Running Down The Walls

  • July 8, 2020 1:02 am

from Philly ABC

Download posters and flyers.

Sunday, September 6, 2020
11 am sharp (Yoga warm-up at 10am)
FDR Park

Philadelphia Anarchist Black Cross presents our third annual Running Down The Walls (RDTW)! Join us for another revolutionary 5K run/walk/bike/skate and day of solidarity. In light of COVID-19, please bring a face mask and follow social distancing recommendations. If you would like to participate in light yoga and warm-up stretches before, please arrive by 10am and bring a mat if you can.

Running is not required! You can also walk, bike, skate or roll. 5K is two loops around the park and at a walking pace will take about 45-60 minutes. Light refreshments and socializing will take place in the park afterward.

This year’s event is co-sponsored by the campaign to Free Russell Maroon Shoatz — long-term Black liberation prisoner held in SCI Fayette. Join us as we celebrate the release of Chuck Africa earlier this year, commemorate the life of Delbert Africa, and raise some funds for the freedom struggle of another Philly comrade, Maroon.

After spending 48 years in prison, Maroon turns 77 on August 23rd while also battling cancer during a global pandemic. He needs our support now more than ever.

Fighting Stage 4 cancer, [I have] for 10 months been on various types of chemotherapy at SCI-Fayette, have watched 3 prisoners die of cancer, and my single cell was taken to make room for suspected COVID-19 prisoners, will be transferred to SCI-Dallas for another operation to remove a cancerous growth soon. The struggle continues!

– Political Prisoner, Russell Maroon Shoats/z

Philadelphia RDTW 2020 is dedicated to amplifying the voices of our comrades behind bars, lifting them up in their struggles, and maintaining material post-release support.

If you cannot make it to the event or would like to make an additional contribution, please sponsor a participant either outside prison or inside or one of each. Contact us for more information on sponsoring!

Proceeds will be split between the Warchest Program and the campaign to Free Russell Maroon Shoatz. The ABCF Warchest program sends monthly stipends to Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War who have insufficient, little, or no financial support.

Register for the 5K

Thanks for your support by running/walking/biking/skating the 5K! Everyone must fill out the following form to register NO LATER THAN AUGUST 24TH so that you receive your official shirt the day of the event.

The registration fee of $40 confirms your place at the event and it is preferred that this be paid by PayPal before the day of, although cash and money orders to Tim Fasnacht can also be accepted at the event. Additional funds over the $40 base fee raised through sponsorships are more than welcome (see our fundraising tips below).

After submitting the following registration form, please allow 24 – 48 hours for your confirmation email. Check your Spam folder if the message does not appear in your Inbox. If you did not receive a confirmation email, please get in touch with us at phillyabc[at]riseup[dot]net.

[Register Here]

Tips to Get Sponsors for your 5K Participation

Many runners will pay the $40 registration fee on their own but if you would like to get sponsored instead, here’s a few tips and ideas to get you started.

  • Make a list of potential donors. Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors…think creatively and include everyone you can think of (it doesn’t hurt to ask). Who might be supportive? Who cares about similar causes? Decide to ask for a specific amount that you think will be within your prospective sponsor’s budget (for instance $1 for each kilometer or an even $40 to represent the Move prisoners’ years on the inside).
  • Make hand-written letters. Deliver them personally if possible. Write your letter in a genuine tone and reference your relationship. Email is faster, but many will be less likely to forget a letter (than an email in a crowded inbox) and they’ll appreciate the personal touch. Include a self addressed envelope for people to mail checks. Use email to follow up with those who don’t respond.
  • Make it personal and face to face. Ask for support from the people you see regularly, and ask in person. People respond to eye contact, assertiveness and passion. Tell them why you’re inspired to support political prisoners and their stories. Practice the conversation beforehand if you think it might be difficult to find words in the moment.
  • Use all communication tools available- Phone calls, text, social media, websites, and email to reach broader networks. If you’re trying to appeal to an organization, make it clear that the event can be a source of positive press for them. Ask them to match the donations of other groups if possible. You could even start a crowdfunding page for your run. Add quality images and tell a story to engage people. Share it on social media and encourage your friends to do the same. Use letters and other communications to direct people to your crowdfunding page.
  • Follow up, provide updates and say ‘thank you.’ Remember to reconnect to your sponsors with photos and stories from the event and thank them for their support.

