Friday, June 25, 2010

Gray-Haired Witnesses And Supporters Bring Shocking Case Of The Scott Sisters To Washington!

 Listen To The W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Special:
All Eyes Are Still On Mississippi: Free The Scott Sisters!!!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/weallbe/2009/09/17/Tha-Artivist-PresentsWE-ALL-BE-News-Radio

Also On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...
***Check Out The Scott Sisters Update Featuring Sis. Nancy Lockhart 3/24/2010 (Starts In The 2nd Hour)***

The Scott Sisters (l-r): Jamie & Gladys
To Learn More About The Scott Sisters Please Visit:


P r e s s R e l e a s e

Contacts:
B.J. Janice Peak-Graham / Marpessa Kupendua
1- 866-968-1188, Ext. 2

Gray-Haired Witnesses And Supporters Bring
Shocking Case Of The Scott Sisters To Washington!

WASHINGTON, June 25/Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice News --
Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice was held on June 21, 2010, calling attention to
the growing numbers of incarcerated Black women and the gross over-sentencing in cases such
as the Mississippi Scott Sisters, Jamie and Gladys. The Scott Sisters received double-life
sentences each in an alleged armed robbery of $11.00 in which no one was harmed or injured,
and for which they have steadfastly maintained their innocence. This outrageous case became
all the more urgent when Jamie Scott, now in the 16th year of this draconian sentence, suffered
kidney failure in January, 2010 and has had several close calls with death as a result of poor
medical treatment in the prison.

The rally began at the Department of Justice with a small but spirited protest and speak-out
against the prison industrial complex, the disparity in arrests, sentencing and treatment during
and after incarceration, particularly of Black people. Supporters came from as far as Boston and
Mississippi to proclaim that the Scott Sisters be released from prison, as well as all those
suffering under the MDOC system, one of the worst prison systems for medical care in the
country. “We are here to represent those who came before us,” stated Gray-Haired Witness
B.J. Peak-Graham, "Our Ancestors cry through us demanding all justices denied."
Atty Sam Jordan was very thorough and spoke with great conviction, as well as Gloria &
Clarence Bolls, Donnie Finley, Chioma Oruh, and more! They were each eloquent and
adamant that an investigation into the case of the Scott Sisters needed to be a top item
on the Washington agenda and that enough is truly enough for this devastating case!

Later that afternoon at Lafayette Park, the energy was still very high and a lot of information
was shared with attendees and passersby. Brenda Branson, Spoken Word and Slangston
Hughes were among those who brought the power to bear on this system during their
hard-hitting and impassioned spoken word presentations, and the crowd was visibly moved
by a beautiful musical performance by Khadijah “Moon” Ali-Coleman. The many speakers
who brought dynamic information to the rally included Returning Citizens United, UNIA Pres.
General Senghor Jawara Baye, Clinton Alexander, Atty Nkechi Taifa, Mike Johnson,
revered community mother and esteemed elder Mama Nia, and more, that made for a
very meaningful day of education and information that lit up the entire square and reached
everyone within earshot. Atty Ann Wilcox also took the stage and spoke in solidarity on
behalf of the local Green Party and the Gray Panthers.

Portions of the rally were very moving and being in the shadow of the White House made them all
the more poignant. Gray-Haired Witness, Jamia Shepherd, read from heartbreaking letters
from Jamie and Gladys Scott, one in which Jamie wrote: “I’ve been robbed of so much by the state
of Mississippi until I can’t feel anymore. But in the midst of this pain, I do also feel the love
and support from each of you. Please stay strong in your stand for justice. One day we shall
overcome. I just pray my day won’t be too late.”

The organizers were uplifted by those in attendance as well as all of those who supported
but were unable to attend, and all expressed their love and admiration for the awe-inspiring
courage and fortitude of Mrs. Evelyn Rasco, the true engine behind all of the organizing that
goes on with respect to her beloved and suffering daughters. The movement is growing and
all of the people who are organizing on behalf of the Scott Sisters around the country and
world will be heard! “We come from a history of struggle, we must relearn that we don’t just
lay down and accept injustice!” said Gray-Haired Witness Marpessa Kupendua. The women
vowed to remain consistent and continue to move forward in the spirit of Ida B. Wells on this
case and in other efforts to demand an end to the demonization and dehumanization of the
Black community in general and Black women in particular in the future.

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