Running Down the Walls

The ABCF and all of us at 4SM invite and encourage everyone reading this to join in and support this years run. Relatives, friends, convicts, supporters, interested individuals, activists and certainly revolutionaries should get on board and run with us on August 7. This year in particular, since RDTW is being held on Aug 7, in honor and commemoration of Jonathan Jackson’s heroic raid on the Marin County Courthouse (8/7/70 –see the article on Aug. 7 in the Black August section), it is a great time to join us in a 5k run. Many cities and areas are holding runs. Check with LA-ABCF to see what might be close to you. Many solidarity runs are being held in state and federal prisons across the u.s. If there is nothing close by or in your prison, organize a few friends or a whole cell block or community to join in.

RDTW is first of all to support political prisoners. But it is more than that, it is a show of unity and solidarity for all revolutionary and conscious people and convicts. We run to highlight and oppose the abuse and injustice going on behind all of America’s prison walls. We run in solidarity with friends and activists outside, and to uphold our human rights and human dignity inside. Join us, even if you are just finding out about RDTW now. In unity there is strength — In strength there is progress and victory. Jaan Laaman – anti-imperialist political prisoner

On Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 10 a.m., the Los Angeles Anarchist Black Cross will host a 5k run/walk/jog/bike around the bustling sports fields of South Gate Park in Los Angeles. This event will raise much-needed funds for the ABCF’s Warchest program and Corazón Del Pueblo.

ABCF Warchest: The ABCF Warchest is almost 16 years old; its funds are divided and distributed through monthly stipends to political prisoners who receive little or no financial aid. Prisoners use this money to cover the basic necessities of everyday living, such as stamps, shoes, clothes, and assisting their families with what little they can.

Corazón Del Pueblo: Corazón del Pueblo is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit collective, and community cultural center, that promotes peace, social justice and cultural understanding through the arts, education and social action.

Official Runs: The ABCF is a Federation of ABC chapters that span across the country and is holding two official runs on the morning of August 7th: in New York and Los Angeles. In sync with solidarity runs, we will collectively pound the pavement with our feet and bike tires as we exhibit our strength and stamina as examples of our tireless effort to free our imprisoned comrades.

Solidarity Runs: Every year, prisoners and supporters of political prisoners organize solidarity runs with Running Down the Walls. Last year, we had runs in Albuquerque NM, Arcata CA, Ashland OR, Bellefonte PA, Boston MA, Denver CO, Elmore AL, Inez KY, Los Angeles CA, Marion IL, New York NY, USP Navosta TX, Pelican Bay CA, Phoenix AZ, Tucson AZ, and Toronto, Ontario. Funds were distributed between the ABCF Warchest, Romaine Chip Fitzgerald Homecoming Fund, and Ojore Lutalo’s Homecoming Fund. This year we hope to have even more runs in cities, towns, and prisons all across North America.

Support the Struggle: Many of those arrested in the past or present are not far from us. They are community and labor activists, queer, and environmental activists; people who decided to speak out against various forms of oppression and paid the price of their freedom for their actions. The strength of our movement is determined by how much we support our fallen comrades. As anarchist and former POW Ojore Lutalo says, “Any movement that does not support its political internees is a sham movement.” So please help us, help them! Help us, help you!

Why August 7: We chose the date of August 7 as the day to commemorate the life of revolutionary Jonathan Jackson who on August 7, 1970 was killed in an attempt to free the Soledad Brothers. Jackson brought guns into the Marin County Court house during the trial of James McClain, William Christmas, and Ruchell Magee. He demanded the release of the Soledad Brothers as he and the three prisoners took the Judge and four others hostage. As Jackson and the others entered his van in an attempt to leave, the authorities open fired on the van, killing Jonathan Jackson, James McClain, William Christmas and Judge Harold Haley. Ruchell Magee was injured but survived the onslaught and remains in prison to this day.

Run: We are asking people or groups who are running to collect as many sponsors for the run as possible. Remember the money received is going to help imprisoned comrades who need your help. The person who collects the most funds will be given a prize for their involvement and dedication to helping our fallen comrades.

Sponsor a runner: This can be done through a flat donation to the runner of your choice. We ask from those who wish not to run to actively support those who are running in hopes of collecting as much for our comrades as possible.

The Warchest: Send funds directly to the Los Angeles ABCF (PO Box 11223, Whittier, CA 90603). Make checks or money orders out only to Tim Fasnacht.

Corazón Del Pueblo at 2003 East 1st ST. Boyle Heights, CA 90033