From:  Sis. Walidah Imarisha

Former Black Panther Sundiata Acoli goes before the New Jersey state parole board June 15th, 2012 after 39 years in prison. Sundiata is 72 years old.
 
Please write a letter in support of Sundiata and send it TO HIS LAWYER by June 10th. 
 
Below is a sample letter for folks to look at, but please know personalized letters are far more effective than form letters. Please look at this for ideas, but write the letter in your own way.
 
The main points to emphasize are:

- Sundiata is 72 years old - the recidivism rate for elderly prisoners is almost non-existent therefore he is not a "threat" to the community

- He has served 39 years in prison - he has done his time

- He has been a model prisoner with a discipline free record

- He has served as a mentor and educator, to young people across the country, and to young prisoners inside who want to further their education

- He has a strong support system of family and friends
 
You can learn more about Sundiata and his case at www.sundiataacoli.org. For more information, email thesafc@gmail.com.
 

Do not send letters directly to the parole board. They need to go to Sundiata's lawyer, so they know all the letters that have come in, and they can be organized. They need to be received by June 10th.
 

Letters should be mailed to:

FLORENCE MORGAN
120-46 QUEENS BLVD.
KEW GARDENS, NEW YORK 11415
 

SAMPLE LETTER ONLY - PLEASE PERSONALIZE
 

April 27, 2012
 

New Jersey State Parole Board
P.O. Box 862
Trenton NJ 08625
 
Dear Members of the Parole Board:
 
I am writing this letter concerning Sundiata Acoli, NJ#54859/Fed#39794-066, who is being considered for parole. I am writing to express my loving compassion and strong support for his release.
 
Sundiata’s age is a strong reason to grant parole. Sundiata will be 73 years old in January. He has been incarcerated for 39 years and he deserves his freedom because he has served his sentence. Additionally, elderly prisoners’ recidivism rates are extremely low and they are highly unlikely to commit a crime once released. In addition, elderly prisoners require more intensive medical care to remain healthy, which is an added cost to the prison system and taxpayers.
 
Sundiata’s prison record has been impeccable. Not only has he not had any violations or write-ups in decades, he is a talented painter, writer and educator. He has worked with high school and college students across the country, inspiring them to be great leaders and mentors to others. He also provides support to other prisoners who want to further their education.
 
Sundiata is sorely missed by his loved ones and his return to the community is more than welcome. He has an excellent support system of family and friends waiting to assist him with his transition.

Sincerely,
 
 
 

Name: _________________ ______________________ ___________________
 

City and State: __________________________________________________________
 

Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

415 863-9977

www.Freedomarchives.org