Panther Campaign to Name Street for Mumia
	Fri, 11 Feb 2000 07:16:25 -0500


Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit

source - MClement@bruderhof.com


Panthers: Name street for Mumia

The Philadelphia Chapter of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense is
mobilizing support for a campaign to change a street name - particularly
Wallace Street between 6th and Broad - to honor original Black Panther Party
member Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Mumia grew up in the Richard Allen Homes housing project in this area. The
proposed street name is Mumia Abu-Jamal Way.

Ironically, "Wallace" is the last name of Gov. George Wallace, the racist
politician who held a presidential rally in Philadelphia in 1968, where
Mumia, involved in a protest, was beaten by Wallace supporters and
Philadelphia police officers. He was later arrested.

It is most appropriate to honor him in the neighborhood where he began his
journey to become a community activist and prolific journalist.

This tribute is warranted because Mumia is a pillar of the community and a
role model. He achieved academic excellence as a student at Benjamin
Franklin High School.

Even at an early age, Mumia expressed an interest in religion, science and
history, sharing this information with family members and neighbors who
would appear on the steps of his house in search of his wisdom.

His love for the community propelled him into activism, where he implemented
community empowerment programs, enhanced his communications skills and
became a journalist for print and broadcast media.

Mumia has made several sacrifices for the community and deserves to be
honored while he is living for his tireless efforts as an outspoken activist
and journalist. It was his devotion to truth, his allegiance to the black
community and his candid views which landed our brother in prison.

Mumia's story is similar to Rubin "Hurricane" Carter's. Both were victims of
an unjust and unfair trial. Evidence was withheld, witnesses not allowed to
testify and he was tried by a racist judge, district attorney and jury.

However, while "Hurricane" was incarcerated for 18 years, he had an
opportunity to prove his innocence, and so should Mumia.

Despite all that Mumia has gone through, he continues to help out others.
He continues to be a voice for the voiceless, almost to the detriment of his
own life.

It is our duty as members of the NBPP to support our comrade and brother,
Mumia Abu-Jamal. In the name of freedom, justice and equality, the NBPP asks
that you assist us in fulfilling our goals.


Hiram K. Ashantee is national field marshal of the New Black Panther Party
for Self-Defense.
 
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