History

Since 1999, the Anarchist Black Cross Federation, political prisoners and support organizations across the country participate in Running Down The Walls (RDTW). This annual 5K run/jog/walk/roll/bike event is to show solidarity and raise funds for numerous political prisoners in North America. Funds raised are typically split between the ABCF Warchest and a community group chosen by the host group. Each year, incarcerated comrades participate by running inside prison. This event brings us closer together each year, strengthens our bond, and lets prisoners know they are not forgotten! Read RDTW statements from current and former PP/POWs.

The Warchest program receives funds from ABC chapters and individuals every month and then disperses the funds to the prisoners in the program. Since initiation in November 1994, the program has dispersed more than $75,000. The current Warchest recipients are:

In past years, Running Down the Walls was held in Albuquerque (NM), Arcata (CA), Ashland (OR), Bellefonte (PA), Bloomington (IN), Boston (MA), Brooklyn (NY), Buffalo (NY), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Hamilton (Ontario), Elmore (AL), FCI Sandstone (MN), Inez (KY), Los Angeles (CA), Marion (IL), Middletown (CT), Minneapolis (MN), USP Navosta (TX), Oakland (CA), Pelican Bay (CA), Phoenix (AZ), Riverside (CA), Seattle (WA), Tucson (AZ), and Toronto (Ontario).

Emergency Medical Work Necessary from Gravy Seal Attack

  • July 2, 2020 1:34 am

from Fundrazr

In South Philadelphia, there are white residents currently protecting a Columbus Statue in Marconi Plaza in the name of white supremacy.

Nicknamed the gravy seals, this group of white reactionaries have repeatedly threatened and assaulted innocent people, causing those assaulted to be sent to the hospital.

In mid-June, our friend was tasked to be present for a multi-cultural story time in the park, so the participants would be safe. As attendees left when the event ended, a group of people attacked our friend and others, causing multiple injuries. When our friend was taken to the hospital, they received X-rays and CT scans in addition to immediate care for a broken nose. Additionally, they have multiple cracked and broken teeth.

We’re raising money to help cover dental expenses for one of the assaulted people.

Here is a note from them: “On June 15th, while attempting to pull another person away from getting attacked by a mob of right-wing reactionaries, I was assaulted. I had 4 people gang up on me, hitting me in the face and kicking me in the legs. While I am lucky to have insurance, it will not cover the necessary dental work; I have at least three cracked teeth. I want to get fixed up and back to trying to help others as quick as I can, and would appreciate any help in handling this necessary medical expense.”

Our friend is an active member of the Industrial Workers of the World and larger local organizing community. In return for frequently showing up for others in need, we’d like to show up for them like they have historically shown up for all of us.

If you’re not able to financially contribute, please spread the world and share with your network! Thank you in advance for your support.

[Donate Here]

Help Community Care Worker Lore Elisabeth

  • June 27, 2020 9:27 pm

from Fundrazr

We are the family, friends, and loving community of Lore Elisabeth (Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal), a community care worker in Philadelphia. Our beloved Lore has dedicated her entire life to serving people and making them feel better. She provides essential, life-sustaining services to the most vulnerable Philadelphians as a care worker. She supports community members who live with HIV and chronic illnesses to access medical and critical care, often at her own expense. She has maintained multiple studios in massage therapy and provides regular outcalls to elders and clients who cannot leave their homes. She is the irreplaceable rock of support for her family through health crises. We all love and depend upon her incredibly generous spirit every day. If you’re seeing this fundraiser, then you may be among the countless Philadelphians (and beyond!) whose lives have been improved or even saved by this selfless volunteer.

