Socialist Action /October 2001
Portland's New Mumia Coalition
PORTLAND, Ore.- On Aug. 17, Portlanders responded to the call for an
Emergency Mass demonstration for Mumia Abu-Jamal's scheduled Philadelphia
hearing. The busy noon crowd at Pioneer Square saw 72 supporters chanting
and marching.
Volunteers signed up at the rally to participate in a coalition for future
events. As a result, on Sept. 5, people met to establish the Justice for
Mumia Coalition. A Dec. 9 rally will be their main effort during the coming
months.
It was noted that Dec. 9 is the 20-year mark since Mumia's arrest, and
the week of Dec. 9 through Dec. 15 is International Human Rights Week.
December weather in Portland can be a challenge, so an indoor rally is
being considered.
The number of supporters for the coalition is growing steadily, and enthusiasm
for the December event is taking hold.
We cannot let the wave of tightened security to control would-be "terrorists"
discourage activities that are First Amendment rights. Knowledge, understanding,
compassion, solidarity, and people in the street are the weapons we must
continue to use. Many Portlanders have discovered that and will support
the Justice for Mumia Coalition.
- RUTH KOVACS
Socialist Action /October 2001 |