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Since Albert’s release on his birthday, February 19th, a few short months ago, he’s been really busy…  After nearly a month of visiting with family and friends in New Orleans sharing more birthday cake than he’s been able to consume in over forty years, Albert has been catching up with his dreams. This trio of video-interviews with Albert recorded recently, during a visit to Sacramento, will give you a glimpse of just how well Albert is doing.

This first release, entitled "Just Stand" is in three parts:  (1) A Message to Supporters, (2) Visiting Yosemite National Park and (3) Spending Quality Time With Family.



VISITING YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK -  Just a few days before this interview was conducted, Albert visited Yosemite National Park, where he endured a challenging uphill climb. Albert reflects: "As you get older, you always wonder what you lose, and I think it felt very, very great to know that my will and determination have not changed, even though Ive grown older. I know I have changed somewhat physically, [but] mentally, emotionally, and spiritually Im as strong as I ever was." Watch the full interview here.



SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY -  In this segment, Albert discusses his relationship with his family, with whom he tries to spend as much time as he can: "Im a Dad, a Grandpa, and a Great Grandpa. Im so grateful that my family accepted me back." Watch the full interview here.





Albert has been spending time in Houston with his brother Michael and his family as well as time in New Orleans with his daughter, grandson and grandchildren. His first speaking engagement was a trip to Pittsburgh for the International Conference on Solitary Confinement at University of Pittsburgh with King. When that was over, he spent a week in Austin with King and Austin supporters before heading off to California to fulfill one of his long held dreams, a trip to Yosemite. On the way he stopped in Los Angeles to attend the Death Penalty Focus Gala, where he was joined by an old friend from Angola, recently released Gary Tyler and about twenty exonerees attending on behalf of the Innocence Project. He also had a chance to drop in on long-time supporter and artist, Rigo 23 and family before heading north. After Yosemite, Albert attended the Malcolm X Festival in Oakland. On his return to New Orleans, Albert and King’s cousin, Noonie, cooked up a “surprise” birthday party for King and celebrated with many local supporters.

The next few months are equally as busy. In August King and Albert will be in New York at the National Lawyers Guild Convention where Albert will accept the Arthur Kinoy award. After the NLG conference, Albert and King will spend time with BPP comrades in New York. In September they will be in Oakland for the Political Prisoner’s Conference and later in the month they will be speaking at a number of venues in Chicago. They’ll return to Oakland in October for the 50th Anniversary gathering of the Black Panther Party. Then in late October, they visit the UK and France to meet with Amnesty supporters, along with special events in the UK including London, Liverpool and Cambridge  As you’ll be able to see from the short interviews and attached photos, Albert deals with all the activity like a champ – it’s hard to believe that he’s spent four decades in a box, as he handles himself with grace and humor regardless of the situation presented.

Freedom for our comrade, elder, and political prisoner Leonard Peltier is long overdue. Please sign Amnesty International USAs new online petition calling on President Obama to release him. Please also consider supporting the Leonard Peltier Statue Project. Free all political prisoners!

Please sign the Amnesty International petition demanding Alberts release!

Over the holiday, we learned that 2014 will begin with the final courtroom chapter of Albert Woodfoxs current struggle to finalize Judge Bradys 2013 ruling which overturned his conviction for a third time based on a finding of racial discrimination in the selection of the grand jury foreperson.

On Tuesday morning, January 7th, 2014, a yet unnamed three judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans will hear oral arguments from the State of Louisiana about why they believe Alberts conviction should be reinstated.  Alberts team will of course argue that Judge Bradys ruling should stand.

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesdays morning session beginning at 9am in the En Banc Courtroom (room 209 of the 5th Circuit at 600 Camp Street in New Orleans) and is open to the public.

The oral argument itself is a very short and formal process.  Each side will make a short 20 min presentation and then the judges will ask questions for no more than a few hours.

Although last time we waited more than 15 months, decisions are usually issued in less than half that time, and we are hopeful that Albert will know his fate sooner than later this time around.

For those of you who were with us in March of 2009 when Alberts second overturned conviction appeal was heard, you may remember that the US Court of Appeals has very strict rules.  Here is a reminder of what to expect if you do plan on attending:

1.  The courtroom only holds 50 people on a first come, first serve basis, so although the argument may not start right at 9am, its a good idea to get there early in the morning to make sure you get a seat.

2.  No buttons, T-shirts or signs of any kind are allowed inside the courthouse. 

3.  Dress formally and expect to be searched.  No cellphones or electronic devices of any kind are allowed.

4.  Finally, Federal Marshals are allowed to remove spectators for even the most minor of perceived slights or disruptions.  So please be extra careful to not talk, whisper, or communicate with each other once you step foot in the courtroom.