Sunday, June 27, 2010

7/4 SCOTT SISTERS UPDATE!
























Dear Supporters:

Jamie and Gladys would like to thank all supporters for everything that is being done to assist in securing their freedom. They would especially like to thank The Gray Haired Witnesses for the most recent Washington, DC event.

Jamie sends a special thank you to everyone for contacting the Health Department regarding conditions at MDOC's- Quickbed Unit which is where she and many other inmates are housed. She has said that the prison made noticeable improvements and are continuing to do so. Many other inmates have also expressed their thanks to everyone who called and wrote the Mississippi Health Department. The Health Department did visit the prison and it has made a great difference in the lives of inmates.

Mrs. Rasco said that Jamie has broken out in boils again. The medical clinic has given her antibiotics and hopefully this will clear her condition. Although Jamie is sick; she is in very high spirits because of the improved living conditions. I would personally like to thank Ms. Gloretha Darlene Pinckney-Gray for sharing the idea of contacting OSHA and the Health Department. Ms. Gray - you have made a difference in many lives there at MDOC - Quick Bed. We thank you!

Jamie's Birthday is on July 16th and she would very much appreciate receiving cards and letters from supporters. Please write to Jamie Scott at the following address:
Jamie Scott # 19197
CMCF/2A-B-Zone
P.O. Box 88550
Pearl, MS 39288-8850

Anyone who wishes to send funds directly to Jamie for her commissary privileges may do so by following instructions provided via this link.
http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/Sending%20Money.htm

Free The Scott Sisters T-Shirts are available and may be purchased via the link below. Thank you to Paul Lefrak for organizing this and to Jack and Mike for picking up the torch! Please order your shirts, wear them and assist us in spreading the word.
http://www.radicaljack.com/scsit.html

Last but not least, a documentary is now being produced of The Scott Sisters, their family and this tragic case. The producer and his team are working around the clock to meet deadlines and ensure that all bases are covered. This documentary should be released in a few months!

In Solidarity,

Nancy R. Lockhart, M.J.

===============

Visit and LINK to: http://www.freethescottsisters.blogspot.com
Subscribe to our group: Send a blank e-mail to scottsistersupdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and share information!
Facebook Group: Free The Scott Sisters
Facebook Fan Page: Free The Scott Sisters
Free the Scott Sisters Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Free-Jamie-Gladys/index.html
Free the Scott Sisters Flyer: http://www.scribd.com/doc/28847395/Scott-Sisters-Flyer-Black-23-Mar-2010-20
Legal Transcripts: http://www.scribd.com/doc/21748820/Scott-transcript

Friday, June 25, 2010

6/27 SCOTT SISTERS UPDATE!


















Greetings all,

The prison sends out visitation lists two times a year and Gladys mailed one to Mrs. Rasco that she never received. Now the state of Mississippi is trying to keep Mrs. Rasco from visiting Gladys at any cost. This is truly ridiculous because they know that she has been visiting her there for the past 15 years! The next time forms will be sent is October, but it's not even guaranteed that she will receive it or be able to get onto the list because of the way she is being treated. At this rate, she may not even be able to see Gladys until next year!

Please contact Christopher Epps and tell him that Mrs. Rasco needs another form sent to her right away so that she can get in to see Gladys!
--------

Jamie and Gladys were visited by a mutual friend on June 17. Gladys was in good spirits and happy about the fast in Wash, DC on June 21. Jamie was feeling weak initially but after 2 1/2 hrs. began to feel better and optimistic about the future. Sometimes the hot temperatures in Quik Bed make it difficult for her to breathe. The health department has investigated Quik Bed and found the area to be extremely hot and gave the prison officials a date in which restroom repairs had to be completed. Jamie says that her dialysis is going better than before. Jamie and Gladys send their love and are thankful for the efforts
of everyone.
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The 6/21 Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice began at the Department of Justice with a small but spirited protest and speak-out against the prison industrial complex, the disparity in arrests, sentencing and treatment during and after incarceration, particularly of Black people. Supporters came from as far as Boston and Mississippi to proclaim that the Scott
Sisters be released from prison, as well as all those suffering under the MDOC system, one of the worst prison systems for medical care in the country. Later that afternoon at Lafayette Park, the energy was still very high and a lot of information was shared with attendees and passersby.

View some of the photos at: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4491610&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=122487714448868&aid=-1&oid=122487714448868&id=524327824
http://www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com! Thanks so much to all who supported in any way at all, stay tuned for next steps!
---------

The following poignant letters were sent in for the rally:

A Letter from Jamie Scott
From Inside the Central Mississippi State Prison
Pearl, MS

June 17, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I want to thank each of you for your support in helping my sister, Gladys and me. It seems as if the fight will never end. I never want to lie to any of you, the truth is, at this time my heart is so heavy and tired. How does this happen in a country that is suppose to be free? With the loss of my kidneys, my hypertension, and diabetes, I cry a lot these days. I ask God to please help me because it seems like I am losing my mind. As July approaches, I feel so guilty to be thankful for turning 38 years old, because that’s the day in 2008 my sister died and I had to go to her gravesite shackled like an animal.

I’ve been robbed of so much by the state of Mississippi until I can’t feel anymore. But in the midst of this pain, I do also feel the love and support from each of you. Please stay strong in your stand for justice. One day we shall overcome. I just pray my day won’t be too late. I am sorry I couldn’t write more now but you will hear from me again.

