Dear Friends,

As many of you know, after serving over 38 years in prison, Sundiata was denied parole for the third time on March 4, 2010. He was also given a ten year hit. Last December, an administrative appeal was denied by the NJ Parole Board. Sundiata will be 75 years old in January.

Sundiata’s legal team is focused on pursuing his appellate remedies through the courts. They are seeking to appeal in state court, and then if necessary the federal courts. His legal team has expanded over the years and currently in the process of raising the 10 thousand dollars needed to file the appeal.

The Appellate Court has set the briefing deadline of November 4, 2011.  Thus, time is of the essence.

We now have an active PayPal account so supporters and make secure, online contributions online. Please consider doing so today.

CLICK HERE for PayPal link for SAFC

People who are interested in the parole and release efforts should contact SAFC @ thesafc@gmail.com to inquire about ways to assist us with this urgent fundraising need. We still believe that he can and will receive his freedom.

If you would like to write Sundiata please send your letters to:
Sundiata Acoli (#39794-066)
(Squire)
P.O. Box 1000
FCI Otisville
Otisville, NY 10963-1000

Funds supporting his legal defense can be sent to:
FLORENCE MORGAN
120-46 QUEENS BLVD.
KEW GARDENS, NEW YORK 11415
(Florence Morgan has served as one of Sundiata’s legal advisors for over 10 years and is the Chairperson of the New York City Chapter of the National Conference of Black Lawyers)

Checks and money orders should be made out to The Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign. The SAFC is a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions go directly towards Sundiata’s legal fees and are tax deductible.

NEW YORK 21
The Black Panther Party New York Chapter & The Struggle of Sundiata Acoli

We have an online fundraising campaign going on RIGHT NOW!!

There has been around 1,000.00 raised so far.

Our goal is to raise over 5,000.00.  Every dollar raised will go towards the last of filming expenses.

We have very little time left!!

There are REWARDS for each PLEDGE!!!

1.  GO TO www.fieldup.com

2. CLICK Kickstarter Campaign at the top of the page.

3.  CLICK Green Button — “Back This Project”

4.  Enter the Amount to be Pledged.

5.  Follow the Rest of the Directions to Completion.

Without reaching the minimum goal of $5,000.00…

… We don’t receive any of the pledged money.

So please pledge, and ask your comrades, family, network, etc. to pledge.

Support at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/newyork21/new-york-21

“New York 21″:The Black a documentary exploring the Black Panther Party (herein BPP) Movement and the climate in New York (herein NY), including the states’ most expensive trial in its history, commonly known as the New York 21 (herein NY 21). The jury acquitted all defendants on all 156 collective counts. After their release, many of the activists were forced underground by the acts of law enforcement agencies and the COINTELPRO. This film pays homage to the cadre and introduces the Liberation Movement. This exploration is highlighted using the struggles of Sundiata Acoli, New York’s Lt. of Finance. Acoli shares his story through the depths of hell and back in the Liberation Movement in America; and brings into focus blatant cover-ups by a government who turned its back on justice.

The plot is navigated by the conversation between a grandmother, played by Irma P. Hall (Meet the Browns, Soul Food) and grandson, played by Omar Wiseman (Disney Channel), as she teaches him about the BPP NY Chapter in a game of chess. An exploration of Acoli’s life is revisted. Mutulu “M1″ Olugbala (Dead Prez) portrays Sundiata Acoli.  Through the narratives, the film shares diverse and independent voices that have never been heard, but written about in many books and periodicals.

All monies raised using Kickstarter will go towards the last production expenses, which includes, but not limited to; filming, props, actors, editing, stock footage, color corrections, audio, fees, marketing, etc. Although we set our minimum at $5,000, there is no maximum amount of resources pledged that we won’t use in this production. Since this is a SAG film, it is eligible for awards not typical of standard films and can be distributed through a major network. Our efforts will ensure every door is knocked on to give a major network an opportunity to showcase this never-seen before footage.

