Call-in to the Parole Board Every Monday!

CALL EVERY MONDAY throughout Spring 2014:
Board of Probation and Parole: (717) 772-4343

Use these talking points when speaking with the Board to pressure them to do the right thing and parole the Move prisoners:

*[She/he/they] meet all of the reasonable standards for parole including recommendations from the prison authorities where they are incarcerated.

*[She/he/they] have excellent prison records, have kept down racial and gang violence in prison, helped inmates fight drug addiction, helped parents establish relationships with their children on the outside, and have been an overall positive influence on the prison population, both staff and inmates.

*[She/he/they] have served over 35 years of a 30-100 year sentence for third-degree murder even though the average sentence for that charge is 10-15 years.

*I am concerned about optional stipulations that the Parole Board may require, which I feel are unfair, and which many legal scholars contend is a violation of First Amendment rights. In the past, as a condition for parole, these prisoners have unfairly been required to renounce the religious organization they belong to, Move.

*I am concerned about the “taking responsibility” stipulation which basically asks a prisoner to admit guilt in order to be granted parole. [Prisoner(s) name] have always maintained their innocence and there is evidence that corroborates that the shot was from a police officer rather than any of the individuals currently incarcerated. It is unfair to require this stipulation from any prisoner who maintains innocence.

*I am also concerned about the “serious nature of the offense” stipulation. The judge took the nature of the offense into consideration when the sentence was issued so that barring misconduct, new charges, etc. [she/he/them] was to be released on their minimum.

*Since two of the members of the PA Parole Board (Randy Feathers and Lloyd White) are former police officers, this leads to bias against [she/he/them] and needs to addressed so that their right to parole is not compromised

*[She/he/they] have now spent most of their lives in prison, and the recidivism rate for people released at [her/his/their] age is very low. All of the Move members that have already been released from prison have not recidivated.

Since the prison system insists on having DIN numbers to reference, make sure to have them when you call.  The prison recognizes them by their former last names (rather than Africa) which are also listed below.  The dates listed indicate when their next hearing should be held, and you can call the Parole Inmate Inquiry line at 717 772-4343 to verify the date.

Charles Sims Africa #AM4975 (November 2014)
Debbie Sims Africa #OO6307 (May 2014)
Delbert Orr Africa #AM4985 (June 2015)
Edward Goodman Africa #AM4974 (November 2015)
Janet Holloway Africa #OO6308 (May 2016)
Janine Phillips Africa #OO6309 (May 2016)
Michael Davis Africa #AM4973 (November 2014)
William Phillips Africa #AM4984 (June 2015)

Make sure to have a paper and pen handy when you call, so you can write down who you spoke with and what their response was. This info can be sent to the Move Organization: onamovellja[at]gmail.com.

The Justice and Accountability campaign aimed at exposing the illegal parole denials of the Move 9 at the the hands of the Pennsylvania Parole Board is in full effect. We have now entered the third phase of our campaign in which we push the issue in the media. The police have always used the media to manipulate and use public opinion to help in the parole denials of our political prisoners.

We have seen it in New York City around the parole hearings with political prisoners like Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim. You can look to the example of how the police in New Jersey uses the media to manipulate the minds of the public into thinking that Sundiata Acoli is a cop killer and should not be granted parole. The public is only getting one version of the facts now it’s our turn to counter their lies with the truth.

This Thursday, January 2nd 2014, at 8pm EST we will be kicking off Move 9 media month on The Where We Live Show on WBAI 99.5 fm in New York City. We will be talking about the issue of parole and our political prisoners and the role of law enforcement officials in these parole denials. The show will also feature Move Political Prisoner Janine Africa now in prison for 36 years five years past her parole eligibility.

After this we are starting our month long radio and cable tour on shows across the country.

We are going from New York City to Baltimore, Delaware, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, and back to New York City. These shows will also feature our sister Janine Africa interviewed from prison so that this issue will be further pushed about The Pennsylvania Parole Board and their connection to Law Enforcement officials.