Federal authorities raided Lore’s home in the early morning hours of June 15, 2020, in a manner that was meant to intimidate her housemates and neighbors. It has now been publicly revealed that their surveillance and raid tactics are an attempt to discourage public demonstration. She is currently being held in custody pending a trial for charges with enhanced federal penalties despite hundreds of other protestors being charged with property crimes in state court.

All proceeds to this fundraiser will support Lore. Funds will be withdrawn exclusively to a single-purpose account owned and managed by Lore’s brother Karl, strictly for this support. (If you supported our prior GoFundMe, thanks! We had to move the campaign here going forward because GoFundMe are siding with mass-reporting internet trolls). We are all united in our ongoing support for her and for an end to police brutality. We look forward to welcoming her home to the family, friends, and community who love and depend upon her so much.

Uninsured Protester Needs Surgery After Injury

  • June 25, 2020 12:01 pm

from Chuffed

Several weeks ago, the uprisings in the Movement for Black Lives in response to the police murder of George Floyd began. Here in Philadelphia, we saw police crack down on protests in a way that many have never experienced before. Medics around the city attempted to provide care for the many injuries sustained in the streets, and protesters who were targeted by police needed confidential care that would not make them legally vulnerable.

But many need more than the first aid that action medics can provide

Medics provided care to a protester who sustained serious injuries during action. This protester requires a high level of privacy, and initally delayed care in the hope they would recover with time. The protester does not have health insurance, so even an ER visit is a major hardship. Medics did all they could, but ultimately the protester will need surgery and months of therapy to regain mobility, which we estimate will cost about $10,000.

Can you contribute anything?

Like many in America, this protester has been forced to choose between crushing debt or permanent disability. Join the medics who cared for them in solidarity with the movement to chip in whatever you can.

Signed,

Emily Black, RN and street medic

[Donate Here]

Help Community Care Worker Lore Elisabeth

  • June 22, 2020 1:03 am

from gofundme

We are the family, friends, and loving community of Lore Elisabeth (Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal), a community care worker in Philadelphia. Our beloved Lore has dedicated her entire life to serving people and making them feel better. She provides essential, life-sustaining services to the most vulnerable Philadelphians as a care worker. She supports community members who live with HIV and chronic illnesses to access medical and critical care, often at her own expense. She has maintained multiple studios in massage therapy and provides regular outcalls to elders and clients who cannot leave their homes. She is the irreplaceable rock of support for her family through health crises. We all love and depend upon her incredibly generous spirit every day. If you’re seeing this fundraiser, then you may be among the countless Philadelphians (and beyond!) whose lives have been improved or even saved by this selfless volunteer.

Federal authorities raided Lore’s home in the early morning hours of June 15, 2020, in a manner that was meant to intimidate her housemates and neighbors. It has now been publicly revealed that their surveillance and raid tactics are an attempt to discourage public demonstration. She is currently being held in custody pending a trial for charges with enhanced federal penalties despite hundreds of other protestors being charged with property crimes in state court.

All proceeds to this fundraiser will support Lore in this matter. We are all united in our ongoing support for her and for an end to police brutality. We look forward to welcoming her home to the family, friends, and community who love and depend upon her so much.

