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Photo Montage by Jesaka Irwin

Standing Together!

PNN staff writers march for Justice for Mumia

By Je'sa'ka Irwin

"I see this battle as only growing in strength, as it broadens and deepens it¹s reach; and as it challenges Capital¹s lust for death; and as it supports the cause of life, of freedom, and of Justice.I salute You!" -Mumia Abu Jamal-

On Saturday May 13th the world stood together to fight a racist judicial system....the world stood together to fight the Death Penalty... the world stood together to free it¹s political prisoners. .....the World Stood together to Free Mumia Abu Jamal.

I rose early, anticipating the union of events today. 70 countries mobilizing for many reasons in the name Of Mumia Abu Jamal. The sun had decided to support us despite a rainy forecast. I met up with my fellow journalists at PNN and proceeded to the "March for Mumia" in downtown San Francisco.

As we arrived, there was an overwhelming amount of information being dispersed from every direction. The mobile stage projecting words, and sounds of inspiration before the March down Market Street to the Civic Center.

Around noon the March began. 9,000 people strong, not including the lines of policemen who walked beside us with their helmets in hand, and billy clubs attached to their sides. The Chants were strong " FREE MUMIA ABU JAMAL.... AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL!" and increased in volume through the one mile march lead by POOR Magazine's own; Kaponda.

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As I marched many thoughts journeyed through my mind. I tried to imagine what it would be like to be sentenced to death for a crime I didn't commit. During my own incarceration in the State of Florida I remember straining my eyes through the fence covered windows searching for a piece of sky. I remember the anxiety I felt waiting for the guard to scream my name and tell me to grab my stuff; "You're free to go." I didn¹t know how long I would be there, but I prayed everyday for freedom.

Black, political, and a journalist, Mumia was framed for these reasons along with the fact that he exposed a corrupt police department in one of Americas most unjust actions, the bombing of the MOVE house in Philadelphia.

When we arrived at the civic center the many banners that streamed over head as we marched made a circle in front of the stage. Over 32 people spoke and 6 bands performed. Many organizations were represented, one being The National Federation of Teachers, who are fighting to teach their children about Mumia and the Death Penalty. Another being Longshoremen from across America who shut down many ports on April 24th in the fight to free Mumia. I was also extremely moved by Michael Franti of Rage Against the Machine, who¹s words and poetry painted a picture that still lingers in my mind.

I ended the day with my own poetic rant on the stage;

"We need to realize who really has the power, and break free from the nineteen inch screen torturing our minds with the mundane so we don¹t go insane over things WE BELIEVE are out of our control. Wake up people! and smell the democracy distorted and dismissed; Why do you think it was the FIRST ammendment."

As I wandered down 10th street on my journey home I was consumed by the reality of how many peoples lives are resting in our hands. Mumia is just the beginning of a long fight for Life, Freedom, and Justice.

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Dee Gray, M.S.W., M.F.C.   Licensed Therapist specializing in advocacy and crisis counseling. Mother, daughter and family counseling. Adoption and juvenile dependency. Literary and creative art counseling. Individual and group therapy. Sliding scale fee. (415) 541-5629.