Tribute to Safiya Bukhari

A tribute to Safiya Bukhari was held March 30 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Harlem. Bukhari, a Black Panther, member of the Black Liberation Army and citizen of the Republic of New Afrika, died four years ago. After a delicious meal, speakers told of experiences they had working with her. They spoke of her love, courage and dedication to the struggle. She was a tireless worker who always did what was needed or marshaled others. So great was her moral authority that when she suggested to a group of students in 1995 that New York be plastered with the face of Mumia Abu-Jamal in response to the death warrant just signed to silence him, students she had recently met worked tirelessly for weeks and carried it out.

Two young women, Sala and Desiree, sang beautiful and soulful songs; then video clips of Bukhari were shown. She was co-founder and leader of both the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition in New York and the Jericho Movement. Sister/warrior Safiya Bukhari presente!

—Richard Kosali