If you have not seen this yet, be sure to get a copy of this new book about the history and founding of the ABC. Order today at https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1725

Shadows in the Struggle for Equality: The History of the Anarchist Red Cross

SKU: 9798887440873
Author: Boris Yelensky, Edited by Matthew Hart, Illustrated by N.O. Bonzo
Series: PM Press
ISBN: 9798887440873
Published: 04/22/2025
Format: Paperback
Size: 5 x 8
Pages: 160

From Cop City to the Dakota pipelines and Jane’s Revenge to numerous struggles worldwide, anarchist organizers are relentlessly targeted by the state today as they have been for over a century.

Shadows in the Struggle for Equality is the firsthand account of Boris Yelensky, an activist of the Anarchist Red Cross (later the Anarchist Black Cross), during the Russian revolutionary movement from 1905 through 1917, and the subsequent Leninist/Stalinist repression.

Written with great humility and compassion, Yelensky recalls his fifty years of tireless organizing to aid victims of state oppression and injustice, beginning with a vivid sketch of the history of the Russian revolutionary movement and the critical role played by anarchists. He then provides the rich history of the Anarchist Red Cross spanning the time from the Revolution to his settling in the US where he dedicated his life and his book “to the Fighters for Freedom, Humanism and Justice, to those who endeavored to help these fighters by applying the principle of mutual aid.”

In telling why an anarchist relief organization became necessary, he calls attention to a neglected aspect of revolutionary history—the sabotage and discrimination of many social-democrats against their fellow-prisoners and in the outside relief organizations. Of the vast sums collected all over the world, from czarist times up through the 1950s when the book was written, very little reached the anarchist prisoners.

With newly translated material, and over a dozen beautiful illustrations by N.O. Bonzo, this stunning edition of Shadows in the Struggle for Equality will serve to inspire a continuation of solidarity and support for those who are incarcerated in the struggle for freedom, humanism, and justice.

About the Contributors

Boris Yelensky (1889–1974) was a Russian anarchist propagandist who took part in the 1905 Russian Revolution. Due to czarist repression, he was forced to flee the country in 1907, eventually landing in the US. He helped to establish the Philadelphia and Chicago chapters of the Anarchist Red Cross. Yelensky later returned to Russia to participate in the 1917 Revolution. With Lenin’s rise to power and the increased repression against anarchists, Yelensky once again left his native country, settling permanently in the US. Once he returned to the US, he continued to provide support for imprisoned anarchists through his work in the Alexander Berkman Aid Fund, a section of the Anarchist Red Cross. For over fifty years he was an important figure in Chicago’s Free Society Group and active in the Anarchist Red Cross.

Matthew Hart is an educator and labor activist from the greater Los Angeles area. His participation in the political movement began with Whittier Food Not Bombs and the antiglobalization movement in the mid-1990s. In 1998, he helped to establish the Los Angeles chapter of the Anarchist Black Cross. Throughout the years, he has engaged in extensive research and archiving of the Anarchist Black Cross history. Hart has spent several decades in the labor movement as a rank-and-file activist and staff and teaches labor studies courses at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

N.O. Bonzo is an anarchist illustrator, printmaker, and muralist based in Portland, OR. They are the illustrator of Mutual Aid: An Illuminated Factor of Evolution and creator of Off with Their Heads: An Antifascist Coloring Book for Adults of All Ages; Beneath the Pavement the Garden: An Anarchist Coloring Book for All Ages; and The Beautiful Idea.

Order at https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1725

Update from the Casey Support Committee as of 4/8/25

Sentencing hearing postponed and more evidence entered into discovery

Casey’s sentencing has been rescheduled to June 10th, 1 pm, at the Oakland federal courthouse. We will be mobilizing court support again for this hearing so stay tuned for confirmation and guidelines a few weeks before that date. We hope it won’t be rescheduled yet again but know that is a possibility. Also of note is that since the plea deal the US Attorney has entered substantial new material into evidence consisting of a large amount of phone call audio and copies of correspondence between Casey and supporters obtained via the jail’s monitoring of communications. This is concerning, but let it serve as a reminder that all comms into jails and prisons are actively monitored and that it is incumbent upon everyone to maintain responsible communication habits.

Rescheduling the sentencing hearing also means there is more time to people who know Casey personally to send the lawyers letters of character to file with the judge. If you want the guidelines and details, hit us up at [email protected].

Health and well being

As you probably know Casey has had a very difficult year health wise, but has been doing better physically in the last month even though they have repeatedly gotten sick from their food. As a result they have been spending a lot of time in bed, and haven’t been up for doing much letter writing lately. Letters are always appreciated but correspondence is also challenging due to 2-4 week delays in receiving mail. The emotional toll of the sentencing date being moved and continuing to be in the limbo of Santa Rita is taking a toll on their sleep and mental health. But they are doing their best to stay on top of their program and keep their energy and spirits up.

