JUSTICE FOR ISMAIL SHABAZZ
STAND WITH HIM IN COURT ON SEPTEMBER 9TH
On June 26th, 2015, many of us were shocked to learn of the home invasion and arrest of one of Kingston’s best-known human rights activists ISMAIL SHABAZZ. The inscription on the Community Service Award presented to Ismail Shabazz from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. says it all in a nutshell -- “In recognition and appreciation of his educational and legal advocacy on behalf of the poor and youth in Kingston, New York.”
Shabazz has been an outspoken critic of corruption in all its forms. At a fairly recent community forum, which included dialoging with Kingston’s police chief and the district attorney, Shabazz raised the issue of rogue cops and the government turning its cheek.
His arrest on a 16 count indictment in part alleging that he was selling weapons to an FBI informant, so soon after the forum, sent shockwaves throughout the community. In Ismail’s own prophetic words, “True Leaders are being attacked, jailed or murdered because they speak that truth of how we as a people need to come together in Unity. “
We will not repeat the inflammatory reporting by the local press. We stand by the comments of Attorney Michael Sussman who believes Ismail Shabazz was entrapped by an FBI informant/felon thought to be a friend and ally.
On July 17, about sixty people appeared at a hearing at the Ulster County Courthouse to show solidarity with Shabazz. Attorney Sussman believes that this strong showing was crucial in Shabazz shortly thereafter being released on $100,000 bail. Also very helpful were some of the comments by Judge Williams acknowledging Shabazz for his many years of community service.
Let us all stand strong with Shabazz at his next court appearance on September 9th, 9 am.
Ismail Shabazz with his renowned civil rights attorney Michael Sussman
“To fight against corruption we must form unity with others no matter what their race.”
ENJAN (END THE NEW JIM CROW ACTION NETWORK)
