Filling the Unity United Methodist Church, to almost capacity, a diverse crowd – young to old, black to white – experienced an evening with Kathleen Cleaver. Sponsored by the Partnership for Social Justice the event started at 8:00 o’clock. There was only a small crowd in church when the program began but by the time Ms. Cleaver took to the podium the crowd had grown immensely.

Similar to the previous rally the organization, Partnership for Social Justice, held on behalf of Marshall “Eddie” Conway the event, fostered an eclectic atmosphere. There were a number of speakers giving the welcome, updating everyone on the status of Mr. Conway’s defense, a reading of Mr. Conway’s letter to the audience, and a Dhoruba Bin Wahad delivered the most striking critique of the war in Iraq and Middle Eastern and African relations and affairs.

Also contributing to the multifarious environment were the invited artists. R. B. Jones, a poet, read two poems to set the mood for the event to put the crowd in the right state of consciousness – prepping for Ms. Cleaver. Providing two musical selections, Lafayette Gilchrist and band brought some of the crowd to their feet while others rocked, stomped their feet, and clapped their hands. In addition to the many speakers and artists there was a book store tabling the event selling books at discounted rates.

By the time Kathleen Cleaver took to the podium the crowd was pumped and ready. Ms. Cleaver spoke more so to the audience to encourage everyone’s participation in the fight to free not only Mr. Conway but to all political prisoners.

Cleaver, remembering her own experiences in the Black Panther Party, stated that there were two definitions or two ways of viewing the BPP then – theirs and ours. Theirs, the FBI and other state and local law enforcement agencies, was a definition to demonize the Black Panther Party and those who offered their support to the organization. In the public’s eye the FBI made the BPP synonymous with common criminals and terrorists. Ms. Cleaver also stated that they wanted the BPP to appear as a group of violent racist cop killers.

The destruction and collapse of the Black Panther Party came at a time in American history when the government attempted to systematically suppress the voices of resistance. Putting it in context, Cleaver stated that political repression was rampant and the policy or COINTELPRO allowed federal, state, and local agencies to embark upon a mission to silence the BPP by any means.

In discussing what was happening to the Black Panther Party on a larger social and political scale throughout the country Cleaver stated that it was no wonder Marshall “Eddie” Conway would be framed as well. Because every person of power who had a significant voice in the BPP was targeted, in essence the strategy was to cut the head off the snake. Mr. Conway like many others who participated in the Black Liberation Movement was targeted because of his beliefs and sociopolitical activities, ultimately gaining him a 30 years plus life in prison.

Today, Marshall “Eddie” Conway has spent 35 years in prison. Cleaver used much of speech to bring to light the weak evidence, lack of a proper defense, and an unfair trial. Her speech was so compelling that it was not difficult to understand how Marshall “Eddie” Conway is a victim of COINTELPRO and the American “justice” system in this country.

Kathleen Cleaver, without a doubt, was appropriate for this rally to raise funds for Mr. Conway’s struggle for freedom. She spoke with great optimism, enthusiasm, and confidence that the fight led by the Partnership for Social Justice would succeed in its efforts to create a mass movement to free Mr. Conway and all political prisoners. As she stated during the question and answer session – in order for this movement to be really successful – that the revolutionary consciousness of the populace is critically needed.

In addition to consciousness raising Ms. Cleaver also suggested that it is going to take the commitment, like attorney Robert Boyle, to bring about change. In Angela Davis’s autobiography she states, “Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary’s life. When one commits oneself to the struggle, it must be for a lifetime.” She goes further to state that “if we did not begin to build a support movement for our sisters and brothers in prison, we were no revolutionaries at all.” Robert Boyle, provided an update on Mr. Conway’s case. They need help with funding to pay for the research and resources needed for a strong defense. Those who are interested in contributing to the struggle for Mr. Conway’s freedom or learning more about his case may obtain more information on the website (www.freeeddieconway.com).