If any one is interested in booking us on their respected radio shows or is interested in doing a piece for a newspaper please contact us at onamovellja@gmail.com or rebelchild170@aol.com.

Ona Move,

Mona, Anne, Orie

Mike's 2013 Parole Denial

The following document is what Mike received following his December 19th parole denial.  His next hearing is scheduled for in or after November, 2014.

It lists the reasons for denial as:

"Your refusal to accept responsibility for the offense(s) committed," and
"The negative recommendation made by the prosecuting attorney."

It appears that Mike maintaining his innocence is seen as an attempt to not accept responsibility, even while there is evidence that corroborates that the shot was fired from a location where it is well known he was nowhere near.  This phenomenon is referred to as "the innocent prisoner's dilemma" by law professor Daniel Medwed who asserts that it is unfair and unethical to require a prisoner who may have been wrongly convicted to provide false admission of guilt or remorse.

In regards to the negative recommendation made by the prosecuting attorney, this is outweighed by the fact that the officials at SCI Graterford, where Mike is held, have recommended him for parole.  These are the prison guards and personnel that he has contact with on a day-to-day basis as opposed to the prosecuting attorney who has had no contact with him at all in decades.  

Phil's 2013 Parole Denial

Above is a copy of the only rationale that has been provided to Phil for his last parole denial in August 2013.  It lists the reasons for the denial as:

"Your minimization/denial of the nature and circumstances of the offense(s) committed," and
"Your refusal to accept responsibility for the offense(s) committed."

As concerned citizens we need to know, what exactly is a prisoner who maintains his innocence supposed to say or do to not minimize or deny the nature and circumstances of the offense(s)?  This catch-22 phenomenon is referred to as "the innocent prisoner's dilemma" by law professor Daniel Medwed.  It is unfair and unethical to require a prisoner who may have been wrongly convicted to provide false admission of guilt or remorse.

We need this matter rectified before Phil's next parole hearing, scheduled to be held in June 2015.

One Force: MOVE Supporters display Phil Africa's Art Work

Ona MOVE!

The A-Space has generously donated their walls for an August Art Display. We're taking a twist on showcasing Phil's art-- we also want to showcase who has been impacted by Phil (& by extension, the MOVE 9 & MOVE as a whole). 

If you've received one of Phil's paintings please take a digital photo or scan the piece. Email us the art so we can blow it up & print it for the exhibit. We want a resolution that will maintain clarity when the image is enlarged.

Please include responses to the following:
1) State your name & current city & country of residence
2) Write two to three sentences about your own activism. It can be advocacy for the MOVE 9 as well as any additional work you engage in.
3) Share how you received Phil's art
4) Share any teaching opportunities you've had about the MOVE 9 because of this work

We'll compile the responses & share them alongside the art. This way we can shed light on the network-- the FAMILY-- we've created & know our collective work a bit better. This exhibit will be in coordination with an August 8th action for the release of the MOVE 9!

Please email all information to maiga@yogawood.com

Opening Reception: Monday August 5, 5-6:15 pm. Stop by after work for snacks and to view the installation.

Closing Reception: Friday August 30, 5-7 pm.

Ona MOVE for the MOVE 9 & ALL Political Prisoners!

August 8th, will mark the 35th year of incarceration for Political Prisoners the MOVE 9! Join the MOVE Organization as we bring attention to, and call for the freedom of the MOVE 9 and other Political Prisoners who are currently serving unjust sentences in prison. 

The program is being held on August 7th and will be hosted by Activist and Attorney Michael Coard and includes:
Pam Africa (speaking on the fight for Mumia Abu Jamal); 

Ramona Africa (speaking on the fight for The MOVE 9);

Prof. Tony Montero (speaking on the Rizzo years leading up to the Aug. 8th 1978 police attack on MOVE);

Theresa Shoatz (speaking on the fight for her father Russell Maroon Shoatz);

Ralph Poynter (speaking on the fight for his wife, Lynne Stewart);

Dequi Kioni-Sadiki (speaking on the fight for her husband Sekou Odinga)

The NYC Jericho Movement for political prisoners

Event starts at 6pm and will be held at the Rotunda (40th and Walnut).

