4-15. Political Work: Mumia & Political Prisoner Work, Part 3
Title
4-15. Political Work: Mumia & Political Prisoner Work, Part 3
Subject
Description
In this recording, part of a larger video memoir project, lifetime activist and educator Suzanne Ross speaks further about her involvement in the movement to free Mumia Abu-Jamal and in political prisoner work and decarceration struggles more broadly.
From Suzanne: "Mumia work in the early 90’s through Safiya Bukhari. As Mumia was facing an execution , August 17, 1995, I threw myself into the work with a major initiative of getting the Congressional Black Caucus to call for a stay of his execution. Eventually replaced Safiya as she went on to build Jericho. Coordinated the largest event the FMAJ organized to that point in 2000 event at AME Zion Church. NYC became the center of work, supporting ICFFMAJ in Philly. Eventually worked with MOVE on a major child custody case of theirs, with my testifying as a psychologist for MOVE. Became closer with MOVE and later with Sundiata Sadiq who became co-chair with me. The range of the FMAJC ‘s work became huge as Sadiq introduced me into extensive work in NY State prisons: Green Haven, Sing Sing, Sullivan, etc. It was no longer just Mumia work. I felt blessed working with Safiya, Pam, MOVE, and later Sundiata Sadiq. Became a strong advocate for MOVE’s leadership in the face of its many detractors."
From Suzanne: "Mumia work in the early 90’s through Safiya Bukhari. As Mumia was facing an execution , August 17, 1995, I threw myself into the work with a major initiative of getting the Congressional Black Caucus to call for a stay of his execution. Eventually replaced Safiya as she went on to build Jericho. Coordinated the largest event the FMAJ organized to that point in 2000 event at AME Zion Church. NYC became the center of work, supporting ICFFMAJ in Philly. Eventually worked with MOVE on a major child custody case of theirs, with my testifying as a psychologist for MOVE. Became closer with MOVE and later with Sundiata Sadiq who became co-chair with me. The range of the FMAJC ‘s work became huge as Sadiq introduced me into extensive work in NY State prisons: Green Haven, Sing Sing, Sullivan, etc. It was no longer just Mumia work. I felt blessed working with Safiya, Pam, MOVE, and later Sundiata Sadiq. Became a strong advocate for MOVE’s leadership in the face of its many detractors."
Creator
Date
2022
Contributor
Rights
You can, without permission, copy, modify, distribute, display, or perform the Item, for non-commercial uses. For any other permissible uses, please review the terms and conditions with the organization that has made the Item available.
Format
MP4
Language
English
Type
Video memoir
Identifier
AV-ROSS.045
Original Format
MP4
Duration
00:45:14
Media
Collection
Citation
Ross, Suzanne, “4-15. Political Work: Mumia & Political Prisoner Work, Part 3,” Bronx History Online, accessed August 22, 2025, https://digital.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/AV-ROSS/AV-ROSS.045.
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