Archive
International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations
[CLICK THROUGH FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATIONS]
This is a call for a raucous night of strong solidarity with those imprisoned by the state on one of the noisiest nights of the year. On New Year’s Eve gather your crew, collective, community, organization, or just yourself and come together to raise a racket and remind those on the inside that they are not alone.
Internationally, noise demonstrations outside of prisons are a way to remember those who are held captive by the state and a way to show solidarity with imprisoned comrades and loved ones. We come together to break the loneliness and isolation.
We know that prison is beyond reform and must be completely abolished. It is a mechanism of repression used by the state to maintain a social order rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity. To come together outside of the sites of repression is to also stand in defiance of what they represent.
The logic of the state and capital—of punishment and imprisonment, must be replaced by a rejection of oppression and exploitation. This call is one step in that direction.
Wherever you are, meet on New Year’s Eve at the prisons, jails, and detention centers, be loud in solidarity with those imprisoned and to push forward the idea of a world free from domination.
We want a world without walls and borders.
We will fight together until everyone is free!
Read more…International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations
[CLICK THROUGH FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATIONS]
This is a call for a raucous night of strong solidarity with those imprisoned by the state on one of the noisiest nights of the year. On New Year’s Eve gather your crew, collective, community, organization, or just yourself and come together to raise a racket and remind those on the inside that they are not alone.
Internationally, noise demonstrations outside of prisons are a way to remember those who are held captive by the state and a way to show solidarity with imprisoned comrades and loved ones. We come together to break the loneliness and isolation.
We know that prison is beyond reform and must be completely abolished. It is a mechanism of repression used by the state to maintain a social order rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity. To come together outside of the sites of repression is to also stand in defiance of what they represent.
The logic of the state and capital—of punishment and imprisonment, must be replaced by a rejection of oppression and exploitation. This call is one step in that direction.
Wherever you are, meet on New Year’s Eve at the prisons, jails, and detention centers, be loud in solidarity with those imprisoned and to push forward the idea of a world free from domination.
We want a world without walls and borders.
We will fight together until everyone is free!
Read more…Running Down the Walls 2024: A Reportback
Running Down the Walls 2024 has come and gone. Here in NYC we had a beautiful day to do it, the mid-September New York weather finally feeling like autumn instead of a desert summer. Both Prospect Park and the City itself seemed even busier than usual, with buskers, vendors and birthday parties nearby and marches and rallies elsewhere in town. In coordinating a multi-city run with organizers on both sides of the walls, we have to find a day that works for everyone involved as much as possible. As it turned out, not only did this year’s run land on Jamel Floyd’s birthday (September 15th), but it was also the 55th Annual African Day Parade. It also happened to be the day for at least three other political prisoner and/or anarcho-adjacent events in the five boroughs. So it was a busy weekend for many New Yorkers, including NYC ABC! Even still, a lively core of runners, bikers, walkers, and chillers assembled near the black RDTW banner to raise funds, awareness, and community solidarity for our political prisoners. It was wonderful to reconnect with long time friends and comrades, and to welcome some new faces!
The goal of RDTW, this year as much as any, is of course to raise much-needed funds for the Anarchist Black Cross Federation Warchest Program. Also though, and always, any chance to share information about the political prisoners and POW’s we support is heartily welcomed. Not to mention that events such as these are important in building and maintaining a community of solidarity in the here and now, rather than waiting for some dreamy future or idealizing pasts or present communities we are not a part of.
The namesake event itself kicked off a bit later than usual this year, as ‘anarchy time’ remains as reliable as ever. This year there were some pretty serious runners and bikers, as well as some casual perambulators happy to enjoy the fresh air at an unhurried pace. After the ‘run’, as is local anarchist tradition, organizers, participants and supporters shared an especially delicious home-cooked vegan meal, and spent a few more hours making new friends and catching up with cherished comrades.
Sekou Odinga, Rest in Power
NYC ABC mourns the death of Sekou Odinga, whom we were honored to count as both our comrade and our friend.
