Press Conference Demands That Darnell Summers Remains Free

Darnell Summers speaks at press conference on Nov. 13, 2020. | Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe

Darnell Summers lawyer Jeff Edison of the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL). | Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe

Darnell Summers press conference where Shushanna Shakur of the New African Independence Movement (NAIM) spoke in support. | Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe

Darnell Summers press conference where Moratorium NOW! Coalition spoke in his defense. | Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe

Darnell Summers press conference addressed by youth from Detroit Will Breathe. | Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe

Darnell Summer press conference held outside of Detroit police headquarters. | Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe

By Detroit Fighting Words Staff

Longtime African American revolutionary and cultural worker, Darnell Summers, is once again being threatened with prosecution in the death of a Michigan State Police Red Squad officer in Inkster, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, during the summer of 1968.

Summers, a Vietnam War veteran, was already charged and later absolved of responsibility in the incident twice, in 1968 and 1983. There is no basis for the apparent reopening of such an investigation some 52 years after the death of the officer.

Summers was active in 1968 around the Malcolm X Center in Inkster. Summers, a professional musician and filmmaker, has been living in Germany for decades.

While arriving recently in the United States he has been questioned, had his cell phone seized and was subjected to a DNA test.

Speakers at the press conference held on Friday, November 13, 2020 included representatives from the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL), National Lawyers Guild (NLG), New African Independence Movement (NAIM), Detroit Will Breathe, the Moratorium NOW! Coalition, among others, denounced the unwarranted pursuit of Summers demanding the law-enforcement harassment cease.

More information on the case can be found at the Defend Darnell facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/defend.darnell