Justice & Unity is extremely sad to inform you of the passing on Thursday, July 24 of Eddie Ellis, executive producer of WBAI’s "On the Count: The Prison and Criminal Justice Report," at the age of 72. Eddie was a giant in his accomplishments and in his overwhelming compassion and caring for the dispossessed. The changes he was able to achieve in New York State prison policy while he was unjustly incarcerated for 25 years (targeted by COINTELPRO for his Black Panther organizing) were remarkable, and his successes only multiplied after his release.
Eddie and the team he brought together produced a fine-quality show, covering issues in depth and thoughtfully for 12 years. And Eddie brought a humanity and gentleness, as well as common sense, to his dealings with folks at WBAI.
Eddie’s wake and homegoing service will be held on Thursday, July 31 (wake 4-7 PM; service at 7 PM) at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvds. Tel: 212-862-7474. Please note (from the Abyssinian website): “Backpacks are not permitted inside the Abyssinian Sanctuary. Unfortunately, we cannot provide baggage-check services.” Also: "Tourists wearing tank tops, flip-flops, shorts or leggings will not be allowed to enter the Abyssinian Sanctuary. Women and men are required to cover their shoulders upon entering the church."
For a statement from the Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions, which Eddie had founded, about his passing, go to http://centerfornuleadership.org/2014/07/statement-from-the-center-for-nuleadership-on-urban-solutions/
For two excellent interviews done with him in recent years, go to:
http://blackamericaweb.com/2012/08/20/former-black-panther-edwin-eddie-ellis-finds-purpose-after-prison/
and
http://thesunmagazine.org/issues/451/the_run_on_sentence
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