Activists Support Suspended NJ Teacher in Support of
Mumia
Prison Radio Commentaries, 15 April 2015
Ms. Marylin Zuniga, a New Jersey public school teacher,
demonstrated solidarity and concern when she encouraged
her 3rd grade class to send get-well cards to Mumia last
week. Unfortunately her positive intentions have caused
a predictable backlash; she was immediately suspended
and may lose her job.
These cards meant a lot to Mumia at a time when he is
very isolated and extremely ill. Delivered by a small
cadre of his close friends, including Professor Johanna
Fernandez, Pam and Abdul Africa, these cards made Mumia
chuckle in appreciation and gratitude. They made him
smile at a time when he was so weakened from medical
neglect that he could barely stand up. Zuniga tweeted
about her excitment for Mumia to get the
get-well letters from her students, saying: "My 3rd
graders wrote to Mumia to lift up his spirits as he is
ill".
It is necessary that we defend Ms. Zuniga, a Columbia
University educated teacher at the beginning of her
career. Her actions should be applauded
and seen as exemplary.
When Angela Davis was imprisoned on trumped up charges
as a result of her political allegiances in the early
1970’s, one million school children in East Germany sent
her roses in prison! Not that she was allowed to receive
them! Rather, it was a symbol of love and solidarity
that reverberated beyond the demarcation of national
borders and prison walls.
Read Dan Iver's fantastic
article on support for Zuniga here. |