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Life and Times of Alton Maddox
Relax. Alton Maddox is alive and well. As usual, he is engaged in cerebral fights on several fronts. The most under-reported story in Black media was the fact that Alton Maddox and Al Sharpton were within feet of each other as they stood at the steps of City Hall last week in support of Charles Barron's bid to become the next Council Speaker. This is remarkable, considering the once inseparable allies have been at each other's throats for almost two decades. Like many long term grudges, one is hard pressed to pin-point the exact reasons why. For years, any visitor to the United African Movement's weekly forums would be informed Sharpton's name could not be mentioned. As a persona non grata, Sharpton was not welcome in the premises. The kindest reference to Sharpton was the disparaging “HNIC.” Against this backdrop, it was surprising when Maddox issued a communique on Sunday Nov. 1, that stated, “I am saddened by the false arrest of Rev. Al Sharpton's wife, Kathy Jordan Sharpton and their daughter, Dominique in Harlem on Friday.” (Kathy and Dominique Sharpton were arrested after an alleged traffic infraction on Fri. Oct. 30, just days before the general election.) Maddox's statement concluded with this: “Today, UAM supports the Sharptons.” That olive branch came with a challenge to Sharpton to effectively address the issue in the days prior to the election. (Sharpton's virtual silence and lack of public activism in response to the incident proved to many that he and NAN were bought off to an extent that rendered him impotent when delivered an opportunity to sway the election. Did he pass or fail that test? Published reports state Sharpton received $500,000 to partner with Chancellor Klein on the Education Equality Project.) Maddox tried again. On Thurs. Nov 10, Maddox issued this: “Last night, I informed members and supporters of UAM that I would be placing the welfare of our people over any petty differences that may exist between me, Rev. Al Sharpton.” It will be interesting to see Sharpton's response develop. In the wake of NAN's National Day of Outrage Against Violence, Sharpton has said clergy must make themselves available for counseling Blacks regarding past wrongs as a form of healing. Will this lead to bygones laid to rest between Maddox and Sharpton? Throughout his law practice, Alton Maddox has been involved in many high profile cases. Yusef Hawkins. Marla Hanson. Central Park. Michael Stewart. In addition, Maddox had defended numerous others, often pro bono. Maddox's Achilles Heel is also one of his greatest strengths: race pride. While his undaunted pride in being a descendant of Africa has led him to a career of effective, staunch advocacy in cases no one else would touch, much less win, it has kept him from forming alliances that would benefit the very people he loves. Maddox stood firmly behind his decision to conduct weekly political education meetings barring non-Blacks, and saw it as warranted when opportunistic personalities like Curtis Sliwa sought to attend. The United African Movement's agenda is to define issues for self, undiluted by the perspective of others. That same separation from others has blocked Maddox from obtaining help when needed. For years, Maddox has been embroiled in legal situations where effective counsel could make the difference. NYC has a small cadre of competent counsel with skills and backbone, like Norman Siegel, who could be of assistance, but for his race. For Maddox, race pride will not allow him to be represented by white counsel, which would be deemed an “embarrassment” to Black lawyers. Meanwhile, Maddox has been fighting separate proceedings seeking to evict him from his office and home. According to Maddox, the eviction proceedings regarding his office space in 16 Court Street have a political undertone. Maddox says the building is owned by Mark Green and his brother. Mark Green, owner of Air America, which is broadcast on Black-owned WWRL-AM in NYC, ran a less than stellar race for Public Advocate. Part of the reason Green's campaign was a non-starter was Blacks knew of Green's connection to the challenge to Maddox's office space. The racial tone of Green's 2001 run for mayor did not help. Green's campaign was so irrelevant, it was not even a topic of conversation in Black communities. Maddox alleges Green is “an ally of Robert Abrams.” We have to go way back for this one. Then Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Robert Abrams as special prosecutor in the aftermath of the 1987 Tawana Brawley incident. Maddox was legal counsel to Tawana and her mother Glenda Brawley. Rev. Al Sharpton and then attorney C. Vernon Mason were family advisors and helped shine