Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) and Albert Washington (aka Nuh Abdul Qaiyum) Correspondence.
Date Modified
2025-09-30
Description
Correspondence between Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) and Albert Washington, aka Nuh Abdul Qaiyum (“Nuh” is the Arabic pronunciation of Noah), who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York that took place in 1971. Qaiyum, along with Herman Bell and Anthony Bottom, were sentenced to 25 years to life in federal prison for the murder of two cops. Because of questionable police tactics and shaky evidence in court, the three were considered political prisoners and became known as The New York 3. This item set contains correspondence between Adams-Johnson and Washington during his imprisonment while the two were romantically involved.
Curated By
Garrad Lee
Contributing Institution
Jackson State University
Identifier
HCAC.JSU.IS.001
Rights
All rights held by the Margaret Walker Center. For permission to publish, distribute, or use this image for any other purpose, please contact Margaret Walker Center, Jackson State University, 601-979-3935 Attn: Center Director.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was imprisoned. She is upset about their breakdown in communication. She concludes that he wants it this way and goes on to explain that their "flame" has been dwindling for years. She changes the subject to explaining her teaching moment with a young man.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about their spiritual union, its power, and giving into negativity in life and the world. He reassures her of their true love outside of the physical sense. He includes meditations for her to practice in the hopes that she will find peace.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He details their love as it relates to their nature and their religion. He writes of their divine connection and compares their physical love to arena warfare. He compares her presence to an engraving on his brain.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who has been imprisoned since 1975. She writes about their rare correspondence and lack of depth in conversation. She also writes about her faith and how Allah will continue to protect her and the children through hard times.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He sends a prayer and poems for her birthday.
In this postcard, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, writes about seeing a young family member and the good that does for him. He updates his wife on the current situation with some of the comrades in the Black Panther Party. He mentions the solutions he must create and says he has much to learn.
Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, is writing to reassure Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) of his love for her regardless of her pregnancy. He goes on to explain the things people tell him and the evil that comes for them. He tells her that they will remain strong in faith and in public.
A note from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. The note outlines some points to a conversation she wants to have with him about their life, their love, their beliefs, and the struggle.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). Nuh Abdul Qaiyum writes about materials he needs for an escape from prison. He explains that they are enslaved in prison, and he will choose freedom even if he dies. He ends by writing retrospectively about his personal life and the Black Panther Party.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about the pain and helplessness of being separated from her in her time of need. He reasons that better times are coming and attaches a poem about love written for them. He tells her to keep a strong faith. The letter is dated “Wednesday.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He updates her on his struggle for freedom, and his progress in gaining knowledge and coming up with solutions with the other imprisoned Black Panther Party members. The letter is dated “Tuesday the 15th, 1976.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about the amount of time that has passed, his love for his wife and family and his will to fight oppression. He explains that fear and wrong priorities hinder the Black Panther Party. The letter is dated “Tuesday the 13th.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) about his trial. Throughout his sentence, he has been able to maintain his faith in Allah and the future. He also attached some pieces of poetry. The letter is dated “Tues 4-Wednesday 5.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about struggles for freedom, the knowledge that he has gained, and implies that she should focus more on the children. He writes that they both should keep their faith and continue the work. The letter is dated “Thursday the 9th.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He focuses on his mental growth through hardship and his relationship with his family. He mentions events happening regarding Black Panther Party members before focusing on the importance of keeping faith in Allah. The letter is dated “Thursday the 17th.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about love: as a family, in marriage, and how the oppressors affect their relationships. He writes that the oppressors will not win, blessings will come, and their relationship will stay strong. The letter is dated “Thursday.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He explains how his imprisonment has helped him gain knowledge on slavery and the reality of Black women in America. He mentions a project he's been working on with the other imprisoned Black Panther Party members. Letter is dated ”Thursday 28th, 1976.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about the struggle for his freedom and continues to pray for his family’s protection. He includes a poem. He mentions the materials he has been trying to source for his escape attempt. The letter is dated “Sunday Morning, 28th.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about his faith. He mentions the type of change he'd like to see before encouraging his wife to have classes on family. He attaches a poem about being an oppressed people. The letter is dated September 8th with no year specified.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes a love poem to his wife. He also includes a money order. The letter is dated “Saturday afternoon.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about the loss of a comrade and the interdependence and interconnectedness in relationships. He addresses the issues that have been arising and gives advice on how to interact with and study members. The letter is dated Monday the 16th, 1976.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He addresses some legal proceedings before writing about the disunity among Black people. He expresses sadness at the possibility of not speaking to her again. He is hopeful for the future of the Black Liberation Army (BLA) and wishes her happy birthday.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, praises her skills as a mother. He focuses on Black Panther Party business and actions that need to be taken regarding members. He thanks her for a poem he received and informs her that he is close to completing his degree.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He updates his wife on his mind and compares their relationship with others. He asks for pictures and encloses a bus form.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). This letter addresses Black Panther Party business, marriage, and his mental changes during his time in prison. He details the strategy and principles the Party should use to mobilize and spread across America. Letter was written over multiple days.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He clarifies parts of his previous correspondence and explains the stressful impact of his sentence. He acknowledges his need for more understanding. He updates her on the well being of other members and expresses gratitude and his trust of her.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, updates his wife on his educational and personal pursuits inside prison. He gives her advice on dealing with her health and stress. He mentions his visitation, draws comparisons between a funeral and his sentencing, and expresses pride in his child.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, expresses disappointment in not being able to get in contact with his wife. He says that all important information that he needed to say can be relayed to her by his friend. He asks if she received any of the messages he left for her.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, updates her on his prison privileges and tells her to expect a call regarding her probation and visitation rights. He mentions he has a birthday gift to be delivered, and informs her on the legal battles of other members and their needs of communication.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, writes about his wonderful experience talking with his son and bonding with him. He updates her on his physical appearance before turning his attention to his comrade in another prison. The letter is dated January 6th with no year specified.
