Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) is honored to present A Call for Clemency, a compelling letter authored by Anita L. Wills, an afro/Indigenous historian, genealogist, and prison activist. A member of the federally recognized Monacan Indian Nation and a descendant of Revolutionary War patriots, Wills is also the author of seven acclaimed books, including Notes and Documents of Free Persons of Color, which is housed at the Smithsonian Museum. Her powerful advocacy draws from her own experiences as the mother of an incarcerated son and a grandmother who has lost a grandchild to violence.
Addressed to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Wills’ letter highlights the urgent need for clemency for Leonard Peltier, a Native American elder and political prisoner who has endured nearly five decades of incarceration under conditions that have drawn international condemnation.
What This Letter Reveals
- A Direct Plea to the First Lady: Wills urges Dr. Biden to advocate for Leonard Peltier’s clemency, emphasizing her unique role as a compassionate educator and moral leader within the Biden administration.
- Historical Context: The letter connects Peltier’s forced attendance at Indian boarding schools—a system President Biden formally apologized for in 2024—to the broader history of Indigenous trauma and systemic oppression.
- Elder Abuse in the Justice System: At 80 years old, Peltier faces severe health challenges exacerbated by inadequate prison healthcare and repeated parole denials, which Wills describes as “a cruel form of psychological torture.”
- Global Advocacy: The letter highlights the growing chorus of voices calling for Peltier’s release, including Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama, Amnesty International, and even former U.S. officials involved in his case.
Why This Matters
Leonard Peltier’s story is a stark reminder of the systemic injustices that persist within the U.S. justice system. Wills’ letter, grounded in her deep personal and professional insights, calls for action to correct this historical wrong and ensure justice for Indigenous peoples and elderly prisoners like Peltier.
Below, you will find the full letter, a powerful testament to the enduring fight for justice and compassion. We invite you to read and reflect on its urgent message.
A Call for Clemency
The full letter in PDF format👇
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