light on the incident. During the ensuing years, the case has been deemed a “hoax” in MSM. Misrepresentations of the facts of the case live to this day. A November 7 Daily News article asserted “activist Alton Maddox lost a defamation suit brought by prosecutor Steven Pagones, whom [he] falsely accused in the Brawley case.” Maddox's response? “A Dutchess County petit jury found in Pagones v. Maddox et. al that I did not defame Pagones when I asserted that he was involved in the kidnapping and rape of Tawana Brawley. I publicly and lawfully continue to accuse Pagones, to this day, of being involved in the kidnapping and rape of Tawana Brawley.” Maddox has been suspended from the practice of law for two decades, in part because he refused to violate attorney-client privileges, in part because he sought the truth. The release of any and all documents related to the Tawana Brawley incident would help clear the air, and the record. The proceedings for the eviction of Maddox from his home of 33 years present a legal conundrum for Maddox, the “alleged” landlord, and the Housing Court judge. Maddox has endured, and won three court cases over his rent stabilized apartment during the past 10 years; two at trial, one on appeal. Yet Maddox is still in court fighting to retain his home. According to Maddox, PWV Acquisition, LLC has refused to offer renewal leases for 10 years, while collecting rent and simultaneously seeking eviction. Oddly, Maddox says PWV Acquisition has not produced a deed in any of the proceedings and has not proven ownership, which effectively gives them no standing to take the Maddox's to court. In October, Maddox wrote a letter to NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo outlining the situation which states in part, “This problem started after your office approved a condominium plan for the purported 'landlord.'” PWV Acquisition's eviction case against Maddox is before Manhattan Housing Court Judge Jean T. Schneider. According to Maddox, “Judge Schneider had dismissed a prior dispossess proceeding in 2002 between the same parties because the 'landlord' lacked a deed. The 'landlord' was still unable to prove ownership or to produce a deed on May 1, 2009.” One thing is certain. There is never a dull moment in Alton Maddox's life. Kudos!!! Finally, some one with some relevant news. Often times great people have to leave this planet to be recognized as a true WARRIOR for afrikan people Thank you, and keep up the good work. Maddox is a racist & liar. That he has now fallen out with Sharpton is the strongest evidence I've seen that Sharpton has matured since he took part in the Brawley lie.
Mr. Maddox is not interested in becoming "ready for prime time", as some of other so-called activists have become. Were they simply activists to become noticed and then move into prime time? Mr. Maddox has consistently shown his "true color", that is keeping up the struggle for the rights of opressed people of color. This message is simply to say keep up the struggle and peace, blessings and continued vigor to Mr. Maddox and his family. I was delighted to read your report on Maddox. The article was excellent, for the mot part. I have moderated the weekly UAM forums for a number of years and the following comment is incorrect “ For years, any visitor to the United African Movement's weekly forums would be informed Sharpton’s name could not be mentioned. As a persona non grata, Sharpton was not welcome in the premises.” Rather, Mr. Maddox stated on many occasions that he would welcome a debate with Sharpton at the UAM platform or anywhere else. Also incorrect: “ Maddox stood firmly behind his decision to conduct weekly political education meetings barring non-Blacks.....” This was not Maddox’s decision. Rather, this motion was put forward by a group of UAM members who left UAM shortly after the motion was carried. Regrettably, Maddox has been “blacked out” of Black radio programming. Since the corporate arena/advertising sponsors basically own the media, it seems that they dictate the scripts for the Black media personalities to follow.
Asante Sana – many thanks for carrying the torch. Mr Maddox is good at what he did, but how long will he be talking about regaining his license from these wolves who conspired to put him in the position he is currently in. I think it is time for Mr Maddox to move on using his Legal skills to build us up instead of this endless asking the wolves for his day in court. For example he can create some sort of non profit legal services agency to help people with legal issues. We are tried of the talk we need some practical solutions to our problems instead of all this talk. Marcus Garvey did it and Malcom advocated it so lets get going. We had enough of the talk. Thank you.