Janet Africa Denied Parole - Given 3 Year Hit!

Today Janet was denied parole and given a three year hit, meaning she will not be eligible for parole for 3 years despite having a positive recommendation for parole from the prison where she is held.  The reasons for the denial listed on the notice (see below) were:

Janine's 2013 Parole Denial

Above is a copy of the only rationale that has been provided to Janine for her last parole denial in June 2013.  It lists the reasons for the denial as:

"Your failure to demonstrate motivation for success"
"Your minimization/denial of the nature and circumstances of the offense(s) committed," and
"Your negative interest in parole"

As concerned citizens, we ask what exactly is a prisoner who maintains his innocence supposed to say or do to not minimize or deny the nature and circumstances of the offense(s)?  This catch-22 phenomenon is referred to as "the innocent prisoner's dilemma" by law professor Daniel Medwed.  It is unfair and unethical to require a prisoner who may have been wrongly convicted to provide false admission of guilt or remorse.

We also need to know, what could they possibly be judging as lack of 'motivation for success' and 'negative interest in parole?'  The officials at SCI Cambridge Springs, where Janine is held, have recommended her for parole.  These are the prison guards and personnel that she has contact with on a day to day basis.  Wouldn't they be some of the best people, in addition to Janine's family and friends, to determine whether she is motivated to succeed and has a positive interest in parole?

We need this matter rectified before Janine's next parole hearing, scheduled to be held in May 2016.

Debbie's 2013 Parole Denial

Above is a copy of the only rationale that has been provided to Debbie for her last parole denial in June 2013.  It lists the reasons for the denial as:

"Your minimization/denial of the nature and circumstances of the offense(s) committed," and
"The negative recommendation made by the prosecuting attorney."

Please take a moment to write a letter in support of parole for Debbie prior to her next hearing scheduled for in or after May 2014.  Even though the letter is addressed to the Parole Board, send your letter to The Move Organization at P.O. Box 19709, Philadelphia, PA 19143 so they can be collected before they are passed on to the Board.  Please make sure your letter arrives by May 4th, and we will update the website asap with the outcome of her hearing.

Sample letter:

[Ideally, rephase this in your own words and send to the address above, but you can also download and print it so you can just write your name and address at the top and sign your name]

Board of Probation and Parole


Attn: Inmate Inquiry


1001 South Front Street, Suite 5300


Harrisburg, PA 17104

Regarding Parole Hearing for: Debbie Sims OO-6307

Debbie Sims has her next parole hearing scheduled for May of 2014.  As a concerned citizen interested in helping Debbie successfully transition into life outside prison, I am writing to ask that you please parole her at this hearing.  She has served over 35 years of a 30-100 year sentence for third-degree murder, even though the average sentence for that charge is 10-15 years.  She is still in prison years after her minimum sentence, despite having no major disciplinary problems in the last three decades.

The document provided to Ms. Sims for her last parole denial in June 2013 lists the reasons for the denial as:

"Your minimization/denial of the nature and circumstances of the offense(s) committed," and
"The negative recommendation made by the prosecuting attorney."

I am concerned that Ms. Sims maintaining her innocence is seen as an attempt to minimize or deny the nature and circumstances of the offense(s), even while there is evidence that corroborates that the shot was fired from a location where it is well known she was nowhere near.  This phenomenon is referred to as "the innocent prisoner's dilemma" by law professor Daniel Medwed who asserts that it is unfair and unethical to require a prisoner who may have been wrongly convicted to provide false admission of guilt or remorse.

In regards to the negative recommendation made by the prosecuting attorney, I believe this is outweighed by the fact that the officials at SCI Cambridge Springs, where Ms. Sims is held, have recommended her for parole.  These are the prison guards and personnel that she has contact with on a day-to-day basis as opposed to the prosecuting attorney who has had no contact with her at all in decades. 

