ASSATA SHAKUR SPEAKS ON CASTRO/U.N.
This Statement was delivered by Sis. Safiya Bukhari when Fidel
Castro spoke at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem, NY,
10/23/95.
SIS. SAFIYA: I greet you on behalf of the over 150 political
prisoners and prisoners of war languishing in the prisons and jails of
the United States for daring to struggle for freedom, liberation, land
and independence - from Geronimo ji jaga Pratt to Leonard Peltier,
from Marilyn Buck to Janine Africa. Though they could not be here in
body - know that they are here in spirit sharing this momentous
occasion. It is in their name that I read (this) statement from an
ex-political prisoner who is living exile - who would be languishing
in the prisons of america if it was not for the solidarity of the
Cuban people.
ASSATA'S STATEMENT:
"Fifty years ago the United Nations organization was formed to
promote peace and harmony and to achieve international
cooperation in solving the economic, social and humanitarian
problems of the world. The United Nations was formed to defend
human rights, to defend fundamental freedoms and guarantee self-
determination and sovereignty for all the peoples and all the
nations of the world. As world leaders gather to celebrate this
occasion, it is critical that oppressed people inside the United
States ask them to listen to our grievances and to support our
demands for liberty and justice. On this 50th anniversary it is only
fitting that we condemn United States imperialism, and reiterate our
support for the struggles of oppressed people all over the world. On
this 50th anniversary it is only fitting that we ask the world to join
us in condemning the racism, repression and exploitation of poor and
oppressed people inside the United States, and to denounce the
violations of our human rights and the cruel and inhuman treatment of
so many of our people. As an African- American political activist I
join my sisters and brothers in demanding the total liberation of
African people living in the United States. As an ex-political
prisoner, I urge the people of the world to support us in our struggle
to free all political prisoners inside the United States. As an
ex-political prisoner I join the ranks of millions of people in the
United States and in other countries who are demanding a fair trial
for Mumia Abu Jamal who is the only United States political prisoner
on death row. As an ex-political prisoner who lives in Cuba, I urge
the United Nations organization to continue its struggle to end the
cruel and immoral blockade against Cuba. As someone who lives in Cuba
I can see first hand the devastating consequences that the vicious
policies of the United States government have had on the Cuban people,
especially the Cuban children. I urge all people who are committed to
liberty, who are committed to the principle of sovereignty and
self-determination, to condemn all of the United States government's
hostile policies against Cuba, to condemn the Helms-Burton Bill, and
to demand an immediate end to the blockade against Cuba.
Free All Oppressed People Living in the United States!
Free All Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War!
Stop the Vicious and Immoral Blockade Against Cuba!
Assata Shakur"
SIS. SAFIYA: All political prisoners languishing in the prisons
and jails of the United States, some who have been in prison over 28
years, recognize and relate to the Cuban people and their leader, El
Commandante Fidel Castro, as kindred spirits, comrades that dare to
struggle against the tyranny of the north. On behalf of these
political prisoners who, like the people of Cuba and the Cuban
Revolution, has sacrificed much and continue to sacrifice in the
struggle for freedom, liberation, land and independence.
----------------
Submitted by: Sis. Marpessa
END THE BLOCKADE!
++++ stop the execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal ++++
++++ if you agree copy these lines to your sig ++++
++++ see http://www.xs4all.nl/~tank/spg-l/sigaction.htm ++++