Friends,
On June 22nd 2000 the only crime committed was the state-sanctioned killing of a courageous brother, Shaka Sankofa, "Gary Graham."
Yet, this being Texas, the Walker County, District Attorney, David P. Weeks, would have you believe that to be in opposition to such killing is criminal. And that, as such, it will cost you $2000.00 in penalties and 180 days in jail to speak your mind. January 10th 2001 will mark the next court date for seven of the eight individual who still face charges stemming from the arrests for protesting against the State of Texas taking the life of Shaka Sankofa. The Huntsville8 Defense Committee asks you for your assistance in creating a strong unified voice against the Texas (In)Justice System and its railroading, sentencing to death and executing of so many individuals like Brother Shaka.
On June 22nd 2000 the actions taken by the Huntsville 8 were carried out at the hour Shaka Sankofa was to be killed by the State. News and media all over the country reported, "The protesters stormed the barricades." Television coverage showed the arrested being dragged away as they shouted, "Stop the legal lynching of Shaka Sankofa!" The actions by a diverse group of individuals were an appropriate means of demonstration given the Texas (In)Justice Systemís absolute disregard for inadequate legal representation and two witnesses who stated Shaka was not the man who committed the crime for which he was about to die.
As January 10th comes closer, it is apparent that District Attorney Weeks must hear from those who will not allow the State of Texas to suppress dissent. WE MUST DEMAND THAT ALL CHARGES AGAINST THE HUNTSVILLE 8 BE DROPPED IMMEDIATELY.
Between January 1st and 10th 2001 The Huntsville 8 Defense Committee is asking for 1000 individuals to write and/or fax Walker County District Attorney, David P. Weeks, and presiding Judge Barbara Hale. Let them each know in no uncertain terms that the charges against the HUNTSVILLE 8 must be dropped immediately.
ADDRESSES & PHONE NUMBERS
Walker County District Attorney David P. Weeks,
phone: (936) 435-2441, fax: 936-435-2449,
address: 1036 11th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340
Judge Barbara Hale,
phone: (936) 436-4900, fax: (936) 436-4920,
address: 1100 University Avenue, Suite 101, Huntsville, TX 77340
Please feel free to copy, paste and print the following sample letters into your text-editing program (e.g., Word Perfect or Microsoft Word) to use as a base for your letter. We encourage you to alter it, and even to write your own. Individually written letters have the greatest impact. And, please forward this email notice to all corners of the Earth. Thank you and long live the revolutionary spirit of Shaka Sankofa
Be Well,
Huntsville 8 Defense Committee
5380 W. 34th Street # 386
Houston, TX 77092
281-587-6805
huntsville8@hotmail.com
______________________
Sample Letter to Walker County District Attorney, David P. Weeks
January 2, 2001
David P. Weeks
Walker County District Attorney
1036 11th Street,
Huntsville, TX 77340
Dear Mr. Weeks,
I am writing to urge you to drop all charges against the HUNTSVILLE 8 immediately. This case regards the eight individuals who were arrested in Huntsville, Texas while protesting the killing of Shaka Sankofa, "Gary Graham," by the State of Texas, on June 22, 2000. It has come to my attention that Walker County is moving forward with the prosecution of the HUNTSVILLE 8 on charges of Criminal Trespassing, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2000.00 fine.
The fact that the State is going ahead with the prosecution of the HUNTSVILLE 8 is simply another example of the suppression of dissent against the death penalty and the injustice of the system, in an attempt to cover the true crime of June 22, 2000, the killing of Shaka Sankofa.
I call upon you to drop all charges against the HUNTSVILLE 8 immediately.
Sincerely,
______________________
Sample Letter to the Honorable Judge Barbara Hale, Walker County
January 2, 2001
Judge Barbara Hale
Walker County
1100 University Avenue
Suite 101
Huntsville, TX 77340
Dear Judge Hale,
I am writing to urge you to dismiss all charges against the HUNTSVILLE 8 immediately. This case regards the eight individuals who were arrested in Huntsville, Texas while protesting the killing of Shaka Sankofa, "Gary Graham," by the State of Texas, on June 22, 2000. It has come to my attention that Walker County is moving forward with the prosecution of the HUNTSVILLE 8 on charges of Criminal Trespassing, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2000.00 fine.
The fact that the State is going ahead with the prosecution of the HUNTSVILLE 8 is simply another example of the suppression of dissent against the death penalty and the injustice of the system, in an attempt to cover the true crime of June 22, 2000, the killing of Shaka Sankofa.
I call upon you dismiss all charges against the HUNTSVILLE 8 immediately.
Sincerely,
______________________
[posted 1/3/01]
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