Love,

Jamie Scott

--------------------------------------

A Letter from Gladys Scott
From Inside the Central Mississippi State Prison
Pearl, MS

June 17, 2010

To All of My Supporters,

I would like to thank you for helping Jamie and me fight for justice. Life is not easy but I know with God’s Help, He will see me through. As I write this letter, I feel so much joy and happiness because I have prayed for this day when people hear our cries but at the same time, my heart is sad because my sister, Jamie is fighting daily for her life. I have been behind these prison walls for almost 16 years. I have seen many people come and go through these prison gates. I’ve seen some folks who walked in later being carried out in body bags and hearses because of the terrible medical care received here in the Mississippi penal system. I pray my sister, Jamie will walk out of here and lead a normal life with her health restored. Yes, I want freedom and justice for both Jamie and me. I am so grateful for all the cards, letters and support of the people. Everyday, I feel the love through your prayers. If it weren’t for your support, I don’t think that I could go on much longer. So thank you and we will see justice one day soon.

Love,

Gladys

-----------------------------------

Statement from Mrs. Evelyn Rasco:

I would like to thank all of the Gray-Haired Witnesses for the stand that they took on behalf of Jamie and Gladys and all women that are locked down in Pearl, Mississippi and all around the world. What has been done to Jamie and Gladys is the greatest injustice that could be done to a human being. In 1994 Jamie and Gladys were sentenced to two life sentences each with no chance of parole for 20 years. On Oct. 7 they will have been in prison for 16 years. Judge Marcus Gordon ran one of the most inhumane courts in the land. He used our justice system to express his hate for the Rasco name and will have given Jamie and Gladys a death sentence if they are not freed. How can someone get a double life sentence when the alleged victums say you didn't rob them and never held a gun on them -- how can a jury find them guilty? Because they were seen as guilty when they first walked into the court of Judge Marcus Gordon. The part that really hurts me is that my oldest son has been in the military for 29 years and is on a second tour to Afghanistan to fight for a country that has taken his sisters' lives and will not give them justice. What has our justice system come to? It must be reformed. Our black women are dying in prison, our white women are dying, and our children are being destroyed.

===================

The national NAACP is sending out an e-mailer announcing their upcoming convention and asking which issues they should focus on and what questions they should address there. Please log-in to http://action.naacp.org/YourIdeas and write the question as something similar to: "When is the NAACP going to join the growing national and international movement for justice for the Scott Sisters of Mississippi?" and include the website "http://freethescottsisters.blogspot.com" as the theme. The Convention is just a few weeks away, so please do this action as soon as possible and pass the word!
===================

6/27 -- SUPER SUNDAY ALL DAY EXCLUSIVE SPECTACULAR -- THE SCOTT SISTER'S MODERN DAY LYNCHING ON HARAMBEE RADIO - www.harambeeradio.com
======================

Write some encouraging words to Jamie and Gladys (for commissary donations go to http://www.inmatedeposits.com, register for Access Corrections and use each of their name and number to make your donation):

Gladys Scott, #19142
CMCF/B-Bldg.
P.O. Box 88550
Pearl, MS 39288-8550

Jamie Scott, #19197
CMCF/2A-B-Zone
P.O. Box 88550
Pearl, MS 39288-8550

------------------------------

Please continue to advocate on behalf of Jamie and Gladys Scott, their children and families need for them to return home alive, the time is NOW!

Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
HOTLINE: 202-353-1555
PHONE: 202-514-2000
202-307-6777 fax
AskDOJ@usdoj.gov

Mrs. Rasco needs to visit her daughter, Gladys, Christopher Epps, get her the necessary form so that she can get back on the list!

Christopher Epps
601-359-5600
CEPPS@mdoc.state.ms.us
723 North President Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Governor Haley Barbour
P.O. Box 139
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150
Fax: 601-359-3741
(If you reach VM leave msgs, faxes, and please send letters)

Friday, June 18, 2010

GRAY-HAIRED WITNESSES GO TO WASHINGTON!























P r e s s R e l e a s e

Contacts:
B.J. Janice Peak-Graham / Marpessa Kupendua
1- 866-968-1188, Ext. 2
ghwitnesses@gmail.com
http://www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com/

Gray-Haired Witnesses and Supporters Bring
Shocking Case of the Scott Sisters to Washington!

WASHINGTON, June 25/Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice News -- Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice was held on June 21, 2010, calling attention to the growing numbers of incarcerated Black women and the gross over-sentencing in cases such as the Mississippi Scott Sisters, Jamie and Gladys. The Scott Sisters received double-life sentences each in an alleged armed robbery of $11.00 in which no one was harmed or injured, and for which they have steadfastly maintained their innocence. This outrageous case became all the more urgent when Jamie Scott, now in the 16th year of this draconian sentence, suffered kidney failure in January, 2010 and has had several close calls with death as a result of poor medical treatment in the prison.

The rally began at the Department of Justice with a small but spirited protest and speak-out against the prison industrial complex, the disparity in arrests, sentencing and treatment during and after incarceration, particularly of Black people. Supporters came from as far as Boston and Mississippi to proclaim that the Scott Sisters be released from prison, as well as all those suffering under the MDOC system, one of the worst prison systems for medical care in the country. “We are here to represent those who came before us,” stated Gray-Haired Witness B.J. Peak-Graham, "Our Ancestors cry through us demanding all justices denied." Atty Sam Jordan was very thorough and spoke with great conviction, as well as Gloria & Clarence Bolls, Donnie Finley, Chioma Oruh, and more! They were each eloquent and adamant that an investigation into the case of the Scott Sisters needed to be a top item on the Washington agenda and that enough is truly enough for this devastating case!