Where to even begin to describe the impact and importance Sekou had on the movement? From the early days of the NYC Black Panther Party (BPP) to the International Section of the BPP, to the Black Liberation Army, to his time as a political prisoner and eventual release, to his subsequent tireless advocacy for the PP’s and POW’s still being held behind walls with the Northeast Political Prisoner Coalition and others, Sekou’s presence in the movement was unmatched. We worked with Sekou on various projects and events over the years, and his consistent warmth, sense of humor, and dedication to his comrades were always inspiring.
We will continue to honor Sekou’s commitment to supporting our political prisoners and POW’s, on both sides of the walls.
Rest Easy, Ed Poindexter.
NYC ABC is saddened by the death of Ed Poindexter, and angered that he died behind bars. A long time Black liberation militant, Ed was afforded neither the justice nor the health care he deserved by the truly criminal “justice system.” This is unfortunately what we have to come to expect from the carceral state’s treatment of Black, Brown and Indigenous political prisoners who are locked up for struggling for their communities. Ed’s life and commitment to freedom and dignity for all is an example we will try harder to live by.
Until all are free.
-NYC ABC
International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations
[CLICK THROUGH FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATIONS]
This is a call for a raucous night of strong solidarity with those imprisoned by the state on one of the noisiest nights of the year. On New Year’s Eve gather your crew, collective, community, organization, or just yourself and come together to raise a racket and remind those on the inside that they are not alone.
Internationally, noise demonstrations outside of prisons are a way to remember those who are held captive by the state and a way to show solidarity with imprisoned comrades and loved ones. We come together to break the loneliness and isolation.
We know that prison is beyond reform and must be completely abolished. It is a mechanism of repression used by the state to maintain a social order rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity. To come together outside of the sites of repression is to also stand in defiance of what they represent.
The logic of the state and capital—of punishment and imprisonment, must be replaced by a rejection of oppression and exploitation. This call is one step in that direction.
Wherever you are, meet on New Year’s Eve at the prisons, jails, and detention centers, be loud in solidarity with those imprisoned and to push forward the idea of a world free from domination.
We send this call in solidarity with those defying state repression of large scale dissent: from anarchists in Chile to Atlanta to Russia and all of those in the spaces between.
We want a world without walls and borders.
We will fight together until everyone is free!
Read more…Running Down the Walls 2023: A Reportback
Running Down the Walls 2023 has come and gone. Here in NYC we had a beautiful day to do it, the mid-September New York weather finally feeling like autumn instead of a desert summer. Both Prospect Park and the City itself seemed even busier than usual, with buskers, vendors and birthday parties nearby and marches and rallies elsewhere in town. In coordinating a multi-city run with organizers on both sides of the walls, we have to find a day that works for everyone involved as much as possible. As it turned not out only did Sunday, September 17 this year land during Rosh Hashanah, but both the Climate March and the 54th Annual African Day Parade were on Sunday as well. It also happened to be the 2nd day of the NYC Anarchist Book Fair, which we spent all day Saturday tabling at. So it was a busy weekend for many New Yorkers, including NYC ABC! Even still, a lively core of runners, bikers, walkers, and chillers assembled near the black RDTW banner to raise funds, awareness, and community solidarity for our political prisoners. It was wonderful to reconnect with long time friends and comrades, and to welcome some new faces!
The goal of RDTW, this year as much as any, is of course to raise much-needed funds for the Anarchist Black Cross Federation Warchest Program. Also though, and always, any chance to share information about the political prisoners and POW’s we support is heartily welcomed. Not to mention that events such as these are important in building and maintaining solidaric community in the here and now, rather than waiting for some dreamy future or idealizing pasts or present communities we are not a part of.
