JR Interviews Producers of Mumia, Long Distance Revolutionary
Mumia, the long distance revolutionary: an interview wit’ documenta...
September 28, 2012
Don’t miss the world premiere of ‘Long Distance Revolutionary’ at
the Mill Valley Film Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6, 12 noon, at the
Rafael Film Center in San Rafael; get your tickets before they sell out,
at www.mvff.com/buy-tickets or (877) 874-6833
by People’s Minister of Information JR
This photo was taken at the State Correctional Institution at
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, in 1991 by Lou Jones. It is featured in Lou's
book, “Final Exposure: Portraits from Death Row,” and in the new
documentary, “Long Distance Revolutionary.” – Photo: ©Lou Jones
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, in 1991 by Lou Jones. It is featured in Lou's
book, “Final Exposure: Portraits from Death Row,” and in the new
documentary, “Long Distance Revolutionary.” – Photo: ©Lou Jones
“Long Distance Revolutionary,” the new documentary about political
prisoner and prolific writer Mumia Abu Jamal, will have its
international premiere in the Bay Area on Oct. 6 and 8 at the Mill
Valley Film Festival. There have been a number of documentaries done
about the case of Mumia Abu Jamal, but this one puts his life at the
center of the discussion.
Dick Gregory, Ramona Africa, Linn Washington, Johanna Fernandez,
Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander, M1 of dead prez, KPFA’s Greg Bridges
and Michael Parenti are just a few of the many people who critique the
often controversial commentaries and writings of former Black Panther
and human rights activist Mumia Abu Jamal in this monumental cinematic
feat. This is a film that you must see if you are trying to understand
the political science that governs 21st century Amerikkka the ugly.
Check out the words of producers Stephen Vittoria and Noelle Hanrahan …
Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander, M1 of dead prez, KPFA’s Greg Bridges
and Michael Parenti are just a few of the many people who critique the
often controversial commentaries and writings of former Black Panther
and human rights activist Mumia Abu Jamal in this monumental cinematic
feat. This is a film that you must see if you are trying to understand
the political science that governs 21st century Amerikkka the ugly.
Check out the words of producers Stephen Vittoria and Noelle Hanrahan …
M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us a little bit about your
documentary on the life of political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal? What is
the name of it and what makes it different from all of the other Mumia
documentaries?
documentary on the life of political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal? What is
the name of it and what makes it different from all of the other Mumia
documentaries?
SV: Unlike any other film, book or article produced
about Mumia’s struggle, “Long Distance Revolutionary” focuses on his
dramatic life as a writer, journalist and, above all, as a revolutionary
from Pennsylvania’s Death Row. In the film, Rubin Hurricane Carter
states that “Mumia is one of the lost souls of the revolution” – and I
think that encapsulates Mumia best.
about Mumia’s struggle, “Long Distance Revolutionary” focuses on his
dramatic life as a writer, journalist and, above all, as a revolutionary
from Pennsylvania’s Death Row. In the film, Rubin Hurricane Carter
states that “Mumia is one of the lost souls of the revolution” – and I
think that encapsulates Mumia best.
While almost every soul of that historic revolution has sold out,
compromised, thrown in the towel or became a ratfink, Mumia – under
harsh and inhuman conditions – has continued the battle for freedom,
justice and the un-American way. In fact, there’s no doubt in our minds,
and in Mumia’s mind, that this film is the definitive look at his life.
compromised, thrown in the towel or became a ratfink, Mumia – under
harsh and inhuman conditions – has continued the battle for freedom,
justice and the un-American way. In fact, there’s no doubt in our minds,
and in Mumia’s mind, that this film is the definitive look at his life.
During the production process over the past three years, Mumia’s help
with regard to research, recording or re-recording interviews and
commentaries was invaluable. Ultimately, the film is about one man’s
courageous fight against state repression as well as overt and systemic
racism. It is a story of redemption.
with regard to research, recording or re-recording interviews and
commentaries was invaluable. Ultimately, the film is about one man’s
courageous fight against state repression as well as overt and systemic
racism. It is a story of redemption.
While
almost every soul of that historic revolution has sold out,
compromised, thrown in the towel or became a ratfink, Mumia – under
harsh and inhuman conditions – has continued the battle for freedom,
justice and the un-American way.