Later that afternoon at Lafayette Park, the energy was still very high and a lot of information was shared with attendees and passersby. Brenda Branson, Spoken Word and Slangston Hughes were among those who brought the power to bear on this system during their hard-hitting and impassioned spoken word presentations, and the crowd was visibly moved by a beautiful musical performance by Khadijah “Moon” Ali-Coleman. The many speakers who brought dynamic information to the rally included Returning Citizens United, UNIA Pres. General Senghor Jawara Baye, Clinton Alexander, Atty Nkechi Taifa, Mike Johnson, revered community mother and esteemed elder Mama Nia, and more, that made for a very meaningful day of education and information that lit up the entire square and reached everyone within earshot. Atty Ann Wilcox also took the stage and spoke in solidarity on behalf of the local Green Party and the Gray Panthers.

Portions of the rally were very moving and being in the shadow of the White House made them all the more poignant. Gray-Haired Witness, Jamia Shepherd, read from heartbreaking letters from Jamie and Gladys Scott, one in which Jamie wrote: “I’ve been robbed of so much by the state of Mississippi until I can’t feel anymore. But in the midst of this pain, I do also feel the love and support from each of you. Please stay strong in your stand for justice. One day we shall overcome. I just pray my day won’t be too late.”

The organizers were uplifted by those in attendance as well as all of those who supported but were unable to attend, and all expressed their love and admiration for the awe-inspiring courage and fortitude of Mrs. Evelyn Rasco, the true engine behind all of the organizing that goes on with respect to her beloved and suffering daughters. The movement is growing and all of the people who are organizing on behalf of the Scott Sisters around the country and world will be heard! “We come from a history of struggle, we must relearn that we don’t just lay down and accept injustice!” said Gray-Haired Witness Marpessa Kupendua. The women vowed to remain consistent and continue to move forward in the spirit of Ida B. Wells on this case and in other efforts to demand an end to the demonization and dehumanization of the Black community in general and Black women in particular in the future.

# # #

(Some photos from the event are currently viewable at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4491610&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=122487714448868&aid=-1&oid=122487714448868&id=524327824)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

JOIN US 6/21 IN WASHINGTON DC!!











MAKE YOUR PLANS TO JOIN US!!
JUNE 21, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, DC
10 AM - DEPT. OF JUSTICE
12 NOON - WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE
1PM-9PM - LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK


We need EVERYONE to join us in bringing national attention to the case of the Scott Sisters and all those who have been incarcerated wrongly and egregiously over-sentenced!

This is a day-long fast to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves, while standing on the shoulders of our righteous ancestors who taught us that we dare not become complacent and accepting of oppression but to struggle against injustice and to bring together the people who will loudly declare that enough is enough!

We stand on this history today. We stand before you as Gray-Haired Witnesses asking freedom-loving people of all colors who believe in the dream of Ida B. Wells, of a just, safe and open America for all peoples regardless of our different social locations to break the veil of silence and stand strong in a renewed spirit of moral consciousness for this country. The greatest asset we have is our body, mind and spirit and our willingness to step out of the daily flow of life and stand tall for what is right and just. The jagged tears in the social and cultural infrastructure of Black and poor communities and families are unconscionable and unacceptable to us. We come ready to repair them. In the tradition of race women throughout history, we declare our presence and we will not be silent and we are not afraid.

**********

MEET US AT NEW YORK AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, RADCLIFFE ROOM, 1313 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW BETWEEN 8:30 AND 9:45 AM (2 blocks from the White House and Lafayette Square Park). The church is also available to us from 11:45a until 1:00.

Directions to Dept. of Justice from the New York Ave. Presbyterian Church: Come out of the building at 1313 New York Avenue, NW and turn left, cross the street at corner of the church,---you will be in front of the Inter American Bank—which is now H St, NW. Stay on H, cross at 13th, and count the numbers down to 9th—turn right on 9th, now count down the letters until you reach Pennsylvania Ave., NW –the address is 950 Pennsylvania. It’s about 10 city blocks.

There is a public parking lot located 4 blocks from the church and 4 blocks from the Department of Justice. It’s the best deal in town—most other parking is in garages that will not fit a bus. This is the contact information: City Center Parking operated by U Street Parking - 900 9th St., NW—the entrance is on 9th St, which is one way. Cars can park all day for $20 and buses can park all day for $35. Come down H St, NW to 10th, turn right on 10th go up 1 block, turn right, and then right again on 9th—the entrance is mid block on the right. Buses park to the far right of the lot. The telephone number is 202 265-0010.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - 10 AM - WE WILL BEGIN OUR FAST, PICKET, SPEAK OUT AND PRESENT PETITIONS AND DEMANDS FOR ERIC HOLDER. Gray-Haired Witnesses are calling for white clothing in solidarity, but participants need not join in the fast or wear all-white to support!

12 NOON - WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE -- The Shocking Case of the Mississippi Scott Sisters Must Become a National News Story.

1PM-9PM - LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK - Continuation of Fast with Speakers, Performers, Activists, Music -- Come thru and lend your support as we raise awareness of the shocking case of the Mississippi Scott Sisters and uplift and educate attendees around issues of serious concern to our Sistas and our community at large. We need your voice to be a part of this program! Bring non-perishable food donations that will be distributed to the needy of the DC community at the conclusion of the fast.

Participants include:

Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman
Kermit Eady - Former Head, Black United Fund of NY, Eady Associates
Michael Johnson -Black Unity Movement, Black Student Union
Nkechi Taifa, Esq. - President, Legacy Justice Institute
Sam Jordan - Advocate for Justice and Prison Abolition
Senghor Jawara Baye - Pres. Gen., UNIA-ACL
Slangston Hughes
"Spoken Word" - Spoken Word Artist
Strong Love Band
Bro. Yango!