[Donate Here]

Local Groups #givingtuesday

  • May 6, 2020 12:31 am

from Instagram

Hey y’all we heard it was giving Tuesday! Here are a few of the projects we’ve been working on. If you would like to donate our venmo is @ramphilly & the security code is 4970 just write in the description what fund you would like to donate to!
.
????The Indigenous Solidarity fund has been used to give money to Indigenous liberation projects across Turtle Island as well as send sacred medicine. ????The Commissary Fund for people on the Inside is to help comrades on the inside buy materials to keep them healthy when they are trapped in prisons where social distancing is not a possibility ????Locks for Eviction Defense is to help people facing illegal eviction put new locks on their doors to protect themselves from landlords trying to force them out during this pandemic ????Mutual Aid Fund we are working on a few projects such as doing a care package serve in North Philly (other places doing amazing stp work in North Philly are Prevention Point and @northphillypeacepark). We are also working on establishing a community garden .

from Instagram
[Video Here]
Apparently it’s #givingtuesdaynow so if you got the funds throw some our way (on Cashapp) or to other mutual aid projects that are doing the work that the state never provides. So many awesome projects out there, give if you can! #givingtuesday

[North Philly Food Not Bomb’s Cashapp handle is $NPFNB]

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: a watch party for Food Not Bombs

  • April 14, 2020 2:04 am

from Facebook

Wednesdays @ 7PM, cinéSPEAK hosts an online watch party, featuring incredible cinematic works from around the world to raise $ for organizations doing vital work in our region and beyond.

THIS WEEK: HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (2016) –a brilliantly comedic coming-of-age x buddy adventure film from Kiwi writer-director Taika Waititi
**now streaming on Kanopy — see below for instructions**

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED ORG: Food Not Bombs Solidarity they ‘cook for, serve/share food, work with and support homeless or hungry people; save and use food that the capitalist system regards only as a commodity; food that would be otherwise discarded.’

—
LOGISTICS:
DATE: WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2020
ZOOM PARTY LIVE @ 7PM **must register to receive link**
FILM BEGINS @ 7:30PM
POST-FILM ZOOM HANG to-follow

—
ADMISSION: FREE!
**As you’re able, PLEASE $UPPORT by DONATING directly to Food Not Bombs Solidarity–>
CashApp: $FNBSolidarity
PayPal: FNBSolidarity@protonmail.com

—
TO PARTICIPATE:
You will need to:
1. Activate your Kanopy account–>
**FREE** with Philadelphia Free Library card https://freelibrary.kanopy.com
**Don’t have your physical library card? Look it up here–> https://catalog.freelibrary.org/MyResearch/ForgotCard

2. Decide how you will watch–>
**If you’re watching from your computer, follow this URL–> https://freelibrary.kanopy.com/video/hunt-wilderpeople-0
**If you’re watching on Apple tv, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or other mobile device, search for and download the Kanopy app.

3. Register for the event–> via ticket link on this page
4. Grab your movie snacks/drinks + come hang!

We will:
1. Email the Zoom link to all registered guests @ 6:15PM
2. Start the Zoom party @ 7PM

—
ABOUT THE FILM:
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Written & Directed by: Taika Waititi
Running Time: 1hr 41 min

A boy (Julian Dennison) and his foster father (Sam Neill) become the subjects of a manhunt after they get stranded in the New Zealand wilderness.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tICv8QH3oM0

**CONTENT WARNING: fatphobic humor, animal death (with graphic images of blood), grief around parental death and a joke with pedophilic innuendo

Financial Support For Food Not Bombs Chapters

  • March 17, 2020 2:44 am

from Facebook

For those who can help us with financial support, we greatly appreciate it! All funds go directly into getting supplies we don’t get donated. Help us out if you got the funds!

https://cash.app/$NPFNB

from Facebook

In this crisis time, Food Not Bombs Solidarity needs to do more.
In addition to our free meal, grocery, and produce distro on Thursdays, we serve 4 shelters on Saturdays.
We need to boost our food supplies (already low) and add cleaning stuff to our distro.
We want to support a community in need #ServeThePeople
So we set up a Cash App, this is a first for us!

$FNBSolidarity

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORKS

LAVA SPACE Benefit: Moor Mother, Pinkwash, Soul Glo, FOD !

