Report Back From A29 Mobilization In Philadelphia
PRPBN Youth Leader Comrade Pili X Lead March
Philadelphia PA. On Saturday August 29th 2009, residents of the Black Community and revolutionary activists held a successful march and demonstration in the heart of Black and Latino Philadelphia calling for the immediate freedom of all U.S. Political Prisoners and prisoners of war. Many dozens of masses participated in the mass action which was called by the Philadelphia Black August Committee (PBAC).
“Free all Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War Now! “Down with the Genocide which is the US Prisons System!” “Build the Black United Front!!” where some of main slogans of the demonstration and march.
Significantly, the initiative, spearheaded by the Poor Righteous Party of the Black Nation and the New Afrikan Liberation Front, was the first major oppressed nationality-led action around the issues of political prisoners and prisoners of war in some time.
Also the fact that it was carried out in the oppressed community itself and was majority youth is not without significance.
Speakers included Baba Khalid Abdur Rasheed of Philly Jericho; Brother Diop Olugbala, of the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement; Comrade Tommy Ingiaye of the Poor Righteous Party of the Black Nation, and coordinator of PBAC; Puerto Rican Community Organizer Brother Adam from Bronx NY ; Speakers from Autonomous / Anarchist / Anti-Authoritarian People of Color-Philly; Brother King Samir from the newly formed Khalid Muhammad Black Militia Movement; Sister Theresa Shoatz of the Human Right Coalition(daughter of New Afrikan Political Prisoner Russell Maroon Shoatz); Brother Hamid Aziz, New African Liberation Front; Brother Musafa Life of the Tribe of Life Organization, the Elder Raheem and the poet Infinite performed among others.
The rally was also honored by the presence of recently released former New Afrikan Political Prisoner Ojure Lutulo who lent his strength and support to the effort.
Sister Pam Africa of the International Friends and Family of Mumia was scheduled to speak at this rally, but was unable to attend due to “not felling well.”
“Whose Street?, Our Streets!!”
Following the speakers, demonstrators carried out a militant, unpermitted march which successfully closed down one lane of traffic on Erie Ave (in each direction) as the protesters made their way though the community raising various revolutionary demands and slogans. Thanks to the security provided under the leadership of the Black Legionnaire of the PGRNA, the pigs where unsuccessful in their attempt to intimidate the masses. With signs, banners, and petitions and revolutionary literature, the masses, especially the youth, welcome this dynamic political activity in the community. Many community residents stepped forward to volunteer to work in various projects.
The mass action successfully achieved its objective of building public opinion in support of the freedom of our comrades locked behind bars. This work will continue day in day out until we all are free.
