In this episode, we explore political prisoners during the Black Panther Party era. Notable figures like Mumia Abu Jamal, Mutulu Shakur, Fred Muhammad Burton, Veronza Bowers, Albert Woodfox, Ruchell Cinque Magee, and George Jackson spent decades behind bars. Despite uncertain guilt, they faced unfair trials, inadequate medical care, and prolonged solitary confinement. Ruchell Cinque Magee and George Jackson courageously spoke out against the unjust judicial system. Additionally, Black August, created by incarcerated Black individuals in 1979, sheds light on Black freedom fighters, revolutionaries, radicals, and political prisoners, emphasizing the ongoing fight for justice and liberation.
30 Jun 2024
S2_4 COINTELPRO Discussion
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30 Jun 2024
S2_4 COINTELPRO
This episode discusses the FBI’s Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) and its systematic actions against the Black Panther Party and other black nationalist groups from 1956-1971. COINTELPRO’s objectives were to prevent the coalition of black nationalist groups, the rise of a unifying leader, violence by these groups, their gaining respectability, and their long-term growth, especially among youth. The program was exposed after the assassination of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, when activists known as the “Citizens’ Commission to Investigate the FBI” obtained documents revealing COINTELPRO’s tactics. The episode also covers the revelation of William O’Neal, the Chicago Black Panther Party’s Chief of Security, as an FBI informant, which led to the murder of Hampton and Clark. Despite initial rulings in favor of the FBI, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals found in 1979 that the FBI had obstructed justice and was involved in the murders and subsequent cover-up. The episode underscores the challenges faced by activists and the importance of awareness of such historical injustices.
9 Jun 2024
S2_1 The Black Panther Party
This episode of “Judge and Jury” discusses the significant impact of The Black Panther Party on society, particularly the black community. The party, known for its stance against police brutality, inequality, and racism, was influential among many activist groups and initiated numerous programs in black communities. In 1967, Bobby Seale led a protest against the Mulford Act, bringing national attention to the party. The party’s ideals were adopted by activists worldwide, including the Vietnamese National Liberation Front and the Bahamas’ Vanguard Party. The murder of Denzil Dowell by the police in 1967 marked the party’s active fight for justice. The Black Panthers established over 35 Survival Programs, including free breakfast for students and free health clinics, to support black communities. Despite being viewed by some as domestic terrorists, the party’s legacy continues to inspire future activist groups like Black Lives Matter and Grassroots Law Project in their fight against oppression.
2 Jun 2024
Season 2 Intro - Dismantling the Black Panther Party
The upcoming season of “Judge and Jury” will delve into the history of the Black Panther Party, from its establishment in 1966 by two Merritt College students to its dissolution in 1982. The party was formed in response to social and economic inequality faced by Blacks in the US, despite the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. The Black Panther Party aimed to protect Black neighborhoods from police brutality and provided various social programs. It later adopted a Marxist ideology, advocating for the arming of all Black people, the release of all Black prisoners, and compensation for centuries of exploitation. The party had many notable members who will be discussed in later episodes. However, it faced opposition, particularly from law enforcement agencies like the FBI, which saw the party as a threat to the government and used its counterintelligence program (COINTELPRO) to dismantle it. The series aims to shed light on issues of racism, classism, economic injustice, and social inequality, with the goal of raising awareness about past issues that continue to impact society today.
6 Feb 2024
Voir Dire
Voir dire is the process of selecting a fair jury by asking standard questions. Attorneys can reject jurors.
23 Jan 2024
The Trial
Mumia Abu-Jamal's 1982 trial lasted 19 days, with Mumia representing himself and questioning prospective jurors. The prosecutor noticed jurors' uneasiness and requested the judge take over jury questioning. Mumia refused co-counsel and
requested a non-attorney to represent him, which was denied. The final jury consisted of 10 non-black people and 2 black people due to challenges by both the prosecution and defense.
16 Jan 2024
Jury...
soon...
9 Jan 2024
Philadelphia Unrest...
Philadelphia has a history of tension between white authorities and minority communities. Police corruption and abuse were widespread.
In 1973, a federal judge found police abuse to be frequent and officials did little to prevent it. A 1978 investigation revealed that some police engaged in lawless behavior and homicidal violence. The police also dropped a bomb on a MOVE house. In 1967, students protested racial disparities.
2 Jan 2024
Move
MOVE, founded in the 1970s, promoted self-reliance, nature-based lifestyle, racial justice, and animal rights. It had confrontations with the police. In 1978, a shootout led to a police officer's death, injuries, and the arrest of nine MOVE
members. The MOVE Nine were convicted of third-degree murder and denied parole in 2008. The 1985 confrontation led to the bombing of a MOVE compound.
Philadelphia gained a notorious reputation.
26 Dec 2023
The Scene & Incident
On December 9, 1981, Philadelphia officer Daniel Faulkner was shot and killed during a traffic stop. Mumia Abu-Jamal shot Faulkner with his licensed pistol after a taxi stop. Different accounts exist regarding the events leading up to Officer Faulkner's shooting. The courts found that Jamal shot Faulkner with a .38 caliber pistol, with the first shot entering Faulkner's back. Faulkner returned fire, hitting Jamal in the chest.
26 Dec 2023
Daniel Faulkner's Bio
Daniel Faulkner, born in Philadelphia, joined the Army, pursued education, and became
a police officer. Married in 1979.
26 Dec 2023
Mumia's Bio
Mumia Abu-Jamal, born Wesley Cook, changed his name after high school. He married three times and has three children. He worked as a journalist and radio commentator, advocating for social change and criticizing the police department.
This is not your ordinary true crime podcast. We will tell the story of cases, explore and discuss the outcomes, laws, testimony, and evidence. OPINIONS WILL BE MADE.
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