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by Jesaka 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.
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. | 
