Author Archives: Family and Friends

Healing & Justice: A Fundraiser feat. Holistic Treatments – Philadelphia, PA (Dec 7th, 2019)

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We are pleased to announce the first Philadelphia-based Healing & Justice benefit event: a day of rejuvenation and inspiration in honor of Dr. Mutulu Shakur!

Saturday, December 7th  –  1-6pm

Six Fishes Neighborhood Acupuncture  –  2308 Grays Ferry Ave

Book an appointment for acupuncture, massage or an herbal consultation for yourself or as a gift for someone who deserves it. Through his revolutionary work with Lincoln Detox, Black Acupuncture Advisory Association of North America and the Harlem Institute of Acupuncture, Dr. Shakur utilized acupuncture to not only heal but also empower. In honor of this legacy, licensed acupuncturists, massage therapists and herbalists will come together at Six Fishes Neighborhood Acupuncture to provide care for sliding scale donations of $25- $50 (cash preferred).

This event is hosted by Philly ABC and donations support Dr. Shakur’s legal defense, commissary essentials, and projects promoting justice for the Black community. In solidarity with long-term political prisoner from Philadelphia who is battling cancer, Russell Maroon Shoatz, a portion of proceeds from the event will go to his support fund.

Since space is limited, use the form below to schedule an appointment:

Thank you for supporting this fundraiser for Dr. Mutulu Shakur by requesting an appointment, and we will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your appointment! Acupuncture is provided by Vito Leva (Acupuncture off Broad) and Margie Navarro (Vivacity Acupuncture), bodywork by Lore Elizabeth, massage by Dro and herbal consultations and onsite remedies by Feonix Rose and Kenton Cobb.

As of December 6th, we are no longer taking appointments for this event but walk-ins are welcome on a first come basis!

 

The Social Justice Collaboration Quilts Project Gallery Showing – Newark, NJ (October 5th-November 22nd, 2019)

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Curated by Maureen Kelleher

October 5th – November 22nd, 2019
Opening Reception – October 5th 7-10pm
Gallery Aferro

73 Market Street, Newark, NJ

Wednesday – Saturday 12-6pm and by appointment

Participating Artists:

Etienne
Maureen Kelleher
Kenya
Ramsey Orta
Dr. Mutulu Shakur
Sharif
Teresa
Zulu

 

An exhibition can act as an undeniable clarion call to the world and all who wish to see it transformed for the better. The Social Justice Collaboration Quilts Project featuring the Quilts of Angola Prison is such an exhibition. A loving, compelling collaboration of creativity, the exhibit features the work of free persons and lifers of the infamous Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as Angola Prison.

Artist and private investigator Maureen Kelleher has curated an ongoing collaboration between individuals incarcerated  at Louisiana State Penitentiary and elsewhere, alongside free civilians, utilizes handmade quilts, musical accompaniment, and experiential narratives to connect two worlds.

Kelleher’s skills have been instrumental in helping exonerate 3 men off Louisiana’s death row, in addition to assisting the renowned justice reform organization, The Innocence Project, on a non-DNA case to aid in the release of an innocent man with a life sentence. She has crafted a showcase that includes music from artists such as Irma Thomas, Delfeayo Marsalis, Cat Power, and the Venerable Robina Courtin, with endorsements from Harriet Tubman scholar Dr. Kate Clifford-Larson and others. The original fabric art created by the hands of inspiring artists, including members of the Louisiana State Penitentiary Hospice Program; Dr. Mutulu Shakur, the stepfather of Tupac Shakur; and Ramsey Orta, the man who recorded the death of Eric Garner, will grace Aferro’s Main Gallery, creating an immersive environment for affirming our collective humanity.

May 2019 Letter to Supporters

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I would like to thank you for the support. I received your letters/cards, and they are greatly appreciated. So many of you know my methods of communication leave a lot to be desired, but my desire is to assure you that your letters and questions in relation to the issues we are all concerned with are important to me. It fuels my fire to move forward and not give up.

