Boxcar Books highlights political prisoner

In an effort to assist in the transition process of recently released Michigan political prisoner Ali Khalid Abdullah, Boxcar Books had a fundraiser Saturday.

During the fundraiser, Abdullah chronicled his personal struggles and read his writings to a packed room.

“I was incarcerated for protecting my community from an oppressive drug dealer,” Abdullah said. “It was my responsibility, since the police wouldn’t do it, to stop this man from terrorizing my community and the people in it.”

Abdullah was arrested, charged with assault with attempt to rob while armed, and incarcerated for 20 years because of his efforts to shut down Detroit businesses owned by a local drug dealer.

“I experienced terrible treatment while incarcerated due to my affiliation with the Black Panther Party and other political groups,” Abdullah said. “I was moved to over 40 different prisons, was stabbed then denied medical treatment and was denied parole on every occasion, even though I had petitions from around the world vouching for my release.”

Even while incarcerated, Abdullah continued to denounce prison conditions and fight for the rights of fellow political prisoners through zines – small, self-published magazines – and the formation of the Political Prisoners of War Coalition.

Anthony Rayson published Abdullah’s work  through his company Anarchist Black Cross’ zine distro, and he introduced Abdullah during the fundraiser.

“Anthony Rayson was instrumental in the spread of my cause,” Abdullah said. “He put his heart, his feet and his money where his talk was. He understands that we all must take action, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or class.”

“The work of people like Abdullah has to be heard,” Rayson said. “A lot of these guys have beautiful things to write and are so articulate, and it’s our job to make sure they are heard.”

The Decarcerate Monroe County organization was responsible for bringing Abdullah to Bloomington and coordinating the fundraiser.

“We thought it was important to help Abdullah in every way we can,” said Bryce Martin, a member of Decarcerate Monroe County. “Although we can’t help all the medical problems that Abdullah has as a result of being imprisoned, we thought it was important to do what we could by holding this fundraiser and offering him a place to stay.”

Many individuals present at the fundraiser expressed their appreciation for Abdullah and his message.

“I would describe Abdullah and his teachings as an intense burning flame of undiscriminating black passion,” said Moorishio De la Cruz, an independent research specialist present at the fundraiser.

Other individuals present said they appreciated the ability to place a voice and face with the zines Abdullah authored.

“It’s so important that real narratives are heard by people,” Martin said. “This is the type of thing that can really inspire change.”