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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
Nice idea, but...
by George K.
Thursday, Apr. 01, 2004 at 11:13 AM
vine_swinger_chuckie@yahoo.com
but...the misguided concept of Mumia being innocent invalidates this entire "block party". The man is a conviceted killer, and no amount of chanting and chakras will eradicate his guilt. All of the conspiricy theories in the world cannot debunk the hard evidence presented at his valid trial, demostrating his guilt.
So, the "Sheep for Mumia the Murderer" bandwagon needs to quitely fold its tent and sulk out into the sunset.
Death Penalty
by Matt
Thursday, Apr. 01, 2004 at 11:57 AM
I am anti-death penalty for several reasons.
1. Can we ever really be sure about a man's guilt? All it takes is a mistake by a fingerprint analyst or an eyewitness to put an innocent man away. In the Mumia case, especially, there is enough evidence to cast doubt.
2. The death penalty is used not only as punishment, but also as a deterrant. America has a disgustingly high homicide rate when compared with other non-death penalty using countries. Not much of a deterrant. Studies show that there is no difference between the homicide rates of states that use the death penalty to those that do not.
3. The death penalty is expensive. It costs more to put a man to death than to imprison him for a hundred years.
Just my opinion, though; I can definitely see both sides of the issue. If I were the father of a murdered child there's a good chance I'd feel differently.
But living in Philadelphia and knowing the abysmal record of the Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney's Office, I can't help but be a little bit biased against any case that has even the appearance of impropriety.
Enough with the Mumia, already
by 2Beers
Thursday, Apr. 01, 2004 at 1:15 PM
Don't mess with the cops
They can kick your ass all day
Mumia in jail
No death penalty
Too many innocent men
get fried by mistake
But not Mumia
For convincing evidence
Now we do not have
Free Mumia
by Denny
Saturday, Apr. 03, 2004 at 7:50 AM
It amazes me how many people actuallly refuse to see that this case is one of injustice! So many refuse to see the evidence that clearly states Mumia's innocence. Adam had other obligations and didn't get to see the video aired by Pam, where faulkner's true killer admitted his guilt and explained how the Philadelphia "injustice" system refuses to allow him to testify. All of you posting your comments about how Mumia is guilty need to take down your rebel flags, stop working on your 1976 ford pickup truck and actually study the facts of the case. Until then stop allowing your right wing thoughts based on ignorance to be viewed by others! FREE MUMIA & All Politcal Prisoners!!!!
In the trenches,
Denny
Never been a sheep
by Adam
Saturday, Apr. 03, 2004 at 9:27 AM
tomjoad@guerrillaunderground.com
As the author of this piece I wanted to respond to the "Sheep comment." Mumia is not an abstract political figure to me, He is a close friend of mine that has spent the last 3 years helping me evolve my own poltical thought - the information I have been exposed to the minute I visted death row in addition to the police harrasment for my involvement have been more eye opening than any traditional education to which I have been exposed. You may disagree with my opinion on the work, however, I am no sheep.
Your blind faith in the criminal justice system makes the title possibly a bit more reflective of your post. On the other hand, I would not be as bold to call a person I did not know a sheep based on their belief system.
Hasta La Victoria Siempre!
Adam
Blind Faith...
by George K.
Thursday, Apr. 08, 2004 at 8:31 AM
vine_swinger_chuckie@yahoo.com
You say that people who rely on the trial and evidence that have convicted Mumia are just basing their beliefs on "blind faith". I would counter that YOU are just blinded by irrational faith in any philosophy that is counter to the justice system.
I agree that the death penalty process CAN be faulty, since so many death penalty convictions have been overturned recently, with the advent of new technologies to determine guilt or innocence.
In the Mumia case, so many people are transferring their own experiences with injustice to this case, that they are blinded to the actual facts. They feel that since the Philly Police are corrupt, and they have experienced this corruption, that this case must be invalid.
Mumia was found at the scene with the gun, beside the dead police officer. The so called "real murderer" who is supposedly not permitted to testify has his own agenda for noteriety. That is why his testimony is invalid.
The only reason that the "free Mumia" movement has momentum is due to the death penalty, not due to his guilt. People are just jumping on the bandwagon of things to protest for, and "Mumia" is manipulating the media for his own purposes.
He is not a great author or philosopher. His ideas and ramblings are juvenile and incoherant. He is not "enlightened", and he would be nowhere near as notorious without his murder conviction. He was a failed broadcaster and taxi-driver.
And my characterization of the "free-mumia" movement as sheep is as valid as yours of the "fry-mumia" crowd as rebel-flag waving, 1976 truck-driving rednecks.
