Artists demand: ‘Free Mumia!’

New York—On Aug. 21 the Solidarity Center here was filled with five hours of inspiring sounds: music and spoken word from talented artists (photo right) brought together to support the case of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal, known worldwide as the “voice of the voiceless.”

Black Waxx Recordings and Artists and Activists United for Peace organized the celebration to officially release a powerful two-disc CD called “On the Move—Sounds Inspired by Mumia Abu-Jamal.” It aims to help raise broader awareness of the political significance of Mumia’s case and why he should be set free immediately after spending more than 27 years on Pennsylvania’s death row. Throughout the evening, the audience clapped, sang, cried and chanted during the performances.

Some of the artists who lent their voices to the CD—such as Nana Soul, Stephanie Rice, SoSoon, Maya Azucena, Spiritchild, Latisha Devine, Melinda Davis and others—gave live performances. The acclaimed, legendary film director Melvin Van Peebles and Pam Africa from International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal gave special remarks. U-Savior Washington, a film director and a producer of the CD, presided over the program.

August 21 has been designated “Black August” because on this day, 38 years ago, Soledad Brother and Black Panther Party leader George Jackson was assassinated by prison guards in San Quentin prison.

To order the CD, e-mail [email protected].