PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS WILL PARTICIPATE IN 100 MILE MARCH FOR MUMIA ABU-JAMAL

POP CHAIRMAN LAWRENCE HAMM WILL MARCH FOR MUMIA

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) will participate in a 103 mile march to draw attention to the worsening medical condition of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. It will begin Friday, November 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

The “March For Mumia” will starts 9:00at Uncle Bobbie’s Cafe & Books, 5445 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia. The event is sponsored by the March For Mumia coalition. 

“We are marching to demand freedom for Mumia Abu-Jamal and all political prisoners,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated. 

“We are also marching to demand an end to the abuse that Mumia and other political prisoners experience, and that they receive the proper medical attention and care they need,” Hamm said. 

The participants will walk 103 miles over twelve days until they reach the SCI Mahanoy Corrections Facility in Frackville on December 9th, where Abu-Jamal is incarcerated. Hamm said he will attempt to march to entire route. 

Mumia Abu-Jamal is a renowned journalist and author who has written more than a dozen books. He is a revolutionary, political activist and former leader of the Black Panther Party. 

Abu-Jamal, 71 years-old, has been incarcerated for 44 years. In 1981, he was convicted for the murder of Daniel Faulkner a Philadelphia police officer. 

His death sentence was subsequently commuted to life imprisonment. He has always maintained his innocence. His case, the issue of his innocence, and his fight for freedom has garnered international support over the decades. 

Many well known political activists, celebrities, and human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have demanded a new trial for Abu-Jamal. He has become a prominent personality in the fight to end racism, mass incarceration, inhumane treatment of prisoners, and the death penalty. 

“We believe that Mumia is innocent and should be free. We demand freedom for all political prisoners. At a minimum Mumia should have a new trial,” Hamm said. 

Over the years POP has held demonstrations rallies and programs to draw attention to Abu-Jamal’s struggle for freedom and his fight for medical care. More than a decade ago Hamm personally visited Abu-Jamal at the prison in Frackville. 

“Mumia has been an elder for some years and has been experiencing very serious health challenges. He is in danger of going blind if he does not have surgery and treatment for diabetic retinopathy. We are marching to demand the Department of Corrections provide it,” he said. 

The People’s Organization For Progress is part of the March For Mumia coalition. Besides Hamm other POP members will be marching including community organizer and poet Zayid Muhammad, and activist Steven Bernhaut.

“We invite everyone to join us for the march whether you can march one day or twelve days, or whether you can march one mile or 100 miles. Even if you can’t march come out and cheer us on. We need your support,” he said. 

“When I march for Mumia I will also be marching for an end to mass incarceration, the death penalty, and slave labor in our prisons. I will be marching for all those treated unfairly and inhumanely by the criminal justice system,” Hamm said. 

For more information contact March For Mumia at (862)240-6589, or MarchforMumia@gmail.com. Visit the website at MarchforMumia.org. To contact Lawrence Hamm call the People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001. 

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS WILL PROTEST TRUMP POLICIES AND TREATMENT OF DETAINEES AT ICE FACILITY

An “Eyes On ICE” protest against Trump administration policies and unjust treatment of immigrant detainees will take place tomorrow, Saturday, November 22nd, 12:00 noon, at Delaney Hall, 451 Doremus Avenue in Newark.

It is sponsored by the People’s Organization For Progress (POP) in conjunction with other organizations that have been having weekly and daily justice vigils for months at Delaney Hall.

“The purpose of this demonstration is to protest against the unfair and inhumane treatment of immigrant detainees and their families, and the failed policies of the Trump regime on immigration and other related issues,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“We will protest against the brutality, violence, kidnappings, illegal detentions, and murders committed by ICE agents, border patrol officers, and police. We will demand an end mass deportation and incarceration, and private prisons,” Hamm said.

“We will demand the closure of Delaney Hall, a migrant detention center that has been operating in Newark. Many people from New Jersey, and other states have been held there, and we believe their rights have been violated,” he said.

“We will call for an end to troops in our streets, violations of constitutional, civil and human rights, mass surveillance and political repression, and the unjust prosecution of protestors and elected representatives who speak out against Trump’s unjust policies,” he said.

The social justice activist said that he believed that the arrest of Mayor Baraka on May 9th at Delaney Hall, and the subsequent indictment of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver who was present when it occurred was politically motivated.

The charges against Baraka in connection with that arrest were dropped. However, Congresswoman McIver has been indicted on three counts of assault, resisting arrest, and interfering with federal officials. If convicted she could face up to 17 years in prison.

“POP believes that Congresswoman McIver is innocent. She should not have been charged,” he said.

