a new statement released today by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, demanding Albert Woodfox's immediate released from solitary confinement.
 US: “Four decades in solitary confinement can only be described as torture” – UN rights expert

GENEVA (7 October 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Juan E. Méndez, today called on the United States to immediately end the indefinite solitary confinement imposed on Albert Woodfox since 1972.