Tuesday, March 7th – Letter Writing To Ronald Reed

WHAT: Political Prisoner Letter-Writing
WHEN: 7pm, Tuesday, March 7th, 2023
WHERE: YOUR HOME
COST: Free

Trust us when we say our take on what’s happening in Atlanta right now isn’t the hot one or breaking new intellectual ground, but PAY ATTENTION to how folks engaged in what the state would otherwise consider “legitimate” protest are RIGHT NOW being charged with domestic terrorism. It’s not a stretch to think that if you’re reading this, you are either part or a movement or share affinity with one that opposes the police (or at bare minimum the expansion of police power); one that is environmentalist in one form or another; one that agitates for liberation; or one that seeks to limit the ability of government to run roughshod over all in its path. Hell, maybe you’re on board with all of it. Wherever you find yourself, understand that if the state is successful in convicting folks in Atlanta of domestic terrorism, they will eventually come for the movement to which you belong. You are needed now to make sure what’s being pushed there is not allowed to pass. As urgent as this is, with all of the arrests and folks held without bail, there are also still folks who’ve served decades for political activity and they, too, need your attention. Bridging the gap between movements is crucial for pushing toward a revolutionary future.

One great way to build those bridges is to write letters to political prisoners! Engage with them, have a respectful dialogue; we all have things to learn from and teach each other. lf they don’t have the capacity to respond, be understanding, stay in the loop, offer your help to their public support crews, learn about the context of their cases, and spread the word. You can start this week, by joining NYC ABC and Page One Collective in writing to Black liberation struggle political prisoner Ronald Reed.

Ronald Reed is a former 60s civil rights activist. In 1969, Reed was also among the students at St. Paul Central High School who demanded black history courses and organized actions against racist teachers. He was also instrumental in helping to integrate college campuses in Minnesota. During this period, Reed began to look toward revolutionary theory and began to engage in political street theater with other young black revolutionaries in the city of St. Paul.

Reed went on to join the Black United Front. In 1970 he was convicted of shooting a St. Paul police officer. Twenty-five years after the killing, Reed was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree-murder. He is serving life in prison.

Please take the time to write a letter to Ronald:
Ronald Reed #219531
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes
7525 Fourth Avenue
Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014

Tuesday, February 22nd – Letter Writing To Ronald Reed

WHAT: Political Prisoner Letter-Writing
WHEN: 7pm, Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022
WHERE: YOUR HOME
COST: Free

So this post was going to start off with a clever twist on the usual call for active inter-generational and intersectional solidarity as the only hope at this point for those who want anything other than outright fascism. But in light of the vigilante shooting of multiple comrades the other night in Portland, our clever arguments don’t seem apt. The ongoing collusion of state and right-wing violence directed at Black and Brown people, anti-racist protestors, and those perceived as being anarchist or anti-fascist, is chillingly horrific. The old familiar adage “we keep us safe” is as true as ever, because if we don’t, it is increasingly clear that truly no one will. But that “we” is open-ended, an invitation more than a definition. The more bridges we can build and maintain with any and all people struggling for a society based on solidarity rather than white supremacist, heterosexist domination, the stronger and safer we will all be.

One great way to build those bridges is to write letters to political prisoners! Engage with them, have a respectful dialogue; we all have things to learn from and teach each other. lf they don’t have the capacity to respond, be understanding, stay in the loop, offer your help to their public support crews, learn about the context of their cases, and spread the word. You can start this week, by joining NYC ABC and Page One Collective in writing to Black liberation struggle political prisoner Ronald Reed.

Ronald Reed is a former 60s civil rights activist. In 1969, Reed was also among the students at St. Paul Central High School who demanded black history courses and organized actions against racist teachers. He was also instrumental in helping to integrate college campuses in Minnesota. During this period, Reed began to look toward revolutionary theory and began to engage in political street theater with other young black revolutionaries in the city of St. Paul.

Reed went on to join the Black United Front. In 1970 he was convicted of shooting a St. Paul police officer. Twenty-five years after the killing, Reed was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree-murder. He is serving life in prison.

Please take the time to write a letter to Ronald:
Ronald Reed #219531
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes
7525 Fourth Avenue
Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014

Illustrated Guide Version 14.2.1 Uploaded!

We’ve finished the latest version of the NYC ABC “Illustrated Guide to Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War” and it’s available for viewing (and download) by clicking on the tab at the top of this page. This update includes updated mini-bios, photos, and address changes for several prisoners. Unfortunately, we are removing Chip Fitzgerald (deceased, REST IN POWER!).

BK/NY – Tuesday, November 3rd – Letter Writing To Ronald Reed

WHAT: Political Prisoner Letter-Writing
WHEN: 7pm, Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020
WHERE: YOUR HOME
COST: Free

When you pay attention to the news, whether corporate or independent, it is impossible to avoid the realities of Black folks murdered by cops. The state understands the role of cops and does all it can to make sure that they are able to function above the law, free from consequence. Current realities look similar to those of decades ago and today, like then, we have folks in their communities organizing to fight back. With this week’s every-other-week political prisoner letter-writing event, NYC ABC and Page One Collective are focusing on just such an organizer–Ronald Reed.

