[RSCT] Mumia Abu-Jamal: Support & Lesson Plans

[jwall5 at igc.org]

Even though Rethinking Schools has not (as far as I can tell by doing a websearch of RS Online)had one article highlighting the case of Mumia Abdu-Jamal, hopefully most of the folks on this listserv have heard of his case. Because of a recent Supreme Court ruling (in itself an incredible double standard--see: http://www.millions4mumia.org/docs/news-alert1-10.html  ) his life is in utmost danger.  This email has two main purposes:

-1) PLEASE AT LEAST LOOK AT AND SIGN  the “Urgent Appeal for Attorney General Eric Holder to immediately initiate a civil rights investigation addressing a 27-year history of prosecutorial and judicial violations of Mumia Abu-Jamal's constitutional and international rights. “ http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/mumia/maj_petition041509/  While the actions of tens of thousands “in the streets”  around the globe are crucial, we must “leave no stone unturned” in terms of exploring every possible avenue to prevent his execution.

-2) MUMIA LESSON PLANS?:  Does anyone know of any lesson plans or school-based efforts to take up this case?  The only thing I've found on the web is a lesson plan 
http://www.layouth.com/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=46
which, while not bad, leaves out an important ingredient: getting kids to take up the case! The article it uses is "Me and Mumia" (which  starts from someone not familiar with the case). 
http://www.layouth.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Issue&action=IssueArticle&aid=1597
If I were going to have a Lesson Plan I might start with the "Me & Mumia" & then have kids read "Why Mumia is a hero to young people"  http://www.millions4mumia.org/docs/youth4mumiat.html & maybe include a Fact Sheet, either Mumia 101 fact Sheet:  http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/mumia/maj_factsheet/  or Who Is Mumia?:  http://www.freemumia.com/who.html

There are SCADS of resources out there, but maybe folks have already developed a good lesson plan &/or youth-appropriate resources. And does anyone recommend ONE really good DVD/VIDEO that could be used?  A couple I found (but haven’t myself seen)  available from http://leftbooks.com include:
…...”DVD: Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Case For Reasonable Doubt? This excellent and professional film contains new footage not included in the original 1996 HBO special.”
……”DVD: Framing an Execution - The Media and Mumia Abu-Jamal . Danny Glover narrates this critique of the ABC 20/20 coverage of the case of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.”
…… CD: On the Move—Sounds Inspired by Mumia Abu-Jamal.  Collection of artists supporting Mumia.


Thank you in advance. Please REPLY directly to me at jwall5 at igc.org. I will compile & share any responses folks send. (And please ask if you want an email with MUCH more detail, including “what you can do.”) Jim Wallace NYC Public HS School teacher