Visits

Visits are very appreciated by Casey! They can be in person at the jail or by video.
For all the details for scheduling in person or video visits:
https://www.alamedasheriff.gov/…/santa-rita-jail-visiting

To write:
Casey Goonan #UMF227
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568

Support the Casey Goonan Legal Defense Fund

Casey is still in need of ongoing support to cover legal costs, restitution and fines. Though they’ve had some great support, we have a ways to go. In addition to the cost of legal defense, sentencing will definitely mandate substantial restitution and fines. Thank you so much to all those who have already contributed and organized support!

Some ways to support:
– Throw fundraising events and raffles
– Spread the word, share posts, and directly contact large donors.
– Print up a QR code for the Chuffed account, share the details of the case and the legal defense fund while tabling at events
– Send funds directly to the Chuffed account at https://chuffed.org/project/SupportCasey

You can reach out to us at [email protected] or the freecaseynow Instagram for any questions about collaboration, promotion, or guidance on fundraising.

Love and struggle,

CSC

Donate at https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/what_happened_to_imam_jamil_alamin_fka_h_rap_brown__a_true_crime_docuseries

Political prisoner Peppy (Brian DiPippa) has finally landed in the Bureau of Prisons! Shoot him a letter and let him know you care!

Brian DiPippa #66590-510
FCI Elkton
P.O. Box 10
Lisbon, OH 44432

Background
Instagram
Case Summary

Native American activist moves to home imprisonment after Joe Biden commuted sentence at end of presidency. (Donate to his release fund).

Anna Betts and agencies
The Guardian
Tue 18 Feb 2025

The Native American activist Leonard Peltier – convicted in 1975 for the killings of two FBI agents – was released from federal prison on Tuesday after Joe Biden commuted his sentence at the end of his presidency in January.

In a statement, Peltier said that he was “finally free!”

“They may have imprisoned me but they never took my spirit!” he added. “Thank you to all my supporters throughout the world who fought for my freedom.

“I am finally going home. I look forward to seeing my friends, my family, and my community. It’s a good day today.”

Peltier had maintained his innocence since his conviction before Biden ordered Peltier – now 80 and in poor health – to transition to home confinement after spending nearly 49 years federally imprisoned.

“This commutation will enable Mr Peltier to spend his remaining days in home confinement but will not pardon him for his underlying crimes,” Biden said at the time.

The National Congress of American Indians celebrated the commutation, calling it “historic” and adding that the case “has long symbolized the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples”.

Peltier’s imprisonment resulted from a 1975 shootout that occurred on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation between two FBI agents – who had entered the private property to serve arrest warrants – and members of the American Indian Movement (AIM), a cold war-era liberation group that sought to address police brutality and discrimination against Native Americans.

The group of Native American men who traded gunfire with the FBI agents included Peltier. The shootout resulted in the deaths of both agents, Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, who were shot in the head. Joseph Stuntz, a Native American, was killed, too.

Peltier, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota and an active member in the AIM, was one of several individuals indicted in connection with the agents’ killings.

He was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and given two consecutive life sentences.

Two other movement members were acquitted on self-defense grounds.

Peltier has consistently claimed that he did not shoot the agents. His supporters have long argued that prosecutors withheld critical evidence that could have supported his defense while also fabricating affidavits against him.

Prosecutors argued during trial that Peltier shot both agents in the head at point-blank range. Peltier admitted to being present and firing a gun at a distance, but he claimed that it was in self-defense.

A witness who initially testified to have seen Peltier shoot the agents later recanted her testimony, saying her initial statements were coerced.

For decades, advocates such as Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis and James H Reynolds, the US attorney who handled the prosecution and appeal of Peltier’s case, have fought for his release.

In recent years, Reynolds has written to various presidents, asking them to grant Peltier clemency and calling his prosecution “unjust”.

In a letter to Biden in 2021, Reynolds stated that Peltier’s continued incarceration reflected a flawed justice system.

Peltier’s “conviction and continued incarceration is a testament to a time and a system of justice that no longer has a place in our society”, he wrote.

Peltier was denied parole as recently as July and was not eligible to be considered for it again until 2026.

Biden commuted Peltier’s sentence despite objections from the former FBI director Christopher Wray. Wray had called Peltier “a remorseless killer” in a letter to Biden, which was obtained by the Associated Press and urged the president to not give him clemency.

Wray argued that granting Peltier “any relief from his conviction or sentence” would be “wholly unjustified” and “would be an affront to the rule of law”.

The Associated Press contributed reporting

Doing 20 yrs in NYS prison system for steppin up & not just watching while Proud Boys were on the attack 4 yrs ago in Albany,NY! Lets make sure he knows the movements always got his back!

Alex is currently on lockdown at Upstate Correctional Facility- cops are claiming sickness from fentanyl (easy solution- stop importing it into the prisons in their backpacks).