  • February 22, 2020 10:28 pm

from Facebook

They’re back! More details soon! But here are the lineups:

FEB. 29/6pm
*****************
F.O.D.
Soul Glo
Manikineter
OOLOI
Disappearances

MARCH 1/6pm
*******************
Moor Mother
Pinkwash
Camp Candle
Rainbow Crimes
Kahlil Ali

We ask for $10 each day. If you have to give less, or what to give more, we feel ya! All proceeds go to LAVA Space so they can pay fees and taxes after battling to get the space back.

No homophobes, transphobes, racists, misogynists. Seriously, not just “no jerks”; we are tired of your abuse, so stay away because it won’t be cute for ya.

[LAVA Space 4134 Lancaster Ave]

1/19 – LAVA Space Potluck & Fundraiser!

  • January 14, 2020 3:20 pm

from Facebook

You are hereby cordially invited to a LAVA potluck this Sunday January 19th!

As you may or may not know, it’s been a long and difficult year at LAVA with a hostile takeover of the building and attempted sale.

Well, we’ve got the building back and in many ways are starting from scratch. In the last year the building has accumulated lots of debts and is now in need of serious repairs. So we’re doing what we can to kick off the new year with a community potluck to reinfuse the building with a spirit of love, community solidarity and rebellion, and raise some funds!

So please:

come to the potluck (dish or no dish)
bring a dish
bring a donation to help us get back on our feet!
(If you’re unable to attend and would still like to donate, we have an active GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-lava-from-attempted-building-takeover)

Please check in if you’ll be bringing food so we can overlap as little as possible 🙂

There will be a kids activity table. So bring the kids!

A general 1st floor and beyond deep clean will happen in the earlier part of the day. Volunteers more than welcome! Please reach out for more info if you’d like to help out with the deep clean!

[6PM at LAVA 4134 Lancaster Ave]

Benefit Show!

  • December 6, 2019 12:12 am

from Facebook

Trendgender
Kahlil Ali
Cranes are Flying
Gait
Yoshi sun

Doors at 7:30
$5-$10 suggested donation benefitting Occupy PHA and Philly Anarchist Black Cross

[December 13 7:30-11PM at Gilbert’s Shoes 1652 Ridge Ave]

Healing & Justice – Honoring Dr. Mutulu Shakur – Philadelphia

  • November 30, 2019 9:03 pm

from Facebook

Book an appointment for acupuncture, massage or an herbal consultation for yourself or as a gift for someone who deserves it. Through his revolutionary work with Lincoln Detox, Black Acupuncture Advisory Association of North America and the Harlem Institute of Acupuncture, Dr. Shakur utilized acupuncture to not only heal but also empower. In honor of this legacy, licensed acupuncturists, massage therapists and herbalists will come together at Six Fishes Neighborhood Acupuncture to provide care for sliding scale donations of $25- $50.

Donations are tax-deductible & support Dr. Shakur’s legal defense, commissary essentials, and projects promoting justice for the Black community. In solidarity with long-term political prisoner from Philadelphia who is battling cancer, Russell Maroon Shoatz, a portion of proceeds from the event will go to his support fund. Cash is accepted or for a tax deduction, bring check or money order made out to CAD.

Since space is limited, use the form below to schedule an appointment: http://mutulushakur.com/site/2019/11/healing-justice-philadelphia-2019/

[December 7 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Six Fishes Acupuncture,  Chinese Herbs & Massage 2308 Grays Ferry Ave]

Running Down The Walls 2019 Reportback

  • October 5, 2019 7:02 am

from Philly ABC

Philly ABC is happy to report the success of our second annual Running Down The Walls in support of political prisoners, held on September 7th, roughly 2 years from the date that our group formed. We again chose a late summer date for the event, but we hope to align our 2020 RDTW with other ABC chapters. We also joined the ABCF earlier this year to more closely work with our long-term comrades in the LA and former Philly ABC chapters.

