New Documentary on Chesa Boudin and the Movement Against Racist Mass Incarceration
Tune in on Fri., June 7 from 10:00-11:00 AM ET
on 99.5 FM WBAI/NY or listen live at https://www.wbai.org/
listen-live/
Press Play button to stream, or green download buttons below to download the UPDATED program sound file (including at the end, Mumia's tribute to the late Joan Gibbs).
SUPPORT WBAI - listener-sponsored activist radio - in the name of Out-FM and On the Count!
Out-FM is proud to partner with On the Count: The Prison and Criminal Justice Report, WBAI's weekly program produced by and for currently and formerly incarcerated people, to bring you this special program on the newly released deeply moving documentary, "Beyond Bars," the powerful story of:
- Chesa's growing up with imprisoned activist parents who had met in the Weather Underground -- Kathy Boudin (in prison 22 years until 2003; passed, sadly, in 2022) and David Gilbert (in prison 40 years until 2021) -- and two other activists who raised him -- Bernardine Dohrn (imprisoned for 7 months in 1982 as a grand jury resister) and Bill Ayers;
- then Chesa's winning and later being driven out as San Francisco District Attorney (served 2020-2022);
- and the movement against racist mass incarceration, which helped him win that office.
Although too recent to be in the film, Chesa continues that advocacy work as founding executive director of the Criminal Law & Justice Center at the University of California, Berkeley / School of Law.
Watch two film trailers, one here (3 min.) emphasizing Chesa's life trajectory and family, and the other (1:30 min.) here emphasizing the movement against mass incarceration.
Both on Tues. and the repeated show on Friday, we'll play clips of the film and a recent panel discussion about it.
Also, although not included in the film, people may want to look at this informative 6-minute VICE News video from 2020, in the early months of Chesa's tenure: San Francisco's District Attorney Has a Plan to Overhaul the Criminal Justice System
We'll also ask for your financial support for WBAI and offer to send you a thank-you gift of both the "Beyond Bars" documentary and a dynamic live online panel discussion -- including audience participation -- on Friday, June 14 at 7:30 PM ET. The panel will include Chesa Boudin, David Gilbert, and Emani Davis (founder of The Omowale Project, "working to help her community imagine and secure liberation for themselves and the collective"). See bios of them and other featured film
To make your $50 donation, either click here to make an online payment or call (212) 209-2950. If you have any problems, email me (Bob Lederer - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and I'll send specific instructions, with gratitude for your support of this vital -- and seriously endangered -- activist-empowering outlet for the information, analysis and what-you-can-do not allowed on corporate media.
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IMPORTANT EDUCATION/ORGANIZING OPPORTUNITY:
Brave New Films has asked us to encourage other non-profit organizations to host their own screenings, either online or in person (after our panel on June 14). You can email screenings@
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MORE ON "BEYOND BARS" from the filmmakers:
In the midst of an election year and with over two million Americans currently incarcerated, "Beyond Bars" delves deep into the heart of our democracy and confronts the enduring legacy of white supremacy. But it doesn't stop there. This documentary also serves as a powerful roadmap, showing how grassroots organizing can begin to heal the wounds inflicted by intergenerational incarceration on lives, families, and communities.
Through the poignant story of former San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin, "Beyond Bars" offers a unique perspective. Boudin's personal journey, beginning at just 14 months old, exposes the devastating impact of mass incarceration as he watches his parents—members of the Weather Underground—suffer behind bars throughout his childhood. Yet, his story is also one of resilience and relentless pursuit of reform within the criminal justice system.
Through the poignant story of former San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin, "Beyond Bars" offers a unique perspective. Boudin's personal journey, beginning at just 14 months old, exposes the devastating impact of mass incarceration as he watches his parents—members of the Weather Underground—suffer behind bars throughout his childhood. Yet, his story is also one of resilience and relentless pursuit of reform within the criminal justice system.
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ALSO:
Celebration of Life of Black Lesbian Activist and Attorney Joan Gibbs
Sat., June 8, 1-5 PM
A celebration of the life of Black lesbian people's attorney, LGBTQ+ liberation activist, former ACT UP member, and Black liberation stalwart Joan Gibbs will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 1 to 5 PM at the People's Forum, 320 West 37th St. between 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan.
Mumia Abu-Jamal has just released a 4-minute audio tribute to Joan Gibbs (produced by Prison Radio), outlining her many accomplishments in the fight for racial and social justice. You can find a link to Mumia's commentary about Joan Gibbs at prisonradio.org . (You can read the text here.) This will be played at the celebration on June 8.
For Out-FM's online tribute to Joan, click here. A transcript of our March 26 program, including Joan's own recorded words and recent tributes to her, is here.
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