“When the incident occurred she was there doing her job, conducting an oversight visit which she has the authority to do as a congressional representative,” he said.

Hamm said they will also be protesting against war with Venezuela, and the genocide in Gaza. “These U.S. wars abroad are directly connected to our oppression at home,” he said.

POP is organizing a caravan to get people to the demonstration at Delaney Hall. People who need transportation to the event and those who can provide rides should meet 10:30am in front of City Hall, 920 Broad street in Newark.

For more information call the People's Organization For Progress (POP) at (973)801-0001.

HAMM URGES NEW YORKERS TO VOTE FOR MAMDANI IN MAYORAL RACE

A well known New Jersey based political and civil rights activist urged voters today to cast their ballots for Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th.

“I urge all New Yorkers who have not cast their ballots during early voting to vote for Mamdani on Election Day,” Lawrence Hamm, who is chairman of the Newark based People’s Organization For Progress (POP), stated.

POP is an all volunteer grassroots organization that works for racial, social, economic justice and peace. It was founded in 1982 and has been active around a variety of local, state, regional, national and international issues affecting black people and urban communities.

“Although I am not a New York City resident I believe that the outcome of the election will have an impact on people in New Jersey and the rest of the nation,” Hamm said.

“Mamdani’s election will be yet another powerful positive political signal that people are tired of the status quo. It will demonstrate that they want new leadership, and new policies that will bring about real improvement in the quality of their lives,” he said.

“And a victory for Mamdani will also be a defeat for President Trump and his racist and fascist MAGA movement. Trump
has not only opposed Mamdani but has threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if he is elected which would be illegal,” he said.

Trump has endorsed Mamdani’s opponent former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who Mamdani defeated in the Democratic primary, rather than Curtis Sliwa the winner of the Republican primary. 

“A victory for Andrew Cuomo will be a victory for Donald Trump. And you can be sure that Trump will claim that victory as his own, and that Andrew Cuomo will be beholden to him,” he said.

“I make this endorsement freely. My statement is unsolicited. Neither the candidate nor any of his staff have asked for this endorsement,” he said. 

Hamm has also made endorsements in the gubernatorial race in his home state of  New Jersey. Last week he issued a statement on behalf of the People’s Organization For Progress which had voted to endorse Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for governor and Dr Dale Caldwell for Lieutenant Governor.

A former U.S. Senate candidate, Hamm also issued a personal endorsement of Sherrill and Caldwell urging those who had voted for him in last year’s Democratic primary to cast their ballots for them on Election Day.

“Don’t let the scare tactics of Cuomo and others keep you from voting for Mamdani who is the candidate in this race that will fight the hardest for working people, poor folks and the middle class,” Hamm said.

“They try to use the fact that he is a democratic socialist to make you afraid to vote for him.

“Remember, some of our greatest freedom fighters including Eugene V. Deb’s, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. Dubois, A. Philip Randolph, Amiri Baraka, Huey P. Newton and others were democratic socialists or held anti-capitalist or pro-socialist views.

“Mamdani would not be the first socialist or radical to hold elected office in New York City. Mayor David Dinkins was a democratic socialist and a member of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and there have been others,” he said.

“They have tried to accuse Mamdani of antisemitism. Just because you are critical of unjust or racist policies of the Israeli government that does not make you antisemitic. Mamdani has many Jewish supporters,” he said.

“It is sad to say that some of Mamdani’s critics have tried to turn voters against him because of his religion. They say that people shouldn’t vote for him because he is a Muslim. 

“That is disgusting and disgraceful. No one’s religion should prevent them from holding office. Islamophobia should have no place in our elections or our society.” he said.  

“The elections in New Jersey, New York City, and Virginia are bellwethers for the upcoming midterm elections in 2026. Massive voter turnout and Democratic victories in all three would be major blows to Trump and his racist and fascist MAGA movement,” he said. 

For more information contact the People’s Organization For Progress at (973) 801-0001. 

LAWRENCE HAMM, FORMER SENATE CANDIDATE, ENDORSES SHERRILL FOR GOVERNOR AND CALDWELL FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Lawrence Hamm, a former U.S. Senate candidate and long-time political activist, announced his endorsement today of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for Governor and Dr Dale Caldwell for Lieutenant Governor, the Democratic candidates in New Jersey’s general election.

“I have already cast my ballot for Representative Sherrill and Dr Caldwell. I urge every voter to cast your ballot for them now during early voting or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th,” Lawrence Hamm stated.

“I especially urge those people who voted for me when I ran for the U.S. Senate to vote Sherrill and Caldwell. Your votes are important. In a tight race like this they could very well be the votes that help them win this race,” Hamm said.

