Mar 9, 2014

Letter by Buju paying tribute to late attorney


Incarcerated Reggae icon Buju Banton has issued a heart-rending tribute to his former lead attorney and late Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Kwame Lumumba, who died under mysterious circumstances last week.

Writing from a federal prison in Miami, Florida, Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, blasted the system which he claimed entrapped and imprisoned him for his beliefs. Here is the full text of Banton's letter.

Mark Anthony Myrie (86700004) ( Buju Banton) To the family and friends of the late  Chokwe Lumumba: My heart goes out to you all. I share in your grief immensely.

Having been one of the many lives Atty Lumumba has touched, it's with a deep sense of privation that I mourn the passing of my friend and another great black freedom fighter. Atty Chokwe Lumumba, a warrior just like the great leader Patrice Lumumba who fought for the liberation of the Congo in Africa.

Atty Lumumba fought for many who could not stand up against a profaned system that is filled with injustice. A well-disciplined and principled man.

We first met while I was going through the litigation process stemming from the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal's decision to reinstate a gun charge. A charge that was previously dismissed by the district court judge.

This tall, dignified black man walked into the visiting room at the FCI Miami, introduced himself and got right down to business. Atty Lumumba had already done his homework concerning my case and clearly saw that something was amiss. He never tried to sugar-coat his thoughts.

Atty Lumumba believed it was imperative and made it very clear that I should do the same.

Throughout those protracted months I spent at the Pinellas County Jail in Tampa, Florida, Atty Lumumba called at least twice weekly to discuss my case and ascertain all was well with me.

He travelled all the way from Mississippi to Florida for attorney client visits. All these actions of genuine interest in my situation gave me confidence in Atty Lumumba. We developed mutual respect for each other.

His appraisal of my chances as it regards justice were always realistic, hence his proactive approach as opposed to being reactive.

This brought about a favourable outcome, with the gun charge being dismissed.

At the end of the evidentiary hearings in 2013, Atty Lumumba looked me in the eyes and said: "What did you do to these people. This is not justice at all. From the gate, you have been screwed".

Atty Lumumba also advised me that having been elected Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, he was unable to continue his career as a defence attorney.

However, he went on to recommend a few attorneys whom he believed would effectively assist me. Atty Lumumba also reached out to my current attorney, Professor Charles Ogletree.

In parting, Atty Lumumba again said: "Mark, it's going to be an uphill struggle. I saw what they did to you and, unfortunately, you didn't see it coming. Once they have you, it's hell to break free from their chains son. I wish you all the best. You can call me anytime for anything at all. However, I can render assistance, trust me I will".

We spoke several times after he was no longer my official representative, even through third parties, even as recent as two days before his passing. So I was not only shocked but also in a state of denial.

Atty Lumumba was vigorous and energetic. Even when he spoke in a subtle manner. How could this happen without warning? This is really sad. I just have to pay my respects in whatever way I can.

Thank you for the time you dedicated to my cause. It will be with me forever and the countless others whom you have touched with your passion for justice.

I know you are in a much better place. If what they say is true, then you are still fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Farewell, my friend. You shall be greatly missed. Friends for life and even after.

Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-pays-tribute-to-late-attorney_16210342

18 comments:

  1. Well said Gargamel,God speed brethren with the trial,it is your destiny that you will overcome these tribulations. Blessing Tapiwa Mawushe,South Africa

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  2. Heart felt letter Buju!
    Sorry, so sorry for all this conflict...
    God Almighty, never sleeps....

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  3. Heart felt letter Buju!
    Sorry, so sorry for all this conflict...
    God Almighty, never sleeps....

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  4. Keep Jah fire burning, Buju! . Co worker in Christ.

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  5. Imaging we are in the twenty first century and we still need to have freedom fighters such as Atty Lumumba. When dem (the evil not one but many) set dem eyes pon you that is hell to shake, but somehow the innocent will endure (Jah see everything). Just keep fighting my Jamaican brother because the injustice which is the evil action of the enemies will have to answer to the one true ruler of this universe.
    Love with Jah Blessing

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  6. Imaging we are in the twenty first century and we still need to have freedom fighters such as Atty Lumumba. When dem (the evil not one but many) set dem eyes pon you that is hell to shake, but somehow the innocent will endure (Jah see everything). Just keep fighting my Jamaican brother because the injustice which is the evil action of the enemies will have to answer to the one true ruler of this universe.
    Love with Jah Blessing

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  7. Buju u will remain an Icon for life, Jah bless

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  8. I met Mark years ago prior to attending law school in Atlanta Georgia. He said to me "ya come to me like me know u" and made me feel like we were brothers. What a humble individual. I will always be in support of freeing this gentle soul. -Atty. Crosland

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  9. God bless you Buju. The pain might be great but your faith in Jah is greater. I met Mark right before law school in Atlanta. The first thing he said to me as we sat and ate a meal was that it feels like he has known me forever. Such a gentle soul. I will support him until he is free to bless us musically like he was born to do. Bless up B. -Atty. Crosland

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  10. Buju,

    Your heart of hearts will cleans your circumstances. Know that the clean heart will over power the wicked because they can't stop "Good".

    Gid bless the soul of Atty Lamumba. God now his guardian, he leads your case from heaven. Be great fun that you had the privilege to meet your own Guardian Angel.

    Your fate is unfair but as warriors whom have walked thus path before know, it is only a time until they MUST let you walk.

    One love my brother! I will start to celebrate your early release and exoneration of all charges now that we can see that they can't hold you.

    Honor,

    Charles Hyatt Jr.

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  11. I love Mark Myrie so much . I never seen Buju in person but I really can't wait to see him. As soon as he is free I will be at his first concert where ever it is. Buju is apart of my daily living, listen to him everyday and can't get enough. Love you Buju Banton, it would be a dream of mine to meet you.

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  12. I love Mark Myrie. I've never met him on person but I feel like I know him. Buju inspire me daily, he is apart of my daily living. I listen to Buju Banton every single day.I can't wait for him to be free, as soon as that is I will present myself at his first concert or performance. I really love and admire him and his music.

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  13. Hang in there buju the lord will continue to bless you I don't even know you but your music have always touched me. Karen June 18 2014 400pm

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  14. its so hard in life dats why dem a talkin lon aiwa fe settle the kinda evil spirit unto BUJU.big up and keep strng Jah JAH knows what him a go do bout dem.WE STILL LOVE YAH NUTTIN DEM A GO DO EXCEPT LETTING DAT WHITE ANGEL FLEW AWY''nuff respek and missed a lt.FROM RAS D.LEGWETE

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  15. What 's up with the buju defense fund let's continue to do for him what he did for us especially myself. I don't do the Facebook crap is there a way I can follow up

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