Ronald Reed is a former 60s civil rights activist. In 1969, Reed was also among the students at St. Paul Central High School who demanded black history courses and organized actions against racist teachers. He was also instrumental in helping to integrate college campuses in Minnesota. During this period, Reed began to look toward revolutionary theory and began to engage in political street theater with other young black revolutionaries in the city of St. Paul.

Reed went on to join the Black United Front. In 1970 he was convicted of shooting a St. Paul police officer. Twenty-five years after the killing, Reed was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree-murder. He is serving life in prison.

Please take the time to write a letter to Ronald (and share a photo of your completed envelopes with us online):
Ronald Reed #219531
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes
7525 Fourth Avenue
Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014

Illustrated Guide Version 14.10 Uploaded!

We’ve finished the latest version of the NYC ABC “Illustrated Guide to Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War” and it’s available for viewing (and download) by clicking on the tab at the top of this page. This update includes updated mini-bios, photos, and address changes for several prisoners. We are thankful to remove Joseph Dibee (pre-trial bond).

BK/NY – Tuesday, October 29th – Letter-Writing Dinner For Ronald Reed

WHAT: Political Prisoner Letter-Writing Dinner
WHEN: 7pm sharp, Tuesday, October 29th, 2019
WHERE: The Base – 1302 Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11221 (directions below)
NOTE: The Base is on the ground floor, is wheelchair accessible, and has a gender neutral toilet.
COST: Free

When you pay attention to the news, whether corporate or independent, it is impossible to avoid the realities of Black folks murdered by cops. The state understands the role of cops and does all it can to make sure that they are able to function above the law, free from consequence. Current realities look similar to those of decades ago and today, like then, we have folks in their communities organizing to fight back. With this week’s every-other-week political prisoner letter-writing dinner, NYC ABC is focusing on just such an organizer–Ronald Reed.

Ronald Reed is a former 60s civil rights activist. In 1969, Reed was also among the students at St. Paul Central High School who demanded black history courses and organized actions against racist teachers. He was also instrumental in helping to integrate college campuses in Minnesota. During this period, Reed began to look toward revolutionary theory and began to engage in political street theater with other young black revolutionaries in the city of St. Paul.

Reed went on to join the Black United Front. In 1970 he was convicted of shooting a St. Paul police officer. Twenty-five years after the killing, Reed was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree-murder. He is serving life in prison.

If for whatever reason you are not able to join us, please write to Ronald:
Ronald Reed #219531
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City
7600 525th Street
Rush City, Minnesota 55069-2265

BK/NY – Tuesday, October 9th – Letter-Writing Dinner For Ronald Reed

WHAT: Political Prisoner Letter-Writing Dinner
WHEN: 7pm sharp, Tuesday, October 9th, 2018
WHERE: The Base – 1302 Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11221 (directions below)
NOTE: The Base is on the ground floor, is wheelchair accessible, and has a gender neutral toilet.
COST: Free

When you pay attention to the news, whether corporate or independent, it is impossible to avoid the realities of Black folks murdered by cops. The state understands the role of cops and does all it can to make sure that they are able to function above the law, free from consequence. Current realities look similar to those of decades ago and today, like then, we have folks in their communities organizing to fight back. With this week’s every-other-week political prisoner letter-writing dinner, NYC ABC is focusing on just such an organizer–Ronald Reed.

Ronald Reed is a former 60s civil rights activist. In 1969, Reed was also among the students at St. Paul Central High School who demanded black history courses and organized actions against racist teachers. He was also instrumental in helping to integrate college campuses in Minnesota. During this period, Reed began to look toward revolutionary theory and began to engage in political street theater with other young black revolutionaries in the city of St. Paul.

Reed went on to join the Black United Front. In 1970 he was convicted of shooting a St. Paul police officer. Twenty-five years after the killing, Reed was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree-murder. He is serving life in prison.

If for whatever reason you are not able to join us, please write to Ronald:
Ronald Reed #219531
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City
7600 525th Street
Rush City, Minnesota 55069-2265

Illustrated Guide Version 12.5 Uploaded!

We’ve finished the latest version of the NYC ABC “Illustrated Guide to Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War” and it’s available for viewing (and download) by clicking on the tab at the top of this page. This update includes updated mini-bios, photos, and address changes for several prisoners, as well as the removal of Krow (released to house arrest).

Illustrated Guide Version 10.5 Now Uploaded!

We’ve finished the latest version of the NYC ABC “Illustrated Guide to Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War” and it’s available for viewing (and download) by clicking on the tab at the top of this page. This update includes updated mini-bios, photos, and address changes for several prisoners as well as removes Hugo “Yogi Bear” Pinell (deceased).