John,
May 4th, 2021, marked 48 years of tortured incarceration for former Black Panther and now elder Sundiata Acoli.
To those that know him well, Sundiata is an educator, mathematician, poet, profound visual artist, mentor, and grandfather. On January 14th of this year,
he spent his 84th birthday in a prison cell making it his 17,664th day in prison.
The
Bring Sundiata Acoli Home Alliance (BSAHA), is committed to utilizing this moment to bring Sundiata home this year. Sundiata, like so many of our elders in prisons across the county, face significant health challenges. He currently suffers from early-stage dementia, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, emphysema, lingering symptoms from COVID-19 and glaucoma.
As he continues to battle the threatening prison conditions, his life and health are in jeopardy. His health is deteriorating in his late stage of life and we are working every day to bring him home.
As our campaign continues to gain momentum, we invite you to join us TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. ET for an evening of inspirational conversation, culture and commitment. Hosted by award-winning director, screenwriter, and producer, Shaka King, we will be raising funds to ramp up the work to #BringSundiataHome. Sign up for tonight’s (virtual) event now >>
In 1973, Sundiata Acoli was convicted of the death of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerester, and was sentenced to life. Such a verdict in New Jersey means that he was eligible, by law, for parole after serving twenty-five years.
Despite his exemplary record and his repeated expressions of remorse,
the parole board continues to deny him release. Among the community leaders, coalitions, and organizations that support his release are the National Blacks in Policing Association, the New Jersey Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Friends Service Committee and the Center for Constitutional Rights.
All of them know what we know: Sundiata
must be released.
The work to secure the release of our movement leaders from prison is a daunting and heavy lift, but recent victories prove it is not only possible but probable. The possible becomes probable, and the probable becomes assured when our campaigns are resourced.
We have done what many have called impossible before and we will surely do it again. We invite you to be a part of history and join the movement to Bring Sundiata Home by participating in our virtual fundraiser THIS EVENING at 6 pm ET and contributing to the campaign.
We know we will bring him home with your support and partnership, John.
Can’t make the event tonight? No worries! You can still support efforts to Bring Sundiata Home by donating. Their goal is $300,000 by the end of 2021.
Online, tax-deductible donations can be made here. (Please check “Sundiata Acoli Campaign” in the “What is your donation towards?” section)
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us,
Bring Sundiata Acoli Home Alliance
Lumumba Bandele
