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Workers World Party in South Central

A new place for L.A. youth

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.