“We decided to use Kickstarter because of its impeccable reputation of fundraising and promotions.” – Jamal Joseph

“Every dollar pledged will be used for end-of-production and post-production expenses.” – Pamela Hanna

“This film is a one-of-a-kind. It’s been in the making for 10 years. We must support this film and have it released NOW!” – Bonnie Kerness

“I am honored to donate my time and celebrity for this film.” – Irma P. Hall



Black August 30, 2010

On March 4, 2010 Sundiata Acoli, who is 73 years old, was denied parole for the third time by the New Jersey State parole board. Sundiata has served 37 years in prison as he was convicted in the May 2, 1973 shooting of a New Jersey State Trooper on the NJ Turnpike. Sundiata was last denied parole in 1994, the parole board continues to cite among other things, that “He was not rehabilitated.” Sundiata has maintained an infraction free prison record since 1996.

Over a thousand letters and petitions from a diverse group of influential people, including psychologists, lawyers, clergy, professors, journalists and community members were sent to the parole board expressing love from the community and support for his release.

Nevertheless, Sundiata was denied parole just minutes after an in- person review by two members of the board. No time was taken to deliberate the decision, and notice of the denial was given to him on a sheet with barely legible hand-written notes on it. Not only was he denied but he was told his case would be referred to a 3-member panel to establish a FET (“hit”) outside the guidelines. In mid July, Sundiata received written notice that a three member panel, two of which included the two members who denied him, had decided to give him a 10 year hit which means he must serve an additional 6 years in prison before he will again be eligible for a parole hearing. He will be 79 years old.

The “hit” is particularly harsh since on August 1, 2010 a new law was passed in New Jersey capping to 36 months, the number of years the parole board can establish a FET. The New Jersey Parole Board rushed to send this letter to Sundiata to avoid the August 1st deadline. As of this posting, Sundiata has not yet received any explanation from the board for this 10 year “hit”.

The Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign continues to be vigilant in seeking justice for Sundiata and his right to freedom. Sundiata’s legal advisors have consulted with a NJ attorney to appeal the decision. The attorney has been retained and has prepared and filed an administrative appeal to the NJ Parole Board outlining in very clear terms, the errors made by the panel in denying Sundiata’s parole. The appeal was filed on August 27, 2010.

We believe the case for appealing the NJ Parole Board’s decision is strong! SAFC will continue to keep pushing for Sundiata’s release and raising awareness about his case. Members of SAFC are available to speak and share information with any group who requests it. Simply email thesafc@gmail.com.

Sundiata needs your love and support and SAFC needs to raise funds to cover Sundiata’s legal expenses. Regular commissary donations to keep Sundiata smiling and knowing he is loved are also encouraged. We understand the financial limitations of people during these times and we appreciate anything you can give.

Please take a moment and give what you can to support his release:

To make a contribution to Sundiata’s legal expenses, please send a check or money order payable to SAFC:

PO BOX 766
HARLEM STATION
New York, New York 10027

Please be sure to note in the memo field that your check is for Legal Fees

To send money directly to Sundiata’s commissary send money orders only made out to:

Clark Squire #39794-066 and mail to:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Clark Squire #39794-066
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

Do not send a note with your money order or it will be returned.

Commissary donations can also be made online or by phone using a debit or credit card through Western Union Quick Collect. For more instructions on that just email thesafc@gmail.com.

To send Sundiata a card, a photo, a poem, artwork or just a simple letter saying you are thinking about him, write him:

Sundiata Acoli #39794-066 (Squire)
PO Box 3000
FCI Otisville
Otisville, NY 10963-1000

Any one of these things is a great way to show your love and support.

Thank you in advance!

A message from Sundiata to his supporters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DPqbSTs5Q

A POWER SUN has developed a fantastic fundraiser trailer to assist Field Up Productions with the completion of their works.

Go to: http://vimeo.com/8919298 and check it out!