Hamm was a candidate for U.S. Senator for New Jersey twice. He ran in the 2020 Democratic primary and again in 2024.

In the 2021 gubernatorial election Gov Phil Murphy received 1,329,471 votes. He won with 51.2% of the vote. Jack Ciattarelli got 48% with 1,255,185 votes.

“I went to my early voting polling place on Sunday. I voted for Sherrill and Caldwell because we need political leadership in this state that will work for us, not against us,” he said.

Hamm said that he believes that both are imminently qualified and possess the leadership skills needed for the offices they are seeking. Sherrill’s military and congressional experience, and Caldwell’s background as an educator, administrator, and leader in academia complement each other.

If Sherrill is elected she will be the first Democratic woman governor, and Caldwell would be the first African American man to serve as lieutenant governor in New Jersey.

“During these perilous times we have an administration in Washington whose policies are antithetical to the interests of the majority of the people of our state. I believe that Sherrill and Caldwell will stand up to Trump and fight for New Jersey,” he said.

Hamm urged every person that is registered to vote in this election. He said people should not be complacent and presume that Sherrill and Caldwell are going to win because they are leading in the polls.

“Don’t stay home because you think they are going to win. One of the reasons Trump got elected was because too many of us stayed home and did not vote,” he said

“And don’t stay away from the polls because you think it won’t make a difference. Some people did that last year and I think we can all see that the election of Trump has made a terrible difference,” he said.

“Come out and vote in record numbers. This election is very close. Every vote is going to count. Your vote could be the difference between victory and defeat,” he said.

During the Democratic primary for governor earlier this year Hamm endorsed and supported Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in that race.  Sherrill won the primary and Baraka came in second place.

“There were six candidates in the primary. Baraka surprised many with his strong second place finish. However, Sherrill won. Democrats must now unite behind the Sherrill and Caldwell ticket to ensure victory,” Hamm said.

The People’s Organization For Progress, a grassroots social justice organization led by Hamm has also endorsed the Democratic ticket. Speaking on behalf of the group Hamm said a victory for Sherrill would be a defeat for Trump.

“I am making this endorsement because I want it to be clear to those that voted for me and to the general public that I was also personally supporting the Sherrill and Caldwell team,” he said.

For more information contact Lawrence Hamm at (973)801-0001.

MARTIN LUTHER KING PEOPLE’S CONVENTION FOR JUSTICE AND RESISTANCE SET FOR APRIL 26TH IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

The Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice And Resistance will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:30am to 4:00pm, at Essex County College, Smith Hall, 303 University Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.

The convention is sponsored by the People’s Organization For Progress (POP). It has been Endorsed by 65 organizations representing a cross section of the grassroots community.

“The purpose of the convention is to develop a people’s agenda and action for its implementation,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“The effort to organize this convention grows out of our determination to resist all efforts, including those of the Trump administration, to erase the gains of the civil rights movement and the social progress of the past century,” Hamm said.

“There is a strong need to have a current blueprint of common issues, goals and solutions for community building. This convention can provide that framework, “ said Deborah Smith Gregory, NAACP Newark President, whose chapter has endorsed the march.

“During the first 100 days of the Trump presidency we have witnessed a direct attack on those who are the most vulnerable in our country. The people’s convention will help us find ways of working together to fight back against this onslaught,” Charles Hall, President, Local 108 Retail Wholesale Department Store Union UFCW stated, whose labor group has also endorsed the march.

The convention is open to the general public. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to register in advance. Registration for the convention is now open. There is no registration fee.

People can register for the convention online at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-martin-luther-king-peoples-convention-for-justice-and-resistance-tickets-1292184000129?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Those who are unable to register online can call the People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001 or send an email to info@njpop.org.

“The idea to have a convention grew out of our organizing effort for the Martin Luther King March Of Resistance which was held on January 18th and was endorsed by 308 organizations,” Hamm stated.

“Our planning for the march also included discussions about what we would do afterwards. That is when we collectively decided to have a convention,” he said.

“Just as we built a broad coalition for the march that included several hundred endorsing organizations we want to to the same for the convention,” he said.

“We definitely want to increase the number of endorsing groups. We would like to have many more. Organizations that would like to endorse should contact POP right away,” he said.

