Razakhan Shaheed
P. O. Box 188
Sharon Hill, Pa. 19079
April 18, 2012
OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY
Greetings Family, I pray this letter finds you and your loved ones in the best of health and spirits, Inshaa Allah (IF IT PLEASES GOD). We are having problems that we need to address. I say that because most of our problems are self-inflicted. The one theme, I got from Brother Jalil Muntaqim’s Book, I would like us to focus on is (WE ARE OUR OWN LIBERATORS) although I did not agree with everything I read in his book, but, that one statement, is profoundly accurate. I went to a C.U.R.E. meeting last week and found out that the organization is in a state of disarray, in Pennsylvania anyway. The reason, they entrusted the welfare and the running of the organization to an ex-offender. Thinking, because of the hardships of incarceration he experienced, he would be the one that could bring the organization back to its prominence, and convince other ex-offenders and their families to get involved. What happened to make a long story short, he took what every money that came his way and ran with it. To those who have not heard of C.U.R.E. it is an international organization dedicated to, providing support and assistance to inmates and their families.
My first involvement with C.U.R.E. came in the early 80’s; I was sent from Lewisburg to Trenton, back to Lewisburg. While at Lewisburg, I learned how to file my own paper work from a book I bought from one of the jailhouse lawyers there. After filing two petitions against New Brunswick N. J. where I was being housed, I was sent to Trenton. There at Trenton I was labeled a paranoid schizophrenic, and told I had to take medication for it. When I refused, I was sent to the Vroom Building. Those that have never been in New Jersey and have never heard of the Vroom Building ask somebody. There, I was physically attacked and forcibly medicated, three times a day; this went on for six months until I remembered how to file in court. This may seem funny, but at times I could not remember how I got there or where I was, after a court hearing I was sent back to Trenton. There I encountered a brother named Smitty who use to engage me in conversation, he seemed to sense when I was drifting and through conversation brought me back , in fact I thought he was crazy. He was so at peace with himself, I thought then, how can anybody be at peace in this environment, not thinking then, he was still on his job. I use to indulge in conversation with him even if I didn’t want to, because he acted as if I was helping him. He used to call me a wounded solider, then I had no idea what he meant, now I do. Because now it’s my turn to care for the wounded soldiers.
After being sent back to Lewisburg from New Jersey, I was immediately sent to Virginia to serve a sentence, there I was sent to the hole for filling a law suit against them. I was being so harshly treated by the administration, one of the inmates there, that was a member of C.U.R.E. told them about me, they sent somebody out to see me, then they forced the administration to release me. After getting out some years later I found Lois Williamson who was the founder and president of Pennsylvania C.U.R.E. and learned what I could do to help from her. The one thing she impressed upon me was, C.U.R.E. belongs to the members.
We have to get it into our heads even incarcerated, that we are the cream of the crop, and we are the most feared by this government. Think about how many dam fools you have seen come and go sense you have been incarcerated. The Parole Board has no problems letting dam fools out, because they know they will be right back. But you, they are afraid of you in there, because you have not abandoned your work or principles, so imagine how afraid they would be if you were on the street, and they know you are not coming back. That being said you have to step up our efforts to be heard. Request an application from CURE from Razakhan Shaheed, P.O. Box 188, Sharon Hill, Pa. 19079. We have to stop crying about what people are not doing for us and do things for ourselves. Whatever you see that is missing from C.U.R.E.’s agenda when you become a member, write them, let them know what it is, and what idea you have that would solve the problem. Start C.U.R.E Chapters in your institution, and then send a request to Attorney Angus Love and /or Ernest D. Preate, Jr. asking them to come sit and converse with your chapter, as to, the best way to be effective. Copy the C.U.R.E. Membership Applications, send them to your family and friends, and encourage them to get involved. Have family and friends come to C.U.R.E. meetings and voice your concerns, and what do they want to do about these concerns. Remember: WE ARE OUR OWN LIBERATORS
Much Love, Much Respect
Razakhan
Tags: razakhan shaheed