Write:
Alexander Contompasis 22B5028
Upstate Correctional Facility
PO Box 2001
Malone, NY, 12953

More info from https://freealexstokes.com

URGENT STEP ONE:
The Bureau of Prisons is denying medical treatment to Imam Jamil Al-Amin, 81 years old, formerly known as H. Rap Brown. He has a potentially life-threatening growth on his face, on top of his multiple myeloma (cancer) & other significant medical issues.

A civil and human rights leader, wrongfully imprisoned for the past 24 years, he needs your Help to avoid his death by medical neglect.

CALL TUCSON COMPLEX 520-663-5000
EMAIL WARDEN Mark Gutierrez, [email protected]
Give Name & Inmate Number: Jamil Al-Amin, #99974-555

Demand they grant Imam Jamil an EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSFER from United States Penitentiary (USP) Tucson to Federal Medical Center (FMC) Butner for his Immediate Medical Treatment NOW!!

***Deputy Director of BOP [Bureau of Prisons], (202) 307-3198

URGENT STEP TWO:

Tell his Congressional Delegation of his condition, Urge them to use their offices to inquire the BOP & demand that their constituent (Imam Jamil, West End Community Masjid, 547 West End Pl., SW, Atlanta) receive the emergency medical transfer, diagnosis & treatment.

• Email GA Cong. Nikema Williams [email protected]
• Email US Sen. Rafael Warnock [email protected]
• Email US Sen. Jon Ossoff [email protected]
• Email Atlanta City Councilman Jason Dozier [email protected]
• Email GA State Rep Park Cannon [email protected]
• Email GA State Sen. Sonya Halpern [email protected]

 IMAM JAMIL ACTION NETWORK.ORG

SENTENCING STATEMENT

On Monday, January 6, with roughly 40 supporters of Pep and Krystal packing the room, Judge Nicholas Ranjan heard arguments from the prosecution and the defense, and a Victim Impact Statement read by a University of Pittsburgh police officer. Ranjan then agreed to the non-cooperating stipulated plea and sentenced the two. 

SENTENCING DETAILS
Pep was sentenced to serve 60 months in BOP. As he’s served 18 months already, he anticipates being eligible to transition to a halfway house around March 2026 (between 15 and 22 months). After that, he will be on supervised release for 3 years. Krystal was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and 80 hours of community service.
Pep and Krystal were jointly sentenced to pay $50,225.03, mostly to University Of Pittsburgh Officer TH, with a smaller sum to the University of Pittsburgh. They also were given special assessments of $200 and $100, respectively, and sentenced to repayment of some costs of prosecution and their own punishment. Critically, however, there was no further fine.

Pep and Krystal issued a joint statement:
“We hold in our gravity a deep reverence for love beyond the limited words we have. We know the devoted embrace of solidarity – people leaning in to one another against involuntary servitude and for a world of mutual aid.

If we are convicted, it is of love for each other, and for our community, to which all brave hearts beat devotion to the impossible task of liberation. We are grateful for those who care take, for without you, freedom would be even more distant.”

NEXT STEPS
Pep has been transferred out of Butler County Prison and is now at Northeast Ohio Correctional Center where he will be temporarily held while he awaits BOP classification. He may be moved around a bit before ending up at his designated facility within the BOP. We’ll update the Write To Peppy page on our website as soon as he gets there.

In the meantime, you can also email us messages of solidarity to Peppy or Krystal. We’ll hold on to them and be sure they reach him in the prison where he’ll be doing his time.

You can find more information about the federal BOP initial intake and orientation process here. We will be sure to update everyone with the necessary information on how best to support Peppy once he actually gets to the BOP.

DONATIONS
Peppy and Krystal need your support! In their sentencing, they’re jointly tasked with paying more than $50k dollars in restitution. This is in addition to commissary and the costs of prison support for the remainder of Peppy’s sentence. Please donate today and spread the word!

We remain so grateful to all of you. These punitive structures that we’ve been navigating together exist to separate and isolate, and our solidarity stands as a rebuke and inspiration. 

Leonard Peltier started experiencing intermittent blindness over a year ago. He was told his eyesight would be treated within four to six months. Leonard’s eyesight has worsened severely, and they are still saying it will be four to six months before he is treated. Leonard Peltier is going blind. 

On 12-31-2024, Leonard was taken to the hospital because a blood vessel in his eye ruptured.  The lockdowns have lessened in severity. Many of you have been pressuring the Senate Judiciary Committee, and they may be hearing us. Thank you for your efforts. 

When Leonard had lockjaw, supporters found a senator willing to intercede and fly him to the Mayo Clinic for treatment. We must find someone in Congress willing to intercede to save Leonard’s eyesight. The prison treats emergency symptoms when they arise, but the underlying conditions must be treated. 

A sample letter and Judiciary contacts are here.