Please feel free to spread the word to the masses and support the making of this important film, no donation is too small and it absolutely cannot be made without support!

Contact Sis. Dawn McGhee at fieldup@gmail.com, thank you!

From: The Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign
TheSAFC@gmail.com
http://www.sundiataacoli.org
—————————

Greetings:

Please show your support for the release of Sundiata Acoli by sending a letter to the NJ Parole Board. We’ve made it easy providing a sample letter below. All you have to do is take a moment and send it in as specified below.

AND SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/parole-for-sundiata-acoli

Link to your websites and social networking pages!

Don’t underestimate how important your letters are. We can’t let this opportunity to support Sundiata slip by us. Here’s a few talking points to get you started:

Letters that are especially useful are
1)      Letters from New Jersey (but letters from EVERYWHERE are great)
2)      Letters offering housing or work to Sundiata (he has both taken care of, but it will be impressive to the parole board to know about all the offers are being made- coming from New York in particular and across the country)

PLEASE MAIL YOUR LETTERS TO SAFC ATTORNEY:
Atty. Florence Morgan
120-46 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415.

It is important we keep a record of the number of letters that are sent and the diversity among supporters of his release. SAFC will make a copy and forward letters to the board.

Feel free to personalize your letters with a brief introduction about who you are/what you do.

Please note also police agencies consistently refer to Sundiata as a domestic terrorist. Letters should also refute this claim by stating he is no threat to public safety but rather a beloved member of the community who is sorely missed. Letters to the parole board MUST refrain from describing Sundiata as a political prisoner. It is also advised letters refrain from admonishing or criticizing the parole board about their review process.

Sundiata appreciates you! We do too!

If you have any questions, email us at TheSAFC@gmail.com.

Asante Sana! (Many Thanks)

___ Sample letter _________

Date: Oct. 10, 2009
Chairwoman Volette C. Ross
New Jersey State Parole Board
P.O. Box 862
Trenton NJ 08625

Chairwoman Ross:

I am writing this letter concerning Sundiata Acoli, NJ#54859/Fed#39794-066, who is eligible for parole February of 2010. I strongly encourage you to grant his parole request.

Sundiata’s age is a strong reason to grant parole. In January 2010, Sundiata will be 73 years old. He has been incarcerated for 36 years and has served his sentence. 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.

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 classes across the country, providing information and insight, as well as providing support to other prisoners who want to further their education.

Sundiata himself has a very impressive educational and work background, having worked at NASA in the 1960s as a computer programmer. He left that job to travel to the South to register Blacks to vote during the Civil Rights movement.

Sundiata has expressed remorse for his involvement in the circumstance that has led to his incarceration. I believe with all of my heart that if he is released, he will be an asset to the community, one that is sorely needed.

Sundiata is a father and a grandfather, and his greatest desire is to get to watch his grandchildren grow up. Please help fulfill that desire.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

sundiata fundraiser

Field Up Productions is proud to present some behind-the-scenes footage of our film, A Power Sun, and an introduction of some of the dramatic cast!

Check it out at http://vimeo.com/6418901

Sundiata Acoli s/n Clark Edward Squire, was reared in a small town in Texas, worked as a Computer Systems Analyst for NASA with astronaut Neil Armstrong, and became known as one of the loyalist activists during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. With a home front war brewing, a people allegiant to educating and liberating the oppressed was the goal. Former Black Panther Party (herein BPP) member and current prisoner, Sundiata Acoli shares his story via vocal narration and dramatic elements about his journey through the depths of hell and back in the Liberation Movement in America.

A POWER SUN tells of a courageous man, who served as the Party’s Lt. of Finance, and blatant cover-ups by a government who turned its back on justice; taking viewers on an expedition of realism, unveiling the untold experience that stunned Americans in the past…and many people around the world today, making this film – history in the present.

A POWER SUN shares diverse and independent voices that have never been heard, but written about in many books and periodicals. Acoli joins his comrades, family and friends in a chilling, yet true testament of his life from childhood to his current struggles as a prisoner.

