Date: April 16, 2014
Location: 1199C Union Hall (1319 Locust Street)
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Speakers:
Pam Africa – leader of the international social movement demanding the release of award-winning journalist and U.S. political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal
Ramona Africa – the sole adult survivor of the 1985 bombing of the MOVE family home
Michael Coard – a criminal defense attorney with more than 15 years of trial experience, specializes in murder cases
Johanna Fernandez – professor of history at Baruch College of the City University of New York, a former Fulbright Scholar, and one of the coordinators of the Campaign to Bring Mumia Home
On April 24 through April 26, the international community, noted civil rights leaders, activists, world renowned musicians and hip-hop artists, and local supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal will convene in Philadelphia to honor Mumia’s legacy and celebrate his 60th birthday through multiple events (The Celebration of Life). These events will also honor the lives and legacies of Father Paul Washington, Dr. Ed Robinson, Marshall „Eddie“ Conway, and Amiri Baraka.
In recent weeks Mumia has been demonized in national headlines because of the appointment rejection of Debo Adegbile. Though the celebration for Mumia’s 60th birthday was already being coordinated prior to Adegbile’s rejection, Mumia supporters will use the platform of the Celebration of Life as an informational tool to set the record straight. This celebration will also provide valuable empowering resources to the community through various workshops and speakers. Detailed information can be found inside the attached PDF packet. Send media inquiries to media4mumia@gmail.com.
A word from the sponsors:
Why the Celebration of Life?
“This note is meant to clarify a very important issue concerning The Celebration of Life, Mumia’s 60th birthday. While turning sixty years old is certainly a milestone, especially for somebody in Mumia’s situation, this action goes far deeper than a birthday party. This action is meant to focus the necessary attention on the vicious, racist and treacherous climate of these times as evidenced by the fraternal order of police, politicians and other officials in recent months, and even recent years. The recent example with Mumia being misused, lied on and demonized to derail Debo Adegbile’s confirmation is a very clear example of the treachery of the outlaws that we’re dealing with and a clear example of the need for people to step up in defense of ourselves in a strong uncompromising manner. These are very serious times and people are not coming to Philadelphia from across the country and beyond for a mere birthday party. People that come to Philadelphia need to see a strong, motivating and uncompromising example. That’s Mumia’s example and that’s the example that the movements for Mumia are committed to setting. This is no time to be passive or to play games.”