We the residents of California are calling for the release of Romaine “Chip” Fitzgerald, a former member of the Black Panther Party who has served 50 years in the California State prison system. He was first eligible for parole in 1976 and has served more than three times the average sentence for his offense.

We believe that, entering the prison system at age 20 and spending his subsequent life there, he has paid his debt to society. Furthermore, Chip suffered a stroke and now spends a great deal of his time with the help of a wheelchair. Now 70 years old, Chip, does not pose a threat to society.