+ More, More, More!

----------------

CALL DONNIE FINLEY OF GLORIA'S KITCHEN, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI IF YOU CAN HELP WITH DONATING A BUS SO THAT MRS. RASCO AND FAMILY CAN ATTEND THE RALLY. CALL DONNIE ASAP at: 601-454-6507.
---------

IN SOLIDARITY:

On behalf of President-General Senghor Jawara Baye and the Government of the UNIA-ACL worldwide, we are here-in providing our full and unconditional support against the wrongful imprisonment of the Scott Sisters under the rampant racism exhibited by the state of Mississippi. Too long have we stood by and allowed our people to lanquish in the prisons of amerikkka. These two strong Black women have been held hostage on trumped-up charges of an $11.00 robbery since 1993...almost 17 years! This is what has transpired with them and many others since our sojourn in this wicked land. How long my people? How long will we continue to stand by while our Bothers and Sisters rot and die in the bowels of amerikkka’s dungeons? Jamie is dying for lack of inept and inadequate medical care. This blatant racism that exists in amerikkka has not met its death as some would have you believe. Rise up now and show that you will no longer tolerate such. Let the powers that be know that it is way pass time for justice to step forward... instead of it always being just-us. We want Jamie and Gladys Scott released immediately. We want full and complete medical care issued and restitution for all these years of false imprisonment. We also call for a swift hand in all these cases where we have had so many of our people so blatantly and wrongfully imprisoned.

Zama Cook
Minister of Information
Government of the UNIA-ACL
---------

DURING THE DAY OF MONDAY JUNE 21:

We need you to support by doing some or all of the following--

1. STAND WITH US IN WASHINGTON AND BRING OTHERS!

2. Call, fax and e-mail Eric Holder and let him know that you are in Solidarity with the Gray-Haired Witnesses and demand an investigation into the case of the Scott Sisters and Jamie Scott's medical treatment. HOTLINE: 202-353-1555, PHONE: 202-514-2000, 202-307-6777 fax, AskDOJ@usdoj.gov
-- Call the Commissioner's office and demand that Jamie Scott be moved to the Medical Bldg. and leave the hot, moldy and infection-inducing Quick Bed unit, that she be given the nutrition that the doctor has told her she needs to survive, and that he advocate for the pardon of both of the Scott Sisters with the Governor's office. 601-359-5600, CEPPS@mdoc.state.ms.us
-- Call/fax Gov. Haley Barbour and demand that he release Jamie and Gladys Scott from prison! 1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150, Fax: 601-359-3741

3. Send our press release to your local and national press and tell them that you are fasting in solidarity with the Gray-Haired Witnesses fast for justice and that you want them to write a story about the case of the Scott Sisters (press release is at http://www.scribd.com/doc/31674423/grayhairpr).

4. Repost our information to your Facebook and other social netwoking sites. Help us get the word out.

5. Issue a statement of support on an individual or organizational level on this endeavor and get it to us before June 20 and it will be read at the event. Write a blog, article or commentary, post it and pass it on for posting on our website.

6. Volunteer to help us on that day, we need you!

7. Change your Facebook or other networking site profile pic in solidarity for the day and represent one of the Scott Sisters or their mother!
-----------

ENDORSEMENT LIST-- THANK YOU ALL FOR STANDING WITH US!!

Action Committee for Women in Prison
Agnes Johnson, The 1212 Community in the Bronx
Ahmad Abdulibad, Minister~General, Sons Of Afrika
Bonnie Kerness, AFSC*
Brenda Scott Lowery
Bro. Moorbey, Chairman, Black Unity Movement
Bro. Sauti & Sis. Shiriki, KCBLR.ORG Radio
California Coalition for Women Prisoners
Charles E. Campbell, Allen Hydro Energy Corporation (AHEC)
Christian Guerrier, Founder, Millennials Project
Cleo Silvers
David Blanchard
Dick Gregory - Human Rights Activist
Dominique Reed, HRC-Fed Up!
Donna Wallach, Justice for Palestinians
Dr. Judson L. Jeffries, Professor & Director, The Ohio State University
Earl Smith, Executive Director, Order of Kush International
Eddie Griffin (BASG)
Fayemi Shakur, Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign
Florence L. Tate
Free Mumia NYC
Harambee Radio and Television Network
Helen Raines Staley, Albany NY
Int'l Concerned Family/Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Jacqui C. Williams
Julie Ann Turner
Kenneth King
Kermit Eady, Eady Associates
Leonna A. Brandao, S.W.III, New Vision Org., Inc.
Malaika H. Kambon, People's Eye Photography
Marilyn McMahon, California Prison Focus
Marritte Funches, founder of the August Initiative
Mary Ratcliff, Editor, San Francisco Bay View Newspaper
mesha Monge-Irizarry, Director, Education Not Incarceration, SF Chapter,
Idriss Stelley Foundation, + SF MOOC City Commissioner*
Michael Johnson/Black Student Union (Comm. College of Balt. County/Essex)
Michelle Alexander, Author, "The New Jim Crow - Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness"
Mississippi Prison Watch
Monica Moorehead, Women's Fightback Network, NYC
Mumia Abu-Jamal, Political Prisoner
Nancy Lockhart, M.J., Legal Analyst
Nathan Hare, Black Think Tank
Nkechi Taifa, Esq. - President, Legacy Justice Institute
Pastors Against Injustice, Wayne Jones
Paul Lefrak.
People's Organization for Progress
Rev. Kenneth Glasgow, T.O.P.S.
Rev. Majadi Baruti, Udja Temple Ministries
Ron Scott, Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality
Sam Jordan - Advocate for Justice and Prison Abolition
Senghor Jawara Baye, President General UNIA-ACL
Sistah Q, Author of Maintaining Our Temples
Solidarity
Sundiata Acoli, Political Prisoner
Tara Graham
Terry Howcott
The African American Freedom & Reconstruction League
The MOVE Organization
Trinita Simpson
4JusticeNow
(* For ID purposes only)

Blessed are those who struggle
Oppression is worse than the grave
Better to die for a noble cause
than to live and die a slave

Up through the years we've continued this fight
our liberty to attain
And though we have faced insurmountable odds
yet the will to resist remains

(From: Blessed are Those Who Struggle - The Last Poets)

The Scott Sister's shocking double-life sentence must not become death sentences on our watch!



