Pam Africa: 'Our drum major for justice!'

Pam Africa, leader of the International Concerned Friends and Family for Mumia Abu-Jamal, enjoyed a benefit in her honor at Brooklyn’s Sistas’ Place, sponsored by the December 12th Movement on March 9.

Prominent activists and leaders—some who have fought racism against the Black community for decades—spoke of knowing and respecting Africa over the years. Called a ‘force of nature’ by Larry Holmes of the International Action Center, his admiration for her was shared by everyone present.

Africa spoke of her recent visit to Mumia, as well as her support of the Move 9 in Philadelphia. Eight of the remaining nine—after 30 years incarceration following a fascist police attack on them—are soon eligible for parole.

Africa also discussed how she got active and how important it was to save the environment and political prisoners. She said: “It was always a reason to fight. ... We all have to become aware and fight!”

—Report and photo by Anne Pruden