NH: “Long Distance Revolutionary: A Journey with
Mumia Abu-Jamal” tells the story behind the question: Why is Mumia
Abu-Jamal the most famous political prisoner in the world? The film
explores the genesis of his creative and legendary journalistic skills,
as well as his dynamic intellect.
Mumia Abu-Jamal” tells the story behind the question: Why is Mumia
Abu-Jamal the most famous political prisoner in the world? The film
explores the genesis of his creative and legendary journalistic skills,
as well as his dynamic intellect.
The film treats the incident at 13th and Locust in Philadelphia on
Dec. 9, 1981, and his subsequent murder conviction as a detail that
altered his life, but not as a defining moment. The film digs much
deeper. It traces his inspirations and reveals his lifelong dedication
to the practice of reporting truth to power.
Dec. 9, 1981, and his subsequent murder conviction as a detail that
altered his life, but not as a defining moment. The film digs much
deeper. It traces his inspirations and reveals his lifelong dedication
to the practice of reporting truth to power.
Ramona Africa, spokesperson for the MOVE organization, which Mumia
strongly supports, appears in the new documentary, “Long Distance
Revolutionary.”
strongly supports, appears in the new documentary, “Long Distance
Revolutionary.”
We see Mumia’s growth and evolution from reporter to
world-renowned public intellectual in the tradition of Noam Chomsky,
Howard Zinn and Arundhati Roy. As Cornel West states in the film, “Mumia
shines a penetrating light on the myths of American history.”
M.O.I. JR: Can you name some of the prominent people
in the film and state why you thought that their commentary was
relevant to the film?
in the film and state why you thought that their commentary was
relevant to the film?
SV: When I created the bible of questions for this
film, I wanted to identify folks who truly intersected with Mumia’s life
both before and after incarceration – people like Reggie Schell, who
was Mumia’s captain in the Black Panther Party and remembers Mumia as an
extraordinary mind and committed revolutionary even at the age of 15.
And then there’s Barbara Cox Easley, also a Panther with Mumia, and who
was uniquely qualified to discuss the important roles women played in
the party. Barbara offers a great first hand memory when she recalls:
“When you ask the question about Mumia talking about women, he was never
a chauvinist … From the day he entered the party he was never a
chauvinist.”
film, I wanted to identify folks who truly intersected with Mumia’s life
both before and after incarceration – people like Reggie Schell, who
was Mumia’s captain in the Black Panther Party and remembers Mumia as an
extraordinary mind and committed revolutionary even at the age of 15.
And then there’s Barbara Cox Easley, also a Panther with Mumia, and who
was uniquely qualified to discuss the important roles women played in
the party. Barbara offers a great first hand memory when she recalls:
“When you ask the question about Mumia talking about women, he was never
a chauvinist … From the day he entered the party he was never a
chauvinist.”
As Cornel West states in the film, “Mumia shines a penetrating light on the myths of American history.”
I also wanted to include folks who intersected the same history as
Mumia – the Black Liberation Movement, the antiwar movement and so on,
people like Dick Gregory, Tariq Ali, Angela Davis and Cornel West. The
arc of Mumia’s narrative is the same arc as the struggle against war,
against America’s historic and ongoing imperialism, and ultimately the
scourge of racism here and throughout the world. It was important to
have these folks and others contextualize the history and Mumia’s place
in that history.
Mumia – the Black Liberation Movement, the antiwar movement and so on,
people like Dick Gregory, Tariq Ali, Angela Davis and Cornel West. The
arc of Mumia’s narrative is the same arc as the struggle against war,
against America’s historic and ongoing imperialism, and ultimately the
scourge of racism here and throughout the world. It was important to
have these folks and others contextualize the history and Mumia’s place
in that history.
NH: Dick Gregory just nails it. He says “the
technology was there, and his voice was carried around the world…. One
day we will find out that he was the voice of America – the voice of
America is a fraud.” My goal as a radio producer has been to amplify
voices that need to be heard. Dick’s insights are remarkable and deeply
moved me.
technology was there, and his voice was carried around the world…. One
day we will find out that he was the voice of America – the voice of
America is a fraud.” My goal as a radio producer has been to amplify
voices that need to be heard. Dick’s insights are remarkable and deeply
moved me.