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Friday, June 11, 2010

MUMIA SOLIDARITY/MS BUS APPEAL!!











DONNIE FINLEY IS NOW DOWN TO THE LAST DAY OF TRYING TO GET A BUS PAID FOR IN ORDER FOR MRS. RASCO AND FAMILY TO COME FROM MS TO THE RALLY AND IS ASKING TO HAVE A BUS DONATED OR DONATIONS BROUGHT INTO THEM SO THAT THEY CAN PAY THE CHARTER COMPANY TODAY (6/18)! DONNIE'S CONTACT INFO IS AT THE END OF THIS POSTING, THIS MAN IS WORKING AS HARD AS HE CAN AND NEEDS A SPONSOR OR FOR A CHURCH OR OTHER GROUP WHO OWNS THEIR OWN BUS TO LOAN ONE TO THEM.
--------------

SUPPORT THE GRAY-HAIRED WITNESSES FAST FOR JUSTICE!
JUNE 21, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, DC
10 AM - DEPT. OF JUSTICE
12 NOON - WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE
1PM-9PM - LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK

We need your support in bringing national attention to the case of the Scott Sisters and all other women who have been incarcerated wrongly and egregiously over-sentenced, punishing and destroying our families and children, please plan to participate!
---------------

IN SOLIDARITY:

Dear Gray-Haired Witnesses:

It's wonderful that y'all are supporting the Scott Sisters of Mississippi.

I salute you all for your efforts to obtain justice and liberation for them.

From the dawn of human time, the 'gray-haired ones' -- the elders, were the communal repository for knowledge of things seen and unseen.

This arises from the great respect accorded the aged in African traditional society.

That sistas such as y'all are doing this, in this society of coldness, repression and what I call the 'Prisonhouse of Nations', is a good and necessary thing.

As Michelle Alexander has written, the prison industrial complex is the 'new Jim Crow'.

So, the battle continues.

So, kudos. i salute you all.

Ona Move! LLJA!

Alla best,

Mumia (Abu-Jamal)
---------

Solidarity, a democratic revolutionary socialist, feminist, anti-racist organization, emphatically endorses the fast at the U.S. Department of Justice in D.C. undertaken by the Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice in support of freedom for the Scott Sisters of Mississippi, Jamie and Gladys Scott. We support the immediate inspection of the prison where Jamie is being held despite suffering from end-stage renal disease and call for her immediate hospitalization. This outrageous case of injustice—double-life sentences for these sisters over a theft of less than $11—is a racist and class-based extreme injustice of the worst sort. The Scott Sisters must be released at once! Solidarity joins this growing movement for justice for the Gladys and Jamie Scott and for all women suffering behind bars in inhuman conditions.
-----------

Mrs. Rasco, mother of the Scott Sisters, loved Bro. Toure Muhammad's wonderful Final Call article (http://www.finalcall.com) on their case and was very thrilled to see it! She apologizes for any misstatements she has made and wishes to clarify that the jury racial make-up was 7 whites, 5 Blacks, 1 black and 1 white alternate, (altho the Black alternate did not return). She's very grateful for the support!
==============

SUPPORT NEEDED!!

-- Anyone coming to the event from VA have room to bring anyone else? Please respond ASAP if you are able to share your ride up, thank you!!!

- THE SITUATION WITH GETTING THE BUS UP TO THE DEMONSTRATION FROM MISSISSIPPI IS GETTING VERY DIRE, HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED OR ELSE THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO COME. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD AND STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED, IT IS VERY MUCH NEEDED TO BRING MRS. RASCO, FAMILY AND MS SUPPORTERS TO DC, THEY NEED TO BE THERE TO SPEAK OUT TO THE NATIONAL PRESS!
Please mail an M.O. for whatever you can spare (no amount is too small!) ASAP made out to Donnie Finley and mail to: Donnie Finley c/o Gloria's Kitchen, 2855 Bailey Ave., Jackson, MS 39206. If you need more info please phone Donnie at: 601-454-6507. Thank you in advance for your kind support!

MORE UPDATES TO COME VERY SOON! PLEASE GET YOUR PLANS NAILED DOWN, NOT EVERYONE WILL BE WEARING WHITE OR FASTING, SO PLEASE DON'T LET THAT STOP YOU!!

All info is at http://www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com.
Press Releases: http://www.scribd.com/doc/31674423/grayhairpr and http://www.scribd.com/doc/32890430/ALEXGREGPR
Flyer: http://www.scribd.com/doc/32978058/ghflyer613
PSA: http://www.divshare.com/download/11504574-e65
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YULqQ9qPxio&feature=player_embedded
Facebook: GRAY-HAIRED WITNESSES FOR JUSTICE
Phone: 1- 866-968-1188, Ext. 2
E-Mail: ghwitnesses@gmail.com


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Thursday, June 10, 2010

SOLIDARITY/PARKING +MORE FOR 6/21 FAST FOR JUSTICE!











