Prisoner writes on inspiration from Mumia

Comrades,

My political voyage inside these prison walls is inspired by many revolutionaries, one of whom is Mumia Abu-Jamal. All of the trials Mumia has been through, from the time he was on the street to the 30-plus years he has been falsely incarcerated, touches me deeply.

For one thing, Mumia’s saga teaches that the system will go above and beyond to destroy any person(s) or organization(s) who have a revolutionary agenda … period. Secondly, Mumia teaches that no matter what hardships you go through, you never give up the fight … especially if it’s for the “cause.”

Mumia Abu-Jamal is one of the strongest people I have ever known of. He has witnessed a number of threats on his life and has overcome those threats one at a time. Mumia’s survival was most certainly partially made possible by the help of comrades. Do you know why this is? Assistance of the masses does not go unheard, particularly when it comes along with the sacrifices that Mumia has made himself on behalf of all oppressed people.

I’ve read all of Mumia’s essays contained in “Live from Death Row.” Each time I pick up that book, it ignites a revolutionary flame within me. Certain things Mumia has experienced in prison, I have also experienced. Mumia has inspired me to want to become a voice for my community and my city. In this way, we can all contribute to the struggle for liberation.

Solidarity always,
James F. Young III

Young is currently incarcerated in Cumberland, Md., at North Branch Correctional Facility.