Workers World Party in South Central
A new place for L.A. youth
By
Aracely Espinosa
Los Angeles
Published May 27, 2011 11:33 AM
The Los Angeles branch of Workers World Party has a brand-new headquarters in
South Central that has also become the home of a new community attraction. On
May 21 the center — which is ordinarily used for meetings and as a place
to prep for demonstrations and make placards, banners and picket signs —
was transformed into a poetry club, where youth came to recite and rhyme up a
cultural storm.
During the early evening, previous to having an open mic, Workers World Party
members presented the film, “Justice on Trial,” about U.S.
political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal, who for years has languished on death row
after a trial steeped in racism. Gloria Verdieu from the San Diego Free Mumia
Coalition gave a very necessary talk updating everyone about Mumia’s
case.
Later that evening, the doors opened to the young poets and visitors in South
Central.
Mike Martinez, a young member of Workers World Party, welcomed all those
present. Some had been personally invited, others were curious observers who
just showed up and stayed as they got hooked on the poetry and show.
It all started with some shyness and skepticism until Martinez broke the ice,
performing a well-known poem by Langston Hughes, “Let America be America
again,” and later making a special mention in honor of Nicaraguan
revolutionary Augusto César Sandino, in commemoration of the anniversary
of his birth.
Almost unexpectedly, the spotlight was stolen by Black female poet Jamiealita
Johnson Muhammad, reciting about racism and gender oppression. She was highly
applauded and asked for an encore, but gracefully gave way to the next
performer, the Mexican poet David Romero. Romero is well known in the Southern
California spoken word scene.
And so, the cipher of poetry began to take shape with each poet reciting at
their best, giving the spectators a revolutionary occasion where no subject was
left unturned, from racism and other forms of oppression to the comedic
occurrences of everyday life. The audience laughed and rallied behind the calls
for revolution in every line.
Martinez used the opportunity to introduce the host organization, Workers World
Party, to the poets and audience and invited longtime member Scott Scheffer to
speak. Scheffer talked about the latest victory in the battle against home
foreclosures, where a bank we were targeting for a picket line got wind of our
protest plans from a flyer we handed out. The bank called us and decided to
meet our demands. This was proof to all that our organized actions work. He
called on everyone to join us.
Just as significant was the participation of guests from Mexicali, Mexico, who
presented their work on the border between Mexico and the U.S. in support of
deportees who need shelter and support until they recuperate and are able to
try crossing back into the U.S. We passed the hat to support their work.
The night ended with big smiles. As a result, people have a new place to soak
in some good times and culture in South Central.
Doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday nights. You can step into a world of rhymes,
metaphors and spoken words used to defend the most just causes of these times.
Next, we will commemorate Ho Chi Minh, Malcolm X and José Martí.
The new office is at 1905 Rodeo Rd. For more info, email [email protected] or call
323-515-5870.
Articles copyright 1995-2012 Workers World.
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is preserved.
Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011
Email:
[email protected]
Subscribe
[email protected]
Support independent news
DONATE