I would like to say that many of your questions I tried to answer over the years in various forms of interviews, commentary, while also giving a historical analysis. In the event that you don’t have knowledge of these platforms where you can find needed information in relation to me or answers to some of the questions you may have, you can find them on my website: Mutulushakur.com, Facebook group: “FREE Mutulu Shakur,” or Instagram & Twitter: @FreeDrMShakur. Though I am not the direct administrator over those platforms, it is my understanding that the information provided is usually accurate while every detail may not be available and every detail did not come directly from “the horse’s mouth.” If you need more please ask, and I do appreciate those platforms’ efforts to support.

The last time we spoke, I informed you we were preparing for the filing of my Federal complaint, which unfortunately was not successful. At this point, Judge Wilson’s court order– after denying an oral argument– stated the following; “Circuit case law supports the conclusion that plaintiff’s claims can be made in a section 2241 petition, even though a favorable resolution of the claims might not necessarily lead to speedier release. Third, plaintiff has not identified any alternative vehicle to section 2241 for seeking relief. The court thus dismisses plaintiff’s claims and suggests that plaintiff for a writ of habeas corpus.” We will now be appealing this decision and filing a Habeas Corpus.

It seems to me that the new, recently-elected women of the 2019 Congress are demonstrating political back bone. In an entrenched chamber, their unwarranted targeting for exposing obvious contradictions in Congress requires civic and political awareness by our young women– and men, they will need your support and your critical analysis to give them courage and create political space and capital. That will allow them to continue to confront the abuse of power and the exercise of Congressional favoritism, and give them space for their creative policies.

It is evident that from many sacrifices and consistent challenges to racially disparaging laws, targeting Black and Brown people involved in the underground economy of drugs and opioids keeping them victims trapped in a cycle of economic despair, that the Crack law was unjust, legally indefensible, and contempt to the US constitution. Because of this awareness, we have seen limited, but real, relief coming from the courts: Senator Corey Booker, Van Jones, Jared Kushner and Trump’s First Step Act Bill has resulted in many people getting relief of their sentence. Yes, there is serious criticism that can be leveled, but after spending almost 40 years in prison, to see men and women going home in a correction of a wrong is encouraging and important.

Do not think for a moment that the exposure of the Crack law will discourage those who are hell-bent on creating laws specifically to affect the underclass, Black and Brown of the Nation. There is a statute in the law, titled ” 924(c)” (the use or carry of a firearm in the midst of a drug trafficking or violent crime), that is not similarly applied to violators in the areas of the NRA political strongholds. Research from the community and surveys will determine that this has replaced the new Crack laws in targeting the underserved, and compounding by stacking mandatory terms of 25-year sentences. It is not uncommon to see young men and women with little to no criminal history being subject to hundreds of years in prison due to this statute. Due to the realization and correction of the law, it has been repealed, but still thousands of the initial victims of the law languish in prison because the law was not made retroactive. Here we go again with the same pattern of delay in ruling to determine whether it will become applicable to all the victims of the law, like the Crack law. This cup is not half full. It is said, ‘take no easy victories, the victory must be earned and the task understood.’

The “Redemption Project” creates public awareness and speaks to the necessity of a process for alternative conflict resolution, and, similar to Margaret Burnham’s “Restorative Justice Project,” is another step towards the road to alternative dispute mechanisms while we’re searching for needed healing. These dispute mechanisms have been implemented all over the world to heal our eternal pain of violence and horizontal aggression that we have inflicted on each other, and have been the target of. To understand and heal our souls requires various forms of Truth and Reconciliation, restorative justice and redemption. Paul said, “Try them all.”  Do not underestimate our ability to confront our pain and criticism for the purposes of healing. We must have faith that we can heal, and healing is a process that requires creativity and endurance. There can be no recompence to personal suffering and pain of innocence, but that is the caveat of Redemption and Reconciliation. If a comprehensive approach is found, it can stop there. If you let vengeance stop you from saving a life, the grief will stay with you for life; we must heal. The Redemption Project speaks to real pain caused by historical events, and it requires both that circumstances be properly analyzed and forms of reparations to be addressed. Such as could be done with the COINTELPRO, church bombings, voting rights in souther states, etc. so that those victims may feel inclusive in their process to democracy.