 As you know, I don't attend UAM meetings regularly. Occassionally I come through -- since Slave Theater days -- just to catch some of what is going on. One time, a while back, I mentioned Sharpton's name in a mundane question, and was told by a UAM member that Sharpton's name was not spoken in the place. I felt kinda stupid, 'cause I didn't know that unspoken protocol and didn't know why. Tried asking why. Got no clear answer. My bad. Yes, Maddox is good at what he did -- vigorously defending clients. His skills are almost a lost art. These days, many defense counsel are pressured to encourage their clients to take a plea, for the sake of expediency. Too many of them don't have defense skills, and don't know how to conduct a proper trial. Worse, they don't know that they don't know. Prosecutors run circles around them. Attorney Maddox is one of the most brilliant lawyers I have ever heard. He knows the law. Unfortunately like so many of our people who stand up for what is right he is dumbed down.Colin Moore, C Vernon Mason all have lost their licenses because they spoke truth. Let us know forget our elder Nelson Mandela who is also a lawyer. Greetings from the sunny island of Bermuda,
I CONCUR 100+% with every word expressed, in the above-cited submission, by thutmose on Monday, 12/14/09. Sometimes, though difficult, we have to accept our losses, learn therefrom and then move on to more nobler issues of life while time looks upon us favorably. Purposing to do that which is GOOD and RIGHT does not require a license - neither written and/or oral, bottomline. Bro. Alton Maddox's relationship with Al Sharpton: Granted, Black Afrikan people esteem 'relationships' of primary importance/rated #1 - unlike other ethnic groups. Slavery destroyed the solid/cemented foundation upon which OUR relationships were built. After Bro. Maddox has done all within his human capability, intelligence and power to make amends with respect to his relationship with Al Sharpton, and to no avail, then my heart dictates that he should leave the matter to the Divine Creator, release himself and then get on with living. I leave you with my heart's desire for all seasons:
LOVE, PEACE, PROSPERITY & SURVIVAL OF OUR AFRIKAN FAMILY! Sis. Peggy Burns, Bermuda
peace, the political and economic lynching of alton maddox reminds me of what happened to garvey, malcolm x, m.l. king, w.e.b. du bois and his wife, shirley. also, nat turner, denmark vesey, john brown, lynn stewart, etc. truth is beautiful. beauty is hated in america. yusef salaam.
peace, the political and economic lynching of alton maddox reminds me of what happened to garvey, malcolm x, m.l. king, w.e.b. du bois and his wife, shirley. also, nat turner, denmark vesey, john brown, lynn stewart, etc. truth is beautiful. beauty is hated in america. yusef salaam.
peace, the political and economic lynching of alton maddox reminds me of what happened to garvey, malcolm x, m.l. king, w.e.b. du bois and his wife, shirley. also, nat turner, denmark vesey, john brown, lynn stewart, etc. truth is beautiful. beauty is hated in america. yusef salaam.
These words are from a friend of John Henrik Clarke. The article is timely. Here's a question, though: Why would an individual fully capable of understanding action and consequence choose to experiment with an action that might prove so problematic. The answer is that there is a FUNDAMENTAL problem. His judgement was wrong, and he may have been tired. This story should have read that Alton Maddox failed to show, although 60 of his supporters stood patiently outside the building where the hearing was scheduled and waited. Were those supporters there? If so then we should continue to search for the FUNDAMENTAL problem. If they were not, then the problem is clear in its evidence. What is the suspected FUNDAMENTAL problem... The organization of "the African-American community" has become fundamentally unsound, societally unsound, strategically nearly at risk of implosion. African-American people depending on Alton Maddox more than standing for him drained his energy. Maybe just a little, but too much. Fourteen years...? It's worse than that. Here is the solution: Agree to close ranks immediately. You will find that some will not, that is OK. Then attack this problem directly (the problem of the suspended license). They will reinstate his license. Let me know if you need help. Maddox is excellent. Time has passed now, however, since Middle Passage. The requirement now is for victory which flows from cultural excellence, from societal excellence. The talent show has run its course. An example of what I mean...? I have always been a supporter of Michael Jackson as an entertainer, as an African-American, and, most importantly, as a member of the Jackson Family, but I will not allow an album of his or even his entertainment images ( his pictures ) in my house because he betrayed his father. I will trade all the products of his minstral career for the strength of that principle. The talent show (and all its products and perks) is meaningless to me if the price of its embrace is its acceptance as the bodyguard of betrayal. This is remembrance of Middle Passage. Grant to remembrance of The Passage its requirements --- Loyalty, Integrity, and Excellence. Upon their stand Respect will rise. Strength is your inheritance, The Passage its vicious guardian. Agreement? Even if not, just examine the matter thoroughly. A tree bears fruit which is then blown to the ground by the rough winds of a storm. The seed takes root and grows to a tree, then curses the tree from which it fell for memories of rough tumbles. What is this being that does not know the wisdom of silence? Betrayal is an assasin of remembrance. Silence