Shaping Justice: A Conversation with Black Panther Veterans and the Spirit of Mandela Campaign

**Checkout This Historic Conversation: The Fight for Justice**

On September 8, 2023, the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) had the distinct privilege of hosting a conversation that has the power to reshape the narrative surrounding human rights violations in the United States. This eye-opening dialogue featured two remarkable individuals who once found themselves behind bars as political prisoners during the Black Panther Movement. Together, they are at the forefront of the Spirit of Mandela campaign, a movement that is bringing global attention to the glaring human rights violations against Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, as well as political prisoners held within the United States.

The engaging conversation was skillfully moderated by none other than NLG President Suzanne Adely, alongside interim Executive Director JML Santiago.

**Distinguished Speakers**

**Jalil Muntaqim** – In a remarkable journey from confinement to parole on October 6, 2020, Jalil Muntaqim, a seasoned member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, emerged as a powerful advocate for justice. He co-founded the National Jericho Movement, a driving force behind the fight to free all political prisoners. Jalil is also an accomplished author, known for works such as “We Are Our Own Liberators” and “Escaping the Prism – Fade to Black.” His thought-provoking essays have graced the pages of numerous books, magazines, and newspapers. Today, he serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Citizen Action of New York in Rochester, New York. Jalil is a dedicated organizer for the 13th Forward campaign, which seeks to end penal slavery in New York State.

**Jihad Abdulmumit** – A former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army Political Prisoner, Jihad Abdulmumit has played a pivotal role as the Chairperson of the National Jericho Movement and a Coordinating Committee Member for the Spirit of Mandela Coalition. He was a key organizer of the 2021 International Tribunal.

**About the Spirit of Mandela Campaign**

In January 2019, the Spirit of Mandela Campaign embarked on a mission to shed light on the profound human rights abuses faced by Black, Brown, and Indigenous Peoples in the United States. This historic initiative culminated in the International Tribunal on US Human Rights Abuses Against Black, Brown, and Indigenous Peoples. The tribunal put forth five grave charges of genocide against the United States, focusing on:

1. **Police Racism and Violence**
2. **Hyper-incarceration**
3. **Political Prisoners/Prisoners of War (PP/POW)**
4. **Environmental Racism**
5. **Public Health Inequities**

The **Final Verdict** delivered by the tribunal serves as a resounding testament to the relentless commission of these charges against Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

Join us as we delve into this pivotal conversation, exploring the significance of the Spirit of Mandela campaign and discussing how organizations like the NLG can provide vital support to this critical movement. Be part of this transformative dialogue, one that promises to illuminate the path toward justice for all. Watch the video of the conversation and become a part of this historic moment.

Please visit the Spirit of Mandela website! spiritofmandela.org

Share the Peoples’ Senate Interest form link here or at spiritofmandela.org/peoples-senate-join

Read the latest Peoples’ Senate newsletter, Issue #2: tinyurl.com/PS-newsletter2