Debbie Sims has now spent most of her life in prison, and the recidivism rate for people released at her age is very low.  Please grant parole and allow her to be a part of, and contribute to, society as free citizen, a loving mother and grandmother. 

Sincerely,

Audio of Delbert Africa of the MOVE 9:

http://www.prisonradio.org/media/audio/delbert-africa-sci-dallas-pa

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/05/13/survivor-remembers-bombing-of-philadelphia-headquarters/

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It’s been 28 years to the day since the City of Philadelphia dropped explosives on the MOVE headquarters on Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia that set fire to an entire residential block.

The fire destroyed the homes of neighbors, who had grown impatient with the noise and conditions at the “back-to-nature” MOVE house.

Eleven people, including 5 children, were killed.

After nearly three decades, the memories of Monday, May 13th, 1985 are still etched in Ramona Africa’s mind.

At 58, she says she looks at the raised, scarred flesh on her arms and prays she’ll never forget the day the City of Philadelphia unleashed military force on her home.

“A lot of people have told me that these burn scars could be removed,” she says, “but why would I do that? I want to remember, and I don’t want others to forget.”

MOVE, the group Africa called “family,” was viewed as “radical” by the police. Africa says they were peaceful environmentalists that had a strong love for animals.

Authorities have said neighbors complained that members, who were mostly black, harassed passersby and lived in filth. Africa refutes the charge.

She claims MOVE was targeted because they refused to give up the effort to free the MOVE 9– the four women and five men convicted of the 1978 murder of Philadelphia police officer James Ramp.

Africa says members wanted them freed, so hostility between police, the city and the group escalated. It culminated in the 1985 bombing.

“The whole house shook, but we didn’t know what it was,” says Africa, recalling the moment the city dropped explosives on the MOVE home on Osage Avenue. “We didn’t even know initially that there was a fire.”

Africa says she was in the basement when the bomb hit.

She and her family were holed up, in a standoff with police and other city officials.

Africa says the authorities employed water tactics and tear gas…then the explosives.

“We tried to get our children, our animals, ourselves out of that blazing inferno,” she says. “And as the cops saw us coming out, they opened fire.”

Accounts of the day vary. Philadelphia police have disputed Africa’s account. She escaped, with injuries, along with one child survivor, Birdie Africa, who was 13 at the time.

“We never saw Birdie again after that until my criminal trial,” she says. “He testified. His mother was killed in the bombing.”

Africa spent seven years in prison for her part in the standoff, but no one from the city was ever charged. She filed a civil lawsuit against the city and won after years of litigation.

“I’m not bitter,” says Africa, “It was no coincidence or accident that I’m the one that survived.”

Africa has served as MOVE’s spokesperson for decades, appointed to the post by the group’s founder John Africa in 1979. She says her focus, her reason for continuing 28 years after one of the most horrific days of her life, is to gain freedom for the eight surviving members of the MOVE 9.

“Our family members have been in jail for 35 years now for a crime they didn’t commit,” says Africa. “They have seen the parole board numerous times, but the parole board refuses to give them parole.”

These days Africa hold lectures and other events on behalf of MOVE. And she seizes opportunities to tell her story and to keep the spotlight on the MOVE 9.

“My family is innocent and they know it,” she says, “so we’re not going to shut up, we’re not going anywhere.”

Remembering 1985!

S.O.U.L. (Students Organizing for Unity and Liberation) welcomes the public to a screening of "MOVE: A Documentary" with a post-film panel presentation.

"MOVE: A Documentary" focuses on the Move Organization and the repression they suffered from the racist and brutal policies of the Philadelphia police department and the US justice system during the 1970's and 1980's which led to the bombing of their Philadelphia residence by police.  Post-film screening we will have a panel discussion featuring Ramona Africa the sole adult survivor of the May 13, 1985 massacre of 11 members of the MOVE organization.


February 26th 5:30pm - 7:30pm Location: Claudia Cohen Hall G17 Class of 1969 Lecture Room