This last summer the FBI identified “Black Identity groups” for domestic surveillance, with no plausible rationale that could be explained but the obvious,  by then, Attorney General Burger session. If history has taught us anything, this will lead into another period of abuse of power and criminalization of thought. This would create another class of abused people detracting from hopes and aspirations for their race. To ensure some safeguards and not to be a fortune teller, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to monitor and provide a platform that abuses of such power will be addressed could be developed. This would naturally reach a reconciliation phase such as was done in Ireland, Argentina, Uganda, and South Africa. These three steps of creative, objective conflict resolution processes as a dispute mechanism may lead to healing.

There will be a documentary coming out soon this year, on Lincoln Detox Acupuncture drug unit history. That will explain important history about acupuncture and my involvement. I know a lot of you ask me many questions based on this topic, and have lots of interest as well. I believe this documentary will answer a lot of your questions. Please support this project, and stayed tuned for its release.

The painful loss of Nipsey Hussle seems to have snatched hopes and possibility from us all, and yes it always seems there’s something like that. Our loss of my son Tupac, as well as Biggie, reminds us of this type of despair. Do not despair; it is now time to struggle for reconciliation and alternative resolution inside of our community. The only way to end grief is to save a life. Critique, heal and create, so that we can rebuild. Pain will almost always be there, but as my son said, “how long will you mourn me?” More importantly, what will you do to memorialize them? I send my love and respect from the Shakur family to Nipsey’s family. The royalties of the ceremony was unforgettable, and we thank you. Well done to the Red and Blue; they honored his purpose on this plane with their unity. RIP Nipsey… they’re working on it.

The struggle is always for freedom
Long live the independent schools of our community
Dr. Mutulu Shakur

Mother’s Day 2019

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This is to all the women in my life, with Love and Respect
D.P.

Respect is not just a courtesy, it’s an indication of one’s character and a basic indicator of one’s convictions.


I honor you all with this Mother’s day thought, so that I remind myself of who we are and where we come from– a foundation determined by the various women in my life that loved and shaped me, and tried, not knowing my future, to prepare me for all eventualities. So it is said, “In honor of our Women, all Women should be Respected. That would be a reflection of who we are and the depth of our dignity.”

We Love and Honor our women. They hold up the sky.

Still fighting for freedom,
Dr. Mutulu Shakur

January 2019 Update from Dr. Shakur

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January, 2019

Firstly, I wish you all the very best of holidays in which you celebrate. I have been remiss by not sending out a strong Kwanzaa recognition and new years greeting. I want to acknowledge receipt of your letters, cards, and concerns. I’m humbled by your continued efforts that acknowledge my circumstances year after year. You have been steadfast since our introduction providing me with encouragement, inspiration and determination for which I’m grateful. Let me assure you that I still have gas in the tank to see this through to the end, hoping to demonstrate the morals and principles that your support demands.

I have had my head down preparing for and attending a parole hearing, which was denied again for 6th time. My attorneys have filed a Complaint in Federal Court in Los Angeles against the Federal Parole Commission for violating my rights and refusing to release me at my maximum out date. Arguments will be held in Federal Court in Los Angeles February 11, 2019.

The stages available that remain post-litigation are, Clemency, release on Parole, and termination of the sentence. I and others I am incarcerated with have begun to develop research on the treatment of “old law prisoners” by the Parole Commission using new law guidelines. We will further our research to determine if this can be litigated.

I understand that some Federal prisoners will be impacted by the “First Step Act” due to the nature of the bill. However, by drawing the line between violent and non-violent prisoners based on their convictions and the long list of exclusions, none of us whose charges are related to the “Old Law” status from the Civil Rights era will be affected. There are hundreds of prisoners still incarcerated in Federal Prison since 1987– Thirty-Two years and counting. Our search for a judicial level playing field still goes on against their tendency to abuse.