The 65 endorsing organizations include: Local 108 Retail Wholesale Department Store Union UFCW AFL-CIO, Newark Branch NAACP, Morris County Branch NAACP, New Jersey Black Issues Convention, International Black Women’s Congress, African Diaspora for Justice, New Jersey Poor People’s Campaign, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21, South Ward Environmental Alliance, 350 NJ-Rockland, Greenfaith International, New Jersey Green Sustainable Group, December 12th Movement, Clinton Hill Seniors In Action, New Jersey Peace Action, Cease Fire Now NJ, Jewish Voice for Peace Northern New Jersey Chapter, SOMA Collective for Palestine, Pax Christi, Jersey City Non-Violence Coalition, Steven Institute Students for Justice in Palestine, Elombe Brath Coalition, Omega Psi Phi-Upsilon Chapter, Corey Lewis Teague, Hudson County Sierra Club, Bread Is Rising, Newark North Jersey Committee Of Black Churchmen, Hafiz Farid/Foremost Productions, Food & Water Watch, Marques-Aquil Lewis Civic Association, Black Lives Matter Elizabeth, National United Youth Council, Irvington NAACP, Make The Road New Jersey, New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP, Seton Hall University Martin Luther King Scholarship Association, Tom Paine Brigade, Jersey City Food Not Bombs, Hackensack Riverkeeper, HPAE Local 5089, Bethany Baptist Church, All Politics Are Local, National Black Political Convention, Man Village Men’s Support Group, Islay Walden Education Alliance, New Jersey Communities for Accountable Policing, New Jersey Chapter of the National Action Network, Jumpstart, Journey To Justice, Greater Newark Chapter of the National Action Network, Committee To Eliminate Media Offensive To African People, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, African- American Commission of Camden, Gregory Thomas Foundation, Grandmaster Khalil's Generation II Ippon Do School of Martial Arts, The Law And Policy Group, Mt Teman AME Church, MAPSO Freedom School, Good Neighbor Baptist Church, Newark Interfaith Alliance, The Radical Elders, The Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey, Philadelphia Black Radical Congress, and North Jersey Black Caucus for Social Justice.

For more information or to endorse the convention call 973 801-0001.

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS ANNOUNCES “BAN ON BLACK HISTORY PROTEST”

February is Black History Month. Today, February 1st, the first day of the month long observance, the People’s Organization For Progress (POP) is calling for a “Ban On Black History Protest,” Saturday, February 25, 2023, 12 noon, at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Avenue, in Newark, New Jersey.

“The purpose of this protest is to demonstrate our opposition to attempts in Florida, Virginia, and other states, municipalities, and school districts across the United States to ban and censure the study of black history in our educational institutions and society,” stated Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization for Progress.

“As we begin Black History Month, we must confront the fact that today there are racist and fascist forces in our country who are trying to change the way black history is taught, eliminate it from school curriculum, or prohibit its introduction,” Hamm said.

“Here we are in the twenty-first century, and legislation, executive orders, and policies are introduced and laws are passed that would criminalize the teaching of black history. Books about black historical figures and events written by black and white authors are being banned,” he stated.

“The attempts to revise and eliminate black history must stop and we must stand up to those who are attempting to carry them out,” Hamm said.

“It is outrageous that the The College Board would bow to the demands of Governor Ron DeSantis and strip down it’s A.P. curriculum for African American studies. Attempts to impose a racist white supremacist revisionist history of black people upon us must be resisted,” Hamm said.

“American history that does not reflect the breadth, depth, and truth of the Black historical experience is mythology. Black history should be taught in all of our schools and educational institutions,” he said.

For more information please call People’s Organization For Progress (POP) at (973)801-0001.

March For Jayland Walker to be held in Newark NJ

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) will have a march and rally to demand justice for Jayland Walker on Friday, July 15, 2022, 5:00pm starting at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.

The Lincoln Statue is located at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and West Market Street.

Mr Walker was killed by Akron, Ohio police on June 27, 2022. He was unarmed when police fired 90 rounds hitting him 60 times.

“The manner in which Jayland Walker was killed, the amount of force and number of bullets fired was abominable and should be condemned by people of conscience across the country and around the world,” stated Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress.

“The officers who killed Mr Walker must be held accountable. They should be fired immediately and prosecuted at both the state and federal levels,” Hamm said.

The People’s Organization for Progress To Hold March Voting Rights On MLK Birthday In Newark

A Newark group is planning to hold a march on Saturday, the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., in support of voting rights and several social justice issues.

The People’s Organization for Progress (POP) is spearheading a rally at noon. It will begin at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Avenue in Newark. Those who plan to attend the march are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

“The right to vote in the United States is under attack,” POP Chair Lawrence Hamm said. “We are calling this march to demand passage of legislation that will protect and strengthen voting rights.”

“Since the November 2020 presidential election nearly 400 bills have been introduced in 48 states to restrict voting rights, and 34 of these have become law in 19 states,” Hamm continued. “The POP is calling for passage of the Freedom To Vote Act (S 2747), For The People Act (H.R. 1), and The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4). These bills will protect and strengthen voting rights.”