SUPPORT THE GRAY-HAIRED WITNESSES FAST FOR JUSTICE!
JUNE 21, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, DC
10 AM - DEPT. OF JUSTICE
12 NOON - WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE
1PM-9PM - LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK


We need your support in bringing national attention to the case of the Scott Sisters and all other women who have been incarcerated wrongly and egregiously over-sentenced, punishing and destroying our families and children, please plan to participate!
-------

PARKING FOR CARS/BUSES:

Thanks so much to Julie Turner for all of her help in organizing support in solidarity with the Gray-Haired Witnesses!

The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church has confirmed the Radcliffe Room for press conference/rally attendees on Monday, June 21, 2010 to rest, use the bathroom and get situated. The times we may use the room are from 8:30a until 9:45 and 11:45a until 1:00. The Church will close at 3 on Monday, but this will give everyone enough time to sort things out. The church is at 1313 New York Ave, NW—2 blocks from the White House and Lafayette Square Park.

Directions to Dept. of Justice from the New York Ave. Presbyterian Church: Come out of the building at 1313 New York Avenue, NW and turn left, cross the street at corner of the church,---you will be in front of the Inter American Bank—which is now H St, NW. Stay on H, cross at 13th, and count the numbers down to 9th—turn right on 9th, now count down the letters until you reach Pennsylvania Ave., NW –the address is 950 Pennsylvania. It’s about 10 city blocks.

There is a public parking lot located 4 blocks from the church and 4 blocks from the Department of Justice. It’s the best deal in town—most other parking is in garages that will not fit a bus. This is the contact information: City Center Parking operated by U Street Parking - 900 9th St., NW—the entrance is on 9th St, which is one way. Cars can park all day for $20 and buses can park all day for $35. Come down H St, NW to 10th, turn right on 10th go up 1 block, turn right, and then right again on 9th—the entrance is mid block on the right. Buses park to the far right of the lot. The telephone number is 202 265-0010.
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IN SOLIDARITY:

The California Coalition for Women Prisoners expresses our strong solidarity with the courageous fast by the Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice to demand freedom for the Scott Sisters and an inspection of the prison where Jamie Scott is being held. In California, we witness similar inhuman conditions for women in prison on a daily basis, and we condemn the systemic racism and sexism which has caused the population of women in prison to triple in the past twenty-five years. Jamie and Gladys are serving outrageous life sentences which in Jamie’s case could well turn into a death sentence if the criminal health care conditions she is enduring aren’t quickly improved. We deeply appreciate your determination to stand up and expose the grave injustice being perpetrated against the Scott sisters and the tens of thousands of other sisters who are wrongly incarcerated across the United States. -- Diana Block, Founding Member
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Legal Services for Prisoners with Children endorses the June 21, 2010 Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice in DC and your mission to free the Scott sisters. LSPC is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California, with a 32 year history of advocating for the rights of prisoners, formerly incarcerated persons, and their families. We know that the unique situation of incarcerated women is often overlooked. Prison medical care is notoriously inadequate. Sentences are too long. Justice is often not served in our criminal courts. We support your efforts to free the Scott sisters and call on the Obama administration to help justice be served here. -- Carol Strickman, Staff Attorney
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Thank you Bro. Rudolph Lewis of ChickenBones for sharing this critical information on your illustrious pages: http://www.nathanielturner.com/freescottsisters.htm

Thank you also to Rev. Kenneth Glasgow and T.O.P.S. (THE ORDINARY PEOPLE SOCIETY) for writing and sending out a press release in support of this effort. Website: www. http://www.wearetops.org

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WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT, THERE IS SOMETHING THAT EVERYONE CAN DO, NO ACTION IS TOO SMALL!

You can do this by some or all of the following:
- ATTEND THE JUNE 21ST PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY AND BRING OTHERS! We need your physical support!
- Post our press release and flyer to your FB and other social networking sites, forward it to your email colleagues and forward it to local and national print, radio and tv media.
Press release: http://www.scribd.com/doc/31674423/grayhairpr -- Flyer: http://www.scribd.com/doc/32238758/New-Flyer
- Write a blog, article or commentary on our mission and call, post it and pass it on for posting on our website.
- Write and publish an article on the case of the Scott Sisters and the issue of Black incarceration. (Case Summary on the Scott Sisters is at http://freethescottsisters.blogspot.com/search/label/Case%20Summary)
- Volunteer to help us prepare for the day, particularly if you live in the DC, Balt., VA area, we need you however you are able!
- Please donate yourself on that day with your conscious and respectful entertainment performance!


URGENT NEEDS!!!

-- SOUND SYSTEM WITH GENERATOR AND RISER FOR USAGE AT LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK FROM 12 NOON UNTIL 8:30 PM!
-- HELP TO SPONSOR THE BUS FROM MISSISSIPPI WHICH IS VERY MUCH NEEDED TO BRING MRS. RASCO, FAMILY AND MS SUPPORTERS TO DC AND IS VERY EXPENSIVE!

Please mail an M.O. for whatever you can spare (no amount is too small!) ASAP made out to Donnie Finley and mail to:
Donnie Finley c/o Gloria's Kitchen, 2855 Bailey Ave., Jackson, MS 39206. If you need more info please phone Donnie at: 601-454-6507. Thank you in advance for your kind support!


CONTACT US TODAY AND GET INVOLVED!