The namesake event itself kicked off a bit later than usual this year, as ‘anarchy time’ remains as reliable as ever. This year there were some pretty serious runners and bikers, as well as some casual perambulators happy to enjoy the fresh air at an unhurried pace. After the ‘run’, as is local anarchist tradition, organizers, participants and supporters shared an especially delicious home-cooked vegan meal, and spent a few more hours making new friends and catching up with cherished comrades.
We’ll leave you here with a few Running Down the Walls 2023 solidarity statements from some former political prisoners, as well as from a couple of good folks still behind the walls.
Hopefully we’ll see you all at next year’s Running Down the Walls!
Free Them All!
RDTW 2023 STATEMENTS FROM CURRENT AND FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS:
YORCH (DF, Mexico)
Greetings from reclusorio oriente of Mexico City. I am Yorch, I’m in prison for being part of Okupa Che! Like you all know I am being accused of selling narcotics and these are fabricated charges by the authorities and by the university chancellor. It has been 9 months since I was kidnapped and put in this place. Like you all know the legal bills and life in here is really difficult. It brings me joy that the homies from Running Down The Walls Borders (Walls) [Anarchist Black Cross Los Angeles] have invited me to write something about my case to spread the word. We need to pressure the courts so they do not continue extend my legal process. I send you all a strong combative hug and hope to be out soon so we can continue to struggle together. Down with the prison walls!
RAY LUC LEVASSEUR
When Running Down the Walls first kicked off many years ago I was held
captive at the notorious ADX prison in Florence, Colorado. But within
that isolation cell I felt the defiant rhythm of those who ran, jogged,
walked and rolled to support political prisoners. SOLIDARITY is our
greatest weapon — the very heart and soul of any movement that resists
the depredations of capitalism and the malignancy of white supremacy.
Those of you here today help to carry forward the spirit of resistance
and provide vital support for OUR political prisoners. With love and
respect from unceded Wabanaki land.
JALIL MUNTAQIM
Running Down the Walls is running down penal slavery, it’s running down capitalist exploitation, it’s running down white supremacy. It is when we understand the politics behind Running Down the Walls we understand the very nature of our overall struggle. That is because Running Down the Walls supports the existence of political prisoners of war, and thereby supports the movements and struggles they come from.
When we run down the walls we are building a movement of politically conscious activists will and able to sacrifice for what they believe is according to their and our common humanity.
XINACHTLI
IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF STRUGGLE AGAINST FASCISM, as the crisis deepens in U.S. society, and the capitalist-imperialist rulers spew their imperialist lies out of their foul mouths, as the class struggle sharpens the response by rulers is more repressive, racist laws designed to tighten their noose around the necks of all working class people, as the rich squeeze more production from the workers to enrich the surplus value to make them ever richer, while the workers get mere crumbs, under the existing dog-eat-dog system of wage-theft slavery they call it “free enterprise” and “freedom” as they spend millions of dollars on war efforts in Ukraine, while ignoring the basic human needs of the poor in this society.
BEHIND THE IRON CURTAINS OF AMERIKKKA’S KKKCONCENTRATION KKKAMPS, conditions worsen and there is a continuing callous indifference for free speech, inhumane prison conditions, brutality, prisoners dying due to extreme heat conditions, forced prisoner slavery, and deprivation of such basic human needs, as essential food, and medical needs of prisoners, while prisoncrats live in luxury by swindling taxpayer funds designed for prison, to enrich themselves, all hidden away from public view. Here in Texas, prison conditions are atrocious, and repression against those of us who fight for human rights, escalates, in a prison system with deep roots in settler colonialism, white supremacy and plantation racial slavery, the result of two Yankee colonial wars of conquest and extermination, where the massive prisons sit on stolen lands.
THIS 2023 RUNNING DOWN THE WALLS YEAR, we submit our solidarity statement and thank ABCF and its WARCHEST for continuing to support all of us POW, POLITICAL PRISONERS, VICTIMS OF COINTELPROREPRESSION THAT TARGETED OUR SOCIAL LIBERATION MOVEMENT ORGANIZATION TO DESTROY OUR STRUGGLES. ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! FREE ALL US FREEDOM FIGHTERS!