A POWER SUN is an extraordinary dramatic documentary exploring the many aspects of the BPP Movement and the climate of the times in New York (herein NY), including the states’ longest and most expensive trial in its history and the Liberation Movement, with direct accounts, historical context and critical perspectives from former BPP NY Chapter members and others while learning the about the New Jersey Turnpike tragedy and life as a prisoner. The film’s plot is navigated by the conversation between a grandmother, Eartha ”Mama Earth” Kahn, played by Irma P. Hall (Meet the Browns, Soul Food) and grandson, Cinque Kahn, played by Omar Wiseman (Disney Channel), as “Mama Earth” teaches Cinque about the BPP NY Chapter using a unique game of chess on a recreational park set. As Cinque learns chess, a by-stander in the park, Sun, listens to the instructions and applies the lessons to his life. An exploration of Acoli’s life is revisited. The audience experiences the surreal life of Acoli while hearing thought provoking testimonies and learning about a select cadre of leaders in the Party, as well as, learning the art of chess.

A POWER SUN is produced and executed with the highest professional and ethical standards. The film’s director, writer and producer, Dawn McGhee says, “This film combines the true history of a dynamic movement, while re-creating the accounts of his story”. Through the narratives, A POWER SUN joins the past and the present within an innovative film structure guided by accuracy and strong conviction that will change the lives of all people from the four corners of this world.

Visit Field Up Productions at http://www.fieldup.com and DONATE to help make this important film a REALITY!!

Sundiata Acoli is a 72 year old prisoner at FCI Otisville, NY, who is sentenced to life with the possibility of parole, afflicted with common old age infirmities and has been imprisoned 36 years to date. He was arrested for the May 2nd, 1973 NJ Turnpike shooting incident in which he shot no one but merely managed to survive but in which his passenger, Zayd Shakur, and a New Jersey trooper, Werner Foerster, were killed. Another trooper, James Harper, was wounded as was Sundiata’s other passenger, Assata Shakur, who was at the time the object of a nationwide “woman hunt” and she was captured. Sundiata was also wounded, then captured 40 hrs later. Sundiata and both his passengers were members of the Black Panther Party at the time. For those reasons, and because Assata escaped prison long ago, the Parole board has twice denied Sundiata parole claiming he’s likely to commit another crime.

Sundiata has endured some of the harshest treatment a prisoner could experience. Still, he maintains a favorable prison record. He is a talented painter and has written numerous published articles about the prison industrial complex. He is a beloved father, grandfather, brother and elder to many with a rich history of making invaluable contributions to his community.

In the 60’s Sundiata left a promising career at NASA as a computer programmer to travel to the South to help register Blacks to vote. During his activism with the NY Chapter of the Black Panther Party, Sundiata contributed to various programs providing the city of Harlem with community control of schools, tenant control of slum housing, free breakfast for school children, free health care, legal clinics and political education classes. He also worked on community programs against drug dealers and police brutality. Numerous Panthers are still languishing in prison and have repeatedly been denied parole despite clear support for their release.

Sundiata comes up for parole hearing again in Feb. 2010 and people concerned about justice are urged to send letters, cards and signature petitions which express in effect: 36 years of imprisonment is enough. Sundiata Acoli NJ#54859/Fed#39794-066 has long ago fullfilled all requirements for parole and is too old, infirmed and is highly unlikely to commit another crime so I urge you to release Sundiata Acoli on parole.

As the attorneys will present your letters formally and keep record of the number of letters received, please do not mail them to the Parole Board directly. Instead mail your letters to:
Atty. Florence Morgan
120-46 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415.

Letters should be addressed to:
Chairwoman Volette C. Ross
New Jersey State Parole Board
P.O. Box 862
Trenton NJ 08625

To join the Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign (SAFC) email list or request additional information, feel free to contact SAFC by email at TheSAFC@gmail.com.

Thank you.