Over the past year, I have watched how celebrities have become involved in the just release of individual prisoners. It helps stimulate changes in the culture to become more socially responsible, and there has been a recognition of the excesses of Mass Incarceration. We cannot deny that Meek Mill’s freedom from gross injustice, advocated by a cross-section of celebrities, activists and fans has made the collective consciousness a trending topic.

It would be unprincipled to not acknowledge Kim Kardashian’s persistent, specific advocacy for justice for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson, Ms. Cyntoia Brown, and Matthew Charles, who were prisoners not known by mainstream media. In fact, they were of the have-nots, and there was no other mainstream attention on their cases. The freedom of these individuals is a great thing. But it was not these celebrities that helped to free the political prisoners. We are happy that the 40-year journey to freedom has arrived for Mike Africa, Debbie Africa as well as Herman Bell, and Seth Hayes, after four long decades plus.

I do not underestimate the long consistent work by supporters and advocates who have carried the burden of exposing and advocating for this class of prisoners. I give them the utmost respect and pay homage, for without them the light would have been long burned out on our conditions. For that continued support, I thank all of you.

The grassroots activists should know that I am indebted to and understand what these years of sacrifices have meant to your own personal lives. After 40 years, the impact is unimaginable. I am honored that you have held me and all of us in your hearts; Thank you.

It’s is certain that my family continues to suffer and sometimes has questioned the lack of my presence in their lives, or rather the extent of it. I am terribly aware of my shifting status. I am holding on for engagement upon release, I love them all dearly, and am emboldened by the love they give me.

So here we are, another year later, celebrating the victories of 2018 for prisoners, with a long road still to go stimulated by willingness and demands to continue to learn. THANKFUL, and ENCOURAGE are the only words that fit for this new year’s resolution. I’m smiling at this stage in my life recognizing my many faults and errors. I hope that my growth has been recognized; it’s so good to know that you can still learn at this age!

Even when the road is hard
keep your head up -Tupac Shakur

_______________________
Dr. Mutulu Shakur

2018 Interview about Acupuncture & The Opioid Crisis

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The opioid crisis is a hot topic this year, and a recent article in The Atlantic mentions Dr. Shakur as one of the figures who brought acupuncture treatment into the mainstream particularly as a method of detoxification from drug use. Despite conducting an 11-question written interview, the article did not feature any of his own words, and inaccurately states the reason for his incarceration. In an effort to add to what little accurate information is publicly available about the highly influential Lincoln Detox program, we are posting his full response to the questions raised by the interviewer.

1. How did you first become involved with Lincoln Detox? Who did you know who already worked there? Why did you decide to apply for a job, and why do you think they opted to hire you?

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Back by Popular Demand: ‘The People’s Detox’ at Spectacle in Brooklyn

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The October 23rd screening of the film ‘The People’s Detox’ was such a success that they have added four showings in November:

THE PEOPLE’S DETOX
Dir. Jenna Bliss, 2018
NYC. 56 mins.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 – 7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 – 7:30 PM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 – 7:30 PM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 – 7:30 PM

ONLINE TIX
FB EVENT

**PRESENTATION FROM NYC DSA OOPP (OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION PROGRAM) AFTER ALL SCREENINGS. A PORTION OF TICKET SALES GOES TO SUPPORT THEIR WORK, AND A PORTION TO MUTULU SHAKUR’S NEW LAWSUIT AGAINST THE BUREAU OF PRISONS AND THE PAROLE BOARD.**

THE PEOPLE’S DETOX is a contemplative look at how the history of a revolutionary drug clinic reverberates through to contemporary notions of health and care. In November 1970, Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx was taken over through the collective organizing of local heroin addicts, revolutionary health organizations, the Young Lords, members of the Black Panther Party as well as other organizations. Through political education, the clinic examined the role of global politics in the influx of heroin into urban centers as well as the economic incentives of the established protocols for drug treatment. With the introduction of acupuncture as an aid in detoxification, eventually replacing pharmaceutical treatments, it was not only the the walls of the hospital that were breached but the very apparatus of addiction and recovery.

