Introduction

Mumia Abu-Jamal is a very controversial figure. His actions and political activism have sparked fierce debate over the state of the American justice system. Even from behind prison gates Mumia’s continues to be heard as he speaks out for justice. All over the world his case has been discussed with people rallying both for and against him. Mumia Abu-Jamal has become more than just a seemingly wrongfully convicted cop-killer, he has become a “voice for the voiceless”, someone who has had the courage to stand up and fight against racism, bias, and police brutality within the American Judicial system. Through sharing his story Mumia Abu-Jamal has truly made a difference in society.

Mumia's Early Life

On April 24, 1954 Wesley Cook, later to be called Mumia Abu-Jamal, was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. We was raised by both his mother and father until his fathers death in 1963 when Mumia was only nine years old. He changed his name at the age of fourteen to Mumia which translates to Prince. At the age of nineteen he married his first wife Biba. With Biba he had two children, the first of which was a boy named Jamal. After having this child he adopted the rest of the name that he now goes by, Abu-Jamal, which translates to “father of Jamal” in Arabic. After his marriage to Biba ended Mumia went on to marry a women named Marilyn. With Marilyn Mumia had another son. He married his final wife Wadiya shortly before he was sent away to jail for the murder of Officer Daniel Faulkner.

Political Activism

From very early in life Mumia was drawn towards political activism. At the ripe young age of 15 he helped to start the Philadelphia chapter of the Black Panther Party. Upon the groups creation Mumia proclaimed himself the “Lieutenant of Information”. He Spent his time in the party by writing weekly newsletters and pro-panther propaganda. This was the beginning for Mumia’s long and acclaimed journalism and political activism. Mumia went on to bring attention to the horrors that the MOVE organization based in his home town of Philadelphia went through with their repeated conflicts with local police.

Government Surveillance

Mumia’s activism and Black Panther roots were so strong even the US government put him under surveillance. He was under surveillance by the FBI’s COINTELPRO program from 1969 until 1974 despite his breaking away from the Black Panther Party in 1970. The main thing that people around the world, including Nelson Mandela, say about Mumia’s captivity is that it has little to do with the murder of officer Faulkner. He is a political threat to America which is one reason that he continues to be held in jail for a crime that he more than likely did not commit.

The Murder Of Officer Daniel Faulkner

On December 9, 1981 Officer Daniel Faulkner was killed during the traffic stop of Mumia’s brother. At the time Mumia was working as a taxi cab driver and had been parked near the scene of the crime. He testifies that he was merely getting out of his car to see what the altercation was about when he was shot. According to the prosecution Mumia left his car and opened fire on the officer. He then, according to witnesses for the prosecution, stood over the officer and repeatedly shot at him until eventually hitting him in the head and killing him. In that same testimony there is no record of Mumia being shot even though he was rushed to a hospital for his own gunshot wounds. This is merely the beginning of the controversy surrounding the case.

The Controversy

There are many different counts of exactly what happened on the night of the murder. Police officers claim to have heard a confession from Mumia as he got into the hospital while the doctor put in charge of him said that there was no way that he could have said anything at all due to his critical condition. This critical condition might have something to do with the beating that Mumia testified he received on the normally very short ride to the hospital from where he was wounded. The trip that should have taken only a couple minutes took almost a half hour. Even if someone was guilty of murder there is absolutely no reason to ignore their health and well being and deny immediate medical attention as Mumia was.

The Controversy Continues

The controversy goes even deeper with the prosecutions main witness, a prostitute with multiple arrests named Cynthia White. She was given a deal by the police and in exchange for her testimony against Mumia was given police protection and continued to work her street corner as the police turned a blind eye. The case of Cynthia was not the only one where the police influenced testimony. Multiple of the witnesses testify that their original reports were thrown out by the police and they were forced to re write them in a way that the officers felt was more acceptable. This points to another reason for Mumia’s imprisonment. If he truly was guilty then why would the police have to go through such great trouble to prove it?

Injustice In The Courts

Not only did the police go out of their way to get Mumia convicted but so did the Judge who resided over the case. The judge, Judge Albert Sabo, is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. This would seem to most to be a conflict of interest. Sabo is also quoted as saying prior to any hearings that he was going to, “help them fry the nigger.” Also, when selecting the jury multiple qualified people of African decent were dismissed for absolutely no reason. This case isn’t just about the death of a police officer, it is about justice. Can the jury really be said to consist of Mumia’s peers when none of them were African American? You can be the judge of that.

A Call For Re-Trial

These things are only part of the different things that went on during the trial that call for a re trial. There are multiple discrepancies in the testimonies of various witnesses. Since the original trial, despite multiple attempts, there has not been a re trial. This would make little sense if Mumia was guilty. How hard would it be to hold a new trial if the evidence was strong enough against Mumia to sentence him to death? Even though another man, Arnold Beverly, in 1999 confessed to the murder of Faulkner there has been no re trial. This case is extremely important in terms of the American Judicial system. It makes one question whether or not justice is actually served.

Mumia In Prison

Even from prison Mumia has continued his activism. He writes a column in a German Marxist paper and through a program known as prison radio does weekly radio shows. He has done all he can to expose the truth and uncover the faults of the judicial system.

Conclusion

Mumia Abu-Jamal has truly made a difference in the world. He is hailed as the voice of the voiceless by many. Through his suffering with injustice he has done all he can to prove his innocence and shed light on the issues with the judicial system. Mumia has inspired many to stand up for what they believe in. It is now up to the American people to take what he and many others have to say and stand up for justice and equality.

Works Cited

"Mumia Abu-Jamal." Wikipedia. 7 Jan 2009 .

"Who is Mumia?." The Mobalization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal. 7 Jan 2009 .

"Whos Mumia?." Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC. 7 Jan 2009 .

"Daniel Faulkner Biography." Official Daniel Faulkner Website. 7 Jan 2009 .

Mumia: A Case for Reasonable Doubt. Dir. John Edginton. Perf. Mumia Abu-Jamal. DVD. Fox Lorber, 1999.