Let the run ring loud to this system, that these folk of strong committed reflections of Justice and Freedom are not and will never be forgotten and that their release is being demanded!
Phil Africa’s Statement for RDTW 2009

On Saturday, September 12th, an event will take place in 14 various cities and prisons throughout North America – in support of political prisoners and prisoners of war. The event – known as Running Down the Walls – is a 5k run / walk / bike in support of these comrades who have been imprisoned because of their dedication to liberation and freedom.

In some locations, people will be running through parks or city streets; others will be running in prison yards and even in their cells. In all cases, they will be participating in the spirit of solidarity – the truest and purest meaning of our movements.

We will be running in solidarity for Leonard Peltier – who, on the day of the run, will be “celebrating” his 33rd birthday behind bars. We will be running in solidarity for Veronza Bowers – ordered by the courts to be released in 2005, but because of the power of the Fraternal Order of Police has been held illegally for 4 years. We will be running in solidarity for Kuwasi Balagoon, Merle Africa, Thomas Warner, Bashir Hameed, Albert ‘Nuh’ Washington, Richard Williams and all those dear and precious comrades who have died behind the prison walls. We will be running in solidarity of all those political prisoners and prisoners of war unmentioned but certainly not forgotten.

We ask that you join us on this day as an act of solidarity and Run Down the Walls!. We ask that you run for those who have fought. We ask that you sweat for those who have suffered. We ask that you care for those who have died.

Locations of Runs: Albuquerque, NM; Arcata, CA; Denver, CO; Elmore, AL; Los Angeles, CA; Marion, IL; New York, NY; Phoenix, AZ (two runs in Phoenix); Portland, OR; Shiprock, NM, Tucson, AZ (two runs in Tucson); and West Massachusetts.
(*more runs may be announced or added at the last minute. For contact information about a specific location, contact LA ABCF at la@abcf.net)

Funds raised for this event will go to:
ABCF Warchest – a program that sends monthly stipends to political prisoners who receive little or no financial aid.
Chip Fitzgerald Homecoming Fund – a program designed to assist Chip Fitzgerald – the longest held political prisoner in the US – with his parole campaign.
Ojore Lutalo Fund – Ojore Lutalo has just been released after 27 years in prison. Funds raised will go to assist him getting re-established.

Running Down the Walls – Los Angeles
When: Saturday, September 12, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Whittier Narrows Regional Park Grounds
750 Santa Anita Ave South El Monte, CA 91733-4300

Registration fees: $12 preregistration; $15, the day of the run. (Make checks out to Tim Fasnacht)

For more information: http://www.abcf.net/la/laabcf.asp?page=la/rdtw or la@abcf.net