[Ppnews] Support Attorney Chokwe Lumumba!

[Political Prisoner News]

via www.afrikan.net/sundiata
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August 2006

OPEN LETTER FROM CHOKWE LUMUMBA

RE: Letters in support of my petition for reinstatement to the Mississippi Bar
Peace Brothers and Sisters:
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing seeking a letter from each
of you supporting my petition for reinstatement, and a contribution to my
defense fund.
As you may know, I was suspended from the Mississippi Bar by the
Mississippi Supreme Court over the dissent of Justice James Graves (Justice
Diaz not participating) for six (6) months last year. The Supreme Court
found me in violation of the Rules of Professional conduct for the words I
used in challenging the fairness of rulings by Judge Marcus Gordon during
post trial motions on October 17, 2001.
The Supreme Court also found that my remarks to the press critical of Judge
Gordon's judicial temperament were in violation of the professional rules.
A transcript of the exchange between Judge Gordon and I is available if you
wish to read it. Like wise a copy of my out of court remarks are available.
I have now filed a petition for reinstatement, and the Mississippi Bar has
also asked the Supreme Court to reinstate me.
My suspension for challenging and criticizing the Judge is unprecedented.
I have now been suspended for over nine (9) months and have been informed
that the Supreme Court usually takes over six (6) months after the
suspension time has expired to consider petitions for reinstatement .
I have already paid over $1,000.00 in fines and costs as a result of the
incident and the suspension, I have also served three (3) days in jail, and
paid a $100.00 fine because of the contempt citation arising from the
October 17, 2001 verbal exchange.
The situation has caused severe financial hardship to my firm, my staff, my
family and myself.
In the past I have been blessed with the opportunity to defend and
vindicate the poor, the oppressed and the racially and politically
persecuted not only in Mississippi but across the country. With God's help
I have served as counsel and won major courtroom victories in Michigan, New
York, California, Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi. With
the support and help of others, my service has almost always been for less
money than that demanded by most attorneys with my qualifications.
In recognition of this service I have received the Magnolia Bar's R. Jess
Brown Award and the Lawyer of the Year Award from the National NAACP, the
National SCLC, the National Conference of Black Lawyers and the same type
of awards from numerous organizations and associations in Mississippi and
across the country.
If you believe as I do, that the Mississippi Supreme Court should reinstate
me please write the Mississippi Supreme Court and say the same, if you have
not sent a letter since June 1, 2006. If you have please ask another
attorney or supporter that you know to send a letter on my behalf. Address
your letter to the Mississippi Supreme Court c/o Justice James W. Smith, P.
O. Box 117, Jackson, MS 39205 and send copies to Attorney Imhotep
Alkebu-lan at P. O. Box 31762, Jackson, MS 39286-1762.

The new deadline for letters is September 5, 2006.

Moreover, there is a great need for funds to support the work of the firm,
my staff, and my family. Please send generous contributions to the Chokwe
Lumumba Defense Fund, P.O. Box 31762, Jackson, MS 39286-1762.
Much love and thanks for your time, your attention, and your support. I
wish to thank Jaribu Hill and the Magnolia Bar, the National Conference of
Black Lawyers, the National Lawyers Guild and all of those who have sent
letters in support already.
For additional information please contact Angela Allen at (601) 353-4455.




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