Supporters of world-renowned political prisoner of war Mumia Abu-Jamal have scheduled a number of events in Philadelphia this weekend to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of his birth. The occasion will also help raise awareness about the medical neglect he has recently experienced, as well as to the continuing campaign to have him physically freed.
“What we’re doing is bringing attention to the fact that number 1, the lawyer just filed a motion for the judge to make a decision on whether Mumia would get hep C medication or not, because his condition is getting worse every day,” indicated Sister Pam Africa, an ardent advocate for Abu-Jamal .
She then laid out the schedule of events for the planned weekend of resistance.
“On Friday, April 22 at 2 p.m., we’re doing a march from [Philadelphia’s] City Hall over to the governor’s office at 200 S. Broad St.”
On arrival, they will present a petition signed by tens of thousands, demanding that Abu-Jamal be properly treated with the hepatitis C medication he is in dire need of. This event also doubles as a progressive movement to raise awareness about the national health crisis.
Later that evening, at 7p.m., a strategic planning meeting will be conducted at the Paul Robeson House, 49th and Walnut streets, Philadelphia, to get the latest updates and plan future actions.
“On Saturday, at noon, the ‘Hood March starts from Malcolm X Park at 52nd Street and Pine,” Africa adds, “and we’re marching over to Clarke Park, and the Uhuru Organization is having their annual Spring flea market at 45th and Chestnut Avenue.”
Other events will continue throughout that day as well.
“On Sunday, Mumia’s actual birthday, we’re celebrating that he still lives, is still fighting and is still generating that type of activity in other people. It’s a fundraiser to keep up the awareness about Mumia and that’s at the Church of the Advocate at 18th and Diamond from 2 to 4.”
A few local Philadelphia events preceded this one earlier this month and helped set these up. Abu-Jamal’s supporters urge the public to keep up the pressure so that he can be treated and maybe even released soon.
A local concert commemorating the 62nd anniversary of Abu Jamal’s birth will be held Sunday at 7 p.m., with exact location to be announced. Taina Asili and other artists will be performing. More details will be announced throughout the weekend.
Buses leave Saturday, April 23, 8:30 a.m. from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center 1199SEIU (310 W. 43rd St., between 8th and 9th avenues, New York, N.Y.)
For other events Friday, Saturday night and Sunday, please call the FMAJC (NYC) Hotline at 212-330-8029.
The Campaign to Bring Mumia Home website is www.bringmumiahome.com.