Michelle Alexander’s historical accuracy also hit the mark. She cites
without apology the origins and political motivations of mass
incarceration. She exposes Richard Nixon’s naked and stated goal to
incarcerate and disenfranchise African American for political gain. This
is one of the defining social issues of our day, the culture of
incarceration. We have the most prisoners in the world and one in 46
Americans will do prison time. In fact, one in 99 are currently in
prison.
without apology the origins and political motivations of mass
incarceration. She exposes Richard Nixon’s naked and stated goal to
incarcerate and disenfranchise African American for political gain. This
is one of the defining social issues of our day, the culture of
incarceration. We have the most prisoners in the world and one in 46
Americans will do prison time. In fact, one in 99 are currently in
prison.
This
is one of the defining social issues of our day, the culture of
incarceration. We have the most prisoners in the world and one in 46
Americans will do prison time. In fact, one in 99 are currently in
prison.
M.O.I. JR: What was the creative process like? How did you edit all of the film that you collected to get to this story?
SV: As a director and filmmaker, I’ve always adhered
to the exhaustive approach. The only way to get beneath the surface of a
story and uncover the tangible texture of characters and events is to
go beyond the norm. Push the interview process into parts forgotten or
even obscure, because that’s where the gold nuggets are – beyond the
sound bites, beyond the lines that public people have down pat. Tell us
something new, something different, something provocative.
to the exhaustive approach. The only way to get beneath the surface of a
story and uncover the tangible texture of characters and events is to
go beyond the norm. Push the interview process into parts forgotten or
even obscure, because that’s where the gold nuggets are – beyond the
sound bites, beyond the lines that public people have down pat. Tell us
something new, something different, something provocative.
Rubin Hurricane Carter, the famous boxer who spent many years in prison for murders he did not commit, appears in the film.
I then edited each interview, and there were 40 or so, as if each
interview is its own film, polishing and massaging until thoughts were
cohesive and strong. And then all of the interviews are transcribed so I
can begin doing a “paper” edit in order to work on the narrative
structure. I want the interviews to resemble a seamless conversation
about a certain subject or storyline. For me, the editing process is
finally where the film is made. All other elements are incredibly
important but the editing is where the story actually comes together.
NH: Honestly, the coming together of the production
elements was magical. The content and the story are deeply compelling
and frankly never before told. This is a feature length documentary that
moves like a fast paced big screen Hollywood thriller.
elements was magical. The content and the story are deeply compelling
and frankly never before told. This is a feature length documentary that
moves like a fast paced big screen Hollywood thriller.
One thing that makes the film unique is the commitment to digging up
every available piece of footage and often information the state would
rather have buried. That level of detail and the historical research
gave the story traction. It was this material that runs as a
counterpoint to the lie, which is the popular narrative that the state
sponsored media tells every night.
every available piece of footage and often information the state would
rather have buried. That level of detail and the historical research
gave the story traction. It was this material that runs as a
counterpoint to the lie, which is the popular narrative that the state
sponsored media tells every night.
In addition, we knew we had to honor the project by embracing quality
every step of the way. This is a story that needed to be told with the
most exacting production standards in order to reach beyond the
censorship.
every step of the way. This is a story that needed to be told with the
most exacting production standards in order to reach beyond the
censorship.
One
thing that makes the film unique is the commitment to digging up every
available piece of footage and often information the state would rather
have buried.
M.O.I. JR: In your opinion what makes Mumia Abu Jamal important as a journalist and writer?
SV: Pain, suffering and brutal honesty … and because
Mumia comes from the same courageous school of journalism and history
that was so well defined by the iconic personas like Howard Zinn, I.F.
Stone, Frederick Douglass and all the others who wrote from the point of
view of the victims, the people who don’t possess the wealth and own
the guns, the people who struggle from the night side of the American
Empire.
Mumia comes from the same courageous school of journalism and history
that was so well defined by the iconic personas like Howard Zinn, I.F.
Stone, Frederick Douglass and all the others who wrote from the point of
view of the victims, the people who don’t possess the wealth and own
the guns, the people who struggle from the night side of the American
Empire.
Also, Mumia’s importance as a journalist and writer stems from his
innate ability to clearly understand the myth and reality of American
history. Mumia understands that this is a nation founded in genocide,
nurtured through slavery, and ultimately sustained by imperial wars for
power and profit. And he knows that the motivations of Manifest Destiny
and white supremacy have existed since Columbus set foot on Hispaniola,
and he knows that those motivations exist to this very day, right to
Obama’s murder spree, courtesy of predator drones and the American war
machine.
innate ability to clearly understand the myth and reality of American
history. Mumia understands that this is a nation founded in genocide,
nurtured through slavery, and ultimately sustained by imperial wars for
power and profit. And he knows that the motivations of Manifest Destiny
and white supremacy have existed since Columbus set foot on Hispaniola,
and he knows that those motivations exist to this very day, right to
Obama’s murder spree, courtesy of predator drones and the American war
machine.
Journalist Linn Washington, who has covered Mumia’s case from the beginning, is featured in the new documentary.
And Mumia doesn’t compromise. In the film, Michael Parenti says it
best: “There’s quite a number of eminent people on the left – I won’t
mention names, some of them very, very prominent, maybe the very top
people too – that go so far about certain things, and they’ve got to
flash their anti-communism to maintain their bonafides. Mumia doesn’t do
all that crap.” More than one person defined Mumia’s importance as a
journalist in this spirit, although this answer by his biographer Terry
Bisson was the most colorful statement: “Mumia has a built-in bullshit
detector.”
NH: I can’t say it any better than Dick Gregory:
“Mumia is the voice of America”; or Angela Davis: “Mumia is the
Frederick Douglass of the 21st Century”; or historian Manning Marable:
“The voice of Black political journalism in the struggle for the
liberation of African American people has always proved to be decisive
throughout Black history. When you listen to Mumia you hear the echoes
of David Walker, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, and
the sisters and brothers who kept the faith with struggle, who kept the
faith with resistance.”
“Mumia is the voice of America”; or Angela Davis: “Mumia is the
Frederick Douglass of the 21st Century”; or historian Manning Marable:
“The voice of Black political journalism in the struggle for the
liberation of African American people has always proved to be decisive
throughout Black history. When you listen to Mumia you hear the echoes
of David Walker, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, and
the sisters and brothers who kept the faith with struggle, who kept the
faith with resistance.”
M.O.I. JR: What has the pre-premier response been like?
SV: I love to share the film with people who care –
that’s why I made the movie. You wake up in a nation that’s run by mass
murderers, economic rapists and general run-of-the-mill racist
sociopaths, so you start to search for some sanity as an answer, a
rebuttal to the ravings and actions coming from inside the asylum, and
as a storyteller and filmmaker I found that sanity writing and
broadcasting from a dark, dank hole in America’s prison gulag. His name
was Mumia Abu-Jamal and his words were his weapon against the tyranny
surrounding all of us.
that’s why I made the movie. You wake up in a nation that’s run by mass
murderers, economic rapists and general run-of-the-mill racist
sociopaths, so you start to search for some sanity as an answer, a
rebuttal to the ravings and actions coming from inside the asylum, and
as a storyteller and filmmaker I found that sanity writing and
broadcasting from a dark, dank hole in America’s prison gulag. His name
was Mumia Abu-Jamal and his words were his weapon against the tyranny
surrounding all of us.
And then you realize that Mumia’s words are not a rebuttal to the
insanity but rather his words completely eviscerate the insanity that
passes for the status quo, the establishment, the spinmeisters who make
the unthinkable normal. Ultimately, they philosophize disgrace.
insanity but rather his words completely eviscerate the insanity that
passes for the status quo, the establishment, the spinmeisters who make
the unthinkable normal. Ultimately, they philosophize disgrace.
As
a storyteller and filmmaker I found that sanity writing and
broadcasting from a dark, dank hole in America’s prison gulag. His name
was Mumia Abu-Jamal and his words were his weapon against the tyranny
surrounding all of us.
So the response so far from people who we’ve shared Mumia’s story
with has been extraordinary – and it’s not because of the film; it’s
because Mumia takes us to the heart of struggle. Greg Ruggiero, editor
and publisher at City Lights Books, sums it up in the film this way: “I
think Mumia would agree with what Che said: ‘At the risk of sounding
ridiculous, a revolutionary is guided by feelings of love and for love
of the people.’” I think the overwhelming response so far is also guided
by love.
with has been extraordinary – and it’s not because of the film; it’s
because Mumia takes us to the heart of struggle. Greg Ruggiero, editor
and publisher at City Lights Books, sums it up in the film this way: “I
think Mumia would agree with what Che said: ‘At the risk of sounding
ridiculous, a revolutionary is guided by feelings of love and for love
of the people.’” I think the overwhelming response so far is also guided
by love.
NH: Well, JR, you gave the film an A-! And I know
you are a serious guy when it comes to revolutionary journalism. The
response has been very strong from the market and the people. We realize
that this film will be seen as controversial and certainly dangerous to
those who want to protect the status quo.
you are a serious guy when it comes to revolutionary journalism. The
response has been very strong from the market and the people. We realize
that this film will be seen as controversial and certainly dangerous to
those who want to protect the status quo.
Black liberation theologian James Cone appears in the new film, “Long Distance Revolutionary.”
There will be an intense reaction from all quarters – a lot of
love and a lot of hate. The story arc of this movie will make some
people uncomfortable. This film gives voice to Mumia. It pulls no
punches when it comes to exposing the chilling reality of imperialism
and the necessity and beauty of resistance.
M.O.I. JR: Where will it be screening? When?
NH: The world premiere of “Long Distance
Revolutionary” will be at the 35th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival on
Saturday, Oct. 6, at 12 o’clock noon at the Rafael Film Center in San
Rafael. It will also be showing at the festival on Monday, Oct. 8, at
4:45 p.m. at the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley. You can get your tickets
early, as these screenings could sell out. Here’s the info: http://www.mvff.com/buy-tickets. Or by phone, toll free: (877) 874-6833.
Revolutionary” will be at the 35th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival on
Saturday, Oct. 6, at 12 o’clock noon at the Rafael Film Center in San
Rafael. It will also be showing at the festival on Monday, Oct. 8, at
4:45 p.m. at the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley. You can get your tickets
early, as these screenings could sell out. Here’s the info: http://www.mvff.com/buy-tickets. Or by phone, toll free: (877) 874-6833.
M.O.I. JR: How can people see it if they don’t make it to Mill Valley?
SV: We’re excited because the film has garnered
major theatrical distribution with First Run Features in New York City –
a fiercely independent film distribution company. Not many feature
documentaries make it into theatres – and that’s a shame and a sign of
the times – but First Run believes in this story.
major theatrical distribution with First Run Features in New York City –
a fiercely independent film distribution company. Not many feature
documentaries make it into theatres – and that’s a shame and a sign of
the times – but First Run believes in this story.
The story
arc of this movie will make some people uncomfortable. This film gives
voice to Mumia. It pulls no punches when it comes to exposing the
chilling reality of imperialism and the necessity and beauty of
resistance.
We’re in our fall festival run through the end of the year, beginning
with Mill Valley and then traveling to the 35th Annual Starz/Denver
festival and then the major European documentary festival in Copenhagen,
CPH:DOX, followed by the great domestic doc festival, DOC NYC at the
IFC Center in New York on Nov. 10.
with Mill Valley and then traveling to the 35th Annual Starz/Denver
festival and then the major European documentary festival in Copenhagen,
CPH:DOX, followed by the great domestic doc festival, DOC NYC at the
IFC Center in New York on Nov. 10.
Once the film opens in New York and Los Angeles early in 2013, it
will then move to other cities and will enjoy numerous special
screenings, limited engagements and a wide college tour. We’re also
excited that First Run plans an aggressive Video on Demand release
concurrent with the theatrical release and followed of course by home
video and broadcast.
will then move to other cities and will enjoy numerous special
screenings, limited engagements and a wide college tour. We’re also
excited that First Run plans an aggressive Video on Demand release
concurrent with the theatrical release and followed of course by home
video and broadcast.
M.O.I. JR: Can you tell people a little bit about your work with Prison Radio (prisonradio.org)?
SV: I started working with Prison Radio and Noelle
Hanrahan on a previous project with Mumia entitled “Murder Incorporated:
Empire, Genocide and Manifest Destiny.” The film is now on hold but not
the project. Mumia and I have decided to write the book and we are now
knee-deep in gore on this incendiary story about the genesis of the
American Empire and its 500-year march across the planet.
Hanrahan on a previous project with Mumia entitled “Murder Incorporated:
Empire, Genocide and Manifest Destiny.” The film is now on hold but not
the project. Mumia and I have decided to write the book and we are now
knee-deep in gore on this incendiary story about the genesis of the
American Empire and its 500-year march across the planet.
World renowned author Alice Walker is featured in the film.
But it all started because of Prison Radio’s ability to connect
the fledgling film idea with Mumia’s brilliant take on the subject. In
fact, that’s the beauty and reality of Prison Radio: The hard work of
this organization has almost single-handedly delivered Mumia’s voice
around the world. I contend that without Prison Radio, we would not know
Mumia’s work as intimately as we do.
Dick Gregory reflects on it this way: “He’s struggling in there on
Death Row for everybody else and there’s somebody that saw this and
said, man, you should do some writings.” That was Noelle Hanrahan … and
the rest is history. Street Legal Cinema was proud to produce this film
and become a part of that history.
Death Row for everybody else and there’s somebody that saw this and
said, man, you should do some writings.” That was Noelle Hanrahan … and
the rest is history. Street Legal Cinema was proud to produce this film
and become a part of that history.
NH: In 1990, I did a series of 13 one-hour radio
shows called “You Can’t Jail the Spirit,” which focused on U.S.
political prisoners. A key element of the series was the voices of
prisoners themselves. We have brought hundreds of prisoner’s voices to
the airwaves, from Leonard Peltier to Lori Berenson. We believe in
scaling and transcending the prison walls by amplifying prisoners’
voices – that’s our goal.
shows called “You Can’t Jail the Spirit,” which focused on U.S.
political prisoners. A key element of the series was the voices of
prisoners themselves. We have brought hundreds of prisoner’s voices to
the airwaves, from Leonard Peltier to Lori Berenson. We believe in
scaling and transcending the prison walls by amplifying prisoners’
voices – that’s our goal.
Twenty years ago, in July of 1992, Jennifer Beach and I traveled from
California to the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon in rural
south-central Pennsylvania to record Mumia Abu-Jamal on death row. This
recording session became Mumia’s first Prison Radio broadcast.
California to the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon in rural
south-central Pennsylvania to record Mumia Abu-Jamal on death row. This
recording session became Mumia’s first Prison Radio broadcast.
We have worked on many of Mumia’s books and produced more than 2,000
radio essays that air weekly on a worldwide basis. Prison Radio, a
project of the Redwood Justice Fund, is a nonprofit media organization
staffed by dedicated radio producers committed to bringing these voices
to the airwaves.
radio essays that air weekly on a worldwide basis. Prison Radio, a
project of the Redwood Justice Fund, is a nonprofit media organization
staffed by dedicated radio producers committed to bringing these voices
to the airwaves.
The People’s Minister of Information JR is associate editor of the Bay View, author of “Block Reportin’” and filmmaker of “Operation Small Axe” and “Block Reportin’ 101,” available, along with many more interviews, at www.blockreportradio.com. He also hosts two weekly shows on KPFA 94.1 FM and kpfa.org:
The Morning Mix every Wednesday, 8-9 a.m., and The Block Report every
Friday night-Saturday morning, midnight-2 a.m. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com.
The Morning Mix every Wednesday, 8-9 a.m., and The Block Report every
Friday night-Saturday morning, midnight-2 a.m. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com.
.
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Prison Radio Director Noelle Hanrahan
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Political Prisoner Radio had an opportunity to catch up with the director of Prison Radio, Noelle Hanrahan. She is known most for her radio work with political prisoner and former Death Row member Mumia Abu Jamal in helping him to record and distribute his political commentaries from behind bars. She also participated in the production of the independent film "Long Distance Revolutionary: A Journey with Mumia Abu-Jamal" which is now available on DVD after a successful run in select theaters. We will also get into the repression of Black revolutionary politics in mainstream media.
After the interview we will share some of the latest events and alerts related to political prisoners.
Free All Political Prisoners, Free The Land!
Black Autonomy Federation Radio
BAF Radio: Food Insecurity, Homelessness Among Blacks and moving from Obedience to Rebellion to Insurrection
Download MP3 Black Autonomy Federation Radio will examine some serious issues facing the Black community today in the current economic and political climate in the United States. TOPICS I.) Food Security and being removed from food-stamps. Sequester Obama government cutbacks II). 50% of the Homeless in America are Black! III). Moving from obedience to Rebellion and InsurrectionNew Abolitionists Radio
w/ J. Jondhi Harrell & Glenn Davis from "Decarcerate PA"
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Tonight we will be joined by Mr. J. Jondhi Harrell and Mr. Glenn Davis from "Decarcerate PA" which back in May held a march in Pennsylvania to demand a people's budget that invests in communities and not prisons. Judging from the participation in the march, it was successful in raising public awareness about 21st Century Slavery and Human Trafficking.
"Decarcerate PA is a grassroots campaign working to end mass incarceration in Pennsylvania. We demand that PA stop building prisons, reduce the prison population, and reinvest money in our communities."
After we speak with Mr. Harrell and Mr. Davis we will share some of the latest news related to 21st Century Slave and Human Trafficking and open the phone lines for a general discussion on the issue.
Move To Abolish 21st Century Slavery
Militant Minded Radio
World Star Hip-Hop creator asked to stop exploiting minors and the mentally challenged
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World Star Hip-Hop has built a media platform that has become a clearinghouse for the worst of “Urban America” according to a recent Change.org petition created by Supreme Understanding of Supreme Design Publishing.
The petition says, "There are some things that we all should know are wrong. Things like sexually exploiting minors or the mentally ill. The administrators of WorldStarHipHop.com apparently do not share these standards of human decency."
Supreme Understanding will join us tonight along with Scotty Reid of the Black Talk Media Project and members of the Militant Mind Movement on Militant Minded Radio to discuss this issue and why the Black community should be involved in this campaign to stop the exploitation of our most vulnerable people.
Occupy The Microphone
Same old war songs as US moves to arm Syrian "rebels"
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It looks like the US could get pulled into another non-declared war launched by the executive branch that could cost the American tax payers billions in a no win situation for the American people. Members of the Obama administration have been pushing language with the help of pro-war members of the Senate that sounds strikingly similar to that used to justify invading Iraq, which we now know were lies about weapons of mass destruction and mushroom clouds. CIA analyst Ray McGovern compared it to President Bush's Axis of Evil Speech to congress.
Former French foreign minister Roland Dumas in a recent interview with French Parliamentary TV network, LCP that Britain had been planning a war against Syria some two years before the unrest broke out in the Arab country.
“I’m going to tell you something. I was in England two years before the violence in Syria on other business. I met with top British officials, who confessed to me that they were preparing something in Syria, this was in Britain not in America. Britain was organizing an invasion of rebels into Syria. They even asked me, although I was no longer minister for foreign affairs, if I would like to participate.” - Roland Dumas
Last night ABC reported news about 711 store franchise owners running a human trafficking/slavery scheme forcing workers to work for very little pay and keeping them locked up and/or scared of being deported back to Pakistan because their visas had expired. However, if this was able to go on so long involving people from a country the US is waging war in with drone strikes, how effective is the government's domestic spying programs?
Call the show at 864-751-0115 or 864-751-0116
Listen By Phone: 1-724-444-7444 Call ID 124529#
Get the smartphone App for iPhone & Android from our audio blog.
Catch us in the Upstate of SC on 105.7FM & 910AM
To advertise on the show email Gregg: info@occupythemicrophone.com
Black Talk Radio News
NY Daily News launches personal attack on Serena Williams over rape prevention comments
By Scotty Reid 6/16/2013 news, sports, society
A writer for the NY Daily News is catching heat from readers after launching a personal attack on top ranked women’s tennis player Serena Williams over rape prevention comments she made to Rolling Stone about the 16 yr old victim of the Steubenville, Ohio sexual assault case.
Two teenage football players were charged and convicted of various charges connected an alleged sexual assault they committed…
NSA believes analysts have legal authority to listen to phone calls without warrants
By Scotty Reid 6/16/2013. news, politics
One week ago, following revelations of the PRISM system - as leaked by whistle-blower Eric Snowden to reporter Glenn Greenwald, President Obama took to a podium to proclaim to…
Retired NYPD detective stands accused of torturing confessions out of his victims
By Scotty Reid, 6/15/2013 news
An retired NYPD officer who was celebrated within the department and even once appeared on Dr. Phil to discuss false confessions stands accused of torturing confessions out of victims Jon Burge style. Jon Burge is the former Chicago police commander who along with others under his command tortured victims into confessing to crimes they did not commit. Many of the victims are thought to remain behind bars as the city of Chicago and the…
Twenty-thousand Jews protest against Israel in NYC
By Scotty Reid 6/10/2013 news, politics, opinion
20,000 people of the Jewish faith in New York City descended upon Federal Plaza in Manhattan yesterday and although it was a huge event protesting Israel and Zionism, the major corporate news outlets…
Why I observe Memorial Day but not Veterans Day
By Scotty Reid 5/24/2013 news, culture, opinion
Even though I am a veteran of the US Army,I do not celebrate nor recognize Veteran's Day. First, I was an uninformed twenty something when I joined and I only joined to get money for college coming from a poor working class family. I also do not think cops or soldiers…
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