International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations
This is a call for a night of strong solidarity with those imprisoned by the state. Historically, New Year’s Eve is one of the noisiest nights of the year. This year, most of which has been consumed by a global pandemic, we encourage folks to take whatever measures are necessary to insure individual and community well-being, in response to both the virus and the state, understanding the balance each of us must strike for ourselves. Given our current reality, on New Year’s Eve gather your crew, collective, community, organization, or just yourself to raise a racket and remind those on the inside that they are not alone.
Internationally, noise demonstrations outside of prisons are a way to remember those who are held captive by the state and a way to show solidarity with imprisoned comrades and loved ones. We come together to break the loneliness and isolation.
We know that prison is beyond reform and must be completely abolished. It is a mechanism of repression used by the state to maintain a social order rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity. To come together outside of the sites of repression is to also stand in defiance of what they represent.
The logic of the state and capital—of punishment and imprisonment, must be replaced by a rejection of oppression and exploitation. This call is one step in that direction.
Wherever you are, meet on New Year’s Eve at the prisons, jails, and detention centers, be loud in solidarity with those imprisoned and to push forward the idea of a world free from domination.
We send this call in solidarity with those defying state repression of large scale dissent: from Iran to ongoing defiance in Chile by those facing repression as anarchists, and all of those in the spaces between.
We want a world without walls and borders.
We will fight together until everyone is free!
International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations
This is a call for a night of strong solidarity with those imprisoned by the state. Historically, New Year’s Eve is one of the noisiest nights of the year. This year, most of which has been consumed by a global pandemic, we encourage folks to take whatever measures are necessary to insure individual and community well-being, in response to both the virus and the state, understanding the balance each of us must strike for ourselves. Given our current reality, on New Year’s Eve gather your crew, collective, community, organization, or just yourself to raise a racket and remind those on the inside that they are not alone.
Internationally, noise demonstrations outside of prisons are a way to remember those who are held captive by the state and a way to show solidarity with imprisoned comrades and loved ones. We come together to break the loneliness and isolation.
We know that prison is beyond reform and must be completely abolished. It is a mechanism of repression used by the state to maintain a social order rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity. To come together outside of the sites of repression is to also stand in defiance of what they represent.
The logic of the state and capital—of punishment and imprisonment, must be replaced by a rejection of oppression and exploitation. This call is one step in that direction.
Wherever you are, meet on New Year’s Eve at the prisons, jails, and detention centers, be loud in solidarity with those imprisoned and to push forward the idea of a world free from domination.
We send this call in solidarity with those defying state repression of large scale dissent: from the Belarusian uprisings to ongoing defiance in Greece by those facing repression as anarchists, and all of those in the spaces between.
We want a world without walls and borders.
We will fight together until everyone is free!
Rest in Power Romaine “Chip” Fitzgerald (April 11, 1949—March 29, 2021)
We are saddened and angered by the death that Romaine “Chip” Fitzgerald suffered behind bars. Chip was a parent, grandparent, uncle, mentor, and Black Panther. He was held for 51 years which makes him one of the longest serving political prisoners anywhere in the world. Chip was continually denied both adequate medical care and compassionate release, though he clearly posed no threat to anyone. Chip became eligible for parole in 1976, and was partially paralyzed by a stroke in 1998. It is obvious to us that even by the inhumane logic of the carceral system he had over-served his sentence by decades, and was only being kept inside out of spite for his active participation in the ongoing struggle for Black Liberation.
The fact that neither the pandemic raging through California prisons nor Chip’s own failing health moved the corrupt powers-that-be to release him proves the callousness with which they regard the lives of Black people, not to mention the emptiness of their “progressive” posturing.
We honor Chip for his years of sacrifice and dedication. Even as we mourn his loss we celebrate the struggle for which he gave his life.
The Struggle continues…
Until All are Free!
-NYC ABC
NYC Anarchist Black Cross 