Viola Plummer

Viola Plummer was a community organizer, educator, business woman, anti-war advocate, civil and human rights activist. She was a founding member of the December 12th Movement, a Black human rights organization, United States-based political lobby organization with United Nations status, and an African Union consultant status. Plummer died on January 15, 2024. She is known for her decades long campaigns for reparations for African Americans. Plummer was chair for Millions for Reparations. Her activism for human rights was global. Plummer's political activism started in 1957.

Plummer served as Chief of Staff for City Council Inez and Charles Barron.

Early life
Plummer's activism started at the age of 17 in 1954 with the NAACP.

Career
Plummer's has participated in international conferences and meetings on human rights. She visited Zimbabwe, South Africa, Haiti, Belgium, and Venezuela. Some of Plummers advocacy activities are listed in an article by Afroamnews. The article listed; We Charge Genocide Campaign, Million Youth March, World Conference against Racism 2001, The Black Power Conference, Millions for Reparations, The Fight for the life of Shaka Sankofa (Gary Graham), Harlem Shutdown on Malcolm X Birthday, Stop the Bombing of Libya, End Sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Plummer was a founding member of the December 12th Movement along with Sonny Carson, Coltrane Chimurenga, Elombe Brath, Lawrence E. Lucas. Which started in 1989. It is a non-governmental organization (NGO). December 12 has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

In 1995, Plummer founded Sista'sPlace a coffee house and venue for jazz and blues musicians.

In 2001, Plummer and members of December 12 Movement participated in the World Conference against Racism 2001 in Durban, South Africa.

In 2002, after the passing of Robert "Sonny" Carson, Plummer became chairperson of the December 12th Movement.

In 2007, Plummer was fired by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn from her position as Charles Barrons chief of staff. Community Board no. 3 in Brooklyn had voted to name 4 blocks of Gates avenue in Brooklyn after Sonny Carson a community activist in Brooklyn. On April 19, of 2007 a Council panel rejected the renaming.

On May 30 the full City Council rejected.

June 27, 2011, the December 12th Movement headed by Viola Plummer and Charles Barron formed the Freedom Party. Along with Charles Barron's bid for Governor of New York.

In 2007, Plummer was accused of being unruly during City Council meetings. City Council speaker Christine Quinn made a requirement that Plummer sign an agreement to behave during Council meetings. Plummer refused which led to Plummer being fired.

In 2022, Plummer lead a December 12 Movement delegation to Zimbabwe for its 7th Zanu PF People's Congress.

In 2023, Plummer participated in the signing of the New York State Reparations Bill. Governor Kathy Hochul established a commission to study reparations and racial justice. The Bill is to consider reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans.

January 26, in Queens, New York a wake was held for Plummer at the J. Foster Philips Funeral Home in St Albans, New York. Eric Adams New York City Mayor attended the wake.

Plummer's funeral was held on January 27 at the House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn, New York. At her funeral were present representatives from Cuba and Zimbabwe.

New York Eight Trial
On October 17, 1984, it is reported that approximately 500 armed members of the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) arrested Viola Plummer, Coltrane Chimurenga, Jose Rios, Roger Wareham, Omowale Clay, Robert Taylor, Ruth Carter, and Yvette Kelly. Which became known as the New York Eight. They had been under surveillance for two years. The federal trial for the New York 8 started on May 13, 1985. It took place at the Federal District Court in Manhattan, New York City. They called themselves 'black freedom fighters'. The defendants were charged with conspiring to commit murder, kidnapping, arson, bank holdups, armored car robberies, and prison breaks.

The main witness was Howard L. Bonds who pleaded guilty.

On August 1, 1985, a federal jury trail convened for the New York Eight. They were not charged for an alleged conspiracy which was the major charge.

The major charge of conspiracy was that they had plotted to commit criminal activities as a continuation of crimes committed on 1981 Brink's robbery by another group of individuals that were part of other organizations. Where a Brinks armored car robbery took place and a guard and two policemen were killed.

Awards

 * 2017 Jazz Heroes - Jazz Journalists Association Award. These awards are given annually to honor heroes and sheoes of jazz music for individuals who have impacted their local communities.