International Campaign to Release Russell Maroon Shoatz Launched

“25 years in prison + 50 years of age = OUT”
 

On May 5, 2012 International Campaign to Release Russell Maroon Shoatz was concurrently launched in New York City and London, UK. The New York City was launched under the auspices of Scientific Soul Sessions. Several activists spoke including Fred Ho and Kanya D Almeida of Scientific Soul Sessions, Theresa Shoatz - Maroon’s daughter and Philadelphia-based prison justice activist, Bret Grote of Fed Up!-Pittsburgh. A spectacular artistic and musical night was presented by several renowed poets and artists, which delighted the audience. This included Fred Ho, internationally renowned saxophone player and composer; Arturo O’Farrill, legendary Cuban-American pianist; and Magdalena Gomez, poet and veteran of the Nuyurican Poets Movement.

The official launch in New York

The official launch in London

Below are the some of the videos from the Launch event in New York City; please click the photo for corresponding you tube video.

Speeches by

Theresa Shoatz

Bret Grote

Performances by

Fred Ho

Arturo and Adam O'Farrill

Nana Soul

Stay tuned about the campaign through the following web sites

Russell Maroon Shoatz's Blog

Solitary Watch

Scientific Soul Sessions, NYC

Prison Radio

Angola 3

Sundiata Acoli Speaks