Please endorse this Huntsville 8 Support Statement
Keep the Spirit of Shaka Sankofa Alive. Expose the Texas Death Machine by endorsing this statement.
We, the undersigned, demand justice for the Huntsville 8, who were arrested for protesting the execution of Shaka Sankofa, formerly known as Gary Graham, on June 22, 2000. The State of Texas committed the only real crime that day when it murdered a man in cold blood for a crime he did not commit. All charges against the Huntsville 8 should be dropped immediately.
The barriers of protest established by prison officials on June 22 were broken down when the Huntsville 8 committed non-violent civil disobedience. This protest action gave voice to the frustration and outrage felt by so many people when faced with the execution of an innocent person. Now, the prosecution of these committed activists appears designed to suppress future expressions of dissent against the death penalty and the system of injustice that supports it.
Almost 250 men and women have been executed in Texas since the death penalty was resumed by the state in 1982. Despite studies that have shown that the criminal justice system is flawed and biased against the poor and people of color, the power structure of the state continues its sinister drive to execute more prisoners, more quickly, and with no mercy. The actions of the Huntsville 8 on June 22 attempted to disrupt the State's horrific process of pre-meditated murder.
Considering the outrageous crime being carried out that day by the State of Texas, these actions were entirely appropriate and should be upheld. Thus, in the spirit of ending the death penalty, we, the undersigned, call for all charges against these activists, the Huntsville 8, to be dropped immediately.
Long Live The Spirit Of Shaka Sankofa!
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Check one: ( ___ organizational endorsement or ___ individual endorsement)
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Suggested Individual Donation - $25.00 Suggested Organizational Donation - $100.00
The above statement is being circulated nationally and internationally to give voice to the growing support for the Huntsville 8. The Huntsville 8 Defense Committee recognizes that the publication of this statement will be made possible only through financial donations by individuals and organizations. Our goal is to print this in a major publication by June 22, the anniversary of the execution of Shaka Sankofa. You can help by circulating this far and wide!
Please print, sign, and mail this with your contribution:
Huntsville 8 Defense Committee
5380 W. 34th St., #386
Houston, Texas 77092
Phone: 281-587-6805
E-mail: Huntsville8@hotmail.com
You may fax endorsements to 713-942-8146 c/o ACLU, Attn. Huntsville 8, but please mail contributions.
[posted 8/17/01]
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