Also, this man is not a political prisoner, he is a murderer.
Injustice my ass!
by not the apologists
Friday, Apr. 09, 2004 at 3:49 AM
A cop was hurting his brother. Mumia shot the bastard-he was defniding his family. Period. As a proud self-described anarchist, I don't subscribe to the opinion that a fair, or any other kind of trial is in order. Why would anti-authoritarians need the State to stamp "not guilty" on Mumia's papers?
Mumia Abu-Jamal's New Book Banned in Indiana
by david
Wednesday, May. 12, 2004 at 11:47 AM
(From South End Press)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mumia Abu-Jamal's New Book Banned in Indiana
On April 20, 2004, a copy Mumia Abu-Jamals We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party (South End Press, 2004) was confiscated by the Security Threat Group Coordinator of the Indiana Department of Correction (Pendleton, Indiana). The official refused to allow Zolo Agona Azania, a politically conscious activist currently on death row, delivery of the book.
According to State Form 11984 the book was confiscated in accordance with executive directive 9625 and specifically cited The Empire Strikes Back: COINTELPRO, Chapter Six, page #117 as the reason.
The page in question begins with a quotation from Hugo Black, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, which reads, History should teach us
that in times of high emotional excitement, minority parties and groups which advocate extremely unpopular social or governmental innovations will always be typed as criminal gangs and attempts will always be made to drive them out. Officer Cornwell of the State of Indiana Department of Correction, when asked to explain why We Want Freedom was confiscated, said, Probably because it has gang signs.
The irony continues. In the suppressed chapter, Mr. Abu-Jamal, who, like Mr. Azania, is on death row, writes about the perils of the government using secrecy to hide their crimes against the people and the Constitution. Drawing on documents made public in the famous Church Committee congressional hearings of 1976, Mr. Abu-Jamal reveals the hidden hand of COINTELPRO. Apparently for the State of Indiana, COINTELPRO, which officially ended in 1974, is a state secret in 2004 and access to such information is a security threat.
This is not the first time people have tried to silence what Alice Walker describes as a rare and courageous voice speaking from a place we fear to know. For the past 35 years (the last 22 of them from death row) Mr. Abu-Jamal has sought to use his voice in the struggle for freedom. The worlds most renowned political prisoner, Mumia (as he is known throughout the world) was only 15 when he helped found the first Philadelphia branch of the Black Panther Party. Now in his latest and most political book to date, We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party, this incisive social commentator reexamines his days in one of the most misunderstood revolutionary groups in U.S. history.
With a poetic voice and critical gaze, We Want Freedom combines memories of day-to-day life in the Party with rigorous analysis of the Black liberation struggle. Mr. Abu-Jamal challenges historians who claim that only the civil rights model was authentic, positioning the BPP as an ahistorical aberration. He brilliantly locates the Party in a centuries-long tradition of Black resistance, a legacy articulated in Kathleen Cleavers sharp introduction as a disfavored history. The roots of todays struggles are brought to the surface time and again as Mr. Abu-Jamal examines the long history of resistance to slavery, racial politics in Philadelphia, and the FBIs subversion of justice through COINTELPRO and earlier operations.
In an open, conversational style Mr. Abu-Jamal also remembers his personal experience as a Party member, placing the reader in the life of the average Black Panther. While many books on the BPP focus on the icons of the Party, We Want Freedom conveys the everyday grit, love, and dedication of the tens of thousands who called themselves Panthers. As Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! puts it Mr. Abu-Jamals powerful memoir forges from the furnace of death row a moving, incisive, and thorough history.
An award-winning journalist, Mr. Abu-Jamal began his writing career as Lieutenant Minister of Information for the Philadelphia branch and for the Partys national newspaper. He is regularly heard on a network of over 150 radio stations and at http://www.prisonradio.org. In 2003 Mr. Abu-Jamal was declared a Citizen of Paris, an award not accorded since the city bestowed it upon Pablo Picasso in 1971.
After years of international protests, on December 18, 2001, the U.S. District Court overturned Mr. Abu-Jamals death sentence, but upheld his conviction. This decision is being appealed from both sides. As of October 2002, Mr. Abu-Jamals appeal is on hold pending the state Supreme Courts ruling. For more information, contact Alexander Dwinell at alexander@southendpress.org or (617) 547-4002.
Let me reiterate
by not the apologists
Thursday, May. 13, 2004 at 6:52 AM
Fuck Mumia. In my analysis, it's no crime to defend yourself or a loved one. To expect justice in a court is absurd.
What about the actual innocents on death row who don't have a personality cult of their own?
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