We gathered at 10 am in FDR park for a yoga warm-up led by Sheena Sood. It was a beautiful morning, warm and sunny with a nice breeze coming off the lake. Two laps around the park loop is conveniently almost exactly 5K. Like last year, we split into 3 groups: walkers, joggers and runners. Walkers left the starting line around 11 am, followed by the joggers at 11:10 and the runners at 11:20. Afterward, we gathered for a group photo, speeches by Mike Africa Jr. (son of Debbie and Mike Africa who were also participating in the event), Janet and Janine Africa, and refreshments provided by Food Not Bombs Solidarity.

[video]

[video]

Together we raised a total of $1940 to split between the ABCF Warchest, and the Never Give Up! project started by Mike Africa Jr. to provide long-term support for released members of the MOVE 9. We chose royal blue as the color for this year’s shirt to support and raise awareness for Chuck Africa’s fight against colon cancer from within prison. Chuck Africa is up for parole later this year, and along with Delbert Africa is one of the remaining members of the MOVE 9 not yet paroled. Another long-term comrade behind bars in PA, Russell Maroon Shoatz, is also battling colo-rectal cancer so we ran in royal blue in solidarity with him as well. Maroon’s support team is collecting funds to help secure him holistic health options.

At the time of last year’s RDTW, in commemoration of 40 years since the arrest of the MOVE 9, only Debbie had been paroled. This year we were grateful for not only the release of Mike and his reunification with Debbie and family, but the release of Janet, Janine and Eddie as well, all of whom participated for the first time outside of prison walls! We look forward to more successes in the next year!

Until all are free!
Philly ABC

Running Down The Walls

  • September 1, 2019 2:22 am

from Philly ABC

Download posters and flyers

September 7th, 2019
11 am sharp (Yoga warm-up at 10am)
FDR Park

Philadelphia Anarchist Black Cross presents our second annual Running Down The Walls (RDTW)! Join us for another revolutionary 5K run/walk/bike/skate and day of solidarity. If you would like to participate in light yoga and warm-up stretches before, please arrive by 10am and bring a mat if you can.

Running is not required! You can also walk, bike, skate or roll. 5K is two loops around the park and at a walking pace will take about 45-60 minutes. Light refreshments and socializing will take place in the park afterward.

This year’s event is co-sponsored by Never Give Up! – a project to free the remaining incarcerated members of the MOVE 9, and sustain their long-term post-release support. Following the release of his parents, Mike Africa Jr. founded Never Give Up! to alleviate the financial strain of rebuilding life after decades of imprisonment. When his uncle Chuck Africa beat colon cancer, the project aligned with the broader, ongoing fight against cancer.

The Move organization has never given up. Not after their house was flooded, gassed, and riddled with bullets. Not after the police deployed explosives and let them burn alive. Not after the PADOC murdered Phil and Merle Africa.

After 40 years in prison and never giving up on their beliefs or each other, Debbie was released on parole on June 16th 2018, soon after followed by Mike Africa Sr. on October 23rd. Janet and Janine were released on May 25th, 2019 and then Eddie on June 21st.  Next up for parole are Delbert this September and Chuck in November.

As their supporters, we too never give up! Philadelphia RDTW 2019 is dedicated to amplifying their voices, lifting them up in their struggles, and maintaining material post-release support.

If you cannot make it to the event or would like to make an additional contribution, please sponsor a participant either outside prison or inside or one of each. Contact us for more information on sponsoring!

Proceeds will be split between the Warchest Program and the Never Give Up project. The ABCF Warchest program sends monthly stipends to Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War who have insufficient, little, or no financial support.

Abolish the Pol-ICE-cream Social

  • July 13, 2019 12:53 pm

from Philly IWW

Join the Philadelphia General Defense Committee for an ice cream social at Clark Park! $10 suggested donation for entry gets you ice cream, as well as 10 games tickets. Money raised will be going to the GDC defense fund.
Saturday, July 20th, 1-5 pm