The
beginning of
The End of The Death Penalty
Last year, shortly after arriving back at
the Polunsky Unit – Texas Death Row – I made it known that I would protest
my impending execution date, which was set for December 7th.
Due to new developments in my case I am still here – alive and able to
continue to fight for my life, and also fight for an end to the death
penalty.
I made it known to a few people here on
Death Row, of my plans to protest and they in solidarity rallied to
support me – voluntarily sacrificing the few privileges and much looked
forward to visits – all in a show of force, to state that we are against
state sanctioned murder by the state of Texas. This protest took the form
of timed “sit in’s” whenever we were outside our cells. When it came time
to go back in, we would sit and announce loudly, “I am against state
sanctioned murder…”, or something along those lines. Those who stood with
me in this respect are: Robert Will, Gabriel Gonzales, Andre Simpson,
Kenneth Foster, Reginald Blanton and Robert Woodard, And a couple of
other brothers on their date of execution also laid it down in protest –
namely Shannon “Big Tank” Thomas and Marion Dudley.
The sole purpose of this protest is not
only to protest the injustice of the death penalty, both individually and
collectively, but also to state that our lives have worth. And that I –
we – will not just silently go to the slaughter, as if it is alright to
kill us – especially those of us who are innocent.
Now protest against execution dates in Texas
is not new. Those who came before me being: Desmond “Lil Dez” Jennings,
Ponchai “Kamau” Wilkerson, Emerson “Young Lion” Rudd, Shaka Sankofa (Gary
Graham), Todd Willingham and Marcus Cotton. The difference in this
protest is that it started a month before my scheduled execution date, and
also that others joined me in active – not just verbal – solidarity, to
make such a stance.
Retaliation was swift. The protest was
mocked by the administration. Threats were made. I was told “No one will
know. No one will see. No one will care about your protest.” Yet, you
the people helped to prove them wrong. Many of you rallied to sign my
petition. Others helped to bombard the prison and ombudsman with calls to
assure them that people were watching. That people did
care. And thus, the administration had to back up off its retaliatory
measures. This is because you the people rallied to aid us and support us
in protest.
However, it is not over. As I write this I
now have a March 14th execution date – this one more serious
than the last because I have been turned down by the Supreme Court. But
the fight is not over – and neither is the protest. So, I humbly ask that
you continue to stand with us as we protest this Texas murder machine from
within the belly of the beast. Stand with us and help us spread the word
and give exposure to what we are doing. We cannot let this be in vain.
Execution is not business as usual with me. I AM INNOCENT. And I plan to
let my voice be heard from the mountain tops – and protest this injustice
against me.
Where are our outside leaders to spear head
a solidarity protest with us? There are none. Their attention to our
plight is short. But we have emerging leaders now!! Ray Ramirez and The
Welfare Poets have stood by me and helped rally you the people to the
cause! The Coalition to End the Death Penalty, ALIVE and a few Texas
based coalitions! It’s the small groups – the “unknowns” – who are making
our voice be heard! Our disgust felt at seeing countless men and women
put to death for no other reason than naked vengeance! This is not
justice. This is murder.
Still, no matter what, our efforts down
here in Texas, coupled with Ray’s and The Welfare Poets’ and you the
people, is signalling the beginning of the end of the Death Penalty! No
matter what – its end is near! Can you feel it?! Can you sense it?! As
Sam Cooke sang “A change is gonna come.” Well, I tell you the change has
come! The change is here! The change is us! So, spread the word and
continue to support our efforts of freedom. Not just for me. But to help
end the Death Penalty period! We are the beginning of the end of the
Death Penalty!
I thank you for your sincere efforts and
support.
Always
In Strength and In Spirit
Tony Egbuna Ford (February 3rd
2006)
Thou Shalt
Not Kill
(In tribute to Frances
Newton / Tookie Williams)
What’s the deal
Aren’t we taught
THOU SHALT NOT KILL
How ‘bout it
Bill And
Jill - ever heard of the
word
CHILL! - ?
On killing the sons and daughters
Many who grew up without fathers and mothers
Cause they were killed
in the streets – street genocide –
Or lost to
State sanctioned slaughter –
Mothers are not exempt
Check out how Perry
sit up like Big King Pimp
Back hand slapping
All righteous appeals.
Nigga you go die!
Or did he say
Nigga please!
As he shot down sista Frances
with ease…
We’re going to SHOUT LOUD
So Frances can know
we’re with her
Frances! Frances!
FRRAAANNNCCCEEESSSS!!!!
Got no more second chances
THOU SHALT NOT KILL (!)
Yet - they kill
Even you
Bill
Even you
Jill
And still –
They killed Tookie.
WHY?!
Is it cuz
That Weeesss-side (!)
Got thrown to the sky?!
“He’s the father of that gang bang’n!”
Kill him!
But of course
Being nominated for a peace prize
Slid by the hate filled eyez
Nigga die! Nigga die!
Arnold why! Arnold why!
You had to play Terminator
On a man’s life?!
THOU SHALT NOT KILL
THOU SHALT NOT KILL
Is there anybody listening?!
People “they” playing for keeps
Killing has been “in”
Killing has been “vogue”
Killing – the latest fashion trend
When will it end?
