PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Pittsburgh's Commitment to the Struggle
by Adam Corwin Sunday, Mar. 28, 2004 at 12:46 PM
tomjoad@guerrillaunderground.com 724-627-5967

A summary of March 27th's Mumia Abu Jamal's Book Celebration and Pittsburgh's all schools Jamensty International benefit.

Pittsburgh’s Commitment to the Struggle


Saturday, March 27 was a double shot of music and political awareness on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Within a few short blocks, a Mumia Abu Jamal book celebration and an Amnesty International concert known as Jamnesty, commenced simultaneously. Both events perpetuated important information, educational material, and suggestions for individuals that would like to become more involved in the murmurs of the growing political arena.

The Mumia Abu Jamal book celebration focused on Jamal’s work on the spiritual life of African-American people, "Faith of Our Fathers." While the focal point reflected primarily the spiritual aspect of resistance, it was also a call to Philadelphia on Saturday, April 24. This date marks Mumia’s 50th Birthday and will include a March and rally for his wrongfully imprisoned 22 years on death row. In addition, the same day will also be the release of his new book on the Black Panther Party, "We Want Freedom."

The event was put on primarily by the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal in conjunction with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Committee to Free Mumia Abu Jamal; however, other sponsors in Pittsburgh organizing assisted and represented heavily (For a complete list see below). Moderated by Kenny Henderson, the event featured musical tributes to Mumia, key note lectures, poetry, and readings from Faith of Our Fathers.

Musically, traditional African drummers and politically charged hardcore act, Despite Best Intentions (DBI); provided a soundtrack for the evenings events. Pam Africa, Minister of Information for MOVE and International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal Director, provided inspiring words on Mumia and the upcoming movement despite repressive set backs earlier in the day. The offices for the ICFFMAJ had been raided and looted by unknown assailants the night before. This was an action that has repeated itself many times in the past. Pam remained undeterred in her commitment and was joined by other readings and discussions provided by Renee Wilson, Dave Demerest, Gordon Everett, Vernell Lillie, Terhan Shabazz, Mongezi wNKOMO, and Orisha Ogun.

In solidarity with the events across campus, a musical festival and fundraiser played on into the later hours of the evening to benefit local student Amnesty International groups and to raise awareness about the effects of civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The fourth biannual concert known as “Jamnesty,” was a unification of student groups from The University of Pittsburgh, The University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg campus, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Carlow College, St. Vincent’s College, and Pitt Radio Station WPTS.

The highly informational and interactive environment turned no one away for lack of funds while accepting donations for the organizations. Food and spirited performances by a wide variety of local entertainers offered something for everyone’s taste. Whether it was dancing, jam style music, experimental, or hardcore, many different styles were well represented. Featured acts included: The Defenestrators, Pitt Break Dancers, Open Circle, Soulpatch, CMU hip hop and ended with performance by Despite Best Intentions who pulled a double shift for two evenings of solidarity. The scheduled entertainment was supplemented with interludes of political discourse and reprieve with impromptu comedic skits.

The two events were a strong representation of the growing awareness in Pittsburgh. The previous weekend, over 1000 marchers braved the intermittent storms to march in opposition to George W. Bush’s war on terror. People from all walks of life, age, and cultural background are organizing and speaking for the well being of souls across the globe. There are a wide variety of forms in which individuals may take to aid the global struggle for humanity, if everyone does small portions; a united force of dedicated individuals is stronger than any 10 corporate oligarchies.

Ona Move!

Adam Corwin

*Other organizations that sponsored the Mumia Abu Jamal Book Celebration: Western Pennsylvania Committee to Free Mumia Abu Jamal, the Thomas Merton Center, The Department of Africana Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, People Against Police Violence, Black Radical Congress, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Black Voice for Peace.

For more information on the above events, visit Amnesty International online and http://www.millions4mumia.org + http://www.iacenter.org + http://www.mumia.org

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