By NYC Jericho Movement

Ralph Poynter was a frequent speaker at rallies calling for freedom for political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Longtime fighter for Black rights, political prisoners and human rights in general, Ralph Poynter peacefully passed away on December 25.

Sister Betty Davis, Poynter’s companion, says a main point that Brother Ralph emphasized to her and to others over his last two days, including during the last celebratory hours, where many friends and supporters were at his bedside, was: “It is on you now. Continue the struggle.”

Poynter was a radio host on Pacifica station WBAI and a former New York City school teacher, fired for fighting for community control of the New York City Board of Education. Poynter helped lead the effort to free his partner, prominent radical attorney Lynne Stewart, who was incarcerated for four years for distributing press releases on behalf of her jailed client, Egyptian cleric Omar Abdel-Rahman. Stewart died in 2017.

A memorial will be planned for February or early March.

a guest author

Share
Published by
a guest author

Recent Posts

Seattle march against ‘two-party war machine’

About 800 people protested in Seattle on Nov. 9 in a “March and rally against…

November 12, 2024

Capitalism: biggest winner in election campaign

The writer was Workers World Party’s presidential candidate in 1996, 2000 and 2016. She won…

November 12, 2024

Grassroots organizing overturns abortion bans

June 22, 2022, was a dire day for millions of women and others who can…

November 12, 2024

Vote against genocide wins 70% support in Cunningham Township

In Cunningham Township, Illinois — which includes Urbana, home to the University of Illinois —…

November 12, 2024

Amsterdam free from Zionism! For a total boycott – globalize the intifada!

The following statement was issued by Samidoun Nederland on Nov. 8, 2024, following the genocidal…

November 11, 2024

Nov. 9 actions protest Trump’s reactionary program

People quickly mobilized throughout the United States to protest Republican Donald Trump’s election. Demonstrations, most…

November 11, 2024