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Artists honor Betty Fry, Mumia

Published May 7, 2012 7:26 PM

Supporters hold Mumia Abu- Jamal’s books,
April 26.
Photo: Solomon

In honor of April National Poetry Month, Space Bar “4th Thursday Openmike Jihmye” presented tributes to the late, long-time activist Betty Fry and to political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. April 26 was an evening of poetry, music and spoken word presented by poets, visual artists, activists and students. People in the audience enjoyed listening to the messages. For the last three years Abu-Jamal’s birthday has been celebrated at Space Bar. He turned 58 on April 24. Fry, a long-time supporter of the Cuban revolution, died on March 26. Read her obituary at www.workers.org.

Visual artist Lanetta Wilkes read Alice Walker’s poem for Mumia called “Occupying Mumia’s Cell.” African-American writer and artist Sylvia read a beautiful poem she wrote called “Betty-Champion of Justice.”

After featured poet Liz Huerta spoke, Eusi Kwyana spoke words of encouragement to those involved in the struggle to free Mumia Abu-Jamal, Leonard Peltier, the Cuban 5 and all political prisoners. Students from Palomar College Poetry Group recited spoken word.

Open mike host Jim Moreno cleared the stage for all who wanted to be part of a group picture, which has become a tradition for Space Bar. Every year a group picture has been taken on the stage or in front of the artwork of the late great visionary artist and activist Jihmye Collins.

This year each person was handed one of Abu-Jamal’s books to hold while the photo was taken. Everyone was then invited to sign a card that read “Lots of people are thinking of you.” Most people wrote individual messages such as “Happy Birthday” and “Thank you, Mumia.”

The card along with the pictures are being sent to him.