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An Appeal to the Atlanta City Government regarding ‘H. Rap Brown’ and the Current Crisis

From African People's Socialist Party <APSPUhuru@aol.com>, 18 March 2000

Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, formerly known as the world renowned black liberation activist H. Rap Brown, is currently being put on trial by the media and city government of Atlanta, Georgia for his political beliefs, actions and for his continuing legacy as a defender of black rights and dignity.

This is being done after the shooting of two Fulton County Sheriff's Deputies who reportedly attempted to issue a warrant for his arrest. The current tenor and manuevers of the media in concert with the Atlanta Metro area police agencies are feverishly at work distorting the legacy of one of the historic leaders to emerge from the black movement of the '60s.

This activity is creating the political conditions for Brother Al-Amin's execution before he receives a trial in a court of law.

The African People's Socialist Party is issuing an emphatic demand to the African Mayor and majority African City Council of Atlanta, Georgia to refrain from using violence as means of resolving this crisis.

Brother Al-Amin is now being slandered as if he was a common criminal as opposed to someone whose confrontations with the police and U.S. government have resulted from his political convictions and affiliations.

Such rewriting of history makes it impossible for him to be dealt with justly by authorities.

Whatever happens, the Atlanta Mayor and City Council can be sure that Jamil Al-Amin will not be remembered in history as the killer he is being portrayed as. He will be remembered as H. Rap Brown, a young courageous leader who made a priceless contribution to the liberation of African people at the risk of his own life and safety.

Like many black youth during the '60s he joined the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee because he had a tremendous love and desire for peace, freedom and dignity - none of which African people have known since we have lived within U.S. borders.

In fact, the passion for justice which radiated in young African people during the '60s was most eloquently expressed through H. Rap Brown's legendary oratorical genius. For this, he earned the nick name "Rap," became a beloved symbol of the black freedom movement, was a leader of international stature and also became a target for persuction and assassination by the U.S. government.

It appears that Brother Jamil's current confrontations have happened for similar reasons: both on his part and that of the government. In the poverty-stricken and predominately African community in the West End of Atlanta, Brother Jamil was revered as a precious servant who successfully struggled to rid the area and drugs and prostitution. This seems to have offended the Atlanta police who have been incapable or unwilling to accomplish this task.

We would like to remind you that the life of a great champion of the African freedom struggle weighs in the balance and that it is the responsibility of Africans and all freedom-loving people to protect the lives and legacies of those who have committed themselves to freedom.

We would also like to remind you, the African mayor and majority African city council of Atlanta, Georgia, that it was the work and legacy of people like Jamil Al-Amin who made it possible for you to occupy the positions of power and authority which you currently hold.

We urge you to respect the freedom-yearning sentiments of African people in the U.S., and recognize that the people of the world are watching you and hold you responsible for Brother Jamil's safety.