Tribute to leader of Free Mumia movement

Pam Africa, right, and her mother Bessie Knighton.

“Pam Africa, Our Revolutionary Daughter of the Dust, Her Life and Work” was celebrated in her home city of Philadelphia on March 30-31 in commemoration of International Women’s Day. The tribute began March 30 with a reception at the Charles L. Blockson Collection at Temple University. Speakers featured fellow activists in MOVE and the International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal, two representatives of the Black Panther Party, as well as family members, including her mother, Bessie Knighton.

The March 31 gathering took place at the historic Church of the Advocate, where political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal once spoke as a 15-year-old member of the BPP. Ramona Africa, poet Amiri Baraka, Phile Chionesa, attorney Michael Coard, Dr. Suzanne Ross, Jamila K. Wilson, Michael Abdul, Iresha Picot, Dr. Johanna Fernandez and other activists recounted their experiences with Pam Africa, founder of ICFFMAJ, and the knowledge they gained from working with her. Mumia Abu-Jamal also spoke via audiotape, comparing “General Pam” to Harriet Tubman, because both women warriors had their “eyes on freedom.” His complete words, recorded by Prison Radio, can be heard at http://tinyurl.com/7rfapmw.

Temple University professors Tanay Lynn Harris and Anthony Monteiro organized and chaired the International Women’s Day celebration.

— Report & photo by Joe Piette