On this day, March 30, 2007, we've come together to celebrate the life
and courage of one of our heroes. Our comrade and friend, Safiyah
Buhkari. As a soldier in the Black Panther Party she fought with courage
and fortitude to see her vision of the People's dream come true. As a
soldier in the same army I came to know and respect her skills and
services with love, joy and high expectations.

From her jail cell in Gouchland, VA, many of us benefited from her
stories and directions. She fought extremely hard to return back to the
streets, and thankfully she made it. Her return to the streets heralded
the creation of the NY chapter of the free Mumia Abu-Jamal coalition. It
was after that that she helped to create the Jericho chapter of NYC.

She was and remains, A HERO OF MINE. A hero that arose out of bed every
morning and focused on her tasks that day. Unnoticed, unassuming, and
unsung, she met all her responsibilities, and gave out due credit to
those deserving. With clear objectives and fortitude, she always looked
for a way to solve problems. She spoke kindly, to all committed to and
sacrificing in the struggle, but kept the spark of fire in her voice for
those who would betray the People's Justice. She acted fairly as many
will attest. And endured with patience the shortcomings of others new to
the stress. She faced every new day with strength, courage and
perseverance, and in all that mattered was found at the Vanguard of the
struggle. She was and she remains my hero!

My name is Robert Seth Hayes, a political prisoner/prisoner of war
captured Sept. 17, 1973. It is 2007 and I remain a prisoner.
Strengthened even today by the love and compassion, justice and
equality, promises and healing gained from my sister, Safiyah Buhkari.

I love you Safiyah. We're still here, determined to carry on.

Africa's love,

Seth