is the choice before betrayal. Silence. Michael fell in love with an image of himself, and in that weakness his enemy convinced him that the strength from which he came was his enemy. He agreed, and they slew him accordingly. How can he face the beast without his strength? How can he disrespect his Middle Passage? Pay the price, embrace your inheritance, set strength to clear purpose, and vanquish defeat. Crush it. Bring to remembrance its proper present --- victory. Where you cannot grasp clear victory, set your heart to hold the three secure : Loyalty, Integrity, and Excellence. In its worst moment, if such a thing could be said, The Passage can cut victory from a blanket of defeat more quickly than the speed of light. Remember the Middle Passage, remember with properness, and remembrance is with you in all its strength, without fail. Who can slay the beast? YOU can slay the beast, you who in remembrance have no place for what of the past we will not have again. Maddox is excellent. Win for him. If he had known that he could win at the hearing (and he could have), he would have attended. A moment of fatigue and 14 years are lost. If we had known the meaning of loyalty, WE would have attended, and informed them that this hearing is for us. That is OUR license. HE is with US. Believe too much in their songs and you will be a "Pip" before you know it. Close ranks, remember the three, set strength to clear purpose. Clip the minstrel show. For those who may need to know...the problematic action referred to above is the decision to NOT attend the disciplinary hearing , which they claim demonstrated contempt for a requirement his license explicitly implores. He chose to not show several times. He may think it was a strategy, but it was slight fatigue. To not show at all gives them too much room. This again is a note from a friend of John Henrik Clarke. Firstly, Dr. Clarke is physically dead, and has been for several years. There are some people who may not know that. The following are thoughts which are applied emanations from discussions with Dr. Clarke. These thoughts Dr. Clarke agrees with. They are the application of a special set of personal and strategic discussions in person with Dr. Clarke. The reason for these notes is that something very serious has become obvious. It would be bad enough for this case to be simply true, but for it to be so obvious means DANGER from which recovery might be tragic in its expense if we were to not intercede immediately (NOW). What is this critical obvious danger? Evidences of it --- Why is it that police were able to outdo Alton Maddox by means of nothing more than simple investigation and diligent procedure? Evidences of it --- Why was Alton Maddox (and the majority of the African-American community) unable to see through the quite normal tendencies of a 15 year old to fabricate? Evidences of it --- Why is the Liberation Bookstore in Harlem closed? Evidences of it --- Where is Ron Brown? Evidences of it --- Where is Reginald F. Lewis? Evidences of it --- Who owns Black Entertainment Television and why? Evidences of it --- Why is The Know Bookstore in Durham, NC on unsure ground? Evidences of it --- Al Sharpton and Marjorie Fields Harris what? Evidences of it --- Henry Louis Gates says he's White about what? Evidences of it --- Why did the girl say "Tiger's the whitest Black guy..." if he's not "Black"? Evidences of it --- Ever taken a look at the personal behaviors and characters of the Jena 6? Evidences of it --- Willie Gary twins by whom? And how? Evidences of it --- Michael Jackson 11 million dollars for two "white" kids...? Evidences of it --- Where is Max Robinson? Evidences of it --- Where is Randall Robinson, and WHY? --- Evidences of it --- Marion Jones admits WHAT? --- Evidences of it --- Hazel Dukes convicted of what? Evidences of it ---Kwame Kilpatrick owes a million dollars for what? Evidences of it --- Mayor Sheila Dixon affair with a married man and used gift cards for...? Evidences of it --- Ron McNair where? What? Why? Evidences of it --- Where's Ennis Cosby? Amiri Baraka's daughter when? Michael Jordan's father ...? Sonja Haynes Stone how? The point : Tommorow. Think about it today. Alton Maddox and his family are excellent people, and Alton Maddox has character and courage without question. In fortune and in error, this fact remains. Only Molefi Asante is his true peer. Discipline, now. Discretion, now. Clarity, now. Press the moment.
John Henrik Clarke --- remember he remembers you. With respect. Respect. Unfortunately justice is blind.. Have you seen it's site? http://www.reinstatealtonmaddox.com/ ? I am happy people support him! Discrimination I hope to be abolished in the close future..
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Thank you for this story about Bro Alton Maddoxx. Women should all get behind this man, at least his wife is behind him. Women can really make the differance here, he is the ONLY lawyer facing so much injustice because he stood up for our women. I often also wonder why so many elected men of color are afraid to stand up belong side this warrior, its clear to me that the rape of our sister was not a hoax.Courage is something Mr Maddox carries within his blood, he is in constant touch with God, and the anscestors.For over 25 years i have seen this man fight the legal system and win. Today
most have no idea how much he cares for our children,its a shame that those elected dont embrace the benifits of his fight for our women and people as a whole.What i expect to happen is a victory
for his years of work, inspite of what others think,and when that becomes clear to the masses change will occur. NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE. Peace up.