JENNA BLISS (b. 1984 Yonkers, NY) is an artist and filmmaker. Previous films include POISON THE CURE (2017) and two video series, DAY ONE (2017) and LETTERS (2013).

NYC DSA OOPP (THE NYC DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION PROGRAM) dispenses naloxone to people and communities who experience high risk of overdose. We seek to work on the front lines of the overdose crisis, and to educate people who use drugs as well as the general public about the structural nature of addiction. Overdose reversal is an immediate emergency measure, but we recognize that the problem is structural, and requires structural solutions. Along with harm-reducing measures like needle exchanges and safe injection facilities, we demand healthcare without a profit motive, patient involvement in their own care, as well as decriminalization, total decarceration, safe housing, education, and healthy food as fundamental rights, and an end to segregation, deprivation, and dispossession, to poverty and the wage system. We recognize that capitalism itself is the fundamental cause, the vector of disease. The same brutal system that requires and feeds on extraction, marginalization, racialization, and oppression to uplift a wealthy few creates the conditions for disease among the people. capitalism is the disease vector–socialism is the means for the cure.

Tuesday, Oct 23rd in Brooklyn: ‘The People’s Detox’ Film Showing

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Family and Friends of Mutulu Shakur is happy to announce an upcoming showing of a film documenting the inspiring history of Lincoln Detox, one of the community-based acupuncture programs that Dr. Shakur co-founded.

THE PEOPLE’S DETOX
Dir. Jenna Bliss, 2018
NYC. 56 mins.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – 7:30 PM at Spectacle Theatre
124 S. 3rd Street, Williamsburg Brooklyn

ONE NIGHT ONLY! FILMMAKER IN PERSON!
This event is $10.

ONLINE TICKETS HERE

THE PEOPLE’S DETOX is a contemplative look at how the history of a revolutionary drug clinic reverberates through to contemporary notions of health and care. In November 1970, Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx was taken over through the collective organizing of local heroin addicts, revolutionary health organizations, the Young Lords, members of the Black Panther Party as well as other organizations. Through political education, the clinic examined the role of global politics in the influx of heroin into urban centers as well as the economic incentives of the established protocols for drug treatment. With the introduction of acupuncture as an aid in detoxification, eventually replacing pharmaceutical treatments, it was not only the the walls of the hospital that were breached but the very apparatus of addiction and recovery.

JENNA BLISS (b. 1984 Yonkers, NY) is an artist and filmmaker. Previous films include POISON THE CURE (2017) and two video series, DAY ONE (2017) and LETTERS (2013).

Federal Lawsuit Against the Parole Commission and Bureau of Prisons

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MUTULU FILES FEDERAL COURT CASE CHALLENGING THE GOVERNMENT’S INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF U.S. LAW BY THE U.S. PAROLE COMMISSION

Shakur v. David Shinn et al.

 

On August 21, 2018, in response to his repeated denial of parole, Mutulu Shakur, represented by the Los Angeles-based Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, the National Conference of Black Lawyers, the National Bar Association, and the Post-Conviction Justice Program, filed a legal challenge in Federal District Court alleging that the U.S. Parole Commission violated its regulations in adjudicating his case and that Parole Commission’s regulations as written violate the federal law as enacted by Congress dealing with release on parole. The complaint (available through this link) alleges:

