Mumia Abu-Jamal: An Evening for Justice and Freedom unites movement leaders

Mumia-Abu-Jamal-Evening-for-Justice-Freedom-Pam-Africa-Jeff-Mackler-040619-by-Wanda, Mumia Abu-Jamal: An Evening for Justice and Freedom unites movement leaders, News & Views
Pam Africa, famed for her fearlessness, inspires the crowd to deepen and broaden support for Mumia, as Jeff Mackler listens. – Photo: Wanda Sabir

by Wanda Sabir

Mumia Abu-Jamal: An Evening for Justice and Freedom, presented to a full house at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. in Oakland on April 6, opened with special greetings from Dr. Ula Taylor, chair of the African-American Studies Department at UC Berkeley and attorney Stephen Bingham, former president of the National Lawyers Guild.

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Judith Ritter, lead attorney for Mumia Abu-Jamal – Photo: Wanda Sabir
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Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize novelist and Mumia’s friend – Photo: Wanda Sabir

It was perhaps the familiarity with which we find ourselves still in the room without Mumia that added what Alice Walker called a certain sadness to the assembly. Why isn’t Mumia free?

Mumia-Abu-Jamal-Evening-for-Justice-Freedom-movement-leaders-040619-by-Wanda, Mumia Abu-Jamal: An Evening for Justice and Freedom unites movement leaders, News & Views
Among the many movement leaders in attendance are Razakhan Wali, Mama Ayanna, Pam Africa, Gerald Sanders, Mama Ayanna’s grandson, Ricardo Alvarez and Themba. – Photo: Wanda Sabir

Jeff Mackler, Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal, served as host for the evening, peppering the introductions with amusing personal notes that showed how long he and, by extension, all those on the panel and perhaps quite a few in the room had been doing social justice work. Mumia Abu Jamal is the catalyst; however, the injustice that his case and life illustrate certainly began long before he was a celebrity journalist and prisoner.

Mumia-Abu-Jamal-Evening-for-Justice-Freedom-Dr.-Ula-Taylor-Pam-Africa-Dr.-Angela-Y.-Davis-040619-by-Wanda, Mumia Abu-Jamal: An Evening for Justice and Freedom unites movement leaders, News & Views
Dr. Ula Taylor, Pam Africa, Dr. Angela Y. Davis – Photo: Wanda Sabir
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Pam Africa with her husband and comrade, Razakhan Wali

Mumia Abu-Jamal sent a taped message of introduction to the panelists which Prison Radio played for all of us. His attorney, Judith Ritter, gave a wonderful update on his case and an overview in what she called the case of two judges.

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Movement women: Dr. V.S. Chachezi, Wanda Sabir, (can someone help us with her name?), Mama Ayanna, Pam Africa, Dr. Angela Davis and Staajabu – Photo: Wanda Sabir

She was followed by Pam Africa, minister of information for MOVE and chair of Friends and Family of Mumia Abu Jamal, who has dedicated decades to spreading support for Mumia worldwide.

Mumia-Abu-Jamal-Evening-for-Justice-Freedom-Angela-Davis-Jeff-Mackler-Pam-Africa-040619-by-Wanda, Mumia Abu-Jamal: An Evening for Justice and Freedom unites movement leaders, News & Views
Angela Davis, Jeff Mackler, Pam Africa – Photo: Wanda Sabir

Alice Walker spoke about her first visit to see Mumia and the absurdity of the prison system. Angela Y. Davis wrapped up a wonderful evening, which raised over $1,000 to help with Mumia’s legal fees now that his counsel can appeal. Checks should be made payable to Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu Jamal, P.O. Box 10328, Oakland, CA 94610. Visit http://www.free-mumia.org/.

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Pam Africa handed out a poster: “Krasner, Drop the Appeal!” – Photo: Wanda Sabir

Bay View Arts Editor Wanda Sabir can be reached at wanda@wandaspicks.com. Visit her website at www.wandaspicks.com throughout the month for updates to Wanda’s Picks, her blog, photos and Wanda’s Picks Radio. Her shows are streamed live Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., can be heard by phone at 347-237-4610 and are archived at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks.