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Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) and Albert Washington (aka Nuh Abdul Qaiyum) Correspondence.

Title: 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.
About This Record: The HCAC public history focused digital archive cataloging is an ongoing process, and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. We welcome your comments and feedback if you have more information to share about an item featured on the site, please contact us at: HCAC-DigiTeam@si.edu

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Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), January 4 (year unknown).
Nuh Abdul Qaiyum writes from prison to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about his very close friend, Debbie, and the very positive impact they have on one another. He writes about his friend who is to be released from prison soon. The letter is dated January 4th with no year specified.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), January 3 (year unknown).
Nuh Abdul Qaiyum writes from prison to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes that he has written a poem about Martin Luther King Jr., and he is thinking about writing another for his son. The letter is dated January 3rd with no year specified.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), Friday the 6th and Thursday the 12th, 1976 (month unknown).
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He explores the psychology of enslaved and imprisoned people. He discusses Black Panther Party business, including legal proceedings, organizational principles, structure, and leadership. The letter is dated Friday the 6th and Thursday the 12th, 1976.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), February 27, 2000.
Nuh Abdul Qaiyum writes from prison to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes that he has been thinking retrospectively about his past mistakes and regrets. He also writes about his health and thanks her for the birthday wishes.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), December 21, 1976.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, writes updates on his trial and his mental state. He writes about his family and discusses matters within the resistance. He includes poems about prison and love. He reminds his wife to bring him a picture.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), December 20, 1976.
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 expresses his feelings about their marriage and explains how to win and organize as a people. Page 5 includes a short poem about love.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), December 18-19, 1976.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, expresses his gratitude for his wife and updates her on developments within the Black Panther Party and other legal proceedings. He expresses his awareness of his own mind, his beliefs, the best outlook for the people, and his nature as a man.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), December 10, 1984.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, acknowledges their bad timing and his son's absence from school. He requests for honey to be included with his next food package and asks his wife if she took care of the information for the Black Panther Party.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), August 8 (year unknown).
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about his faith and his mental state, saying he has begun to understand the psychology of people, and he has made many strides in reducing conflict among the ranks. The letter is dated August 8th with no year specified.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), August 26, 1979.
In this letter, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, begins by wishing her children well and her daughter a happy birthday. He tells his wife to stay strong, and he includes a prayer for each of them to pray. Lastly, he wishes for Allah to protect his wife.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), August 1 (year unknown).
Nuh Abdul Qaiyum writes his wife, Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), from prison. He addresses his family's wellbeing and the misinformation that he's been receiving from different members of the Black Panther Party. He gives her advice on the best way to cope. The letter is dated August 1st with no year specified.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), April 23, 1980.
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 reflects on his growth as a man and as a leader through his time in prison. He also writes a poem about growth, childhood, and leadership.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), April 16, 1980.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He writes about the struggle and the lack of growth in the community and the Black Panther Party. He has grown to see the vast importance of having a functional organization. He informs her of his conversations with the children and his court proceedings.
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), “27th Day, Year of Consolidation Sorting Out.”
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He explores the relationship between revolutionaries on the inside and outside, writing that there must be a uniting structure and principles among revolutionaries. The letter is dated “27th Day, Year of Consolidation Sorting Out.”
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), "7th day, year of sorting out."
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He updates her on the Black Panther Party's lines of communication and security. He discusses how people view men as heroes and the mental impact of oppression on Black people. The letter is dated “7th day, year of sorting out.”
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), "29th day, year of sorting out consolidation."
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He explores the importance of a uniting structure among the revolutionaries and Black Liberation Army (BLA) and writes about Allah's power and keeping the faith. The letter is dated "29th day, year of sorting out consolidation.”
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), "28th day year of sorting out consolidation" and Sunday the 2nd (month and year unknown).
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He discusses the long time that it takes her to respond to his letters before updating her on various matters, events, and operations within the Black Panther Party. The letter is dated “28th day year of sorting out consolidation” and “Sunday the 2nd’”
Letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), "17th day year of sorting out consolidation."
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He details his latest attempt at freedom that fell short. He mentions his children and love for her before discussing legal proceedings and life. The letter is dated “17th day year of sorting out consolidation.”
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, Wednesday, 21 (year unknown).
Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) writes to her imprisoned husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum. She writes about her loneliness, her upcoming trial, their family, and love. She mentions her growth away from fear, and the different legal battles she is fighting. The letter is dated November 21st and 23rd with no year specified.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, Sunday the 15th (month and year unknown).
A letter 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. She writes about their marriage and how much each of them has grown during their time apart. Letter is dated “Sunday the 15th.”
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, May 19, 1988.
A letter 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. She is apologizing to him for being too busy to visit him and acknowledges a change in their relationship.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, June 28, 1988.
A letter 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. She expresses her gratitude to him and his family for the love, support, and kindness they show her and updates him on her travel to Mississippi.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, June 1973.
A letter 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. She writes about her feelings and the effects their meetings at the prison are having on her.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, June 11, 1973.
A letter 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. She writes about the grief and pain they are feeling and she warns of their oppressors and their plans.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, July 9, 1973.
A letter 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. She expresses her deep love for him and her resentment at the police for not allowing them to be together. She also writes about her faith.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, January 23, 1974.
A letter 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. She expresses her desire for a normal family life and writes about her mental health in the face of this test to their relationship.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, February 28 (year unknown).
A birthday card 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. She makes note of his strong will to survive and fight against oppression. The card is dated February 28th with no year specified.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, April 19, 1973,
A letter 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. She writes about her mental health and asks about his physical health.
Letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum about the future of their relationship, date unknown .
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned. She addresses their marriage and future together. She tells him not to plan ahead for their future and to face reality about what their relationship was. She doesn't want either of them to have false hope.
Letter and poems from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika), date unknown.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). He sends the family his love and shares his thoughts on life in prison and conflict within the Black community and the Black Panther Party. He asks her about her upcoming birth and offers guidance and advice. He also includes multiple poems.