  1. The Parole Commission routinely in all “old prisoner” cases misinterprets the parole law in the Parole Commission and Reorganization Act (18 U.S.C. § 4206(D) as interpreted in 28 C.F.R. § 2.53 making what Congress called a more “liberal” route to release into a far more difficult and often impossible route to release.
  2. The Parole Commission routinely denies release because it finds that the prisoner has “frequently” or “seriously” violated prison rules during thirty or more years of incarceration, but has failed to issue standards defining how these terms will be applied consistently in all cases.
  3. The Parole Commission concluded, without reference to any supporting evidence and in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence, that even though Mutulu Shakur has accepted responsibility for the crimes of which he was convicted, his acceptance is somehow not sincere. No evidence supports this conclusion. The Deputy Warden provided the Commission with a letter saying in essence that Mutulu Shakur is rehabilitated and will not reoffend if released on parole.
  4. In violation of its regulations, the Parole Commission in Mutulu Shakur’s case and likely in many other cases relied on allegedly adverse factors not relied upon by the Commission in previous parole hearings.
  5. The Parole Commission erroneously concluded Dr. Shakur is likely to reoffend if released because in the past he has referred to himself as a “victim” of the FBI’s COINTELPRO program. The federal court that convicted Shakur clearly and on the record found that he was a victim of COINTELPRO. The Commission is overworked and obviously was not familiar with the record.
  6. The Parole Commission, which released the prisoner who attempted to kill President Ford even though she escaped from custody while serving her sentence, concluded that a 30-year old positive urine test was a “serious” rule violation barring Mutulu Shakur’s release on parole.

 

In response to the Complaint, on September 17, 2018 the Parole Commission and Bureau of Prisons each submitted separate motions to dismiss. You can read the full motions through the links below:

US Parole Commission

Bureau of Prisons

 

Background

Having served over thirty years of his federal sentence, Mutulu Shakur became eligible for release on “mandatory parole” on February 10, 2016. Rather than release Dr. Shakur in February 2016, the U.S. Parole Commission (“Commission”) scheduled a hearing to determine whether to parole Dr. Shakur on April 7, 2016.

 

After the April 2016 hearing, the Commission denied Mutulu mandatory parole, finding his 1990 positive drug test and four minor phone-related infractions over 30 years of incarceration to be “serious” and “frequent” institutional violations. The Commission further found a likelihood he would commit future crimes upon release based on his absolutely non-violent political beliefs and use of the term “stiff resistance” to occasionally sign correspondence. A copy of their Notice of Action is available here. Dr. Shakur has not had a single rule violation during thirty years of incarceration involving violence or the threat of violence, he has an excellent prison record according to Bureau of Prison’s (“BOP”) staff, and has for decades renounced the kind of criminal conduct he was engaged in more than thirty years ago to further political ends. He has consistently expressed support for peaceful and lawful steps to address issues of social justice.

 

The Commission scheduled Mutulu for a new parole hearing on May 3, 2018. At that hearing, various BOP officials testified in essence that Dr. Shakur has been cooperative with staff in every way and has had no rule violations since a 2014 telephone violation. Despite this, in a Notice of Action dated May 25, 2018 (available at this link), the Commission denied Mr. Shakur parole stating that “the Commission continues to find that, for the same reasons as stated in the 2016 Notice of Action, that he had “seriously violated the rules of the institution and that there is a reasonable probability that you will [if released] commit Federal, State, or Local crime.”

 

On June 25, 2018, Mutulu submitted a timely Petition for Reconsideration of the new denial of parole. However, on July 25, 2018, the National Appeals Board (aka the Commission) rejected the Petition in all respects and reaffirmed the Commission’s initial April 2018 Notice of Action.

 

Based on this repeated, arbitrary treatment, Counsel for Dr. Shakur filed the aforementioned complaint on his behalf on August 21, 2018.

 

Case Documents:

How the Young Lords Took Lincoln Hospital, Left a Health Activism Legacy

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by Sessi Kuwabara Blanchard on filtermag.org

“They just took over the Nurses’ Residence at Lincoln Hospital,” says Walter Bosque, an acupuncturist and community organizer. His salt-and-pepper eyebrows are an archive.

I sat down with Bosque at the New York City Botanical Garden cafe on a brisk fall afternoon to discuss his involvement in the radical health activism of a fabled group in the history of grassroots organizing: the Young Lords.

The Puerto Rican liberation organization–founded in Chicago in 1968 and pollinated to New York in 1969–kicked off its activism around issues like failing garbage collection services, infrastructure laced with lead paint, and lethal medical services. In ‘69 and ‘70, the Lords took direct action with the Black Panthers and other allies against derelict facilities and care deficits at Lincoln Hospital–known locally as the “Butcher Shop.” It was the only medical facility in the majority Black and Latinx South Bronx.

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