Contact us at ghwitnesses@gmail.com, 1- 866-968-1188, Ext. 2,

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

'THE NEW JIM CROW' AUTHOR MICHELLE ALEXANDER ENDORSES GRAY-HAIRED WITNESSES FOR JUSTICE











P r e s s R e l e a s e

Contacts:

B.J. Janice Peak-Graham / Marpessa Kupendua
1- 866-968-1188, Ext. 2
ghwitnesses@gmail.com
http://www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com/


WASHINGTON, June 9/Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice News – Author and legal scholar, Michelle Alexander, has taken time from her current national book tour to strongly endorse the June 21, 2010 Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice in DC and their mission in a statement to their web editor and founding member, Marpessa Kupendua. In her new book this brave and insightful legal scholar and civil rights advocate argues that although Jim Crow laws have been eliminated, the racial caste system it set up was not eradicated. It’s simply been redesigned, and now racial control functions through the criminal justice system. In her support of the Gray-haired Witnesses for Justice movement, Ms. Alexander wrote:

"With extraordinary vision and courage, and in the tradition of Ida B. Wells and countless other women who have stood for justice in the face of severe racial oppression, the Gray Haired Witnesses for Justice are calling attention to the harm caused by America's latest caste system: mass incarceration. Women of color are the fastest growing group of the prison population today and the Gray Haired Witnesses for Justice are shining a bright light on the racial bias and cruelty of our criminal justice system. All Americans who care about justice should join them in their campaign to free the Scott sisters, who have been sentenced to die in prison for an extremely minor, non-violent offense. “

In a February, 2010 article which appeared in the Huffington Post, she wrote, “ The clock has been turned back on racial progress in America, though scarcely anyone seems to notice. All eyes are fixed on people like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey who have defied the odds and achieved great power, wealth and fame.”

In referencing the focus of the Gray-Haired Witnesses on the case of the Scott Sisters, she had this to say, “The double life sentences imposed on the Scott sisters for an alleged robbery in Mississippi netting little more than $11 is a glaring example of a criminal justice system that is no longer much concerned with justice. No one was hurt or injured, and these women have no prior offenses. No other Western democracy subjects its own people to such draconian punishment for minor crimes. And no other country in the world incarcerates such a large percentage of its racial and ethnic minorities. This is Jim Crow justice, alive and well today. I urge all those of conscience to support the Scott sisters and the thousands of other prisoners who find themselves in similar shoes. Sadly, the Scott sisters are not alone. The Gray Haired Witnesses for Justice are standing up for all those suffering needlessly behind bars and we must join them. If we fail to act, history will judge us harshly."

Michelle Alexander is the author of "The New Jim Crow - Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness". Her book is taking the nation by storm, especially by major news analysts and commentators in examining issues of race bearing upon the era of the Obama administration. Ms. Alexander is a rising legal star who presents a bold and innovative argument that mass incarceration amounts to a devastating system of racial control.

On June 21, 2010, the Gray-Haired Witnesses will commence a Fast at the Department of Justice in a 10:00 a.m. formal appeal to Eric Holder, rejoin at the White House at Noon with a press conference and formal appeal to President Obama, and then continue at Lafayette Square Park from 1PM until 9PM for the duration of the fast with speakers, live performances and artists. They are calling on all people of good will to join them on that day and demand justice for the Scott Sisters and an end to the oversentencing, degradation and dehumanization of Black women in this system and nation as a whole.

Michelle Alexander is the author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (The New Press, 2010). The former director of the Racial Justice Project of the ACLU in Northern California, she also served as a law clerk to Justice Harry Blackmun on the U.S. Supreme Court. Currently, she holds a joint appointment with the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University.



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Saturday, June 5, 2010

6/5 SCOTT SISTERS UPDATE!
















Greetings all,

Mrs. Rasco arrived in Mississippi yesterday for a visit with Jamie today and one with Gladys tomorrow, yet was told once she arrived at the prison today that she and her granddaughter had on open-toed shoes and were not permitted in. They had to leave the prison and purchase closed-toe shoes to even get into see Jamie after all of that travelling. She was also told that she would not be permitted to see Gladys at all tomorrow because she is NOT on Glady's visitation list!! She has been on Gladys' visitation list for 15 years and visited she and Jamie recently. This is unconscionable and pure harassment, and the family and Gladys are extremely hurt and disappointed.

Jamie was feeling and looking better today and told her mother that she is getting better medication, although she did state that she feels her body is changing and deteriorating slowly. She has unresolved chest pains that come and go and have not been evaluated. She's very, very grateful to all of the supporters for all that is being done!

The conditions in the Quick Bed unit where she is housed are horrible. This unit is the worst place in the prison, no one even goes back there except those that work there. It is in the back of the prison and there are also men housed back there. When it rains, the water pours into the unit and they all have to mop up the water. Water leaks around Jamie's bed and electrical socket and she is worried about getting sick or even electrocuted. The toilets still have major plumbing problems and overflow. Mold is also still an issue on the unit.

The Board of Health needs to go into the prison and get these problems addressed once and for all, Jamie's health is tenuous as it is! On April 16, 2010 , Mr. Jeffrey Brown of the Board of Health stated that the mold, sewage and spider infestation at CMCF/quickbed would be taken care of but only the insect infestation has been addressed.

Jeffrey Brown - Jeffrey.Brown@msdh.state.ms.us
Mac Arthur Washington - Macarthur.Washington@msdh.state.ms.us

Central Office Phone
601-576-7400 (8am-5pm)
Agency personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in public health emergencies.

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Please continue to advocate on behalf of Jamie and Gladys Scott, their children and families need for them to return home alive, the time is NOW!

Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
HOTLINE: 202-353-1555
PHONE: 202-514-2000
202-307-6777 fax
AskDOJ@usdoj.gov

Christopher Epps
601-359-5600
CEPPS@mdoc.state.ms.us
723 North President Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Governor Haley Barbour
P.O. Box 139
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150
Fax: 601-359-3741
(If you reach VM leave msgs, faxes, and please send letters)

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Visit and LINK to: http://www.freethescottsisters.blogspot.com

Friday, June 4, 2010

SPONSORS NEEDED FOR MISSISSIPPI BUS TO D.C.!








Sponsors are needed to help pay for the bus bringing Mrs. Rasco and supporters in Mississippi up to the Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice so that she, her children and grandchildren can speak on behalf of Jamie and Gladys Scott. Gloria's Kitchen is one of Mrs. Rasco's greatest supporters in Mississippi and have made bumper stickers, t-shirts, lots of phone calls, flyering and much more in the fight for freedom for the Scott Sisters and are now making arrangements for the bus, but the expense is great.

Please mail an M.O. for whatever you an spare (no amount is too small!) ASAP made out to Donnie Finley and mail to:
Donnie Finley c/o Gloria's Kitchen
2855 Bailey Ave.
Jackson, MS 39206.

If you need more info please phone Donnie at: 601-454-6507. Thank you in advance for your kind support!

TUNE INTO HARAMBEE RADIO & SUPPORT THE SCOTT SISTERS!











The Legacy Justice Empowerment Hour last evening hosted by Nkechi Taifa on Harambee Radio and TV featured Mrs. Evelyn
Rasco and Sis. Marpessa and can be downloaded at: https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=OHo2YnU1MHdQb0pjR0E9PQ

Tonight Harambee Radio continues their steadfast coverage of our efforts to nationally expose this horrific case:

TRANSFORMATION
PLUS TV
WITH
DALANI AAMON


9:00 PM EST TO MIDNIGHT EVERY FRIDAY

TONIGHT'S TOPIC

THE MODERN DAY LYNCHING OF
THE SCOTT SISTERS IN
MISSISSIPPI
http://www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com/

Co-hosted by Dalani Aamon and long-term Activist Jamia Shepherd

Our guest tonight will be:

Sis. BJ Janice Peak-Graham

Sis. Shakeerah Abdul al-Sabuur

Sister Nancy Lockhart

Brother Nat Turner

Sister Agnes Johnson

Rev. Edward Pinkney

Brother Wali Durham

Go to www.harambeeradio.com to see exclusive Scott Sister coverage on demand tv
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Thanks to Sis. Khadijah for covering the Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice for the DC Community Issues Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-21948-DC-Community-Issues-Examiner~y2010m6d3-Rally-for-incarcerated-women-set-to-take-place-in-DC-on-June-21?cid=sharing_facebook%3A21948

Please continue to contact all media with our press release: http://www.scribd.com/doc/31674423/grayhairpr so we can get more "ink", radio and tv coverage before, during and after the activity, and include filling out the contact form at Democracy Now! to support our efforts for coverage at http://www.democracynow.org/get_involved/contact?to=1



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Pictured: Amy Jacques Garvey

DICK GREGORY CALLS FOR MASS SUPPORT FOR GRAY-HAIRED WITNESSES










P r e s s R e l e a s e

Contacts:
B.J. Janice Peak-Graham / Marpessa Kupendua
1- 866-968-1188, Ext. 2
ghwitnesses@gmail.com
http://www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com/

WASHINGTON, June 3/Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice News --Fiery human rights activist, Dick Gregory, urged everyone to support the June 21, 2010 Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice in DC in an interview yesterday. The upcoming day-long event is to call attention to the shocking case of the Mississippi Scott Sisters, two women who each received double-life sentences for an alleged robbery of $11.00 almost 16 years ago. The public fast, press conference and rally also calls attention to the entire system of justice which increasingly incarcerates and oversentences non-violent Black female first time offenders, such as Jamie and Gladys Scott, punishing and many times actually destroying entire families.

"This is one of the worst cases I have ever heard of in my life," exclaimed Gregory, "My jaw dropped when I read that these women have been in prison for almost 16 years and aren't even charged with laying a hand on anyone! This country should be embarrassed to have such a blatant travesty of justice exist while wagging our finger at people abroad for human rights abuses. What we have going on here is the epitome of cruel and unusual punishment and is outrageous, even for Mississippi!".

The Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice was prompted by the very serious illness of now 38-yr. old Jamie Scott who entered prison in 1994 a healthy young woman yet suffered kidney failure this past January and was deprived adequate medical treatment for an extended period of time. Jamie has quickly declined to stage 5 (end stage) kidney disease and has suffered many life-threatening medical emergencies in an unclean environment.

Mr. Gregory was dumbfounded as to why MS Governor Haley Barbour has ignored all calls to pardon the women. "They went in at the ages of 19 and 22 with no prior criminal record, have consistently maintained their innocence, and even the testimony against them is documented as having been coerced! Even if they were guilty, we are talking about double-life sentences each, how does that make any kind of sense, don't their lives mean anything at all? If Gov. Barbour won't do the right thing then we need Eric Holder and President Obama to immediately step in! Washington, DC should be packed with people on June 21, demanding the immediate release of the Scott Sisters!".

On June 21, 2010, the Gray-Haired Witnesses will commence a Fast at the Department of Justice in a 10:00 a.m formal appeal to Eric Holder, rejoin at the White House at Noon with a press conference and formal appeal to President Obama, and then continue at Lafayette Square Park from 1PM until 9PM for the duration of the fast with speakers, live performances and artists. The Gray-Haired Witnesses are calling on all people of good will to join them on that day and demand justice for the Scott Sisters and an end to the oversentencing, degradation and dehumanization of Black women in this system and nation as a whole.

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